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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 18, 2007

Registration No. 333-138370


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549


Amendment No. 2 to

FORM S-1

Registration Statement

Under

The Securities Act of 1933


Super Micro Computer, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware   3571   77-0353939

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

980 Rock Avenue

San Jose, CA 95131

(408) 503-8000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)


Charles Liang

President and Chief Executive Officer

Super Micro Computer, Inc.

980 Rock Avenue

San Jose, CA 95131

(408) 503-8000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)


Copies to:

Peter M. Astiz, Esq.

Thomas M. French, Esq.

Bradley J. Gersich, Esq.

DLA Piper US LLP

2000 University Avenue

East Palo Alto, California 94303-2248

(650) 833-2000

 

Jeffrey D. Saper, Esq.

Allison B. Spinner, Esq.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Professional Corporation

650 Page Mill Road

Palo Alto, California 94304

(650) 493-9300


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective.


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, check the following box.   ¨

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) 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.   ¨

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 number for the same offering.   ¨

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.   ¨

If delivery of the Prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box.   ¨


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, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 



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The information in this preliminary 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 these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)

Issued January 18, 2007

 

                 Shares

 

LOGO

 

COMMON STOCK

 


 

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is offering                  shares of its common stock and the selling stockholders are offering                  shares. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. This is our initial public offering and no public market currently exists for our shares. We anticipate that the initial public offering price will be between $            and $            per share.

 


 

We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SMCI.”

 


 

Investing in our common stock involves risks. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 6 of this prospectus.

 


 

PRICE $          A SHARE

 


 

    

Price to

Public

  

Underwriting

Discounts and

Commissions

  

Proceeds to

Super Micro
Computer, Inc.

  

Proceeds to

Selling

Stockholders

Per Share

   $             $             $             $         

Total

   $                        $                        $                        $                    

 

The underwriters may also purchase up to                  shares of common stock from the selling stockholders at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission and state securities regulators have not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares to purchasers on                      , 2007.

 


 

MORGAN STANLEY   MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
UBS INVESTMENT BANK   NEEDHAM & COMPANY, LLC

 

                    , 2007


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LOGO


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Prospectus Summary

   1

Risk Factors

   6

Forward-Looking Statements and Industry Data

   25

Use of Proceeds

   26

Dividend Policy

   26

Capitalization

   27

Dilution

   28

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

   30

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   31

Business

   50

Management

   66
     Page

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

   78

Principal and Selling Stockholders

   80

Description of Our Capital Stock

   82

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

   85

Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

   87

Underwriters

   89

Legal Matters

   93

Experts

   93

Where You Can Find Additional Information

   94

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-1

 


 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

Until                     , 2007 (25 days after the commencement of this offering), all dealers that buy, sell or trade shares of our common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

For investors outside the United States: Neither we, the selling stockholders, nor any of the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.

 


 

Market data and industry statistics used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. Although we believe these sources of information are reliable, we have not independently verified this information.

 


 

Our registered trademarks include Supermicro ® , our company logo, Server Building Block Solution ® , Building Block Solutions ® , SuperO ® , Superboard ® and Superdoctor ® . Our pending trademark applications include A+ Motherboard™, S-Server™, Superblade™, X-Blade™ and X-Blade Server™. All other trademarks or service marks appearing in this prospectus are trademarks or service marks of others.


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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors,” our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus before you decide to invest in our common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, references to “Supermicro,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Super Micro Computer, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

We design, develop, manufacture and sell application optimized, high performance server solutions based on an innovative, modular and open-standard x86 architecture. Application optimized servers are configured to meet specific customer needs in contrast to typical servers which are offered in limited standardized configurations. To meet the needs of our customers, we configure our server solutions by adjusting the amount of memory, which enables computer servers to store data for a period of time, processing power, which enables computer servers to interpret instructions and process data rapidly, and/or input/output capabilities, which enable different components of a computer server to communicate with one another. We develop our systems based on the x86 architecture which is a set of open standard design specifications used by Intel Corporation and Advanced Micro Devices in their microprocessors. Our solutions include a wide range of complete server systems, as well as components which can be used by distributors, OEMs and end customers to assemble server systems.

 

We have developed a set of design principles and performance specifications that meet industry wide standards and also incorporate advanced functionality and capabilities. Our modular architectural approach has allowed us to offer our customers interoperable designs across all of our components, which can be configured to create complete server systems. This modular approach, in turn, enables us to offer our clients flexibility and customization by providing what we believe is the industry’s largest array of server systems and components. Our server systems and components are architected to provide high levels of reliability, quality, and scalability, thereby enabling benefits in performance, thermal optimization, power efficiency and total cost of ownership. As of September 30, 2006, we offered over 3,800 SKUs, including SKUs for server systems, serverboards, chassis and power supplies and other system accessories.

 

We sell our server systems and components primarily through distributors, which include value added resellers and system integrators, and to a lesser extent to OEMs as well as through our direct sales force. During fiscal year 2006, our products were purchased by over 400 customers, most of which are distributors, operating in more than 70 countries. We generally recognize revenue upon shipment to distributors. We commenced operations in 1993 and have been profitable every year since inception. Initially the focus of our business was in sales of high-performance server components. Since 2000, we have gradually shifted our focus and resources to designing, developing, manufacturing and selling application optimized server systems. In recent years our growth in net sales has been driven by the growth in the market for application optimized server systems. For fiscal year 2004, 2005 and 2006, our net sales were $167.1 million, $211.8 million and $302.5 million, respectively and our net income was $4.9 million, $7.1 million and $16.9 million, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, our net sales were $64.5 million and $90.2 million, respectively, and our net income was $3.3 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

 

As businesses of all sizes process larger quantities of data to communicate, transact and collaborate, their business processes are becoming more complex and their requirements for computing capacity are growing rapidly. Computing architectures are continuing to evolve to meet this rapidly growing demand for computing capacity. Businesses increasingly require solutions that provide flexibility and scalability in a cost effective manner, and are moving towards a modular and open system approach to create what are commonly referred to as “scale-out” computing architectures. Scale-out architectures enable businesses to add computing capacity incrementally without significantly disrupting existing systems thus reducing total cost of ownership.

 

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Scale-out architectures provide significant benefits for many businesses. However, there are a wide range of circumstances in which businesses need more than just the incremental computing capacity that can be obtained by adding more general purpose servers as part of a scale-out deployment. In these circumstances, businesses seek application optimized solutions. For example:

 

    Large Scalable Server Farms:     Data centers seek to optimize industry standard components by architecting server systems that enable higher performance through enhanced processing or I/O, more efficient memory bandwidth utilization and greater capacity.

 

    Businesses That Have Complex Computing Requirements:     A broad range of industry segments with intensive information and image capture and processing requirements, including financial services, oil and gas exploration, and media and entertainment companies, require server solutions that are built with specific processing power and I/O capabilities that can maximize such processing in the most efficient manner.

 

    Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs):     To differentiate their products, OEMs require a broad selection of high performance, rapidly deployable server solutions that can be optimized for the specific applications of their end customers.

 

We believe the competitive advantages of our solutions include:

 

    Flexible and Customizable Server Solutions:     Our building block approach allows us to provide a broad range of SKUs, enabling us to build and deliver customized solutions based upon customers’ application requirements.

 

    Rapid Time-to-Market:     Our in-house design competencies and control of the design of many of the components used within our server systems enable us to rapidly develop, build and test server systems and components.

 

    Improved Power Efficiency and Thermal Management:     We offer many design innovations to optimize power consumption and manage heat dissipation, allowing our products to achieve a superior price-to-performance ratio while minimizing energy costs.

 

    High Density Servers:     We offer server systems with twice the density of conventional solutions. Density refers to the amount of space required for a server. By offering servers with higher density, our servers require less space, thereby allowing our customers to more efficiently deploy our server systems in scale-out configurations.

 

Our objective is to be the leading provider of application optimized, high performance server solutions worldwide. Key elements of our strategy include:

 

    Maintain our Time-To-Market Advantage:     We intend to maintain our time-to-market advantage by continuing our investment in our research and development efforts to rapidly develop new proprietary server solutions based on industry standard components. By being one of the first companies to offer servers incorporating latest generation microprocessors and other key standard components as they are introduced to the market, we are able to generate sales from customers eager to rapidly adopt latest generation technology as well as allow customers an early opportunity to evaluate our technology as they make new purchase decisions for next generation systems.

 

    Expand our Product Offerings:     We plan to increase the number of products we offer by delivering new products with improved power and thermal management capabilities, greater density and additional management software capabilities.

 

    Further Develop Existing Markets and Expand into New Markets:     We intend to strengthen our relationships with existing distribution and OEM partners and add new distributors and customers in order to expand our reach geographically, particularly in the Asia Pacific region and Europe.

 

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    Strengthen our Relationships with Suppliers and Manufacturers:     We plan to continue leveraging our relationships with suppliers and contract manufacturers in order to maintain and improve our cost structure.

 

    Deliver Advanced Blade Server Technology:     To meet the emerging demand for blade servers, we are currently developing, and plan to introduce in the first half of calendar 2007, a high performance blade server solution, called Superblade. Blade servers are specifically designed for high density by sharing power, cooling, networking and other resources within a single server-rack enclosure, compared to standard servers which each require their own independent resources. By eliminating these repetitive components and locating them in one place, a greater number of blade servers can be used in a smaller physical area as compared to standard servers.

 

In pursuing our strategy, we face a number of challenges and are subject to risks and uncertainties which are discussed in more detail in the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors.” The primary risks we face include:

 

    fluctuating operating results;

 

    dependence on the growth of the market for application optimized server solutions, which is new and evolving;

 

    dependence on timely new technology introductions by suppliers of server related technology, such as Intel Corporation and Advanced Micro Devices;

 

    our ability to develop and market new products; and

 

    our ability to compete against some of the largest global technology vendors.

 

If we are unable to adequately address these and other challenges we face, our ability to grow our business will be negatively impacted.

 

We were incorporated in California in September 1993. We will reincorporate in Delaware prior to the completion of this offering. Our principal executive offices are located at 980 Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131 and our telephone number is (408) 503-8000. Our website address is www.supermicro.com. The information on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus.

 

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THE OFFERING

 

Common stock offered by us

                 shares

 

Common stock offered by the selling stockholders

                 shares

 

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering

                 shares

 

Use of proceeds

We intend to use a portion of the net proceeds that we receive from this offering to repay approximately $19.1 million of existing building loans. We intend to use the remaining net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Proposed Nasdaq Global Market symbol

“SMCI”

 

The number of shares of common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 22,200,300 shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2006 and excludes the following:

 

    14,222,548 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $1.39 per share at September 30, 2006, including options outstanding under our 1998 stock option plan; and

 

    4,226,598 shares of common stock authorized for future issuance under our 1998 stock option plan at September 30, 2006.

 

Following the offering, no new options will be granted under our 1998 stock option plan and 4,000,000 shares of common stock will be authorized for issuance under our 2006 option plan which was adopted subsequent to September 30, 2006.

 

Unless specifically stated otherwise, all information contained in this prospectus:

 

    gives effect to our planned reincorporation in Delaware which will occur prior to the completion of this offering;

 

    assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase up to                  additional shares from the selling stockholders in this offering to cover over-allotments; and

 

    gives effect to a two-for-one stock split of our outstanding common stock which has been approved by our Board of Directors and will be effective prior to the completion of this offering.

 

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SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 

We present below our summary consolidated financial data. The consolidated statements of operations data for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been derived from audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated statements of operations data for the three month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, and the actual consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2006, are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read this information together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, each included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future period.

 

    

Fiscal Years Ended

June 30,

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2004     2005     2006     2005     2006  
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:(1)

          

Net sales

   $ 167,065     $ 211,763     $ 302,541     $  64,525     $  90,187  

Cost of sales

     138,232       178,293       242,235       52,005       72,202  
                                        

Gross profit

     28,833       33,470       60,306       12,520       17,985  

Operating expenses:

          

Research and development

     8,513       10,609       15,814       3,253       4,937  

Sales and marketing

     8,439       7,197       9,363       2,252       2,357  

General and administrative

     5,074       5,380       6,931       1,545       2,603  

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss

     —         (1,178 )     575       —         (120 )
                                        

Total operating expenses

     22,026       22,008       32,683       7,050       9,777  
                                        

Income from operations

     6,807       11,462       27,623       5,470       8,208  

Interest income

     27       117       254       58       54  

Interest expense

     (771 )     (867 )     (1,257 )     (243 )     (327 )

Other income, net

     20       17       2       —         —    
                                        

Interest and other income, net

     (724 )     (733 )     (1,001 )     (185 )     (273 )
                                        

Income before income tax provision

     6,083       10,729       26,622       5,285       7,935  

Income tax provision

     1,229       3,639       9,675       1,942       3,126  
                                        

Net income

   $ 4,854     $ 7,090     $ 16,947     $ 3,343     $ 4,809  
                                        

Net income per share

          

Basic

   $ 0.22     $ 0.32     $ 0.77     $ 0.15     $ 0.22  

Diluted

   $ 0.17     $ 0.24     $ 0.53     $ 0.11     $ 0.15  

Shares used in per share calculation

          

Basic

     21,898       21,914       22,010       21,958       22,190  

Diluted

     28,062       29,442       31,846       30,056       32,214  

          

(1)     Includes charges for stock-based compensation:

          

Cost of sales

   $         17     $         40     $         102     $         14     $         16  

Research and development

     81       180       441       84       120  

Sales and marketing

     48       63       236       42       53  

General and administrative

     56       142       317       48       68  

 

The as adjusted column of the consolidated balance sheet data reflects the sale of                  shares of our common stock offered by us at an assumed initial public offering price of $             per share, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us and the repayment of approximately $19.1 million of building loans.

 

     As of September 30,
2006
     Actual    As Adjusted
     (in thousands)

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 17,050   

Working capital

     40,999   

Total assets

     159,969   

Long-term obligations, net of current portion(2)

     18,509   

Total stockholders’ equity

     52,877   

(2)   Long-term obligations, net of $0.6 million current portion, includes $18.5 million of building loans, which we expect to repay with the net proceeds from this offering.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information in this prospectus, before deciding whether to invest in shares of our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations would suffer. In this case, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline and you might lose all or part of your investment in our common stock. Additional risks that we currently do not know about or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also impair our business operations.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

 

Our recent significant growth makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and future prospects and may increase the risk of your investment.

 

Although we have been operating since 1993, our revenues have grown substantially in recent periods, which makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and future prospects. You must consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and difficulties we encounter as a rapidly growing technology company in a very competitive market. These risks and difficulties include, but are not limited to, the risks identified in this section and in particular the following factors:

 

    our focus on a single market, the market for application optimized server systems and components;

 

    our increasing focus on the sales of server systems as compared to components;

 

    the difficulties we face in managing rapid growth in personnel and operations;

 

    the timing and success of new products and new technologies introduced by us and our competitors;

 

    our ability to build brand awareness in a highly competitive market; and

 

    our ability to market new and existing products on our own and with our partners.

 

We may not be able to successfully address any of these risks or others. Failure to do so adequately could seriously harm our business and cause our operating results to suffer.

 

Our quarterly operating results will likely fluctuate in the future, which could cause rapid declines in our stock price.

 

As our business continues to grow, we believe that our quarterly operating results will be subject to greater fluctuation due to various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Factors that may affect quarterly operating results in the future include:

 

    our ability to attract new customers, retain existing customers and increase sales to such customers;

 

    unpredictability of the timing and size of customer orders, since most of our customers purchase our products on a purchase order basis rather than pursuant to a long term contract;

 

    fluctuations in availability and costs associated with materials needed to satisfy customer requirements;

 

    variability of our margins based on the mix of server systems and components we sell;

 

    variability of operating expenses as a percentage of net sales;

 

    the timing of the introduction of new products by leading microprocessor vendors and other suppliers;

 

    our ability to introduce new and innovative server solutions that appeal to our customers;

 

    our ability to address technology issues as they arise, improve our products’ functionality and expand our product offerings;

 

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    changes in our product pricing policies, including those made in response to new product announcements and pricing changes of our competitors;

 

    mix of whether customer purchases are of full systems or components and whether made directly or through indirect sales channels;

 

    fluctuations based upon seasonality;

 

    the rate of expansion, domestically and internationally;

 

    the effectiveness of our sales force and the efforts of our distributors;

 

    the effect of mergers and acquisitions among our competitors, suppliers or partners;

 

    general economic conditions in our geographic markets; and

 

    impact of regulatory changes on our cost of doing business.

 

Accordingly, it is difficult for us to accurately forecast our growth and results of operations on a quarterly basis. If we fail to meet expectations of investors or analysts, our stock price may fall rapidly and without notice. Furthermore, the fluctuation of quarterly operating results may render less meaningful period-to-period comparisons of our operating results, and you should not rely upon them as an indication of future performance.

 

If the demand for application optimized server solutions does not continue to develop as we anticipate, demand for our server solutions may not grow as we expect.

 

The success of our business depends on the continued adoption of application optimized server solutions by businesses for running their critical business applications. The market for application optimized server solutions has begun to develop in recent years. As the market for general purpose servers has grown and matured, leading general purpose server vendors have focused on providing a limited range of models that could be mass produced, thereby creating an opportunity for the development of a market focused on more application optimized servers. This new market has been marked by frequent introductions of new technologies and products. Many of these technologies and products have not yet gained, and may not gain, significant customer acceptance. We expect to devote significant resources to identifying new market trends and developing products to meet anticipated customer demand for application optimized server solutions. Ultimately, however, customers may not purchase application optimized server solutions and instead select general purpose lower-cost servers and components. We are also part of a broader market for server solutions and demand for these server solutions may decline or fail to grow as we expect. Accordingly, we can not assure you that demand for the type of server solutions we offer and plan to offer will continue to develop as we anticipate, or at all.

 

Our future financial performance will depend on the timely introduction and widespread acceptance of new server solutions and increased functionality of our existing server solutions.

 

Our future financial performance will depend on our ability to meet customer specifications and requirements by enhancing our current server solutions and developing server solutions with new and better functionality. For example, we are spending a material portion of our research and development budget on the development of blade server systems, which we expect to introduce during the first half of calendar 2007. The success of new features and new server solutions depends on several factors, including their timely introduction and market acceptance. We may not be successful in developing enhancements or new server solutions, or in timely bringing them to market. Customers may also defer purchases of our existing products pending the introduction of anticipated new products. If our new server solutions are not competitive with solutions offered by other vendors, we may not be perceived as a technology leader and could miss market opportunities. If we are unable to enhance the functionality of our server solutions or introduce new server solutions which achieve widespread market acceptance, our reputation will be damaged, the value of our brand will diminish, and our business will suffer. In addition, uncertainties about the timing and nature of new features and products could result in increases in our research and development expenses with no assurance of future sales.

 

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We may not be able to successfully manage our planned growth and expansion.

 

We are pursuing new customers and expanding our product offerings to grow our business rapidly. In connection with this growth, we expect that our annual operating expenses will increase significantly during the foreseeable future as we invest in sales and marketing, research and development, manufacturing and production infrastructure, and strengthen customer service and support resources for our customers. Our failure to expand operational and financial systems timely or efficiently could result in additional operating inefficiencies, which could increase our costs and expenses more than we had planned and prevent us from successfully executing our business plan. We may not be able to offset the costs of operation expansion by leveraging the economies of scale from our growth in negotiations with our suppliers and contract manufacturers. Additionally, if we do increase our operating expenses in anticipation of the growth of our business and this growth does not meet our expectations, our financial results will be negatively impacted.

 

If our business grows, we will have to manage additional product design projects, materials procurement processes, and sales efforts and marketing for an increasing number of SKUs, as well as expand the number and scope of our relationships with suppliers, distributors and end customers. If we fail to manage these additional responsibilities and relationships successfully, we may incur significant costs, which may negatively impact our operating results.

 

Additionally, in our efforts to be first to market with new products with innovative functionality and features, we may devote significant research and development resources to products and product features for which a market does not develop quickly, or at all. If we are not able to predict market trends accurately, we may not benefit from such research and development activities, and our results of operations may suffer.

 

The market in which we participate is highly competitive, and if we do not compete effectively, we may not be able to increase our market penetration, grow our net sales or improve our gross margins.

 

The market for server solutions is intensely competitive and rapidly changing. Barriers to entry in our market are relatively low and we expect increased challenges from existing as well as new competitors. Some of our principal competitors offer server solutions at a lower price, which has resulted in pricing pressures on sales of our server solutions. We expect further downward pricing pressure from our competitors and expect that we will have to price some of our server solutions aggressively to increase our market share with respect to those products. If we are unable to maintain the margins on our server solutions, our operating results could be negatively impacted. In addition, if we do not develop new innovative server solutions, or enhance the reliability, performance, efficiency and other features of our existing server solutions, our customers may turn to our competitors for alternatives. In addition, pricing pressures and increased competition generally may also result in reduced sales, lower margins or the failure of our products to achieve or maintain widespread market acceptance, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our principal competitors include global technology companies such as Dell, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, International Business Machines Corporation and Intel. In addition, we also compete with a number of smaller vendors who also sell application optimized servers, such as Rackable Systems, Inc., and original design manufacturers, or ODMs, such as Quanta Computer Incorporated. ODMs sell server solutions marketed or sold under a third party brand.

 

Many of our competitors enjoy substantial competitive advantages, such as:

 

    greater name recognition and deeper market penetration;

 

    longer operating histories;

 

    larger sales and marketing organizations and research and development teams and budgets;

 

    more established relationships with customers, contract manufacturers and suppliers and better channels to reach larger customer bases;

 

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    larger customer service and support organizations with greater geographic scope;

 

    a broader and more diversified array of products and services; and

 

    substantially greater financial, technical and other resources.

 

As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly and effectively than we can to new or changing opportunities, technologies, standards or customer requirements. Furthermore, because of these advantages, even if our application optimized server solutions are more effective than the products that our competitors offer, potential customers might accept competitive products in lieu of purchasing our products. The challenges we face from larger competitors will become even greater if consolidation or collaboration between or among our competitors occurs in our industry. For all of these reasons, we may not be able to compete successfully against our current or future competitors, and if we do not compete effectively, our ability to increase our net sales may be impaired.

 

Our sales cycle is lengthy and expensive, and could adversely affect the amount, timing and predictability of future net sales.

 

Our end customers generally need three to six months after an initial contact to make a final purchase decision with respect to our products. As customers weigh their purchase options, we may expend significant resources in pursuit of a sale that may ultimately fail to close. We have little control over our customers’ budget cycles and approval processes, or the strength of competitors’ relationships with our potential customers, all of which could adversely affect our sales efforts. The introduction of new products and product enhancements may lengthen our sales cycle as customers defer a decision on purchasing existing products and evaluate our new products. If we are unsuccessful in closing sales after expending significant resources, our net sales and operating expenses will be adversely affected.

 

As we increasingly target larger customers, our customer base may become less diversified, our cost of sales may increase, and our sales may be less predictable.

 

We expect that selling our server solutions to larger customers will create new challenges. No one customer represented 10% or more of our revenues for fiscal years 2005 and 2006 or the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006. However, if certain customers buy our products in greater volumes, and their business becomes a larger percentage of our net sales, we may grow increasingly dependent on those customers to maintain our growth. If our largest customers do not purchase our products at the levels or in the timeframes that we expect, our ability to maintain or grow our net sales will be adversely affected.

 

Additionally, as we and our distribution partners focus increasingly on selling to larger customers and attracting larger orders, we expect greater costs of sales. Our sales cycle may become longer and more expensive, as larger customers typically spend more time negotiating contracts than smaller customers. In addition, larger customers often seek to gain greater pricing concessions, as well as greater levels of support in the implementation and use of our server solutions. These factors can result in lower margins for our products.

 

Increased sales to larger companies may also cause fluctuations in results of operations. A larger customer may seek to fulfill all or substantially all of its requirements in a single order, and not make another purchase for a significant period of time. Accordingly, a significant increase in revenue during the period in which we recognize the revenue from the sale may be followed by a period of time during which the customer purchases none or few of our products. A significant decline in net sales in periods following a significant order could adversely affect our stock price.

 

We must work closely with our suppliers to make timely new product introductions.

 

We rely on our close working relationships with our suppliers, including Intel and AMD, to anticipate and deliver new products on a timely basis when new generation materials and core components are made available.

 

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Intel and AMD are the only suppliers of the microprocessors we use in our server systems. If we are not able to maintain our relationships with our suppliers or continue to leverage their research and development capabilities to develop new technologies desired by our customers, our ability to quickly offer advanced technology and product innovations to our customers would be impaired. We have no long term agreements that obligate our suppliers to continue to work with us or to supply us with products.

 

Our suppliers’ failure to improve the functionality and performance of materials and core components for our products may impair or delay our ability to deliver innovative products to our customers.

 

We need our material and core component suppliers, such as Intel and AMD, to provide us with core components that are innovative, reliable and attractive to our customers. Due to the pace of innovation in our industry, many of our customers may delay or reduce purchase decisions until they believe that they are receiving best of breed products that will not be rendered obsolete by an impending technological development. Accordingly, demand for new server systems that incorporate new products and features is significantly impacted by our suppliers’ new product introduction schedules and the functionality, performance and reliability of those new products. If our materials and core component suppliers fail to deliver new and improved materials and core components for our products, we may not be able to satisfy customer demand for our products in a timely manner, or at all. If our suppliers’ components do not function properly, we may incur additional costs and our relationships with our customers may be adversely affected.

 

Our time to market advantage is dependent upon our suppliers’ ability to continue to introduce improved components for our products.

 

We are dependent upon our material and core component suppliers, such as Intel and AMD, to continue to introduce improved products with additional features that our customers will find attractive. If the pace of innovation from our suppliers slows, our products may face increased competition if our competitors are able to introduce products that use the latest technology offered by other suppliers in the industry. This price competition could lead to reduced margins and could adversely affect our results of operations.

 

As our business grows, we expect that we may be exposed to greater customer credit risks.

 

Historically, we have offered limited credit terms to our customers. As our customer base expands, as our orders increase in size, and as we obtain more direct customers, we expect to offer increased credit terms and flexible payment programs to our customers. Doing so may subject us to increased credit risk, higher accounts receivable with larger days outstanding, and increases in charges or reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our ability to develop our brand is critical to our ability to grow.

 

We believe that acceptance of our server solutions by an expanding customer base depends in large part on increasing awareness of the Supermicro brand and that brand recognition will be even more important as competition in our market develops. In particular, we expect an increasing proportion of our sales to come from sales of server systems, the sales of which we believe may be particularly impacted by brand strength. Successful promotion of our brand will depend largely on the effectiveness of our marketing efforts and on our ability to develop reliable and useful products at competitive prices. To date, we have not devoted significant resources to building our brand, and have limited experience in increasing customer awareness of our brand. Our future brand promotion activities, including any expansion of our cooperative marketing programs with strategic partners, may involve significant expense and may not generate desired levels of increased revenue, and even if such activities generate some increased revenue, such increased revenue may not offset the expenses we incurred in endeavoring to build our brand. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand, or incur substantial expenses in our attempts to promote and maintain our brand, we may fail to attract enough new customers or retain our existing customers to the extent necessary to realize a sufficient return on our brand-building efforts, and as a result our operating results and financial condition could suffer.

 

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We principally rely on indirect sales channels for the sale and distribution of our products and any disruption in these channels could adversely affect our sales.

 

Historically, a substantial majority of our revenues have resulted from sales of our server solutions through third party distributors and resellers. For fiscal year 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2006, approximately 73.4% and 69.7%, respectively, of our net sales were derived from sales to third party resellers and distributors. We depend on our distributors to assist us in promoting market acceptance of our products and anticipate that a majority of our revenues will continue to result from sales through indirect channels. To maintain and potentially increase our revenue and profitability, we will have to successfully preserve and expand our existing distribution relationships as well as develop new distribution relationships. Our distributors also sell products offered by our competitors and may elect to focus their efforts on these sales. If our competitors offer our distributors more favorable terms or have more products available to meet the needs of their customers, or utilize the leverage of broader product lines sold through the distributors, those distributors may de-emphasize or decline to carry our products. In addition, our distributors’ order decision-making process is complex and involves several factors, including end customer demand, warehouse allocation and marketing resources, which can make it difficult to accurately predict total sales for the quarter until late in the quarter. We also do not control the pricing or discounts offered by distributors to end customers. To maintain our participation in distributors’ marketing programs, in the past we have provided promotional goods or made short-term pricing concessions. The discontinuation of promotional goods or pricing concessions could have a negative effect on our business. Our distributors could also modify their business practices, such as payment terms, inventory levels or order patterns. If we are unable to maintain successful relationships with distributors or expand our distribution channels or we experience unexpected changes in payment terms, inventory levels or other practices by our distributors, our business will suffer.

 

We may be unable to accurately predict future sales through our distributors, which could harm our ability to efficiently manage our resources to match market demand.

 

Since a significant portion of our sales are made through domestic and international distributors, our financial results, quarterly product sales, trends and comparisons are affected by fluctuations in the buying patterns of end customers and our distributors, and by the changes in inventory levels of our products held by these distributors. We generally record revenue based upon a “sell-in” model which means that we generally record revenue upon shipment to our distributors. For more information regarding our revenue recognition policies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies.” While we attempt to assist our distributors in maintaining targeted stocking level of our products, we may not consistently be accurate or successful. This process involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties including end customer demand. Our distributors also have various rights to return products which could, among other things, result in our having to repurchase inventory which has declined in value or is obsolete. Consequently, actual results could differ from our estimates. Inventory levels of our products held by our distributors may exceed or fall below the levels we consider desirable on a going-forward basis. This could adversely affect our distributors or our ability to efficiently manage or invest in internal resources, such as manufacturing and shipping capacity, to meet the demand for our products.

 

If we are required to change the timing of our revenue recognition, our net sales and net income could decrease.

 

We currently record revenue based upon a “sell-in” model with revenues generally recorded upon shipment of products to our distributors. This is in contrast to a “sell-through” model pursuant to which revenues are generally recognized upon sale of products by distributors to their customers. This requires that we maintain a reserve to cover the estimated costs of any returns or exercises of stock rotation rights, which we estimate primarily based on our historical experience. If facts and circumstances change such that the rate of returns of our products exceeds our historical experience, we may have to increase our reserve, which, in turn, would cause our revenue to decline. Similarly, if facts and circumstances change such that we are no longer able to determine reasonable estimates of our sales returns, we would be required to defer our revenue recognition until the point of

 

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sale from the distributors to their customers. Any such change may negatively impact our net sales or net income for particular periods and cause a decline in our stock price. For additional information regarding our revenue recognition policies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies.”

 

The average selling prices for our existing server solutions are subject to decline if customers do not continue to purchase our latest generation products, which could harm our results of operations.

 

As with most electronics based products, average selling prices of servers typically are highest at the time of introduction of new products, which utilize the latest technology, and tend to decrease over time as such products become commoditized and are ultimately replaced by even newer generation products. We have not been impacted by this phenomena to any material extent to date because most of our sales are generated from our most recently introduced products which have not yet become commoditized and therefore are not yet subject to the pressure of rapidly declining average selling prices. However, as our business continues to grow, we may increasingly be subject to this industry risk. We cannot predict the timing or amount of any decline in the average selling prices of our server solutions that we may experience in the future. In some instances, our agreements with our distributors limit our ability to reduce prices unless we make such price reductions available to them, or price protect their inventory. If we are unable to decrease per unit manufacturing costs faster than the rate at which average selling prices continue to decline, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be harmed.

 

Our cost structure and ability to deliver server solutions to customers in a timely manner may be adversely affected by volatility of the market for core components and materials for our products.

 

Prices of materials and core components utilized in the manufacture of our server solutions, such as serverboards, chassis, central processing units, or CPUs, memory and hard drives represent a significant portion of our cost of sales. We generally do not enter into long-term supply contracts for these materials and core components, but instead purchase these materials and components on a purchase order basis. Prices of these core components and materials are volatile, and, as a result, it is difficult to predict expense levels and operating results. In addition, if our business growth renders it necessary or appropriate to transition to longer term contracts with materials and core component suppliers, our costs may increase and our gross margins could correspondingly decrease.

 

Because we often acquire materials and core components on an as needed basis, we may be limited in our ability to effectively and efficiently respond to customer orders because of the then-current availability or the terms and pricing of materials and core components. Our industry has experienced materials shortages and delivery delays in the past, and we may experience shortages or delays of critical materials in the future. From time to time, we have been forced to delay the introduction of certain of our products or the fulfillment of customer orders as a result of shortages of materials and core components. If shortages or delays arise, the prices of these materials and core components may increase or the materials and core components may not be available at all. In addition, in the event of shortages, some of our larger competitors may have greater abilities to obtain materials and core components due to their larger purchasing power. We may not be able to secure enough core components or materials at reasonable prices or of acceptable quality to build new products to meet customer demand, which could adversely affect our business and financial results.

 

We may lose sales or incur unexpected expenses relating to insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory.

 

As a result of our strategy to provide greater choice and customization of our products to our customers, we are required to maintain a high level of inventory. If we fail to maintain sufficient inventory, we may not be able to meet demand for our products on a timely basis, and our sales may suffer. If we overestimate customer demand for our products, we could experience excess inventory of our products and be unable to sell those products at a reasonable price, or at all. Additionally, the rapid pace of innovation in our industry could render significant portions of our existing inventory obsolete. Certain of our distributors and OEMs have rights to return products, limited to purchases over a specified period of time, generally within 60 to 90 days of the purchase, or

 

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to products in the distributor’s or OEM’s inventory at certain times, such as termination of the agreement or product obsolescence. Any returns under these arrangements could result in additional obsolete inventory. In addition, server systems and components that have been customized and later returned by those of our customers and partners who have return rights or stock rotation rights may be unusable for other purposes or may require reformation at additional cost to be made ready for sale to other customers. Excess or obsolete inventory levels for these or other reasons could result in unexpected expenses or increases in our reserves against potential future charges which would adversely affect our business and financial results. During fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, we recorded inventory write-downs charged to cost of sales of $2.0 million, $1.4 million, $2.9 million, $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for excess and obsolete inventory. For additional information regarding customer return rights, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies—Revenue Recognition.”

 

Our focus on internal development and customizable server solutions could delay our introduction of new products and result in increased costs.

 

Our strategy is to rely to a significant degree on internally developed components, even when third party components may be available. We believe this allows us to develop products with a greater range of features and functionality and allows us to develop solutions that are more customized to customer needs. However, if not properly managed, this reliance on internally developed components may be more costly than use of third party components, thereby making our products less price competitive or reducing our margins. In addition, our reliance on internal development may lead to delays in the introduction of new products and impair our ability to introduce products rapidly to market. We may also experience increases in our inventory costs and obsolete inventory, thereby reducing our margins.

 

Our research and development expenditures, as a percentage of our total revenues, are considerably higher than many of our competitors and our earnings will depend upon maintaining revenues and margins that offset these expenditures.

 

Our strategy is to focus on being consistently rapid-to-market with flexible and customizable server systems that take advantage of our own internal development and the latest technologies offered by microprocessor manufacturers and other component vendors. Consistent with this strategy, we spend higher amounts, as a percentage of revenues, on research and development costs than many of our competitors. If we can not sell our products in sufficient volume and with adequate gross margins to compensate for such investment in research and development, our earnings may be materially and adversely affected.

 

If our limited number of contract manufacturers or suppliers of materials and core components fail to meet our requirements, we may be unable to meet customer demand for our products, which could decrease our revenues and earnings.

 

We purchase many sophisticated materials and core components from one or a limited number of qualified suppliers and rely on a limited number of contract manufacturers to provide value added design, manufacturing, assembly and test services. We generally do not have long-term agreements with these vendors, and instead obtain key materials and services through purchase order arrangements. We have no contractual assurances from any contract manufacturer that adequate capacity will be available to us to meet future demand for our products.

 

Consequently, we are vulnerable to any disruptions in supply with respect to the materials and core components provided by limited-source suppliers, and we are at risk of being harmed by discontinuations of design, manufacturing, assembly or testing services from our contract manufacturers. We have occasionally experienced delivery delays from our suppliers and contract manufacturers because of high industry demand or because of inability to meet our quality or delivery requirements. For example, in the quarter ended September 30, 2006, we experienced delays in the delivery of printed circuit board material as a result of the loss of two of our five printer circuit board vendors. One of the vendors filed for bankruptcy and the other changed its business

 

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model and ceased supplying us. The delays in delivery of the materials resulted in a reduction of net sales for the quarter of approximately two to three million dollars. If our relationships with our suppliers and contract manufactures are negatively impacted by late payments or other issues, we may not receive timely delivery of materials and core components. If we were to lose any of our current supply or contract manufacturing relationships, the process of identifying and qualifying a new supplier or contract manufacturer who will meet our quality and delivery requirements, and who will appropriately safeguard our intellectual property, may require a significant investment of time and resources, adversely affecting our ability to satisfy customer purchase orders and delaying our ability to rapidly introduce new products to market. Similarly, if any of our suppliers were to cancel or materially change contracts or commitments to us or fail to meet the quality or delivery requirements needed to satisfy customer demand for our products, our reputation and relationships with customers could be damaged. We could lose orders, be unable to develop or sell some products cost-effectively or on a timely basis, if at all, and have significantly decreased revenues, margins and earnings, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our failure to deliver high quality server solutions could damage our reputation and diminish demand for our products.

 

Our server solutions are critical to our customers’ business operations. Our customers require our server solutions to perform at a high level, contain valuable features and be extremely reliable. The design of our server solutions is sophisticated and complex, and the process for manufacturing, assembling and testing our server solutions is challenging. Occasionally, our design or manufacturing processes may fail to deliver products of the quality that our customers require. For example, in 2000, a vendor provided us with a defective capacitor that failed under certain heavy use applications. As a result, our product needed to be repaired. Though the vendor agreed to pay for a large percentage of the costs of the repairs, we incurred costs in connection with the recall and diverted resources from other projects.

 

New flaws or limitations in our server solutions may be detected in the future. Part of our strategy is to bring new products to market quickly, and first-generation products may have a higher likelihood of containing undetected flaws. If our customers discover defects or other performance problems with our products, our customers’ businesses, and our reputation, may be damaged. Customers may elect to delay or withhold payment for defective or underperforming server solutions, request remedial action, terminate contracts for untimely delivery, or elect not to order additional server solutions. Additionally, customers may make warranty claims against us, which could result in an increase in our provision for doubtful accounts, an increase in collection cycles for accounts receivable or subject us to the expense and risk of litigation. We may incur expense in recalling, refurbishing or repairing defective server solutions. If we do not properly address customer concerns about our products, our reputation and relationships with our customers may be harmed. For all of these reasons, customer dissatisfaction with the quality of our products could substantially impair our ability to grow our business.

 

Conflicts of interest may arise between us and Ablecom Technology Inc., Adaptec, Inc. or Tatung Company, three of our major contract manufacturers, and those conflicts may adversely affect our operations.

 

We use Ablecom Technology, a related party, for contract design and manufacturing coordination support. We work with Ablecom to optimize modular designs for our chassis and certain of other components. For fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, our purchases from Ablecom represented approximately 32.1%, 32.2%, 31.3%, 37.3% and 33.8% of our cost of sales, respectively. Ablecom’s sales to us constitute a substantial majority of Ablecom’s net sales. Ablecom is a private Taiwan-based company.

 

Steve Liang, Ablecom’s Chief Executive Officer and largest shareholder, is the brother of Charles Liang, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Charles Liang, and his spouse, Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang, our Vice President of Operations, Treasurer and director, jointly own approximately 30.7% of Ablecom’s outstanding common stock. Charles Liang served as a director of Ablecom during our fiscal 2006, but is not currently serving in such capacity. In addition, Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw, our Vice President of International Sales and Secretary, and a director, and his wife jointly own approximately 5.2% of Ablecom’s

 

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outstanding common stock, and collectively, Mr. Charles Liang, Ms. Liang, Mr. Liaw, Mr. Steve Liang and relatives of these individuals own over 80% of Ablecom’s outstanding common stock. Mr. and Mrs. Liang, as directors, officers and significant stockholders, and Mr. Liaw, as an officer, director and significant stockholder, of the Company, have considerable influence over the management of our business relationships. Accordingly, we may be disadvantaged by their economic interests as stockholders of Ablecom and their personal relationship with Ablecom’s Chief Executive Officer. We may not negotiate or enforce contractual terms as aggressively with Ablecom as we might with an unrelated party, and the commercial terms of our agreements may be less favorable than we might obtain in negotiations with third parties. If our business dealings with Ablecom are not as favorable to us as arms-length transactions, our results of operations may be harmed. Historically, transactions with Ablecom were not approved by an independent committee of our board of directors as we had no independent directors.

 

We use Tatung Company for contract manufacturing services. Tatung also purchases our server systems and components. Similarly, we purchase Adaptec drivers that are developed and configured for us, and concurrently sell our products to Adaptec. In fiscal year 2006 we purchased contract manufacturing services and products, respectively, from Tatung and Adaptec in the aggregate amount of approximately $14.4 million and $6.3 million, respectively, and sold products to Tatung and Adaptec in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, we purchased contract manufacturing services and products from Tatung and products from Adaptec in the aggregate amount of approximately $6.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively, and sold products to Tatung and Adaptec in the aggregate amount of approximately $0.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Since Tatung and Adaptec are both customers and vendors, the terms and conditions of our business agreements with them may not be as favorable, individually or in aggregate, as we may be able to receive from unrelated third parties, and we may not as strongly enforce our rights under these agreements. In addition, if a dispute were to arise under our agreement to sell our products to Tatung or Adaptec, the dispute could lead to disruption or termination of the provision of services or products by them to us. This could compromise our ability to satisfy customer orders on a timely basis, if at all, or we may incur significant costs in establishing an agreement with a new vendor, the terms of which may not be as favorable as those in our agreements with Tatung and Adaptec. In that event, our revenues, margins and earnings could suffer. At the same time, if a dispute were to arise under our agreement to purchase contract manufacturing services or products from Tatung or Adaptec, the dispute may cause them to reduce or terminate their purchases of our products, thereby reducing our revenues.

 

In addition, our relationships with Ablecom and Tatung, who are stockholders as well as providers of contract manufacturing services, could be adversely affected by declines in our stock price or divestments by Ablecom or Tatung of their shares of our common stock. Steve Liang, Ablecom’s Chief Executive Officer, and Tatung held approximately 4.5% and 9.0%, respectively, of our outstanding common stock prior to the completion of this offering. If the value of the shares that Steve Liang or Tatung holds should decline, by decrease in our stock price or by disposition of the shares, Ablecom, because Steve Liang has considerable influence over Ablecom’s commercial agreements, or Tatung may not be willing to give us terms and conditions for contract manufacturing services that are as favorable as those in our existing contracts. Likewise, if Steve Liang ceases to have significant influence over Ablecom, or if those of our stockholders who hold shares of Ablecom cease to hold a majority of the outstanding shares of Ablecom, the terms and conditions of our agreements with Ablecom may not be as favorable as those in our existing contracts. As a result, our costs could increase and adversely affect our margins and results of operations.

 

For more information regarding our relationships with Ablecom and Tatung, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

 

Our relationship with Ablecom may allow us to benefit from favorable pricing which may result in reported results more favorable than we might report in the absence of our relationship.

 

Although we generally re-negotiate the price of products that we purchase from Ablecom on a quarterly basis, pursuant to our agreements with Ablecom either party may re-negotiate the price of products for each order. As a result of our relationship with Ablecom, it is possible that Ablecom may in the future sell products to

 

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us at a price lower than we could obtain from an unrelated third party supplier. This may result in our reporting for one or more periods gross profit as a percentage of net sales in excess of what we might have obtained absent our relationship with Ablecom.

 

We are increasing our reliance on Ablecom and could be subject to risks associated with greater reliance on a limited source of contract manufacturing services and inventory warehousing.

 

We plan to expand our warehousing capacity and our manufacturing relationship with Ablecom in China. Ablecom is transferring operations from Taiwan to a larger facility in China. In addition to providing a larger volume of contract manufacturing services for us, Ablecom will warehouse for us an increasing number of components and subassemblies manufactured by multiple suppliers prior to shipment to our facilities in the U.S. and Europe. We also anticipate that we will continue to lease office space from Ablecom in Taiwan to support the research and development efforts we are undertaking.

 

If we or Ablecom fail to manage the transition of contract manufacturing services and warehouse operations to China, we may experience delays in our ability to fulfill customer orders. Similarly, if Ablecom’s facility in China is subject to damage, destruction or other disruptions, our inventory may be damaged or destroyed, and we may be unable to find adequate alternative providers of contract manufacturing services in the time that we or our customers require. We could lose orders and be unable to develop or sell some products cost-effectively or on a timely basis, if at all.

 

Currently, we purchase contract manufacturing services primarily for our chassis and power supply products from Ablecom. If our commercial relationship with Ablecom were to deteriorate or terminate, establishing direct relationships with those entities supplying Ablecom with key materials for our products or identifying and negotiating agreements with alternative providers of warehouse and contract manufacturing services might take a considerable amount of time and require a significant investment of resources. Pursuant to our agreements with Ablecom and subject to certain exceptions, Ablecom has the exclusive right to be our supplier of the specific products developed under such agreements. As a result, if we are unable to obtain such products from Ablecom on terms acceptable to us, we may need to identify a new supplier, change our design and acquire new tooling, all of which could result in delays in our product availability and increased costs. If we need to use other suppliers, we may not be able to establish business arrangements that are, individually or in the aggregate, as favorable as the terms and conditions we have established with Ablecom. If any of these things should occur, our revenues, margins and earnings could significantly decrease, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

We are increasing our operations in China and could be subject to risks of doing business in the region.

 

We intend to increase our business operations in Asia, and particularly in China. As a result, our exposure to the business risks presented by the economies and regulatory environments of Asia will increase. For example, the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property is uncertain and evolving in China, and our intellectual property rights may not be protected under the laws of China to the same extent as under laws of the United States. If our intellectual property is misappropriated, we may experience unfair competition and declining sales or be forced to incur increased costs of enforcing our intellectual property rights, both of which would adversely affect our revenues, gross margins and results of operations.

 

Our growth into markets outside the United States exposes us to risks inherent in international business operations.

 

We market and sell our systems and components both domestically and outside the United States. We intend to expand our international sales efforts, especially into Asia, but our international expansion efforts may not be successful. Our international operations expose us to risks and challenges that we would otherwise not face if we conducted our business only in the United States, such as:

 

    heightened price sensitivity from customers in emerging markets;

 

    our ability to establish local manufacturing, support and service functions, and to form channel relationships with resellers in non-U.S. markets;

 

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    localization of our systems and components, including translation into foreign languages and the associated expenses;

 

    compliance with multiple, conflicting and changing governmental laws and regulations;

 

    foreign currency fluctuations;

 

    limited visibility into sales of our products by our distributors;

 

    laws favoring local competitors;

 

    weaker legal protections of intellectual property rights and mechanisms for enforcing those rights;

 

    market disruptions created by public health crises in regions outside the U.S., such as Avian flu, SARS and other diseases;

 

    difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, including challenges presented by relationships with workers’ councils and labor unions; and

 

    changing regional economic and political conditions.

 

These factors could limit our future international sales or otherwise adversely impact our operations.

 

We have recently entered into plea and settlement agreements with the government relating to violations of export control and economic sanctions laws that occurred during the 2001 to 2003 timeframe; if we fail to comply with laws and regulations restricting dealings with sanctioned countries, we may be subject to future civil or criminal penalties, which may have a material adverse effect on our business or ability to do business outside the U.S.

 

In 2004, we received subpoenas from the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce, or BIS, with respect to our relationship with a distributor and transactions involving the sale and resale of products to Iran that occurred prior to 2004. After receiving the first subpoena, we retained special export control counsel, conducted an internal investigation into these matters and terminated our relationship with the distributor in question. We also instituted a new export compliance program, which program we continue to develop and implement. The U.S. Department of Justice and Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of Treasury, or OFAC, also initiated investigations regarding these matters.

 

In September 2006, we entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice pursuant to which we agreed to plead guilty to one count of violating federal export regulations by shipping 300 motherboards to Dubai, UAE, with knowledge that they would be transshipped to Iran. We agreed to pay a $150,000 fine. The plea agreement has been approved by the U.S. District Court. We have also entered into a settlement agreement with BIS with respect to alleged violations of the Export Administration Regulations pursuant to which we agreed to pay a fine of approximately $125,000. We were charged by BIS with twelve violations of the Export Administration Regulations. Six of these violations involved the shipment of server systems and components without required government authorization through a distributor to end customers in Iran. Three of these violations involved allegations that shipments took place when we knew or had reason to know that the transactions would constitute a violation of the applicable regulations. Three involved claims that we made false declarations on shipping documents, stating that no license was required for the export of the products when in fact a government license was required. BIS has also issued a proposed charging letter to one of our employees who served as an international sales team leader at the time of the transactions in question. This individual continues to be employed by us; however, the individual no longer works in an international sales function. Potential civil charges against this employee have not been resolved by our settlement with BIS. Finally, we have entered into a settlement agreement with OFAC relating to 21 alleged violations of U.S. sanctions laws. Pursuant to this agreement, we have paid a fine of $179,000. We believe that all issues with respect to the matters under investigation have been resolved as to the Company.

 

We believe we are currently in compliance in all material respects with applicable export related laws and regulations. However, if our export compliance program is not effective, or if we are subject to any future claims regarding violation of export control and economic sanctions laws, we could be subject to civil or criminal

 

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penalties, which could lead to a material fine or other sanctions, including loss of export privileges, that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and future prospects. In addition, these plea and settlement agreements and any future violations could have an adverse impact on our ability to sell our products to U.S. federal, state and local government and related entities.

 

Any failure to protect our intellectual property rights, trade secrets and technical know-how, could impair our brand and our competitiveness.

 

Our ability to prevent competitors from gaining access to our technology is essential to our success. If we fail to protect our intellectual property rights adequately, we may lose an important advantage in the markets in which we compete. Trademark, patent, copyright and trade secret laws in the United States and other jurisdictions as well as our internal confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions are the core of our efforts to protect our proprietary technology and our brand. Our patents and other intellectual property rights may be challenged by others or invalidated through administrative process or litigation, and we may initiate claims or litigation against third parties for infringement of our proprietary rights. Such administrative proceedings and litigation are inherently uncertain and divert resources that could be put towards other business priorities. We may not be able to obtain a favorable outcome and may spend considerable resources in our efforts to defend and protect our intellectual property.

 

Furthermore, legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights are uncertain. Effective patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available to us in every country in which our products are available. The laws of some foreign countries may not be as protective of intellectual property rights as those in the United States, and mechanisms for enforcement of intellectual property rights may be inadequate.

 

Accordingly, despite our efforts, we may be unable to prevent third parties from infringing upon or misappropriating our intellectual property and using our technology for their competitive advantage. Any such infringement or misappropriation could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Resolution of claims that we have violated or may violate the intellectual property rights of others could require us to indemnify our customers, resellers or vendors, redesign our products, or pay significant royalties to third parties, and materially harm our business.

 

Our industry is marked by a large number of patents, copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks and by frequent litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violation of intellectual property rights. At any time, a third party may assert that our technology or products violates such party’s intellectual property rights. For example, we are presently subject to a lawsuit filed on September 2, 2005 by Rackable Systems, Inc. alleging that one of our product families infringes two United States patents that relate to computers with front mounted I/O connectors and back-to-back placement of rack mounted computers. In its complaint, Rackable seeks compensatory damages, treble damages for willful infringement, interest, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. On September 8, 2006, the parties presented a tutorial to the court summarizing the technology involved in the case, the nature of the inventions of the patents, and background prior art. A “Markman” hearing was held on October 4, 2006 at which the Court made certain determinations regarding the scope and validity of the patent claims. The case remains in pre-trial motions and discovery. We are vigorously defending the suit. Successful intellectual property claims against us from Rackable or others could result in significant financial liability or prevent us from operating our business or portions of our business as we currently conduct it or as we may later conduct it. In addition, resolution of claims may require us to redesign our technology, to obtain licenses to use intellectual property belonging to third parties, which we may not be able to obtain on reasonable terms, to cease using the technology covered by those rights, and to indemnify our customers, resellers or vendors. Any claim, regardless of its merits, could be expensive and time consuming to defend against, and divert the attention of our technical and management resources.

 

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If we lose Charles Liang, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, or any other key employee or are unable to attract additional key employees, we may not be able to implement our business strategy in a timely manner.

 

Our future success depends in large part upon the continued service of our executive management team and other key employees. In particular, Charles Liang, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, is critical to the overall management of our company as well as to the development of our culture and our strategic direction. Mr. Liang co-founded our company and has been our Chief Executive Officer since our inception. His experience in running our business and his personal involvement in key relationships with suppliers, customers and strategic partners are extremely valuable to our company. Additionally, we are particularly dependent on the continued service of our existing research and development personnel because of the complexity of our products and technologies. Our employment arrangements with our executives and employees do not require them to provide services to us for any specific length of time, and they can terminate their employment with us at any time, with or without notice, without penalty. The loss of services of any of these executives or of one or more other key members of our team could seriously harm our business.

 

To execute our growth plan, we must attract additional highly qualified personnel, including additional engineers and executive staff. Competition for qualified personnel is intense, especially in San Jose, where we are headquartered. We have experienced in the past and may continue to experience difficulty in hiring and retaining highly skilled employees with appropriate qualifications. In particular, we are currently working to add personnel in our finance, accounting and general administration departments, which have historically had limited budgets and staffing. If we are unable to attract and integrate additional key employees in a manner that enables us to scale our business and operations effectively, or if we do not maintain competitive compensation policies to retain our employees, our ability to operate effectively and efficiently could be limited.

 

Our board and management team have a limited history of working together and may not be able to execute our business plan.

 

Two members of our Board joined our Board in August 2006. Howard Hideshima, our Chief Financial Officer, joined the Company in May 2006. We have also recently filled a number of positions in our finance and accounting staff. Accordingly, key personnel in our finance and accounting team have only recently assumed the duties and responsibilities they are now performing. Our Board members and key employees have worked together for only a limited period of time and have a limited track record of executing our business plan as a team. In addition, our executives have limited experience conducting business as a public company and fulfilling the increased legal, administrative and accounting obligations associated with being a public company. Accordingly, it is difficult to predict whether our directors and senior executives, individually and collectively, will be effective in managing our operations.

 

Any failure to adequately expand our sales force will impede our growth.

 

Though we expect to continue to rely primarily on third party distributors to sell our server solutions, we expect that, over time, our direct sales force will grow. Competition for direct sales personnel with the advanced sales skills and technical knowledge we need is intense. Our ability to grow our revenue in the future will depend, in large part, on our success in recruiting, training, retaining and successfully managing sufficient qualified direct sales personnel. New hires require significant training and may take six months or longer before they reach full productivity. Our recent hires and planned hires may not become as productive as we would like, and we may be unable to hire sufficient numbers of qualified individuals in the future in the markets where we do business. If we are unable to hire and develop sufficient numbers of productive sales personnel, sales of our server solutions will suffer.

 

Our direct sales efforts may create confusion for our end customers and harm our relationships with our distributors and OEMs.

 

Though our direct sales efforts have historically been limited and focused on customers who typically do not buy from distributors or OEMs, we expect our direct sales force to grow as our business grows. As our direct

 

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sales force becomes larger, our direct sales efforts may lead to conflicts with our distributors and OEMs, who may view our direct sales efforts as undermining their efforts to sell our products. If a distributor or OEM deems our direct sales efforts to be inappropriate, the distributor or OEM may not effectively market our products, may emphasize alternative products from competitors, or may seek to terminate our business relationship. Disruptions in our distribution channels could cause our revenues to decrease or fail to grow as expected. Our failure to implement an effective direct sales strategy that maintains and expands our relationships with our distributors and OEMs could lead to a decline in sales and adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Backlog does not provide a substantial portion of our net sales in any quarter.

 

Our revenues are difficult to forecast because we do not have sufficient backlog of unfilled orders to meet our quarterly net sales targets at the beginning of a quarter. Rather, a majority of our net sales in any quarter depend upon customer orders that we receive and fulfill in that quarter. Because our expense levels are based in part on our expectations as to future net sales and to a large extent are fixed in the short term, we might be unable to adjust spending in time to compensate for any shortfall in net sales. Accordingly, any significant shortfall of revenues in relation to our expectations would harm our operating results.

 

If the market for modular, open standard-based products does not continue to grow, opportunities to sell our products will be scarcer and our ability to grow would suffer.

 

The success of our business requires companies to commit to a modular, open standard-based server architecture instead of traditional proprietary and RISC/UNIX based servers. If enterprises do not adopt this open standard-based approach, the market for our products may not grow as we anticipate and our revenues would be adversely affected. Many prospective customers have invested significant financial and human resources in their existing systems, many of which are critical to their operations, and they may be reticent to overhaul their systems. Moreover, many of the server systems that we sell currently run on the Linux operating system, and are subject to the GNU General Public License. Pending litigation involving Linux and the GNU General Public License could be resolved in a manner that adversely affects Linux adoption in our industry and could materially harm our ability to sell our products based on the Linux operating system and the GNU General Public License. If the market for open standard-based modular technologies does not continue to develop for any reason, our ability to grow our business will be adversely affected.

 

Market demand for our products may decrease as a result of changes in general economic conditions, as well as incidents of terrorism, war and other social and political instability.

 

Our revenues and gross profit depend largely on general economic conditions and, in particular, the strength of demand for our server solutions in the markets in which we are doing business. From time to time, customers and potential customers have elected not to make purchases of our products due to reduced budgets and uncertainty about the future, and, in the case of distributors, declining demand from their customers for their solutions in which they integrate our products. Similarly, from time to time, acts of terrorism, in particular in the United States, have had a negative impact on information technology spending. High fuel prices and turmoil in the Middle East and elsewhere have increased uncertainty in the United States and our other markets. Should the current conflicts in the Middle East and in other parts of the world suppress economic activity in the United States or globally, our customers may delay or reduce their purchases on information technology, which would result in lower demand for our products and adversely affect our results of operations.

 

If we acquire any companies or technologies in the future, they could prove difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value and adversely affect our operating results.

 

In the future, we may acquire or make investments in companies, assets or technologies that we believe are complementary or strategic. We have not made any acquisitions or investments to date, and therefore our ability as an organization to make acquisitions or investments is unproven. If we decide to make an acquisition or investment, we face numerous risks, including:

 

    difficulties in integrating operations, technologies, products and personnel;

 

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    diversion of financial and managerial resources from existing operations;

 

    risk of overpaying for or misjudging the strategic fit of an acquired company, asset or technology;

 

    problems or liabilities stemming from defects of an acquired product or intellectual property litigation that may result from offering the acquired product in our markets;

 

    challenges in retaining employees key to maximize the value of the acquisition or investment;

 

    inability to generate sufficient return on investment;

 

    incurrence of significant one-time write-offs; and

 

    delays in customer purchases due to uncertainty.

 

If we proceed with an acquisition or investment, we may be required to use a considerable amount of our cash, including proceeds from this offering, or to finance the transaction through debt or equity securities offerings, which may decrease our financial liquidity or dilute our stockholders and affect the market price of our stock. As a result, if we fail to properly evaluate and execute acquisitions or investments, our business and prospects may be harmed.

 

Maintaining and improving our financial controls and complying with rules and regulations applicable to public companies may be a significant burden on our management team and require considerable expenditures of our resources.

 

As a public company, we will incur additional legal, accounting and other expenses that we do not incur as a private company. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and The Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, or Nasdaq rules, will apply to us as a public company. Compliance with these rules and regulations will necessitate significant increases in our legal and financial budgets and may also strain our personnel, systems and resources.

 

The Exchange Act requires, among other things, filing of annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Satisfying these requirements involves a commitment of significant resources and management oversight. As a result of management’s efforts to comply with such requirements, other important business concerns may receive insufficient attention, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Failure to meet certain of these regulatory requirements may also cause us to be delisted from the Nasdaq Global Market.

 

In addition, we are hiring and will continue to hire additional legal, accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge, which will increase our operating expenses in future periods.

 

We also expect these rules and regulations to make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to maintain coverage. If we are unable to maintain adequate directors’ and officers’ insurance, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.

 

Our operations involve the use of hazardous and toxic materials, and we must comply with environmental laws and regulations, which can be expensive, and may affect our business and operating results.

 

We are subject to federal, state and local regulations relating to the use, handling, storage, disposal and human exposure to hazardous and toxic materials. If we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws in the future as a result of our inability to obtain permits, human error, accident, equipment failure or other causes, we could be subject to fines, costs, or civil or criminal sanctions, face third party property damage or personal injury claims or be required to incur substantial investigation or remediation costs, which could be material, or experience disruptions in our operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our

 

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business. In addition, environmental laws could become more stringent over time imposing greater compliance costs and increasing risks and penalties associated with violations, which could harm our business.

 

We also face increasing complexity in our product design as we adjust to new and future requirements relating to the materials composition of our products, including the restrictions on lead and other hazardous

substances applicable to specified electronic products placed on the market in the European Union (Restriction on the Use of Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC, also known as the RoHS Directive). We also expect that our operations will be affected by other new environmental laws and regulations on an ongoing basis. Although we cannot predict the ultimate impact of any such new laws and regulations, they will likely result in additional costs, and could require that we change the design and/or manufacturing of our products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Risks Related to this Offering

 

There is no existing market for our common stock, and we do not know if one will develop that will provide you with adequate liquidity.

 

Currently there is no public market for our common stock. Investor interest in us may not lead to the development of an active trading market. The initial public offering price for the shares will be negotiated between us and representatives of the underwriters and may not be indicative of prices that will prevail in the open market following this offering. You may not be able to resell our common stock at or above the initial public offering price.

 

The trading price of our common stock is likely to be volatile, and you might not be able to sell your shares at or above the initial public offering price.

 

Though our common stock has no prior trading history, the trading prices of technology company securities in general have been highly volatile. Accordingly, the trading price of our common stock is likely to be subject to wide fluctuations. Factors, in addition to those outlined elsewhere in this prospectus, that may affect the trading price of our common stock include:

 

    actual or anticipated variations in our operating results;

 

    announcements of technological innovations, new products or product enhancements, strategic alliances or significant agreements by us or by our competitors;

 

    changes in recommendations by any securities analysts that elect to follow our common stock;

 

    the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in these projections or our failure to meet these projections;

 

    the loss of a key customer;

 

    the loss of key personnel;

 

    technological advancements rendering our products less valuable;

 

    lawsuits filed against us;

 

    changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other companies that sell similar products;

 

    price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market;

 

    market conditions in our industry, the industries of our customers and the economy as a whole; and

 

    other events or factors, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism or responses to these events.

 

Future sales of shares by existing stockholders could cause our stock price to decline.

 

Attempts by existing stockholders to sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after the contractual lock-up and other legal restrictions on resale discussed in this prospectus lapse could cause

 

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the trading price of our common stock to decline significantly. Based on shares outstanding as of September 30,

2006, upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding                  shares of common stock, assuming

no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Of these shares, only shares of common stock sold in this offering will be freely tradable, without restriction, in the public market. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may, in their collective sole discretion, permit our officers, directors, employees and current stockholders who are subject to a 180-day contractual lock-up to sell shares prior to the expiration of the lock-up agreements. The lock-up is subject to extension under certain circumstances. For additional information, see “Shares Eligible for Future Sale—Lock-Up Agreements.”

 

After the lock-up agreements pertaining to this offering expire, an additional             shares will be eligible for sale in the public market, including             shares held by directors, executive officers and other affiliates, which will be subject to volume limitations under Rule 144 under the Securities Act. In addition,             shares subject to outstanding options and reserved for future issuance under our 1998 stock option plan will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting agreements, the lock-up agreements and Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act. If these additional shares are sold, or if it is perceived that they will be sold, in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” for more information regarding shares of our common stock that existing stockholders may sell after this offering.

 

If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our stock, the price of our stock could decline.

 

The research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business will likely have an effect on the trading price of our common stock. If an industry analyst decides not to cover our company, or if an industry analyst decides to cease covering our company at some point in the future, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline. If an industry analyst downgrades our stock, our stock price would likely decline rapidly in response.

 

The concentration of our capital stock ownership with insiders upon the completion of this offering will likely limit your ability to influence corporate matters.

 

We anticipate that our executive officers, directors, current five percent or greater stockholders and affiliated entities will together beneficially own approximately             percent of our common stock outstanding after this offering. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, will have significant influence over all matters that require approval by our stockholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. Corporate action might be taken even if other stockholders, including those who purchase shares in this offering, oppose them. This concentration of ownership might also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of our company that other stockholders may view as beneficial.

 

Our management will have broad discretion over the use of the proceeds from this offering and might not apply the proceeds of this offering in ways that increase the value of your investment.

 

Our management will have broad discretion to use the net proceeds from this offering. Though at this time we have not designated the net proceeds for specific projects, we expect to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including working capital, and repayment of building loans. We may also use net proceeds for other purposes, including capital expenditures, and for possible investments in, or acquisitions of, complementary products or technologies, although we have no specific plans at this time to do so. Management may fail to use these funds effectively to yield a significant return, or any return, on any investment of these net proceeds.

 

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 will be substantially higher than the book value per share of the outstanding common stock after this offering. Therefore, based on an assumed offering price of

 

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$             per share, if you purchase our common stock in this offering, you will suffer immediate and substantial dilution of approximately $             per share. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option, or if outstanding options to purchase our common stock are exercised, you will experience additional dilution.

 

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our management and, as a result, depress the trading price of our common stock.

 

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or changes in our management that the stockholders of our company may deem advantageous. These provisions:

 

    establish a classified board of directors so that not all members of our board are elected at one time;

 

    require super-majority voting to amend some provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws;

 

    authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that our board could issue to increase the number of outstanding shares and to discourage a takeover attempt;

 

    limit the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders;

 

    prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which requires all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders;

 

    provide that the board of directors is expressly authorized to adopt, or to alter or repeal our bylaws; and

 

    establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.

 

In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which, subject to some exceptions, prohibits “business combinations” between a Delaware corporation and an “interested stockholder,” which is generally defined as a stockholder who becomes a beneficial owner of 15% or more of a Delaware corporation’s voting stock for a three-year period following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. Section 203 could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

 

These anti-takeover defenses could discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of our company. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors of your choosing and cause us to take corporate actions other than those you desire.

 

We do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.

 

We do not anticipate that we will pay any cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, investors must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment. Investors seeking cash dividends in the foreseeable future should not purchase our common stock.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INDUSTRY DATA

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are based upon our current expectations and projections about future events and trends affecting the financial condition of our business. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “would,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue,” the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, including the risks described above and in other parts of this prospectus. These factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

 

Information contained in this prospectus concerning our industry and the projected growth rate of the markets in which we participate is based on industry publications, surveys and forecasts generated by IDC and other sources. We have not independently verified their data.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

At an assumed public offering price of $             per share, the mid-point of the initial public offering price range, we will receive $             from our sale of                      shares of common stock in this offering, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We will not receive any proceeds received by the selling stockholders from the sale of their shares nor if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option.

 

The principal purposes of this offering are to obtain additional capital, create a public market for our common stock, and facilitate our future access to the public equity markets. We intend to use a portion of the net proceeds of this offering to pay off approximately $19.1 million of existing building loans, which bear interest rates ranging from 5.28% to 6.75% as of September 30, 2006 and will mature in 2021, 2025 and 2029, respectively. We intend to use the remaining net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes. We have no present intention to acquire any businesses, products or technologies. Pending use of the net proceeds of this offering, we intend to invest the funds in short-term, interest bearing, investment grade securities.

 

Except for amounts that will be used to repay outstanding building loans, we cannot specify with certainty the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon completion of this offering. Accordingly, our management team will have broad discretion in using the net proceeds of this offering.

 

DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently expect to retain all future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of any dividends in the future will be determined by our board of directors, in its discretion, and will depend on a number of factors, including our earnings, capital requirements and overall financial condition. In addition, our ability to declare and pay dividends is substantially restricted under our credit facility.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of September 30, 2006 on:

 

    an actual basis; and

 

    an as adjusted basis giving effect to the sale of shares of common stock by us in this offering after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us and the repayment of approximately $19.1 million of building loans.

 

You should read this table together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    

As of September 30, 2006

    

Actual

   

As Adjusted

    

(in thousands)

    

(unaudited)

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 17,050     $            
              

Long term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion

   $ 18,509     $  

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, par value $0.001 per share;
40,000,000 shares authorized, 22,200,300 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 100,000,000 shares authorized,                      shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted

     10,511    

Undesignated preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share;
No shares authorized, issued or outstanding, actual; 10,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding, as adjusted

    

Deferred stock-based compensation

     (2,237 )  

Retained earnings

     44,603    
              

Total stockholders’ equity

     52,877      
              

Total capitalization

   $ 71,386     $
              

 

The number of shares of common stock outstanding set forth in the table above excludes, as of September 30, 2006:

 

    14,222,548 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options outstanding, including options outstanding under our 1998 stock option plan, at a weighted average exercise price of $1.39 per share; and

 

    4,226,598 shares of common stock authorized for future issuance under our 1998 stock option plan.

 

Following the offering, no new options will be granted under our 1998 stock option plan and 4,000,000 shares of common stock will be authorized for issuance under our 2006 option plan which was adopted subsequent to September 30, 2006.

 

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DILUTION

 

If you invest in our common stock, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of our common stock and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock upon the completion of this offering. The net tangible book value attributable to our common stock as of September 30, 2006 was $52.9 million, or $2.38 per share.

 

Net tangible book value per share of common stock is determined by dividing the number of outstanding shares of common stock into the net tangible book value attributable to our common stock, which is our total tangible assets less our total liabilities. After giving effect to the sale of common stock by us in this offering at an initial public offering price of $             per share and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, the adjusted net tangible book value attributable to our common stock as of September 30, 2006 would have been approximately $             million, or $             per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $             per share to the holders of our existing common stock and an immediate dilution of $             per share to new investors purchasing shares of common stock at the initial public offering price.

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share

      $             
         

Net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2006, before giving effect to this offering

   $ 2.38   
         

Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors purchasing shares in this offering

     
         

Net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering

     
         

Dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors

      $  
         

 

If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of common stock from us in full, the net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering would be $            per share, and the dilution in net tangible book value per share to investors in this offering would be $            per share.

 

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $            per share would increase (decrease) our and net tangible book value, our net tangible book value per share after this offering and the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors by approximately $            million, $            and $            , respectively, or approximately $            million, $            and $            , respectively, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

The following table summarizes, on an as adjusted basis as of September 30, 2006, the differences between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders and by the new investors in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us.

 

     Shares Purchased     Total Consideration    

Average

Price Per

Share

     Number    Percent     Amount    Percent    

Existing stockholders

   22,200,300             %   $ 5,575,747             %   $ 0.25

New investors

            
                              

Total

      100 %   $      100 %   $  
                              

 

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If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, the following will occur:

 

    the number of shares of common stock held by existing stockholders would represent approximately             % of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering; and

 

    the number of shares held by new investors would increase to                 , or approximately             % of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering.

 

The foregoing table assumes no exercise of stock options and                  shares of our common stock to be sold by the selling stockholders in this offering. As of September 30, 2006, there were options outstanding to purchase 14,222,548 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $1.39 per share. To the extent outstanding options having an exercise price that is less than the offering price of this offering are exercised, new investors will experience further dilution.

 

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

 

We present below our selected consolidated financial data. The selected consolidated statements of operations data for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2005 and 2006, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended June 30, 2002 and 2003 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2002, 2003 and 2004 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this prospectus. The consolidated statements of operations data for the three month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 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. The unaudited financial statements include, in the opinion of our management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments, that management considers necessary for a fair statement of the results of those periods. You should read this information together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes, each included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future period.

 

    Fiscal Years Ended June 30,     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2002     2003     2004     2005     2006         2005             2006      
    (in thousands, except per share data)  

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:(1)

             

Net sales

  $ 89,339     $ 137,161     $ 167,065     $ 211,763     $ 302,541     $ 64,525     $ 90,187  

Cost of sales

    75,354       113,853       138,232       178,293       242,235       52,005       72,202  
                                                       

Gross profit

    13,985       23,308       28,833       33,470       60,306       12,520       17,985  
                                                       

Operating expenses:

             

Research and development

    3,635       6,858       8,513       10,609       15,814       3,253       4,937  

Sales and marketing

    4,690       5,907       8,439       7,197       9,363       2,252       2,357  

General and administrative

    2,631       3,315       5,074       5,380       6,931       1,545       2,603  

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss

    —         1,178       —         (1,178 )     575       —         (120 )
                                                       

Total operating expenses

    10,956       17,258       22,026       22,008       32,683       7,050       9,777  
                                                       

Income from operations

    3,029       6,050       6,807       11,462       27,623       5,470       8,208  

Interest income

          28       27       117       254       58       54  

Interest expense

    (619 )     (800 )     (771 )     (867 )     (1,257 )     (243 )     (327 )

Other income, net

    220       95       20       17       2       —         —    
                                                       

Interest and other income, net

    (399 )     (677 )     (724 )     (733 )     (1,001 )     (185 )     (273 )
                                                       

Income before income tax provision

    2,630       5,373       6,083       10,729       26,622       5,285       7,935  

Income tax provision

    428       1,856       1,229       3,639       9,675       1,942       3,126  
                                                       

Net income

  $ 2,202     $ 3,517     $ 4,854     $ 7,090     $ 16,947     $ 3,343     $ 4,809  
                                                       

Net income per share

             

Basic

  $ 0.10     $ 0.16     $ 0.22     $ 0.32     $ 0.77     $ 0.15     $ 0.22  

Diluted

  $ 0.09     $ 0.14     $ 0.17     $ 0.24     $ 0.53     $ 0.11     $ 0.15  

Shares used in per share calculation

             

Basic

    21,324       21,714       21,898       21,914       22,010       21,958       22,190  

Diluted

    24,962       25,726       28,062       29,442       31,846       30,056       32,214  

(1)    Includes charges for stock-based compensation:

      

Cost of sales

  $     $     $ 17     $ 40     $ 102     $ 14     $ 16  

Research and development

                81       180       441       84       120  

Sales and marketing

                48       63       236       42       53  

General and administrative

                56       142       317       48       68  

 

     As of June 30,   

As of
September 30,

     2002    2003    2004    2005    2006    2006
     (in thousands)

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,970    $ 6,357    $ 7,359    $ 11,170    $ 16,509    $ 17,050

Working capital

     9,075      12,578      14,040      22,922      37,026      40,999

Total assets

     40,136      50,796      72,347      89,662      131,001      159,969

Long-term obligations, net of current portion(2)

     9,506      9,108      13,062      12,572      18,685      18,509

Total stockholders’ equity

     12,854      16,418      21,568      29,127      47,767      52,877

(2)   As of September 30, 2006, $18.5 million of our long-term obligations, net of current portion were building loans.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes which appear elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly under the heading “Risk Factors.”

 

Overview

 

We design, develop, manufacture and sell application optimized, high performance server solutions based on an innovative, modular and open-standard x86 architecture. Our solutions include a range of complete server systems, as well as components which can be used by distributors, OEMs and end customers to assemble server systems. To date, we have generated the majority of our net sales from components. Since 2000, we have gradually shifted our focus and resources to designing, developing, manufacturing and selling application optimized server systems. In recent years our growth in net sales has been driven by the growth in the market for application optimized server systems. For fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, net sales of optimized servers were $51.2 million, $66.6 million, $104.5 million, $21.8 million, and $31.8 million, respectively, and net sales of serverboards and components were $115.9 million, $145.2 million, $198.1 million, $42.8 million and $58.4 million, respectively.

 

We commenced operations in 1993 and have been profitable every year since inception. For fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, our net sales were $167.1 million, $211.8 million and $302.5 million, respectively, and our net income was $4.9 million, $7.1 million and $16.9 million, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, our net sales were $64.5 million, and $90.2 million, respectively, and our net income was $3.3 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

 

We sell our server systems and components primarily through distributors and to a lesser extent to OEMs as well as through our direct sales force. For fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, we derived approximately 87%, 83%, 73%, 78% and 70%, respectively, of our net sales from products sold to distributors, and we derived approximately 13%, 17%, 27%, 22% and 30%, respectively, from sales to OEMs and to end customers. None of our customers accounted for 10% or more of our net sales in fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006 or the three months ended September 30, 2005 or 2006. For fiscal year 2005, approximately 56% and 44% of our net sales were to customers in the United States and outside of the United States, respectively, compared to approximately 59% and 41%, respectively, in fiscal year 2006. For the three months ended September 30, 2005, approximately 57% and 43% of our net sales were from customers in the United States and outside the United States, respectively, compared to approximately 59% and 41%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

We perform the majority of our research and development efforts in-house. For fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, research and development expenses represented approximately 5.1%, 5.0%, 5.2%, 5.0% and 5.4% of our net sales, respectively.

 

We use several suppliers and contract manufacturers to design and manufacture components in accordance with our specifications, with most final assembly and testing performed at our manufacturing facility in San Jose, California. This arrangement enables us to maintain our cost structure and to benefit from our suppliers’ and contract manufacturers’ research and development and economies of scale.

 

One of our key suppliers is Ablecom, which supplies us with contract design and manufacturing support. For fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, our purchases from Ablecom represented approximately 32.1%, 32.2%, 31.3%, 37.3% and 33.8% of our cost of sales, respectively. Ablecom’s sales to us constitute a substantial majority of Ablecom’s net sales. We plan to expand

 

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our warehousing capacity and our manufacturing relationship with Ablecom in China in an effort to reduce our cost of sales. Ablecom is expanding operations from Taiwan to a larger facility in China. In addition to providing a larger volume of contract manufacturing services for us, Ablecom will warehouse for us an increasing number of components and subassemblies manufactured by multiple suppliers prior to shipment to our facilities in the U.S. and Europe. We typically negotiate the price of products that we purchase from Ablecom on a quarterly basis; however, either party may re-negotiate the price of products with each order. As a result of our relationship with Ablecom, it is possible that Ablecom may in the future sell products to us at a price lower than we could obtain from an unrelated third party supplier. This may result in our reporting for one or more periods gross profit as a percentage of net sales in excess of what we might have obtained absent our relationship with Ablecom.

 

In order to continue to increase our net sales and profits, we believe that we must continue to develop flexible and customizable server solutions and be among the first to market with new features and products. We measure our financial success based on various indicators, including growth in revenues, gross profit as a percentage of net sales, operating income as a percentage of net sales, levels of inventory, and days sales outstanding, or DSOs. In connection with these efforts, we monitor daily and weekly sales and shipment reports. Among the key non-financial indicators of our success is our ability to rapidly introduce new products and deliver the latest application optimized server solutions. In this regard, we work closely with microprocessor and other component vendors to take advantage of new technologies as they are introduced. We also solicit input from our customers to understand their future needs as we design and develop our products.

 

Fiscal Year

 

Our fiscal year ends on June 30. References to fiscal year 2006, for example, refer to the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.

 

Revenues and Expenses

 

Net sales.     Net sales consist of sales of our server solutions, including server systems and components. The main factors which impact our net sales are unit volumes shipped and average selling prices. The prices for server systems range widely depending upon the configuration, and the prices for our components vary based on the type of component. As with most electronics-based products, average selling prices typically are highest at the time of introduction of new products which utilize the latest technology and tend to decrease over time as such products mature in the market and are replaced by next generation products.

 

Cost of sales.     Cost of sales primarily consists of the costs to manufacture our products, including the costs of materials, contract manufacturing, shipping, personnel and related expenses, equipment and facility expenses, warranty costs and inventory write-offs. The primary factors that impact our cost of sales are the mix of products sold and cost of materials, which include raw material costs, shipping costs and salary and benefits related to production. We expect cost of sales to increase in absolute dollars in the future from an expected increase in net sales. Costs of sales as a percentage of net sales may increase over time if decreases in average selling prices are not offset by corresponding decreases in our costs. Our cost of sales, as a percentage of net sales, is generally lower on server systems than on components. Because we do not have long-term fixed supply agreements, our cost of sales is subject to change based on market conditions.

 

Research and development expenses.     Research and development expenses consist of the personnel and related expenses of our research and development teams, and materials and supplies, consulting services, third party testing services and equipment and facility expenses related to our research and development activities. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred. We expect that research and development expenses will continue to increase in absolute dollars in the future as we increase our investment in developing new products and adding new features in current products, but such expenditures may fluctuate as a percentage of net sales.

 

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Sales and marketing expenses.     Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and commissions for our sales and marketing personnel, costs for tradeshows, independent sales representative fees and marketing programs. From time to time, we receive cooperative marketing funding from certain suppliers. Under these programs, we are reimbursed for certain marketing costs that we incur as part of the joint promotion of our products and those of our suppliers. These amounts offset a portion of the related expenses and have the effect of reducing our reported sales and marketing expenses. Similarly, we from time to time offer our distributors cooperative marketing funding which has the effect of increasing our expenses. The timing, magnitude and estimated usage of our programs and those of our suppliers can result in significant variations in

reported sales and marketing expenses from period to period. Spending on cooperative marketing, either by us or our suppliers, typically increases in connection with significant product releases by us or our suppliers. We expect sales and marketing expenses to continue to increase in absolute dollars, but that such expenditures will decline as a percentage of net sales.

 

General and administrative expenses.     General and administrative expenses consist primarily of general corporate costs, including personnel expenses, financial reporting, corporate governance and compliance and outside legal, audit and tax fees. We expect general and administrative expenses to continue to increase significantly on an absolute dollar basis to support our anticipated growth and cover additional costs associated with being a public company, such as regulatory reporting requirements, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, higher insurance premiums and investor relations, but such expenses may fluctuate as a percentage of net sales.

 

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss.     Loss from litigation relates to an action filed in France by Digitechnic, S.A., a former customer, alleging that certain products purchased from us were defective. In September 2003, the court found in favor of Digitechnic and awarded damages totaling $1.2 million. We accrued for these damages in our consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2003. In February 2005, the court of appeals dismissed the claims and, as a result, we reversed the expense. Digitechnic has appealed the decision to the French supreme court and asked for $2,416,000 for damages. Although we cannot predict with certainty the final outcome of this litigation, we believe the claims to be without merit and intend to continue to defend against them vigorously. We believe that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not result in a material adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position. In addition, we accrued $575,000 in fiscal year 2006 for the payment of estimated fines related to export control matters arising in prior years.

 

Interest expense and other, net.     Interest expense and other, net represents the net of our interest expense on the building loans for our owned facilities and a Small Business Administration loan offset by interest earned on our cash balances. We expect to use a portion of the net proceeds from this offering to repay all of these obligations.

 

Income tax provision.     Our income tax provision is based on our taxable income generated in the jurisdictions in which we operate, currently primarily the United States and the Netherlands and to a lesser extent, Taiwan. Our effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the tax benefit of research and development tax credits and the extraterritorial income exclusion. A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate is set forth in Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this prospectus. In future years, we anticipate our effective tax rate will increase due to the expiration of the federal research and development credit provisions, as well as the phase out of the extraterritorial income exclusion.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to inventory valuations, income taxes, warranty obligations and stock-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe

 

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to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments we make about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Because these estimates can vary depending on the situation, actual results may differ from the estimates.

 

We believe the following are our most critical accounting policies as they require our more significant judgments in the preparation of our financial statements.

 

Revenue recognition.     We account for revenue under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements . Under the provisions of SAB No. 104, we recognize revenue from sales of products, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, shipment has occurred and title has transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured, and all significant obligations have been met. Generally this occurs at the time of shipment when risk of loss and title has passed to the customer. Our standard arrangement with our customers includes a signed purchase order or contract, free-on-board shipping point terms, except for a few customers who have free-on-board destination terms and revenue is recognized when the products arrive at the destination, 30 to 60 days payment terms, and no customer acceptance provisions. We generally do not provide for non-warranty rights of return except for products which have “Out-of-box” failure, where customers could return these products for credit within 30 days of receiving the items. Certain distributors and OEMs are also permitted to return products in unopened boxes, limited to purchases over a specified period of time, generally within 60 to 90 days of the purchase, or to products in the distributor’s or OEM’s inventory at certain times (such as the termination of the agreement or product obsolescence). In addition, we have a sale arrangement with an OEM that has limited product return rights. To estimate reserves for future sales returns, we regularly review our history of actual returns for each major product line. We also communicate regularly with our distributors to gather information about end customer satisfaction, and to determine the volume of inventory in the channel. Reserves for future returns are adjusted as necessary, based on returns experience, returns expectations and communication with our distributors.

 

Probability of collection is assessed on a customer-by-customer basis. Customers are subjected to a credit review process that evaluates the customers’ financial position and ability to pay. If it is determined from the outset of an arrangement that collection is not probable based upon the review process, the customers are required to pay cash in advance of shipment. We provide for price protection to certain distributors. We assess the market competition and product technology obsolescence, and make price adjustments based on our judgment. Upon each announcement of price reductions, the accrual for price protection is calculated based on our distributors’ inventory on hand. Such reserves are recorded as a reduction to revenue at the time we reduce the product prices in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 01-9, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products ). Credits that we issued pursuant to these provisions were $397,000, $203,000, $75,000, $12,000 and $42,000 for fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. We do not commit to future price reductions with any of our customers.

 

We have an immaterial amount of service revenue relating to non-warranty repairs, which is recognized upon shipment of the repaired units to customers. Service revenue has been less than 10% of net sales for all periods presented and is not separately disclosed.

 

Change in accounting estimate for marketing cooperative accruals.     We follow Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 01-9, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products). We have arrangements with resellers of our products to reimburse the resellers for cooperative marketing costs meeting specified criteria. In accordance with EITF Issue No. 01-9, we record advertising costs meeting such specified criteria within sales and marketing expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For those advertising costs that do not meet the criteria set forth in EITF Issue No. 01-9, the amounts are recorded as a reduction to sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

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Prior to fiscal year 2007, we had recognized the maximum potential amount of the reimbursement for which the resellers were entitled (that is, no reduction for breakage was made) as we lacked sufficient historical experience to make a reasonably reliable estimate. Beginning in fiscal year 2007, we determined that we had sufficient history of unclaimed cooperative marketing funds to make reasonably reliable estimates. Accordingly, we determined an estimate of unclaimed cooperative marketing funds breakage of approximately 27% for our cooperative marketing accruals. This change in accounting estimate had a favorable impact on income before income taxes of approximately $415,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The effect on net income for this period was an increase of approximately $251,000 and the effect on earnings per common share was an increase of $0.01 in net income per share—both basic and fully diluted.

 

Product warranties.     We offer product warranties ranging from 12 to 36 months against any defective product. We accrue for estimated returns of defective products at the time revenue is recognized, based on historical warranty experience and recent trends. We monitor warranty obligations and may make revisions to our warranty reserve if actual costs of product repair and replacement are significantly higher or lower than estimated. Accruals for anticipated future warranty costs are charged to cost of sales and included in accrued liabilities.

 

Inventory valuation.     Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. We evaluate inventory on a quarterly basis for excess and obsolescence and write-down the valuation of units that are unlikely to be sold based upon estimated demand for the following twelve months. This evaluation may take into account matters including expected demand, anticipated sales price, product obsolescence and other factors. If actual future demand for our products is less than currently forecasted, additional inventory adjustments may be required. Once a reserve is established, it is maintained until the product to which it relates is sold or scrapped. If a unit that has been written down is subsequently sold, the cost associated with the revenue from this unit is reduced to the extent of the write down, resulting in an increase in gross profit.

 

Accounting for income taxes.     We account for income taxes under an asset and liability approach. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for income tax reporting purposes, net operating loss carry-forwards and other tax credits measured by applying currently enacted tax laws. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

 

Stock-based compensation.     We account for stock-based compensation awards issued to our employees using the intrinsic value measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees , or Opinion 25. Accordingly, we have recorded compensation expense for stock options granted with exercise prices less than the fair value of the underlying common stock at the option grant date. For options granted in fiscal year 2006, we determined the valuations at the end of each quarter, based on a number of factors, including a valuation performed by an independent third party. The third party used generally accepted valuation techniques including the discounted cash flow method and the guideline company method. The valuations placed equal weighting on these two methods in estimating our fair value. For options granted in fiscal years 2004 and 2005, we estimated the grant date fair value based on a number of factors, including valuations performed by an independent third party, as of June 30, 2003, 2004 and 2005. With the assistance of the third party, we used the guideline company method for June 30, 2003 and the discounted cash flow method for June 30, 2004 and 2005. The guideline company method was used in fiscal year 2003 instead of the discounted cash flow method due to the limited forecast information available at the time. In fiscal years 2004 and 2005, the discounted cash flow method was used, as we concluded that it was a better determination of value of the Company than the guideline company method, which was also considered. Determining the fair value of our common stock requires us to make complex and subjective judgments involving estimates of revenues, earnings, assumed market growth rates and estimated costs, discount rates, comparable companies and relevant market multiples. These estimates are consistent with the plans and estimates that we use to manage our business. There is inherent uncertainty in making these estimates.

 

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The estimated fair value of our common stock was $1.83, $3.17 and $4.13 at June 30, 2003, 2004 and 2005. The increase in the fair value of our common stock from June 30, 2003 to June 30, 2005 was due to the growth in our company and a decrease in the marketability discount over this period. Our net sales increased 54.4% from $137.2 million in fiscal year 2003 to $211.8 million in fiscal year 2005 and our net income increased 101.6% from $3.5 million in fiscal year 2003 to $7.1 million in fiscal year 2005. Our marketability discount decreased from 35.0% at June 30, 2003 to 31.1% at June 30, 2005, reflecting a modest increase in the expectations that we would eventually pursue a public offering of our common stock resulting in it becoming marketable.

 

The estimated fair value of our common stock was as follows for each of the quarters in fiscal year 2006 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2007:

 

September 30, 2005

   $ 4.87

December 31, 2005

   $ 8.56

March 31, 2006

   $ 13.70

June 30, 2006

   $ 12.05

September 30, 2006

   $ 12.85

 

The increase in the fair value of our common stock during fiscal year 2006 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 was due primarily to the following factors:

 

    Continued net sales growth of 42.9% from $211.8 million in fiscal year 2005 to $302.5 million in fiscal year 2006. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, net sales grew to $90.2 million from $90.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006.

 

    Net income growing faster than sales at 139.0% from $7.1 million in fiscal year 2005 to $16.9 million in fiscal year 2006. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, net income declined to $4.8 million from $6.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006.

 

    Increasing percentage of our sales from server systems, which generally have higher gross margins than sales of our components.

 

    Introduction of new products based on AMD and Intel processors.

 

    Addition of our chief financial officer in May 2006 and significant expansion of our accounting and finance department to meet the demands of a public reporting company.

 

    Decreases in our marketability discount from 31.1% at June 30, 2005 to 27.2% at September 30, 2005 to 23.3% at December 31, 2005 to 9.8% at March 31, 2006 to 6.5% at June 30, 2006 and to 3.3% at September 30, 2006 reflecting our increasing expectations of an eventual initial public offering as evidenced by our hiring of our chief financial officer, our selection of investment bankers and the initial public offering organizational meeting that took place at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006.

 

The decrease in fair value of our common stock at June 30, 2006 relative to March 31, 2006 was primarily due to changes in our long term model after review of projected revenue growth rates for the industry by our new chief financial officer.

 

The increases in the fair value of our common stock during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2006 were tempered by uncertainties regarding legal matters, which if not resolved satisfactorily would delay or preclude an initial public offering, and other factors including fluctuations in the market value of our peer group of companies.

 

The increase in fair value of common stock at September 30, 2006 relative to June 30, 2006 was primarily due to decreases in marketability discount and risk free rate utilized to reflect our increasing expectation of an eventual initial public offering and resolution of some of the uncertainties regarding legal matters.

 

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Deferred stock-based compensation based on outstanding stock options as of September 30, 2006 is approximately $2.2 million. We determine our amortization expense following a straight-line attribution method. Forfeitures of unvested options resulting from employee terminations result in the reversal during the period of forfeiture of previously expensed stock compensation associated with the unvested options. Stock compensation from vested options, whether forfeited or not, is not reversed. Accordingly, increases in stock option grants for any reason, including increases associated with increases in employee headcount, have been associated with increases in amortization of stock compensation during periods when our grants were at exercise prices below the deemed fair value of the common stock. Decreases result from the timing of significant grants in earlier periods relative to grants in subsequent periods, reversal of stock compensation from forfeited, unvested options and the timing of grants within each period and the corresponding impact on period-to-period amortization. Subsequent to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, or SFAS 123R, on July 1, 2006 as discussed under “Recently Issued Accounting Standards” below, only new grants made after adoption of SFAS 123R become subject to the provisions of SFAS 123R. We are not required to record additional amounts of deferred stock-based compensation expense for grants made prior to adoption of SFAS 123R and will continue to recognize the balance of deferred stock-based compensation as of July 1, 2006 in accordance with APB 25. We expect to record aggregate amortization of stock-based compensation expense relating to outstanding stock options as of June 30, 2006 of $1.0 million, $0.9 million, $0.6 million and $0.1 million during fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, subject to continued vesting of these options. This amortization will be allocated among cost of sales, research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, respectively, based upon the employees’ job functions.

 

Effective July 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment , using the prospective transition method, 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 enterprises 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. That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award, known as the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes our previous accounting under APB No. 25 for periods beginning in fiscal 2007. We did not record any stock compensation expenses under SFAS No. 123(R) as no stock options were granted to our employees for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Variable interest entities.     We have analyzed our relationship with Ablecom and its subsidiaries and we have concluded that Ablecom is a variable interest entity as defined by FIN No. 46R; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of Ablecom and, therefore, we do not consolidate Ablecom. In performing our analysis, we considered our explicit arrangements with Ablecom including the supplier and distributor arrangements. Also, as a result of the substantial related party relationship between the two companies, we considered whether any implicit arrangements exist that would cause us to protect those related parties’ interests in Ablecom from suffering losses. We determined that no implicit arrangements exist with Ablecom or its shareholders. Such an arrangement would be inconsistent with the fiduciary duty that we have towards our stockholders who do not own shares in Ablecom.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth our financial results, as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

 

     Years Ended June 30,     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2004             2005             2006             2005             2006      

Net sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales

   82.7     84.2     80.1     80.6     80.1  
                              

Gross profit

   17.3     15.8     19.9     19.4     19.9  
                              

Operating expenses:

          

Research and development

   5.1     5.0     5.2     5.0     5.4  

Sales and marketing

   5.1     3.4     3.1     3.5     2.6  

General and administrative

   3.0     2.6     2.3     2.4     2.9  

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss

   0.0     (0.6 )   0.2     0.0     (0.1 )
                              

Total operating expenses

   13.2     10.4     10.8     10.9     10.8  
                              

Income from operations

   4.1     5.4     9.1     8.5     9.1  

Interest income

   0.0     0.1     0.1     0.1     0.1  

Interest expense

   (0.5 )   (0.4 )   (0.4 )   (0.4 )   (0.4 )

Other income, net

   0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0  
                              

Income before income taxes provision

   3.6     5.1     8.8     8.2     8.8  

Income tax provision

   0.7     1.8     3.2     3.0     3.5  
                              

Net income

   2.9 %   3.3 %   5.6 %   5.2 %   5.3 %
                              

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2005 and 2006

 

Net sales.     Net sales increased by $25.7 million, or 39.8%, from $64.5 million to $90.2 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. This was due primarily to an increase in unit volumes while average selling prices were approximately level. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, the approximate number of unit sold increased 39.2% to 476,000 compared to 342,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005. Growth in unit volumes was primarily due to the increasing sales of our AMD series of server systems, our PD, H8 and X7 series of serverboards and other server components, primarily accessories, including memory and hard drives. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, the approximate number of units sold in server systems increased 15.4% to 30,000 compared to 26,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The average selling price of units sold in server systems increased 25.0% to approximately $1,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to approximately $800 in the three months ended September 30, 2005 primarily due to higher sales of AMD series of server systems offset in part by declines in average selling prices in more mature products. Sales of server systems represented 33.6% of our net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2005 as compared to 35.2% of our net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005, customers in the United States, Asia, Germany and rest of Europe accounted for approximately 57.0%, 12.0%, 9.0% and 20.1%, of our net sales, respectively, as compared to 59.3%, 14.9%, 6.8% and 16.4%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Cost of sales.     Cost of sales increased by $20.2 million, or 38.8%, from $52.0 million to $72.2 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 80.6% and 80.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The increase in absolute dollars of cost of sales was primarily attributable to the increase in net sales. The lower cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was driven by the increasing percentage of our sales represented by server systems, which generally have lower costs of sales as a percentage of net sales than components.

 

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Cost of sales include stock-based compensation expense of $14,000 and $16,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

Research and development expenses.     Research and development expenses increased by $1.6 million, or 51.8% from $3.3 million to $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Research and development expenses were 5.0% of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 5.4% of net sales for the same period in fiscal year 2007. The increase in absolute dollars was primarily due to an increase of $1.0 million in salary and benefits resulting from growth in research and development personnel. The increase in personnel was primarily related to expanded product development initiatives.

 

Research and development expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $84,000 and $120,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

Sales and marketing expenses.     Sales and marketing expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 4.7%, from $2.3 million to $2.4 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Sales and marketing expenses were 3.5% and 2.6% of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The increase in absolute dollars was primarily due to an increase of $0.4 million in compensation and benefits resulting from growth in sales and marketing personnel, offset in part by an increase of $0.3 million in cooperative funding from vendors, and a decrease of $0.2 million in cooperative marketing funding that we provided to our distributors due to a change in our estimate of unclaimed cooperative marketing funds. We expect the cooperative marketing funding that we provide to fluctuate from period to period based on our new product introductions.

 

Sales and marketing expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $42,000 and $53,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

General and administrative expenses.     General and administrative expense increased by $1.1 million, or 68.5%, from $1.5 million to $2.6 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. General and administrative expenses were 2.4% and 2.9% of net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The increase in absolute dollars was primarily due to an increase of $0.6 million in legal expenses primarily associated with our defense of certain litigation matters, an increase of $0.3 million in salary and benefits and an increase of $0.2 million in audit and tax services, offset in part by a decrease of $0.1 million in foreign currency transaction expenses.

 

General and administrative expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $48,000 and $68,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss.     Loss from litigation decreased by $120,000, from $0 to ($0.1) million, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to the final settlement of import/export litigation at less than the estimated loss amount. For more information, (see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10.”).

 

Interest and other expense, net.     Interest and other expense increased by $88,000, or 47.6%, from $185,000 to $273,000, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively, of which $243,000 and $327,000 were interest expenses, respectively. The increase was due to higher interest expenses of $84,000 associated with a mortgage obtained in connection with a new building that we purchased in the second quarter of fiscal 2006.

 

Provision for income taxes.     Provision for income taxes increased by $1.2 million, or 61.0%, from $1.9 million to $3.1 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The effective tax rate was 36.7% and 39.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The increase of the effective tax rate was the result of the reduced benefit of research and development tax credits and foreign income deductions relative to our higher taxable income.

 

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Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2005 and 2006

 

Net sales.     Net sales increased by $90.8 million, or 42.9%, from $211.8 million to $302.5 million, for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. This was due to an increase in both unit volumes and average selling prices. For the year ended June 30, 2006, the approximate number of units sold increased 30.8% to 1.7 million compared to 1.3 million for the year ended June 30, 2005. Growth in unit volumes was primarily due to the increasing sales of our 5000 series of server systems, our X6 series of serverboards and other server components, primarily accessories, including microprocessors. For the year ended June 30, 2006, the approximate number of server system units sold increased 30.7% to 115,000 compared to 88,000 for the year ended June 30, 2005. The average selling price of server system units sold increased 12.5% to approximately $900 in fiscal year 2006 compared to approximately $800 in fiscal year 2005. Growth in the average selling prices of our server systems was principally driven by an increase in sales of server systems to OEM customers and system integrators, offset in part by declines in average selling prices in more mature products sold to distributors. Sales of server systems represented 31.4% of our net sales for fiscal year 2005 as compared to 34.5% of our net sales for fiscal year 2006. For fiscal years 2005 and 2006, we derived approximately 83% and 73%, respectively, of our net sales from products sold to distributors and we derived approximately 17% and 27%, respectively, from sales to OEMs and to end customers. The increase in sales to OEM and to end customers was principally the result of increased sales to OEMs. For fiscal year 2005, customers in the United States, Asia, Germany and rest of Europe accounted for approximately 56.3%, 12.7%, 9.3% and 18.4%, of our net sales, respectively, as compared to 58.5%, 11.0%, 8.9% and 19.3%, respectively, for fiscal year 2006.

 

Cost of sales.     Cost of sales increased by $63.9 million, or 35.9%, from $178.3 million to $242.2 million, for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 84.2% and 80.1% for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. The increase in absolute dollars of cost of sales was primarily attributable to the increase in net sales. The lower cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was driven by the increasing percentage of our sales represented by server systems, which generally have lower costs of sales as a percentage of net sales than components.

 

We expect cost of sales to include stock-based compensation expense of $97,000, $88,000, $55,000 and $10,000 in fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, based on the continued vesting of outstanding options as of June 30, 2006.

 

Research and development expenses.     Research and development expenses increased by $5.2 million, or 49.1%, from $10.6 million to $15.8 million for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. Research and development expenses were 5.0% of net sales for fiscal year 2005 and 5.2% of net sales for fiscal year 2006. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $3.9 million in salary and benefits resulting from growth in research and development personnel. The increase in personnel was primarily related to expanded product development initiatives.

 

We expect research and development expenses to include stock-based compensation expense of $414,000, $381,000, $261,000 and $43,000 in fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, based on the continued vesting of outstanding options as of June 30, 2006.

 

Sales and marketing expenses.     Sales and marketing expenses increased by $2.2 million, or 30.1%, from $7.2 million to $9.4 million, for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. Sales and marketing expenses were 3.4% and 3.1% of net sales for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. The increase in absolute dollars was primarily due to an increase of $1.2 million in cash compensation and benefits resulting from growth in sales and marketing personnel, an increase of $0.5 million in total advertising and promotional expenses, an increase of $0.2 million in trade show expenses, and an increase of $0.3 million in international sales consulting fees, offset in part by an increase of $0.4 million in cooperative funding from vendors.

 

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We expect sales and marketing expenses to include stock-based compensation expense of $171,000, $157,000, $121,000 and $16,000 in fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, based on the continued vesting of outstanding options as of June 30, 2006.

 

General and administrative expenses.     General and administrative expenses increased by $1.5 million, or 28.8%, from $5.4 million to $6.9 million, for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. General and administrative expenses were 2.6% and 2.3% of net sales for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. The increase in absolute dollars was primarily due to an increase of $0.8 million in salary and benefits and an increase of $0.8 million in legal expenses primarily associated with our defense of certain litigation matters.

 

We expect general and administrative expenses to include stock-based compensation expense of $289,000, $277,000, $186,000 and $47,000 in fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, based on the continued vesting of outstanding options as of June 30, 2006.

 

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss.     Loss from litigation increased by $1.8 million from $(1.2) million to $0.6 million for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. The increase was primarily due to the reversal in fiscal 2005 of the loss accrued in fiscal 2003 as a result of the dismissal of the Digitechnic claims in the court of appeal in France (For more information, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 10.”).

 

Interest and other expense, net.     Interest and other expense, increased by $0.3 million, or 36.6%, from $0.7 million to $1.0 million, for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively, of which $0.9 million and $1.3 million were interest expenses, respectively. The increase was due to higher interest expenses of $0.3 million associated with a mortgage obtained in connection with a new building that we purchased.

 

Provision for income taxes.     Provision for income taxes increased by $6.0 million, or 165.9%, from $3.6 million to $9.7 million, for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. The effective tax rate was 33.9% and 36.3% for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. The increase of the effective tax rate was the result of the reduced benefit of research and development tax credits and foreign income deductions relative to our higher taxable income.

 

Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2004 and 2005

 

Net sales.     Net sales increased by $44.7 million, or 26.8%, from $167.1 million to $211.8 million, for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, respectively. This was due to an increase in unit volumes partially offset by a decrease in average selling prices. For the year ended June 30, 2005, the approximate number of units sold increased 36.3% to 1.3 million compared to 954,000 for the year ended June 30, 2004. The growth in net sales was principally driven by the sales of our X6 series serverboards, which started shipping in fiscal year 2004, offset in part by a decrease in net sales of our X5 series serverboards. In addition, net sales increased from the continued growth of our 6000 and 5000 series of server systems. For the year ended June 30, 2005, the approximate number of server systems units sold increased 27.5% to 88,000 compared to 69,000 for the year ended June 30, 2004. The average selling price of server systems units sold increased 14.3% to approximately $800 in fiscal year 2005 compared to approximately $700 in fiscal year 2004 primarily due to higher sales of our 6000 and 5000 series of server systems offset in part by declines in the average selling prices of more mature products sold to distributors. Average selling prices declined principally as a result of competitive pricing pressures. Sales of servers represented 30.6% and 31.4% of our net sales for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, respectively. For fiscal years 2004 and 2005, we derived approximately 87% and 83%, respectively, of our net sales from products sold to distributors and we derived approximately 13% and 17%, respectively, from sales to OEMs and to end customers. The increase in sales to OEM and to end customers was principally the result of increased sales to OEMs.

 

For fiscal year 2004, approximately 53.9%, 14.5%, 10.3% and 19.9% of our net sales, was to customers in the United States, Asia, Germany and Rest of Europe, respectively, as compared to 56.3%, 12.7%, 9.3% and 18.4%, respectively, for fiscal year 2005.

 

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Cost of sales.     Cost of sales increased by $40.1 million, or 29.0%, from $138.2 million to $178.3 million, for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, respectively. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales, was 82.7% and 84.2% for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, respectively. The increase in cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to lower average selling prices resulting from competitive pricing pressures, which were not offset by corresponding decreases in costs of materials and components and inventory write-off of $1.4 million.

 

Research and development expenses.     Research and development expenses increased by $2.1 million, or 24.6%, from $8.5 million to $10.6 million for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, respectively. The growth in research and development expenses was primarily due to an increase of $1.9 million in salaries and benefits resulting from an increase in research and development personnel.

 

Sales and marketing expenses.     Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $1.2 million, or 14.7%, from $8.4 million to $7.2 million for fiscal years 2004 and 2005. The decrease in sales and marketing expenses was primarily due to an increase of $1.2 million in cooperative funding provided by our vendors and a decrease of $0.8 million in funding we provided to our customers. These decreases in expenses were partially offset by an increase of $0.7 million in salary and benefits resulting from an increase in sales and marketing personnel.

 

General and administrative expenses.     General and administrative expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 6.0%, from $5.1 million to $5.4 million for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, respectively. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $0.6 million in salary and benefits, which was partially offset by $0.3 million currency exchange loss.

 

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss.     Loss from litigation decreased by $1.2 million, or 0.6% of net sales, for fiscal year 2005 due to the reversal of an expense for the Digitechnic litigation originally accrued in fiscal year 2003.

 

Interest and other expense, net.     Interest and other expense, net was $0.7 million for each of fiscal years 2004 and 2005.

 

Provision for income taxes.     Provision for income taxes increased by $2.4 million, or 196.1%, from $1.2 million to $3.6 million, for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, respectively. The effective tax rate was 20.2% and 33.9% for fiscal years 2004 and 2005, respectively. The increase of the effective tax rate was the result of the reduced benefit of research and development tax credits and foreign income deductions relative to our higher taxable income.

 

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Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Information

 

The following table sets forth our quarterly consolidated statements of operations for each of the eight most recent quarters. We have prepared the un-audited quarterly financial information on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, and the financial information reflects all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results for the quarters presented. The results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results of the operations for any future period.

 

    Quarters Ended  
    Sep 30,
2004
    Dec 31,
2004
    Mar 31,
2005
    Jun 30,
2005
    Sep 30,
2005
    Dec 31,
2005
    Mar 31,
2006
    Jun 30,
2006
    Sept 30,
2006
 
    (in thousands, except per share data)  

Net sales

  $ 46,282     $ 52,944     $ 51,957     $ 60,580     $ 64,525     $ 72,117     $ 75,886     $ 90,013     $ 90,187  

Cost of sales

    39,090       44,853       44,307       50,043       52,005       58,452       61,100       70,678       72,202  
                                                                       

Gross profit

    7,192       8,091       7,650       10,537       12,520       13,665       14,786       19,335       17,985  

Operating expenses:

                 

Research and development

    2,606       2,537       2,850       2,616       3,253       3,648       4,412       4,501       4,937  

Sales and marketing

    1,531       1,682       1,959       2,025       2,252       2,494       2,324       2,293       2,357  

General and administrative

    1,423       1,369       1,258       1,330       1,545       1,444       1,714       2,228       2,603  

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss

                (1,178 )(1)                       575             (120 )
                                                                       

Total operating expenses

    5,560       5,588       4,889       5,971       7,050       7,586       9,025       9,022       9,777  
                                                                       

Income from operations

    1,632       2,503       2,761       4,566       5,470       6,079       5,761       10,313       8,208  

Interest income

    11       23       33       50       58       57       64       75       54  

Interest expense

    (226 )     (242 )     (178 )     (221 )     (243 )     (338 )     (334 )     (342 )     (327 )

Other income, net

    13       (9 )     1       12             1       1              
                                                                       

Income before income taxes provision

    1,430       2,275       2,617       4,407       5,285       5,799       5,492       10,046       7,935  

Income tax provision

    473       729       618       1,819       1,942       2,131       1,906       3,696       3,126  
                                                                       

Net income

  $ 957     $ 1,546     $ 1,999     $ 2,588     $ 3,343     $ 3,668     $ 3,586     $ 6,350     $ 4,809  
                                                                       

Net income per share:

                 

Basic

  $ 0.04     $ 0.07     $ 0.09     $ 0.12     $ 0.15     $ 0.17     $ 0.16     $ 0.29     $ 0.22  
                                                                       

Diluted

  $ 0.03     $ 0.05     $ 0.07     $ 0.09     $ 0.11     $ 0.12     $ 0.11     $ 0.19     $ 0.15  
                                                                       

Shares used in per share calculation:

                 

Basic

    21,908       21,912       21,912       21,928       21,958       21,964       21,972       22,150       22,190  
                                                                       

Diluted

    29,064       29,324       29,566       29,818       30,056       30,636       32,048       32,850       32,214  
                                                                       

(1)   Amount represents the reversal of the Digitechnic litigation expense originally accrued in fiscal year 2003.

 

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The following table sets forth our historical operating results, as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

 

    Quarters Ended  
    Sep 30,
2004
    Dec 31,
2004
    Mar 31,
2005
    Jun 30,
2005
    Sep 30,
2005
    Dec 31,
2005
    Mar 31,
2006
    Jun 30,
2006
    Sep 30,
2006
 

Net sales

  100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales

  84.5     84.7     85.3     82.6     80.6     81.0     80.5     78.5     80.1  
                                                     

Gross profit

  15.5     15.3     14.7     17.4     19.4     19.0     19.5     21.5     19.9  

Operating expenses:

                 

Research and development

  5.6     4.8     5.5     4.3     5.0     5.1     5.8     5.0     5.4  

Sales and marketing

  3.3     3.2     3.8     3.3     3.5     3.5     3.1     2.5     2.6  

General and administrative

  3.1     2.6     2.4     2.2     2.4     2.0     2.3     2.5     2.9  

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss

  0.0     0.0     (2.3 )   0.0     0.0     0.0     0.8     0.0     (0.1 )
                                                     

Total operating expenses

  12.0     10.6     9.4     9.8     10.9     10.6     12.0     10.0     10.8  
                                                     

Income from operations

  3.5     4.7     5.3     7.6     8.5     8.4     7.5     11.5     9.1  

Interest income

  0.0     0.1     0.1     0.1     0.1     0.1     0.1     0.1     0.1  

Interest expense

  (0.5 )   (0.5 )   (0.4 )   (0.4 )   (0.4 )   (0.5 )   (0.4 )   (0.4 )   (0.4 )

Other income, net

  0.1     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0     0.0  
                                                     

Income before income taxes provision

  3.1     4.3     5.0     7.3     8.2     8.0     7.2     11.2     8.8  

Income tax provision

  1.0     1.4     1.2     3.0     3.0     3.0     2.5     4.1     3.5  
                                                     

Net Income

  2.1 %   2.9 %   3.8 %   4.3 %   5.2 %   5.0 %   4.7 %   7.1 %   5.3 %
                                                     

 

The following table sets forth our historical net sales by product groups, as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

 

     Quarters Ended  
     Sep 30,
2004
    Dec 31,
2004
    Mar 31,
2005
    Jun 30,
2005
    Sep 30,
2005
    Dec 31,
2005
    Mar 31,
2006
    Jun 30,
2006
    Sep 30,
2006
 

Server systems

   31.0 %   29.4 %   32.8 %   32.4 %   33.6 %   32.2 %   34.5 %   37.0 %   35.2 %

Serverboards and other components

   69.0     70.6     67.2     67.6     66.4     67.8     65.5     63.0     64.8  
                                                      

Total

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                                                      

 

Net sales.     Our net sales have generally increased over the nine quarters ended September 30, 2006. The increase in the quarter ended December 31, 2004 of $6.7 million was primarily due to increased sales of accessories, primarily processors. The increase in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 of $8.6 million was primarily due to increased sales of serverboards and server systems to our OEMs. The increase in net sales in the quarter ended December 31, 2005 of $7.6 million and the quarter ended June 30, 2006 of $14.1 million was primarily due to a general increase in unit volumes. The increase in net sales in the quarter ended September 30, 2006 of $174,000 was due to continued demand for new products partially offset by a temporary shortage in availability of printed circuit board material caused by the loss of two of our five printed circuit board vendors. We subsequently added new vendors.

 

Cost of sales.     Cost of sales fluctuated from quarter to quarter depending on the level of net sales, product mix and unit volume. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales has gradually decreased from 84.5% for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 to 80.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, as we benefited from an increased percentage of sales of higher-margin, fully-assembled server systems and increased economies of scale associated with our higher sales volumes. Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales increased in the quarter ended

 

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September 30, 2006 due to an increase in inventory reserves and an increased freight charge caused by the temporary shortage in availability of printed current boards.

 

Research and development expenses.     Research and development expenses have gradually increased over the nine quarters ended September 30, 2006. Research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales can vary quarter by quarter primarily due to costs associated with new product introductions and reimbursed engineering expenses.

 

Sales and marketing expenses.     Sales and marketing expenses increased over the six quarters ended December 31, 2005, but declined in the two quarters ended June 30, 2006. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net sales vary from quarter to quarter primarily due to changes in cooperative marketing funding and expenses. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased from 3.8% for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 to 3.3% in the quarter ended June 30, 2005 as a result of reduced cooperative marketing funding provided to our distributors. Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of net sales generally declined from 3.1% for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 to 2.6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 due to the change in estimated unclaimed cooperative marketing funds for our distributors and increased cooperative marketing funding provided by our suppliers.

 

General and administrative expenses.     General and administrative expenses have generally increased in absolute dollars over the nine quarters ended September 30, 2006 in order to support our increased sales. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales vary from quarter to quarter primarily as a result of changes in currency translation adjustments and professional fees. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales has decreased from 3.1% for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 to 2.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2006. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased in the quarter ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to an increase in legal expenses primarily associated with our defense of certain litigation matters.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Since our inception, we have financed our growth primarily with funds generated from operations. Our cash and cash equivalents and short term investments were $7.6 million as of June 30, 2004, $12.9 million as of June 30, 2005, $16.6 million as of June 30, 2006, $19.7 million as of September 30, 2005 and $17.1 million as of September 30, 2006.

 

Operating Activities . Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $8.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was due to an increase in net income of $1.5 million, an increase in accrued liabilities of $3.6 million, an increase in income tax payable of $2.8 million and increase in accounts payable of $0.6 million offset by an increase in inventory of $11.4 million, an increase in prepaids and other assets of $1.9 million and increase in accounts receivable of $1.2 million. The increase in inventory was due to delay in server solutions shipments caused by a shortage of printed circuit board raw material. This shortage has been corrected.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.8 million, $4.7 million and $8.2 million for fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2004 was due primarily to our net income of $4.9 million, a decrease in the allowance for sales returns of $1.8 million and an increase in accounts payable of $12.4 million. These increases were partially offset by increases in inventory of $10.3 million and accounts receivable of $2.6 million. Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2005 was due primarily to our net income of $7.1 million, a decrease in the allowance for sales returns of $4.1 million and an increase in accounts payable of $6.6 million. These increases were partially offset by increases in inventory of $8.9 million and accounts receivable of $9.6 million. Net cash provided by our operating activities for fiscal year 2006 was primarily due to our net income of $16.9 million, a decrease in the allowance for sales returns of $2.5 million and an increase in accounts payable of $14.2 million which was substantially offset by an

 

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increase in accounts receivable of $11.2 million and an increase in inventory of $17.1 million. The increases for fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006 in accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable were primarily due to growth in net sales during the periods as a result of new product introductions, increased sales of existing server systems and components and increased purchases from our suppliers. We anticipate that accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable will continue to increase to the extent we continue to grow our product lines and our business.

 

Investing activities .    Net cash used by investing activities was $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $8.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The decrease in investing activity was primarily due to the purchase of new land and building for $9.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2005.

 

Net cash used by our investing activities was $8.4 million, $0.9 million and $9.8 million for fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Of these amounts, $5.8 million and $9.8 million in fiscal years 2004 and 2006, respectively, were related to the purchase of new buildings to support the Company’s growth in warehouse and assembly capacity. In fiscal year 2004, we incurred $1.7 million in restricted funds associated with the line of credit facility which was subsequently released in fiscal year 2005. The released funds were utilized to purchase short term investments in fiscal year 2005. We have historically owned our manufacturing facilities and have leased off-shore offices. The expansion of our manufacturing capability has to date not been capital intensive as our internal manufacturing is limited to assembly and test. We do expect to make significant capital investments in the future as we expand our assembly and test capabilities and invest in our infrastructure in order to improve our controls and procedures in anticipation of growing our business and meeting regulatory requirement associated with being a public company.

 

Financing activities .    Net cash used by financing activities was $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $8.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005. The decrease in financing activity was primarily due to building loans associated with the purchase of land and building in the three months ended September 30, 2005.

 

Net cash provided by our financing activities was $3.6 million, $(0.1) million and $6.9 million for fiscal years 2004, and 2005 and 2006, respectively. Cash provided by financing activities was primarily from building loans associated with the purchase of land and building for assembly and warehouse space to support the growth of the company in fiscal years 2004 and 2006. We repaid $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $2.7 million in loans for fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

We have historically generated cash from our operating activities as we have grown. We expect to experience continued growth in our working capital requirements as we continue to expand our business. We intend to fund this continued expansion though cash generated by operations and the proceeds of this offering. We anticipate that working capital will constitute a material use of our cash resources.

 

Other factors affecting liquidity and capital resources

 

We have entered into four building loans to purchase three facilities located in San Jose, California. Total balance outstanding on these loans was $19.1 million as of September 30, 2006. The first loan was entered into in March 2001 under which we borrowed $8.7 million. The second loan was entered into in April 2004 under which we borrowed $4.3 million. The third and fourth loans were entered into in September 2005 under which we borrowed a total of $7.9 million. These four loans require us to maintain customary covenants related to business and financial condition. They also have customary restrictions on business and financial activity in which we cannot engage without the prior written consent of the bank. For example, under the terms of the building loans, we generally may not, without the lenders’ prior written consent, incur certain indebtedness and liens, engage in business activities substantially different from our present business, liquidate or dissolve our business, lease or dispose of all or a substantial part of our business or assets, sell assets for less than fair market price, enter into any consolidation, merger or other business combination, or make certain loans, acquisitions and guaranties.

 

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In addition, we have historically paid a majority of our vendors within 25 to 100 days of invoice and Ablecom between 120 and 145 days of invoice. Ablecom, a Taiwan corporation, is one of our major contract manufacturers and a related party.

 

We have entered into arrangements with certain financing companies that have committed to pay us in a specified period after shipment to customers for sales transactions that have been approved by these financing companies prior to shipment. We remain obligated to re-purchase the customer obligations if the customer defaults. See, “Note 5 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

 

Our long-term future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our level of revenues, the timing and extent of spending to support our product development efforts, the expansion of sales and marketing activities, the timing of our introductions of new products, the costs to ensure access to adequate manufacturing capacity and the continuing market acceptance of our products. We could be required, or could elect, to seek additional funding through public or private equity or debt financing and additional funds may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The following table describes our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2006:

 

     Payments Due by Period
    

Less Than

1 Year

  

1 to 3

Years

  

3 to 5

Years

  

More Than

5 Years

   Total
     (in thousands)

Operating leases

   $ 382    $ 357    $ 270    $    $ 1,009

Capital leases

     175      69                244

Building loans

     1,785      3,571      3,571      22,929      31,856

Purchase commitments

     8,728      0                8,728
                                  

Total

   $ 11,070    $ 3,997    $ 3,841    $ 22,929    $ 41,837
                                  

 

We expect to fund these obligations from our ongoing operations and the proceeds of this offering.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In December of 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities , an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (FIN No. 46R). FIN No. 46R expands upon and strengthens existing accounting guidance that addresses when a company should include in its financial statements the assets, liabilities and activities of another entity. A variable interest entity is any legal structure used for business purposes that either does not have equity investors with voting rights or has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. A variable interest entity often holds financial assets, including loans and receivables, real estate or other property. A variable interest entity may be essentially passive or it may engage in research and development or other activities on behalf of another company. Previously, one company generally has included another entity in its consolidated financial statements only if it controlled the entity through voting interests. FIN No. 46R changes that by requiring a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns or both. FIN No. 46R became effective beginning with our fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. We have analyzed our relationship with Ablecom and we have concluded that Ablecom is a variable interest entity as defined by FIN No. 46R; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of Ablecom and, therefore, we do not consolidate Ablecom. In performing our analysis, we considered our explicit arrangements with Ablecom including the supplier and distributor arrangements. Also, as a result of the substantial related party relationship between the two companies, we considered whether any implicit arrangements exist that would cause us to protect those related parties’ interests in Ablecom from suffering losses. We determined that no implicit arrangements exist

 

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with Ablecom or its shareholders. Such an arrangement would be inconsistent with the fiduciary duty that we have towards our stockholders who do not own shares in Ablecom.

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 153, “ Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29” (“SFAS 153”). SFAS 153 addresses the measurement of exchanges of non-monetary assets and redefines the scope of transactions that should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. SFAS 153 is effective for non-monetary asset exchanges beginning in our first quarter of fiscal year 2006. The adoption of SFAS 153 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 109-2, “ Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” (“FSP FAS 109-2”). The American Jobs Creation Act introduces a special one-time dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings to a U.S. taxpayer (repatriation provision), provided certain criteria are met. The Company currently has no plans to avail itself of these provisions.

 

In July 2006, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Income Tax Uncertainties” (FIN 48). FIN 48 defines the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements as “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority. FIN 48 also provides guidance on the derecognition, measurement and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties. FIN 48 also includes guidance concerning accounting for income tax uncertainties in interim periods and increases the level of disclosures associated with any recorded income tax uncertainties.

 

FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The differences between the amounts recognized in the statements of financial position prior to the adoption of FIN 48 and the amounts reported after adoption will be accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Because the guidance was recently issued, the Company has not yet determined the impact, if any, of adopting the provisions of FIN 48 on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

 

In June 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 154, “ Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and FASB Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements ” (“SFAS 154”). The Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle, and changes the requirements for accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of a voluntary change in accounting principle unless it is impracticable. SFAS 154 requires that a change in method of depreciation, amortization, or depletion for long-lived, non-financial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate that is affected by a change in accounting principle. Opinion 20 previously required that such a change be reported as a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not believe this pronouncement will have a material impact in our financial results.

 

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB 108”), “ Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements .” SAB 108 provides guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. SAB 108 establishes an approach that requires quantification of financial statement errors based on the effects of each of the company’s balance sheet and statement of operations financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures. SAB 108 permits existing public companies to record the cumulative effect of initially applying this approach in the first year ending after November 15, 2006 by recording the necessary correcting adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of that year with the offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. Additionally, the use of the cumulative effect transition method requires detailed disclosure of the nature and amount of each individual error being corrected through the cumulative adjustment

 

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and how and when it arose. We applied the guidance in SAB 108 as of July 1, 2006. The application of SAB 108 did not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosure About Market Risks

 

The primary objectives of our investment activity are to preserve principal, provide liquidity and maximize income without significantly increasing the risk. Some of the securities we invest in are subject to market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates may cause the principal amount of the investment to fluctuate. To minimize this risk, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents and short-term investments in money market funds and certificates of deposit. Since our results of operations are not dependent on investments, the risk associated with fluctuating interest rates is limited to our investment portfolio, and we believe that a 10% change in interest rates would not have a significant impact on our results from operations. As of September 30, 2006, our investments were in money market funds and certificates of deposit.

 

We had $13.0 million of indebtedness under our credit facilities as of June 30, 2005, $19.2 million of indebtedness under our credit facilities as of June 30, 2006 and $19.1 million of indebtedness under our credit facility as of September 30, 2006. The annual interest rate on our credit facilities is based on various indexes as defined in the loan agreements. At September 30, 2006, the interest rates ranged from 5.28% to 6.75%. An immediate 10% increase in the index rates would not have a material effect on our interest expense.

 

To date, our international customer agreements have been denominated solely in U.S. dollars, and accordingly, we have not been exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations from customer agreements, and do not currently engage in foreign currency hedging transactions. However, the functional currency of our operations in Netherlands and Taiwan is the U.S. dollar and our local accounts are maintained in the local currency in the Netherlands and Taiwan, respectively, and thus we are subject to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations associated with re-measurement to U.S. dollars. Such fluctuations have not been significant historically. For example, foreign exchange gain or (loss) for fiscal years 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2006 was $178,000, ($190,000) and ($9,000), respectively.

 

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BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We design, develop, manufacture and sell application optimized, high performance server solutions based on an innovative, modular and open-standard x86 architecture. Our solutions include a range of complete server systems as well as components. We offer our clients a high degree of flexibility and customization by providing what we believe to be the industry’s broadest array of server components, which are interoperable and can be configured to create complete server systems. Our server systems and components are architected to provide high levels of reliability, quality and scalability, thereby enabling benefits in the areas of performance, thermal management, power efficiency and total cost of ownership. We base our solutions on open standard components, such as processors from Intel and AMD and our solutions can run on the Linux and Windows operating systems.

 

We perform the majority of our research and development efforts in-house, which increases the communication and collaboration between design teams, streamlines the development process and reduces time-to-market. We have developed a set of design principles which allow us to aggregate individual industry standard materials to develop proprietary components, such as serverboards, chassis and power supplies. This building block approach allows us to provide a broad range of SKUs, and enables us to build and deliver customized solutions based upon customers’ application requirements. As of September 30, 2006, we offered over 3,800 SKUs, including SKUs for server systems, severboards, chassis and power supplies and other system accessories.

 

We sell our server systems and components primarily through distributors, which include value added resellers and system integrators, and to a lesser extent to OEMs as well as through our direct sales force. During fiscal year 2006, our products were purchased by over 400 customers, most of which are distributors, operating in more than 70 countries. We commenced operations in 1993 and have been profitable every year since inception. For fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, our net sales were $167.1 million, $211.8 million, and $302.5 million, respectively and our net income was $4.9 million, $7.1 million and $16.9 million, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, our net sales were $64.5 million and $90.2 million, respectively, and our net income was $3.3 million and $4.8 million, respectively.

 

Industry Background

 

Increasing Demand for Computing Capacity

 

As businesses of all sizes process larger quantities of data to communicate, transact and collaborate, their business processes are becoming more complex and their requirements for computing capacity are growing rapidly. Businesses are using traditional networked environments, such as local area networks, or LANs, as well as the Internet, to host a wide range of applications including databases, Intranets and email. Businesses are also using external functions, such as data centers, e-commerce storefronts and extranets, to enable growth of their operations. All of these factors are fueling the demand for increased computing power.

 

Evolution of Open Systems and Scale-out Computing

 

Computing architectures are continuing to evolve to meet this rapidly growing demand for computing capacity. As businesses increasingly require solutions that provide flexibility and scalability in a cost effective manner, they are moving away from traditional proprietary computing solutions toward open system servers with x86 based architectures using either Linux or Windows operating systems. Businesses are building upon this modular and open system concept to create what are commonly referred to as scale-out computing architectures. These scale-out architectures typically consist of open standard components that are assembled into modular computing systems and organized into clustered, rack mount or blade server configurations. These systems are designed to comply with a set of industry standard specifications that are referred to as Server System Infrastructure, or SSI. Scale-out computing enables businesses to add computing capacity incrementally as their needs arise without significantly disrupting existing systems, providing greater flexibility and scalability and

 

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improving total cost of ownership over earlier generations of server systems. IDC, an independent research group, estimates that the worldwide volume server market will increase from $28.5 billion in 2005 to $39.6 billion in 2010, representing a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 6.8%. IDC defines the volume server market as the market for server systems that cost less than $25,000, which is the market we primarily address. IDC also estimates that worldwide end customer spending on blade servers is expected to increase from $2.1 billion in 2005 to $9.6 billion in 2009, representing a compounded annual growth rate of approximately 46.2%.

 

Increasing Need for Rapidly Deployable, Highly Optimized Server Solutions

 

Scale-out server architectures provide significant benefits for many businesses. However, there are a wide range of circumstances in which businesses need more than just the incremental computing capacity that can be obtained by adding more general purpose servers as part of a scale-out deployment. In these circumstances, the nature of the underlying computing architecture contributes meaningfully to the competitive advantage of the business. We refer to the solutions these businesses seek as “application optimized” solutions, as these businesses typically need customized server configurations which provide optimal levels of processing, I/O or memory. These situations include, among others:

 

    Large scalable server farms:     Data centers of online service providers and Global 2000 companies, as well as supercomputing clusters of large research organizations, want to optimize industry standard components by architecting a system platform that enables higher performance through enhanced processing or I/O, more efficient memory bandwidth and greater capacity.

 

    Businesses that have complex computing requirements:     Certain businesses, such as financial services companies, oil exploration companies and entertainment production studios, require systems that have optimized processing and I/O capabilities in order to maximize information and image capture and processing.

 

    OEMs:     Certain OEMs, including vendors of networking hardware and medical imaging equipment, seek to differentiate their end products by requiring a broad selection of high performance and rapidly deployable server solutions that can be optimized for specific applications for their end customers.

 

In all of these situations, server vendors are selected based on several key criteria:

 

Rapidly deployable server solutions.     Many businesses desire the most advanced server technology as soon as it becomes commercially available. For instance, given the rapid product development cycles of new technologies in the networking hardware market, vendors of networking equipment increasingly seek to partner for certain aspects of their solutions, such as server technology, because it enables them to deliver a high performance solution to their customers more quickly. Similarly, online service providers must continue to deploy the latest server technology as soon as it becomes available since the ability to cost-effectively deliver a high degree of service is critical to their business. Because traditional server vendors typically use third party component suppliers, they must deal with the time, complexity and sometimes conflicting interests of coordinating with multiple suppliers throughout the product design and manufacturing process. This lengthens the time required to incorporate new technology into next generation systems. As a result, when building or upgrading their computing capability, businesses must either wait to deploy the latest products or accept solutions that do not incorporate the benefits of the latest technology.

 

Increased optimization for specific business needs.     Servers are deployed to address widely differing applications with very different system requirements. An online gaming company, for instance, may require a server architecture that enables optimal graphic processing, while a scientific research organization may require a server architecture that maximizes computing power. In either case, the business will seek to deploy server systems that are optimized to its specific needs to maximize performance while minimizing costs. Traditional server vendors typically offer only a limited number of standalone server models. Given this lack of flexibility and choice, building an application optimized server solution with traditional server components can be challenging. In order to meet their performance requirements, businesses must often purchase more computing

 

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functionality, including potentially more memory, greater processing power or more efficient power supplies, than would be otherwise necessary had the system been optimized for a specific business need. This increases not only the initial purchase price, but also the total cost of ownership over the useful life of the servers. Alternatively, businesses that seek a customized server solution from traditional server vendors face limited choices and often must accept considerable delays.

 

Superior price-to-performance per watt.     In addition to the need for rapidly available and highly optimized server solutions, businesses with application optimized server needs face growing scalability challenges. Many application optimized server deployments constitute increasingly larger server systems, particularly in scale-out configurations, and can involve hundreds or even thousands of servers. Deployments of this magnitude can present numerous performance, space, energy and maintenance challenges. First, the aggregation of large numbers of computing systems leads to escalating energy requirements. As a result, businesses require scale-out computing systems that not only perform well but also minimize power consumption. Second, the increasing need for computing capacity has resulted in the need for higher density solutions to optimize the use of valuable floor space and to minimize operating costs. Third, the high density of the equipment, together with increasing power consumption per CPU, are creating a significant challenge for businesses attempting to manage heat dissipation effectively to prevent system failure. IDC currently estimates that power and cooling costs as a percentage of spending for new servers will increase from 48% in 2005 to 71% in 2010. IDC also estimates that over 40% of large server farms report cooling capacities have limited the deployment of new systems.

 

The Super Micro Solution

 

We design, develop, manufacture and sell application optimized, high performance server solutions based upon an innovative, modular and open-standard x86 architecture. Our primary competitive advantages arise from how we use our integrated internal research and development organization to develop the intellectual property used in our server solutions. These have enabled us to develop a set of design principles and performance specifications that we refer to as Super SSI that meet industry standard SSI requirements and also incorporate advanced functionality and capabilities. Super SSI provides us with greater flexibility to quickly and efficiently develop new server solutions and that are optimized for our customers’ specific application requirements. Our modular architectural approach has allowed us to offer our customers interoperable designs across all of our components. This modular approach, in turn, enables us to provide what we believe to be the industry’s largest array of server systems and components.

 

Flexible and Customizable Server Solutions

 

We provide flexible and customizable server solutions to address the specific application needs of our customers. Our design principles allow us to aggregate industry standard materials to develop proprietary components, such as serverboards, chassis and power supplies to deliver a broad range of products with superior features. Each component is built to be backward compatible. We believe this building block approach allows us to provide a broad range of SKUs. As of September 30, 2006, we offered over 3,800 SKUs, including SKUs for server systems, serverboards, chassis and power supplies and other system accessories.

 

Rapid Time-to-Market

 

We are able to significantly reduce the design and development time required to incorporate the latest technologies and to deliver the next generation application optimized server solutions. Our in-house design competencies and control of the design of many of the components used within our server systems enable us to rapidly develop, build and test server systems and components with unique configurations. As a result, when new products are brought to market we are generally able to quickly design, integrate and assemble server solutions with little need to re-engineer other portions of our solution. Our efficient design capabilities allow us to offer our customers server solutions incorporating the latest technology with a superior price-to-performance ratio. We work closely with the leading microprocessor vendors to coordinate the design of our new products with their product release schedules, thereby enhancing our ability to rapidly introduce new products incorporating the latest technology.

 

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Improved Power Efficiency and Thermal Management

 

Our server solutions include many design innovations to optimize power consumption and manage heat dissipation. We have designed flexible power management systems which customize or eliminate components in an effort to reduce overall power consumption. We have proprietary power supplies that can be integrated across a wide range of server system form factors which can significantly enhance power efficiency. We have also developed technologies that are specifically designed to reduce the effects of heat dissipation from our servers. Our thermal management technology allows our products to achieve a superior price-to-performance ratio while minimizing energy costs and reducing the risk of server malfunction caused by overheating.

 

High Density Servers

 

Our servers and components are designed to enable customers to maximize computing power while minimizing the physical space utilized. We offer server systems with twice the density of conventional solutions, which allows our customers to efficiently deploy our server systems in scale-out configurations. Through our proprietary technology, we can offer significantly more memory and expansion slots than traditional server systems with a comparable server form factor. For example, for a server with room for one rack or shelf, or a 1U server, we offer up to five expansion slots. In addition, we offer systems in a 1U configuration with features and capabilities generally offered by competitors only in a server with room for two racks or shelves, or a 2U server, configuration.

 

Strategy

 

Our objective is to be the leading provider of application optimized, high performance server solutions worldwide. Key elements of our strategy include:

 

Maintain Our Time-to-Market Advantage

 

We believe one of our major competitive advantages is our ability to rapidly incorporate the latest computing innovations into our products. We intend to maintain our time-to-market advantage by continuing our investment in our research and development efforts to rapidly develop new proprietary server solutions based on industry standard components. We plan to continue to work closely with Intel and AMD, among others, to develop products that are compatible with the latest generation of industry standard technologies. We believe these efforts will allow us to continue to offer products that lead in price for performance as each generation of computing innovations becomes available.

 

Expand Our Product Offerings

 

We plan to increase the number of products we offer to our customers. Our product portfolio will continue to include additional solutions based on the latest Intel and AMD technologies. We plan to enhance our ability to deliver improved power and thermal management capabilities, as well as servers and components that can operate in increasingly dense environments. We also plan to continue developing and in the future offer additional management software capabilities that are integrated with our server products and will further enable our customers to simplify and automate the deployment, configuration and monitoring of our servers.

 

Further Develop Existing Markets and Expand Into New Markets

 

We intend to strengthen our relationships with existing distribution and OEM partners and add new distributors. We will continue to target specific industry segments that require application optimized server solutions including data center environments, financial services, oil and gas exploration, biotechnology and entertainment. We plan to expand our reach geographically, particularly in the Asia Pacific region and Europe.

 

Strengthen Our Relationships with Suppliers and Manufacturers

 

Our efficient supply chain and outsourced manufacturing allow us to build systems to order that are customized, while minimizing costs. We plan to continue leveraging our relationships with suppliers and contract

 

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manufacturers in order to maintain and improve our cost structure as we benefit from economies of scale. We intend to continue to source non-core products from external suppliers. We also believe that as our solutions continue to gain greater market acceptance, we will generate growing and recurring business for our suppliers and contract manufacturers. We believe this increased volume will enable us to receive better pricing and achieve higher margins. We believe that a highly disciplined approach to cost control is critical to success in our industry. For example, we plan to expand our warehousing capacity in Asia through our relationship with Ablecom Technology, Inc., one of our major contract manufacturers and a related party, so that we may be able to deliver products to our customers in Asia and elsewhere more quickly and in higher volumes.

 

Deliver Advanced Blade Server Technology

 

To meet the emerging demand for blade servers, we are currently developing, and plan to introduce in the first half of calendar 2007, a high-performance blade server solution, called Superblade. Superblade will support both Intel Xeon and AMD Opteron processors. We intend to offer different configurations of our Superblade that will be optimized to support several different applications. By creating a range of unique blade server offerings, we will provide our customers with solutions that can be customized to fit their needs.

 

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Products

 

We offer a broad range of application optimized server solutions, including complete server systems and components which customers can use to build complete server systems. The diagram below depicts how end customers typically deploy Supermicro servers within their networks. Our servers are deployed in several configurations within two areas of an enterprise network:

 

LOGO

 

Headquarters :    Enterprises build large scalable server farms at the enterprise gateway to run many of the most demanding applications and to provide basic computational infrastructure. Enterprises typically deploy our rack-mounted servers in order to save floor space and enable rapid deployment of additional server capacity as computing demands increase. Enterprises may also choose to deploy our tower servers in a clustered configuration, which combines the processing capability of multiple standalone, or tower servers such that they act like a single, large computer in order to accomplish computationally intensive tasks in a more cost-effective manner.

 

Branch:     Within branch office data rooms, servers are deployed in rack-mounted configurations, in order to simplify the upgrade of servers or to swap out faulty servers, minimizing network downtime and making the management of the server infrastructure easier to maintain for branch offices with less specialized IT staffs. Also, within branch office workgroups, enterprises typically deploy our tower servers to accomplish basic office functions such as centralizing printing jobs, serving files and running local e-mail and other messaging applications.

 

Server Systems

 

We sell server systems both in rack-mounted and standalone tower form factors. We currently offer a complete range of server options with single, dual and quad CPU capability supporting Intel Pentium 4, Pentium D and Xeon architectures in 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U and tower form factors. We also offer complete server systems for

 

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AMD dual and quad Opteron in 1U, 2U, and 4U configurations. As of September 30, 2006, we offered over 450 different server systems. For each system, we offer multiple chassis designs and power supply options to best suit customer requirements. We also offer multiple configurations based on our latest generation systems which have up to five expansion slots. A majority of our most common systems are also available in minimum 1U or 1/2 depth form factors which are approximately one half of the size of standard sized rack-mounted servers.

 

The figure below depicts a typical rack-mounted server and the different components that we typically optimize for our customers. The layout presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the typical layout of all our servers.

 

LOGO

 

  A.   Chassis :    Industry standard 1U rack-mounted chassis that permits server interoperability while efficiently housing key server components
  B.   Power Supply:     Cost effective, high efficiency AC/DC power supply
  C.   Memory:     Scaleable 16 slot memory expansion capability. Provides up to 64GB memory capability
  D.   Supermicro Intelligent Management Card:     Monitors onboard instrumentation for server health and allows remote management and KVM over LAN for the entire network via a single keyboard, monitor and mouse
  E.   CPU:     Programmable computer processing units that perform all server instruction and logic processing. Supermicro servers support up to four Single or Dual Core processors from both Intel and AMD
  F.   Expansion Modules:     Allows increased functionality, I/O customization and flexibility. Super SSI features enable four Expansion I/O cards in a 1U server allowing 2U capability in a 1U form factor
  G.   Thermal Management:     Counter rotating and redundant fans provide optimum cooling and dissipation of server component heat
  H.   Hard Disk Drives:     Storage medium for operating system, applications and data. We offer “power-on” hot-swappable capability

 

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Below is a table that summarizes the most common server configurations purchased by our customers. We also design and build other customized systems using these and other building blocks to meet specific customer requirements.

 

Server System Model

  

CPU

  

Memory

   Drive Bays    Form Factor    SKUs

5000 Series

   Pentium D, Pentium 4    Unbuffered DDRII    1 to 4 drives    1U, Mid-tower    19 models

6000 Series

   Dual Xeon (Dual Core)    FB-DIMM DDRII, ECC Registered DDRII    1 to 16 drives    1U, 2U, 3U    47 models

7000 Series

   Dual Xeon (Dual Core)    FB-DIMM DDRII, ECC Registered DDRII    1 to 8 drives    4U, Tower    21 models

1000 Series

   Dual/Quad Opteron    ECC Registered DDR    1 to 4 drives    1U    16 models

2000 Series

   Dual Opteron    ECC Registered DDR    1 to 6 drives    2U    2 models

4000 Series

   Dual/Quad Opteron    ECC Registered DDR    1 to 8 drives    4U, Tower, Mid-
tower
   5 models

 

We offer a variety of server storage options depending upon the system, with disk drive alternatives including small computer system interface, or SCSI, serial advanced technology attachment, or SATA, Intelligent Drive Electronics, or IDE, and serial attached SCSI, or SAS.

 

In addition to our server systems, we also offer Supermicro Intelligent Management, or SIM, card solutions. These are sold as part of our server systems. Our SIM card implements the industry standard Intelligent Platform Management Interface, or IPMI, 2.0 to provide remote access, system monitoring and administration functionality for our server platforms. Our SIM card includes key capabilities such as remote hardware status, failure notification, as well as the ability to power-cycle non-responsive servers and out of band keyboard, video and monitor, or KVM, functionality over LAN. Our SIM solutions enable server administrators to view a server’s hardware status remotely, receive an alarm automatically when a failure occurs, and power cycle a system that is non-responsive. Our Intelligent Management module monitors onboard instrumentation such as temperature sensors, power status, voltages and fan speed, and provides remote power control capabilities to reboot and reset the server. It also includes remote access to the Basic Input/Output System, or BIOS, configuration and operating system console information. The monitoring and control functions work independently of the CPU because the SIM card is a completely separate processor. Data center administrators can gain full remote access to control the BIOS, utilities, operating systems and software applications. In summary, our SIM solutions include the following key features:

 

    embedded processor to provide out of band KVM capabilities thereby extending the use of a single keyboard, monitor and mouse to the entire network;

 

    enhanced authentication support to establish secure remote sessions and authenticate users; and

 

    enhanced encryption support to allow secure remote password configuration and protect sensitive system data when it is transferred over the network.

 

Server Components

 

We believe we offer the largest array of modular server components or building blocks in the industry that are sold off the shelf or built-to-order to provide our customers with greater flexibility. These components are the

 

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foundation of our server solutions and span product offerings from the entry-level single and dual processor server segment to the high-end multi-processor market. The majority of the components we sell individually are optimized to work together and are ultimately integrated into complete server systems.

 

Serverboards

 

We design our serverboards with the latest chipset and networking technologies. Each serverboard is designed and optimized to adhere to specific physical, electrical and design requirements in order to work with certain combinations of chassis and power supplies and achieve maximum functionality. We not only adhere to SSI specifications, but our Super SSI specifications provide an advanced set of features that increase the functionality and flexibility of our products. The following table displays our serverboard offerings for X7 (Intel’s newest generation of Dual Core Xeon 5000/5100 series), X6 (Intel’s 800Mhz Front Side Bus generation of Xeon solutions), X5 (Intel’s 533Mhz Front Side Bus generation of Xeon solutions), P-series (Intel’s single processor solutions) and H8 (AMD’s Dual Core Opteron 200 and 800 series). As of September 30, 2006, we offered more than 500 SKUs for serverboards.

 

Below is a table that summarizes the most common serverboard configurations purchased by our customers.

 

Serverboard Model

  

CPU

   System Bus   

Form Factor

   Memory    SKUs
X7 Series    Dual Xeon (Dual Core)    1333/1066/667
MHz
   Advanced Technology Extended (ATX)/ Extended ATX (EATX)    Fully
Buffered-
DIMM
DDRII
   18 models
X6 Series    Dual Xeon    800 MHz    ATX/EATX    ECC
Registered
DDRII
   47 models
X5 Series    Dual Xeon    533 MHz    ATX/EATX    DDR    21 models
PD & P8 Series    Pentium D,
Pentium 4
   1066/800/533
MHz
   ATX    Unbuffered
DDRII
   21 models
H8 Series    Dual/Quad Opteron    Hypertransport    ATX/EATX    ECC
Registered
DDR
   25 models

 

Chassis and Power Supplies

 

Our chassis are designed to efficiently house our servers while maintaining interoperability, adhering to industry standards and increasing output efficiency through power supply design. We believe that our latest generation of power supplies achieves the maximum power efficiency available in the industry. In addition, we have developed a remote management system that offers the ability to stagger the start up of systems and reduce the aggregate power draw at system boot to allow customers to increase the number of systems attached to a power circuit. We design DC power solutions to be compatible with data centers that have AC, DC or AC and DC based power distribution infrastructures. We believe our unique power design technology reduces power consumption by increasing power efficiency to approximately 86%, which we believe is among the most efficient available in the industry. Our server chassis come with hot-plug, heavy-duty fans, fan speed control and an advanced air shroud design to maximize airflow redundancy.

 

The table below depicts some of our chassis product offerings including the 500-series (front I/O options and space constrained environments), 800-series (most widely used for single, dual and quad processor servers), 700-series (Tower and 4U rack-mounted servers) and 900-series (for high-density storage applications) chassis

 

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products. These chassis solutions offer redundant power, cold swap power supply, redundant cooling fan options and high efficiency AC and DC power combinations. As of September 30, 2006, we offered more than 1,050 SKUs for chassis and power supplies.

 

Chassis Model

 

CPU Support

  Expansions   Drive Bays   Power Supply   Form Factor   SKUs
SC500 Series   Xeon, Pentium D, Pentium 4, Opteron   1 FH   1 internal drive   260W - 520W   Mini-1U   9 models
SC700 Series   Xeon, Pentium D, Pentium 4, Opteron   7 FL   7 to 8 drives   300W - redundant
800W
  4U, Tower,
Mid-tower
  32 models
SC800 Series   Xeon, Pentium D, Pentium 4, Opteron   various
configurations
  2 to 16 drives   260W - 1000W   1U, 2U,
3U
  97 models
SC900 Series   Xeon, Pentium D, Pentium 4   6 to 7 FL   15 drives   650W - redundant
760W
  3U, 4U,
Tower
  11 models

 

Other System Accessories

 

As part of our server component offerings, we also offer other system accessories that our customers may require or that we use to build our server solutions. These other products include, among others, microprocessors, memory and disc drives and generally are third party developed and manufactured products that we resell without modification. As of September 30, 2006, we offered more than 1,800 SKUs for other system accessories.

 

Future Products under Development

 

Other products currently under development include a suite of blade server systems. Blade servers are designed to share a common computing infrastructure, thereby saving additional space and power. Our blade servers are self-contained servers designed to achieve industry leading density and superior performance per square foot at a lower total cost of ownership. Our blade server system enclosure provides power, cooling, networking, various interconnects and system-level management and will support both Intel Xeon and AMD Opteron processors. We expect that our Superblade server system will provide industry leading CPU density, memory expandability, reliability and price-to-performance per square foot. We intend to offer different configurations of our Superblade server system that will be optimized to support several different applications. We expect our blade servers to be commercially available in the first half of calendar 2007.

 

Technology

 

We are focused on providing leading edge, high performance products for our customers. We have developed a design process to rapidly deliver products with superior features. The technology incorporated in our products is designed to provide high levels of reliability, quality, security and scalability. Our most advanced technology is developed in-house, which allows us to efficiently implement advanced capabilities into our server solutions. We work in collaboration with our key customers and suppliers to constantly improve upon our designs, reduce complexity and improve reliability.

 

Our server solutions are based on our Super SSI architecture, which incorporates proprietary I/O expansion, thermal and cooling design features as well as high-efficiency power supplies. For example, our 1U servers now offer up to 5 I/O expansion slots with up to 16 DIMM slots to accommodate up to 64GB of memory, which, prior to Super SSI, was only possible in a 2U chassis. We also achieved higher memory densities by designing customized serverboards to include 16 memory slots without sacrificing I/O expansion capability. The result is what we believe to be a superior serverboard design that provides our customers with increased flexibility for

 

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their new and legacy add-on card support and the ability to keep up with the growing memory requirements needed to maintain system performance requirements.

 

Our latest chassis designs include advanced cooling mechanisms such as proprietary air shrouds to help deliver cool air directly to the hottest components of the system resulting in improved cooling efficiency and consequently increasing system reliability. Our newest generation of power supplies incorporates advanced design features that provide what we believe to be the highest level of efficiency in the industry and therefore reduces overall power consumption. Our advanced power supply solutions include redundant cooling mechanisms for reliability and reduced failure rates.

 

Research and Development

 

We have over 13 years of research and development experience in server component design and in recent years, have devoted additional resources to the design of server systems. Our engineering staff is responsible for the design, development, quality, documentation and release of our products. We continuously seek ways to optimize and improve the performance of our existing product portfolio and introduce new products to address market opportunities. We perform the majority of our research and development efforts in-house, increasing the communication and collaboration between design teams to streamline the development process and reducing time-to-market. We are determined to continue to reduce our design and manufacturing costs and improve the performance, cost effectiveness and thermal and space efficiency of our solutions.

 

Over the years, our research and development team has focused on the development of new and enhanced products that can support emerging protocols while continuing to accommodate legacy technologies. Much of our research and development activity is focused on the new product cycles of leading chipset vendors. We work closely with Intel and AMD, among others, to develop products that are compatible with the latest generation of industry standard technologies under development. Our collaborative approach with the chipset vendors allows us to coordinate the design of our new products with their product release schedules, thereby enhancing our ability to rapidly introduce new products incorporating the latest technology. We work closely with their development teams to optimize chip performance and reduce system level issues. We also work with companies such as Adaptec on storage solutions. Similarly, we work very closely with our customers to identify their needs and develop our new product plans accordingly.

 

We believe that the combination of our focus on internal research and development activities, our close working relationships with chipset vendors and our modular design approach allow us to minimize time-to-market. Since January 2005, we believe we were the first to introduce the following new technologies to the market:

 

    a multi-core Xeon architecture with 64 GB main memory capability;

 

    server solutions with a 1U configuration with high density I/O capability typically found in a 2U configuration, as well as a 5 I/O expansion card in a 1U configuration; and

 

    configuration server solutions with a serial attached SCSI storage option capability with SCSI enclosure services, or SES2, for alerting users of drive temperature and fan failures.

 

As of September 30, 2006, we had 166 employees and one engineering consultant dedicated to research and development. Our total research and development expenses were $8.5 million, $10.6 million and $15.8 million for fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and $3.3 million and $4.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

Sales, Marketing and Customer Service

 

To execute our strategy, we have developed a sales and marketing program which is primarily focused on indirect sales channels. As of September 30, 2006, our sales and marketing organization consisted of 65 employees and 12 independent sales representatives in 12 locations worldwide.

 

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We work with distributors, including resellers and system integrators, and OEMs to market and sell customized solutions to their end customers. We provide sales and marketing assistance and training to our distributors and OEMs, who in turn provide service and support to end customers. We intend to leverage our relationships with key distributors and OEMs to penetrate select industry segments where our products can provide a superior alternative to existing solutions. For a more limited group of customers who do not normally purchase through distributors or OEMs, we have implemented a direct sales approach.

 

We maintain close contact with our distributors and end customers. We often collaborate during the sales process with our distributors and the customer’s technical point of contact to help determine the optimal system configuration for the customer’s needs. Our interaction with distributors and end customers allows us to monitor customer requirements and develop new products to better meet end customer needs.

 

International Sales

 

Product fulfillment and first level support for our international customers are provided by our distributors and OEMs. Our international sales efforts are supported both by our international offices in the Netherlands and Taiwan as well as by our U.S. sales organization. Sales outside of the U.S. represented 46.1%, 43.7% and 41.5% of net sales in fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively and 43.0% and 40.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

Marketing

 

Our marketing programs are designed to inform existing and potential customers, the trade press, distributors and OEMs about the capabilities and benefits of using our products and solutions. Our marketing efforts support the sale and distribution of our products through our distribution channels. We rely on a variety of marketing vehicles, including advertising, public relations, participation in industry trade shows and conferences to help gain market acceptance. We also provide funds for cooperative marketing to our distributors. These funds reimburse our distributors for promotional spending they may do on behalf of promoting Supermicro products. Promotional spending by distributors is subject to our pre-approval and include items such as film or video for television, magazine or newspaper advertisements, trade show promotions and sales force promotions. The amount available to each distributor is based on its amount of purchases. We also work closely with leading microprocessor vendors in cooperative marketing programs and benefit from market development funds that they make available. These programs are similar to the programs we make available to our distributors in that we are reimbursed for expenses incurred related to promoting the vendor’s product.

 

Customer Service

 

We provide customer support for our server systems through our website and 24-hour continuous direct phone based support. For strategic direct and OEM customers, we also have higher levels of customer service available, including, in some cases, on site service and support.

 

Customers

 

For fiscal year 2006, our products were purchased by over 400 customers, most of which are distributors, operating in more than 70 countries. None of our customers accounted for 10% or more of our net sales in fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006 or the three months ended September 30, 2005 or 2006. End users of our products span a broad range of industries.

 

Case studies of ongoing and successfully completed deployments of Supermicro server solutions include the following:

 

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Scientific Research Center (USA): Large scientific research organizations require highly optimized CPU and memory performance capabilities architected as

 

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supercomputing server clusters. To complete the highly complex scientific research conducted at LLNL, the laboratory required cost-effective computing power to be delivered to their scientific community. Supermicro server building blocks (serverboards, chassis, power supplies) were selected for LLNL’s high performance computing clusters because of their feature optimization, reliability and efficiency and price-to-performance advantages.

 

Strato AG Web Hosting (Germany): As one of the top three web hosting companies in Europe, Strato AG needs to deploy very large numbers of server nodes in multiple hosting locations. With the high cost of power in Germany and throughout Europe, Strato AG needed the highest available performance per watt capabilities to reduce total cost of ownership and to deliver cost-effective products to their millions of customers. With the help of a local system integrator, Strato AG deployed our single processor server solutions with superior performance per watt and price-to-performance features and was able to continue growing their web hosting capacity to service millions of customers and domain names.

 

Juniper Networks (USA): Juniper Networks, an OEM customer, operates in the highly competitive and dynamic telecom industry and seeks differentiation in their end products. Juniper Networks required a turnkey appliance solution from an original server design company with a broad selection of rapidly deployable and flexible server modules that can be optimized for specific applications and markets. They also needed local service and post sales support for maximum agility. We provided Juniper Networks with highly customizable server building blocks and highly integrated turnkey solutions to meet their customer requirements and achieve Juniper’s business objectives.

 

Dawning (China) : One of the largest local China server OEMs, Dawning needed stable and highly efficient (from performance and power consumption standpoints) server building block solutions to address the growing market in China with competitive server products. Dawning deployed our dual processor server solutions with the highly efficient power supplies coupled with best price-to-performance to differentiate their product offerings for the Chinese market and were able to win large server projects in China’s rapidly growing telecom industry.

 

Siemens (USA/Germany) : In order to achieve competitive advantage, Siemens’ medical imaging systems division needed a server solution that minimized the amount of time between image capture and transmission for CT, MRI and PET scan systems. We implemented a custom serverboard architecture for Siemens which enabled the highest available I/O expansion and system bandwidth capabilities for dual processor systems. This enabled Siemens to achieve maximum communications throughput for their medical imaging products.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We seek to protect our intellectual property rights with a combination of trademark, copyright, trade secret laws and disclosure restrictions. We rely primarily on trade secrets, technical know-how and other unpatented proprietary information relating to our design and product development activities. We have issued patents and pending patent applications in the U.S. We also enter into confidentiality and proprietary rights agreements with our employees, consultants and other third parties and control access to our designs, documentation and other proprietary information. Our registered trademarks include Supermicro, our company logo, Server Building Block Solution, Building Block Solutions, SuperO, Superboard and Superdoctor. Our pending trademark applications include A+ Motherboard, S-Server, Superblade, X-Blade and X-Blade Server. If a claim is asserted that we have infringed the intellectual property of a third party, we may be required to seek licenses to that technology. In addition, we license third party technologies that are incorporated into some elements of our services. Third parties may infringe or misappropriate our proprietary rights.

 

Manufacturing and Quality Control

 

We use several third party suppliers and contract manufacturers for materials and sub-assemblies, such as serverboards, chassis, disk drives, power supplies, fans and computer processors. We believe that selectively using outsourced manufacturing services allows us to focus on our core competencies in product design and

 

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development and increases our operational flexibility. Our manufacturing strategy allows us to quickly adjust manufacturing capacity in response to changes in customer demand and to rapidly introduce new products to the market. We use Ablecom, a related party, for contract design and manufacturing coordination support. We work with Ablecom to optimize modular designs for our chassis and certain of our other components. Ablecom coordinates the manufacturing of chassis for us. We plan to expand our warehousing capacity and our manufacturing relationship with Ablecom in China. Ablecom is transferring operations from Taiwan to a larger facility in China. In addition to providing a larger volume of contract manufacturing services for us, Ablecom will warehouse for us an increasing number of components and subassemblies manufactured by multiple suppliers prior to shipment to our facilities in the U.S. and Europe.

 

For server systems, assembly, test and quality control are completed at our wholly-owned manufacturing facility in San Jose, California which has been ISO-9001 certified since 2001. This facility has been certified ISO-9001:2000 compliant since August 2003. We intend to expand our manufacturing, assembly and test capabilities in Asia and Europe to be closer to our key international customers and to reduce costs of shipping our products to our customers. In accordance with ISO-9001 requirements, quality control and inventory management is extended through our suppliers and contract manufacturers with continuous reporting and ongoing qualification programs. The assembly of our server system products involves integrating supplied materials and manufactured sub-assemblies into final products, which are configured and tested before being delivered to our customers.

 

We maintain sufficient inventory such that most of our orders can be filled within 14 days. We monitor our inventory on a continuous basis in order to be able to meet customer orders and to avoid inventory obsolescence. Due to our modular designs, our inventory can generally be used with multiple different products, further reducing the risk of inventory write-downs.

 

Competition

 

The market for our products is highly competitive, rapidly evolving and subject to new technological developments, changing customer needs and new product introductions. We compete primarily with large vendors of x86 general purpose servers and components. In addition, we also compete with a number of smaller vendors who specialize in the sale of server components and systems. We believe our principal competitors include:

 

    Global technology vendors such as Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, International Business Machines Corporation and Intel;

 

    Specialized server vendors, such as Rackable Systems, Inc.; and

 

    Original Design Manufacturers, or ODMs, such as Quanta Computer, Inc.

 

The principal competitive factors in our market include the following:

 

    first to market with new emerging technologies;

 

    flexible and customizable products to fit customers’ objectives;

 

    high product performance and reliability;

 

    early identification of emerging opportunities;

 

    cost-effectiveness;

 

    interoperability of products;

 

    scalability; and

 

    localized and responsive customer support on a worldwide basis.

 

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We believe that we compete favorably with respect to most of these factors. However, most of our competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater resources and greater name recognition. They may be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of their products than we can, which could allow them to respond more quickly to new technologies and changes in customer needs.

 

Employees

 

As of September 30, 2006, we employed 491 full time employees and 13 consultants, consisting of 166 employees in research and development, 65 employees in sales and marketing, 53 employees in general and administrative and 207 employees in manufacturing. Of these employees, 412 are based in our San Jose facility. We consider our highly qualified and motivated employees to be a key factor in our business success. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining organization and we have never experienced a work stoppage. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

On September 2, 2005, Rackable Systems, Inc. filed a lawsuit against us in federal court for the Northern District of California, alleging that one of our product families infringes two United States patents that relate to computers with front mounted I/O connectors and back-to-back placement of rack mounted computers. The complaint seeks compensatory damages, treble damages for willful infringement, interest, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. A “Markman” hearing was held on October 4, 2006 at which the Court made certain determinations regarding the scope and validity of the patent claims. The case remains in pre-trial motions and discovery. We believe the claims to be without merit and intend to defend them vigorously. However, the results of litigation are inherently uncertain, and there can be no assurance that we will prevail. Any such suit or proceeding could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In 2004, we received subpoenas from the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce, or BIS, with respect to our relationship with a distributor and transactions involving the sale and resale of products to Iran. After receiving the first subpoena, we retained special export control counsel, conducted an internal investigation into these matters and terminated our relationship with the distributor in question. We also instituted a new export compliance program, which program we continue to develop and implement. The U.S. Department of Justice and Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of Treasury, or OFAC, also initiated investigations regarding these matters. In September 2006, we entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice pursuant to which we agreed to plead guilty to one count of violating federal export regulations by shipping 300 motherboards to Dubai, UAE, with knowledge that they would be transshipped to Iran. We agreed to pay a $150,000 fine. The plea agreement has been approved by the U.S. District Court. We have also entered into a settlement agreement with BIS with respect to alleged violations of the Export Administration Regulations pursuant to which we agreed to pay a fine of approximately $125,000. We were charged by BIS with twelve violations of the Export Administration Regulations. Six of these violations involved the shipment of server systems and components without required government authorization through a distributor to end customers in Iran. Three of these violations involved allegations that shipments took place when we knew or had reason to know that the transactions would constitute a violation of the applicable regulations. Three involved claims that we made false declarations on shipping documents, stating that no license was required for the export of the products when in fact a government license was required. BIS has also issued a proposed charging letter to one of our employees who served as an international sales team leader at the time of the transactions in question. This individual continues to be employed by us; however, the individual no longer works in an international sales function. Potential civil charges against this employee have not been resolved by our settlement with BIS. Finally, we have a settlement agreement with OFAC relating to 21 alleged violations of U.S. sanctions laws. Pursuant to this agreement, we have paid a fine of $179,000. We believe that all issues with respect to the matters under investigation have been resolved as to the Company. We believe we are currently in compliance in all material respects with applicable export related laws and regulations. However, if our export compliance program is not effective, or if we are subject to any future claims regarding violation of export

 

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control laws and economic sanctions, we could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, which could lead to a material fine or other sanctions, including loss of export privileges, that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and future prospects. In addition, these plea and settlement agreements and any future violations could have an adverse impact on our ability to sell our products to U.S. federal, state and local government and related entities.

 

We are subject to a suit brought by Digitechnic, S.A. which was filed in the Bobigny Commercial Court in Paris, France in 1999. The claims involve allegations of damages stemming from allegedly defective products. In September 2003, the Bobigny Commercial Court awarded damages of approximately $1.2 million against us. In February 2005, the Paris Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s ruling, dismissed all of Digitechnic’s claims and awarded costs to us. Digitechnic has appealed the Paris Court of Appeals decision to the French Supreme Court. Although we cannot predict with certainty the final outcome of this litigation, we believe the claim to be without merit and intend to continue to defend it vigorously.

 

In addition to the above, from time to time, we may be involved in various legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business activities. In our opinion, resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or our financial position. However, depending on the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of a matter could materially affect our future results of operations, cash flows or financial position in a particular period.

 

Facilities

 

Our principal executive offices, research and development center and production operations are located at three separate properties in San Jose, California where we own approximately 262,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space subject to existing mortgages with approximately $19.1 million remaining outstanding as of September 30, 2006. Our European headquarters for sales and customer support is located in Denbosch, Netherlands where we lease approximately 21,000 square feet of office space under a lease that expires in 2011. In Asia, our research and development operations are located in an approximately 14,000 square feet facility in Taipei County, Taiwan under a lease that expires in 2007.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

Executive Officers and Directors

 

The following table shows information about our executive officers and directors as of November 30, 2006:

 

Name

   Age   

Position(s)

Charles Liang

   49    Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

Howard Hideshima

   47    Chief Financial Officer

Alex Hsu

   58    Chief Sales and Marketing Officer

Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang

   45    Vice President of Operations, Treasurer and Director

Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw

   51    Vice President of International Sales, Secretary and Director

Bruce Alexander(1)(2)(3)

   62    Director

Hwei-Ming (Fred) Tsai(1)(2)(3)

   51    Director

(1)   Member of the Audit Committee.
(2)   Member of the Compensation Committee.
(3)   Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

Executive Officers

 

Charles Liang founded Super Micro and has served as our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since our inception in September 1993. Mr. Liang has been developing server system architectures and technologies for the past two decades. From July 1991 to August 1993, Mr. Liang was President and Chief Design Engineer of Micro Center Computer Inc., a high-end motherboard design and manufacturing company. From January 1988 to April 1991, Mr. Liang was Senior Design Engineer and Project Leader for Chips & Technologies, Inc., a chipset technology company, and Suntek Information International Group, a system and software development company. Mr. Liang has been granted many server technology patents. Mr. Liang holds an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University of Science & Technology in Taiwan.

 

Howard Hideshima has served as our Chief Financial Officer since May 2006. From November 2005 to May 2006, Mr. Hideshima was Vice President of Finance at Force10 Networks, Inc., a network equipment company, and from July 2004 to November 2005, he served as Director of Finance for that company. From April 2001 to June 2004, Mr. Hideshima was Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration at Virtual Silicon Technology, Inc., a semiconductor intellectual property company. From January 2000 to March 2001, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Internet Corporation, an Internet services company. From January 1999 to December 1999, he was Vice President of Finance and from July 1997 to December 1999 Chief Accounting Officer at ESS Technology, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company. Mr. Hideshima holds an M.B.A. from San Francisco State University and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley.

 

Alex Hsu has served as our Chief Sales and Marketing Officer since July 2006 and President of our subsidiary, Super Micro Computer B.V. since October 2003. Prior to becoming our Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Mr. Hsu had served as our Senior Vice President of Sales since October 2004. From January 2002 to September 2003, Mr. Hsu was President and Chief Operating Officer of Bizlink Group, an IT solutions company. From January 2001 to January 2002, he was a private investor and consultant working with startup companies in Silicon Valley. From August 1999 to December 2000, he was President and Chief Operating Officer at Oplink Communications, Inc., a networking solutions company. Mr. Hsu has over 25 years experience in the IT industry and served in various managerial and executive positions at Philips, Acer, Hewlett-Packard and Umax. Mr. Hsu holds an M.B.A. and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from National Chao-Tung University in Taiwan.

 

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Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang co-founded Super Micro and has served as Vice President of Operations, Treasurer and a member of our board of directors since our inception in September 1993. From 1985 to 1993, Ms. Liang held finance and operational positions for several companies, including Micro Center Computer Inc. Ms. Liang holds a B.S. in Accounting from Providence University in Taiwan. Ms. Liang is married to Mr. Charles Liang.

 

Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw co-founded Super Micro and has served as Vice President of International Sales, Corporate Secretary and a member of our board of directors since our inception in September 1993. From 1988 to 1991, Mr. Liaw was Vice President of Engineering at Great Tek, a computer company. Mr. Liaw holds an M.S. in Computer Engineering from University of Arizona, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tatung Institute of Technology in Taiwan, and a B.S. degree from Taiwan Provincial College of Marine and Oceanic Technology.

 

Non-Management Directors

 

Bruce Alexander has been a member of our board of directors since August 2006. Since April 2006, Mr. Alexander has been an independent financial consultant. Mr. Alexander was a Managing Director at Needham & Company, an investment banking firm, from April 1999 to April 2006. From 1997 to 1999, he was President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board for Black & Company, a regional investment bank which was acquired by Wells Fargo in 1999. Mr. Alexander holds an M.S. in Management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business where he was a Sloan Fellow. He earned a B.A. from Duke University.

 

Hwei-Ming (Fred) Tsai has been a member of our board of directors since August 2006. Mr. Tsai has served as Executive Vice President of SinoPac Bancorp, a financial holding company based in Los Angeles, California, since February 2001, and Chief Financial Officer of SinoPac Bancorp since August 2005. Since December 2002, he has also served as Senior Executive Vice President of Far East National Bank, a commercial bank that is held by SinoPac Bancorp. Mr. Tsai received a Master’s degree in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from National Taiwan University in Taiwan.

 

Board of Directors

 

Our board of directors currently consists of five directors. Effective upon the closing of this offering and in accordance with our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors will be divided into three classes of directors who will serve in staggered three-year terms, as follows:

 

    the Class I director will be Mr. Liang, and his term will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2007;

 

    the Class II directors will be Messrs. Liaw and Alexander, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2008; and

 

    the Class III directors will be Ms. Liang and Mr. Tsai, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2009.

 

Effective upon the closing of this offering, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors. Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes with three-year terms so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors. At each annual meeting of stockholders, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election. The division of our board of directors into these three classes may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control.

 

A majority of the members of our board of directors are not independent as defined under the Nasdaq rules. We anticipate that within one year of the date of this offering, the time required by applicable Nasdaq listing

 

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requirements, a majority of the members of our board of directors will be independent in accordance with such requirements.

 

Director Independence

 

In August 2006, our board of directors undertook a review of the independence of the directors and considered whether any director had a material relationship with us that could compromise his ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out his responsibilities. As a result of this review, our board of directors determined that Messrs. Alexander and Tsai are “independent directors” as defined under the rules of Nasdaq.

 

Committees of the Board

 

Our board of directors has established the following committees: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and governance committee. Each member of these committees is independent as defined under the rules of the Nasdaq Global Market. Our board of directors may from time to time establish other committees.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our audit committee oversees our corporate accounting and financial reporting process. Among other matters, the audit committee:

 

    is responsible for the appointment, compensation and retention of our independent auditors and reviews and evaluates the auditors’ qualifications, independence and performance;

 

    oversees the auditors’ audit work and reviews and pre-approves all audit and non-audit services that may be performed by them;

 

    reviews and approves the planned scope of our annual audit;

 

    monitors the rotation of partners of the independent auditors on our engagement team as required by law;

 

    reviews our financial statements and discusses with management and the independent auditors the results of the annual audit and the review of our quarterly financial statements;

 

    reviews our critical accounting policies and estimates;

 

    oversees the adequacy of our accounting and financial controls;

 

    annually reviews the audit committee charter and the committee’s performance;

 

    reviews and approves all related-party transactions; and

 

    establishes and oversees procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters and oversees enforcement, compliance and remedial measures under our code of conduct.

 

The current members of our audit committee are Messrs. Alexander and Tsai. Mr. Alexander is the chairman of the audit committee and our audit committee financial expert as currently defined under applicable SEC rules. The composition of our audit committee does not currently comply with the applicable requirements of the Nasdaq and SEC rules and regulations in that we have two rather than three members of such committee. We anticipate that within one year of the date of this offering, the time required by applicable Nasdaq listing requirements, we will be in compliance with such requirements.

 

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Compensation Committee

 

Our compensation committee reviews and recommends policy relating to compensation and benefits of our officers and directors, administers our stock option and benefit plans and reviews general policy relating to compensation and benefits. Duties of the compensation committee include:

 

    reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to compensation of the chief executive officer and other executive officers;

 

    evaluating the performance of the chief executive officer and other executive officers in light of those goals and objectives;

 

    setting compensation of the chief executive officer and other executive officers;

 

    administering the issuance of stock options and other awards to executive officers and directors under our stock plans; and

 

    reviewing and evaluating, at least annually, the performance of the compensation committee and its members, including compliance of the compensation committee with its charter.

 

The current members of our compensation committee are Mr. Alexander, who is the committee chair, and Mr. Tsai. We believe that the composition of our compensation committee meets the criteria for independence under, and the functioning of our compensation committee complies with, the applicable requirements of the Nasdaq and the SEC rules and regulations.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Our nominating and corporate governance committee identifies individuals qualified to become directors; recommends to our board of directors director nominees for each election of directors; develops and recommends to our board of directors criteria for selecting qualified director candidates; considers committee member qualifications, appointment and removal; recommends corporate governance guidelines applicable to us; and provides oversight in the evaluation of our board of directors and each committee. The current members of the nominating and corporate governance committee are Mr. Tsai, who is the committee chair, and Mr. Alexander. We believe that the composition of our nominating and corporate governance committee meets the criteria for independence under, and the functioning of our nominating and corporate governance committee complies with, the applicable requirements of the Nasdaq and the SEC rules and regulations.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any other entity that has one or more executive officers who serve on our board of directors or compensation committee.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

We adopted a director compensation policy in August 2006. Prior to that, we have not paid any cash compensation to members of our board of directors for their services as directors.

 

Under our director compensation policy, we reimburse non-employee directors for reasonable expenses in connection with attendance at board and committee meetings. Effective upon the completion of this offering, our non-employee directors will receive an annual retainer of $40,000, payable quarterly. In addition, the chairperson of our audit committee will receive an annual retainer of $25,000, the chairperson of each of our compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee will receive an annual retainer of $5,000 and each director serving in a non-chairperson capacity on our audit, compensation or nominating and corporate governance committees will receive an annual retainer of $2,500 per committee, payable quarterly.

 

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Non-employee directors also are eligible to receive stock options under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The exercise price of stock options to directors is based on the fair market value as determined by our board of directors on the date of grant.

 

Non-employee directors will receive nondiscretionary, automatic grants of nonstatutory stock options under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. A non-employee director will be automatically granted an initial option to purchase 18,000 shares upon first becoming a member of our board of directors. A non-employee director serving as chairperson of the audit committee will receive initial grant of 12,000 shares. Non-employee directors serving as chairperson of the compensation or nominating and corporate governance committee will receive an initial grant of 2,000 shares. Each of these initial options vests and becomes exercisable over four years, with the first 25% of the shares subject to each initial option vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the remainder vesting quarterly thereafter. Immediately after each of our regularly scheduled annual meetings of stockholders, each non-employee director will be automatically granted a nonstatutory option to purchase 4,500 shares of our common stock, the audit committee chairperson will receive an annual grant to purchase 3,000 shares of our common stock and the chairperson of each of the compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees will receive an annual grant to purchase 500 shares of our common stock. These options will vest and become exercisable on the first anniversary of the date of grant or immediately prior to our next annual meeting of stockholders, if earlier.

 

The options granted to non-employee directors will have a per share exercise price equal to 100% of the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant, and will become fully vested if we are subject to a change of control. Annual grants will be reduced proportionally if the person did not serve in that capacity for the full year after the annual grant.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Prior to the completion of this offering, our board will adopt a code of business conduct that applies to each of our directors, officers and employees. The code addresses various topics, including, but not limited to:

 

    compliance with laws, rules and regulations;

 

    conflicts of interest;

 

    insider trading;

 

    corporate opportunities;

 

    competition and fair dealing;

 

    record keeping;

 

    confidentiality; and

 

    protection and proper use of company assets.

 

Our board also adopted a code of ethics for senior executive officers applicable to our employees, officers and directors. Upon completion of this offering, the code of business conduct and the code of ethics will be posted on our website. We also intend to implement whistleblower procedures by establishing formal procedures for receiving and handling complaints from employees. Any concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters reported under these procedures will be communicated promptly to the audit committee.

 

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Executive Compensation

 

The following table summarizes the compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and to our other most highly compensated executive officers who were the only executive officers whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000, for services rendered in all capacities to us during fiscal year 2006. We refer to these officers as our named executive officers.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

     Annual Compensation    Long-Term
Compensation
Awards
   All Other
Compensation(1)

Name and Principal Position

   Salary    Bonus   

Securities

Underlying
Options

  

Charles Liang, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

   $ 249,399    $ 36,058       $ 14,423

Howard Hideshima, Chief Financial Officer(2)

     32,577      4,231        

Alex Hsu, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer

     223,167      27,885        

Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang, Vice President of Operations and Treasurer

     120,033      15,606    64,800      4,624

Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw, Vice President, International Sales and Corporate Secretary

     137,470      14,568         7,947

(1)   Amounts represent payments for unused employee benefits.
(2)   Mr. Hideshima joined us as Chief Financial Officer in May 2006. Mr. Hideshima’s salary for fiscal year 2006 on an annualized basis was $220,000.

 

Stock Option Grants in Fiscal Year 2006

 

We have granted and plan to continue to grant options to purchase our common stock to executive officers, employees and other service providers. The following table provides information concerning options granted during fiscal year 2006 to our named executive officers:

     Individual Grants    Potential Realized
Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of Stock
Price Appreciation
for Option Term(2)
    

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Options

Granted

 

% of Total

Options

Granted to

Employees in

Fiscal Year(1)

 

Exercise

Price

Per Share

  

Expiration

Date

  
              

Name

             5%    10%

Charles Liang

               

Howard Hideshima

               

Alex Hsu

               

Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang

   64,800(3)   6.86%   $3.50    12/30/15      

Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw

               

(1)   The percentage of total options granted to employees in fiscal year 2006 is based on options to purchase a total of 944,536 shares of our common stock at exercise prices ranging from $3.25 to $13.70.
(2)  

Potential realizable values have been calculated based on the term of the option at the time of grant, which is 10 years. The values are based on assumed rates of stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% compounded annually from the date of grant until their expiration date, assuming a fair market value equal to an assumed initial public offering price of $             per share, minus the applicable exercise price. The assumed rates of growth are based on the Securities and Exchange Commission requirements and do not reflect our estimate

 

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of future stock price growth. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises will depend on the future performance of the common stock and the date on which the options are exercised.

(3)   Ms. Liang was granted an option to purchase 64,800 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.50. The exercise price reflects the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, as determined by our board of directors.

 

Aggregated Option Exercises in Fiscal Year 2006 and Year-End Option Values

 

The following table provides information concerning exercisable and unexercisable stock options held as of June 30, 2006, by each of our named executive officers. Because there was no public market for our common stock as of June 30, 2006, amounts described in the following table under the heading “Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options at June 30, 2006” are determined by multiplying the number of shares issued or issuable upon exercise of the option by the difference between an assumed initial public offering price of $             per share and the per share option exercise price.

 

     Shares
Acquired
on Exercise
   Value
Realized
   Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Option at June 30, 2006
   Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options at
June 30, 2006

Name

         Exercisable    Unexercisable    Exercisable    Unexercisable

Charles Liang

         33,250,000    375,000    $                    $                

Howard Hideshima

                 

Alex Hsu

   120,000    $189,000    96,718    130,032      

Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang

         760,000    64,800      

Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw

         590,624    39,376      

 

Employment Agreements and Change in Control Agreements

 

We have not entered into employment agreements with any of our named executive officers.

 

Mr. Hsu and Ms. Liang have signed offer letters which provide for at-will employment. The offer letters provide for salary, stock options and right to participate in our employee benefit plans. We do not have any written employment arrangements with Messrs. Liang and Liaw.

 

Mr. Hideshima joined us as Chief Financial Officer in May 2006. His offer letter provides that his current annual base salary is $220,000 and he is eligible to receive a quarterly bonus based on his performance and company profitability. In November 2006, Mr. Hideshima was granted an option to acquire 130,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant, with 25% of the shares vesting on the first anniversary of the start date of his employment and the balance vesting in ratable portions each quarter for 3 years thereafter.

 

Bonuses for our named executive officers are currently determined on a case-by-case basis by the compensation committee based on a mix of company and individual performance objectives.

 

We have also entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Director and Officer Indemnification.”

 

Employee Confidentiality Arrangements

 

We enter into agreements with all of our employees containing confidentiality provisions.

 

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Stock Plans

 

1998 Stock Option Plan

 

In December 1998, our board of directors adopted and our stockholders approved the 1998 stock option plan, or the 1998 Plan.

 

Purpose.     The 1998 Plan is intended to enable us to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries and to promote the success of our business. For these purposes, the 1998 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, as defined under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, and nonstatutory stock options.

 

Shares Subject to the 1998 Plan .    An aggregate of 13,000,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 1998 Plan. As of September 30, 2006, options covering 8,476,748 shares of common stock were outstanding under the 1998 Plan and 4,226,598 shares of common stock were available for future grant. Effective on the first day that our common stock is publicly traded, no further grants will be made from the 1998 Plan. Options granted under the 1998 Plan will continue to be subject to the terms and conditions as set forth in the agreements evidencing such options and the terms of the 1998 Plan.

 

Administration.     The 1998 Plan is administered by our board of directors or a committee of the Board. Subject to the provisions of the plan, the administrator determines in its discretion the persons to whom and the times at which options are granted, the types of options granted, the number of shares subject to options, and all of their terms and conditions. The administrator may amend any option, and accelerate or defer the exercise date of any option. The administrator has the authority to interpret the terms of the 1998 Plan and to make all determinations necessary or advisable for administration of the 1998 Plan.

 

Eligibility .    Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees, while nonstatutory stock options may be granted to employees, directors and consultants.

 

Terms of Stock Options .    The exercise price of incentive stock options may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of nonstatutory options may not be less than 85% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of stock options granted to stockholders owning shares representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock or of any parent or subsidiary corporation may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.

 

In general, stock options granted under the 1998 Plan may not have a term exceeding ten years. Unless the terms of an optionee’s stock option agreement provide otherwise, if an optionee’s service relationship with us ceases for any reason other than disability or death, the optionee may exercise the vested portion of any options for at least 30 days after the date of such termination. If an optionee’s service relationship with us terminates by reason of death or disability, the optionee or a personal representative may exercise the vested portion of any options for six months after the date of such termination.

 

Sale of the Company .    Upon any merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation or in which it survives as a subsidiary of the acquiring corporation, options granted under the 1998 Plan will terminate unless they are assumed by the acquiring corporation. The plan administrator is authorized to accelerate the vesting of options on such terms and conditions as it determines.

 

Amendment and Termination.     Our board of directors may amend or terminate the 1998 Plan as it deems advisable.

 

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2006 Equity Incentive Plan

 

Our 2006 equity incentive plan, or the Equity Plan, was approved by our board of directors on August 28, 2006 and adopted by our stockholders in January 2007.

 

Purpose.     The Equity Plan is intended to make available incentives that will assist us to attract, retain and motivate employees whose contributions are essential to our success. We may provide these incentives through the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock purchase rights, restricted stock bonuses, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, deferred compensation awards, cash-based awards, other stock-based awards and nonemployee director awards.

 

Shares Subject to Equity Plan.     A total of 4,000,000 shares of our common stock are initially authorized and reserved for issuance under the Equity Plan. This reserve will automatically increase on July 1, 2007 and each subsequent anniversary through 2016, by an amount equal to the smaller of (a) three percent (3%) of the number of shares of stock issued and outstanding on the immediately preceding June 30, or (b) a lesser amount determined by the Board. Appropriate adjustments will be made in the number of authorized shares and other numerical limits in the Equity Plan and in outstanding awards to prevent dilution or enlargement of participants’ rights in the event of a stock split or other change in our capital structure. Shares subject to awards which expire or are cancelled or forfeited will again become available for issuance under the Equity Plan. The shares available will not be reduced by awards settled in cash or by shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations. Only the net number of shares issued upon the exercise of stock appreciation rights or options exercised by means of a net exercise or by tender of previously owned shares will be deducted from the shares available under the Equity Plan.

 

Administration.     The administrator of our Equity Plan will generally be the compensation committee of our board of directors. Subject to the provisions of the Equity Plan, the administrator determines in its discretion the persons to whom and the times at which awards are granted, the types and sizes of such awards, and all of their terms and conditions. All awards must be evidenced by a written agreement between us and the participant. The administrator may amend, cancel or renew any award, waive any restrictions or conditions applicable to any award, and accelerate, or otherwise modify the vesting of any award. Repricing of stock options is not prohibited under the terms of the Equity Plan. The administrator has the authority to construe and interpret the terms of the Equity Plan and awards granted under it. All awards granted under the Equity Plan are intended to either comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Eligibility.     Awards may be granted under the Equity Plan to our employees, including officers, directors, or consultants or those of any present or future parent or subsidiary corporation or other affiliated entity. While we may grant incentive stock options only to employees, we may grant nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock purchase rights or bonuses, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units and cash-based awards or other stock-based awards to any eligible participant. Non-employee director awards will be granted only to members of our board of directors who, at the time of grant, are not employees. Deferred compensation awards may be granted only to officers, directors and select members of management or highly compensated employees.

 

Stock Options .    The administrator may grant nonstatutory stock options, “incentive stock options,” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or any combination of these. The exercise price for each option is established in the discretion of the administrator. However, the exercise price of a stock option may not be less than the fair market value (as defined by the Equity Plan) of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. Any incentive stock option granted to a person who owns stock possessing more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock or of any parent or subsidiary corporation must have an exercise price equal to at least 110 percent of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant and a term not exceeding five years. The term of all other options may not exceed ten years. Options vest and become exercisable at such times or upon such events and subject to such terms, conditions, performance criteria or restrictions as specified by the administrator. Unless otherwise provided by the administrator, an option generally will remain exercisable for three months following the participant’s termination of service,

 

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except that if service terminates as a result of the participant’s death or disability, the option generally will remain exercisable for twelve months, but in any event not beyond the expiration of its term. An option held by a participant whose service is terminated for cause will immediately cease to be exercisable.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights .    A stock appreciation right gives a participant the right to receive the appreciation in the fair market value of our common stock between the date of grant of the award and the date of its exercise. We may pay the appreciation either in cash or in shares of our common stock. The administrator may grant stock appreciation rights under the Equity Plan in tandem with a related stock option or as a freestanding award. A tandem stock appreciation right is exercisable only at the time and to the same extent that the related option is exercisable, and its exercise causes the related option to be canceled. Freestanding stock appreciation rights vest and become exercisable at the times and on the terms established by the administrator. Stock appreciation rights will be settled in shares or paid in cash, if applicable, as soon as administratively possible after exercise. The maximum term of any stock appreciation right granted under the Equity Plan is ten years.

 

Restricted Stock Awards .    The administrator may grant restricted stock awards under the Equity Plan either in the form of a stock purchase right, giving a participant an immediate right to purchase our common stock, or in the form of a stock bonus, for which the participant furnishes consideration in the form of services to us. The administrator determines the purchase price payable under stock purchase awards, which may be less than the then current fair market value of our common stock. Restricted stock awards may be subject to vesting conditions based on such service or performance goals similar to those described below in connection with performance shares and performance units as the administrator specifies, and the shares acquired may not be transferred by the participant until vested. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator, a participant will forfeit any unvested shares acquired pursuant to a stock bonus upon voluntary or involuntary termination of service with us for any reason, including death or disability. The administrator has the option to repurchase any unvested shares acquired pursuant to a stock purchase right at the original purchase price upon voluntary or involuntary termination of service with us for any reason, including death or disability. Participants holding restricted stock awards will have the right to vote the shares and to receive any dividends paid, except that dividends or other distributions paid in shares will be subject to the same restrictions as the original award.

 

Restricted Stock Units .    Restricted stock units granted under the Equity Plan represent a right to receive shares of our common stock at a future date determined in accordance with the participant’s award agreement. The administrator, in its discretion, may provide for settlement of any restricted stock unit by payment to the participant in shares, or in cash of an amount equal to the fair market value on the payment date of the shares of stock issuable to the participant. No monetary payment is required for receipt of restricted stock units or the shares issued in settlement of the award, the consideration for which is furnished in the form of the participant’s services to us. The administrator may grant restricted stock unit awards subject to the attainment of performance goals similar to those described below in connection with performance shares and performance units, or may make the awards subject to vesting conditions based on service or other performance goals. Participants have no voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends with respect to restricted stock unit awards until shares of common stock are issued in settlement of such awards. However, the administrator may grant restricted stock units that entitle their holders to dividend equivalent rights, which are rights to receive additional restricted stock units for a number of shares whose value is equal to any cash dividends we pay.

 

Performance Shares and Performance Units .    The administrator may grant performance shares and performance units under the Equity Plan, which are awards that will result in a payment to a participant only if specified performance goals are achieved during a specified performance period. Performance share awards are denominated in shares of our common stock, while performance unit awards are denominated in dollars. In granting a performance share or unit award, the administrator establishes the applicable performance goals based on one or more measures of business performance enumerated in the Equity Plan, such as revenue, gross margin, net income, free cash flow, return on capital, market share or other performance goals. To the extent earned, performance share and unit awards may be settled in cash, shares of our common stock or any combination of these. Payments will generally be made in lump sum. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator, if a participant’s service terminates due to death or disability prior to completion of the applicable performance

 

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period, the final award value is determined at the end of the period on the basis of the performance goals attained during the entire period, but payment is prorated for the portion of the period during which the participant remained in service. Except as otherwise provided by the Equity Plan, if a participant’s service terminates for any other reason, the participant’s performance shares or units are forfeited.

 

Deferred Compensation Awards .    The Equity Plan authorizes the administrator to establish a deferred compensation award program. If and when implemented, participants designated by the administrator who are officers, directors or members of a select group of management or highly compensated employees may elect to receive, in lieu of compensation otherwise payable in cash, awards of stock units. Designated participants may elect to receive in lieu of cash or shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise or settlement of stock options, stock appreciation rights or performance share or performance unit awards, an award of deferred stock units. Each such stock unit represents a right to receive one share of our common stock at a future date determined in accordance with the participant’s award agreement. Deferred stock units will be settled by distribution to the participant of a number of whole shares of common stock equal to the number of stock units subject to the award on a settlement date elected by the participant at the time of his or her election to receive the deferred stock unit award. Participants are not required to pay any additional consideration in connection with the settlement of deferred stock units. A holder of deferred stock units has no voting rights or other rights as a stockholder until shares of common stock are issued to the participant in settlement of the stock units. However, participants holding deferred stock units will be entitled to dividend equivalent rights with respect to any payment of cash dividends on an equivalent number of shares of common stock. Such dividend equivalent rights will be credited in the form of additional whole stock units. Prior to settlement, deferred stock units may not be assigned or transferred other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

Cash-Based Awards and other Stock-Based Awards .    The administrator has the discretion to grant cash-based awards and stock-based awards that are not otherwise described in the Equity Plan. Other stock-based awards may be granted in the discretion of the administrator and may include the grant or offer for sale of unrestricted securities, stock-equivalent units, stock appreciation units, securities or debentures convertible into common stock or other forms. Other stock-based awards may be settled with stock or cash. The terms and conditions of cash-based awards and other stock-based awards will be set forth in the award agreement and may require the achievement of performance goals. Prior to settlement, cash-based awards and other stock-based awards may not be assigned or transferred other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

 

Nonemployee Director Awards .    Only members of the board of directors who are not employees (a “nonemployee director”) at the time of grant are eligible to participate in the nonemployee director awards component of the Equity Plan. The Board or the Committee shall set the amount and type of nonemployee director awards to be awarded on a periodic, non-discriminatory basis. Nonemployee directors awards may be granted in the form of nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards. Subject to adjustment for changes in our capital structure, no nonemployee director may be awarded, in any fiscal year, one or more nonemployee director awards for more than 200,000 shares. However, the annual limit may be increased by the following additions: (i) an additional 100,000 shares in the fiscal year in which the nonemployee director is first appointed or elected to the Board, (ii) an additional 100,000 shares in any fiscal year in which the nonemployee director is serving as the chairman or lead director of the Board, (iii) an additional 100,000 shares in any fiscal year for each committee of the Board on which the nonemployee director is then serving other than as chairman of the committee, and (iv) an additional 100,000 shares in any fiscal year for each committee of the Board on which the nonemployee director is then serving as chairman of the committee.

 

Change in Control .    In the event of a change in control as described in the Equity Plan, the acquiring or successor entity may assume or continue all or any awards outstanding under the Equity Plan or substitute substantially equivalent awards. Any awards which are not assumed or continued in connection with a change in control or exercised or settled prior to the change in control will terminate effective as of the time of the change in control. The administrator may provide for the acceleration of vesting of any or all outstanding awards upon such terms and to such extent as it determines, except that the vesting of all nonemployee director awards will automatically be accelerated in full. The Equity Plan also authorizes the administrator, in its discretion and

 

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without the consent of any participant, to cancel each or any outstanding award denominated in shares upon a change in control in exchange for a payment to the participant with respect to each vested share subject to the cancelled award of an amount equal to the excess of the consideration to be paid per share of common stock in the change in control transaction over the exercise price per share, if any, under the award.

 

Amendment and Termination .    The Equity Plan will continue in effect until it is terminated by the administrator, provided, however, that all awards will be granted, if at all, within 10 years of the effective date of the Equity Plan. The administrator may amend, suspend or terminate the Equity Plan at any time, provided that without stockholder approval, the Equity Plan cannot be amended to increase the number of shares authorized, change the class of persons eligible to receive incentive stock options or effect any other change that would require stockholder approval under any applicable law or listing rule. Amendment, suspension or termination of the Equity Plan may not adversely affect any outstanding award without the consent of the participant, unless such amendment, suspension or termination is necessary to comply with applicable law, regulation or rule.

 

401(k) Plan

 

In 1997, we adopted a tax-qualified employee savings and retirement plan, or 401(k) plan, which generally covers our non-union employees. The plan is intended to qualify under Sections 401(a), 401(k) and 401(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, so that contributions, and income earned thereon, are not taxable to employees until withdrawn from the plan. Under the plan, employees may elect to reduce their current compensation by up to the statutorily prescribed annual limit ($15,000 in calendar year 2006) and have the amount of the reduction contributed to the plan. The plan also permits, but does not require, us to make matching contributions and profit-sharing contributions to the plan on behalf of participants. In addition, eligible employees may elect to contribute an additional amount of their eligible compensation as a catch-up contribution to the 401(k) plan, provided that such employees are age 50 or older ($5,000 in calendar year 2006). To date, we have not made any discretionary matching or profit-sharing contributions to the 401(k) plan. As a tax-qualified plan, we can generally deduct contributions to the 401(k) plan when made, and such contributions are not taxable to participants until distributed from the plan. Pursuant to the terms of the plan, participants may direct the trustees to invest their accounts in selected investment options.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Director and Officer Indemnification

 

We have entered into agreements to indemnify our directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. In addition, our certificate of incorporation to be in effect upon the completion of this offering contains provisions limiting the liability of our directors and our bylaws contain provisions requiring us to indemnify our officers and directors. See “Description of Capital Stock—Limitation of Liability.”

 

Stock Option Awards

 

On August 31, 2003, Alex Hsu, our Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, was granted an option to purchase 346,750 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.93 pursuant to our 1998 Plan.

 

On March 31, 2004, Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw, our Vice President of International Sales and Corporate Secretary, was granted an option to purchase 90,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.53 pursuant to our 1998 Plan.

 

On December 28, 2004, Charles Liang, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, was granted an option to purchase 600,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.08 pursuant to our 1998 Plan.

 

On December 30, 2005, Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang, our Vice President of Operations, Treasurer and Director, was granted an option to purchase 64,800 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.50 pursuant to our 1998 Plan.

 

On November 17, 2006, Howard Hideshima, our Chief Financial Officer, was granted an option to purchase 130,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $13.89 pursuant to our 1998 Plan.

 

Transactions with Ablecom Technology Inc.

 

Steve Liang, Chief Executive Officer of Ablecom Technology Inc., a Taiwan corporation and our major provider of contract manufacturing and design collaboration services, is the brother of Charles Liang, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Steve Liang was a member of our board of directors until December 31, 2005, and beneficially owned approximately 4.5% of our outstanding common stock prior to the completion of this offering. Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang and Charles Liang jointly own approximately 30.7% of Ablecom’s outstanding common stock as of September 30, 2006. Charles Liang served as a Director of Ablecom during our fiscal 2006, but is no longer serving in such capacity. In addition, as of September 30, 2006, Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw and his wife jointly owned approximately 5.2% of Ablecom’s outstanding common stock, and collectively, Mr. Charles Liang, Ms. Liang, Mr. Liaw, Mr. Steve Liang and relatives of these individuals owned over 80% of Ablecom’s outstanding common stock.

 

We have entered into a series of product design and manufacturing agreements with Ablecom under which we purchase chassis, power supplies and other components from Ablecom. Under these agreements, we outsource a significant portion of our design and manufacturing of components such as server chassis to Ablecom. Ablecom agrees to design products according to our specifications. Additionally, Ablecom agrees to build the tools needed to manufacture the products. Under the product design and manufacturing agreements, we commit to purchase a minimum quantity over a set period. Pursuant to these agreements, the minimum quantity commitment has ranged from 5,000 to 60,000 units within 3 years of the completion of our pilot run of the applicable product. These minimum commitments have been substantially below the volume of purchases that we have expected to make. If we fail to satisfy the minimum commitments, Ablecom has certain rights to use the tooling for the applicable products to manufacture products for others. At the beginning of calendar 2007, we entered into a new product development, production and service agreement with Ablecom which contemplates the execution of product-specific development agreements that provide that if we fail to satisfy the minimum

 

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commitments, we may elect to either make a one-time payment to Ablecom to maintain our sole ownership of the tooling, or share ownership with Ablecom and allow Ablecom to sell such products to others. The purchase price of the products manufactured by Ablecom is typically re-negotiated on a quarterly basis; however, pursuant to our agreements with Ablecom either party may negotiate on a purchase order by purchase order basis at each purchase date. A fixed charge is added to the price of each unit purchased until the agreed minimum number of units is purchased. Pursuant to our agreements with Ablecom and subject to certain exceptions, Ablecom has the exclusive right to be our supplier of the specific products developed under such agreements. As a result, if we are unable to obtain such products from Ablecom on terms acceptable to us, we may need to identify a new supplier, change our design and acquire new tooling, all of which could result in delays in our product availability and increased costs. We believe that the pricing and terms under these design and manufacturing agreements are comparable to the pricing and terms of arrangements the Company has with similar unrelated third party manufacturers.

 

We have also entered into a distribution agreement with Ablecom pursuant to which Ablecom purchases from us server products for distribution in Taiwan. The pricing and terms under the distribution agreement are comparable to the pricing and terms of distribution arrangements we have with similar third party distributors. During fiscal year 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2006, our net sales to Ablecom were approximately $3.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively. For more information, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 7.”

 

Our Taiwan subsidiary leases approximately 14,000 square feet of office and factory facilities from Ablecom under a one-year lease that will expire in February 2007. The monthly rent under the lease is approximately $13,000. From October 2004 to February 2006, our Taiwan subsidiary leased a facility of approximately 8,400 square feet from Ablecom, and the monthly rent under that lease was approximately $6,200.

 

Transactions with Tatung Company

 

Tatung Company, a Taiwan corporation and one of our major contract manufacturers, beneficially owned approximately 9% of our outstanding common stock prior to the completion of this offering. We entered into a product manufacturing agreement with Tatung on April 16, 2004 under which Tatung manufactures our products pursuant to our purchase orders. We also entered into a purchase agreement on September 1, 2004 under which Tatung purchases our server and computer component products. For more information, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 7.” We believe that the pricing and terms under the manufacturing and purchase agreements are comparable to the pricing and terms of arrangements the Company has with similar, unrelated third party manufacturers and distributors.

 

All future transactions, if any, between us and our officers, directors and principal stockholders and their affiliates, as well as any transactions between us and any entity with which our officers, directors or principal stockholders are affiliated will be approved by the audit committee or our board of directors or otherwise in accordance with the then applicable Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and Nasdaq rules and regulations governing the approval of such transactions.

 

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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth certain information known to us regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2006, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of shares offered hereby, by:

 

    each person or entity who we know beneficially owns more than 5% of our outstanding capital stock;

 

    each of the named executive officers;

 

    each selling stockholder;

 

    each of our directors; and

 

    all directors and executive officers as a group.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of common stock subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2006 are deemed outstanding, while the shares are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, each of the persons named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all the shares indicated as beneficially owned by such person.

 

Applicable percentage ownership in the following table is based on 22,223,220 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2006 and              shares of common stock outstanding immediately following the completion of this offering. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each stockholder listed is c/o Super Micro Computer, Inc., 980 Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131.

 

Principal and Selling Stockholders Table

 

      

Shares Beneficially

Owned Prior to the Offering

   

Number of

Shares Offered

  

Shares Beneficially

Owned After the
Offering

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

       Number            Percent            Number    Percent

5% Stockholders:

             

Tatung Company

22, Chungshan N. Rd.

3rd Sec.

Taipei, Taiwan, 104

   2,000,000    9.0 %                 %

Chung-Chang (John) Tsai

   1,800,000    8.1          

Fei-Yi Kao

   1,200,000    5.4          

Executive Officers and Directors:

             

Charles Liang(1)

   10,793,700    48.6          

Howard Hideshima

               

Alex Hsu(2)

   281,732    1.3          

Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liang(3)

   10,793,700    48.6          

Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw(4)

   3,766,874    17.0          

Bruce Alexander

               

Hwei-Ming (Fred) Tsai(5)

   500,000    2.2          

All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)(6)

   15,342,306    69.0          

Additional Selling Stockholders:

             

(1)  

Includes 3,437,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2006, 600,000 shares held by CL Grantor Retained Trust and 600,000 shares held by

 

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CL2 Grantor Retained Trust. Ms. Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liang is the trustee of both trusts. Also includes 480,000 shares held by Ms. Liang, Mr. Charles Liang’s spouse. See footnote 3.

(2)   Includes 161,732 shares issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2006.
(3)   Includes 776,200 shares issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2006. Also includes 6,100,000 shares held by Mr. Liang, Ms. Sara Liang’s spouse. See footnote 1.
(4)   Includes 601,874 shares issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2006, 600,000 shares held by SML Grantor Retained Trust, for which Mrs. Shyu S. (May) Liaw serves as a trustee, 600,000 shares held by YSL Grantor Retained Trust, for which Mr. Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw serves as trustee, 1,760,000 shares held by Liaw Family Trust, for which Mr. and Mrs. Liaw serve as trustees, and 205,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options granted to Mrs. Liaw, Mr. Liaw’s spouse, exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2006.
(5)   Includes 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2006.
(6)   Includes 5,282,306 shares issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2006.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

 

Upon the completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $.001 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.001 par value per share.

 

The following is a summary of the material terms of our common stock and preferred stock, giving effect to the amendments to the certificate of incorporation to be filed upon completion of the offering. Please see our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, for more detailed information.

 

Common Stock

 

As of September 30, 2006, there were 22,200,300 shares of our common stock outstanding, held of record by approximately 53 stockholders. The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Upon the completion of this offering, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all of the directors standing for election. Subject to preferences applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividend declared by the Board. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in the assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or redemption rights. Each outstanding share of common stock is, and all shares of common stock to be outstanding after the completion of this offering will be, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Following the completion of this offering, 10,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock will be authorized for issuance. Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue preferred stock in one or more series. In addition, the Board may fix the rights, preferences and privileges of any preferred stock it determines to issue. Any or all of these rights may be superior to the rights of the common stock. Preferred stock could thus be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or to make removal of management more difficult. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may decrease the market price of our common stock. At present, we have no plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

Delaware Law

 

We will be subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law regulating corporate takeovers, which prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with an “interested stockholder” during the three year period after such stockholder becomes an “interested stockholder,” unless:

 

    prior to the date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

 

    the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding (a) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers, and (b) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

   

on or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the

 

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affirmative vote of at least 66  2 / 3 % of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Except as otherwise specified in Section 203, an “interested stockholder” is defined to include:

 

    any person that is the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation, or is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at any time within three years immediately prior to the date of determination and

 

    the affiliates and associates of any such person.

 

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

Following the completion of this offering, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws will provide that:

 

    no action can be taken by stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders called in accordance with our bylaws, and stockholders may not act by written consent;

 

    the approval of holders of two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors will be required to adopt, or to alter, amend or repeal our bylaws or amend or repeal the provisions of our certificate of incorporation regarding the election and removal of directors, the ability of stockholders to take action and the indemnification of our directors, and the percentage of shares necessary to amend the certificate of incorporation;

 

    our board of directors will be expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal our bylaws;

 

    holders of at least 10% or more of our common stock may call special meetings of the stockholders;

 

    our board of directors will be divided into three classes of service with staggered three-year terms. This means that only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective terms;

 

    our board of directors will be authorized to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval; and

 

    we will indemnify officers and directors against losses that may incur in connection with investigations and legal proceedings resulting from their services to us, which may include services in connection with takeover defense measures.

 

These provisions may make it more difficult for stockholders to take specific corporate actions and could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company.

 

Limitation of Liability

 

As permitted by the Delaware general corporation law, our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:

 

    for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;

 

    for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

    under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, relating to unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful stock purchase or redemption of stock; or

 

    for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.

 

As a result of this provision, we and our stockholders may be unable to obtain monetary damages from a director for breach of his or her duty of care.

 

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Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws also provide for the indemnification of our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law. The indemnification provided under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws includes the right to be paid expenses in advance of any proceeding for which indemnification may be payable, provided that the payment of these expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding may be made only upon delivery to us of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay all amounts so paid in advance if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified.

 

Under our bylaws, we have the power to purchase and maintain insurance to the extent reasonably available on behalf of any person who is or was one of our directors, officers, employees or agents, or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against the person or incurred by the person in any of these capacities, or arising out of the persons fulfilling one of these capacities, and related expenses, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify the person against the claim under the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. We intend to maintain director and officer liability insurance on behalf of our directors and officers.

 

Stock Transfer Agent

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Mellon Investor Services.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

Before this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. If our stockholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market following this offering, the prevailing market price of our common stock could decline. While substantially all currently outstanding shares are subject to contractual and legal restrictions on resale for at least 180 days after the date of this prospectus, as described below, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after these restrictions lapse could adversely affect the prevailing market price and our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

 

Upon the closing of this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of                      shares of our common stock, based upon the number of shares outstanding as of September 30, 2006, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option, no exercise of outstanding options and warrants, and no grant of additional options or warrants. All shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or the requirement of further registration under the Securities Act, unless they are purchased by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. The remaining shares are “restricted shares,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or are shares restricted by contractual agreements and will be eligible for sale in the public market as follows:

 

Lock-up Agreements.     All of our directors, officers and substantially all holders of our outstanding common stock are subject to lock-up agreements under which they have agreed, with limited exceptions, not to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. In addition, the 180-day period may be extended for up to 34 additional days under certain circumstances. See “Underwriters.” The shares of our common stock to be sold by the selling stockholders in this offering are not subject to lock-up restrictions. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may, in their sole discretion, at any time and without prior notice or announcement, release all or any portion of shares subject to the lock-up agreements.

 

Rule 144.     In general, under Rule 144, 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, including the holding period of prior owners other than affiliates, is entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of (a) 1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately              shares immediately after the offering, or (b) the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to that sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to manner-of-sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us. Based upon the number of shares outstanding as of September 30, 2006, an aggregate of approximately              shares of our common stock will be eligible to be sold pursuant to Rule 144, subject to the volume restrictions described in the previous sentence, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus. However, substantially all of such shares are subject to the lock-up agreements described above and will only become eligible for sale upon the expiration or termination of such agreements.

 

Rule 144(k).     Under Rule 144(k), a person who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at any time during the three months preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned shares for at least two years, including the holding period of certain prior owners other than affiliates, is entitled to sell those shares without complying with the manner of sale, public information, volume limitation or notice provisions of Rule 144. Based upon the number of shares outstanding as of September 30, 2006, an aggregate of approximately              shares of our common stock will be eligible to be sold pursuant to Rule 144(k) after the date of the prospectus. However, substantially all of such shares are subject to the lock-up agreements described above and will only become eligible for sale upon the expiration or termination of such agreements.

 

Rule 701.     In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act as currently in effect, shares of our common stock acquired upon the exercise of currently outstanding options or pursuant to other rights granted under our

 

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stock plans may be resold, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, to the extent not subject to lock-up agreements, by:

 

    persons other than affiliates, subject only to the manner-of-sale provisions of Rule 144; and

 

    our affiliates, subject to the manner-of-sale, current public information and filing requirements of Rule 144,

 

in each case, without compliance with the one-year holding requirements of Rule 144.

 

An aggregate of 22,200,300 shares of our common stock that were outstanding as of September 30, 2006 and approximately 12,399,850 shares of our common stock that may be acquired upon the exercise of options outstanding as of September 30, 2006, will be eligible to be sold pursuant to Rule 701 beginning 90 days after the date of the prospectus, subject to the vesting provisions that may be contained in individual option agreements. However, substantially all of the outstanding shares and shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options described above are subject to the lock-up agreements described above and will only become eligible for sale upon the expiration or termination of such agreements.

 

Stock Plans.     We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act following this offering to register the shares of our common stock that are issuable pursuant to our 1998 stock option plan and the 2006 equity incentive plan. This registration statement is expected to become effective upon filing. Shares covered by this registration statement will then be eligible for sale in the public markets, subject to any applicable lock-up agreements and to Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates.

 

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

The following is a general discussion of the material U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of common stock by a beneficial owner that is a “non-U.S. holder,” other than a non-U.S. holder that owns, or has owned, actually or constructively, more than 5% of the company’s common stock. A “non-U.S. holder” is a person or entity that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a:

 

    non-resident alien individual, other than certain former citizens and residents of the United States subject to tax as expatriates;

 

    foreign corporation; or

 

    foreign estate or trust.

 

A “non-U.S. holder” does not include an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition and is not otherwise a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such an individual is urged to consult his or her own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the sale, exchange or other disposition of common stock.

 

This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations, changes to any of which subsequent to the date of this prospectus may affect the tax consequences described herein. 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, such as non-U.S. holders subject to special tax treatment under U.S. federal tax laws (including partnerships or other pass-through entities, “controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” banks and insurance companies, dealers in securities, holders of securities held as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,” “conversion transaction” or other risk-reduction transaction, non-U.S. holders that do not hold our common stock as a capital asset and persons who hold or receive common stock as compensation). In addition, this discussion does not address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction.

 

We have not requested a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, in connection with the tax consequences described herein. Accordingly, the discussion below neither binds the IRS nor precludes it from adopting a contrary position.

 

IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING AND BECAUSE THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS INTENDED AS A GENERAL SUMMARY ONLY, YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE OWNERSHIP OR DISPOSITION OF OUR STOCK, INCLUDING THE APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES, IN LIGHT OF YOUR OWN PARTICULAR TAX SITUATIONS.

 

Dividends

 

As discussed under “Dividend Policy” above, we do not currently expect to pay dividends. In the event that we do pay dividends, dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder of common stock generally will be subject to withholding tax at 30% rate or a reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a non-U.S. holder will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN certifying its entitlement to benefits under a treaty.

 

The withholding tax does not apply to dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder who provides a Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the non-U.S. holder were a U.S. resident, subject to an applicable income tax treaty providing otherwise. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” imposed at a rate of 30% (or a lower treaty rate).

 

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Gain on Disposition of Common Stock

 

A non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain realized on a sale or other disposition of common stock unless:

 

    the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the non-U.S. holder in the United States, subject to an applicable treaty providing otherwise, or

 

    the Company is or has been a U.S. real property holding corporation, as defined below, at any time within the five-year period preceding the disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period, whichever period is shorter, and its common stock has ceased to be traded on an established securities market prior to the beginning of the calendar year in which the sale or disposition occurs.

 

In general, we would be a U.S. real property holding corporation if interests in U.S. real estate comprised the majority of our assets. We believe that we are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a U.S. real property holding corporation.

 

Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding

 

Information returns will be filed with the IRS in connection with payments of dividends and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of common stock. A non-U.S. holder may have to comply with certification procedures to establish that it is not a United States person in order to avoid information reporting and backup withholding tax requirements. The certification procedures required to claim a reduced rate of withholding under a treaty will satisfy the certification requirements necessary to avoid the backup withholding tax as well. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a non-U.S. holder will be allowed as a credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

 

Federal Estate Tax

 

Individual non-U.S. holders and entities the property of which is potentially includible in such an individual’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes (for example, a trust funded by such an individual and with respect to which the individual has retained certain interests or powers), should note that, absent an applicable treaty benefit, the common stock will be treated as U.S. situs property subject to U.S. federal estate tax.

 

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UNDERWRITERS

 

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement among us, the selling stockholders and the underwriters named below, the underwriters, for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and Needham & Company, LLC are acting as representatives, have each agreed to purchase, and we and the selling stockholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters, severally, the number of shares of our common stock indicated in the table below:

 

Name

   Number of
Shares

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

  

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                 Incorporated

  

UBS Securities LLC

  

Needham & Company, LLC

  
    

Total

  
    

 

The underwriters and the representatives are collectively referred to as the “underwriters” and the “representatives,” respectively. The underwriters are offering the shares of common stock subject to their acceptance of the shares from us and from the selling stockholders and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus if any such shares are taken. However, the underwriters are not required to take or pay for the shares covered by the underwriters’ over-allotment option described below.

 

The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the shares of common stock directly to the public at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus and part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $             per share under the public offering price. After the initial offering of the shares of common stock, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the representatives.

 

The selling stockholders have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of shares of common stock at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase about the same percentage of the additional shares of common stock as the number listed next to the underwriter’s name in the preceding table bears to the total number of shares of common stock listed next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table. If the underwriters’ option is exercised in full, the total price to the public would be $            , the total underwriters’ discounts and commissions paid by the selling stockholders would be $             and the total proceeds to the selling stockholders would be $             .

 

The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed five percent of the total number of shares of common stock offered by them.

 

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The following table shows the per share and total underwriting discounts and commissions that we and the selling stockholders are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of our common stock.

 

     Paid by Us    Paid by Selling
Stockholders
   Total
     No
Exercise
   Full
Exercise
  

No

Exercise

   Full
Exercise
  

No

Exercise

   Full
Exercise

Per share

   $                $                $                $                $                $            

Total

   $                $                $    $    $    $

 

The estimated offering expenses payable by us, exclusive of underwriting discounts and commissions, are approximately $             million.

 

All of our directors and officers and holders of substantially all of our outstanding stock have entered into “lock-up” agreements under which they have agreed that, without the prior written consent of both Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, on behalf of the underwriters, they will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus

 

    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 shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock;

 

    enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of our common stock,

 

whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of our common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise; or

 

Moreover, if:

 

    during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period referred to above we issue an earnings release or disclose material news or a material event relating to us occurs; or

 

    prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the restricted period,

 

the restrictions described in the immediately preceding sentence will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release, the disclosure of the material news or the occurrence of the material event.

 

The restrictions described in the preceding paragraph do not apply to:

 

    the sale of our shares of common stock to the underwriters;

 

    shares of common stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of this offering, provided that no filing under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of common stock or other securities acquired in such open market transactions;

 

    the establishment of a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, provided that no transfers occur under such plan during the lock up period;

 

    transfers of shares of common stock or any security convertible into common stock as a bona fide gift; or

 

    distributions of shares of common stock or any securities to partners, members or stockholders of the stockholder, or affiliates of the stockholder, if the stockholder is a corporation.

 

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Provided that in the case of each of the last two transactions, each donee, distributee, transferee and recipient agrees to be subject to the restrictions described in the immediately preceding paragraph, and no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of common stock, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with these transactions during the restricted period.

 

In order to facilitate the offering of the common stock, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock. Specifically, the underwriters may sell more shares than they are obligated to purchase under the underwriting agreement, creating a short position. A short sale is covered if the short position is no greater than the number of shares available for purchase by the underwriters under the over-allotment option. The underwriters can close out a covered short sale by exercising the over-allotment option or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out a covered short sale, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the open market price of shares compared to the price available under the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also sell shares in excess of the over-allotment option, creating a naked short position. 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 the offering. In addition, to stabilize the price of the common stock, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares of common stock in the open market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the common stock in the offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed common stock to cover syndicate short positions or to stabilize the price of the common stock. These activities may raise or maintain the market price of the common stock above independent market levels or prevent or retard a decline in the market price of the common stock. Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representations or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.

 

We have applied to have our common stock approved for quotation on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SMCI.”

 

Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, we, the selling stockholders and the underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

 

Directed Share Program

 

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to                  shares, or 5% of the shares, offered in this prospectus, for our directors, officers, employees, business associates and other related persons. The number of shares of common stock available for sale to the general public will be reduced to the extent that such persons purchase the reserved shares. Any reserved shares which are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered in this prospectus. Participants in the directed share program will be required to agree not to sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate shares acquired through the directed share program for a period of 180 days after purchasing the shares. This lock-up period will be extended if, during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period, we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to us occurs or, if prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the 180-day period, the restrictions described in the preceding sentence will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.

 

Pricing of the Offering

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our shares of common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations among us, the selling stockholders and the representatives of

 

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the underwriters. Among the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price will be our future prospects and those of our industry in general, our sales, earnings and other financial and operating information in recent periods, and the price-earnings ratios, price-sales ratios, market prices of securities and certain financial and operating information of companies engaged in activities similar to ours. The estimated initial public offering price range set forth on the cover page of this preliminary prospectus is subject to change as a result of market conditions and other factors. An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible that after the offering the shares will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

 

Electronic Distribution

 

A prospectus in electronic format will be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters of this offering. Other than the electronic prospectus, the information on the websites of the underwriters is not part of this prospectus. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated to underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations.

 

Other Relationships

 

Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us. They have received customary fees for these transactions.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the common stock offered will be passed upon for us by DLA Piper US LLP, East Palo Alto, California. Selected legal matters relating to this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, Palo Alto, California.

 

EXPERTS

 

The consolidated financial statements of Super Micro Computer, Inc. as of June 30, 2005 and 2006, and for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006 included in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph related to related party transactions discussed in Note 7), and have been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement, including exhibits, schedules and amendments. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement and includes all of the information that we believe is material to an investor considering whether to make an investment in our common stock. We refer you to the registration statement for additional information about us, our common stock and this offering, including the full texts of the exhibits, some of which have been summarized in this prospectus. The registration statement is available for inspection and copying at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information about the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site that contains the registration statement. The address of the SECs Internet site is http://www.sec.gov.

 

Upon completion of this offering, we will be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and we intend to file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.

 

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SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-7

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Super Micro Computer, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Super Micro Computer, Inc . and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2005 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the 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 Super Micro Computer, Inc . and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2005 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has significant purchases from and sales to a related party.

 

/s/    Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

San Jose, California

September 12, 2006

(November 10, 2006 as to the second

paragraph of Note 10 and January 10, 2007 as to Note 13)

 

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SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

     June 30,
2005
    June 30,
2006
    September 30,
2006
 
                 (unaudited)  

ASSETS

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 11,170     $ 16,509     $ 17,050  

Short-term investments

     1,767       53       53  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,389, $531 and $643 at June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006 (including amounts receivable from a related party of $201, $310 and $1,061 at June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006)

     13,523       22,252       26,577  

Inventories, net

     40,525       57,612       77,986  

Deferred income taxes

     2,679       3,440       3,440  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     765       1,311       4,078  
                        

Total current assets

     70,429       101,177       129,184  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     19,077       29,605       30,572  

Other assets

     156       219       213  
                        

Total assets

   $ 89,662     $ 131,001     $ 159,969  
                        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable (including amounts due to a related party of $21,631, $23,492 and $28,504 at June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006)

   $ 37,748     $ 52,019     $ 69,106  

Accrued liabilities

     6,569       8,891       13,282  

Income tax payable

     2,323       1,085       4,073  

Accrued litigation loss

           575       179  

Advances from receivable financing arrangements

     363       800       784  

Current portion of capital lease obligations

     53       165       136  

Current portion of long-term debt

     451       616       625  
                        

Total current liabilities

     47,507       64,151       88,185  
                        

Deferred income taxes-noncurrent

     456       398       398  

Long-term capital lease obligations-net of current portion

     57       64       53  

Long-term debt-net of current portion

     12,515       18,621       18,456  
                        

Total liabilities

     60,535       83,234       107,092  
                        

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

      

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock, no par value

      

Authorized shares: 40,000,000

      

Issued and outstanding shares: 21,938,646, 22,174,264 and 22,200,300 at June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006, respectively

     7,462       10,536       10,511  

Deferred stock compensation

     (1,182 )     (2,563 )     (2,237 )

Retained earnings

     22,847       39,794       44,603  
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     29,127       47,767       52,877  
                        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 89,662     $ 131,001     $ 159,969  
                        

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     Years Ended June 30,     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2004     2005     2006     2005     2006  
                       (Unaudited)  

Net sales (including related party sales of $4,549, $4,064 and $3,881 in fiscal 2004, 2005 and 2006 and $958 and $ 1,801 in three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006)

   $ 167,065     $ 211,763     $ 302,541     $ 64,525     $ 90,187  

Cost of sales (including related party purchases of $44,371, $57,342 and $75,718 in fiscal 2004, 2005 and 2006 and $19,378 and $24,390 in three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006)

     138,232       178,293       242,235       52,005       72,202  
                                        

Gross profit

     28,833       33,470       60,306       12,520       17,985  
                                        

Operating expenses:

          

Research and development

     8,513       10,609       15,814       3,253       4,937  

Sales and marketing

     8,439       7,197       9,363       2,252       2,357  

General and administrative

     5,074       5,380       6,931       1,545       2,603  

Provision for (reversal of) litigation loss

           (1,178 )     575             (120 )
                                        

Total operating expenses

     22,026       22,008       32,683       7,050       9,777  
                                        

Income from operations

     6,807       11,462       27,623       5,470       8,208  

Interest income

     27       117       254       58       54  

Interest expense

     (771 )     (867 )     (1,257 )     (243 )     (327 )

Other income, net

     20       17       2              
                                        

Income before income tax provision

     6,083       10,729       26,622       5,285       7,935  

Income tax provision

     1,229       3,639       9,675       1,942       3,126  
                                        

Net income

   $ 4,854     $ 7,090     $ 16,947     $ 3,343     $ 4,809  
                                        

Net income per share:

          

Basic

   $ 0.22     $ 0.32     $ 0.77     $ 0.15     $ 0.22  

Diluted

   $ 0.17     $ 0.24     $ 0.53     $ 0.11     $ 0.15  

Shares used in per share calculation:

          

Basic

     21,897,236       21,914,692       22,010,586       21,958,514       22,190,602  

Diluted

     28,061,656       29,442,420       31,846,864       30,055,364       32,214,766  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4


Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

     Common Stock    

Deferred

Compensation

   

Retained

Earnings

   Total
     Shares    Amount         

Balance at June 30, 2003

   21,713,646    $ 5,515     $     $ 10,903    $ 16,418

Exercise of stock options

   190,000      20                  20

Non-employee stock-based compensation

        114                  114

Deferred stock-based compensation

        585       (585 )         

Amortization of deferred compensation

              88            88

Forfeitures of stock-based compensation

        (3 )     3           

Tax benefit resulting from stock option transactions

        74                  74

Net income

                    4,854      4,854
                                  

Balance at June 30, 2004

   21,903,646      6,305       (494 )     15,757      21,568

Exercise of stock options

   35,000      44                  44

Non-employee stock-based compensation

        79                  79

Deferred stock-based compensation

        1,058       (1,058 )         

Amortization of deferred compensation

              346            346

Forfeitures of stock-based compensation

        (24 )     24           

Net income

                    7,090      7,090
                                  

Balance at June 30, 2005

   21,938,646      7,462       (1,182 )     22,847      29,127

Exercise of stock options

   235,618      377                  377

Non-employee stock-based compensation

        209                  209

Deferred stock-based compensation

        2,345       (2,345 )         

Amortization of deferred compensation

              887            887

Forfeitures of stock-based compensation

        (77 )     77           

Tax benefit resulting from stock option transactions

        220                  220

Net income

                    16,947      16,947
                                  

Balance at June 30, 2006

   22,174,264    $ 10,536     $ (2,563 )   $ 39,794    $ 47,767

Exercise of stock options*

   26,036      43                  43

Non-employee stock-based compensation*

        22                  22

Amortization of deferred compensation*

              236            236

Forfeitures of stock-based compensation*

        (90 )     90           

Net income*

                    4,809      4,809
                                  

Balance at September 30, 2006*

   22,200,300    $ 10,511     $ (2,237 )   $ 44,603    $ 52,877
                                  

  *   (Unaudited)

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

     Years Ended June 30,     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2004     2005     2006         2005             2006      
                       (Unaudited)  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

          

Net income

   $ 4,854     $ 7,090     $ 16,947     $  3,343     $  4,809  

Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

          

Depreciation expense

     719       922       1,214       248       346  

Stock-based compensation expense

     202       425       1,096       187       258  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     124       88       18       38       16  

Allowance for sales returns

     1,767       4,148       2,497       412       954  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     14       2       13             2  

Deferred income taxes

     (408 )     133       (819 )            

Gain on short term investments

                 (9 )     (7 )      

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

          

Accounts receivable (including changes in related party balances of $(2), $(193), and $(109) in fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006 and $139 and $751 in three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006)

     (2,577 )     (9,601 )     (11,244 )     (4,100 )     (5,295 )

Inventories

     (10,282 )     (8,904 )     (17,087 )     (9,008 )     (20,374 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (1,018 )     530       (523 )     (169 )     (2,049 )

Accounts payable (including changes in related party balances of $8,301, $3,543, and $1,861 in fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006 and $8,254 and $5,012 in three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006)

     12,414       6,586       14,224       16,368       16,930  

Income tax payable

     (848 )     2,323       (1,018 )     143       2,988  

Accrued litigation loss

           (1,178 )     575             (396 )

Accrued liabilities

     850       2,178       2,322       813       4,391  
                                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     5,811       4,742       8,206       8,268       2,580  
                                        

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

          

Restricted cash-decrease (increase)

     (1,734 )     1,734                    

Proceeds from maturity of short-term investments

           200       1,826       1,480        

Purchases of property and equipment

     (6,412 )     (1,050 )     (11,452 )     (9,883 )     (1,155 )

Purchases of short-term investments

     (200 )     (1,767 )     (103 )     (51 )      

Other assets

     (53 )     19       (63 )     (74 )     6  
                                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (8,399 )     (864 )     (9,792 )     (8,528 )     (1,149 )
                                        

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

          

Proceeds from long-term debt

     4,275             8,939       7,920        

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     20       44       377       31       43  

Repayment of long-term debt

     (308 )     (403 )     (2,668 )     (97 )     (156 )

Payment of obligations under capital leases

     (130 )     (71 )     (97 )     (20 )     (40 )

Advances (payments) under receivable financing arrangements

     (267 )     363       437       605       (16 )

Payment of offering costs

                 (63 )           (721 )
                                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     3,590       (67 )     6,925       8,439       (890 )
                                        

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     1,002       3,811       5,339       8,179       541  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     6,357       7,359       11,170       11,170       16,509  
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 7,359     $ 11,170     $ 16,509     $ 19,349     $ 17,050  
                                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

          

Cash paid for interest

   $ 730     $ 908     $ 1,255     $ 243     $ 327  

Cash paid for taxes

     3,203       492       11,510       1,800       137  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

          

Equipment purchased under capital leases

     173       16       216       12        

Deferred stock-based compensation related to stock option grants

     585       1,058       2,345       921        

Reversal of deferred stock-based compensation for cancellation of stock options

     3       24       77       16       90  

Accrued costs for property and equipment purchases

     218       84       131       82       288  

Accrued offering costs

                 355             1,805  

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Note 1.    Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting

 

Organization —Super Micro Computer, Inc. was incorporated in California on September 28, 1993 and develops and provides high performance server solutions based upon an innovative, modular and open-standard architecture. Super Micro Computer has wholly owned subsidiaries in the Netherlands and Taiwan.

 

Principles of Consolidation —The consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated balance sheets, results of operations and cash flows of Super Micro Computer, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

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 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 periods. Such estimates include, but are not limited to: allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns, cooperative advertising accruals, inventory valuation, product warranty accruals, depreciation and amortization, income taxes and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Information —The interim consolidated financial information for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006 is unaudited and has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, such unaudited interim consolidated information includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair presentation of the interim consolidated financial information. Operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent periods.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents —The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds.

 

Short-term Investments —Short-term investments consist of certificate of deposits with maturities of more than three months but less than one year. The short-term investments are carried at amortized cost which approximates fair value.

 

Inventory —Inventory is stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. Inventory consists of raw materials (principally components), work in process (principally products being assembled) and finished goods. Market value represents net realizable value for finished goods and work in process and replacement value of raw materials and parts. The Company’s products are subject to rapid technological obsolescence and severe price competition. Should the Company experience a substantial unanticipated decline in the selling price or demand of its products, a significant charge to operations could result. During 2004, 2005, 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, the Company recorded inventory write-downs charged to cost of sales of $2,043,000, $1,429,000, $2,867,000, $574,000 and $735,000, respectively, for excess and obsolete inventory.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Property and Equipment —Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows:

 

Machinery and equipment

   1.5 to 7 years

Furniture and fixtures

  

5 years

Software

  

3 years

Building

  

39 years

Building improvements

  

20 years

Leasehold improvements

  

shorter of lease term or estimated useful life

 

For assets acquired and financed under capital leases, the present value of the future minimum lease payments is recorded at the date of acquisition as property and equipment with the corresponding amount recorded as a capital lease obligation, and the amortization is computed on a straight-line basis over the shorter of lease term or estimated useful life.

 

Long-Lived Assets —The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When the sum of the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss would be measured based on the discounted cash flows compared to the carrying amount. No impairment charge has been recorded in any of the periods presented.

 

Revenue Recognition —The Company accounts for its revenue under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements . Under the provisions of SAB No. 104, the Company recognizes revenue from sales of products, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, shipment has occurred and title has transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured, and all significant obligations have been met. Generally this occurs at the time of shipment when risk of loss and title has passed to the customer. The Company’s standard arrangement with its customers includes a signed purchase order or contract, free-on-board shipping point terms, 30 to 60 days payment terms, and no customer acceptance provisions. Certain customers have free-on-board destination terms and revenue is recognized when the products arrive at the destination. The Company generally does not provide for non-warranty rights of return except for products which have “Out-of-box” failure, in which case customers may return these products for credit within 30 days of receiving the items. Certain distributors and OEMs are also permitted to return products in unopened boxes, limited to purchases over a specified period of time, generally within 60 to 90 days of the purchase, or to products in the distributor’s or OEM’s inventory at certain times (such as the termination of the agreement or product obsolescence). In addition, the Company has a sales arrangement with an original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) under which the Company sells its products with the OEM’s brand to the OEM. The OEM has limited product return rights. To estimate reserves for future sales returns, the Company regularly reviews its history of actual returns for each major product line. The Company also communicates regularly with the relevant distributors to gather information about end customer satisfaction, and to determine the volume of inventory in the channel. Reserves for future returns are adjusted as necessary, based on returns experience, returns expectations and communication with its distributors.

 

In addition, certain customers have acceptance provisions and revenue is deferred until the customers provide the necessary acceptance. At September 30, 2006, the Company had deferred revenue and related deferred product costs of $2,334,000 and $1,992,000, respectively, related to shipments to customers pending acceptances. There is no deferred revenue and related deferred product costs at June 30, 2005 and 2006.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Probability of collection is assessed on a customer-by-customer basis. Customers are subjected to a credit review process that evaluates the customers’ financial position and ultimately their ability to pay. If it is determined from the outset of an arrangement that collection is not probable based upon the review process, the customers are required to pay cash in advance of shipment. The Company provides for price protection to certain distributors. Management assesses the market competition and product technology obsolescence, and makes price adjustments based on their judgment. Upon each announcement of price reductions, the accrual for price protection is calculated based on the distributors’ inventory on hand. Such reserves are recorded as a reduction to revenue at the time management reduces the product prices in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 01-9, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products ). Credits issued by the Company pursuant to these provisions were $397,000, $203,000, $75,000, $12,000 and $42,000 for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The Company does not commit to future price reductions with any of its customers.

 

Cost of Sales —Cost of sales primarily consists of the costs of materials, contract manufacturing, shipping, personnel and related expenses, equipment and facility expenses, warranty costs and inventory write-offs.

 

Product Warranties —The Company’s product warranties range from 12 to 36 months. At the time product revenue is recognized, the Company provides for estimated warranty costs. The Company has established accruals for anticipated future warranty costs which are included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2006, the reconciliation of the changes in accrued warranty costs (in thousands):

 

     June 30,    

Three Months
Ended
September 30,

2006

 
     2004     2005     2006    
                       (Unaudited)  

Balance as of beginning of period

   $ 1,093     $ 1,363     $ 1,595     $ 1,462  

Provision for warranty

     1,542       1,615       1,590       473  

Costs charged to accrual

     (1,272 )     (1,383 )     (1,723 )     (568 )
                                

Balance as of end of period

   $ 1,363     $ 1,595     $ 1,462     $ 1,367  
                                

 

Software Development Costs —Software development costs are included in research and development and are expensed as incurred. Software development costs are capitalized beginning when technological feasibility has been established and ending when a product is available for general release to customers. To date, the period between achieving technological feasibility and the issuing of such software has been short and software development costs qualifying for capitalization have been insignificant.

 

Research and Development —Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and consists primarily of salaries, consulting services, other direct expenses and other engineering expenses. The Company occasionally receives funding from certain suppliers and customers towards its development efforts. Such amounts recorded as a reduction of research and development expenses were $0, $255,000, $403,000, $0 and $108,000 for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

Cooperative Marketing Arrangements —The Company follows Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 01-9, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (including a Reseller of the Vendor’s

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Products) . The Company has arrangements with resellers of its products to reimburse the resellers for cooperative marketing costs meeting specified criteria. In accordance with EITF Issue No. 01-9, the Company records advertising costs meeting such specified criteria within sales and marketing expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For those advertising costs that do not meet the criteria set forth in EITF Issue No. 01-9, the amounts are recorded as a reduction to sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

Prior to fiscal year 2007, the Company had recognized the maximum potential amount of the reimbursement for which the resellers were entitled as the Company lacked sufficient historical experience to make a reasonably reliable estimate. Beginning in fiscal year 2007, the Company determined that it had sufficient history of unclaimed cooperative marketing funds to make reasonably reliable estimates. Accordingly, the Company determined an unclaimed cooperative marketing fund of approximately 27% for its cooperative marketing accruals. This change in accounting estimate had a favorable impact on income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2006 of approximately $415,000. The effect on net income for this period was an increase of approximately $251,000 and the effect on earnings per common share was an increase of $0.02 in net income per share—both basic and fully diluted.

 

Total cooperative marketing costs charged to sales and marketing expenses for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, were $1,853,000, $1,069,000, $1,326,000, $383,000 and $182,000, respectively. Total amounts recorded as reductions to sales for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, were $467,000, $720,000, $665,000, $231,000 and $26,000, respectively.

 

Advertising Costs —Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising and promotional expenses, including cooperative marketing payments, were $2,183,000, $1,505,000, $2,050,000, $482,000 and $309,000 for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

Stock-Based Compensation —Prior to July 1, 2006, the Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25), and related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options rather than the alternative fair value accounting provided for under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, Accounting for Stock- Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123), as amended by SFAS No. 148. Under APB 25, when the exercise price of the Company’s employee and director stock options is equal to or greater than the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. In December 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosures, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123 . This Statement provides alternative methods of transition for companies who voluntarily change to the fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation in accordance to SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation , and enhances the disclosure requirements. This statement was effective upon its issuance.

 

The Company accounts for equity instruments granted to nonemployees under SFAS No. 123, EITF Issue No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or In Conjunction with Selling Goods or Services and Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 28, Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other Variable Stock Option or Award Plans . The options are recorded at fair value under SFAS No. 123 and are measured and recognized in accordance with EITF Issue No. 96-18 and FIN 28.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Effective July 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment , using the prospective transition method, which requires 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 enterprises 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. That cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award, known as the requisite service period (usually the vesting period). SFAS No. 123(R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under APB No. 25 for periods beginning in fiscal 2007.

 

Valuation and amortization method —The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes-option-pricing formula and a single option award approach. This fair value is then amortized ratably over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Expected Term —The Company’s expected term represents the period that the Company’s stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was determined based on an analysis of the relevant peer companies’ post-vest termination rates and the exercise factors.

 

Expected Volatility —Expected volatility is based on a combination of the implied and historical volatility for both the Company and its peer group.

 

Expected Dividend —The Black-Scholes valuation model calls for a single expected dividend yield as an input and the Company has no plans to pay dividends.

 

Risk-Free Interest Rate —The risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes valuation method is based on the U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected term of option.

 

Estimated Forfeitures —The estimated forfeiture rate is based on the Company’s historical forfeiture rates.

 

Stock Compensation Expense —The Company did not record any stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2006 resulting from the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) as no stock options were granted to its employees for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Shipping and Handling Fees —In accordance with EITF Issue No. 00-10, Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs , the Company incurred shipping costs of $649,000, $465,000, $513,000, $129,000 and $98,000 for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively, that were included in sales and marketing expenses.

 

Income Taxes —The Company accounts for income taxes under an asset and liability approach. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for income tax reporting purposes, net operating loss carryforwards and other tax credits measured by applying currently enacted tax laws. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

 

Comprehensive Income —Comprehensive income, as defined, includes all changes in equity during a period from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income was the same as net income for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006.

 

Foreign Currency Translation —The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, remeasurement of foreign currency accounts and foreign exchange transaction gains and losses, which have not been material, are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

Net Income Per Share —Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.

 

Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing the net income for the period by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive securities, comprised of incremental common shares, issuable upon the exercise of stock options are included in diluted net income per share, using the treasury stock method, to the extent such shares are dilutive.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

A reconciliation of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

 

     Years Ended June 30,    Three Months Ended
September 30,
     2004    2005    2006    2005    2006
                    (Unaudited)

Numerator:

              

Net income

   $ 4,854    $ 7,090    $ 16,947    $ 3,343    $ 4,809

Denominator:

              

Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

     21,898      21,914      22,010      21,958      22,190

Dilutive common stock options

     6,164      7,528      9,836      8,098      10,024
                                  

Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

     28,062      29,442      31,846      30,056      32,214
                                  

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.22    $ 0.32    $ 0.77    $ 0.15    $ 0.22

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.17    $ 0.24    $ 0.53    $ 0.11    $ 0.15

 

Certain Significant Risks and Uncertainties —The Company operates in the high technology industry and is subject to a number of risks, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results, and financial condition. These risks include variability and uncertainty of revenues and operating results; product obsolescence; geographic concentration; international operations; dependence on key personnel; competition; intellectual property/litigation; management of growth; and limited sources of supply.

 

Concentration of Supplier Risk —Certain of the raw materials used by the Company in the manufacture of its products are available from a limited number of suppliers. Shortages could occur in these essential materials due to an interruption of supply or increased demand in the industry. Two suppliers accounted for 26.6% and 27.8%, 29.2% and 26.7%, 32.2% and 20.8%, 33.1% and 25.3%, and 25.6% and 21.5% of total purchases for years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments —Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. Long- term debt is carried at amortized cost, which approximates its fair value based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk —Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Deposits may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of net sales in fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable as of September 30, 2006.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards —In December of 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (FIN No. 46R). FIN No. 46R expands upon and strengthens existing accounting guidance that addresses when a company should include in its financial statements the assets, liabilities and activities of another entity. A variable interest entity is any legal structure used for business purposes that either does not have equity investors with voting rights or has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

support its activities. A variable interest entity often holds financial assets, including loans and receivables, real estate or other property. A variable interest entity may be essentially passive or it may engage in research and development or other activities on behalf of another company. Previously, one company generally has included another entity in its consolidated financial statements only if it controlled the entity through voting interests. FIN No. 46R changes that by requiring a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns or both. FIN No. 46R became effective beginning with the Company’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. The Company has analyzed its relationship with Ablecom Technology Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Ablecom”—see Note 7) and has concluded that Ablecom is a variable interest entity as defined by FIN No. 46R; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of Ablecom and, therefore, the Company does not consolidate Ablecom. In performing its analysis, the Company considered its explicit arrangements with Ablecom including the supplier and distributor arrangements. Also, as a result of the substantial related party relationship between the two companies, the Company considered and determined that no implicit arrangements with Ablecom exist principally as a result of the fiduciary duty that the Company has towards its stockholders who do not own shares in Ablecom.

 

SFAS No. 153

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 153, “ Exchanges of Non-monetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29” (“SFAS 153”). SFAS 153 addresses the measurement of exchanges of non-monetary assets and redefines the scope of transactions that should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. SFAS 153 is effective for non-monetary asset exchanges beginning in our first quarter of fiscal year 2006. The adoption of SFAS 153 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

SFAS No. 154

 

In June 2005, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 154, “ Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and FASB Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements ” (“SFAS 154”). The Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle, and changes the requirements for accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of a voluntary change in accounting principle unless it is impracticable. SFAS 154 requires that a change in method of depreciation, amortization, or depletion for long-lived, non-financial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate that is affected by a change in accounting principle. Opinion 20 previously required that such a change be reported as a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not believe this pronouncement will have a material impact in its financial results.

 

FSP No. FAS 109-2

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 109-2, “ Accounting and Disclosure Guidance for the Foreign Earnings Repatriation Provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004” (“FSP FAS 109-2”). The American Jobs Creation Act introduces a special one-time dividends received deduction on the repatriation of certain foreign earnings to a U.S. taxpayer (repatriation provision), provided certain criteria are met. The Company currently has no plans to avail itself of these provisions.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

FIN 48

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Income Tax Uncertainties” (FIN 48). FIN 48 defines the threshold for recognizing the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements as “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority. FIN 48 also provides guidance on the derecognition, measurement and classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any related interest and penalties. FIN 48 also includes guidance concerning accounting for income tax uncertainties in interim periods and increases the level of disclosures associated with any recorded income tax uncertainties.

 

FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The differences between the amounts recognized in the statements of financial position prior to the adoption of FIN 48 and the amounts reported after adoption will be accounted for as a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Because the guidance was recently issued, the Company has not yet determined the impact, if any, of adopting the provisions of FIN 48 on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

 

SAB No. 108

 

In September 2006, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (“SAB 108”), “ Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements .” SAB 108 provides guidance on the consideration of the effects of prior year misstatements in quantifying current year misstatements for the purpose of a materiality assessment. SAB 108 establishes an approach that requires quantification of financial statement errors based on the effects of each of the company’s balance sheet and statement of operations financial statements and the related financial statement disclosures. SAB 108 permits existing public companies to record the cumulative effect of initially applying this approach in the first year ending after November 15, 2006 by recording the necessary correcting adjustments to the carrying values of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of that year with the offsetting adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings. Additionally, the use of the cumulative effect transition method requires detailed disclosure of the nature and amount of each individual error being corrected through the cumulative adjustment and how and when it arose. The Company applied the guidance in SAB 108 as of July 1, 2006. The application of SAB 108 did not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy used to classify the source of the information. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Note 2.    Accounts Receivable Allowances

 

The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts and an allowance for sales returns. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends related to past losses and other relevant factors. The Company also provides its customers with product returns rights. A provision for such returns is provided for in the same period that the related sales are recorded based upon contractual return rights and historical trends. Accounts receivable allowances as of June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     Beginning
Balance
  

Charged to

Cost and

Expenses

   Deductions    

Ending

Balance

Allowance for doubtful accounts:

          

Year ended June 30, 2004

   $ 235    $ 124    $ (116 )   $ 243

Year ended June 30, 2005

     243      88      (94 )     237

Year ended June 30, 2006

     237      18      (47 )     208

Three months ended September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)

     208      16            224

Allowance for sales returns

          

Year ended June 30, 2004

   $ 716    $ 1,767    $ (1,661 )   $ 822

Year ended June 30, 2005

     822      4,148      (3,818 )     1,152

Year ended June 30, 2006

     1,152      2,497      (3,326 )     323

Three months ended September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)

     323      954      (858 )     419

 

Note 3.    Inventories

 

Inventories as of June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,   

September 30,

2006

     2005    2006   
               (Unaudited)

Finished goods

   $ 27,288    $ 39,371    $ 50,460

Work in process

     50      387      852

Purchased parts and raw materials

     13,187      17,854      26,674
                    

Total inventories, net

   $ 40,525    $ 57,612    $ 77,986
                    

 

F-16


Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Note 4.    Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment as of June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,    

September 30,

2006

 
     2005     2006    
                 (Unaudited)  

Land

   $ 6,788     $ 13,859     $ 13,859  

Buildings

     10,439       13,162       13,162  

Building and leasehold improvements

     1,514       2,109       2,771  

Machinery and equipment

     1,849       2,673       2,974  

Furniture and fixtures

     524       722       1,053  

Software

     744       840       852  
                        
     21,858       33,365       34,671  

Accumulated depreciation

     (2,781 )     (3,760 )     (4,099 )
                        

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 19,077     $ 29,605     $ 30,572  
                        

 

The costs of assets under capital leases were $192,000, $402,000 and $402,000 as of June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006, respectively, and accumulated amortization was $14,000, $46,000 and $60,000, respectively.

 

Note 5.    Advances from Receivable Financing Arrangements

 

The Company has accounts receivable financing agreements with certain financing companies whereby the financing companies pay the Company for sales transactions that have been preapproved by these financing companies. The financing company then collects the receivable from the customer. For the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, such sales transactions totaled approximately $9,153,000, $9,960,000, $15,286,000, $3,180,000 and $2,962,000, respectively. At June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006, approximately $363,000, $800,000 and $784,000 respectively, remained uncollected from customers subject to these arrangements. Such amounts have been recorded as advances from receivable financing arrangements as the Company has obligations to repurchase inventories seized by the financing companies from defaulting customers. Historically, the Company has not been required to repurchase inventories from the financing companies. These financing arrangements bear interest at rates ranging from 12.24% to 19.56% per annum, depending on the customers’ credit ratings, for both years ended June 30, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Note 6.    Long-term Obligations

 

Long-term obligations as of June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,    

September 30,

2006

 
     2005     2006    
                 (Unaudited)  

Building loans

   $ 11,818     $ 18,237     $ 18,088  

Small Business Administration loan

     1,148       1,000       993  

Capital leases (Note 10)

     110       229       189  
                        

Total

     13,076       19,466       19,270  

Current portion

     (504 )     (781 )     (761 )
                        

Long-term portion

   $ 12,572     $ 18,685     $ 18,509  
                        

 

In March 2001, the Company borrowed $8,712,000 from a bank to purchase a building in San Jose, California. The loan is secured by the property purchased and principal and interest are payable monthly through April 1, 2021. As of June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006, the total outstanding borrowings were $7,649,000, $7,360,000 and $7,285,000, respectively, with interest at 6.25% through April 2006 and 6.75% from May 2006 to April 2011. The interest rate from May 2011 through April 2021 is adjusted every five years and is equal to 1.75% plus the United States 5-Year Treasury bond rate rounded to the nearest 1/8%. Under the terms of the agreement, as amended in June 2006, the Company is required to maintain a debt coverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with the ratio at June 30 and September 30, 2006.

 

In May 2001, the Company borrowed $1,300,000 under a Small Business Administration loan. The loan is secured by certain property owned by the Company, and the principal and interest are payable monthly through May 1, 2021. As of June 30, 2005, the total outstanding borrowing was $1,148,000 with interest at 6.42% per annum plus 1.26% per annum as loan fees. In October 2005, the Company paid off the loan for $1,182,000.

 

In April 2004, the Company borrowed $4,275,000 from a bank to purchase a building in San Jose, California. The loan is secured by the property purchased and principal and interest are payable monthly through May 1, 2029. As of June 30, 2005 and 2006 and September 30, 2006, the total outstanding borrowings were $4,170,000, $4,085,000 and $4,059,000, respectively, with interest at 5.28% per annum through May 2007. The interest rate from May 2007 through May 2029 is equal to the prime rate in effect on the first business day of the month in which a change occurs as published in the Wall Street Journal on the next business day.

 

In September 2005, the Company obtained two loans totaling $7,920,000 from a bank to purchase a building in San Jose, California. Both loans are secured by the property purchased and the assignment of all rent on the property purchased. The first loan of $6,930,000 is repayable in equal monthly installments through September 2010. As of June 30 and September 30, 2006, the total outstanding borrowings were $6,792,000 and $6,745,000, respectively, with interest at 5.77% per annum through September 2010, and then it is adjusted every five years to equal the index of 5-Year Treasury Notes plus 1.65% per annum. The second loan of $990,000 was paid off using a Small Business Administration loan of $1,019,000 on November 16, 2005. The second loan is secured by the property purchased and guaranteed by two officers/shareholders of the Company. As of June 30 and September 30, 2006, the total outstanding borrowings were $1,000,000 and $993,000, respectively, with interest at 6.6% per annum through November 16, 2010, and then it is adjusted every five years based on the index as defined in the loan agreement. The Small Business Administration loan is repayable in equal monthly installments through November 1, 2025.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

As of September 30, 2006, the gross cost and net book value of the land, building and related improvements collateralizing the borrowings were approximately $29,654,000 and $27,998,000, respectively. As of June 30, 2006, the gross cost and net book value of the land, building and related improvements collateralizing the borrowings were approximately $28,992,000 and $27,450,000, respectively. As of June 30, 2005, the gross cost and net book value of the land, building and related improvements collateralizing the borrowings were approximately $18,624,000 and $17,480,000, respectively.

 

The following table as of June 30, 2006, summarizes future minimum principal payments on the Company’s debts excluding capital leases (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Years Ending June 30,

    

2007

   $ 616

2008

     655

2009

     697

2010

     742

2011

     790

Thereafter

     15,737
      

Total

   $ 19,237
      

 

As of September 30, 2006, the Company had an unused revolving line of credit totaling $5,000,000 that matures on November 1, 2006 and the interest rate on this credit line is equal to the lender’s established prime rate of 7% per annum.

 

Note 7.    Related-party and Other Transactions

 

Ablecom Technology Inc. —Ablecom, a Taiwan corporation, together with its subsidiaries (Ablecom”), is one of the Company’s major contract manufacturers. Ablecom’s chief executive officer, Steve Liang, is the brother of Charles Liang, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and owns approximately 4.5% of the Company’s common stock. Charles Liang served as a Director of Ablecom during the Company’s fiscal 2006, but is no longer serving in such capacity. In addition, Charles Liang and his wife, also an officer of the Company, collectively own approximately 30.7% of Ablecom and Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw, an officer and director of the Company, and his spouse collectively own approximately 5.2% of Ablecom, while Steve Liang and other family matters own approximately 45.3% of Ablecom.

 

The Company has product design and manufacturing services agreements (“product design and manufacturing agreements”) and a distribution agreement (“distribution agreement”) with Ablecom.

 

Under the product design and manufacturing agreements, the Company outsources a portion of its design activities and a significant part of its manufacturing of components such as server chassis to Ablecom, an outsourced manufacturer beginning in 1997 for the sole purpose of providing design and manufacturing services. Ablecom agrees to design products according to the Company’s specifications. Additionally, Ablecom agrees to build the tools needed to manufacture the products. Under the product design and manufacturing agreements, the Company commits to purchase a minimum quantity over a set period. The purchase price of the products manufactured by Ablecom is negotiated on a purchase order by purchase order at each purchase date. However, a fixed charge is added to the price of each unit purchased until the agreed minimum number of units is purchased.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Under the distribution agreement, Ablecom purchases from the Company server products for distribution in Taiwan. The pricing and terms under the distribution agreement are similar to the pricing and terms of distribution arrangements the Company has with similar, third party distributors.

 

Ablecom’s net sales to the Company and its net sales of the Company’s products to others comprise a substantial majority of Ablecom’s net sales. The Company purchased products from Ablecom totaling approximately $44,371,000, $57,342,000 and $75,718,000, and sold products to Ablecom totaling approximately $4,549,000, $4,064,000 and $3,881,000, for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Amounts owed to the Company by Ablecom as of June 30, 2005 and 2006, were approximately $201,000 and $310,000, respectively. Amounts owed to Ablecom by the Company as of June 30, 2005 and 2006, were approximately $21,631,000 and $23,492,000 respectively. Historically, the Company has paid Ablecom the majority of invoiced dollars between 120 and 145 days of invoice. For the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Company received $203,000, $84,000 and $90,000, respectively from Ablecom for penalty charges, and paid approximately $20,000, $61,000 and $104,000, respectively in miscellaneous costs to Ablecom. Penalty charges are assessments relating to delayed deliveries or quality issues.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, the Company purchased products from Ablecom totaling approximately $19,378,000 and $24,390,000, respectively, and sold products to Ablecom totaling approximately $958,000 and $1,801,000, respectively. The amounts owed to the Company by Ablecom as of September 30, 2006, was approximately $1,061,000. The amount owed to Ablecom by the Company as of September 30, 2006, was approximately $28,504,000. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, the Company paid Ablecom the majority of invoiced dollars between 100 and 130 days of invoice. For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, the Company received $11,000 and $49,000, respectively from Ablecom for penalty charges, and paid approximately $19,000 and $222,000, respectively in miscellaneous costs to Ablecom.

 

The Company’s exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with Ablecom is limited to (a) potential losses on its purchase orders in the event of an unforeseen decline in the market price and/or demand of the Company’s products such that the Company incurs a loss on the sale or can not sell the products and (b) potential losses on outstanding accounts receivable from Ablecom in the event of an unforeseen deterioration in the financial condition of Ablecom such that Ablecom defaults on its payable to the Company. Outstanding purchase orders with Ablecom were $10.2 million and $1.6 million at September 30, 2006 and June 30, 2006, respectively, representing the maximum exposure to loss relating to (a) above. The Company does not have any direct or indirect guarantees of losses, if any, of Ablecom.

 

Tatung —Tatung is a significant contract manufacturer for the Company and a less than 10% stockholder of the Company.

 

The Company has a product manufacturing agreement (“product manufacturing agreement”) with Tatung.

 

Under the product manufacturing agreement, the Company outsources a significant portion of its design and manufacturing of components such as motherboards to Tatung. Tatung agrees to design products according to the Company’s specifications.

 

The Company purchased contract manufacturing services and products from Tatung totaling approximately $13,561,000, $12,224,000 and $14,355,000 and sold products to Tatung totaling approximately $6,000, $1,000 and $85,000, for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The amounts owed to the Company by Tatung as of June 30, 2005 and 2006, were approximately $0 and $83,000, respectively. The amounts owed to

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Tatung by the Company as of June 30, 2005 and 2006, were approximately $1,611,000 and $4,988,000 respectively. Historically, the Company has paid Tatung the majority of invoiced dollars between 80 and 130 days of invoice. For the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Company received $271,000, $0 and $0, respectively from Tatung for penalty charges.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, the Company purchased contract manufacturing services and products from Tatung totaling approximately $2,635,000 and $6,350,000, respectively and sold products to Tatung totaling approximately $0 and $160,000, respectively. The amount owed to the Company by Tatung as of September 30, 2006, was approximately $210,000. The amount owed to Tatung by the Company as of September 30, 2006, was approximately $6,863,000. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, the Company paid Tatung the majority of invoiced dollars between 60 and 140 days of invoice.

 

Note 8.    Common Stock

 

The 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) authorizes the Board of Directors to grant options to employees, directors and consultants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. At September 30, 2006, 13,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plan. The exercise price per share for options granted to employees and consultants owning shares representing more than 10% of the Company at the time of grant cannot be less than 110% of the fair value. Incentive and nonqualified stock options granted to all other persons shall be granted at a price not less than 100% and 85%, respectively, of the fair value. Options generally expire ten years after the date of grant. The vesting of stock options is determined by the Board of Directors and may not exceed five years. Generally, options vest over four years; 25% at the end of one year and 1/16th per quarter thereafter.

 

In fiscal year 1999, the Company granted 5,944,000 non-statutory stock options to key employees of the Company and external consultants outside of the 1998 Stock Option Plan. These options, which the Company has reserved for separately, were granted at exercise prices ranging from $0.08 to $0.63 per share (weighted average exercise price of $0.22), which were the estimated fair values at the dates of grant and are now fully vested.

 

In fiscal year 2001, the Company granted 1,480,000 non-statutory stock options to key officers of the Company outside of the 1998 Stock Option Plan. These options, which the Company has reserved for separately, were granted at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, which was the estimated fair value at the date of grant and are now fully vested.

 

In fiscal year 2003, the Company granted 200,000 non-statutory stock options to an officer of the Company outside the 1998 Stock Option Plan. This option, which the Company has reserved for separately, was granted at an exercise price of $1.25 per share.

 

In fiscal year 2006, the Company granted 64,800 non-statutory stock options to an officer of the Company outside the 1998 Stock Option Plan. This option, which the Company has reserved for separately, was granted at an exercise price of $3.50 per share.

 

In August 2006, the Board of Directors approved the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) and reserved for issuance 4,000,000 shares of common stock for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards. The number of shares reserved will automatically increase on January 1, 2007 and each subsequent anniversary through 2016, by an amount equal to the smaller of (a) three percent of the number of shares of stock issued and outstanding on the

 

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SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

immediately preceding December 31, or (b) a lesser amount determined by the Board of Directors. The 2006 Plan will be effective upon its approval by the stockholders of the Company.

 

Option activities were as follows:

 

    

Options
Available

for Grant

   

Options

Outstanding

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

Balance as of June 30, 2003 (8,949,038 shares exercisable at weighted average exercise price of $0.77 per share)

   3,602,400     11,268,600     $ 0.88

Granted (weighted average fair value of $0.61)

   (1,697,940 )   1,697,940       2.16

Exercised

       (190,000 )     0.10

Canceled

   96,342     (96,342 )     1.47
              

Balance as of June 30, 2004 (10,284,900 shares exercisable at weighted average exercise price of 0.87 per share)

   2,000,802     12,680,198       1.06

Granted (weighted average fair value of $1.18)

   (1,414,986 )   1,414,986       2.90

Exercised

       (35,000 )     1.25

Canceled

   159,348     (159,348 )     1.31
              

Balance as of June 30, 2005 (11,429,052 shares exercisable at weighted average exercise price of $0.96 per share)

   745,164     13,900,836       1.24

Authorized

   4,000,000        

Granted (weighted average fair value of $3.16)

   (879,736 )   944,536       4.04

Exercised

       (235,618 )     1.80

Canceled

   258,594     (258,594 )     1.96
              

Balance as of June 30, 2006 (12,133,060 shares exercisable at weighted average exercise price of $1.07 per share)

   4,124,022     14,351,160     $ 1.40

Granted*

            

Exercised*

       (26,036 )     1.67

Canceled*

   102,576     (102,576 )     2.71
              

Balance as of September 30, 2006 (12,399,850 shares exercisable at weighted average exercise price of $1.11 per share)*

   4,226,598     14,222,548     $ 1.39
              

*   (Unaudited)

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Additional information regarding options outstanding as of June 30, 2006, is as follows:

 

     Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices

   Number
Outstanding
   Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in years)
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
   Number
Exercisable
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

$ 0.08 - 0.20

   2,401,000    2.45    $ 0.15    2,401,000    $ 0.15

0.38

   1,500,000    2.45      0.38    1,500,000      0.38

0.63

   100,000    2.45      0.63    100,000      0.63

1.25

   6,652,600    5.00      1.25    6,639,816      1.25

1.55 - 2.60

   1,785,814    7.69      2.27    1,062,242      2.23

2.80 - 3.00

   403,574    8.79      2.92    169,852      2.92

3.08

   600,000    8.50      3.08    225,000      3.08

3.25

   561,052    9.25      3.25    14,626      3.25

3.50

   279,120    9.50      3.50    20,524      3.50

13.70

   68,000    9.75      13.70        
                          

$ 0.08 - $ 13.70

   14,351,160    5.15    $ 1.40    12,133,060    $ 1.07
                          

 

During the each of the quarters in fiscal year 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2006, the Company granted stock options with exercise prices as follows:

 

Grants Made During

Quarter Ended

  

Number of

Options

Granted

  

Weighted-

Average

Exercise

Price

  

Weighted-

Average

Fair Value

per Share

  

Weighted-

Average

Intrinsic

Value per

Share

September 30, 2005

   593,096    $ 3.25    $ 4.87    $ 1.62

December 31, 2005

   283,440      3.50      8.56      5.06

March 31, 2006

   68,000      13.70      13.70     

June 30, 2006

      $    $    $

September 30, 2006

      $    $    $

 

The intrinsic value per share is being recognized as compensation expense over the applicable vesting period (which equals the service period).

 

Options to Nonemployees —In June 2001, the Company issued options to external consultants for the purchase of 206,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share and a fair value of $0.97 per share. The options vest over four years ranging from May 1, 1999 to July 1, 2000, and expire ten years from the date of issuance. In August 2003, the Company issued options to one external consultant for the purchase of 8,668 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.93 per share and a fair value of $1.61 per share. The options vest over four years with vesting commencement dates starting on January 6, 2004, and expire ten years from the date of issuance. In December 2003, the Company issued options to one external consultant for the purchase of 8,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $ 2.10 per share and a fair value of $1.98 per share. The options vest over four years starting on May 1, 2003, and expire ten years from the date of issuance. In September 2004, the Company issued options to one external consultant for the purchase of 12,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.60 per share and a fair value of $ 2.77 per share. The options vest over four years starting on July 1, 2004, and expire ten years from the date of issuance. In March 2005, the Company issued options to external consultants for the

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

purchase of 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $2.90 per share and a fair value of $3.18 per share. The options vest over two years starting on January 1, 2005, and expire ten years from the date of issuance. In June 2005, the Company issued options to one external consultant for the purchase of 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share and a fair value of $3.30 per share. The options vest over two years starting on July 1, 2004, and expire ten years from the date of issuance. In September 2005, the Company issued options to external consultants for the purchase of 6,360 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share and a fair value ranging from $4.11 to $4.21 per share. The options vest over four years ranging from March 1, 2004 to April 1, 2005, and expire ten years from the date of issuance. In December 2005, the Company issued options to one external consultant for the purchase of 1,820 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price $3.50 per share and a fair value of $7.69 per share. The options vest over four years starting on June 1, 2005, and expire ten years from the date of issuance. In 2004, 2005 and 2006 and for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, the Company recorded compensation expense of $114,000, $79,000, $209,000, $37,000 and $22,000, respectively, associated with these options. Pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 123, the fair value of the options issued was determined based on fair value of the consideration received, where such amount was reliably measurable, or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, in which case the fair value was estimated at the vesting date using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rate, 4.15% to 4.90% for 2004, 4.09% to 4.83% for 2005, 4.16% to 5.20% for 2006, 4.16% to 4.48% for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 4.72% to 5.09% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, contractual life of ten years, expected dividend yield of zero, and expected volatility of 70% for 2004 and 2005 and 81% for 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2006. Unamortized deferred stock compensation relating to non-employees was $50,000 and $38,000 at June 30 and September 30, 2006, respectively. The fair value and compensation expense included in the unvested portion of such award is subject to adjustments as the fair value of the Company’s common stock changes over the vesting period.

 

Note 9.    Income Taxes

 

The components of income before income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended June 30,
     2004     2005     2006

United States

   $ 6,742     $ 11,143     $ 25,617

Foreign

     (659 )     (414 )     1,005
                      

Income before income taxes

   $ 6,083     $ 10,729     $ 26,622
                      

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

The income tax provision for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,  
     2004     2005    2006  

Current:

       

Federal

   $ 1,543     $ 3,203    $ 8,823  

State

     94       303      1,195  

Foreign

                476  
                       
     1,637       3,506      10,494  
                       

Deferred:

       

Federal

     (385 )     122      (682 )

State

     (23 )     11      (47 )

Foreign

                (90 )
                       
     (408 )     133      (819 )
                       

Income tax provision

   $ 1,229     $ 3,639    $ 9,675  
                       

 

The Company has established tax reserves which it believes are adequate in relation to the potential assessments. Once established, reserves are adjusted when an event occurs necessitating a change to the reserves or the statue of limitations for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position has expired.

 

The Company’s net deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2005 and 2006, consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     June 30,  
     2005     2006  

Warranty accrual

   $ 625     $ 575  

Marketing fund accrual

     513       378  

Inventory valuation

     905       1,669  

Tax benefit on foreign loss

     476       90  

Amortization

     101       256  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     81       69  

Accrued liability

     29       59  

Inventory cost difference

     26       26  

Other accruals

     399       318  
                

Total deferred income tax assets

     3,155       3,440  

Deferred tax liabilities-depreciation and other

     (456 )     (398 )

Valuation allowance

     (476 )      
                

Deferred income tax assets-net

   $ 2,223     $ 3,042  
                

 

As of June 30, 2006, the Company has modified its inter-company transfer pricing arrangements with its foreign subsidiaries. As a result, the Company utilized a substantial portion of its foreign net operating loss carryforward in fiscal year 2006 and now believes it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets relating to the remaining net operating loss carryforwards will be realized. Therefore, the Company has released the valuation allowance relating to these deferred tax assets in the current period.

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

Income tax benefits resulting from the exercise of options of $74,290, $0 and $220,228 were credited to stockholders’ equity in the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.

 

The following is a reconciliation for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, of the statutory rate to the Company’s effective federal tax rate:

 

     Years Ended June 30,  
         2004             2005             2006      

Tax at statutory rate

   34.0 %   35.0 %   35.0 %

State income tax-net of federal benefit

   1.0     2.6     3.4  

Foreign rate differential losses not deductible

   2.3     (3.1 )   1.6  

Change in valuation allowance

   0.8     1.1     (1.8 )

Foreign sales corporation tax benefit

   (8.6 )   (1.8 )   (1.4 )

Research and development tax credit

   (9.6 )   (0.4 )   (1.0 )

Other

   0.3     0.5     0.5  
                  

Effective tax rate

   20.2 %   33.9 %   36.3 %
                  

 

Note 10.    Commitments and Contingencies

 

Litigation and Claims —The Company has been a defendant in a lawsuit with Digitechnic, S.A., a former customer, before the Bobigny Commercial Court in Paris, France, in which Digitechnic alleged that certain products purchased from the Company were defective. In September 2003, the Bobigny Commercial Court found in favor of Digitechnic and awarded damages totaling $1,178,000. The Company accrued for these damages in its consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2004, as the best estimate of its loss in this situation. In February 2005, the Paris Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s ruling, dismissed all of Digitechnic’s claims and awarded $11,000 to the Company for legal expenses. Accordingly, the Company reversed the $1,178,000 accrued in fiscal 2005. Digitechnic has appealed the Paris Court of Appeals decision to the French Supreme Court and asked for $2,416,000 for damages. Although the Company cannot predict with certainty the final outcome of this litigation, it believes the claim to be without merit and intend to continue to defend it vigorously. Management believes that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

 

In August, September and November 2006, the Company entered into settlement agreements regarding certain claims relating to the sale of its products in violation of export control laws. In August 2006, the Company entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, the principal terms of which included entering a guilty plea to one charge of violating federal export regulations and payment of approximately $150,000 in fines. The plea agreement has been approved by the U.S. District Court. The Company has also entered into a settlement agreement with the Bureau of Industry and Security of the Department of Commerce pursuant to which the Company has acknowledged violations of the Export Administration Regulations and agreed to pay a fine of approximately $125,000. Finally, on November 10, 2006, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”), pursuant to which the Company made a payment of a fine of $179,000.

 

On September 2, 2005, Rackable Systems, Inc. filed a lawsuit against the Company in federal court for the Northern District of California, alleging causes of action for patent infringement under two United States patents. The complaint seeks compensatory damages, treble damages for willful infringement, interest, attorneys’ fees and injunctive relief. On September 8, 2006, the parties presented a tutorial to the court summarizing the

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

technology involved in the case, the nature of the inventions of the patents, and background prior art. A “Markman” hearing was held on October 4, 2006 at which the Court made certain determinations regarding the scope and validity of the patent claims. The case remains in pre-trial motions and discovery. The Company believes the claims to be without merit and intends to defend against them vigorously. However, the results of litigation are inherently uncertain, and there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail. Any such suit or proceeding could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Risk Factors—Protection of Intellectual Property.”

 

In addition to the above, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business activities. In management’s opinion, resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, cash flows or our financial position. However, depending on the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of a matter could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations, cash flows or financial position in a particular period.

 

Lease Commitments —The Company leases equipment under noncancelable operating leases which expire at various dates through 2011. In addition, the Company leases certain of its equipment under capital leases. The future minimum lease commitments under all leases were as follows (in thousands):

 

     As of June 30, 2006    As of September 30,
2006
    

Capital

Leases

  

Operating

Leases

  

Capital

Leases

  

Operating

Leases

Nine months ending June 30, 2007

   $    $    $ 133    $ 302

Year ending June 30, 2007

     175      382          

Year ending June 30, 2008

     49      191      49      208

Year ending June 30, 2009

     20      166      20      199

Year ending June 30, 2010

          141           148

Year ending June 30, 2011

          129           135
                           

Total minimum operating lease payments

     244    $ 1,009      202    $ 992
                       

Less amounts representing interest

     15         13   
                   

Present value of minimum lease payments

     229         189   

Less long-term portion

     64         53   
                   

Current portion

   $ 165       $ 136   
                   

 

Rent expense for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, were approximately $291,000, $431,000, $468,000, 110,000, and $136,000, respectively.

 

Note 11.    Retirement Plan

 

The Company sponsors a 401(k) savings plan for eligible employees and their beneficiaries. Contributions by the Company are discretionary, and no contributions have been made by the Company for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

Beginning in March 2003, employees of Super Micro Computer, B.V. have the option to deduct a portion of their gross wages and invest the amount in a pension plan. The Company has agreed to match 10% of the amount that is deducted monthly from employees’ wages. For the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the

 

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Table of Contents

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(INFORMATION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND FOR THE

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 AND 2006 IS UNAUDITED)

 

three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, the Company’s matching contribution was approximately $2,600, $4,100, $3,300, $1,000 and $1,000, respectively.

 

Note 12.    Segment Reporting

 

The Company operates in one operating segment and develops and provides high performance server solutions based upon an innovative, modular and open-standard architecture. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer.

 

International net sales are based on the country to which the products were shipped. The following is a summary for the years ended June 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2006, of net sales by geographic region (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended June 30,    Three Months Ended
September 30,
     2004    2005    2006    2005    2006

Net sales:

              

United States

   $ 89,972    $ 119,248    $ 177,024    $ 36,758    $ 53,490

United Kingdom

     8,866      9,065      16,044      2,951      5,083

Germany

     17,164      19,672      27,062      5,783      6,106

Rest of Europe

     24,458      29,832      42,222      9,995      9,742

Asia

     24,152      26,796      33,216      7,768      13,449

Other

     2,453      7,150      6,973      1,270      2,317
                                  
   $ 167,065    $ 211,763    $ 302,541    $ 64,525    $ 90,187
                                  

 

The Company’s long-lived assets located outside the United States are not significant.

 

The following is a summary of net sales by product type (in thousands):

 

    Years Ended June 30,   Three Months Ended September 30,
    2004   2005   2006   2005   2006
    Amount   Percent of
Net Sales
  Amount   Percent of
Revenues
  Amount   Percent of
Net Sales
  Amount   Percent of
Net Sales
  Amount   Percent of
Net Sales

Server systems

  $ 51,151   30.6%   $ 66,574   31.4%   $ 104,460   34.5%   $ 21,712   33.6%   $ 31,767   35.2%

Serverboards and other components

    115,914   69.4%     145,189   68.6%     198,081   65.5%     42,813   66.4%     58,420   64.8%
                                                 

Total

  $ 167,065   100%   $ 211,763   100%   $ 302,541   100%   $ 64,525   100.0%   $ 90,187   100.0%
                                                 

 

Serverboards and other components are comprised of serverboards, chassis and accessories. Server systems constitute an assembly of components done by the Company.

 

Note 13.    Subsequent Event

 

On January 10, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one common stock split and an increase in the number of authorized common shares to 40,000,000. All share and per share information in the consolidated financial statements has been adjusted to give retroactive effect to the split.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PART II

 

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

The following table sets forth the various expenses payable by us in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities offered hereby, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the amounts shown are estimated except the SEC registration fee, the National Association Securities Dealers, Inc. filing fee and the Nasdaq Global Market listing fee.

 

     Total

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

   $ 18,458

National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. filing fee

     15,500

Nasdaq Global Market listing fee

     100,000

Transfer agents and registrars fees

         *

Printing expenses

         *

Legal fees and expenses

         *

Accounting fees and expenses

         *

Blue sky filing fees and expenses

         *

Miscellaneous expenses

         *
      

Total

   $  
      

  *   To be filed by amendment.

 

Item 14.    Indemnification of Officers and Directors

 

Pursuant to Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), a corporation generally has the power to indemnify its present and former directors, officers, employees and agents against expenses incurred by them in connection with any suit to which they are, or are threatened to be made, a party by reason of their serving in such positions so long as they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and with respect to any criminal action, they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. Section 145 of the DGCL also provides that the rights conferred thereby are not exclusive of any other right that a person may be entitled to under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, and permits a corporation to advance expenses to or on behalf of a person to be indemnified upon receipt of an undertaking to repay the amounts advanced if it is determined that the person is not entitled to indemnification. Section 145 of the DGCL also empowers us to purchase and maintain insurance that protects our officers, directors, employees and agents against any liabilities incurred in connection with their service in such positions.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include provisions that require us to indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, including circumstances in which indemnification is otherwise discretionary. We believe that these provisions are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.

 

We have entered or intend to enter into agreements to indemnify our directors, in addition to indemnification provided for in our bylaws. These agreements, among other things, will provide for indemnification of our directors for expenses, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding arising out of the persons services as a director or at our request. We have an insurance policy covering our officers and directors with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities arising out of the Securities Act or otherwise.

 

The underwriting agreement to be included as Exhibit 1.1 hereto provides for indemnification by the underwriters of the registrant and its officers and directors for certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or otherwise.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 15.    Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

From January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2006, the registrant has issued options to purchase an aggregate of 4,138,782 shares of common stock to 372 individuals including directors, employees and consultants at exercise prices ranging from $2.10 to $13.89, and 315,638 shares of common stock have been issued pursuant to the exercise of options for aggregate proceeds of $0.5 million to 22 individuals.

 

The sales of the above securities were deemed to be exempt from registration pursuant to either Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering or Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act as transactions pursuant to compensatory benefit plans approved by the registrant’s board of directors. The recipients of securities in each of these transactions represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment only and not with view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the share certificates and instruments issued in such transactions. All recipients either received adequate information about us or had adequate access, through their relationships with us, to information about us.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 16.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Document

  1.1   

Form of Underwriting Agreement

  3.1**   

Certificate of incorporation of Super Micro Computer, Inc., as currently in effect

  3.2**   

Bylaws of Super Micro Computer, Inc.

  3.3    Amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Super Micro Computer, Inc. to be effective upon completion of this offering
  4.1*    Specimen stock certificate for shares of common stock of Super Micro Computer, Inc.
  5.1    Form of opinion of DLA Piper US LLP, regarding legality of securities being registered
10.1**    Super Micro Computer, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended
10.2**    Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under 1998 Stock Option Plan
10.3**    Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement under 1998 Stock Option Plan
10.4**    Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement outside the 1998 Stock Option Plan
10.5    Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.6    Form of Option Agreement under Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.7    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.8    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.9    Form of directors’ and officers’ Indemnity Agreement
10.10**    Promissory Note dated as of March 22, 2001, issued by Super Micro Computer, Inc. to Bank of America, N.A.
10.11**    Standing Loan Agreement dated as of March 22, 2001, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.
10.12†**    Product Manufacturing Agreement dated as of April 16, 2004 by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Tatung Company
10.13**    Promissory Note dated as of April 22, 2004, issued by Super Micro Computer, Inc. to Wachovia Commercial Mortgage, Inc.
10.14**    Business Loan Agreement dated as of April 22, 2004, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Wachovia Commercial Mortgage, Inc.
10.15**    Promissory Note dated as of September 28, 2005, issued by Super Micro Computer, Inc. to Citibank (West), FSB
10.16**    Business Loan Agreement dated as of September 28, 2005, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Citibank (West), FSB
10.17**    Business Loan Agreement dated November 1, 2005, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Far East National Bank
10.18**    Promissory Note dated November 1, 2005, issued by Super Micro Computer, Inc. to Far East National Bank
10.19**    Commercial Security Agreement dated November 1, 2005, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Far East National Bank
10.20**    Offer letter for Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Document

10.21**    Offer letter for Alex Hsu
10.22**    Offer letter for Howard Hideshima
10.23**    Director Compensation Policy
10.24†    Product Manufacturing Agreement dated as of January 8, 2007 between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Ablecom Technology Inc.
21.1**    Subsidiaries of Super Micro Computer, Inc.
23.1      Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2    Consent of DLA Piper US LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
24.1**    Power of Attorney (included in signature pages)

*   To be filed by amendment.
**   Previously filed.
  This exhibit has been filed separately with the Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment. The confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted and are marked by asterisks.

 

(b) Financial Statement Schedules.

 

Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be shown in the schedules is not applicable or is included elsewhere in our financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

Item 17.    Undertakings

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter 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.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions of its Charter or Bylaws or the Delaware general corporation law or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC 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 that:

 

(1) for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, 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.

 

(2) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, 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.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in San Jose, California, on the 18th day of January 2007.

 

S UPER M ICRO C OMPUTER , I NC .

By:

 

*

 

Charles Liang

Chairman of the Board,

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

II-5


Table of Contents

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

*

Charles Liang

  

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

January 18, 2007

/s/    H OWARD H IDESHIMA        

Howard Hideshima

  

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

 

January 18, 2007

*

Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang

  

Director

 

January 18, 2007

*

Yih-Shyan (Wally) Liaw

  

Director

 

January 18, 2007

*

Bruce Alexander

  

Director

 

January 18, 2007

*

Hwei-Ming (Fred) Tsai

  

Director

 

January 18, 2007

*By:

 

/s/    H OWARD H IDESHIMA        

 

Howard Hideshima

Attorney-in-fact

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Document

  1.1   

Form of Underwriting Agreement

  3.1**   

Certificate of incorporation of Super Micro Computer, Inc., as currently in effect

  3.2**   

Bylaws of Super Micro Computer, Inc.

  3.3    Amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Super Micro Computer, Inc. to be effective upon completion of this offering
  4.1*    Specimen stock certificate for shares of common stock of Super Micro Computer, Inc.
  5.1    Form of opinion of DLA Piper US LLP, regarding legality of securities being registered
10.1**    Super Micro Computer, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended
10.2**    Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under 1998 Stock Option Plan
10.3**    Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement under 1998 Stock Option Plan
10.4**    Form of Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement outside the 1998 Stock Option Plan
10.5    Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.6    Form of Option Agreement under Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.7    Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.8    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
10.9    Form of directors’ and officers’ Indemnity Agreement
10.10**    Promissory Note dated as of March 22, 2001, issued by Super Micro Computer, Inc. to Bank of America, N.A.
10.11**    Standing Loan Agreement dated as of March 22, 2001, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A.
10.12†**    Product Manufacturing Agreement dated as of April 16, 2004 by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Tatung Company
10.13**    Promissory Note dated as of April 22, 2004, issued by Super Micro Computer, Inc. to Wachovia Commercial Mortgage, Inc.
10.14**    Business Loan Agreement dated as of April 22, 2004, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Wachovia Commercial Mortgage, Inc.
10.15**    Promissory Note dated as of September 28, 2005, issued by Super Micro Computer, Inc. to Citibank (West), FSB
10.16**    Business Loan Agreement dated as of September 28, 2005, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Citibank (West), FSB
10.17**    Business Loan Agreement dated November 1, 2005, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Far East National Bank
10.18**    Promissory Note dated November 1, 2005, issued by Super Micro Computer, Inc. to Far East National Bank
10.19**    Commercial Security Agreement dated November 1, 2005, by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Far East National Bank
10.20**    Offer letter for Chiu-Chu (Sara) Liu Liang
10.21**    Offer letter for Alex Hsu

 

1


Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Document

10.22**    Offer letter for Howard Hideshima
10.23**    Director Compensation Policy
10.24†    Product Manufacturing Agreement dated as of January 8, 2007 between Super Micro Computer, Inc. and Ablecom Technology Inc.
21.1**    Subsidiaries of Super Micro Computer, Inc.
23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
23.2    Consent of DLA Piper US LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
24.1**    Power of Attorney (included in signature pages)

*   To be filed by amendment.
**   Previously filed.
  This exhibit has been filed separately with the Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment. The confidential portions of this exhibit have been omitted and are marked by asterisks.

 

2

Exhibit 1.1

Draft – January 12, 2007

[                      ] Shares

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

COMMON STOCK (PAR VALUE $0.001)

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

[                      ], 2007

 


                     , 2007

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

                Incorporated

UBS Securities LLC

Needham & Company, LLC

c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
   1585 Broadway
   New York, New York 10036

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Super Micro Computer, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters named in Schedule II hereto (the “ Underwriters ”), and certain stockholders of the Company (the “ Selling Stockholders ”) named in Schedule I hereto severally propose to sell to the several Underwriters, an aggregate of [                      ] shares of the Common Stock (par value $0.001) of the Company (the “ Firm Shares ”), of which                      shares are to be issued and sold by the Company and                      shares are to be sold by the Selling Stockholders, each Selling Stockholder selling the amount set forth opposite such Selling Stockholder’s name in Schedule I hereto.

The Company also proposes to issue and sell to the several Underwriters not more than an additional                      shares of its Common Stock (par value [              ]) (the “ Additional Shares ”) if and to the extent that you, as managers of the offering, shall have determined to exercise, on behalf of the Underwriters, the right to purchase such shares of common stock granted to the Underwriters in Section 3 hereof. The Firm Shares and the Additional Shares are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “ Shares .” The shares of Common Stock (par value $0.001) of the Company to be outstanding after giving effect to the sales contemplated hereby are hereinafter referred to as the “ Common Stock .” The Company and the Selling Stockholders are hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “ Sellers .”

The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ Commission ”) a registration statement, including a prospectus, relating to the Shares. The registration statement as amended at the time it becomes effective, including the information (if any) deemed to be part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), is hereinafter referred to as the “ Registration Statement ”; the prospectus in the form first used to confirm sales of Shares (or in the form first made available to the Underwriters by the Company to meet requests of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act) is


hereinafter referred to as the “ Prospectus .” If the Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement to register additional shares of Common Stock pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the “ Rule 462 Registration Statement ”), then any reference herein to the term “ Registration Statement ” shall be deemed to include such Rule 462 Registration Statement.

For purposes of this Agreement, “ free writing prospectus ” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, “ Time of Sale Prospectus ” means the most recent preliminary prospectus together with the free writing prospectuses, if any, each identified in Schedule III hereto, and “ broadly available road show ” means a “bona fide electronic road show” as defined in Rule 433(h)(5) under the Securities Act that has been made available without restriction to any person. As used herein, the terms “Registration Statement,” “preliminary prospectus,” “Time of Sale Prospectus” and “Prospectus” shall include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference therein.

[Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (“ Morgan Stanley ”) has agreed to reserve a portion of the Shares to be purchased by it under this Agreement for sale to the Company’s directors, officers, employees and business associates and other parties related to the Company (collectively, “ Participants ”), as set forth in the Prospectus under the heading “Underwriters” (the “ Directed Share Program ”). The Shares to be sold by Morgan Stanley and its affiliates pursuant to the Directed Share Program are referred to hereinafter as the “ Directed Shares ”. Any Directed Shares not orally or electronically confirmed for purchase by any Participant by the end of the business day on which this Agreement is executed will be offered to the public by the Underwriters as set forth in the Prospectus.

1. Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company represents and warrants to and agrees with each of the Underwriters that:

(a) The Registration Statement has become effective; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement is in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose are pending before or threatened by the Commission.

(b) (i) The Registration Statement, when it became effective, did not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus comply and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, (iii) the Time of Sale Prospectus does not, and at the time of each sale of the Shares in connection with the offering and at the applicable Closing (as defined in Section 5), the Time of Sale Prospectus, as then amended or

 

2


supplemented by the Company, if applicable, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (iv) each broadly available road show, if any, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (v) the Prospectus does not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, except that the representations and warranties set forth in this paragraph do not apply to statements or omissions in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus based upon information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through you expressly for use therein.

(c) The Company is not an “ineligible issuer” in connection with the offering pursuant to Rules 164, 405 and 433 under the Securities Act. Any free writing prospectus that the Company is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act has been, or will be, filed with the Commission in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. Each free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act or that was prepared by or on behalf of or used or referred to by the Company complies or will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder. The Company has made available a “bona fide electronic road show”, as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act, in compliance with Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) thereof (the “ Bona Fide Electronic Road Show ”) such that no filing of any “road show” (as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act) materials is required in connection with the offering of the Shares. Except for the free writing prospectuses, if any, identified in Schedule III hereto, and electronic road shows, if any, furnished to you before first use, the Company has not prepared, used or referred to, and will not, without your prior consent, prepare, use or refer to, any free writing prospectus.

(d) The Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, has the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its

 

3


subsidiaries, taken as a whole. The execution and delivery of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January, 2007 (the “ Merger Agreement ” between Super Micro Computer, Inc., a California corporation (the “ California Corporation ”), and the Company, effecting the reincorporation of the California Corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware, was duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of each of the California Corporation and the Company. Each of the California Corporation and the Company had all corporate power and authority to execute and deliver the Merger Agreement, to file the Merger Agreement with the Secretary of State of California and the Secretary of State of Delaware and to consummate the reincorporation contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement at the time of execution and filing constituted a binding obligation of each of the California Corporation and the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, and the reincorporation contemplated by the Merger Agreement has been consummated in accordance with its terms.

(e) Each subsidiary of the Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, has the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; all of the issued shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and are owned directly by the Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims.

(f) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

(g) The authorized capital stock of the Company conforms as to legal matters to the description thereof contained in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

(h) The shares of Common Stock (including the Shares to be sold by the Selling Stockholders) outstanding prior to the issuance of the Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

(i) The Company has, and shall have, as applicable, the authorized and outstanding capitalization set forth in the Registration Statement, Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus as of the applicable date indicated in the

 

4


Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, under the caption “Capitalization”;

(j) The Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The Shares conform, or will conform, to the description thereof set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the caption “Description of Capital Stock”; and all outstanding shares of Common Stock, including the Shares when sold and issued pursuant to this Agreement, as applicable, were when originally issued, or will be when issued at each applicable Closing, sold and issued in compliance with all federal and state securities laws. The issuance, delivery and payment for such Shares in accordance with the terms of this Agreement will not be subject to any preemptive or similar rights arising under or pursuant to the Company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or, to the Company’s knowledge, any other agreement or instrument.

(k) The execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, this Agreement will not contravene (i) any provision of applicable law, (ii) the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Company, (iii) any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company or any of its subsidiaries that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iv) any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary; except in the case of clauses (i) and (iii), such contraventions that would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, except such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares.

(l) There has not occurred any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus (exclusive of any amendments or supplements thereto subsequent to the date of this Agreement).

(m) There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, after due inquiry, threatened to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject (i) other than (x) proceedings accurately described in all material respects in the Time of Sale Prospectus and

 

5


the Prospectus and (y) proceedings that would not have a material adverse effect (a) on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (b) on the power or ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus or (n) that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and are not so described; and there are no statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required.

(n) Each preliminary prospectus filed as part of the registration statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, complied when so filed in all material respects with the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

(o) The Company is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus will not be, required to register as an “investment company” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(p) The Company and its subsidiaries (i) are in compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes, pollutants or contaminants (“ Environmental Laws ”), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except where such noncompliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or other approvals or failure to comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals would not, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company or any of its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(q) There are no costs or liabilities associated with Environmental Laws (including, without limitation, any capital or operating expenditures required for clean-up, closure of properties or compliance with Environmental Laws or any permit, license or approval, any related constraints on operating activities and any potential liabilities to third parties) which would, singly or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company or any of its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(r) Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, there are no contracts, agreements or understandings between the

 

6


Company and any person granting such person the right to require the Company to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any securities of the Company or to require the Company to include such securities with the Shares registered pursuant to the Registration Statement.

(s) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, (i) the Company and its subsidiaries have not incurred any material liability or obligation, direct or contingent, nor entered into any material transaction; (ii) the Company has not purchased any of its outstanding capital stock, nor declared, paid or otherwise made any dividend or distribution of any kind on its capital stock other than ordinary and customary dividends; and (iii) there has not been any material change in the capital stock, short-term debt or long-term debt of the Company and its subsidiaries, except in each case with respect to (i), (ii) and (iii) above, as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, respectively.

(t) The Company and its subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them which is material to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except such as are described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus or such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company and its subsidiaries; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company and its subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its subsidiaries, in each case except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

(u) The Company and its subsidiaries own or possess, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all material Intellectual Property (as defined below) as currently employed by them in connection with the business now operated by them or as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus: (i) to the Company’s knowledge there is no infringement, misappropriation or violation by third parties of any such Intellectual Property; (ii) there is no pending or threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the rights of the Company and its subsidiaries in or to any such Intellectual Property, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (iii) the Intellectual Property owned by or licensed to the Company and its subsidiaries have not been adjudged invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and there is no pending or threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any

 

7


such Intellectual Property, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (iv) there is no pending or threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company or its subsidiaries infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate any Intellectual Property or other proprietary rights of others, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is aware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim or has received any notice of infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any of the foregoing which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; and (v) no employee of the Company or its subsidiaries is in or has ever been in violation of any term of any employment contract, patent disclosure agreement, invention assignment agreement, non-competition agreement, non-solicitation agreement, nondisclosure agreement or any restrictive covenant to or with a former employer where the basis of such violation relates to such employee’s employment with the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, or actions undertaken by the employee while employed with the Company or a subsidiary of the Company. The term “ Intellectual Property ” as used herein means patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights, know how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks, trade names and other intellectual property.

(v) No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries exists, except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent; and the Company is not aware of any existing, threatened or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its principal suppliers, manufacturers or contractors that could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(w) The Company and each of its subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which they are engaged; neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has any reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

(x) The Company and its subsidiaries possess all certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign

 

8


governmental or regulatory authorities necessary to conduct their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permit which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

(y) The Company and each of its subsidiaries maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the United States and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, since June 30, 2006, there has been (i) no material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) and (ii) no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

(z) Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, the Company has not sold, issued or distributed any shares of Common Stock during the six-month period preceding the date hereof, including any sales pursuant to Rule 144A under, or Regulation D or S of, the Securities Act, other than shares issued pursuant to employee benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or other employee compensation plans or pursuant to outstanding options, rights or warrants.

(aa) Deloitte & Touche LLP, which has expressed its opinion with respect to certain of the financial statements of the Company filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement and included in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

(bb) The Company and its subsidiaries have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”)). Such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the Company’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others

 

9


within those entities, particularly during the periods in which the periodic reports required under the Exchange Act are being prepared. Such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer to material information required to be included in the Company’s periodic reports required under the Exchange Act.

(cc) There are no outstanding loans made by the Company or any of its subsidiaries to any executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or member of the board of directors of the Company. The Company has not since the initial filing of the Registration Statement with the Commission, taken any action prohibited by Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (the “ Sarbanes-Oxley Act ”).

(dd) The Company has taken all necessary actions to ensure that, upon the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, it will be in compliance with all provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or implementing the provisions thereof that are then in effect and which the Company is required to comply with as of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and is actively taking steps to ensure that it will be in compliance with other provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act not currently in effect, upon the effectiveness of such provisions, or which will become applicable to the Company at all times after the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.

(ee) Except as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, each of the Company and each of its subsidiaries has operated its business and currently is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and foreign laws and all applicable rules, regulations and policies of any domestic or foreign regulatory organization.

(ff) There are no transactions between the Company and any holder of 5% or more of the Common Stock, any director, any director nominee or any executive officer, or members of such individuals’ immediate families, or any enterprise in which a substantial interest in the voting power is owned, directly or indirectly, by any of such individuals other than those described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. In particular, to the Company’s knowledge, no such person or entity (i) has any direct or indirect ownership interest in, or any employment or consulting agreement with, any firm or corporation that competes with the Company, (ii) is directly or indirectly interested in any contract with the Company, except for compensation and standard benefits for services as a director, officer or employee that is disclosed in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus (to the extent it is required to be disclosed), (iii) has any ownership interest in any property, real or personal, tangible or intangible, used in the Company’s business, except for the normal rights of a stockholder, or (iv) has, either directly or indirectly, a material interest in any person which purchases from or sells, licenses or furnishes to Company any goods, property, technology

 

10


or intellectual or other property rights or services (except in the case of (i) — (iv) above, with respect to any interest of less than 5% of the outstanding voting shares of any corporation whose stock is publicly traded).

(gg) To the Company’s knowledge, there are no affiliations or associations between any member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the “ NASD ”) and any Company officer, director or holder of five percent or more of the Company’s Common Stock, except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus or as disclosed to the Underwriters in writing by such officers, directors or holder of five percent or more of the Company’s securities.

(hh) The Company (i) has notified each holder of a currently outstanding option issued under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the 2006 Stock Option Plan and any other similar option granting agreement (collectively, the “ Option Plans ”) and each person who has acquired shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of any option granted under the Option Plans that none of such options or shares may be sold or otherwise transferred or disposed of for a period of 180 days after the date of the Prospectus and (ii) has imposed a stop-transfer instruction with the Company’s transfer agent in order to enforce the foregoing lock-up provision imposed pursuant to the Option Plans.

(ii) The financial statements of the Company filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement and included in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods specified. Such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles as applied in the United States applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. The financial data set forth in the Prospectus under the captions [“                      ”] present fairly the information set forth therein on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

(jj) All United States federal income tax returns of the Company and its subsidiaries required by law to be filed have been filed and all taxes shown by such returns or otherwise assessed, which are due and payable, have been paid, except assessments against which appeals have been or will be promptly taken and as to which adequate reserves have been provided. The United States federal income tax returns of the Company through the fiscal year ended June      , 200    have been settled and no assessment in connection therewith has been made against the Company. The Company and its subsidiaries have filed all other tax returns that are required to have been filed by them pursuant to applicable foreign, state, local or other law except insofar as the failure to file such returns would not

 

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result in a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and have paid all taxes due pursuant to such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by the Company and its subsidiaries, except for such taxes, if any, as are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves have been provided. The charges, accruals and reserves on the books of the Company in respect of any income and other tax liability for any years not finally determined are adequate to meet any assessments or re-assessments for taxes for any years not finally determined, except to the extent of any inadequacy that would not result in a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

(kk) The Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and any preliminary prospectus comply, and any amendments or supplements thereto will comply, with any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or any preliminary prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, are distributed in connection with the Directed Share Program.

(ll) No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency, other than those obtained, is required in connection with the offering of the Directed Shares in any jurisdiction in which the Directed Shares are being offered.

(mm) The Company has not offered, or caused Morgan Stanley to offer, Shares to any person pursuant to the Directed Share Program with the specific intent to unlawfully influence (i) a customer or supplier of the Company to alter the customer’s or supplier’s level or type of business with the Company, or (ii) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or its products.

(nn) Except as set forth under the captions “Risk Factors –” and “Business – Legal Proceedings” in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus (the “ Export Control Disclosure ”), neither the Company nor any officer, director or subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of the Company any affiliate, agent, distributor, or representative of the Company has any reason to believe that the Company or any of the foregoing persons or entities have taken any action in violation of, or which may cause the Company to be in violation of, any applicable U.S. law governing imports into or exports from the United States, or relating to economic sanctions or embargoes, corrupt practices, or compliance with unsanctioned foreign boycotts, including without limitation: any executive orders or regulations issued with respect to the laws referred to in this Section 1 (nn), the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C.A. § 2278), the Export Administration Act (50 U.S.C. App. §§ 2401-2420), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR 120-130), the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 730 et seq.), the Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR

 

12


Chapter V), the Customs Laws of the United States (19 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 78 dd-1 et seq.), the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. § 1701-1706), any other export control regulations issued by the agencies listed in Part 730 of the Export Administration Regulations, or any applicable non-U.S. laws of a similar nature (the “ Export Control Laws ”). Except as set forth in the Export Control Disclosure, there has never been a claim or charge made, investigation undertaken, violation found, or settlement of any enforcement action under any of the laws referred to in this Section 1 (nn) by any governmental entity with respect to matters arising under such laws against the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or against the agents, distributors, or representatives of any of the foregoing in connection with their relationship with the Company. The Company maintains a compliance program appropriate to the requirements of the aforementioned U.S. laws.

(oo) (A) None of the Company, its directors and executive officers, or any of the subsidiaries is a “specially designated national or blocked person” under U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“ OFAC ”). of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or “denied person” under the Export Administration Regulations (“ EAR ”) administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (“ BIS ”) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. None of the Company or any of the subsidiaries engage in any business in or with any country, person, or entity subject to sanctions under the EAR or the Trading With the Enemy Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the United Nations Participation Act, and the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Act, all as amended, or any of the foreign assets control regulations of the United States Treasury Department (including but not limited to 31 CFR, Subtitle B, Chapter V, as amended) or any enabling legislation or executive order relating thereto (collectively, the “ Sanctions Laws and Regulations ”), or, any person or entity in those countries or with those persons, or perform contracts in support of projects in or for the benefit of those countries or those persons. Neither the Company nor any officer, director or subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of the Company any affiliate, agent, distributor, or representative of the Company is currently engaged in business or any other activity in violation of any of the Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

None of the issue and sale of the Shares, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the use of proceeds from the offering by the Company, the consummation of any other transaction contemplated hereby, or the provision of services contemplated by this Agreement to the Company and the Selling Stockholders will result in a violation of any of the Sanctions Laws and Regulations, provided, however, that the scope of this representation and warranty is limited to matters within the knowledge of the Company and the Selling Stockholders with respect to the existence of suppliers, or of customers or

 

13


distributors of the Company’s or any of the subsidiaries’ services, who may be targeted by the Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

In addition, any certificate signed by any officer of the Company or its subsidiaries and delivered to the Underwriters pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Company or the subsidiary, as the case may be, as to matters covered thereby, to each Underwriter.

[Additional representations to be considered based on further due diligence]

2. Representations and Warranties of the Selling Stockholders .

(a) Each Selling Stockholder severally and not jointly represents and warrants to and agrees with each of the Underwriters that:

(i) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder.

(ii) The execution and delivery by such Selling Stockholder of, and the performance by such Selling Stockholder of its obligations under, this Agreement, the Custody Agreement signed by such Selling Stockholder and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as Custodian, relating to the deposit of the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder (the “ Custody Agreement ”) and the Power of Attorney appointing certain individuals as such Selling Stockholder’s attorneys-in-fact to the extent set forth therein, relating to the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Registration Statement (the “ Power of Attorney ”) will not contravene any provision of applicable law, or the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of such Selling Stockholder (if such Selling Stockholder is a corporation), or any agreement or other instrument binding upon such Selling Stockholder or any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over such Selling Stockholder, and no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency is required for the performance by such Selling Stockholder of its obligations under this Agreement or the Custody Agreement or Power of Attorney of such Selling Stockholder, except such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares.

 

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(iii) Such Selling Stockholder has, and at the applicable Closing will have, valid title to, or a valid “security entitlement” within the meaning of Section 8-501 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code in respect of, the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder free and clear of all security interests, claims, liens, equities or other encumbrances and the legal right and power, and all authorization and approval required by law, to enter into this Agreement, the Custody Agreement and the Power of Attorney and to sell, transfer and deliver the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder or a security entitlement in respect of such Shares.

(iv) The Custody Agreement and the Power of Attorney have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Selling Stockholder and are valid and binding agreements of such Selling Stockholder.

(v) [Delivery of the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder and payment therefor pursuant to this Agreement will pass valid title to such Shares, free and clear of any adverse claim within the meaning of Section 8-102 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, to each Underwriter who has purchased such Shares without notice of an adverse claim.] [ Note: This version of the representation is to be used if Shares are to be delivered by the Selling Stockholder in certificated form endorsed to the Underwriters.]

(vi) [Upon payment for the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder pursuant to this Agreement, delivery of such Shares, as directed by the Underwriters, to Cede & Co. (“ Cede ”) or such other nominee as may be designated by the Depository Trust Company (“ DTC ”), registration of such Shares in the name of Cede or such other nominee and the crediting of such Shares on the books of DTC to securities accounts of the Underwriters (assuming that neither DTC nor any such Underwriter has notice of any adverse claim (within the meaning of Section 8-105 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code (the “ UCC ”)) to such Shares), (A) DTC shall be a “protected purchaser” of such Shares within the meaning of Section 8-303 of the UCC, (B) under Section 8-501 of the UCC, the Underwriters will acquire a valid security entitlement in respect of such Shares and (C) no action based on any “adverse claim”, within the meaning of Section 8-102 of the UCC, to such Shares may be asserted against the Underwriters with respect to such security entitlement; for purposes of this representation, such Selling Stockholder may

 

15


assume that when such payment, delivery and crediting occur, (x) such Shares will have been registered in the name of Cede or another nominee designated by DTC, in each case on the Company’s share registry in accordance with its certificate of incorporation, bylaws and applicable law, (y) DTC will be registered as a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of Section 8-102 of the UCC and (z) appropriate entries to the accounts of the several Underwriters on the records of DTC will have been made pursuant to the UCC.] [Note: This version of the representation is to be used if Shares are to be delivered by the Selling Stockholder through DTC without ever being registered directly in the name of the Underwriters.]

(vii) Such Selling Stockholder has not prepared, used or referred to, and will not, without your prior consent, prepare, use or refer to, any free writing prospectus except for the free writing prospectuses, if any, identified in Schedule III hereto, and electronic road shows, if any, furnished to you before first use.

(viii) Such Selling Stockholder is not prompted by any information concerning the Company or its subsidiaries which is not set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus to sell its Shares pursuant to this Agreement.

(ix) To such Selling Stockholder’s knowledge, neither the Company nor any officer, director or subsidiary, nor to the knowledge of the Company any affiliate, agent, distributor, or representative of the Company is currently engaged in business or any other activity in violation of any of the Sanctions Laws and Regulations.

(x) (A) The Registration Statement, when it became effective, did not contain and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (B) the Time of Sale Prospectus does not, and at the time of each sale of the Shares in connection with the offering when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and at the applicable Closing (as defined in Section 5), the Time of Sale Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented by the Company, if applicable, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and (C) the Prospectus does not contain and, as

 

16


amended or supplemented, if applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided that the representations and warranties set forth in this paragraph 2(a)(x) are limited to statements or omissions made in reliance upon information relating to such Selling Stockholder furnished to the Company in writing by such Selling Stockholder expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto.

(b) In addition to the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2(a) above, Charles Liang and [                      ] 1 represents, warrants to and agrees with each of the Underwriters that he has reviewed the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus and although he has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of all the information contained therein, nothing has come to his attention that would lead him to believe that (i) the Registration Statement, when it became effective, contained and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (ii) the Time of Sale Prospectus contains, and at the time of each sale of the Shares in connection with the offering when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and at the applicable Closing (as defined in Section 5), the Time of Sale Prospectus, as then amended or supplemented by the Company, if applicable, will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (iii) each broadly available road show, if any, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading and (iv) the Prospectus contains and, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; except that the representations and warranties set forth in this paragraph 2(b) do not apply to statements or omissions in the

 


1

To include any other officers, directors or controlling stockholders selling in the offering.

 

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Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or Prospectus based upon information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through you expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto.

3. Agreements to Sell and Purchase . Each Seller, severally and not jointly, hereby agrees to sell to the several Underwriters, and each Underwriter, upon the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the conditions hereinafter stated, agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from such Seller at $                  a share (the “ Purchase Price ”) the number of Firm Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as you may determine) that bears the same proportion to the number of Firm Shares to be sold by such Seller as the number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule II hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares.

On the basis of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, and subject to its terms and conditions, the Company agrees to sell to the Underwriters the Additional Shares, and the Underwriters shall have the right to purchase, severally and not jointly, up to                      Additional Shares at the Purchase Price. You may exercise this right on behalf of the Underwriters in whole or from time to time in part by giving written notice not later than 30 days after the date of this Agreement. Any exercise notice shall specify the number of Additional Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters and the date on which such shares are to be purchased. Each purchase date must be at least one business day after the written notice is given and may not be earlier than the closing date for the Firm Shares nor later than ten business days after the date of such notice. Additional Shares may be purchased as provided in Section 5 hereof solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments made in connection with the offering of the Firm Shares. On each day, if any, that Additional Shares are to be purchased (an “ Option Closing Date ”), each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase the number of Additional Shares (subject to such adjustments to eliminate fractional shares as you may determine) that bears the same proportion to the total number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date as the number of Firm Shares set forth in Schedule II hereto opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Firm Shares.

4. Terms of Public Offering . The Sellers are advised by you that the Underwriters propose to make a public offering of their respective portions of the Shares as soon after the Registration Statement and this Agreement have become effective as in your judgment is advisable. The Sellers are further advised by you that the Shares are to be offered to the public initially at $          a share (the “ Public Offering Price ”) and to certain dealers selected by you at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $          a share under the Public Offering Price, and

 

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that any Underwriter may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession, not in excess of $          a share, to any Underwriter or to certain other dealers.

5. Payment and Delivery . Payment for the Firm Shares to be sold by each Seller shall be made to such Seller in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City against delivery of such Firm Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on                      , 2007, or at such other time on the same or such other date, not later than                      , 2007, as shall be designated in writing by you. The time and date of such payment are hereinafter referred to as the “ Closing Date ”, and collectively with each Option Closing Date, the “ Closing ”.

Payment for any Additional Shares shall be made to the Company in Federal or other funds immediately available in New York City against delivery of such Additional Shares for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date specified in the corresponding notice described in Section 3 or at such other time on the same or on such other date, in any event not later than                      , 2007, as shall be designated in writing by you.

The Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be registered in such names and in such denominations as you shall request in writing not later than one full business day prior to the applicable Closing. The Firm Shares and Additional Shares shall be delivered to you at the applicable Closing for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters, with any transfer taxes payable in connection with the transfer of the Shares to the Underwriters duly paid, against payment of the Purchase Price therefor.

6. Conditions to the Underwriters’ Obligations . The obligations of the Sellers to sell the Shares to the Underwriters and the several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Shares at the applicable Closing are subject to the condition that the Registration Statement shall have become effective not later than [              ] (New York City time) on the date hereof, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof has been issued, no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or contemplated under the Securities Act and the NASD shall have raised no objection to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements of the offering of the Shares.

The several obligations of the Underwriters are subject to the following further conditions:

(a) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the applicable Closing:

(i) there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any notice have been given of any intended or potential downgrading or of any review for a possible change that does not indicate the direction of the possible change, in the rating accorded any of the securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization,” as such term is defined for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Securities Act; and

 

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(ii) there shall not have occurred any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business or operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, from that set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus that, in your judgment, is material and adverse and that makes it, in your judgment, impracticable to market the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

(b) The Underwriters shall have received at the applicable Closing a certificate, dated as of the applicable Closing and signed by an executive officer of the Company, to the effect set forth in Section 6(a)(i) above and to the effect that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement are true and correct as of the applicable Closing and that the Company has complied with all of the agreements and satisfied all of the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder on or before the applicable Closing. The officer signing and delivering such certificate may rely upon the best of his or her knowledge as to proceedings threatened.

(c) The Underwriters shall have received at the applicable Closing an opinion of DLA Piper US LLP (“ DLA Piper ”), outside counsel for the Company, dated as of the applicable Closing, to the effect that:

(i) the Company has been duly incorporated, is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, has the corporate power and authority to own its property and to conduct its business as described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus and is duly qualified to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business or its ownership or leasing of property requires such qualification, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing would not have a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

(ii) the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement effecting the reincorporation of the California Corporation into the State of

 

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Delaware, was duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of each of the California Corporation and the Company;

(iii) each of the California Corporation and the Company had all corporate power and authority to execute and deliver the Merger Agreement with the Secretary of State of California and the Secretary of State of Delaware and to consummate the reincorporation contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Merger Agreement at the time of the execution and filing constituted a valid and binding obligation of each of the California Corporation and the Company, and the reincorporation contemplated by the Merger Agreement has been consummated in accordance with its terms;

(iv) the authorized capital stock of the Company as of                      , 2006 was as set forth in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the “Actual” column under the caption “Capitalization” and conforms as to legal matters to the description thereof contained in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus;

(v) the shares of Common Stock (including the Shares to be sold by the Selling Stockholders) outstanding prior to the issuance of the Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable;

(vi) the Shares to be sold by the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the issuance of such Shares will not be subject to any preemptive or similar rights under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the certificate of incorporation or the by-laws of the Company, or, to such counsel’s knowledge, any agreement or other instrument;

(vii) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company;

(viii) the execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under, this Agreement including the issuance of the Shares, will not contravene any provision of applicable law or the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Company or, to such counsel’s knowledge after due inquiry, any agreement or other instrument binding upon the Company or any of its subsidiaries that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or, to such counsel’s knowledge after due inquiry, any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary, and no consent,

 

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approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, except such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states or bylaws and rules and regulations of the NASD (as to which such counsel expresses no opinion) in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares;

(ix) the statements relating to legal matters, legal documents or legal proceedings included in (A) the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the captions, “Risk Factors – Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control...”, “Risk Factors – Resolution of claims that we have violated or may violate the intellectual property rights...” (but only as to the litigation with Rackable Systems), “Risk Factors – Maintaining and improving our financial controls and complying with rules and regulations applicable to public companies...”, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Other Factors Affecting Liquidity and Capital Resources”, “Business – Legal Proceedings” (but only as to the litigation with Rackable Systems), “Management – Committees of the Board”, ““Management – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation”, “Management – Compensation of Directors”, “Management – Employment Agreements and Change in Control Agreements”, “Management – Confidentiality Arrangements”, “Management – Stock Plans”, “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions”, “Description of Our Capital Stock”, “Shares Eligible for Future Sale”, “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” and “Underwriters” (B) the Prospectus under the caption “Underwriters” and (C) the Registration Statement in Items 14 and 15, in each case in so far as such statements constitute summaries of the legal matters, legal documents or legal proceedings referred to therein, fairly summarize in all material respects such matters, documents or proceedings;

(x) after due inquiry, such counsel does not know of any legal or governmental proceedings pending or threatened to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or to which any of the properties of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and are not so described or of any statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required;

(xi) the Company is not, and after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof as

 

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described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus will not be, required to register as an “investment company” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; and

(xii) the opinion shall include a statement from such counsel to the effect that such counsel has participated in conferences with certain officers and other representatives of the Company, the representatives of the Underwriters, counsel for the Underwriters and the independent public accountants of the Company, at which conferences the contents of the Registration Statement and Prospectus and related matters were reviewed and discussed, and although such counsel does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (except to the extent expressly set forth in paragraph (xi) above), (A) the Registration Statement and the Prospectus (except for the financial statements and financial schedules and other financial and statistical data included therein and derived therefrom, as to which such counsel need not express any belief) appear on their face to be appropriately responsive and comply as to form in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and (B) nothing has come to the attention of such counsel through such review and discussion as described therein that causes such counsel to believe that (1) the Registration Statement or the prospectus included therein (except for the financial statements and financial schedules and other financial and statistical data included therein and derived therefrom, as to which such counsel need not express any belief) at the time the Registration Statement became effective contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (2) the Time of Sale Prospectus (except for the financial statements and financial schedules and other financial and statistical data included therein and derived therefrom, as to which such counsel need not express any belief) as of the date of this Agreement as of the time of first sale and as amended or supplemented, if applicable, as of the applicable Closing contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or (3) the Prospectus (except for the financial statements and financial schedules and other financial and statistical data included therein and derived therefrom, as to which such counsel need not express any belief) as of its date or as amended or supplemented, if applicable, as of the applicable Closing contained or contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements

 

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therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and

(xiii) the Registration Statement was declared effective under the Securities Act; any required filing of the Prospectus, and any supplements thereto, pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b); to such counsel’s knowledge, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof has been issued, no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or contemplated under the Securities Act.

(d) The Underwriters shall have received at the applicable Closing an opinion of                      , counsel for the Selling Stockholders, dated as of the applicable Closing, to the effect that:

(i) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by or on behalf of each of the Selling Stockholders;

(ii) the execution and delivery by each Selling Stockholder of, and the performance by such Selling Stockholder of its obligations under, this Agreement and the Custody Agreement and Powers of Attorney of such Selling Stockholder will not contravene any provision of applicable law, or the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of such Selling Stockholder (if such Selling Stockholder is a corporation), or, to such counsel’s knowledge, after due inquiry, any agreement or other instrument binding upon such Selling Stockholder or, to such counsel’s knowledge, after due inquiry, any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body, agency or court having jurisdiction over such Selling Stockholder, and no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or qualification with, any governmental body or agency is required for the performance by such Selling Stockholder of its obligations under this Agreement or the Custody Agreement or Power of Attorney of such Selling Stockholder, except such as may be required by the securities or Blue Sky laws of the various states in connection with offer and sale of the Shares;

(iii) each of the Selling Stockholders has valid title to, or a valid security entitlement in respect of, the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder free and clear of all security interests, claims, liens, equities and other encumbrances, and each of the Selling Stockholders has the legal right and power, and all authorization and approval required by law, to enter into this Agreement and the Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney of such Selling Stockholder and to sell, transfer and deliver the Shares to be sold by such Selling Stockholder or a security entitlement in respect of such Shares;

 

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(iv) the Custody Agreement and the Power of Attorney of each Selling Stockholder have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Selling Stockholder and are valid and binding agreements of such Selling Stockholder;

(v) [delivery of stock certificates representing the Shares to be sold by the Selling Stockholders, endorsed to the Underwriters and payment therefor pursuant to this Agreement will pass valid title to such Shares, free and clear of any adverse claim within the meaning of Section 8-102 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, to each Underwriter who has purchased such Shares without notice of an adverse claim; and [Note: This version of the opinion is to be used for Shares delivered by the Selling Stockholders in certificated form.]

(vi) [upon payment for the Shares to be sold by the Selling Stockholders pursuant to this Agreement, delivery of such Shares, as directed by the Underwriters, to Cede or such other nominee as may be designated by DTC, registration of such Shares in the name of Cede or such other nominee and the crediting of such Shares on the books of DTC to securities accounts of the Underwriters (assuming that neither DTC nor any such Underwriter has notice of any adverse claim within the meaning of Section 8-105 of the UCC to such Shares), (A) DTC shall be a “protected purchaser” of such Shares within the meaning of Section 8-303 of the UCC, (B) under Section 8-501 of the UCC, the Underwriters will acquire a valid security entitlement in respect of such Shares and (C) no action based on any “adverse claim” (within the meaning of Section 8-102 of the UCC) to such Shares may be asserted against the Underwriters with respect to such security entitlement; in giving this opinion, counsel for the Selling Stockholders may assume that when such payment, delivery and crediting occur, (x) such Shares will have been registered in the name of Cede or another nominee designated by DTC, in each case on the Company’s share registry in accordance with its certificate of incorporation, bylaws and applicable law, (y) DTC will be registered as a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of Section 8-102 of the UCC and (z) appropriate entries to the accounts of the several Underwriters on the records of DTC will have been made pursuant to the UCC; and] [Note: This version of the opinion is to be used for Shares delivered by the Selling Stockholder through DTC without ever being registered directly in the name of the Underwriters.]

(e) The Underwriters shall have received at the applicable Closing an opinion of DLA Piper Nederland N.V., special Netherlands counsel to the Company with respect to [              ], dated the Closing Date, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.

 

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(f) The Underwriters shall have received at the applicable Closing an opinion of Jones Day, special Taiwan counsel to the Company with respect to [              ], dated as of the applicable Closing, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

(g) The Underwriters shall have received at the applicable Closing an opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C., (“ WSGR ”), counsel for the Underwriters, dated as of the applicable Closing, covering the matters referred to in Sections 6(c)(vi), 6(c)(vii), 6(c)(ix) (but only as to the statements in each of the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under “Underwriters”) and 6(c)(xii) above.

With respect to Section 6(c)(xii) above, DLA Piper and WSGR may state that their opinions and beliefs are based upon their participation in the preparation of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto and review and discussion of the contents thereof, but are without independent check or verification, except as specified. With respect to Section 6(d) above,                      may rely upon an opinion or opinions of counsel for any Selling Stockholders and, with respect to factual matters and to the extent such counsel deems appropriate, upon the representations of each Selling Stockholder contained herein and in the Custody Agreement and Power of Attorney of such Selling Stockholder and in other documents and instruments; provided that (A) each such counsel for the Selling Stockholders is satisfactory to your counsel, (B) a copy of each opinion so relied upon is delivered to you and is in form and substance satisfactory to your counsel, (C) copies of such Custody Agreements and Powers of Attorney and of any such other documents and instruments shall be delivered to you and shall be in form and substance satisfactory to your counsel and (D)                       shall state in their opinion that they are justified in relying on each such other opinion.

The opinions of DLA Piper and                      described in Sections 6(c), and 6(d) above (and any opinions of counsel for any Selling Stockholder referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph) shall be rendered to the Underwriters at the request of the Company or one or more of the Selling Stockholders, as the case may be, and shall so state therein.

(h) The Underwriters shall have received, on each of the date hereof and at the applicable Closing, a letter dated as of the date hereof or as of the applicable Closing, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, from Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent public accountants, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountants’ “comfort letters” to underwriters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus; provided that (x) the letter delivered on the Closing Date shall use a “cut-off date” not earlier than the

 

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date hereof and (y) the letter delivered on the Option Closing Date shall use a “cut-off date” not earlier than the applicable Option Closing Date, as the case may be. [ confirm cut-off date ]

(i) The “lock-up” agreements, each substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, between you and certain stockholders, officers and directors of the Company relating to sales and certain other dispositions of shares of Common Stock or certain other securities, delivered to you on or before the date hereof, shall be in full force and effect at the applicable Closing.

(j) At the applicable Closing, you and your counsel shall have received such information, documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Shares as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction of any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained.

The several obligations of the Underwriters to purchase Additional Shares hereunder are subject to the delivery to you on the applicable Option Closing Date of such documents as you may reasonably request with respect to the good standing of the Company, the due authorization and issuance of the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date and other matters related to the issuance of such Additional Shares.

7. Covenants of the Company . The Company and with respect to Section 7(d) hereof only, the Company and the Selling Stockholders, and with respect to Section 7(j) hereof only, the Company and its subsidiaries, covenant with each Underwriter as follows:

(a) To furnish to you, without charge, five signed copies of the Registration Statement (including exhibits thereto) and for delivery to each other Underwriter a conformed copy of the Registration Statement (without exhibits thereto) and to furnish to you in New York City, without charge, prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and during the period mentioned in Sections 7(e) or 7(f) below, as many copies of the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and any supplements and amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as you may reasonably request.

(b) Before amending or supplementing the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, to furnish to you a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement and not to file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which you reasonably object, and to file with the Commission within the applicable period specified in Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act any prospectus required to be filed pursuant to such Rule.

 

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(c) To furnish to you a copy of each proposed free writing prospectus to be prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and not to use or refer to any proposed free writing prospectus to which you reasonably object.

(d) Not to take any action that would result in an Underwriter, the Company or the Selling Stockholder being required to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of the Underwriter that the Underwriter otherwise would not have been required to file thereunder.

(e) If the Time of Sale Prospectus is being used to solicit offers to buy the Shares at a time when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers and any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances, not misleading, or if any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Time of Sale Prospectus conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement then on file, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the statements in the Time of Sale Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when delivered to a prospective purchaser, be misleading or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will no longer conflict with the Registration Statement, or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law.

(f) If, during such period after the first date of the public offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales by an Underwriter or dealer, any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus (or in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, forthwith to prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to the dealers (whose names and addresses you will furnish to the Company) to which Shares may have been sold by you on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus (or

 

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in lieu thereof the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) of the Securities Act) is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with law.

(g) To endeavor to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as you shall reasonably request.

(h) To make generally available to the Company’s security holders and to you as soon as practicable an earning statement covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the date of this Agreement which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

(i) During the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15 of the Exchange Act in the manner and within the time periods required by the Exchange Act.

(j) To use the net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the offered Shares in the manner specified in the Registration Statement, Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus under the caption “Use of Proceeds” and, in this respect, will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the sale of the offered Shares to fund activities or business with any government, individual or entity that is the subject of any OFAC-administered sanctions in any manner which would violate OFAC-administered sanctions, or in a manner that would otherwise cause any other person (including, without limitation, the underwriters and purchasers of the offered Shares) to violate OFAC-administered sanctions.

(k) To comply with all applicable securities and other laws, rules and regulations in each jurisdiction in which the Directed Shares are offered in connection with the Directed Share Program.

The Company also covenants with each Underwriter that, without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (the “ Representatives ”) on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period ending 180 days after the date of the Prospectus, (1) 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 shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in

 

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cash or otherwise or (3) file any registration statement with the Commission relating to the offering of any shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock.

The restrictions contained in the preceding paragraph shall not apply to (a) the Shares to be sold hereunder, (b) the issuance by the Company of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of an option or warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date hereof of which the Underwriters have been advised in writing, (c) the issuance of shares of, or options to purchase shares of, Common Stock to employees, officers, directors, advisors or consultants of the Company pursuant to employee benefit plans described in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, provided that, prior to the issuance of any such shares or the grant of any such options where the shares subject to such option vest within the period ending 180 days after the date of the Prospectus, the Company shall cause each recipient of such grant or issuance to execute and deliver to you a “lock-up” agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, and (d) the filing of registration statements on Form S-8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if (1) during the last 17 days of the 180 day restricted period the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs; or (2) prior to the expiration of the 180 day restricted period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16 day period beginning on the last day of the 180 day period, the restrictions imposed by this Agreement shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18 day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event. The Company shall promptly notify the Representatives of any earnings release, news or event that may give rise to an extension of the initial 180 day restricted period.

8. Expenses . Whether or not the transactions contemplated in this Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, the Sellers agree to pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident to the performance of their obligations under this Agreement, including: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Company’s counsel, the Company’s accountants and counsel for the Selling Stockholders in connection with the registration and delivery of the Shares under the Securities Act and all other fees or expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company and amendments and supplements to any of the foregoing, including all printing costs associated therewith, and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers, in the quantities hereinabove specified, (ii) all costs and expenses related to the transfer and delivery of the Shares to the Underwriters, including any transfer or other taxes payable thereon, (iii) the cost of printing or producing any Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares under state securities laws and all expenses in

 

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connection with the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 7(g) hereof, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky or Legal Investment memorandum, (iv) all filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Underwriters incurred in connection with the review and qualification of the offering of the Shares by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., (v) all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of the registration statement on Form 8-A relating to the Common Stock and all costs and expenses incident to listing the Shares on the the Nasdaq Global Market, (vi) the cost of printing certificates representing the Shares, (vii) the costs and charges of any transfer agent, registrar or depositary, (viii) the costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on any “road show” undertaken in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Shares, including, without limitation, expenses associated with the preparation or dissemination of any electronic roadshow, expenses associated with the production of road show slides and graphics, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with the road show presentations with the prior approval of the Company, travel and lodging expenses of the representatives and officers of the Company and any such consultants, and the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with the road show, (ix) the document production charges and expenses associated with printing this Agreement, (x) all expenses in connection with any offer and sale of the Shares outside of the United States, including filing fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with offers and sales outside of the United States, (xi) all fees and disbursements of counsel incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program and stamp duties, similar taxes or duties or other taxes, if any, incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program and (xii) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company hereunder for which provision is not otherwise made in this Section. It is understood, however, that except as provided in this Section, Section 10 entitled “Indemnity and Contribution” [, Section 11 entitled “Directed Share Program Indemnification”] and the last paragraph of Section 13 below, the Underwriters will pay all of their costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of their counsel, stock transfer taxes payable on resale of any of the Shares by them and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make.

The provisions of this Section shall not supersede or otherwise affect any agreement that the Sellers may otherwise have for the allocation of such expenses among themselves.

9. Covenants of the Underwriters . Each Underwriter severally covenants with the Company not to take any action that would result in the Company being required to file with the Commission under Rule 433(d) a free

 

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writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of such Underwriter that otherwise would not be required to be filed by the Company thereunder, but for the action of the Underwriter.

10. Indemnity and Contribution . (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and each affiliate of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act, any broadly available road show, any Company information that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act, or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities are caused by any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through you expressly for use therein.

(b) Each Selling Stockholder agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and each affiliate of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act, any broadly available road show, any Company information that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act, or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only with reference to information relating to such Selling Stockholder furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto. The liability of each Selling Stockholder under the indemnity agreement

 

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contained in this paragraph shall be limited to an amount equal to the aggregate net proceeds of the Shares sold by such Selling Stockholder under this Agreement.

(c) In addition to the foregoing, Charles Liang agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and each affiliate of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act, any broadly available road show, any Company information that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act, or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities are caused by any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission based upon information relating to any Underwriter furnished to Charles Liang in writing by such Underwriter through you expressly for use therein; provided that the liability of Charles Liang under the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph shall be limited to an amount equal to the aggregate net proceeds of the Shares sold by Charles Liang under this Agreement; provided further that, without limitation of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, Charles Liang will not be liable in any such case in respect of any such losses, claims damages or liabilities unless the Underwriter, affiliate or control person seeking indemnification from Charles Liang shall have previously sought indemnification from the Company in respect thereof and the Company shall have failed to honor and pay such Underwriter’s, affiliate’s or control person’s claim for indemnification within 30 days of the date such indemnification is first sought against the Company except that the foregoing condition precedent requiring an Underwriter, affiliate or control person to so seek indemnification from the Company shall not be applicable if an Underwriter, affiliate or control person has previously sought indemnification from the Company with respect to such matters or if such Underwriter, affiliate or control person is prohibited from being indemnified by the Company (or from seeking such indemnification) by the effect of any order, decree, stay, injunction, statute, legal process or other matter of law and except that the foregoing condition precedent shall not limit the right of the Underwriter, affiliate or control person at any time to notify Charles Liang of a claim for indemnification or otherwise initiate a claim or proceeding against Charles Liang for indemnification prior to the expiration of such 30 day period, but only in the case of the initiation

 

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of a claim or proceeding and, in such instance, solely to the extent, necessary to prevent any applicable statute of limitations from expiring.

(d) Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Selling Stockholders, the directors of the Company, the officers of the Company who sign the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company or any Selling Stockholder within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any amendment thereof, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Securities Act, any broadly available road show, any Company information that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act, or the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto), or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only with reference to information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by such Underwriter through you expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any issuer free writing prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto.

(e) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 10(a), 10(b)or 10(d), such person (the “ indemnified party ”) shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the “ indemnifying party ”) in writing and the indemnifying party, upon request of the indemnified party, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party and any others the indemnifying party may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them or if one or more defenses are available to the indemnified party that are not available to the indemnifying party. It is understood that the indemnifying party shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified

 

34


party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for (i) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Underwriters and all persons, if any, who control any Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act or who are affiliates of any Underwriter within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, (ii) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for the Company, its directors, its officers who sign the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of either such Section and (iii) the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Selling Stockholders and all persons, if any, who control any Selling Stockholder within the meaning of either such Section, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. In the case of any such separate firm for the Underwriters and such control persons and affiliates of any Underwriters, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Representatives. In the case of any such separate firm for the Company, and such directors, officers and control persons of the Company, such firm shall be designated in writing by the Company. In the case of any such separate firm for the Selling Stockholders and such control persons of any Selling Stockholders, such firm shall be designated in writing by the persons named as attorneys-in-fact for the Selling Stockholders under the Powers of Attorney. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement (i) includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

(f) To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 10(a), 10(b) or 10(d) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each

 

35


indemnifying party under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and the indemnified party or parties on the other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause 10(f)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 10(f)(i) above but also the relative fault of the indemnifying party or parties on the one hand and of the indemnified party or parties on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Sellers on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection with the offering of the Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Shares (before deducting expenses) received by each Seller and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Sellers on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Sellers or by the Underwriters and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Underwriters’ respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 10 are several in proportion to the respective number of Shares they have purchased hereunder, and not joint. The liability of each Selling Stockholder under the contribution agreement contained in this paragraph shall be limited to the aggregate net proceeds of the Shares sold by such Selling Stockholder under this Agreement.

(g) The Sellers and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 10 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 10(f). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in Section 10(f) shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 10, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue

 

36


statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The remedies provided for in this Section 10 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.

(h) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 10 and the representations, warranties and other statements of the Company and the Selling Stockholders contained in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter, any person controlling any Underwriter or any affiliate of any Underwriter, any Selling Stockholder or any person controlling any Selling Stockholder, or the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.

11. [ Directed Share Program Indemnification. (a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Morgan Stanley, each person, if any, who controls Morgan Stanley within the meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and each affiliate of Morgan Stanley within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act (“ Morgan Stanley Entities ”) from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any such action or claim) (i) caused by any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Participants in connection with the Directed Share Program or caused by any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) caused by the failure of any Participant to pay for and accept delivery of Directed Shares that the Participant agreed to purchase; or (iii) related to, arising out of, or in connection with the Directed Share Program, other than losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or expenses relating thereto) that are finally judicially determined to have resulted from the bad faith or gross negligence of Morgan Stanley Entities.

(b) In case any proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall be instituted involving any Morgan Stanley Entity in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to Section 11(a), the Morgan Stanley Entity seeking indemnity, shall promptly notify the Company in writing and the Company, upon request of the Morgan Stanley Entity, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Morgan Stanley Entity to represent the Morgan Stanley Entity and any others the Company may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and disbursements of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any Morgan Stanley Entity shall have the right to retain

 

37


its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Morgan Stanley Entity unless (i) the Company shall have agreed to the retention of such counsel or (ii) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and the Morgan Stanley Entity and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. The Company shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of the Morgan Stanley Entities in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Morgan Stanley Entities. Any such separate firm for the Morgan Stanley Entities shall be designated in writing by Morgan Stanley. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Company agrees to indemnify the Morgan Stanley Entities from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time a Morgan Stanley Entity shall have requested the Company to reimburse it for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third sentences of this paragraph, the Company agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Company of the aforesaid request and (ii) the Company shall not have reimbursed the Morgan Stanley Entity in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Morgan Stanley Entity is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Morgan Stanley Entity, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of the Morgan Stanley Entities from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.

(c) To the extent the indemnification provided for in Section 11(a) is unavailable to a Morgan Stanley Entity or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then the Company in lieu of indemnifying the Morgan Stanley Entity thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Morgan Stanley Entity as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Morgan Stanley Entities on the other hand from the offering of the Directed Shares or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause 11(c)(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause 11(c)(i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and of the Morgan Stanley Entities on the other hand in connection with any statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Morgan Stanley

 

38


Entities on the other hand in connection with the offering of the Directed Shares shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering of the Directed Shares (before deducting expenses) and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Morgan Stanley Entities for the Directed Shares, bear to the aggregate Public Offering Price of the Directed Shares. If the loss, claim, damage or liability is caused by an untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Morgan Stanley Entities on the other hand shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement or the omission or alleged omission relates to information supplied by the Company or by the Morgan Stanley Entities and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

(d) The Company and the Morgan Stanley Entities agree that it would not be just or equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 11 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Morgan Stanley Entities were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in Section 11(c). The amount paid or payable by the Morgan Stanley Entities as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Morgan Stanley Entities in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 11, no Morgan Stanley Entity shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Directed Shares distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that such Morgan Stanley Entity has otherwise been required to pay. The remedies provided for in this Section 11 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any indemnified party at law or in equity.

(e) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 11 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Morgan Stanley Entity or the Company, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Directed Shares.

12. Termination . The Underwriters may terminate this Agreement by notice given by you to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the Closing Date (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or materially limited on, or by, as the case may be, any of the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange or the

 

39


Chicago Board of Trade, (ii) trading of any securities of the Company shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market, (iii) a material disruption in securities settlement, payment or clearance services in the United States shall have occurred, (iv) any moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by Federal or New York State authorities or (v) there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities, or any change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in your judgment, is material and adverse and which, singly or together with any other event specified in this clause (v), makes it, in your judgment, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offer, sale or delivery of the Shares on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus.

13. Effectiveness; Defaulting Underwriters . This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.

If, on the Closing Date or an Option Closing Date, as the case may be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares that it has or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of the Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated severally in the proportions that the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule II bears to the aggregate number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as you may specify, to purchase the Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date; provided that in no event shall the number of Shares that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to this Agreement be increased pursuant to this Section 13 by an amount in excess of one-ninth of such number of Shares without the written consent of such Underwriter. If, on the Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Firm Shares and the aggregate number of Firm Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Firm Shares to be purchased on such date, and arrangements satisfactory to you, the Company and the Selling Stockholders for the purchase of such Firm Shares are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement shall terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter, the Company or the Selling Stockholders. In any such case either you or the relevant Sellers shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration Statement, in the Time of Sale Prospectus, in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be effected. If, on an Option Closing Date, any Underwriter or Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Additional Shares and the aggregate number of Additional Shares with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the aggregate number of Additional Shares to be purchased on such Option Closing Date, the

 

40


non-defaulting Underwriters shall have the option to (i) terminate their obligation hereunder to purchase the Additional Shares to be sold on such Option Closing Date or (ii) purchase not less than the number of Additional Shares that such non-defaulting Underwriters would have been obligated to purchase in the absence of such default. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.

If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any of them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of any Seller to comply with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for any reason any Seller shall be unable to perform its obligations under this Agreement, the Sellers will reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as have so terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and disbursements of their counsel) reasonably incurred by such Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the offering contemplated hereunder.

14. Entire Agreement . (a) This Agreement, together with any contemporaneous written agreements and any prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement) that relate to the offering of the Shares, represents the entire agreement between the Company and the Selling Stockholders, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the preparation of any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, the conduct of the offering, and the purchase and sale of the Shares.

(b) The Company acknowledges that in connection with the offering of the Shares: (i) the Underwriters have acted at arms length, are not agents of, and owe no fiduciary duties to, the Company or any other person, (ii) the Underwriters owe the Company only those duties and obligations set forth in this Agreement and prior written agreements (to the extent not superseded by this Agreement), if any, and (iii) the Underwriters may have interests that differ from those of the Company. The Company waives to the full extent permitted by applicable law any claims it may have against the Underwriters arising from an alleged breach of fiduciary duty in connection with the offering of the Shares.

15. Counterparts . This Agreement may be signed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

16. Applicable Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.

 

41


17. Headings . The headings of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed a part of this Agreement.

18. Notices. All communications hereunder shall be in writing and effective only upon receipt and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered, mailed or sent to you in care of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, Attention: Equity Syndicate Desk, with a copy to the Legal Department; if to the Company shall be delivered, mailed or sent to Super Micro Computer, Inc., 980 Rock Avenue, San Jose, California 95131, Attn: Chief Financial Officer with a copy to Peter M. Astiz, Esq., DLA Piper US LLP, 2000 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA 94303-2248 and if to the Selling Stockholders shall be delivered, mailed or sent to 980 Rock Avenue, San Jose, California 95131, Attn: Charles Liang.

 

Very truly yours,

 

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

42


The Selling Stockholders named in Schedule I hereto, acting severally

By:     
 

Attorney-in Fact

 

Accepted as of the date hereof

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

                Incorporated

UBS Securities LLC

Needham & Company, LLC

 

Acting severally on behalf of themselves and the several Underwriters named in Schedule II hereto

By:  

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

By:     

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

43


SCHEDULE I

 

Selling Stockholder

   Number of Firm Shares
To Be Sold

[NAMES OF SELLING STOCKHOLDERS]

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    

Total:

  
    

 

I-1


SCHEDULE II

 

Underwriter

   Number of Firm Shares
To Be Purchased

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

  

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

                Incorporated

  

UBS Securities LLC

  

Needham & Company, LLC

  
    

Total:

  
    

 

II-1


SCHEDULE III

Time of Sale Prospectus

 

1. Preliminary Prospectus issued [date]

 

2. [identify all free writing prospectuses filed by the Company under Rule 433(d) of the Securities Act]

 

3. [free writing prospectus containing a description of terms that does not reflect final terms, if the Time of Sale Prospectus does not include a final term sheet]

 

4. [orally communicated pricing information to be included on this Schedule III if a final term sheet is not used] [anticipated to be only price per share and number of shares]

 

III-1


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF LOCK-UP LETTER

                     , 2006

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

                Incorporated

UBS Securities LLC

Needham & Company, LLC

c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
   1585 Broadway
   New York, NY 10036

Ladies and Gentleman:

The undersigned understands that Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (“ Morgan Stanley ”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“ Merrill Lynch ” and together with Morgan Stanley, the “ Representatives ”) propose to enter into an Underwriting Agreement (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”) with Supermicro Computer, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), providing for the public offering (the “ Public Offering ”) by the several underwriters, including the Representatives (the “ Underwriters ”), of                      shares (the “ Shares ”) of the Common Stock, par value $0.001 of the Company (the “ Common Stock ”).

To induce the Underwriters that may participate in the Public Offering to continue their efforts in connection with the Public Offering, the undersigned hereby agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending 180 days after the date of the final prospectus relating to the Public Offering (the “ Prospectus ”), (1) 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 shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock or (2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2) above is to be settled by delivery of Common Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. The foregoing sentence shall not apply to transactions relating to (a) the sale of Shares to the


Underwriters by the undersigned, (b) the sale of shares of Common Stock or securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the Public Offering, provided that no filing under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “ Exchange Act ”), shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with subsequent sales of Common Stock or other securities acquired in such open market transactions, (c) transfers of shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into Common Stock as a bona fide gift, (d) distributions of shares of Common Stock or securities to partners, members or stockholders of the undersigned, or (e) if the undersigned is a corporation, transfers of shares of Common Stock or securities to an affiliate or affiliates of such corporation; provided that in the case of any gift, transfer or distribution pursuant to clause (c), (d) or (e), (i) each donee or distributee shall sign and deliver a lock-up letter substantially in the form of this letter and (ii) no filing under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock, shall be required or shall be voluntarily made during the restricted period referred to in the foregoing sentence. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this letter shall prohibit the undersigned from establishing a trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, provided that the undersigned shall not engage in any transaction under such trading plan until the termination of the restrictions imposed by this agreement.

In addition, the undersigned agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending 180 days after the date of the Prospectus, make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to, the registration of any shares of Common Stock or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Stock. The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the undersigned’s shares of Common Stock except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.

If:

(1) during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period the Company issues an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to the Company occurs; or

(2) prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, the Company announces that it will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day of the restricted period;

the restrictions imposed by this agreement shall continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.

 

2


The undersigned shall not engage in any transaction that may be restricted by this agreement during the 34-day period beginning on the last day of the initial restricted period unless the undersigned requests and receives prior written confirmation from the Company or the Representatives that the restrictions imposed by this agreement have expired.

The undersigned understands that the Company and the Underwriters are relying upon this agreement in proceeding toward consummation of the Public Offering. The undersigned further understands that this agreement is irrevocable and shall be binding upon the undersigned’s heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.

Whether or not the Public Offering actually occurs depends on a number of factors, including market conditions. Any Public Offering will only be made pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, the terms of which are subject to negotiation between the Company and the Underwriters.

In the event the Public Offering has not been consummated on or before March 31, 2007, this lock-up letter shall lapse and become null and void.

 

Very truly yours,

    

(Name)

    

(Address)

 

3

Exhibit 3.3

AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ Corporation ”), certifies as follows:

1. The name of the Corporation is Super Micro Computer, Inc. The date of filing of the Corporation’s original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was August 28, 2006.

2. Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation amends, restates and integrates the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation.

3. The Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

FIRST : The name of the corporation is Super Micro Computer, Inc.

SECOND : The address of the registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 3500 South DuPont Highway, in the City of Dover, County of Kent. The name of the registered agent at that address is Incorporating Services, Ltd.

THIRD : The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.

FOURTH : The Corporation is authorized to issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively, “Preferred Stock” and “Common Stock.” The total number of shares of Common Stock the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 100,000,000, $0.001 par value per share, and the total number of shares of Preferred Stock the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 10,000,000, $0.001 par value per share. The shares of Preferred Stock shall initially be undesignated and may be issued from time to time in one or more additional series.

The Board of Directors is hereby authorized, within the limitations and restrictions stated herein, to determine or alter the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon a wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock, and the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof, or any of them; and to increase or decrease the number of shares constituting any such series and the designation thereof, or any of them; and to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series subsequent to the issue of shares of that series, but, in respect of decreases, not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding. In case the number of shares of any series should be so decreased, the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status which they had prior to the adoption of the resolutions originally fixing the number of shares of such series.

 

1


FIFTH : The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:

A. 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 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.

B. The directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the Bylaws so provide.

C. 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.

D. Special meetings of stockholders may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President, or holders of record of not less than 10% of all shares entitled to cast votes at the meeting, for any purpose or purposes prescribed in the notice of the meeting and shall be held at such place, on such date and at such time as the Board may fix.

SIXTH :

A. The number of directors shall initially be five (5) and, thereafter, 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). Upon the closing of a firmly underwritten public offering of the Corporation’s Common Stock (the “ IPO ”), the directors shall be divided into three classes with the term of office of the first class (Class I) to expire at the first annual meeting of the stockholders following the IPO; the term of office of the second class (Class II) to expire at the second annual meeting of stockholders held following the IPO; the term of office of the third class (Class III) to expire at the third annual meeting of stockholders; and thereafter for each such term to expire at each third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after such election. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, a vacancy resulting from the removal of a director by the stockholders as provided in Article SIXTH, Section C below may be filled at a special meeting of the stockholders held for that purpose. All directors shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected, and until their respective successors are elected, except in the case of the death, resignation, or removal of any director.

 

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B. 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 (including removal from office by a vote of the stockholders) may be filled only 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 at which the term of office of the class to which they have been elected expires. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

C. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any directors, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty six and two thirds percent (66  2 / 3 %) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation 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 a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining director, or by the stockholders as provided in Article SIXTH, Section A above. Directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of office of the class to which they have been elected expires, and until their respective successors are elected, except in the case of the death, resignation, or removal of any director.

SEVENTH : The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal Bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any resolution providing for adoption, amendment or repeal is presented to the Board). The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of Bylaws of the Corporation by the stockholders shall require, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66  2 / 3 %) of the voting power of all of the 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.

EIGHTH : 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, except for liability (A) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (B) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involved intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (C) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (D) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

If the Delaware General Corporation Law is hereafter amended to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of a director, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended.

 

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Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Article EIGHTH by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

NINTH : The Corporation reserves the right to amend or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation in the manner prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware and all rights conferred upon stockholders are granted subject to this reservation; provided , however , that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate of Incorporation or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of the stock of this Corporation required by law or by this Certificate of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66  2 / 3 %) of the voting power of all of the 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, shall be required to amend or repeal this Article NINTH, Article FIFTH, Article SIXTH, Article SEVENTH or Article EIGHTH.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been executed on behalf of the Corporation by Charles Liang, its Chief Executive Officer this      day of January, 2007.

 

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.
By:  

 

  Charles Liang, Chief Executive Officer

 

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Exhibit 5.1

DLA PIPER US LLP

2000 University Avenue

East Palo Alto, CA 94303-2248

www.dlapiper.com

O ] 650-833-2000

F ] 650-833-2001

January 18, 2007

Super Micro Computer, Inc.

980 Rock Avenue

San Jose, CA 95131

 

Re: Registration Statement (No. 333-138370) on Form S-1

Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Super Micro Computer, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Super Micro ”), in connection with the proposed issuance and sale of those certain shares of Super Micro’s newly-issued Common Stock and those certain additional shares of Super Micro’s Common Stock held by certain stockholders of Super Micro (collectively, the “ Shares ”), as set forth in Super Micro’s registration statement (No. 333-138370) on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) on November 1, 2006 (as it may be amended and supplemented, the “ Registration Statement ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”). The Shares include Shares that are subject to an over-allotment option granted to the underwriters in the offering.

This opinion is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 16(a) of Form S-1 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K.

In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed and relied upon the Registration Statement and related prospectus, Super Micro’s charter documents, as amended to date, and records of its corporate proceedings in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares. We have assumed the authenticity of all records, documents and instruments submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons and the conformity to the originals of all records, documents and instruments submitted to us as copies. Based on such review, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized, and if, as and when issued by Super Micro in accordance with the related prospectus (as amended and supplemented through the date of issuance) will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

We consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus which is part of the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act, the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder or Item 509 of Regulation S-K.

This opinion is given to you solely for use in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares in accordance with the Registration Statement and the related prospectus and is not to be relied on for any other purpose. Our opinion is expressly limited to the matters set forth above, and we render no opinion, whether by implication or otherwise, as to any other matters relating to Super Micro, the Shares or the Registration Statement.

Sincerely,

/s/ DLA Piper US LLP

DLA Piper US LLP

Exhibit 10.5

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

2006 Equity Incentive Plan


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

               Page
1.    Establishment, Purpose and Term of Plan    1
   1.1    Establishment    1
   1.2    Purpose    1
   1.3    Term of Plan    1
2.    Definitions and Construction    1
   2.1    Definitions    1
   2.2    Construction    9
3.    Administration    9
   3.1    Administration by the Committee    9
   3.2    Authority of Officers    9
   3.3    Administration with Respect to Insiders    9
   3.4    Committee Complying with Section 162(m)    9
   3.5    Powers of the Committee    9
   3.6    Indemnification    11
4.    Shares Subject to Plan    11
   4.1    Maximum Number of Shares Issuable    11
   4.2    Annual Increase in Maximum Number of Shares Issuable    11
   4.3    Share Accounting    11
   4.4    Adjustments for Changes in Capital Structure    12
5.    Eligibility, Participation and Award Limitations    12
   5.1    Persons Eligible for Awards    12
   5.2    Participation in the Plan    13
   5.3    Award Limitations    13
6.    Stock Options    14
   6.1    Exercise Price    14
   6.2    Exercisability and Term of Options    14
   6.3    Payment of Exercise Price    14
   6.4    Effect of Termination of Service    15
   6.5    Transferability of Options    16
7.    Stock Appreciation Rights    17
   7.1    Types of SARs Authorized    17
   7.2    Exercise Price    17
   7.3    Exercisability and Term of SARs    17
   7.4    Exercise of SARs    17

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

               Page
   7.5    Deemed Exercise of SARs    18
   7.6    Effect of Termination of Service    18
   7.7    Transferability of SARs    18
8.    Restricted Stock Awards    18
   8.1    Types of Restricted Stock Awards Authorized    18
   8.2    Purchase Price    19
   8.3    Purchase Period    19
   8.4    Payment of Purchase Price    19
   8.5    Vesting and Restrictions on Transfer    19
   8.6    Voting Rights; Dividends and Distributions    19
   8.7    Effect of Termination of Service    20
   8.8    Nontransferability of Restricted Stock Award Rights    20
9.    Restricted Stock Unit Awards    20
   9.1    Grant of Restricted Stock Unit Awards    20
   9.2    Purchase Price    21
   9.3    Vesting    21
   9.4    Voting Rights, Dividend Equivalent Rights and Distributions    21
   9.5    Effect of Termination of Service    21
   9.6    Settlement of Restricted Stock Unit Awards    22
   9.7    Nontransferability of Restricted Stock Unit Awards    22
10.    Performance Awards    22
   10.1    Types of Performance Awards Authorized    22
   10.2    Initial Value of Performance Shares and Performance Units    22
   10.3    Establishment of Performance Period, Performance Goals and Performance Award Formula    23
   10.4    Measurement of Performance Goals    23
   10.5    Settlement of Performance Awards    25
   10.6    Voting Rights; Dividend Equivalent Rights and Distributions    26
   10.7    Effect of Termination of Service    27
   10.8    Nontransferability of Performance Awards    27
11.    Deferred Compensation Awards    27
   11.1    Establishment of Deferred Compensation Award Programs    27
   11.2    Terms and Conditions of Deferred Compensation Awards    28
12.    Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards    29
   12.1    Grant of Cash-Based Awards    29
   12.2    Grant of Other Stock-Based Awards    29

 

-ii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

               Page
   12.3    Value of Cash-Based and Other Stock-Based Awards    29
   12.4    Payment or Settlement of Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards    30
   12.5    Voting Rights; Dividend Equivalent Rights and Distributions    30
   12.6    Effect of Termination of Service    30
   12.7    Nontransferability of Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards    30
13.    Nonemployee Director Awards    31
14.    Standard Forms of Award Agreement    31
   14.1    Award Agreements    31
   14.2    Authority to Vary Terms    31
15.    Change in Control    31
   15.1    Effect of Change in Control on Awards    31
   15.2    Effect of Change in Control on Nonemployee Director Awards    32
   15.3    Federal Excise Tax Under Section 4999 of the Code    33
16.    Compliance with Securities Law    33
17.    Tax Withholding    34
   17.1    Tax Withholding in General    34
   17.2    Withholding in Shares    34
18.    Amendment or Termination of Plan    34
19.    Compliance with Section 409A    34
   19.1    Awards Subject to Section 409A    34
   19.2    Deferral and/or Distribution Elections    35
   19.3    Subsequent Elections    35
   19.4    Distributions Pursuant to Deferral Elections    36
   19.5    Unforeseeable Emergency    36
   19.6    Disabled    37
   19.7    Death    37
   19.8    No Acceleration of Distributions    37
20.    Miscellaneous Provisions    38
   20.1    Repurchase Rights    38
   20.2    Forfeiture Events    38
   20.3    Provision of Information    38
   20.4    Rights as Employee, Consultant or Director    38
   20.5    Rights as a Stockholder    39

 

-iii-


TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

               Page
   20.6    Delivery of Title to Shares    39
   20.7    Fractional Shares    39
   20.8    Retirement and Welfare Plans    39
   20.9    Beneficiary Designation    39
   20.10    Severability    39
   20.11    No Constraint on Corporate Action    40
   20.12    Unfunded Obligation    40
   20.13    Choice of Law    40

 

-iv-


SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

2006 Equity Incentive Plan

1. E STABLISHMENT , P URPOSE AND T ERM OF P LAN .

1.1 Establishment . The Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan ) is hereby established effective as of January 8, 2007, the date of its approval by the stockholders of the Company (the Effective Date ).

1.2 Purpose . The purpose of the Plan is to advance the interests of the Participating Company Group and its stockholders by providing an incentive to attract, retain and reward persons performing services for the Participating Company Group and by motivating such persons to contribute to the growth and profitability of the Participating Company Group. The Plan seeks to achieve this purpose by providing for Awards in the form of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Purchase Rights, Restricted Stock Bonuses, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares, Performance Units, Deferred Compensation Awards, Cash-Based and Other Stock-Based Awards and Nonemployee Director Awards.

1.3 Term of Plan. The Plan shall continue in effect until its termination by the Committee; provided, however, that all Awards shall be granted, if at all, within ten (10) years from the Effective Date.

2. D EFINITIONS AND C ONSTRUCTION .

2.1 Definitions. Whenever used herein, the following terms shall have their respective meanings set forth below:

(a) Affiliate means (i) an entity, other than a Parent Corporation, that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediary entities, controls the Company or (ii) an entity, other than a Subsidiary Corporation, that is controlled by the Company directly or indirectly through one or more intermediary entities. For this purpose, the term “control” (including the term “controlled by”) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the relevant entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; or shall have such other meaning assigned such term for the purposes of registration on Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

(b) Award means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Purchase Right, Restricted Stock Bonus, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Deferred Compensation Award, Cash-Based Award, Other Stock-Based Award or Nonemployee Director Award granted under the Plan.

(c) Award Agreement means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a Participant setting forth the terms, conditions and restrictions of the Award granted to the Participant.

 

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(d) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(e) “ Cash-Based Award ” means an Award denominated in cash and granted pursuant to Section 12.

(f) Cause means, unless such term or an equivalent term is otherwise defined with respect to an Award by the Participant’s Award Agreement or by a written contract of employment or service, any of the following: (i) the Participant’s theft, dishonesty, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit, or falsification of any Participating Company documents or records; (ii) the Participant’s material failure to abide by a Participating Company’s code of conduct or other policies (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct); (iii) the Participant’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of a Participating Company (including, without limitation, the Participant’s improper use or disclosure of a Participating Company’s confidential or proprietary information); (iv) any intentional act by the Participant which has a material detrimental effect on a Participating Company’s reputation or business; (v) the Participant’s repeated failure or inability to perform any reasonable assigned duties after written notice from a Participating Company of, and a reasonable opportunity to cure, such failure or inability; (vi) any material breach by the Participant of any employment, service, non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation or other similar agreement between the Participant and a Participating Company, which breach is not cured pursuant to the terms of such agreement; or (vii) the Participant’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which impairs the Participant’s ability to perform his or her duties with a Participating Company.

(g) Change in Control means, unless such term or an equivalent term is otherwise defined with respect to an Award by the Participant’s Award Agreement or by a written contract of employment or service, the occurrence of any of the following:

(i) any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the Company’s then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors; provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (1) an acquisition by any such person who on the Effective Date is the beneficial owner of more than fifty percent (50%) of such voting power, (2) any acquisition directly from the Company, including, without limitation, a public offering of securities, (3) any acquisition by the Company, (4) any acquisition by a trustee or other fiduciary under an employee benefit plan of a Participating Company or (5) any acquisition by an entity owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the voting securities of the Company; or

(ii) an Ownership Change Event or series of related Ownership Change Events (collectively, a Transaction ) in which the stockholders of the Company immediately before the Transaction do not retain immediately after the Transaction direct or

 

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indirect beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of the outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors or, in the case of an Ownership Change Event described in Section 2.1(ee)(iii), the entity to which the assets of the Company were transferred (the Transferee ), as the case may be; or

(iii) a liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

provided, however, that a Change in Control shall be deemed not to include a transaction described in subsections (i) or (ii) of this Section 2.1(g) in which a majority of the members of the board of directors of the continuing, surviving or successor entity, or parent thereof, immediately after such transaction is comprised of Incumbent Directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any amount constituting Section 409A Deferred Compensation would become payable under this Plan by reason of a Change in Control, such amount shall become payable only if the event constituting a Change in Control would also constitute a change in ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company within the meaning of Section 409A.

For purposes of the preceding sentence, indirect beneficial ownership shall include, without limitation, an interest resulting from ownership of the voting securities of one or more corporations or other business entities which own the Company or the Transferee, as the case may be, either directly or through one or more subsidiary corporations or other business entities. The Committee shall have the right to determine whether multiple sales or exchanges of the voting securities of the Company or multiple Ownership Change Events are related, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive.

(h) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any applicable regulations or administrative guidelines promulgated thereunder.

(i) Committee means the Compensation Committee and such other committee or subcommittee of the Board, if any, duly appointed to administer the Plan and having such powers in each instance as shall be specified by the Board. If, at any time, there is no committee of the Board then authorized or properly constituted to administer the Plan, the Board shall exercise all of the powers of the Committee granted herein, and, in any event, the Board may in its discretion exercise any or all of such powers.

(j) Company means Super Micro Computer, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor corporation thereto.

(k) Consultant means a person engaged to provide consulting or advisory services (other than as an Employee or a member of the Board) to a Participating Company, provided that the identity of such person, the nature of such services or the entity to which such services are provided would not preclude the Company from offering or selling securities to such person pursuant to the Plan in reliance on registration on Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

(l) “ Covered Employee means, at any time the Plan is subject to Section 162(m), any Employee who is or may become a “covered employee” as defined in Section 162(m), or any successor statute, and who is designated, either as an individual

 

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Employee or a member of a class of Employees, by the Committee no later than (i) the date ninety (90) days after the beginning of the Performance Period, or (ii) the date on which twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period has elapsed, as a “Covered Employee” under this Plan for such applicable Performance Period.

(m) Deferred Compensation Award means an award granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 11.

(n) Director means a member of the Board.

(o) Disability means the permanent and total disability of the Participant, within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.

(p) Dividend Equivalent Right means the right of a Participant, granted at the discretion of the Committee or as otherwise provided by the Plan, to receive a credit for the account of such Participant in an amount equal to the cash dividends paid on one share of Stock for each share of Stock represented by an Award held by such Participant.

(q) Employee means any person treated as an employee (including an Officer or a member of the Board who is also treated as an employee) in the records of a Participating Company and, with respect to any Incentive Stock Option granted to such person, who is an employee for purposes of Section 422 of the Code; provided, however, that neither service as a member of the Board nor payment of a director’s fee shall be sufficient to constitute employment for purposes of the Plan. The Company shall determine in good faith and in the exercise of its discretion whether an individual has become or has ceased to be an Employee and the effective date of such individual’s employment or termination of employment, as the case may be. For purposes of an individual’s rights, if any, under the terms of the Plan as of the time of the Company’s determination of whether or not the individual is an Employee, all such determinations by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive as to such rights, if any, notwithstanding that the Company or any court of law or governmental agency subsequently makes a contrary determination as to such individual’s status as an Employee.

(r) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

(s) Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of a share of Stock or other property as determined by the Committee, in its discretion, or by the Company, in its discretion, if such determination is expressly allocated to the Company herein, subject to the following:

(i) Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, if, on such date, the Stock is listed on a national or regional securities exchange or market system, the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock shall be the closing price of a share of Stock (or the mean of the closing bid and asked prices of a share of Stock if the Stock is so quoted instead) as quoted on such other national or regional securities exchange or market system constituting the primary market for the Stock, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Company deems reliable. If the relevant date does not fall on a day on which the Stock has traded on such securities exchange or market system, the date on which the Fair Market Value shall be established shall be the last day on which the Stock was so traded prior to the relevant date, or such other appropriate day as shall be determined by the Committee, in its discretion.

 

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(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, in its discretion, determine the Fair Market Value on the basis of the opening, closing, or average of the high and low sale prices of a share of Stock on such date or the preceding trading day, the actual sale price of a share of Stock received by a Participant, any other reasonable basis using actual transactions in the Stock as reported on a national or regional securities exchange or market system and consistently applied, or on any other basis consistent with the requirements of Section 409A. The Committee may also determine the Fair Market Value upon the average selling price of the Stock during a specified period that is within thirty (30) days before or thirty (30) days after such date, provided that, with respect to the grant of an Option or SAR, the commitment to grant such Award based on such valuation method must be irrevocable before the beginning of the specified period and such valuation method must be used consistently for grants of Options and SARs under the same and substantially similar programs. The Committee may vary its method of determination of the Fair Market Value as provided in this Section for different purposes under the Plan to the extent consistent with the requirements of Section 409A.

(iii) If, on such date, the Stock is not listed on a national or regional securities exchange or market system, the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock shall be as determined by the Committee in good faith without regard to any restriction other than a restriction which, by its terms, will never lapse, and in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A.

(t) Incentive Stock Option means an Option intended to be (as set forth in the Award Agreement) and which qualifies as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

(u) Incumbent Director means a director who either (i) is a member of the Board as of the Effective Date or (ii) is elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination, but who was not elected or nominated in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating to the election of directors of the Company.

(v) Insider means an Officer, Director or any other person whose transactions in Stock are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

(w) Insider Trading Policy means the written policy of the Company pertaining to the purchase, sale, transfer or other disposition of the Company’s equity securities by Directors, Officers, Employees or other service providers who may possess material, nonpublic information regarding the Company or its securities.

(x) “Net-Exercise” means a procedure by which the Participant will be issued a number of shares of Stock upon the exercise of an Option determined in accordance with the following formula:

N = X(A-B)/A, where

 

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“N” = the number of shares of Stock to be issued to the Participant upon exercise of the Option;

“X” = the total number of shares with respect to which the Participant has elected to exercise the Option;

“A” = the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Stock determined on the exercise date; and

“B” = the exercise price per share (as defined in the Participant’s Award Agreement)

(y) Nonemployee Director means a Director who is not an Employee.

(z) Nonemployee Director Award means a Nonstatutory Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award granted to a Nonemployee Director pursuant to Section 13 of the Plan.

(aa) Nonstatutory Stock Option means an Option not intended to be (as set forth in the Award Agreement) an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

(bb) Officer means any person designated by the Board as an officer of the Company.

(cc) Option means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted pursuant to Section 6 or Section 13.

(dd) “ Other Stock-Based Award ” means an Award denominated in shares of Stock and granted pursuant to Section 12.

(ee) Ownership Change Event means the occurrence of any of the following with respect to the Company: (i) the direct or indirect sale or exchange in a single or series of related transactions by the stockholders of the Company of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock of the Company; (ii) a merger or consolidation in which the Company is a party; or (iii) the sale, exchange, or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company (other than a sale, exchange or transfer to one or more subsidiaries of the Company).

(ff) Parent Corporation means any present or future “parent corporation” of the Company, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.

(gg) Participant means any eligible person who has been granted one or more Awards.

(hh) Participating Company means the Company or any Parent Corporation, Subsidiary Corporation or Affiliate.

(ii) Participating Company Group means, at any point in time, all entities collectively which are then Participating Companies.

 

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(jj) Performance Award means an Award of Performance Shares or Performance Units.

(kk) Performance Award Formula means, for any Performance Award, a formula or table established by the Committee pursuant to Section 10.3 which provides the basis for computing the value of a Performance Award at one or more threshold levels of attainment of the applicable Performance Goal(s) measured as of the end of the applicable Performance Period.

(ll) “ Performance-Based Compensation ” means compensation under an Award that satisfies the requirements of Section 162(m) for certain performance-based compensation paid to Covered Employees.

(mm) Performance Goal means a performance goal established by the Committee pursuant to Section 10.3.

(nn) Performance Period means a period established by the Committee pursuant to Section 10.3 at the end of which one or more Performance Goals are to be measured.

(oo) Performance Share means a right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 10 to receive a payment equal to the value of a Performance Share, as determined by the Committee, based on performance.

(pp) Performance Unit means a right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 10 to receive a payment equal to the value of a Performance Unit, as determined by the Committee, based upon performance.

(qq) Restricted Stock Award means an Award of a Restricted Stock Bonus or a Restricted Stock Purchase Right.

(rr) Restricted Stock Bonus means Stock granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 8 or Section 13.

(ss) Restricted Stock Purchase Right means a right to purchase Stock granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 8 or Section 13.

(tt) Restricted Stock Unit” or Stock Unit means a right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 9, Section 11 or Section 13 to receive a share of Stock on a date determined in accordance with the provisions of such Sections, as applicable, and the Participant’s Award Agreement.

(uu) Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, as amended from time to time, or any successor rule or regulation.

(vv) SAR or Stock Appreciation Right means a right granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 7 or Section 13 to receive payment, for each share of Stock subject to such SAR, of an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of exercise of the SAR over the exercise price.

 

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(ww) Section 162(m) means Section 162(m) of the Code.

(xx) Section 409A means Section 409A of the Code.

(yy) Section 409A Deferred Compensation means compensation provided pursuant to the Plan that constitutes deferred compensation subject to and not exempted from the requirements of Section 409A.

(zz) Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(aaa) Service means a Participant’s employment or service with the Participating Company Group, whether in the capacity of an Employee, a Director or a Consultant. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, a Participant’s Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders such Service or a change in the Participating Company for which the Participant renders such Service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s Service. Furthermore, a Participant’s Service shall not be deemed to have terminated if the Participant takes any military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence approved by the Company. However, unless otherwise provided by the Committee, if any such leave taken by a Participant exceeds ninety (90) days, then on the ninety-first (91st) day following the commencement of such leave the Participant’s Service shall be deemed to have terminated, unless the Participant’s right to return to Service is guaranteed by statute or contract. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise designated by the Company or required by law, an unpaid leave of absence shall not be treated as Service for purposes of determining vesting under the Participant’s Award Agreement. A Participant’s Service shall be deemed to have terminated either upon an actual termination of Service or upon the entity for which the Participant performs Service ceasing to be a Participating Company. Subject to the foregoing, the Company, in its discretion, shall determine whether the Participant’s Service has terminated and the effective date of such termination.

(bbb) Stock means the common stock of the Company, as adjusted from time to time in accordance with Section 4.4.

(ccc) Subsidiary Corporation means any present or future “subsidiary corporation” of the Company, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.

(ddd) Ten Percent Owner means a Participant who, at the time an Option is granted to the Participant, owns stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of a Participating Company (other than an Affiliate) within the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code.

(eee) Vesting Conditions mean those conditions established in accordance with the Plan prior to the satisfaction of which shares subject to an Award remain subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option in favor of the Company exercisable for the Participant’s monetary purchase price, if any, for such shares upon the Participant’s termination of Service.

 

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2.2 Construction. Captions and titles contained herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of the Plan. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular. Use of the term “or” is not intended to be exclusive, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

3. A DMINISTRATION .

3.1 Administration by the Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. All questions of interpretation of the Plan, of any Award Agreement or of any other form of agreement or other document employed by the Company in the administration of the Plan or of any Award shall be determined by the Committee, and such determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive upon all persons having an interest in the Plan or such Award, unless fraudulent or made in bad faith. Any and all actions, decisions and determinations taken or made by the Committee in the exercise of its discretion pursuant to the Plan or Award Agreement or other agreement thereunder (other than determining questions of interpretation pursuant to the preceding sentence) shall be final, binding and conclusive upon all persons having an interest therein.

3.2 Authority of Officers. Any Officer shall have the authority to act on behalf of the Company with respect to any matter, right, obligation, determination or election which is the responsibility of or which is allocated to the Company herein, provided the Officer has apparent authority with respect to such matter, right, obligation, determination or election.

3.3 Administration with Respect to Insiders. With respect to participation by Insiders in the Plan, at any time that any class of equity security of the Company is registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the Plan shall be administered in compliance with the requirements, if any, of Rule 16b-3.

3.4 Committee Complying with Section 162(m). If the Company is a “publicly held corporation” within the meaning of Section 162(m), the Board may establish a Committee of “outside directors” within the meaning of Section 162(m) to approve the grant of any Award intended to result in the payment of Performance-Based Compensation.

3.5 Powers of the Committee . In addition to any other powers set forth in the Plan and subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have the full and final power and authority, in its discretion:

(a) to determine the persons to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards shall be granted and the number of shares of Stock, units or monetary value to be subject to each Award;

(b) to determine the type of Award granted;

 

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(c) to determine the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock or other property;

(d) to determine the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to each Award (which need not be identical) and any shares acquired pursuant thereto, including, without limitation, (i) the exercise or purchase price of shares pursuant to any Award, (ii) the method of payment for shares purchased pursuant to any Award, (iii) the method for satisfaction of any tax withholding obligation arising in connection with Award, including by the withholding or delivery of shares of Stock, (iv) the timing, terms and conditions of the exercisability or vesting of any Award or any shares acquired pursuant thereto, (v) the Performance Measures, Performance Period, Performance Award Formula and Performance Goals applicable to any Award and the extent to which such Performance Goals have been attained, (vi) the time of the expiration of any Award, (vii) the effect of the Participant’s termination of Service on any of the foregoing, and (viii) all other terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any Award or shares acquired pursuant thereto not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan;

(e) to determine whether an Award will be settled in shares of Stock, cash, or in any combination thereof;

(f) to approve one or more forms of Award Agreement;

(g) to amend, modify, extend, cancel or renew any Award or to waive any restrictions or conditions applicable to any Award or any shares acquired pursuant thereto;

(h) to accelerate, continue, extend or defer the exercisability or vesting of any Award or any shares acquired pursuant thereto, including with respect to the period following a Participant’s termination of Service;

(i) without the consent of the affected Participant and notwithstanding the provisions of any Award Agreement to the contrary, to unilaterally substitute at any time a Stock Appreciation Right providing for settlement solely in shares of Stock in place of any outstanding Option, provided that such Stock Appreciation Right covers the same number of shares of Stock and provides for the same exercise price (subject in each case to adjustment in accordance with Section 4.4) as the replaced Option and otherwise provides substantially equivalent terms and conditions as the replaced Option, as determined by the Committee;

(j) to prescribe, amend or rescind rules, guidelines and policies relating to the Plan, or to adopt sub-plans or supplements to, or alternative versions of, the Plan, including, without limitation, as the Committee deems necessary or desirable to comply with the laws or regulations of or to accommodate the tax policy, accounting principles or custom of, foreign jurisdictions whose citizens may be granted Awards; and

(k) to correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or any Award Agreement and to make all other determinations and take such other actions with respect to the Plan or any Award as the Committee may deem advisable to the extent not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan or applicable law.

 

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3.6 Indemnification. In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as members of the Board or the Committee or as officers or employees of the Participating Company Group, members of the Board or the Committee and any officers or employees of the Participating Company Group to whom authority to act for the Board, the Committee or the Company is delegated shall be indemnified by the Company against all reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and necessarily incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeal therein, to which they or any of them may be a party by reason of any action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan, or any right granted hereunder, and against all amounts paid by them in settlement thereof (provided such settlement is approved by independent legal counsel selected by the Company) or paid by them in satisfaction of a judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such person is liable for gross negligence, bad faith or intentional misconduct in duties; provided, however, that within sixty (60) days after the institution of such action, suit or proceeding, such person shall offer to the Company, in writing, the opportunity at its own expense to handle and defend the same.

4. S HARES S UBJECT TO P LAN .

4.1 Maximum Number of Shares Issuable. Subject to adjustment as provided in Sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4, the maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan shall be equal to two million (2,000,000) shares, and shall consist of authorized but unissued or reacquired shares of Stock or any combination thereof.

4.2 Annual Increase in Maximum Number of Shares Issuable. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.4, the maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan as set forth in Section 4.1 shall be cumulatively increased on July 1, 2007 and on each subsequent July 1 through and including July 1, 2016, by a number of shares (the Annual Increase ) equal to the smaller of (i) three percent (3%) of the number of shares of Stock issued and outstanding on the immediately preceding June 30 or (ii) an amount determined by the Board.

4.3 Share Accounting. If an outstanding Award for any reason expires or is terminated or canceled without having been exercised or settled in full, or if shares of Stock acquired pursuant to an Award subject to forfeiture or repurchase are forfeited or repurchased by the Company for an amount not greater than the Participant’s purchase price, the shares of Stock allocable to the terminated portion of such Award or such forfeited or repurchased shares of Stock shall again be available for issuance under the Plan. Shares of Stock shall not be deemed to have been issued pursuant to the Plan (a) with respect to any portion of an Award that is settled in cash or (b) to the extent such shares are withheld or reacquired by the Company in satisfaction of tax withholding obligations pursuant to Section 17.2. Upon payment in shares of Stock pursuant to the exercise of an SAR, the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced only by the number of shares actually issued in such payment. If the exercise price of an Option is paid by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of Stock owned by the Participant, or by means of a Net-Exercise, the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced by the net number of shares for which the Option is exercised.

 

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4.4 Adjustments for Changes in Capital Structure . Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, in the event of any change in the Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, whether through merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares, or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, or in the event of payment of a dividend or distribution to the stockholders of the Company in a form other than Stock (excepting normal cash dividends) that has a material effect on the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock, appropriate and proportionate adjustments shall be made in the number and kind of shares subject to the Plan and to any outstanding Awards, in the Award limits set forth in Section 5.3 and in the exercise or purchase price per share under any outstanding Award in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of Participants’ rights under the Plan. For purposes of the foregoing, conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as “effected without receipt of consideration by the Company.” If a majority of the shares which are of the same class as the shares that are subject to outstanding Awards are exchanged for, converted into, or otherwise become (whether or not pursuant to an Ownership Change Event) shares of another corporation (the New Shares ), the Committee may unilaterally amend the outstanding Awards to provide that such Awards are for New Shares. In the event of any such amendment, the number of shares subject to, and the exercise or purchase price per share of, the outstanding Awards shall be adjusted in a fair and equitable manner as determined by the Committee, in its discretion. Any fractional share resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and in no event may the exercise or purchase price under any Award be decreased to an amount less than the par value, if any, of the stock subject to such Award. The Committee in its sole discretion, may also make such adjustments in the terms of any Award to reflect, or related to, such changes in the capital structure of the Company or distributions as it deems appropriate, including modification of Performance Goals, Performance Award Formulas and Performance Periods. The adjustments determined by the Committee pursuant to this Section shall be final, binding and conclusive.

The Committee may, without affecting the number of Shares reserved or available hereunder, authorize the issuance or assumption of benefits under this Plan in connection with any merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, or reorganization upon such terms and conditions as it may deem appropriate, subject to compliance with Section 409A and any other applicable provisions of the Code and related guidance issued by the U.S. Treasury Department.

5. E LIGIBILITY , P ARTICIPATION AND A WARD L IMITATIONS .

5.1 Persons Eligible for Awards. Awards, other than Deferred Compensation Awards or Nonemployee Director Awards, may be granted only to Employees and Consultants. Deferred Compensation Awards may be granted only to Officers, Directors and individuals who are among a select group of management or highly compensated Employees. Nonemployee Director Awards may be granted only to persons who, at the time of grant, are Nonemployee Directors.

 

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5.2 Participation in the Plan. Awards are granted solely at the discretion of the Committee. Eligible persons may be granted more than one Award. However, eligibility in accordance with this Section shall not entitle any person to be granted an Award, or, having been granted an Award, to be granted an additional Award.

5.3 Award Limitations.

(a) Incentive Stock Option Limitations.

(i) Maximum Number of Shares Issuable Pursuant to Incentive Stock Options. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.4, the maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall not exceed two million (2,000,000), cumulatively increased on July 1, 2007 and on each subsequent July 1, through and including July 1, 2016, by a number of shares equal to the smaller of the Annual Increase determined under Section 4.2 or three hundred thirty-three thousand (333,000) shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan pursuant to all Awards other than Incentive Stock Options shall be the number of shares determined in accordance with Section 4.1, subject to adjustment as provided in Sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4.

(ii) Persons Eligible. An Incentive Stock Option may be granted only to a person who, on the effective date of grant, is an Employee of the Company, a Parent Corporation or a Subsidiary Corporation (each being an ISO-Qualifying Corporation ). Any person who is not an Employee of an ISO-Qualifying Corporation on the effective date of the grant of an Option to such person may be granted only a Nonstatutory Stock Option. An Incentive Stock Option granted to a prospective Employee upon the condition that such person become an Employee of an ISO-Qualifying Corporation shall be deemed granted effective on the date such person commences Service as an Employee of an ISO-Qualifying Corporation, with an exercise price determined as of such date in accordance with Section 6.1.

(iii) Fair Market Value Limitation. To the extent that options designated as Incentive Stock Options (granted under all stock option plans of the Participating Company Group, including the Plan) become exercisable by a Participant for the first time during any calendar year for stock having a Fair Market Value greater than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), the portion of such options which exceeds such amount shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section, options designated as Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market Value of stock shall be determined as of the time the option with respect to such stock is granted. If the Code is amended to provide for a limitation different from that set forth in this Section, such different limitation shall be deemed incorporated herein effective as of the date and with respect to such Options as required or permitted by such amendment to the Code. If an Option is treated as an Incentive Stock Option in part and as a Nonstatutory Stock Option in part by reason of the limitation set forth in this Section, the Participant may designate which portion of such Option the Participant is exercising. In the absence of such designation, the Participant shall be deemed to have exercised the Incentive Stock Option portion of the Option first. Upon exercise, shares issued pursuant to each such portion shall be separately identified.

 

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(b) Nonemployee Director Award Limits. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.4, no Nonemployee Director may be granted within any fiscal year of the Company one or more Nonemployee Director Awards for more than one hundred thousand (100,000) shares; provided, however, that the foregoing annual limit shall be increased by one or more of the following additions, as applicable: (i) an additional fifty thousand (50,000) shares in the fiscal year in which the Nonemployee Director is first appointed or elected to the Board as a Nonemployee Director, (ii) an additional fifty thousand (50,000) shares in any fiscal year in which the Nonemployee Director is serving as the Chairman or Lead Director of the Board, (iii) an additional fifty thousand (50,000) shares in any fiscal year for each committee of the Board on which the Nonemployee Director is then serving other than as chairman of the committee, and (iv) an additional fifty thousand (50,000) shares in any fiscal year for each committee of the Board on which the Nonemployee Director is then serving as chairman of the committee.

6. S TOCK O PTIONS .

Options shall be evidenced by Award Agreements specifying the number of shares of Stock covered thereby, in such form as the Committee shall from time to time establish. Award Agreements evidencing Options may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference and shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions:

6.1 Exercise Price. The exercise price for each Option shall be established in the discretion of the Committee; provided, however, that (a) the exercise price per share shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the effective date of grant of the Option and (b) no Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Owner shall have an exercise price per share less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the effective date of grant of the Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option (whether an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option) may be granted with an exercise price lower than the minimum exercise price set forth above if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or substitution for another option in a manner qualifying under the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code.

6.2 Exercisability and Term of Options. Options shall be exercisable at such time or times, or upon such event or events, and subject to such terms, conditions, performance criteria and restrictions as shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Option; provided, however, that (a) no Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years after the effective date of grant of such Option and (b) no Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Owner shall be exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years after the effective date of grant of such Option. Subject to the foregoing, unless otherwise specified by the Committee in the grant of an Option, each Option shall terminate ten (10) years after the effective date of grant of the Option, unless earlier terminated in accordance with its provisions.

6.3 Payment of Exercise Price.

(a) Forms of Consideration Authorized. Except as otherwise provided below, payment of the exercise price for the number of shares of Stock being purchased

 

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pursuant to any Option shall be made (i) in cash or by check or cash equivalent, (ii) by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of Stock owned by the Participant having a Fair Market Value not less than the exercise price, (iii) by delivery of a properly executed notice of exercise together with irrevocable instructions to a broker providing for the assignment to the Company of the proceeds of a sale or loan with respect to some or all of the shares being acquired upon the exercise of the Option (including, without limitation, through an exercise complying with the provisions of Regulation T as promulgated from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) (a Cashless Exercise ), (iv) by delivery of a properly executed notice electing a Net-Exercise, (v) by such other consideration as may be approved by the Committee from time to time to the extent permitted by applicable law, or (vi) by any combination thereof. The Committee may at any time or from time to time grant Options which do not permit all of the foregoing forms of consideration to be used in payment of the exercise price or which otherwise restrict one or more forms of consideration.

(b) Limitations on Forms of Consideration.

(i) Tender of Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option may not be exercised by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of Stock to the extent such tender or attestation would constitute a violation of the provisions of any law, regulation or agreement restricting the redemption of the Company’s stock. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, an Option may not be exercised by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of Stock unless such shares either have been owned by the Participant for more than six (6) months (or such other period, if any, as the Committee may permit) and not used for another Option exercise by attestation during such period, or were not acquired, directly or indirectly, from the Company.

(ii) Cashless Exercise. The Company reserves, at any and all times, the right, in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, to establish, decline to approve or terminate any program or procedures for the exercise of Options by means of a Cashless Exercise, including with respect to one or more Participants specified by the Company notwithstanding that such program or procedures may be available to other Participants.

6.4 Effect of Termination of Service.

(a) Option Exercisability. Subject to earlier termination of the Option as otherwise provided herein and unless otherwise provided by the Committee in the grant of an Option and set forth in the Award Agreement, an Option shall terminate immediately upon the Participant’s termination of Service to the extent that it is then unvested and shall be exercisable after the Participant’s termination of Service to the extent it is then vested only during the applicable time period determined in accordance with this Section and thereafter shall terminate:

(i) Disability. If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the Disability of the Participant, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable for vested shares on the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, may be exercised by the Participant (or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative) at any time prior to the expiration of twelve (12) months after the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, but in any event no later than the date of expiration of the Option’s term as set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Option (the Option Expiration Date ).

 

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(ii) Death. If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the death of the Participant, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable for vested shares on the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, may be exercised by the Participant’s legal representative or other person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by reason of the Participant’s death at any time prior to the expiration of twelve (12) months after the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, but in any event no later than the Option Expiration Date. The Participant’s Service shall be deemed to have terminated on account of death if the Participant dies within three (3) months after the Participant’s termination of Service.

(iii) Termination for Cause . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, if the Participant’s Service is terminated for Cause or if, following the Participant’s termination of Service and during any period in which the Option otherwise would remain exercisable, the Participant engages in any act that would constitute Cause, the Option shall terminate in its entirety and cease to be exercisable immediately upon such termination of Service or act.

(iv) Other Termination of Service. If the Participant’s Service terminates for any reason, except Disability, death or Cause, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable for vested shares on the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, may be exercised by the Participant at any time prior to the expiration of three (3) months after the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, but in any event no later than the Option Expiration Date.

(b) Extension if Exercise Prevented by Law or Insider Trading Policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, other than termination of Service for Cause, if the exercise of an Option within the applicable time periods set forth in Section 6.4(a) is prevented by the provisions of Section 16 below or a sale of shares pursuant to a Cashless Exercise of the Option would violate the provisions of the Insider Trading Policy, the Option shall remain exercisable until thirty (30) days after the date such exercise or sale, as the case may be, would no longer be prevented by such provisions, but in any event no later than the Option Expiration Date.

6.5 Transferability of Options. During the lifetime of the Participant, an Option shall be exercisable only by the Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative. An Option shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, except transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by the Committee, in its discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Option, a Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be assignable or transferable subject to the applicable limitations, if any, described in the General Instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

 

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7. S TOCK A PPRECIATION R IGHTS .

Stock Appreciation Rights shall be evidenced by Award Agreements specifying the number of shares of Stock subject to the Award, in such form as the Committee shall from time to time establish. Award Agreements evidencing SARs may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference and shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions:

7.1 Types of SARs Authorized. SARs may be granted in tandem with all or any portion of a related Option (a Tandem SAR ) or may be granted independently of any Option (a Freestanding SAR ). A Tandem SAR may only be granted concurrently with the grant of the related Option.

7.2 Exercise Price. The exercise price for each SAR shall be established in the discretion of the Committee; provided, however, that (a) the exercise price per share subject to a Tandem SAR shall be the exercise price per share under the related Option and (b) the exercise price per share subject to a Freestanding SAR shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the effective date of grant of the SAR.

7.3 Exercisability and Term of SARs.

(a) Tandem SARs. Tandem SARs shall be exercisable only at the time and to the extent, and only to the extent, that the related Option is exercisable, subject to such provisions as the Committee may specify where the Tandem SAR is granted with respect to less than the full number of shares of Stock subject to the related Option. The Committee may, in its discretion, provide in any Award Agreement evidencing a Tandem SAR that such SAR may not be exercised without the advance approval of the Company and, if such approval is not given, then the Option shall nevertheless remain exercisable in accordance with its terms. A Tandem SAR shall terminate and cease to be exercisable no later than the date on which the related Option expires or is terminated or canceled. Upon the exercise of a Tandem SAR with respect to some or all of the shares subject to such SAR, the related Option shall be canceled automatically as to the number of shares with respect to which the Tandem SAR was exercised. Upon the exercise of an Option related to a Tandem SAR as to some or all of the shares subject to such Option, the related Tandem SAR shall be canceled automatically as to the number of shares with respect to which the related Option was exercised.

(b) Freestanding SARs. Freestanding SARs shall be exercisable at such time or times, or upon such event or events, and subject to such terms, conditions, performance criteria and restrictions as shall be determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such SAR; provided, however, that no Freestanding SAR shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years after the effective date of grant of such SAR.

7.4 Exercise of SARs. Upon the exercise (or deemed exercise pursuant to Section 7.5) of an SAR, the Participant (or the Participant’s legal representative or other person who acquired the right to exercise the SAR by reason of the Participant’s death) shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount for each share with respect to which the SAR is exercised equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of exercise of the

 

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SAR over the exercise price. Payment of such amount shall be made (a) in the case of a Tandem SAR, solely in shares of Stock in a lump sum as soon as practicable following the date of exercise of the SAR and (b) in the case of a Freestanding SAR, in cash, shares of Stock, or any combination thereof as determined by the Committee, in a lump sum as soon as practicable following the date of exercise of the SAR. When payment is to be made in shares of Stock, the number of shares to be issued shall be determined on the basis of the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on the date of exercise of the SAR. For purposes of Section 7, an SAR shall be deemed exercised on the date on which the Company receives notice of exercise from the Participant or as otherwise provided in Section 7.5.

7.5 Deemed Exercise of SARs. If, on the date on which an SAR would otherwise terminate or expire, the SAR by its terms remains exercisable immediately prior to such termination or expiration and, if so exercised, would result in a payment to the holder of such SAR, then any portion of such SAR which has not previously been exercised shall automatically be deemed to be exercised as of such date with respect to such portion.

7.6 Effect of Termination of Service. Subject to earlier termination of the SAR as otherwise provided herein and unless otherwise provided by the Committee in the grant of an SAR and set forth in the Award Agreement, an SAR shall be exercisable after a Participant’s termination of Service only to the extent and during the applicable time period determined in accordance with Section 6.4 (treating the SAR as if it were an Option) and thereafter shall terminate.

7.7 Transferability of SARs. During the lifetime of the Participant, an SAR shall be exercisable only by the Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative. An SAR shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, except transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent permitted by the Committee, in its discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Award, a Tandem SAR related to a Nonstatutory Stock Option or a Freestanding SAR shall be assignable or transferable subject to the applicable limitations, if any, described in the General Instructions to Form S-8 under the Securities Act.

8. R ESTRICTED S TOCK A WARDS .

Restricted Stock Awards shall be evidenced by Award Agreements specifying whether the Award is a Restricted Stock Bonus or a Restricted Stock Purchase Right and the number of shares of Stock subject to the Award, in such form as the Committee shall from time to time establish. Award Agreements evidencing Restricted Stock Awards may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference and shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions:

8.1 Types of Restricted Stock Awards Authorized. Restricted Stock Awards may be granted in the form of either a Restricted Stock Bonus or a Restricted Stock Purchase Right. Restricted Stock Awards may be granted upon such conditions as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, upon the attainment of one or more

 

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Performance Goals described in Section 10.4. If either the grant of or satisfaction of Vesting Conditions applicable to a Restricted Stock Award is to be contingent upon the attainment of one or more Performance Goals, the Committee shall follow procedures substantially equivalent to those set forth in Sections 10.3 through 10.5(a).

8.2 Purchase Price. The purchase price for shares of Stock issuable under each Restricted Stock Purchase Right shall be established by the Committee in its discretion. No monetary payment (other than applicable tax withholding) shall be required as a condition of receiving shares of Stock pursuant to a Restricted Stock Bonus, the consideration for which shall be services actually rendered to a Participating Company or for its benefit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if required by applicable state corporate law, the Participant shall furnish consideration in the form of cash or past services rendered to a Participating Company or for its benefit having a value not less than the par value of the shares of Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award.

8.3 Purchase Period. A Restricted Stock Purchase Right shall be exercisable within a period established by the Committee, which shall in no event exceed thirty (30) days from the effective date of the grant of the Restricted Stock Purchase Right.

8.4 Payment of Purchase Price. Except as otherwise provided below, payment of the purchase price for the number of shares of Stock being purchased pursuant to any Restricted Stock Purchase Right shall be made (a) in cash or by check or cash equivalent, (b) by such other consideration as may be approved by the Committee from time to time to the extent permitted by applicable law, or (c) by any combination thereof.

8.5 Vesting and Restrictions on Transfer. Shares issued pursuant to any Restricted Stock Award may (but need not) be made subject to Vesting Conditions based upon the satisfaction of such Service requirements, conditions, restrictions or performance criteria, including, without limitation, Performance Goals as described in Section 10.4, as shall be established by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Award. During any period in which shares acquired pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award remain subject to Vesting Conditions, such shares may not be sold, exchanged, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise disposed of other than pursuant to an Ownership Change Event or as provided in Section 8.8. The Committee, in its discretion, may provide in any Award Agreement evidencing a Restricted Stock Award that, if the satisfaction of Vesting Conditions with respect to any shares subject to such Restricted Stock Award would otherwise occur on a day on which the sale of such shares would violate the provisions of the Insider Trading Policy, then the satisfaction of the Vesting Conditions automatically shall be deemed to occur on the next day on which the sale of such shares would not violate the Insider Trading Policy. Upon request by the Company, each Participant shall execute any agreement evidencing such transfer restrictions prior to the receipt of shares of Stock hereunder and shall promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing shares of Stock acquired hereunder for the placement on such certificates of appropriate legends evidencing any such transfer restrictions.

8.6 Voting Rights; Dividends and Distributions. Except as provided in this Section, Section 8.5 and any Award Agreement, during any period in which shares acquired pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award remain subject to Vesting Conditions, the Participant shall

 

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have all of the rights of a stockholder of the Company holding shares of Stock, including the right to vote such shares and to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such shares. However, in the event of a dividend or distribution paid in shares of Stock or other property or any other adjustment made upon a change in the capital structure of the Company as described in Section 4.4, any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property (other than normal cash dividends) to which the Participant is entitled by reason of the Participant’s Restricted Stock Award shall be immediately subject to the same Vesting Conditions as the shares subject to the Restricted Stock Award with respect to which such dividends or distributions were paid or adjustments were made.

8.7 Effect of Termination of Service. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in the Award Agreement evidencing a Restricted Stock Award, if a Participant’s Service terminates for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary (including the Participant’s death or disability), then (a) the Company shall have the option to repurchase for the purchase price paid by the Participant any shares acquired by the Participant pursuant to a Restricted Stock Purchase Right which remain subject to Vesting Conditions as of the date of the Participant’s termination of Service and (b) the Participant shall forfeit to the Company any shares acquired by the Participant pursuant to a Restricted Stock Bonus which remain subject to Vesting Conditions as of the date of the Participant’s termination of Service. The Company shall have the right to assign at any time any repurchase right it may have, whether or not such right is then exercisable, to one or more persons as may be selected by the Company.

8.8 Nontransferability of Restricted Stock Award Rights. Rights to acquire shares of Stock pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, except transfer by will or the laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to a Restricted Stock Award granted to a Participant hereunder shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by such Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

9. R ESTRICTED S TOCK U NIT A WARDS .

Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be evidenced by Award Agreements specifying the number of Restricted Stock Units subject to the Award, in such form as the Committee shall from time to time establish. Award Agreements evidencing Restricted Stock Units may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference and shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions:

9.1 Grant of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted Stock Unit Awards may be granted upon such conditions as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, upon the attainment of one or more Performance Goals described in Section 10.4. If either the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award or the Vesting Conditions with respect to such Award is to be contingent upon the attainment of one or more Performance Goals, the Committee shall follow procedures substantially equivalent to those set forth in Sections 10.3 through 10.5(a).

 

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9.2 Purchase Price. No monetary payment (other than applicable tax withholding, if any) shall be required as a condition of receiving a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the consideration for which shall be services actually rendered to a Participating Company or for its benefit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if required by applicable state corporate law, the Participant shall furnish consideration in the form of cash or past services rendered to a Participating Company or for its benefit having a value not less than the par value of the shares of Stock issued upon settlement of the Restricted Stock Unit Award.

9.3 Vesting. Restricted Stock Unit Awards may (but need not) be made subject to Vesting Conditions based upon the satisfaction of such Service requirements, conditions, restrictions or performance criteria, including, without limitation, Performance Goals as described in Section 10.4, as shall be established by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Award.

9.4 Voting Rights, Dividend Equivalent Rights and Distributions. Participants shall have no voting rights with respect to shares of Stock represented by Restricted Stock Units until the date of the issuance of such shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). However, the Committee, in its discretion, may provide in the Award Agreement evidencing any Restricted Stock Unit Award that the Participant shall be entitled to Dividend Equivalent Rights with respect to the payment of cash dividends on Stock during the period beginning on the date such Award is granted and ending, with respect to each share subject to the Award, on the earlier of the date the Award is settled or the date on which it is terminated. Such Dividend Equivalent Rights, if any, shall be paid by crediting the Participant with additional whole Restricted Stock Units as of the date of payment of such cash dividends on Stock. The number of additional Restricted Stock Units (rounded to the nearest whole number) to be so credited shall be determined by dividing (a) the amount of cash dividends paid on such date with respect to the number of shares of Stock represented by the Restricted Stock Units previously credited to the Participant by (b) the Fair Market Value per share of Stock on such date. Such additional Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to the same terms and conditions and shall be settled in the same manner and at the same time as the Restricted Stock Units originally subject to the Restricted Stock Unit Award. In the event of a dividend or distribution paid in shares of Stock or other property or any other adjustment made upon a change in the capital structure of the Company as described in Section 4.4, appropriate adjustments shall be made in the Participant’s Restricted Stock Unit Award so that it represents the right to receive upon settlement any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property (other than normal cash dividends) to which the Participant would be entitled by reason of the shares of Stock issuable upon settlement of the Award, and all such new, substituted or additional securities or other property shall be immediately subject to the same Vesting Conditions as are applicable to the Award.

9.5 Effect of Termination of Service. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing a Restricted Stock Unit Award, if a Participant’s Service terminates for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary (including the Participant’s death or disability), then the Participant shall forfeit to the Company any Restricted Stock Units pursuant to the Award which remain subject to Vesting Conditions as of the date of the Participant’s termination of Service.

 

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9.6 Settlement of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The Company shall issue to a Participant on the date on which Restricted Stock Units subject to the Participant’s Restricted Stock Unit Award vest or on such other date determined by the Committee, in its discretion, and set forth in the Award Agreement one (1) share of Stock (and/or any other new, substituted or additional securities or other property pursuant to an adjustment described in Section 9.4) for each Restricted Stock Unit then becoming vested or otherwise to be settled on such date, subject to the withholding of applicable taxes, if any. If permitted by the Committee, the Participant may elect, consistent with the requirements of Section 409A, to defer receipt of all or any portion of the shares of Stock or other property otherwise issuable to the Participant pursuant to this Section, and such deferred issuance date(s) and amount(s) elected by the Participant shall be set forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee, in its discretion, may provide for settlement of any Restricted Stock Unit Award by payment to the Participant in cash of an amount equal to the Fair Market Value on the payment date of the shares of Stock or other property otherwise issuable to the Participant pursuant to this Section. The Committee, in its discretion, may provide in any Award Agreement evidencing a Restricted Stock Unit Award that, if the settlement of the Award with respect to any shares would otherwise occur on a day on which the sale of such shares would violate the provisions of the Insider Trading Policy, then the settlement with respect to such shares shall occur on the next day on which the sale of such shares would not violate the Insider Trading Policy, but in any event on or before the later of the last day of the calendar year of, or the 15th day of the third calendar month following, the original settlement date.

9.7 Nontransferability of Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The right to receive shares pursuant to a Restricted Stock Unit Award shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, except transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to a Restricted Stock Unit Award granted to a Participant hereunder shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by such Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

10. P ERFORMANCE A WARDS .

Performance Awards shall be evidenced by Award Agreements in such form as the Committee shall from time to time establish. Award Agreements evidencing Performance Awards may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference and shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions:

10.1 Types of Performance Awards Authorized. Performance Awards may be granted in the form of either Performance Shares or Performance Units. Each Award Agreement evidencing a Performance Award shall specify the number of Performance Shares or Performance Units subject thereto, the Performance Award Formula, the Performance Goal(s) and Performance Period applicable to the Award, and the other terms, conditions and restrictions of the Award.

10.2 Initial Value of Performance Shares and Performance Units. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in granting a Performance Award, each Performance Share shall have an initial monetary value equal to the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Stock,

 

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subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.4, on the effective date of grant of the Performance Share, and each Performance Unit shall have an initial monetary value established by the Committee at the time of grant. The final value payable to the Participant in settlement of a Performance Award determined on the basis of the applicable Performance Award Formula will depend on the extent to which Performance Goals established by the Committee are attained within the applicable Performance Period established by the Committee.

10.3 Establishment of Performance Period, Performance Goals and Performance Award Formula. In granting each Performance Award, the Committee shall establish in writing the applicable Performance Period, Performance Award Formula and one or more Performance Goals which, when measured at the end of the Performance Period, shall determine on the basis of the Performance Award Formula the final value of the Performance Award to be paid to the Participant. Unless otherwise permitted in compliance with the requirements under Section 162(m) with respect to each Performance Award intended to result in the payment of Performance-Based Compensation, the Committee shall establish the Performance Goal(s) and Performance Award Formula applicable to each Performance Award no later than the earlier of (a) the date ninety (90) days after the commencement of the applicable Performance Period or (b) the date on which 25% of the Performance Period has elapsed, and, in any event, at a time when the outcome of the Performance Goals remains substantially uncertain. Once established, the Performance Goals and Performance Award Formula applicable to a Covered Employee shall not be changed during the Performance Period. The Company shall notify each Participant granted a Performance Award of the terms of such Award, including the Performance Period, Performance Goal(s) and Performance Award Formula.

10.4 Measurement of Performance Goals. Performance Goals shall be established by the Committee on the basis of targets to be attained ( Performance Targets ) with respect to one or more measures of business or financial performance (each, a Performance Measure ), subject to the following:

(a) Performance Measures. Performance Measures shall have the same meanings as used in the Company’s financial statements, or, if such terms are not used in the Company’s financial statements, they shall have the meaning applied pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles, or as used generally in the Company’s industry. Performance Measures shall be calculated with respect to the Company and each Subsidiary Corporation consolidated therewith for financial reporting purposes or such division or other business unit as may be selected by the Committee. For purposes of the Plan, the Performance Measures applicable to a Performance Award shall be calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, if applicable, but prior to the accrual or payment of any Performance Award for the same Performance Period and excluding the effect (whether positive or negative) of any change in accounting standards or any extraordinary, unusual or nonrecurring item, as determined by the Committee, occurring after the establishment of the Performance Goals applicable to the Performance Award. Each such adjustment, if any, shall be made solely for the purpose of providing a consistent basis from period to period for the calculation of Performance Measures in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the Participant’s rights with respect to a Performance Award. Performance Measures may be one or more of the following, as determined by the Committee:

(i) revenue;

(ii) sales;

 

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(iii) expenses;

(iv) operating income;

(v) gross margin;

(vi) operating margin;

(vii) earnings before any one or more of: stock-based compensation expense, interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization;

(viii) pre-tax profit;

(ix) net operating income;

(x) net income;

(xi) economic value added;

(xii) free cash flow;

(xiii) operating cash flow;

(xiv) balance of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities;

(xv) stock price;

(xvi) earnings per share;

(xvii) return on stockholder equity;

(xviii) return on capital;

(xix) return on assets;

(xx) return on investment;

(xxi) employee satisfaction;

(xxii) employee retention;

(xxiii) market share;

(xxiv) customer satisfaction;

(xxv) product development;

 

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(xxvi) research and development expenses;

(xxvii) completion of an identified special project; and

(xxviii) completion of a joint venture or other corporate transaction.

(b) Performance Targets. Performance Targets may include a minimum, maximum, target level and intermediate levels of performance, with the final value of a Performance Award determined under the applicable Performance Award Formula by the level attained during the applicable Performance Period. A Performance Target may be stated as an absolute value or as a value determined relative to an index, budget or other standard selected by the Committee.

10.5 Settlement of Performance Awards.

(a) Determination of Final Value. As soon as practicable following the completion of the Performance Period applicable to a Performance Award, the Committee shall certify in writing the extent to which the applicable Performance Goals have been attained and the resulting final value of the Award earned by the Participant and to be paid upon its settlement in accordance with the applicable Performance Award Formula.

(b) Discretionary Adjustment of Award Formula. In its discretion, the Committee may, either at the time it grants a Performance Award or at any time thereafter, provide for the positive or negative adjustment of the Performance Award Formula applicable to a Performance Award granted to any Participant who is not a Covered Employee to reflect such Participant’s individual performance in his or her position with the Company or such other factors as the Committee may determine. If permitted under a Covered Employee’s Award Agreement, the Committee shall have the discretion, on the basis of such criteria as may be established by the Committee, to reduce some or all of the value of the Performance Award that would otherwise be paid to the Covered Employee upon its settlement notwithstanding the attainment of any Performance Goal and the resulting value of the Performance Award determined in accordance with the Performance Award Formula. No such reduction may result in an increase in the amount payable upon settlement of another Participant’s Performance Award that is intended to result in Performance-Based Compensation.

(c) Effect of Leaves of Absence. Unless otherwise required by law or a Participant’s Award Agreement, payment of the final value, if any, of a Performance Award held by a Participant who has taken in excess of thirty (30) days in leaves of absence during a Performance Period shall be prorated on the basis of the number of days of the Participant’s Service during the Performance Period during which the Participant was not on a leave of absence.

(d) Notice to Participants. As soon as practicable following the Committee’s determination and certification in accordance with Sections 10.5(a) and (b), the Company shall notify each Participant of the determination of the Committee.

(e) Payment in Settlement of Performance Awards. As soon as practicable following the Committee’s determination and certification in accordance with

 

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Sections 10.5(a) and (b), but in any event within the Short-Term Deferral Period described in Section 19.1 (except as otherwise provided below or consistent with the requirements of Section 409A), payment shall be made to each eligible Participant (or such Participant’s legal representative or other person who acquired the right to receive such payment by reason of the Participant’s death) of the final value of the Participant’s Performance Award. Payment of such amount shall be made in cash, shares of Stock, or a combination thereof as determined by the Committee. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement evidencing a Performance Award, payment shall be made in a lump sum. If permitted by the Committee, the Participant may elect, consistent with the requirements of Section 409A, to defer receipt of all or any portion of the payment to be made to Participant pursuant to this Section, and such deferred payment date(s) elected by the Participant shall be set forth in the Award Agreement. If any payment is to be made on a deferred basis, the Committee may, but shall not be obligated to, provide for the payment during the deferral period of Dividend Equivalent Rights or interest.

(f) Provisions Applicable to Payment in Shares. If payment is to be made in shares of Stock, the number of such shares shall be determined by dividing the final value of the Performance Award by the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock determined by the method specified in the Award Agreement. Shares of Stock issued in payment of any Performance Award may be fully vested and freely transferable shares or may be shares of Stock subject to Vesting Conditions as provided in Section 8.5. Any shares subject to Vesting Conditions shall be evidenced by an appropriate Award Agreement and shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 8.5 through 8.8 above.

10.6 Voting Rights; Dividend Equivalent Rights and Distributions. Participants shall have no voting rights with respect to shares of Stock represented by Performance Share Awards until the date of the issuance of such shares, if any (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). However, the Committee, in its discretion, may provide in the Award Agreement evidencing any Performance Share Award that the Participant shall be entitled to Dividend Equivalent Rights` with respect to the payment of cash dividends on Stock during the period beginning on the date the Award is granted and ending, with respect to each share subject to the Award, on the earlier of the date on which the Performance Shares are settled or the date on which they are forfeited. Such Dividend Equivalent Rights, if any, shall be credited to the Participant in the form of additional whole Performance Shares as of the date of payment of such cash dividends on Stock. The number of additional Performance Shares (rounded to the nearest whole number) to be so credited shall be determined by dividing (a) the amount of cash dividends paid on the dividend payment date with respect to the number of shares of Stock represented by the Performance Shares previously credited to the Participant by (b) the Fair Market Value per share of Stock on such date. Dividend Equivalent Rights may be paid currently or may be accumulated and paid to the extent that Performance Shares become nonforfeitable, as determined by the Committee. Settlement of Dividend Equivalent Rights may be made in cash, shares of Stock, or a combination thereof as determined by the Committee, and may be paid on the same basis as settlement of the related Performance Share as provided in Section 10.5. Dividend Equivalent Rights shall not be paid with respect to Performance Units. In the event of a dividend or distribution paid in shares of Stock or other property or any other adjustment made upon a change in the capital structure of the Company as described in Section 4.4, appropriate adjustments shall be made in the Participant’s Performance Share Award

 

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so that it represents the right to receive upon settlement any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property (other than normal cash dividends) to which the Participant would entitled by reason of the shares of Stock issuable upon settlement of the Performance Share Award, and all such new, substituted or additional securities or other property shall be immediately subject to the same Performance Goals as are applicable to the Award.

10.7 Effect of Termination of Service. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing a Performance Award, the effect of a Participant’s termination of Service on the Performance Award shall be as follows:

(a) Death or Disability. If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the death or Disability of the Participant before the completion of the Performance Period applicable to the Performance Award, the final value of the Participant’s Performance Award shall be determined by the extent to which the applicable Performance Goals have been attained with respect to the entire Performance Period and shall be prorated based on the number of months of the Participant’s Service during the Performance Period. Payment shall be made following the end of the Performance Period in any manner permitted by Section 10.5.

(b) Other Termination of Service. If the Participant’s Service terminates for any reason except death or Disability before the completion of the Performance Period applicable to the Performance Award, such Award shall be forfeited in its entirety; provided, however, that in the event of an involuntary termination of the Participant’s Service, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive the automatic forfeiture of all or any portion of any such Award.

10.8 Nontransferability of Performance Awards. Prior to settlement in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, no Performance Award shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, except transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to a Performance Award granted to a Participant hereunder shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by such Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

11. D EFERRED C OMPENSATION A WARDS .

11.1 Establishment of Deferred Compensation Award Programs. This Section 11 shall not be effective unless and until the Committee determines to establish a program pursuant to this Section. The Committee, in its discretion and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, consistent with the requirements of Section 409A, may establish one or more programs pursuant to the Plan under which:

(a) Elective Cash Compensation Reduction Awards. Participants designated by the Committee who are Officers, Directors or otherwise among a select group of management or highly compensated Employees may irrevocably elect, prior to a date specified by the Committee in compliance with Section 409A, to reduce such Participant’s compensation otherwise payable in cash (subject to any minimum or maximum reductions imposed by the Committee) and to be granted automatically at such time or times as specified by the Committee

 

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one or more Awards of Stock Units with respect to such numbers of shares of Stock as determined in accordance with the rules of the program established by the Committee and having such other terms and conditions as established by the Committee.

(b) Stock Issuance Deferral Awards. Participants designated by the Committee who are Officers, Directors or otherwise among a select group of management or highly compensated Employees may irrevocably elect, prior to a date specified by the Committee in compliance with Section 409A, to be granted automatically an Award of Stock Units with respect to such number of shares of Stock and upon such other terms and conditions as established by the Committee in lieu of:

(i) shares of Stock otherwise issuable to such Participant upon the exercise of an Option;

(ii) cash or shares of Stock otherwise issuable to such Participant upon the exercise of an SAR; or

(iii) cash or shares of Stock otherwise issuable to such Participant upon the settlement of a Performance Award.

11.2 Terms and Conditions of Deferred Compensation Awards. Deferred Compensation Awards granted pursuant to this Section 11 shall be evidenced by Award Agreements in such form as the Committee shall from time to time establish. Award Agreements evidencing Deferred Compensation Awards may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference and, except as provided below, shall comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 9.

(a) Voting Rights; Dividend Equivalent Rights and Distributions . Participants shall have no voting rights with respect to shares of Stock represented by Stock Units until the date of the issuance of such shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). However, a Participant shall be entitled to Dividend Equivalent Rights with respect to the payment of cash dividends on Stock during the period beginning on the date the Stock Units are granted automatically to the Participant and ending on the earlier of the date on which such Stock Units are settled or the date on which they are forfeited. Such Dividend Equivalent Rights shall be paid by crediting the Participant with additional whole Stock Units as of the date of payment of such cash dividends on Stock. The number of additional Stock Units (rounded to the nearest whole number) to be so credited shall be determined by dividing (A) the amount of cash dividends paid on the dividend payment date with respect to the number of shares of Stock represented by the Stock Units previously credited to the Participant by (B) the Fair Market Value per share of Stock on such date. Such additional Stock Units shall be subject to the same terms and conditions and shall be settled in the same manner and at the same time as the Stock Units originally subject to the Stock Unit Award. In the event of a dividend or distribution paid in shares of Stock or other property or any other adjustment made upon a change in the capital structure of the Company as described in Section 4.4, appropriate adjustments shall be made in the Participant’s Stock Unit Award so that it represents the right to receive upon settlement any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property (other than normal cash dividends) to which the Participant would be entitled by reason of the shares of Stock issuable upon settlement of the Award.

 

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(b) Settlement of Deferred Compensation Awards. A Participant electing to receive an Award of Stock Units pursuant to this Section 11 shall specify at the time of such election a settlement date with respect to such Award in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A. The Company shall issue to the Participant on the settlement date elected by the Participant, or as soon thereafter as practicable, a number of whole shares of Stock equal to the number of vested Stock Units subject to the Stock Unit Award. Such shares of Stock shall be fully vested, and the Participant shall not be required to pay any additional consideration (other than applicable tax withholding) to acquire such shares.

12. C ASH -B ASED A WARDS AND O THER S TOCK -B ASED A WARDS .

Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards shall be evidenced by Award Agreements in such form as the Committee shall from time to time establish. Award Agreements evidencing Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards may incorporate all or any of the terms of the Plan by reference and shall comply with and be subject to the following terms and conditions:

12.1 Grant of Cash-Based Awards . Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Cash-Based Awards to Participants in such amounts and upon such terms and conditions, including the achievement of performance criteria, as the Committee may determine.

12.2 Grant of Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee may grant other types of equity-based or equity-related Awards not otherwise described by the terms of this Plan (including the grant or offer for sale of unrestricted securities, stock-equivalent units, stock appreciation units, securities or debentures convertible into common stock or other forms determined by the Committee) in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. Such Awards may involve the transfer of actual shares of Stock to Participants, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts based on the value of Stock and may include, without limitation, Awards designed to comply with or take advantage of the applicable local laws of jurisdictions other than the United States.

12.3 Value of Cash-Based and Other Stock-Based Awards. Each Cash-Based Award shall specify a monetary payment amount or payment range as determined by the Committee. Each Other Stock-Based Award shall be expressed in terms of shares of Stock or units based on such shares of Stock, as determined by the Committee. The Committee may require the satisfaction of such Service requirements, conditions, restrictions or performance criteria, including, without limitation, Performance Goals as described in Section 10.4, as shall be established by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Award. If the Committee exercises its discretion to establish performance criteria, the final value of Cash-Based Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards that will be paid to the Participant will depend on the extent to which the performance criteria are met. The establishment of performance criteria with respect to the grant or vesting of any Cash-Based Award or Other Stock-Based Award intended to result in Performance-Based Compensation shall follow procedures substantially equivalent to those applicable to Performance Awards set forth in Section 10.

 

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12.4 Payment or Settlement of Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards . Payment or settlement, if any, with respect to a Cash-Based Award or an Other Stock-Based Award shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Award, in cash, shares of Stock or other securities or any combination thereof as the Committee determines. The determination and certification of the final value with respect to any Cash-Based Award or Other Stock-Based Award intended to result in Performance-Based Compensation shall comply with the requirements applicable to Performance Awards set forth in Section 10. To the extent applicable, payment or settlement with respect to each Cash-Based Award and Other Stock-Based Award shall be made in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A.

12.5 Voting Rights; Dividend Equivalent Rights and Distributions. Participants shall have no voting rights with respect to shares of Stock represented by Other Stock-Based Awards until the date of the issuance of such shares of Stock (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), if any, in settlement of such Award. However, the Committee, in its discretion, may provide in the Award Agreement evidencing any Other Stock-Based Award that the Participant shall be entitled to Dividend Equivalent Rights with respect to the payment of cash dividends on Stock during the period beginning on the date such Award is granted and ending, with respect to each share subject to the Award, on the earlier of the date the Award is settled or the date on which it is terminated. Such Dividend Equivalent Rights, if any, shall be paid in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 9.4. Dividend Equivalent Rights shall not be granted with respect to Cash-Based Awards.

12.6 Effect of Termination of Service . Each Award Agreement evidencing a Cash-Based Award or Other Stock-Based Award shall set forth the extent to which the Participant shall have the right to retain such Award following termination of the Participant’s Service. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, need not be uniform among all Cash-Based Awards or Other Stock-Based Awards, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination.

12.7 Nontransferability of Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards. Prior to the payment or settlement of a Cash-Based Award or Other Stock-Based Award, the Award shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, except transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Committee may impose such additional restrictions on any shares of Stock issued in settlement of Cash-Based Awards and Other Stock-Based Awards as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, minimum holding period requirements, restrictions under applicable federal securities laws, under the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which such shares of Stock are then listed and/or traded, or under any state securities laws applicable to such shares of Stock.

 

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13. N ONEMPLOYEE D IRECTOR A WARDS .

From time to time, the Board or the Committee shall set the amount(s) and type(s) of Nonemployee Director Awards that shall be granted to all Nonemployee Directors on a periodic, nondiscriminatory basis pursuant to the Plan, as well as the additional amount(s) and type(s) of Nonemployee Director Awards, if any, to be awarded, also on a periodic, nondiscriminatory basis, in consideration of one or more of the following: (a) the initial election or appointment of an individual to the Board as a Nonemployee Director, (b) a Nonemployee Director’s service as Chairman or Lead Director of the Board, (c) a Nonemployee Director’s service as the chairman of a committee of the Board, and (d) a Nonemployee Director’s service other than as the chairman of a committee of the Board. The terms and conditions of each Nonemployee Director Award shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Plan. Subject to the limits set forth in Section 5.3(b) and the foregoing, the Board or the Committee shall grant Nonemployee Director Awards having such terms and conditions as it shall from time to time determine.

14. S TANDARD F ORMS OF A WARD A GREEMENT .

14.1 Award Agreements . Each Award shall comply with and be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the appropriate form of Award Agreement approved by the Committee and as amended from time to time. No Award or purported Award shall be a valid and binding obligation of the Company unless evidenced by a fully executed Award Agreement. Any Award Agreement may consist of an appropriate form of Notice of Grant and a form of Agreement incorporated therein by reference, or such other form or forms, including electronic media, as the Committee may approve from time to time.

14.2 Authority to Vary Terms . The Committee shall have the authority from time to time to vary the terms of any standard form of Award Agreement either in connection with the grant or amendment of an individual Award or in connection with the authorization of a new standard form or forms; provided, however, that the terms and conditions of any such new, revised or amended standard form or forms of Award Agreement are not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan.

15. C HANGE IN C ONTROL .

15.1 Effect of Change in Control on Awards. Subject to the requirements and limitations of Section 409A if applicable, the Committee may provide for any one or more of the following:

(a) Accelerated Vesting. The Committee may, in its discretion, provide in any Award Agreement or, in the event of a Change in Control, may take such actions as it deems appropriate to provide for the acceleration of the exercisability, vesting and/or settlement in connection with such Change in Control of each or any outstanding Award or portion thereof and shares acquired pursuant thereto upon such conditions, including termination of the Participant’s Service prior to, upon, or following such Change in Control, to such extent as the Committee shall determine.

 

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(b) Assumption, Continuation or Substitution. In the event of a Change in Control, the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing corporation or other business entity or parent thereof, as the case may be (the Acquiror ), may, without the consent of any Participant, either assume or continue the Company’s rights and obligations under each or any Award or portion thereof outstanding immediately prior to the Change in Control or substitute for each or any such outstanding Award or portion thereof a substantially equivalent award with respect to the Acquiror’s stock, as applicable. For purposes of this Section, if so determined by the Committee, in its discretion, an Award denominated in shares of Stock shall be deemed assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Award confers the right to receive, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, for each share of Stock subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, other securities or property or a combination thereof) to which a holder of a share of Stock on the effective date of the Change in Control was entitled; provided, however, that if such consideration is not solely common stock of the Acquiror, the Committee may, with the consent of the Acquiror, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise or settlement of the Award, for each share of Stock subject to the Award, to consist solely of common stock of the Acquiror equal in Fair Market Value to the per share consideration received by holders of Stock pursuant to the Change in Control. Any Award or portion thereof which is neither assumed or continued by the Acquiror in connection with the Change in Control nor exercised or settled as of the time of consummation of the Change in Control shall terminate and cease to be outstanding effective as of the time of consummation of the Change in Control.

(c) Cash-Out of Outstanding Stock-Based Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion and without the consent of any Participant, determine that, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, each or any Award denominated in shares of Stock or portion thereof outstanding immediately prior to the Change in Control and not previously exercised or settled shall be canceled in exchange for a payment with respect to each vested share (and each unvested share, if so determined by the Committee) of Stock subject to such canceled Award in (i) cash, (ii) stock of the Company or of a corporation or other business entity a party to the Change in Control, or (iii) other property which, in any such case, shall be in an amount having a Fair Market Value equal to the Fair Market Value of the consideration to be paid per share of Stock in the Change in Control, reduced by the exercise or purchase price per share, if any, under such Award. In the event such determination is made by the Committee, the amount of such payment (reduced by applicable withholding taxes, if any) shall be paid to Participants in respect of the vested portions of their canceled Awards as soon as practicable following the date of the Change in Control and in respect of the unvested portions of their canceled Awards in accordance with the vesting schedules applicable to such Awards.

15.2 Effect of Change in Control on Nonemployee Director Awards. Subject to the requirements and limitations of Section 409A, if applicable, in the event of a Change in Control, each outstanding Nonemployee Director Award shall become immediately exercisable and vested in full and, except to the extent assumed, continued or substituted for pursuant to Section 15.1(b), shall be settled effective immediately prior to the time of consummation of the Change in Control.

 

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15.3 Federal Excise Tax Under Section 4999 of the Code.

(a) Excess Parachute Payment. In the event that any acceleration of vesting pursuant to an Award and any other payment or benefit received or to be received by a Participant would subject the Participant to any excise tax pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code due to the characterization of such acceleration of vesting, payment or benefit as an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Code, the Participant may elect, in his or her sole discretion, to reduce the amount of any acceleration of vesting called for under the Award in order to avoid such characterization.

(b) Determination by Independent Accountants. To aid the Participant in making any election called for under Section 15.3(a), no later than the date of the occurrence of any event that might reasonably be anticipated to result in an “excess parachute payment” to the Participant as described in Section 15.3(a), the Company shall request a determination in writing by independent public accountants selected by the Company (the Accountants ). As soon as practicable thereafter, the Accountants shall determine and report to the Company and the Participant the amount of such acceleration of vesting, payments and benefits which would produce the greatest after-tax benefit to the Participant. For the purposes of such determination, the Accountants may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and the Participant shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make their required determination. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses the Accountants may reasonably charge in connection with their services contemplated by this Section.

16. C OMPLIANCE WITH S ECURITIES L AW .

The grant of Awards and the issuance of shares of Stock pursuant to any Award shall be subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of federal, state and foreign law with respect to such securities and the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Stock may then be listed. In addition, no Award may be exercised or shares issued pursuant to an Award unless (a) a registration statement under the Securities Act shall at the time of such exercise or issuance be in effect with respect to the shares issuable pursuant to the Award or (b) in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company, the shares issuable pursuant to the Award may be issued in accordance with the terms of an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The inability of the Company to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the Company’s legal counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any shares hereunder shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. As a condition to issuance of any Stock, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as may be requested by the Company.

 

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17. T AX W ITHHOLDING .

17.1 Tax Withholding in General. The Company shall have the right to deduct from any and all payments made under the Plan, or to require the Participant, through payroll withholding, cash payment or otherwise, to make adequate provision for, the federal, state, local and foreign taxes, if any, required by law to be withheld by the Participating Company Group with respect to an Award or the shares acquired pursuant thereto. The Company shall have no obligation to deliver shares of Stock, to release shares of Stock from an escrow established pursuant to an Award Agreement, or to make any payment in cash under the Plan until the Participating Company Group’s tax withholding obligations have been satisfied by the Participant.

17.2 Withholding in Shares. The Company shall have the right, but not the obligation, to deduct from the shares of Stock issuable to a Participant upon the exercise or settlement of an Award, or to accept from the Participant the tender of, a number of whole shares of Stock having a Fair Market Value, as determined by the Company, equal to all or any part of the tax withholding obligations of the Participating Company Group. The Fair Market Value of any shares of Stock withheld or tendered to satisfy any such tax withholding obligations shall not exceed the amount determined by the applicable minimum statutory withholding rates.

18. A MENDMENT OR T ERMINATION OF P LAN .

The Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. However, without the approval of the Company’s stockholders, there shall be (a) no increase in the maximum aggregate number of shares of Stock that may be issued under the Plan (except by operation of the provisions of Section 4.4), (b) no change in the class of persons eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options, and (c) no other amendment of the Plan that would require approval of the Company’s stockholders under any applicable law, regulation or rule, including the rules of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Stock may then be listed. No amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan shall affect any then outstanding Award unless expressly provided by the Committee. Except as provided by the next sentence, no amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan may adversely affect any then outstanding Award without the consent of the Participant. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the consent of any Participant, amend the Plan or any Award Agreement, to take effect retroactively or otherwise, as it deems necessary or advisable for the purpose of conforming the Plan or such Award Agreement to any present or future law, regulation or rule applicable to the Plan, including, but not limited to, Section 409A.

19. C OMPLIANCE WITH S ECTION 409A .

19.1 Awards Subject to Section 409A. The provisions of this Section 19 shall apply to any Award or portion thereof that is or becomes subject to Section 409A, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the Plan or the Award Agreement applicable to such Award. Awards subject to Section 409A include, without limitation:

(a) Any Nonstatutory Stock Option or SAR that permits the deferral of compensation other than the deferral of recognition of income until the exercise of the Award.

 

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(b) Each Deferred Compensation Award.

(c) Any Restricted Stock Unit Award, Performance Award, Cash-Based Award or Other Stock-Based Award if either (i) the Award provides by its terms for settlement of all or any portion of the Award on one or more dates following the Short-Term Deferral Period (as defined below) or (ii) the Committee permits or requires the Participant to elect one or more dates on which the Award will be settled.

Subject to any applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 409A or other applicable guidance, the term “ Short-Term Deferral Period means the period ending on the later of (i) the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Company’s fiscal year in which the applicable portion of the Award is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture or (ii) the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Participant’s taxable year in which the applicable portion of the Award is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. For this purpose, the term “substantial risk of forfeiture” shall have the meaning set forth in any applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 409A or other applicable guidance.

19.2 Deferral and/or Distribution Elections. Except as otherwise permitted or required by Section 409A or any applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 409A or other applicable guidance, the following rules shall apply to any deferral and/or distribution elections (each, an “ Election ”) that may be permitted or required by the Committee pursuant to an Award subject to Section 409A:

(a) All Elections must be in writing and specify the amount of the distribution in settlement of an Award being deferred, as well as the time and form of distribution as permitted by this Plan.

(b) All Elections shall be made by the end of the Participant’s taxable year prior to the year in which services commence for which an Award may be granted to such Participant; provided, however, that if the Award qualifies as “performance-based compensation” for purposes of Section 409A and is based on services performed over a period of at least twelve (12) months, then the Election may be made no later than six (6) months prior to the end of such period.

(c) Elections shall continue in effect until a written election to revoke or change such Election is received by the Company, except that a written election to revoke or change such Election must be made prior to the last day for making an Election determined in accordance with paragraph (b) above or as permitted by Section 19.3.

19.3 Subsequent Elections . Except as otherwise permitted or required by Section 409A or any applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 409A or other applicable guidance, any Award subject to Section 409A which permits a subsequent Election to delay the distribution or change the form of distribution in settlement of such Award shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) No subsequent Election may take effect until at least twelve (12) months after the date on which the subsequent Election is made;

 

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(b) Each subsequent Election related to a distribution in settlement of an Award not described in Section 19.4(b), 19.4(c) or 19.4(f) must result in a delay of the distribution for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date such distribution would otherwise have been made; and

(c) No subsequent Election related to a distribution pursuant to Section 19.4(d) shall be made less than twelve (12) months prior to the date of the first scheduled payment under such distribution.

19.4 Distributions Pursuant to Deferral Elections . Except as otherwise permitted or required by Section 409A or any applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 409A or other applicable guidance, no distribution in settlement of an Award subject to Section 409A may commence earlier than:

(a) Separation from service (as determined by the Secretary of the United States Treasury);

(b) The date the Participant becomes Disabled (as defined below);

(c) Death;

(d) A specified time (or pursuant to a fixed schedule) that is either (i) specified by the Committee upon the grant of an Award and set forth in the Award Agreement evidencing such Award or (ii) specified by the Participant in an Election complying with the requirements of Section 19.2 and/or 19.3, as applicable;

(e) To the extent provided by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, a change in the ownership or effective control or the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company; or

(f) The occurrence of an Unforeseeable Emergency (as defined by applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 409A).

Notwithstanding anything else herein to the contrary, to the extent that a Participant is a “Specified Employee” (as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code) of the Company, no distribution pursuant to Section 19.4(a) in settlement of an Award subject to Section 409A may be made before the date (the Delayed Payment Date ) which is six (6) months after such Participant’s date of separation from service, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death. All such amounts that would, but for this paragraph, become payable prior to the Delayed Payment Date shall be accumulated and paid on the Delayed Payment Date.

19.5 Unforeseeable Emergency . The Committee shall have the authority to provide in the Award Agreement evidencing any Award subject to Section 409A for distribution in settlement of all or a portion of such Award in the event that a Participant establishes, to the satisfaction of the Committee, the occurrence of an Unforeseeable Emergency. In such event,

 

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the amount(s) distributed with respect to such Unforeseeable Emergency cannot exceed the amounts necessary to satisfy such Unforeseeable Emergency plus amounts necessary to pay taxes reasonably anticipated as a result of such distribution(s), after taking into account the extent to which such hardship is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or otherwise, by liquidation of the Participant’s assets (to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship) or by cessation of deferrals under the Award. All distributions with respect to an Unforeseeable Emergency shall be made in a lump sum as soon as practicable following the Committee’s determination that an Unforeseeable Emergency has occurred.

The occurrence of an Unforeseeable Emergency shall be judged and determined by the Committee. The Committee’s decision with respect to whether an Unforeseeable Emergency has occurred and the manner in which, if at all, the distribution in settlement of an Award shall be altered or modified, shall be final, conclusive, and not subject to approval or appeal.

19.6 Disabled. The Committee shall have the authority to provide in any Award subject to Section 409A for distribution in settlement of such Award in the event that the Participant becomes Disabled. A Participant shall be considered “Disabled” if either:

(a) the Participant is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, or

(b) the Participant is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Participant’s employer.

All distributions payable by reason of a Participant becoming Disabled shall be paid in a lump sum or in periodic installments as established by the Participant’s Election, commencing as soon as practicable following the date the Participant becomes Disabled. If the Participant has made no Election with respect to distributions upon becoming Disabled, all such distributions shall be paid in a lump sum as soon as practicable following the date the Participant becomes Disabled.

19.7 Death . If a Participant dies before complete distribution of amounts payable upon settlement of an Award subject to Section 409A, such undistributed amounts shall be distributed to his or her beneficiary under the distribution method for death established by the Participant’s Election as soon as administratively possible following receipt by the Committee of satisfactory notice and confirmation of the Participant’s death. If the Participant has made no Election with respect to distributions upon death, all such distributions shall be paid in a lump sum as soon as practicable following the date of the Participant’s death.

19.8 No Acceleration of Distributions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this Plan does not permit the acceleration of the time or schedule of any distribution under an Award Subject to Section 409A, except as provided by Section 409A and/or the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.

 

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20. M ISCELLANEOUS P ROVISIONS .

20.1 Repurchase Rights . Shares issued under the Plan may be subject to one or more repurchase options, or other conditions and restrictions as determined by the Committee in its discretion at the time the Award is granted. The Company shall have the right to assign at any time any repurchase right it may have, whether or not such right is then exercisable, to one or more persons as may be selected by the Company. Upon request by the Company, each Participant shall execute any agreement evidencing such transfer restrictions prior to the receipt of shares of Stock hereunder and shall promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing shares of Stock acquired hereunder for the placement on such certificates of appropriate legends evidencing any such transfer restrictions.

20.2 Forfeiture Events.

(a) The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment upon the occurrence of specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events may include, but shall not be limited to, termination of Service for Cause or any act by a Participant, whether before or after termination of Service, that would constitute Cause for termination of Service.

(b) If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, any Participant who knowingly or through gross negligence engaged in the misconduct, or who knowingly or through gross negligence failed to prevent the misconduct, and any Participant who is one of the individuals subject to automatic forfeiture under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, shall reimburse the Company the amount of any payment in settlement of an Award earned or accrued during the twelve- (12-) month period following the first public issuance or filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (whichever first occurred) of the financial document embodying such financial reporting requirement.

20.3 Provision of Information. Each Participant shall be given access to information concerning the Company equivalent to that information generally made available to the Company’s common stockholders.

20.4 Rights as Employee, Consultant or Director. No person, even though eligible pursuant to Section 5, shall have a right to be selected as a Participant, or, having been so selected, to be selected again as a Participant. Nothing in the Plan or any Award granted under the Plan shall confer on any Participant a right to remain an Employee, Consultant or Director or interfere with or limit in any way any right of a Participating Company to terminate the Participant’s Service at any time. To the extent that an Employee of a Participating Company other than the Company receives an Award under the Plan, that Award shall in no event be understood or interpreted to mean that the Company is the Employee’s employer or that the Employee has an employment relationship with the Company.

 

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20.5 Rights as a Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by an Award until the date of the issuance of such shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No adjustment shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such shares are issued, except as provided in Section 4.4 or another provision of the Plan.

20.6 Delivery of Title to Shares. Subject to any governing rules or regulations, the Company shall issue or cause to be issued the shares of Stock acquired pursuant to an Award and shall deliver such shares to or for the benefit of the Participant by means of one or more of the following: (a) by delivering to the Participant evidence of book entry shares of Stock credited to the account of the Participant, (b) by depositing such shares of Stock for the benefit of the Participant with any broker with which the Participant has an account relationship, or (c) by delivering such shares of Stock to the Participant in certificate form.

20.7 Fractional Shares. The Company shall not be required to issue fractional shares upon the exercise or settlement of any Award.

20.8 Retirement and Welfare Plans . Neither Awards made under this Plan nor shares of Stock or cash paid pursuant to such Awards may be included as “compensation” for purposes of computing the benefits payable to any Participant under any Participating Company’s retirement plans (both qualified and non-qualified) or welfare benefit plans unless such other plan expressly provides that such compensation shall be taken into account in computing a Participant’s benefit.

20.9 Beneficiary Designation. Subject to local laws and procedures, each Participant may file with the Company a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any benefit under the Plan to which the Participant is entitled in the event of such Participant’s death before he or she receives any or all of such benefit. Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Company, and will be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Company during the Participant’s lifetime. If a married Participant designates a beneficiary other than the Participant’s spouse, the effectiveness of such designation may be subject to the consent of the Participant’s spouse. If a Participant dies without an effective designation of a beneficiary who is living at the time of the Participant’s death, the Company will pay any remaining unpaid benefits to the Participant’s legal representative.

20.10 Severability . If any one or more of the provisions (or any part thereof) of this Plan shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall be modified so as to make it valid, legal and enforceable, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions (or any part thereof) of the Plan shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

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20.11 No Constraint on Corporate Action. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to: (a) limit, impair, or otherwise affect the Company’s or another Participating Company’s right or power to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations, or changes of its capital or business structure, or to merge or consolidate, or dissolve, liquidate, sell, or transfer all or any part of its business or assets; or (b) limit the right or power of the Company or another Participating Company to take any action which such entity deems to be necessary or appropriate.

20.12 Unfunded Obligation. Participants shall have the status of general unsecured creditors of the Company. Any amounts payable to Participants pursuant to the Plan shall be unfunded and unsecured obligations for all purposes, including, without limitation, Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. No Participating Company shall be required to segregate any monies from its general funds, or to create any trusts, or establish any special accounts with respect to such obligations. The Company shall retain at all times beneficial ownership of any investments, including trust investments, which the Company may make to fulfill its payment obligations hereunder. Any investments or the creation or maintenance of any trust or any Participant account shall not create or constitute a trust or fiduciary relationship between the Committee or any Participating Company and a Participant, or otherwise create any vested or beneficial interest in any Participant or the Participant’s creditors in any assets of any Participating Company. The Participants shall have no claim against any Participating Company for any changes in the value of any assets which may be invested or reinvested by the Company with respect to the Plan.

20.13 Choice of Law. Except to the extent governed by applicable federal law, the validity, interpretation, construction and performance of the Plan and each Award Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law rules.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Secretary of the Company certifies that the foregoing sets forth the Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan as duly adopted by the Board on August 28, 2006.

 

/s/ Wally Liaw

Secretary

 

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EXHIBIT 10.6

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

Super Micro Computer, Inc. has granted to the Participant named in the Notice of Grant of Stock Option (the Grant Notice ) to which this Stock Option Agreement (the Option Agreement ) is attached an option (the Option ) to purchase certain shares of Stock upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Notice and this Option Agreement. The Option has been granted pursuant to and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and conditions of the Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan ), as amended to the Date of Grant, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference. By signing the Grant Notice, the Participant: (a) acknowledges receipt of and represents that the Participant has read and is familiar with the Grant Notice, this Option Agreement, the Plan and a prospectus for the Plan prepared in connection with the registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of shares issuable pursuant to the Option (the Plan Prospectus ), (b) accepts the Option subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Grant Notice, this Option Agreement and the Plan and (c) agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions arising under the Grant Notice, this Option Agreement or the Plan.

1. D EFINITIONS AND C ONSTRUCTION .

1.1 Definitions . Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Grant Notice or the Plan.

1.2 Construction . Captions and titles contained herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Option Agreement. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular. Use of the term “or” is not intended to be exclusive, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

2. T AX C ONSEQUENCES .

2.1 Tax Status of Option . This Option is intended to have the tax status designated in the Grant Notice.

(a) Incentive Stock Option . If the Grant Notice so designates, this Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code, but the Company does not represent or warrant that this Option qualifies as such. The Participant should consult with the Participant’s own tax advisor regarding the tax effects of this Option and the requirements necessary to obtain favorable income tax treatment under Section 422 of the Code, including, but not limited to, holding period requirements. (NOTE TO PARTICIPANT: If the Option is exercised more than three (3) months after the date on which you cease to be an Employee (other than by reason of your death or permanent and total disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), the Option will be treated as a Nonstatutory Stock Option and not as an Incentive Stock Option to the extent required by Section 422 of the Code.)


(b) Nonstatutory Stock Option. If the Grant Notice so designates, this Option is intended to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option and shall not be treated as an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Code.

2.2 ISO Fair Market Value Limitation. If the Grant Notice designates this Option as an Incentive Stock Option, then to the extent that the Option (together with all Incentive Stock Options granted to the Participant under all stock option plans of the Participating Company Group, including the Plan) becomes exercisable for the first time during any calendar year for shares having a Fair Market Value greater than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), the portion of such options which exceeds such amount will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this Section 2.2, options designated as Incentive Stock Options are taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market Value of stock is determined as of the time the option with respect to such stock is granted. If the Code is amended to provide for a different limitation from that set forth in this Section 2.2, such different limitation shall be deemed incorporated herein effective as of the date required or permitted by such amendment to the Code. If the Option is treated as an Incentive Stock Option in part and as a Nonstatutory Stock Option in part by reason of the limitation set forth in this Section 2.2, the Participant may designate which portion of such Option the Participant is exercising. In the absence of such designation, the Participant shall be deemed to have exercised the Incentive Stock Option portion of the Option first. Separate certificates representing each such portion shall be issued upon the exercise of the Option. (NOTE TO PARTICIPANT: If the aggregate Exercise Price of the Option (that is, the Exercise Price multiplied by the Number of Option Shares) plus the aggregate exercise price of any other Incentive Stock Options you hold (whether granted pursuant to the Plan or any other stock option plan of the Participating Company Group) is greater than $100,000, you should contact the Chief Financial Officer of the Company to ascertain whether the entire Option qualifies as an Incentive Stock Option.)

3. A DMINISTRATION .

All questions of interpretation concerning this Option Agreement shall be determined by the Committee. All determinations by the Committee shall be final and binding upon all persons having an interest in the Option as provided by the Plan. Any Officer shall have the authority to act on behalf of the Company with respect to any matter, right, obligation, or election which is the responsibility of or which is allocated to the Company herein, provided the Officer has apparent authority with respect to such matter, right, obligation, or election.

4. E XERCISE OF THE O PTION .

4.1 Right to Exercise . Except as otherwise provided herein, the Option shall be exercisable on and after the Initial Vesting Date and prior to the termination of the Option (as provided in Section 6) in an amount not to exceed the number of Vested Shares less the number of shares previously acquired upon exercise of the Option. In no event shall the Option be exercisable for more shares than the Number of Option Shares, as adjusted pursuant to Section 9.

 

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4.2 Method of Exercise . Exercise of the Option shall be by means of electronic or written notice (the Exercise Notice ) in a form authorized by the Company. An electronic Exercise Notice must be digitally signed or authenticated by the Participant in such manner as required by the notice and transmitted to the Company or an authorized representative of the Company (including a third-party administrator designated by the Company). In the event that the Participant is not authorized or is unable to provide an electronic Exercise Notice, the Option shall be exercised by a written Exercise Notice addressed to the Company, which shall be signed by the Participant and delivered in person, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, by confirmed facsimile transmission, or by such other means as the Company may permit, to the Company, or an authorized representative of the Company (including a third-party administrator designated by the Company). Each Exercise Notice, whether electronic or written, must state the Participant’s election to exercise the Option, the number of whole shares of Stock for which the Option is being exercised and such other representations and agreements as to the Participant’s investment intent with respect to such shares as may be required pursuant to the provisions of this Option Agreement. Further, each Exercise Notice must be received by the Company prior to the termination of the Option as set forth in Section 6 and must be accompanied by full payment of the aggregate Exercise Price for the number of shares of Stock being purchased. The Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such electronic or written Exercise Notice and the aggregate Exercise Price.

4.3 Payment of Exercise Price.

(a) Forms of Consideration Authorized . Except as otherwise provided below, payment of the aggregate Exercise Price for the number of shares of Stock for which the Option is being exercised shall be made (i) in cash or by check or cash equivalent, (ii) if permitted by the Company, by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of whole shares of Stock owned by the Participant having a Fair Market Value not less than the aggregate Exercise Price, (iii) by means of a Cashless Exercise, as defined in Section 4.3(b), or (iv) by any combination of the foregoing.

(b) Limitations on Forms of Consideration.

(i) Tender of Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option may not be exercised by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of Stock to the extent such tender or attestation would constitute a violation of the provisions of any law, regulation or agreement restricting the redemption of the Company’s stock. If required by the Company, the Option may not be exercised by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of shares of Stock unless such shares either have been owned by the Participant for more than six (6) months or such other period, if any, required by the Company (and not used for another option exercise by attestation during such period) or were not acquired, directly or indirectly, from the Company.

(ii) Cashless Exercise. A Cashless Exercise means the delivery of a properly executed notice together with irrevocable instructions to a broker in a form acceptable to the Company providing for the assignment to the Company of the proceeds of a sale or loan with respect to some or all of the shares of Stock acquired upon the exercise of the Option pursuant to a program or procedure approved by the Company (including, without

 

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limitation, through an exercise complying with the provisions of Regulation T as promulgated from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System). The Company reserves, at any and all times, the right, in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, to establish, decline to approve or terminate any such program or procedure, including with respect to the Participant notwithstanding that such program or procedures may be available to others.

4.4 Tax Withholding .

(a) In General. At the time the Option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at any time thereafter as requested by the Company, the Participant hereby authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to the Participant, and otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for (including by means of a Cashless Exercise to the extent permitted by the Company), any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Participating Company Group, if any, which arise in connection with the Option. The Company shall have no obligation to deliver shares of Stock until the tax withholding obligations of the Participating Company Group have been satisfied by the Participant.

(b) Withholding in Shares . The Company may permit or require the Participant to satisfy all or any portion of a Participating Company’s tax withholding obligations upon exercise of the Option by deducting from the shares of Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant upon such exercise a number of whole shares having a fair market value, as determined by the Company as of the date of exercise, not in excess of the amount of such tax withholding obligations determined by the applicable minimum statutory withholding rates. Any adverse consequences to the Participant resulting from the procedure permitted under this Section, including, without limitation, tax consequences, shall be the sole responsibility of the Participant.

4.5 Beneficial Ownership of Shares; Certificate Registration . The Participant hereby authorizes the Company, in its sole discretion, to deposit for the benefit of the Participant with any broker with which the Participant has an account relationship of which the Company has notice any or all shares acquired by the Participant pursuant to the exercise of the Option. Except as provided by the preceding sentence, a certificate for the shares as to which the Option is exercised shall be registered in the name of the Participant, or, if applicable, in the names of the heirs of the Participant.

4.6 Restrictions on Grant of the Option and Issuance of Shares . The grant of the Option and the issuance of shares of Stock upon exercise of the Option shall be subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of federal, state or foreign law with respect to such securities. The Option may not be exercised if the issuance of shares of Stock upon exercise would constitute a violation of any applicable federal, state or foreign securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Stock may then be listed. In addition, the Option may not be exercised unless (i) a registration statement under the Securities Act shall at the time of exercise of the Option be in effect with respect to the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option or (ii) in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company, the shares issuable upon exercise of the Option may be issued in accordance with the terms of an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

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THE PARTICIPANT IS CAUTIONED THAT THE OPTION MAY NOT BE EXERCISED UNLESS THE FOREGOING CONDITIONS ARE SATISFIED. ACCORDINGLY, THE PARTICIPANT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EXERCISE THE OPTION WHEN DESIRED EVEN THOUGH THE OPTION IS VESTED. The inability of the Company to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the Company’s legal counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any shares subject to the Option shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. As a condition to the exercise of the Option, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as may be requested by the Company.

4.7 Fractional Shares . The Company shall not be required to issue fractional shares upon the exercise of the Option.

5. N ONTRANSFERABILITY OF THE O PTION .

During the lifetime of the Participant, the Option shall be exercisable only by the Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative. The Option shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, except transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Following the death of the Participant, the Option, to the extent provided in Section 7, may be exercised by the Participant’s legal representative or by any person empowered to do so under the deceased Participant’s will or under the then applicable laws of descent and distribution.

6. T ERMINATION OF THE O PTION .

The Option shall terminate and may no longer be exercised after the first to occur of (a) the close of business on the Option Expiration Date, (b) the close of business on the last date for exercising the Option following termination of the Participant’s Service as described in Section 7, or (c) a Change in Control to the extent provided in Section 8.

7. E FFECT OF T ERMINATION OF S ERVICE .

7.1 Option Exercisability. The Option shall terminate immediately upon the Participant’s termination of Service to the extent that it is then unvested and shall be exercisable after the Participant’s termination of Service to the extent it is then vested only during the applicable time period as determined below and thereafter shall terminate.

(a) Disability . If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the Disability of the Participant, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable for Vested Shares on the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, may be exercised by the Participant (or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative) at any time prior to the expiration of twelve (12) months after the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, but in any event no later than the Option Expiration Date.

 

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(b) Death . If the Participant’s Service terminates because of the death of the Participant, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable for Vested Shares on the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, may be exercised by the Participant’s legal representative or other person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by reason of the Participant’s death at any time prior to the expiration of twelve (12) months after the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, but in any event no later than the Option Expiration Date. The Participant’s Service shall be deemed to have terminated on account of death if the Participant dies within three (3) months after the Participant’s termination of Service.

(c) Termination for Cause . If the Participant’s Service is terminated for Cause or if, following the Participant’s termination of Service and during any period in which the Option otherwise would remain exercisable, the Participant engages in any act that would constitute Cause, the Option shall terminate in its entirety and cease to be exercisable immediately upon such termination of Service or act.

(d) Other Termination of Service . If the Participant’s Service terminates for any reason, except Disability, death or Cause, the Option, to the extent unexercised and exercisable for Vested Shares by the Participant on the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, may be exercised by the Participant at any time prior to the expiration of three (3) months after the date on which the Participant’s Service terminated, but in any event no later than the Option Expiration Date.

7.2 Extension if Exercise Prevented by Law or Insider Trading Policy . Notwithstanding the foregoing, other than termination of Service for Cause, if the exercise of the Option within the applicable time periods set forth in Section 7.1 is prevented by the provisions of Section 4.6 or a sale of shares pursuant to a Cashless Exercise of the Option would violate the provisions of the Insider Trading Policy, the Option shall remain exercisable until thirty (30) days after the date such exercise or sale, as the case may be, would no longer be prevented by such provisions, but in any event no later than the Option Expiration Date.

8. E FFECT OF C HANGE IN C ONTROL .

In the event of a Change in Control, except to the extent that the Committee determines to cash out the Option in accordance with Section 15.1(c) of the Plan, the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing entity or parent thereof, as the case may be (the Acquiror ), may, without the consent of the Participant, assume or continue in full force and effect the Company’s rights and obligations under all or any portion of the Option or substitute for all or any portion of the Option a substantially equivalent option for the Acquiror’s stock. For purposes of this Section, the Option or any portion thereof shall be deemed assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Option confers the right to receive, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, for each share of Stock subject to such portion of the Option immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, other securities or property or a combination thereof) to which a holder of a share of Stock on the effective date of the Change in Control was entitled; provided, however, that if such consideration is not solely common stock of the Acquiror, the Committee may, with the consent of the Acquiror, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option, for each share of Stock subject to the Option, to consist solely of common stock of the Acquiror

 

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equal in Fair Market Value to the per share consideration received by holders of Stock pursuant to the Change in Control. The Option shall terminate and cease to be outstanding effective as of the time of consummation of the Change in Control to the extent that the Option is neither assumed or continued by the Acquiror in connection with the Change in Control nor exercised as of the date of the Change in Control.

9. A DJUSTMENTS FOR C HANGES IN C APITAL S TRUCTURE .

Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, in the event of any change in the Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, whether through merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares, or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, or in the event of payment of a dividend or distribution to the stockholders of the Company in a form other than Stock (excepting normal cash dividends) that has a material effect on the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock, appropriate and proportionate adjustments shall be made in the number, Exercise Price and kind of shares subject to the Option, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the Participant’s rights under the Option. For purposes of the foregoing, conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as “effected without receipt of consideration by the Company.” Any fractional share resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this Section shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, and in no event may the Exercise Price be decreased to an amount less than the par value, if any, of the stock subject to the Option. The Committee in its sole discretion, may also make such adjustments in the terms of the Option to reflect, or related to, such changes in the capital structure of the Company or distributions as it deems appropriate. The adjustments determined by the Committee pursuant to this Section shall be final, binding and conclusive.

10. R IGHTS AS A S TOCKHOLDER , D IRECTOR , E MPLOYEE OR C ONSULTANT .

The Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares covered by the Option until the date of the issuance of the shares for which the Option has been exercised (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No adjustment shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date the shares are issued, except as provided in Section 9. If the Participant is an Employee, the Participant understands and acknowledges that, except as otherwise provided in a separate, written employment agreement between a Participating Company and the Participant, the Participant’s employment is “at will” and is for no specified term. Nothing in this Option Agreement shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the Service of a Participating Company or interfere in any way with any right of the Participating Company Group to terminate the Participant’s Service as a Director, an Employee or Consultant, as the case may be, at any time.

11. N OTICE OF S ALES U PON D ISQUALIFYING D ISPOSITION .

The Participant shall dispose of the shares acquired pursuant to the Option only in accordance with the provisions of this Option Agreement. In addition, if the Grant Notice

 

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designates this Option as an Incentive Stock Option, the Participant shall (a) promptly notify the Chief Financial Officer of the Company if the Participant disposes of any of the shares acquired pursuant to the Option within one (1) year after the date the Participant exercises all or part of the Option or within two (2) years after the Date of Grant and (b) provide the Company with a description of the circumstances of such disposition. Until such time as the Participant disposes of such shares in a manner consistent with the provisions of this Option Agreement, unless otherwise expressly authorized by the Company, the Participant shall hold all shares acquired pursuant to the Option in the Participant’s name (and not in the name of any nominee) for the one-year period immediately after the exercise of the Option and the two-year period immediately after Date of Grant. At any time during the one-year or two-year periods set forth above, the Company may place a legend on any certificate representing shares acquired pursuant to the Option requesting the transfer agent for the Company’s stock to notify the Company of any such transfers. The obligation of the Participant to notify the Company of any such transfer shall continue notwithstanding that a legend has been placed on the certificate pursuant to the preceding sentence.

12. L EGENDS .

The Company may at any time place legends referencing any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law restrictions on all certificates representing shares of stock subject to the provisions of this Option Agreement. The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing shares acquired pursuant to the Option in the possession of the Participant in order to carry out the provisions of this Section. Unless otherwise specified by the Company, legends placed on such certificates may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

“THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED BY THE CORPORATION TO THE REGISTERED HOLDER UPON EXERCISE OF AN INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION AS DEFINED IN SECTION 422 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (“ISO ). IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE PREFERENTIAL TAX TREATMENT AFFORDED TO ISOs, THE SHARES SHOULD NOT BE TRANSFERRED PRIOR TO [ INSERT DISQUALIFYING DISPOSITION DATE HERE ]. SHOULD THE REGISTERED HOLDER ELECT TO TRANSFER ANY OF THE SHARES PRIOR TO THIS DATE AND FOREGO ISO TAX TREATMENT, THE TRANSFER AGENT FOR THE SHARES SHALL NOTIFY THE CORPORATION IMMEDIATELY. THE REGISTERED HOLDER SHALL HOLD ALL SHARES PURCHASED UNDER THE INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION IN THE REGISTERED HOLDER’S NAME (AND NOT IN THE NAME OF ANY NOMINEE) PRIOR TO THIS DATE OR UNTIL TRANSFERRED AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.”

13. M ISCELLANEOUS P ROVISIONS .

13.1 Termination or Amendment. The Committee may terminate or amend the Plan or the Option at any time; provided, however, that except as provided in Section 8 in connection with a Change in Control, no such termination or amendment may adversely affect

 

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the Option or any unexercised portion hereof without the consent of the Participant unless such termination or amendment is necessary to comply with any applicable law or government regulation, including, but not limited to, Section 409A. No amendment or addition to this Option Agreement shall be effective unless in writing.

13.2 Further Instruments. The parties hereto agree to execute such further instruments and to take such further action as may reasonably be necessary to carry out the intent of this Option Agreement.

13.3 Binding Effect. Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein, this Option Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

13.4 Delivery of Documents and Notices. Any document relating to participation in the Plan or any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given (except to the extent that this Option Agreement provides for effectiveness only upon actual receipt of such notice) upon personal delivery, electronic delivery at the e-mail address, if any, provided for the Participant by a Participating Company, or upon deposit in the U.S. Post Office or foreign postal service, by registered or certified mail, or with a nationally recognized overnight courier service, with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the other party at the address of such party set forth in the Grant Notice or at such other address as such party may designate in writing from time to time to the other party.

(a) Description of Electronic Delivery . The Plan documents, which may include but do not necessarily include: the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Option Agreement, the Plan Prospectus, and any reports of the Company provided generally to the Company’s stockholders, may be delivered to the Participant electronically. In addition, the Participant may deliver electronically the Grant Notice and Exercise Notice called for by Section 4.2 to the Company or to such third party involved in administering the Plan as the Company may designate from time to time. Such means of electronic delivery may include but do not necessarily include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the Internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other means of electronic delivery specified by the Company.

(b) Consent to Electronic Delivery. The Participant acknowledges that the Participant has read Section 13.4(a) of this Option Agreement and consents to the electronic delivery of the Plan documents and the delivery of the Grant Notice and Exercise Notice, as described in Section 13.4(a). The Participant acknowledges that he or she may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost to the Participant by contacting the Company by telephone or in writing. The Participant further acknowledges that the Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents if the attempted electronic delivery of such documents fails. Similarly, the Participant understands that the Participant must provide the Company or any designated third party administrator with a paper copy of any documents if the attempted electronic delivery of such documents fails. The Participant may revoke his or her consent to the electronic delivery of documents described in

 

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Section 13.4(a) or may change the electronic mail address to which such documents are to be delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail address) at any time by notifying the Company of such revoked consent or revised e-mail address by telephone, postal service or electronic mail. Finally, the Participant understands that he or she is not required to consent to electronic delivery of documents described in Section 13.4(a).

13.5 Integrated Agreement. The Grant Notice, this Option Agreement and the Plan, together with any the Superseding Agreement, if any, shall constitute the entire understanding and agreement of the Participant and the Participating Company Group with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersede any prior agreements, understandings, restrictions, representations, or warranties among the Participant and the Participating Company Group with respect to such subject matter. To the extent contemplated herein, the provisions of the Grant Notice, the Option Agreement and the Plan shall survive any exercise of the Option and shall remain in full force and effect.

13.6 Applicable Law. This Option Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California as such laws are applied to agreements between California residents entered into and to be performed entirely within the State of California.

13.7 Counterparts. The Grant Notice may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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¨ Incentive Stock Option    Participant: _________________________________________
¨ Nonstatutory Stock Option   

 

Date: _________________________________________

STOCK OPTION EXERCISE NOTICE

Super Micro Computer, Inc.

Attention: Stock Administration

980 Rock Avenue

San Jose, CA 95131

Ladies and Gentlemen:

1. Option . I was granted an option (the Option ) to purchase shares of the common stock (the Shares ) of Super Micro Computer, Inc. (the Company ) pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan ), my Notice of Grant of Stock Option (the Grant Notice ) and my Stock Option Agreement (the Option Agreement ) as follows:

 

Date of Grant:      ____
Number of Option Shares:      ____
Exercise Price per Share:    $  ____

2. Exercise of Option . I hereby elect to exercise the Option to purchase the following number of Shares, all of which are Vested Shares in accordance with the Grant Notice and the Option Agreement:

 

Total Shares Purchased:      ____
Total Exercise Price (Total Shares X Price per Share)    $  ____

3. Payments . I enclose payment in full of the total exercise price for the Shares in the following form(s), as authorized by my Option Agreement:

 

¨ Cash:    $ _______________
¨ Check:    $ _______________
¨ Tender of Company Stock:      Contact Plan Administrator
¨ Cashless Exercise (same-day sale):      Contact Plan Administrator

4. Tax Withholding . I authorize payroll withholding and otherwise will make adequate provision for the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Company, if any, in connection with the Option. If I am exercising a Nonstatutory Stock Option, I enclose payment in full of my withholding taxes, if any, as follows:

(Contact Plan Administrator for amount of tax due.)

 

¨ Cash:    $ _______________
¨ Check:    $  _______________


¨ Tender of Company Stock:    Contact Plan Administrator
¨ Cashless Exercise (same-day sale):    Contact Plan Administrator

5. Participant Information .

 

My address is:   ______________________________________________
  ______________________________________________
My Social Security Number is: ____________________________________

6. Notice of Disqualifying Disposition . If the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, I agree that I will promptly notify the Chief Financial Officer of the Company if I transfer any of the Shares within one (1) year from the date I exercise all or part of the Option or within two (2) years of the Date of Grant.

7. Binding Effect . I agree that the Shares are being acquired in accordance with and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Grant Notice, the Option Agreement and the Plan, to all of which I hereby expressly assent. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

 

Very truly yours,

 

(Signature)

Receipt of the above is hereby acknowledged.

 

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.
By:  

 

Title:  

 

Dated:  

 

 

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EXHIBIT 10.7

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT

Super Micro Computer, Inc. has granted to the Participant named in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock (the Grant Notice ) to which this Restricted Stock Agreement (the Agreement ) is attached an Award consisting of Shares subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Notice and this Agreement. The Award has been granted pursuant to the Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan ), as amended to the Date of Grant, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference. By signing the Grant Notice, the Participant: (a) acknowledges receipt of and represents that the Participant has read and is familiar with the Grant Notice, this Agreement, the Plan and a prospectus for the Plan prepared in connection with the registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Shares (the Plan Prospectus ), (b) accepts the Award subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Plan and (c) agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions arising under the Grant Notice, this Agreement or the Plan.

1. D EFINITIONS AND C ONSTRUCTION .

1.1 Definitions . Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Grant Notice or the Plan.

1.2 Construction . Captions and titles contained herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular. Use of the term “or” is not intended to be exclusive, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

2. A DMINISTRATION .

All questions of interpretation concerning the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be determined by the Committee. All determinations by the Committee shall be final and binding upon all persons having an interest in the Award as provided by the Plan. Any Officer of a Participating Company shall have the authority to act on behalf of the Company with respect to any matter, right, obligation, or election which is the responsibility of or which is allocated to the Company herein, provided the Officer has apparent authority with respect to such matter, right, obligation, or election.

3. T HE A WARD .

3.1 Grant and Issuance of Shares. On the Date of Grant, the Participant shall acquire and the Company shall issue, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, a number of Shares equal to the Total Number of Shares set forth in the Grant Notice, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 8. As a condition to the issuance of the Shares, the Participant shall execute and deliver to the Company along with the Grant Notice the Assignment Separate from Certificate duly endorsed (with date and number of shares blank) in the form attached to the Grant Notice.


3.2 No Monetary Payment Required. The Participant is not required to make any monetary payment (other than applicable tax withholding, if any) as a condition to receiving the Shares, the consideration for which shall be past services actually rendered and/or future services to be rendered to a Participating Company or for its benefit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if required by applicable state corporate law, the Participant shall furnish consideration in the form of cash or past services rendered to a Participating Company or for its benefit having a value not less than the par value of the Shares issued pursuant to the Award.

3.3 Beneficial Ownership of Shares; Certificate Registration . The Participant hereby authorizes the Company, in its sole discretion, to deposit the Shares with the Company’s transfer agent, including any successor transfer agent, to be held in book entry form during the term of the Escrow pursuant to Section 6. Furthermore, the Participant hereby authorizes the Company, in its sole discretion, to deposit, following the term of such Escrow, for the benefit of the Participant with any broker with which the Participant has an account relationship of which the Company has notice any or all Shares which are no longer subject to such Escrow. Except as provided by the foregoing, a certificate for the Shares shall be registered in the name of the Participant, or, if applicable, in the names of the heirs of the Participant.

3.4 Issuance of Shares in Compliance with Law . The issuance of the Shares shall be subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of federal, state or foreign law with respect to such securities. No Shares shall be issued hereunder if their issuance would constitute a violation of any applicable federal, state or foreign securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Stock may then be listed. The inability of the Company to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the Company’s legal counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance of any Shares shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. As a condition to the issuance of the Shares, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as may be requested by the Company.

4. V ESTING OF S HARES .

The Shares shall vest and become Vested Shares as provided in the Grant Notice. For purposes of determining the number of Vested Shares following an Ownership Change Event, credited Service shall include all Service with any corporation which is a Participating Company at the time the Service is rendered, whether or not such corporation is a Participating Company both before and after the Ownership Change Event.

5. C OMPANY R EACQUISITION R IGHT .

5.1 Grant of Company Reacquisition Right . Except to the extent otherwise provided by the Superseding Agreement, in the event that (a) the Participant’s Service terminates for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, or (b) the Participant, the Participant’s legal representative, or other holder of the Shares, attempts to sell, exchange, transfer, pledge, or otherwise dispose of (other than pursuant to an Ownership Change Event), including, without

 

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limitation, any transfer to a nominee or agent of the Participant, any Shares which are not Vested Shares ( Unvested Shares ), the Company shall automatically reacquire the Unvested Shares, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any payment therefor (the Company Reacquisition Right ).

5.2 Ownership Change Event . Upon the occurrence of an Ownership Change Event, any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property to which the Participant is entitled by reason of the Participant’s ownership of Unvested Shares shall be immediately subject to the Company Reacquisition Right and included in the terms “Shares,” “Stock” and “Unvested Shares” for all purposes of the Company Reacquisition Right with the same force and effect as the Unvested Shares immediately prior to the Ownership Change Event.

6. Escrow.

6.1 Appointment of Agent. To ensure that Shares subject to the Company Reacquisition Right will be available for reacquisition, the Participant and the Company hereby appoint the Secretary of the Company, or any other person designated by the Company, as their agent and as attorney-in-fact for the Participant (the Agent ) to hold any and all Unvested Shares and to sell, assign and transfer to the Company any such Unvested Shares reacquired by the Company pursuant to the Company Reacquisition Right. The Participant understands that appointment of the Agent is a material inducement to make this Agreement and that such appointment is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable. The Agent shall not be personally liable for any act the Agent may do or omit to do hereunder as escrow agent, agent for the Company, or attorney in fact for the Participant while acting in good faith and in the exercise of the Agent’s own good judgment, and any act done or omitted by the Agent pursuant to the advice of the Agent’s own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith. The Agent may rely upon any letter, notice or other document executed by any signature purporting to be genuine and may resign at any time.

6.2 Establishment of Escrow . The Participant authorizes the Company to deposit the Unvested Shares with the Company’s transfer agent to be held in book entry form, as provided in Section 3.3, and the Participant agrees to deliver to and deposit with the Agent each certificate, if any, evidencing the Shares and an Assignment Separate from Certificate with respect to such book entry shares and each such certificate duly endorsed (with date and number of Shares blank) in the form attached to the Grant Notice, to be held by the Agent under the terms and conditions of this Section 6 (the Escrow ). Upon the occurrence of an Ownership Change Event or a change, as described in Section 8, in the character or amount of any outstanding stock of the corporation the stock of which is subject to the provisions of this Agreement, any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property to which the Participant is entitled by reason of his or her ownership of the Shares that remain, following such Ownership Change Event or change described in Section 8, subject to the Company Reacquisition Right shall be immediately subject to the Escrow to the same extent as the Shares immediately before such event. The Company shall bear the expenses of the Escrow.

6.3 Delivery of Shares to Participant . The Escrow shall continue with respect to any Shares for so long as such Shares remain subject to the Company Reacquisition Right. Upon termination of the Reacquisition Right with respect to Shares, the Company shall

 

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so notify the Agent and direct the Agent to deliver such number of Shares to the Participant. As soon as practicable after receipt of such notice, the Agent shall cause to be delivered to the Participant the Shares specified by such notice, and the Escrow shall terminate with respect to such Shares.

7. T AX M ATTERS .

7.1 Tax Withholding .

(a) In General . At the time the Grant Notice is executed, or at any time thereafter as requested by a Participating Company, the Participant hereby authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to the Participant, and otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for, any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Participating Company, if any, which arise in connection with the Award, including, without limitation, obligations arising upon (a) the transfer of Shares to the Participant, (b) the lapsing of any restriction with respect to any Shares, (c) the filing of an election to recognize tax liability, or (d) the transfer by the Participant of any Shares. The Company shall have no obligation to deliver the Shares or to release any Shares from the Escrow established pursuant to Section 6 until the tax withholding obligations of the Participating Company have been satisfied by the Participant.

(b) Assignment of Sale Proceeds; Payment of Tax Withholding by Check . Subject to compliance with applicable law and the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, the Participant shall satisfy the Participating Company’s tax withholding obligations in accordance with procedures established by the Company providing for delivery by the Participant to the Company or a broker approved by the Company of properly executed instructions, in a form approved by the Company, providing for the assignment to the Company of the proceeds of a sale with respect to some or all of the shares becoming Vested Shares on a Vesting Date as provided in the Grant Notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may elect to pay by check the amount of the Participating Company’s tax withholding obligations arising on any Vesting Date by delivering written notice of such election to the Company on a form specified by the Company for this purpose at least thirty (30) days (or such other period established by the Company) prior to such Vesting Date. By making such election, the Participant agrees to deliver a check for the full amount of the required tax withholding to the applicable Participating Company on or before the third business day following the Vesting Date. If the Participant elects to pay the required tax withholding by check but fails to make such payment as required by the preceding sentence, the Company is hereby authorized at its discretion, to satisfy the tax withholding obligations through any means authorized by this Section 7, including by directing a sale for the account of the Participant of some or all of the shares becoming Vested Shares on the Vesting Date from which the required taxes shall be withheld, by withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to the Participant or by withholding shares in accordance with Section 7.1(c).

(c) Withholding in Shares . The Company may permit or require the Participant to satisfy all or any portion of a Participating Company’s tax withholding obligations by deducting a number of whole, Vested Shares otherwise deliverable to the Participant or by the Participant’s tender to the Company of a number of whole, Vested Shares or vested shares

 

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acquired otherwise than pursuant to the Award having, in any such case, a fair market value, as determined by the Company as of the date on which the tax withholding obligations arise, not in excess of the amount of such tax withholding obligations determined by the applicable minimum statutory withholding rates. Any adverse consequences to the Participant resulting from the procedure permitted under this Section, including, without limitation, tax consequences, shall be the sole responsibility of the Participant.

7.2 Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code .

(a) The Participant understands that Section 83 of the Code taxes as ordinary income the difference between the amount paid for the Shares, if anything, and the fair market value of the Shares as of the date on which the Shares are “substantially vested,” within the meaning of Section 83. In this context, “substantially vested” means that the right of the Company to reacquire the Shares pursuant to the Company Reacquisition Right has lapsed. The Participant understands that he or she may elect to have his or her taxable income determined at the time he or she acquires the Shares rather than when and as the Company Reacquisition Right lapses by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with the Internal Revenue Service no later than thirty (30) days after the date of acquisition of the Shares. The Participant understands that failure to make a timely filing under Section 83(b) will result in his or her recognition of ordinary income, as the Company Reacquisition Right lapses, on the difference between the purchase price, if anything, and the fair market value of the Shares at the time such restrictions lapse. The Participant further understands, however, that if Shares with respect to which an election under Section 83(b) has been made are forfeited to the Company pursuant to its Company Reacquisition Right, such forfeiture will be treated as a sale on which there is realized a loss equal to the excess (if any) of the amount paid (if any) by the Participant for the forfeited Shares over the amount realized (if any) upon their forfeiture. If the Participant has paid nothing for the forfeited Shares and has received no payment upon their forfeiture, the Participant understands that he or she will be unable to recognize any loss on the forfeiture of the Shares even though the Participant incurred a tax liability by making an election under Section 83(b).

(b) The Participant understands that he or she should consult with his or her tax advisor regarding the advisability of filing with the Internal Revenue Service an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, which must be filed no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the acquisition of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement. Failure to file an election under Section 83(b), if appropriate, may result in adverse tax consequences to the Participant. The Participant acknowledges that he or she has been advised to consult with a tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to the Participant of the acquisition of Shares hereunder. ANY ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b) THE PARTICIPANT WISHES TO MAKE MUST BE FILED NO LATER THAN 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE ON WHICH THE PARTICIPANT ACQUIRES THE SHARES. THIS TIME PERIOD CANNOT BE EXTENDED. THE PARTICIPANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT TIMELY FILING OF A SECTION 83(b) ELECTION IS THE PARTICIPANT’S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY, EVEN IF THE PARTICIPANT REQUESTS THE COMPANY OR ITS REPRESENTATIVE TO FILE SUCH ELECTION ON HIS OR HER BEHALF.

(c) The Participant will notify the Company in writing if the Participant files an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code. The Company intends, in the

 

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event it does not receive from the Participant evidence of such filing, to claim a tax deduction for any amount which would otherwise be taxable to the Participant in the absence of such an election.

8. A DJUSTMENTS FOR C HANGES IN C APITAL S TRUCTURE .

Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, in the event of any change in the Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, whether through merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares, or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, or in the event of payment of a dividend or distribution to the stockholders of the Company in a form other than Stock (excepting normal cash dividends) that has a material effect on the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock, appropriate and proportionate adjustments shall be made in the number and kind of shares subject to the Award, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the Participant’s rights under the Award. For purposes of the foregoing, conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as “effected without receipt of consideration by the Company.” Any fractional share resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this Section shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Such adjustments shall be determined by the Committee, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive.

9. R IGHTS AS A S TOCKHOLDER , D IRECTOR , E MPLOYEE OR C ONSULTANT .

The Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any Shares subject to the Award until the date of the issuance of the Shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No adjustment shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 8. Subject the provisions of this Agreement, the Participant shall exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to Shares deposited in the Escrow pursuant to Section 6. If the Participant is an Employee, the Participant understands and acknowledges that, except as otherwise provided in a separate, written employment agreement between a Participating Company and the Participant, the Participant’s employment is “at will” and is for no specified term. Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the Service of a Participating Company or interfere in any way with any right of the Participating Company Group to terminate the Participant’s Service at any time.

10. L EGENDS .

The Company may at any time place legends referencing the Company Reacquisition Right and any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law restrictions on all certificates representing the Shares. The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing the Shares in the possession of the Participant in order to carry out the provisions of this Section. Unless otherwise specified by the Company, legends placed on such certificates may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

 

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“THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THIS CORPORATION AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER, OR HIS PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THIS CORPORATION.”

11. T RANSFERS IN V IOLATION OF A GREEMENT .

No Shares may be sold, exchanged, transferred, assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of, including by operation of law, in any manner which violates any of the provisions of this Agreement and, except pursuant to an Ownership Change Event, until the date on which such shares become Vested Shares, and any such attempted disposition shall be void. The Company shall not be required (a) to transfer on its books any Shares which will have been transferred in violation of any of the provisions set forth in this Agreement or (b) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote as such owner or to pay dividends to any transferee to whom such Shares will have been so transferred. In order to enforce its rights under this Section, the Company shall be authorized to give a stop transfer instruction with respect to the Shares to the Company’s transfer agent.

12. M ISCELLANEOUS P ROVISIONS .

12.1 Termination or Amendment. The Committee may terminate or amend the Plan or this Agreement at any time; provided, however, that no such termination or amendment may adversely affect the Participant’s rights under this Agreement without the consent of the Participant unless such termination or amendment is necessary to comply with applicable law or government regulation. No amendment or addition to this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing.

12.2 Nontransferability of the Award. The right to acquire Shares pursuant to the Award shall not be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, except transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to the Award shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

12.3 Further Instruments. The parties hereto agree to execute such further instruments and to take such further action as may reasonably be necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement.

12.4 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and, subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein, be binding upon the Participant and the Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

12.5 Delivery of Documents and Notices. Any document relating to participation in the Plan or any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given (except to the extent that this Agreement provides for

 

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effectiveness only upon actual receipt of such notice) upon personal delivery, electronic delivery at the e-mail address, if any, provided for the Participant by a Participating Company, or upon deposit in the U.S. Post Office or foreign postal service, by registered or certified mail, or with a nationally recognized overnight courier service, with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the other party at the address shown below that party’s signature to the Grant Notice or at such other address as such party may designate in writing from time to time to the other party.

(a) Description of Electronic Delivery. The Plan documents, which may include but do not necessarily include: the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement, the Plan Prospectus, and any reports of the Company provided generally to the Company’s stockholders, may be delivered to the Participant electronically. In addition, the parties may deliver electronically any notices called for in connection with the Escrow and the Participant may deliver electronically the Grant Notice to the Company or to such third party involved in administering the Plan as the Company may designate from time to time. Such means of electronic delivery may include but do not necessarily include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the Internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other means of electronic delivery specified by the Company.

(b) Consent to Electronic Delivery . The Participant acknowledges that the Participant has read Section 12.5(a) of this Agreement and consents to the electronic delivery of the Plan documents, the Grant Notice and notices in connection with the Escrow, as described in Section 12.5(a). The Participant acknowledges that he or she may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost to the Participant by contacting the Company by telephone or in writing. The Participant further acknowledges that the Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents if the attempted electronic delivery of such documents fails. Similarly, the Participant understands that the Participant must provide the Company or any designated third party administrator with a paper copy of any documents if the attempted electronic delivery of such documents fails. The Participant may revoke his or her consent to the electronic delivery of documents described in Section 12.5(a) or may change the electronic mail address to which such documents are to be delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail address) at any time by notifying the Company of such revoked consent or revised e-mail address by telephone, postal service or electronic mail. Finally, the Participant understands that he or she is not required to consent to electronic delivery of documents described in Section 12.5(a).

12.6 Integrated Agreement. The Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Plan together with the Superseding Agreement, if any, shall constitute the entire understanding and agreement of the Participant and the Participating Company Group with respect to the subject matter contained herein or therein and supersedes any prior agreements, understandings, restrictions, representations, or warranties among the Participant and the Participating Company Group with respect to such subject matter other than those as set forth or provided for herein or therein. To the extent contemplated herein or therein, the provisions of the Grant Notice and the Agreement shall survive any settlement of the Award and shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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12.7 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California as such laws are applied to agreements between California residents entered into and to be performed entirely within the State of California.

12.8 Counterparts. The Grant Notice may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned does hereby sell, assign and transfer unto                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (              ) shares of the Capital Stock of Super Micro Computer, Inc. standing in the undersigned’s name on the books of said corporation represented by Certificate No.              herewith and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint                      Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of said corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated: ___________________

 

 

Signature

 

Print Name

Instructions : Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise its Company Reacquisition Right set forth in the Restricted Stock Agreement without requiring additional signatures on the part of the Participant.

EXHIBIT 10.8

SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

Super Micro Computer, Inc. has granted to the Participant named in the Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units (the Grant Notice ) to which this Restricted Stock Units Agreement (the Agreement ) is attached an Award consisting of Restricted Stock Units (the Units ) subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Notice and this Agreement. The Award has been granted pursuant to the Super Micro Computer, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan ), as amended to the Date of Grant, the provisions of which are incorporated herein by reference. By signing the Grant Notice, the Participant: (a) acknowledges receipt of and represents that the Participant has read and is familiar with the Grant Notice, this Agreement, the Plan and a prospectus for the Plan prepared in connection with the registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the shares issuable pursuant to the Award (the Plan Prospectus ), (b) accepts the Award subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Plan and (c) agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee upon any questions arising under the Grant Notice, this Agreement or the Plan.

1. D EFINITIONS A ND C ONSTRUCTION .

1.1 Definitions . Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Grant Notice or the Plan.

1.2 Construction . Captions and titles contained herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this Agreement. Except when otherwise indicated by the context, the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular. Use of the term “or” is not intended to be exclusive, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

2. A DMINISTRATION .

All questions of interpretation concerning the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be determined by the Committee. All determinations by the Committee shall be final and binding upon all persons having an interest in the Award as provided by the Plan. Any Officer shall have the authority to act on behalf of the Company with respect to any matter, right, obligation, or election which is the responsibility of or which is allocated to the Company herein, provided the Officer has apparent authority with respect to such matter, right, obligation, or election.

3. T HE A WARD .

3.1 Grant of Units. On the Date of Grant, the Participant shall acquire, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Number of Restricted Stock Units set forth in the Grant Notice, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 9. Each Unit represents a right to receive on a date determined in accordance with the Grant Notice and this Agreement one (1) share of Stock.


3.2 No Monetary Payment Required. The Participant is not required to make any monetary payment (other than applicable tax withholding, if any) as a condition to receiving the Units or shares of Stock issued upon settlement of the Units, the consideration for which shall be past services actually rendered and/or future services to be rendered to a Participating Company or for its benefit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if required by applicable state corporate law, the Participant shall furnish consideration in the form of cash or past services rendered to a Participating Company or for its benefit having a value not less than the par value of the shares of Stock issued upon settlement of the Units.

4. V ESTING O F U NITS .

The Units shall vest and become Vested Units as provided in the Grant Notice. For purposes of determining the number of Vested Units following an Ownership Change Event, credited Service shall include all Service with any corporation which is a Participating Company at the time the Service is rendered, whether or not such corporation is a Participating Company both before and after the Ownership Change Event.

5. C OMPANY R EACQUISITION R IGHT .

5.1 Grant of Company Reacquisition Right . Except to the extent otherwise provided by the Superseding Agreement, in the event that the Participant’s Service terminates for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, the Participant shall forfeit and the Company shall automatically reacquire all Units which are not, as of the time of such termination, Vested Units ( Unvested Units ), and the Participant shall not be entitled to any payment therefor (the Company Reacquisition Right ).

5.2 Ownership Change Event . Upon the occurrence of an Ownership Change Event, any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property to which the Participant is entitled by reason of the Participant’s ownership of Unvested Units shall be immediately subject to the Company Reacquisition Right and included in the terms “Units” and “Unvested Units” for all purposes of the Company Reacquisition Right with the same force and effect as the Unvested Units immediately prior to the Ownership Change Event.

6. S ETTLEMENT O F T HE A WARD .

6.1 Issuance of Shares of Stock . Subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 below, the Company shall issue to the Participant on the Settlement Date with respect to each Vested Unit to be settled on such date one (1) share of Stock. Shares of Stock issued in settlement of Units shall not be subject to any restriction on transfer other than any such restriction as may be required pursuant to Section 6.3, Section 7 or the Company’s Insider Trading Policy.

6.2 Beneficial Ownership of Shares; Certificate Registration . The Participant hereby authorizes the Company, in its sole discretion, to deposit for the benefit of the Participant with any broker with which the Participant has an account relationship of which the Company has notice any or all shares acquired by the Participant pursuant to the settlement of the Award. Except as provided by the preceding sentence, a certificate for the shares as to which the Award is settled shall be registered in the name of the Participant, or, if applicable, in the names of the heirs of the Participant.

 

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6.3 Restrictions on Grant of the Award and Issuance of Shares . The grant of the Award and issuance of shares of Stock upon settlement of the Award shall be subject to compliance with all applicable requirements of federal, state or foreign law with respect to such securities. No shares of Stock may be issued hereunder if the issuance of such shares would constitute a violation of any applicable federal, state or foreign securities laws or other law or regulations or the requirements of any stock exchange or market system upon which the Stock may then be listed. The inability of the Company to obtain from any regulatory body having jurisdiction the authority, if any, deemed by the Company’s legal counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance of any shares subject to the Award shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue such shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. As a condition to the settlement of the Award, the Company may require the Participant to satisfy any qualifications that may be necessary or appropriate, to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation and to make any representation or warranty with respect thereto as may be requested by the Company.

6.4 Fractional Shares . The Company shall not be required to issue fractional shares upon the settlement of the Award.

7. T AX W ITHHOLDING .

7.1 In General. At the time the Grant Notice is executed, or at any time thereafter as requested by a Participating Company, the Participant hereby authorizes withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to the Participant, and otherwise agrees to make adequate provision for, any sums required to satisfy the federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations of the Participating Company, if any, which arise in connection with the Award or the issuance of shares of Stock in settlement thereof. The Company shall have no obligation to deliver shares of Stock until the tax withholding obligations of the Company have been satisfied by the Participant.

7.2 Assignment of Sale Proceeds; Payment of Tax Withholding by Check. Subject to compliance with applicable law and the Company’s Insider Trading Policy, the Participant shall satisfy the Participating Company’s tax withholding obligations in accordance with procedures established by the Company providing for delivery by the Participant to the Company or a broker approved by the Company of properly executed instructions, in a form approved by the Company, providing for the assignment to the Company of the proceeds of a sale with respect to some or all of the shares being acquired upon settlement of Units. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may elect to pay by check the amount of the Participating Company’s tax withholding obligations arising on any Settlement Date by delivering written notice of such election to the Company on a form specified by the Company for this purpose at least thirty (30) days (or such other period established by the Company) prior to such Settlement Date. By making such election, the Participant agrees to deliver a check for the full amount of the required tax withholding to the applicable Participating Company on or before the third business day following the Settlement Date. If the Participant elects to pay the required tax withholding by check but fails to make such payment as required by the preceding

 

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sentence, the Company is hereby authorized at its discretion, to satisfy the tax withholding obligations through any means authorized by this Section 7, including by directing a sale for the account of the Participant of some or all of the shares being acquired upon settlement of Units from which the required taxes shall be withheld, by withholding from payroll and any other amounts payable to the Participant or by withholding shares in accordance with Section 7.3.

7.3 Withholding in Shares. The Company may permit or require the Participant to satisfy all or any portion of a Participating Company’s tax withholding obligations by deducting from the shares of Stock otherwise deliverable to the Participant in settlement of the Award a number of whole shares having a fair market value, as determined by the Company as of the date on which the tax withholding obligations arise, not in excess of the amount of such tax withholding obligations determined by the applicable minimum statutory withholding rates. Any adverse consequences to the Participant resulting from the procedure permitted under this Section, including, without limitation, tax consequences, shall be the sole responsibility of the Participant.

8. E FFECT O F C HANGE I N C ONTROL O N A WARD .

In the event of a Change in Control, except to the extent that the Committee determines to cash out the Award in accordance with Section 15.1(c) of the Plan, the surviving, continuing, successor, or purchasing entity or parent thereof, as the case may be (the “ Acquiror ”), may, without the consent of the Participant, either assume or continue the Company’s rights and obligations with respect to all or any portion of the outstanding Units or substitute for all or any portion of the outstanding Units substantially equivalent rights with respect to the Acquiror’s stock. For purposes of this Section, a Unit shall be deemed assumed if, following the Change in Control, the Unit confers the right to receive, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Agreement, the consideration (whether stock, cash, other securities or property or a combination thereof) to which a holder of a share of Stock on the effective date of the Change in Control was entitled; provided, however, that if such consideration is not solely common stock of the Acquiror, the Committee may, with the consent of the Acquiror, provide for the consideration to be received upon settlement of the Unit to consist solely of common stock of the Acquiror equal in Fair Market Value to the per share consideration received by holders of Stock pursuant to the Change in Control. In the event the Acquiror elects not to assume, continue or substitute for the outstanding Units in connection with a Change in Control, the Award, to the extent of any Units which are then unvested, shall terminate and cease to be outstanding effective as of the time of the Change in Control.

9. A DJUSTMENTS F OR C HANGES I N C APITAL S TRUCTURE .

Subject to any required action by the stockholders of the Company, in the event of any change in the Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, whether through merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares, or similar change in the capital structure of the Company, or in the event of payment of a dividend or distribution to the stockholders of the Company in a form other than Stock (excepting normal cash dividends) that has a material effect on the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock, appropriate and proportionate adjustments shall be made in the number of Units

 

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subject to the Award and/or the number and kind of shares to be issued in settlement of the Award, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the Participant’s rights under the Award. For purposes of the foregoing, conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be treated as “effected without receipt of consideration by the Company.” Any fractional share resulting from an adjustment pursuant to this Section shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Such adjustments shall be determined by the Committee, and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive.

10. R IGHTS A S A S TOCKHOLDER O R E MPLOYEE .

The Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares which may be issued in settlement of this Award until the date of the issuance of a certificate for such shares (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company). No adjustment shall be made for dividends, distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 9. If the Participant is an Employee, the Participant understands and acknowledges that, except as otherwise provided in a separate, written employment agreement between a Participating Company and the Participant, the Participant’s employment is “at will” and is for no specified term. Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the Service of a Participating Company or interfere in any way with any right of the Participating Company Group to terminate the Participant’s Service at any time.

11. L EGENDS .

The Company may at any time place legends referencing any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law restrictions on all certificates representing shares of stock issued pursuant to this Agreement. The Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates representing shares acquired pursuant to this Award in the possession of the Participant in order to carry out the provisions of this Section.

12. M ISCELLANEOUS P ROVISIONS .

12.1 Termination or Amendment. The Committee may terminate or amend the Plan or this Agreement at any time; provided, however, that except as provided in Section 8 in connection with a Change in Control, no such termination or amendment may adversely affect the Participant’s rights under this Agreement without the consent of the Participant unless such termination or amendment is necessary to comply with applicable law or government regulation, including, but not limited to, Section 409A. No amendment or addition to this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing.

12.2 Nontransferability of the Award. Prior to the issuance of shares of Stock on the applicable Settlement Date, neither this Award nor any Units subject to this Award shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, exchange, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or garnishment by creditors of the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiary, except transfer by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to the Award shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

 

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12.3 Further Instruments. The parties hereto agree to execute such further instruments and to take such further action as may reasonably be necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement.

12.4 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company and, subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth herein, be binding upon the Participant and the Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns.

12.5 Delivery of Documents and Notices. Any document relating to participation in the Plan or any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given (except to the extent that this Agreement provides for effectiveness only upon actual receipt of such notice) upon personal delivery, electronic delivery at the e-mail address, if any, provided for the Participant by a Participating Company, or upon deposit in the U.S. Post Office or foreign postal service, by registered or certified mail, or with a nationally recognized overnight courier service, with postage and fees prepaid, addressed to the other party at the address shown below that party’s signature to the Grant Notice or at such other address as such party may designate in writing from time to time to the other party.

(a) Description of Electronic Delivery . The Plan documents, which may include but do not necessarily include: the Plan, the Grant Notice, this Agreement, the Plan Prospectus, and any reports of the Company provided generally to the Company’s stockholders, may be delivered to the Participant electronically. In addition, the Participant may deliver electronically the Grant Notice to the Company or to such third party involved in administering the Plan as the Company may designate from time to time. Such means of electronic delivery may include but do not necessarily include the delivery of a link to a Company intranet or the Internet site of a third party involved in administering the Plan, the delivery of the document via e-mail or such other means of electronic delivery specified by the Company.

(b) Consent to Electronic Delivery. The Participant acknowledges that the Participant has read Section 12.5(a) of this Agreement and consents to the electronic delivery of the Plan documents and Grant Notice, as described in Section 12.5(a). The Participant acknowledges that he or she may receive from the Company a paper copy of any documents delivered electronically at no cost to the Participant by contacting the Company by telephone or in writing. The Participant further acknowledges that the Participant will be provided with a paper copy of any documents if the attempted electronic delivery of such documents fails. Similarly, the Participant understands that the Participant must provide the Company or any designated third party administrator with a paper copy of any documents if the attempted electronic delivery of such documents fails. The Participant may revoke his or her consent to the electronic delivery of documents described in Section 12.5(a) or may change the electronic mail address to which such documents are to be delivered (if Participant has provided an electronic mail address) at any time by notifying the Company of such revoked consent or revised e-mail address by telephone, postal service or electronic mail. Finally, the Participant understands that he or she is not required to consent to electronic delivery of documents described in Section 12.5(a).

 

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12.6 Integrated Agreement. The Grant Notice, this Agreement and the Plan, together with the Superseding Agreement, if any, shall constitute the entire understanding and agreement of the Participant and the Participating Company Group with respect to the subject matter contained herein or therein and supersedes any prior agreements, understandings, restrictions, representations, or warranties among the Participant and the Participating Company Group with respect to such subject matter other than those as set forth or provided for herein or therein. To the extent contemplated herein or therein, the provisions of the Grant Notice and the Agreement shall survive any settlement of the Award and shall remain in full force and effect.

12.7 Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California as such laws are applied to agreements between California residents entered into and to be performed entirely within the State of California.

12.8 Counterparts. The Grant Notice may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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Exhibit 10.9

INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

This Indemnity Agreement, dated as of                           ,          , is made by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and                      (the “ Indemnitee ”).

RECITALS

A. The Company is aware that competent and experienced persons are increasingly reluctant to serve as directors, officers or agents of corporations unless they are protected by comprehensive liability insurance or indemnification, due to increased exposure to litigation costs and risks resulting from their service to such corporations, and due to the fact that the exposure frequently bears no reasonable relationship to the compensation of such directors, officers and other agents.

B. The statutes and judicial decisions regarding the duties of directors and officers are often difficult to apply, ambiguous, or conflicting, and therefore fail to provide such directors, officers and agents with adequate, reliable knowledge of legal risks to which they are exposed or information regarding the proper course of action to take.

C. Plaintiffs often seek damages in such large amounts and the costs of litigation may be so enormous (whether or not the case is meritorious), that the defense and/or settlement of such litigation is often beyond the personal resources of directors, officers and other agents.

D. The Company believes that it is unfair for its directors, officers and agents and the directors, officers and agents of its subsidiaries to assume the risk of huge judgments and other expenses which may occur in cases in which the director, officer or agent received no personal profit and in cases where the director, officer or agent was not culpable.

E. The Company recognizes that the issues in controversy in litigation against a director, officer or agent of a corporation such as the Company or its subsidiaries are often related to the knowledge, motives and intent of such director, officer or agent, that he is usually the only witness with knowledge of the essential facts and exculpating circumstances regarding such matters, and that the long period of time which usually elapses before the trial or other disposition of such litigation often extends beyond the time that the director, officer or agent can reasonably recall such matters and may extend beyond the normal time for retirement for such director, officer or agent with the result that he, after retirement or in the event of his death, his spouse, heirs, executors or administrators, may be faced with limited ability and undue hardship in maintaining an adequate defense, which may discourage such a director, officer or agent from serving in that position.

F. Based upon their experience as business managers, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) has concluded that, to retain and attract talented and experienced individuals to serve as directors, officers and agents of the Company and its subsidiaries and to encourage such individuals to take the business risks necessary for the success of the Company and its subsidiaries, it is necessary for the Company to contractually indemnify its directors, officers and agents and the directors, officers and agents of its subsidiaries, and to assume for

 

1


itself maximum liability for expenses and damages in connection with claims against such directors, officers and agents in connection with their service to the Company and its subsidiaries, and has further concluded that the failure to provide such contractual indemnification could result in great harm to the Company and its subsidiaries and the Company’s stockholders.

G. Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, under which the Company is organized (“ Section 145 ”), empowers the Company to indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents by agreement and to indemnify persons who serve, at the request of the Company, as the directors, officers, employees or agents of other corporations or enterprises, and expressly provides that the indemnification provided by Section 145 is not exclusive.

H. The Company desires and has requested the Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve as a director, officer or agent of the Company and/or one or more subsidiaries of the Company free from undue concern for claims for damages arising out of or related to such services to the Company and/or one or more subsidiaries of the Company.

I. Indemnitee is willing to serve, or to continue to serve, the Company and/or one or more subsidiaries of the Company, provided that he is furnished the indemnity provided for herein.

AGREEMENT

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions .

(a) Agent . For the purposes of this Agreement, “agent” of the Company means any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company; or is or was serving at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise; or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a foreign or domestic corporation which was a predecessor corporation of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, or was a director, officer, employee or agent of another enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of such predecessor corporation.

(b) Expenses . For purposes of this Agreement, “expenses” include all out-of-pocket costs of any type or nature whatsoever (including, without limitation, all attorneys’ fees and related disbursements), actually and reasonably incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with either the investigation, defense or appeal of a proceeding or establishing or enforcing a right to indemnification under this Agreement or Section 145 or otherwise; provided, however, that “expenses” shall not include any judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties, or amounts paid in settlement of a proceeding.

 

2


(c) Proceeding . For the purposes of this Agreement, “proceeding” means any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative.

(d) Subsidiary . For purposes of this Agreement, “subsidiary” means any corporation of which more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities is owned directly or indirectly by the Company, by the Company and one or more other subsidiaries, or by one or more other subsidiaries.

2. Agreement to Serve . The Indemnitee agrees to serve and/or continue to serve as agent of the Company, at its will (or under separate agreement, if such agreement exists), in the capacity Indemnitee currently serves as an agent of the Company, so long as he is duly appointed or elected and qualified in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bylaws of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or until such time as he tenders his resignation in writing; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to create any right to continued employment by Indemnitee.

3. Liability Insurance .

(a) Maintenance of D&O Insurance . The Company hereby covenants and agrees that, so long as the Indemnitee shall continue to serve as an agent of the Company and thereafter so long as the Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible proceeding by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee was an agent of the Company, the Company, subject to Section 3(c), shall promptly obtain and maintain in full force and effect directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (“ D&O Insurance ”) in reasonable amounts from established and reputable insurers.

(b) Rights and Benefits . In all policies of D&O Insurance, the Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide the Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company’s directors, if the Indemnitee is a director; or of the Company’s officers, if the Indemnitee is not a director of the Company but is an officer; or of the Company’s key employees, if the Indemnitee is not a director or officer but is a key employee.

(c) Limitation on Required Maintenance of D&O Insurance . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no obligation to obtain or maintain D&O Insurance if the Company determines in good faith that such insurance is not reasonably available, the premium costs for such insurance are disproportionate to the amount of coverage provided, the coverage provided by such insurance is limited by exclusions so as to provide an insufficient benefit, or the Indemnitee is covered by similar insurance maintained by a subsidiary of the Company.

4. Mandatory Indemnification . Subject to Section 9 below, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee as follows:

(a) Third Party Actions . If the Indemnitee is a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that he is or was an agent of the Company, or by reason of anything done or not done by him in any such capacity, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee against any and all expenses and liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not

 

3


limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of such proceeding, provided the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

(b) Derivative Actions . If the Indemnitee is a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding by or in the right of the Company by reason of the fact that he is or was an agent of the Company, or by reason of anything done or not done by him in any such capacity, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee against all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement, or appeal of such proceeding, provided the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders; except that no indemnification under this subsection 4(b) shall be made in respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been finally adjudged to be liable to the Company by a court of competent jurisdiction unless and only to the extent that the court in which such proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such amounts which the court shall deem proper.

(c) Actions where Indemnitee is Deceased . If the Indemnitee is a person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding by reason of the fact that he is or was an agent of the Company, or by reason of anything done or not done by him in any such capacity, and if prior to, during the pendency of after completion of such proceeding Indemnitee becomes deceased, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators against any and all expenses and liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred to the extent Indemnitee would have been entitled to indemnification pursuant to Sections 4(a) or 4(b) above were Indemnitee still alive.

(d) Limitations . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be obligated to indemnify the Indemnitee for expenses or liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) for which payment is actually made to or on behalf of Indemnitee under a valid and collectible insurance policy of D&O Insurance, or under a valid and enforceable indemnity clause, by-law or agreement.

5. Partial Indemnification . If the Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any expenses or liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and amounts paid in settlement) incurred by him in the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of a proceeding, but not entitled, however, to indemnification for all of the total amount hereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify the Indemnitee for such total amount except as to the portion hereof to which the Indemnitee is not entitled.

 

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6. Mandatory Advancement of Expenses . Subject to Section 9(a) below, the Company shall advance all expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any proceeding to which the Indemnitee is a party or is threatened to be made a party by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was an agent of the Company. Indemnitee hereby undertakes to repay such amounts advanced only if, and to the extent that, it shall be determined ultimately that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized hereby. The advances to be made hereunder shall be paid by the Company to the Indemnitee within twenty (20) days following delivery of a written request therefor by the Indemnitee to the Company. In the event that the Company fails to pay expenses as incurred by the Indemnitee as required by this paragraph, Indemnitee may seek mandatory injunctive relief from any court having jurisdiction to require the Company to pay expenses as set forth in this paragraph. If Indemnitee seeks mandatory injunctive relief pursuant to this paragraph, it shall not be a defense to enforcement of the Company’s obligations set forth in this paragraph that Indemnitee has an adequate remedy at law for damages.

7. Notice and Other Indemnification Procedures .

(a) Notice by Indemnitee . Promptly after receipt by the Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of or the threat of commencement of any proceeding, the Indemnitee shall, if the Indemnitee believes that indemnification with respect thereto may be sought from the Company under this Agreement, notify the Company of the commencement or threat of commencement thereof.

(b) Notice by Company . If, at the time of the receipt of a notice of the commencement of a proceeding pursuant to Section 7(a) hereof, the Company has D&O Insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(c) Defense . In the event the Company shall be obligated to pay the expenses of any proceeding against the Indemnitee, the Company, if appropriate, shall be entitled to assume the defense of such proceeding, with counsel approved by the Indemnitee, upon the delivery to the Indemnitee of written notice of its election so to do. After delivery of such notice, approval of such counsel by the Indemnitee and the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees of counsel subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee with respect to the same proceeding, provided that (i) the Indemnitee shall have the right to employ his counsel in any such proceeding at the Indemnitee’s expense; and (ii) if (A) the employment of counsel by the Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (B) the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the Company and the Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense, or (C) the Company shall not, in fact, have employed counsel to assume the defense of such proceeding, then the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s counsel shall be at the expense of the Company.

 

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8. Determination of Right to Indemnification .

(a) Successful Defense . To the extent the Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any proceeding (including, without limitation, an action by or in the right of the Company) to which the Indemnitee was a party by reason of the fact that he is or was an agent of the Company at any time, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee against all expenses of any type whatsoever actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the investigation, defense or appeal of such proceeding.

(b) Other Situations . In the event that Section 8(a) is inapplicable, the Company shall also indemnify the Indemnitee unless, and except to the extent that, the Company shall prove by clear and convincing evidence in a forum listed in Section 8(c) below that the Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct required to entitle the Indemnitee to such indemnification.

(c) Selection of Forum . The Indemnitee shall be entitled to select the forum in which the validity of the Company’s claim under Section 8(b) hereof that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification will be heard from among the following:

(i) A quorum of the Board consisting of directors who are not parties to the proceeding for which indemnification is being sought;

(ii) The stockholders of the Company;

(iii) Legal counsel selected by the Indemnitee, and reasonably approved by the Board, which counsel shall make such determination in a written opinion; or

(iv) A panel of three arbitrators, one of whom is selected by the Company, another of whom is selected by the Indemnitee and the last of whom is selected by the first two arbitrators so selected.

(d) Submission to Forum . As soon as practicable, and in no event later than thirty (30) days after written notice of the Indemnitee’s choice of forum pursuant to Section 8(c) above, the Company shall, at its own expense, submit to the selected forum in such manner as the Indemnitee or the Indemnitee’s counsel may reasonably request, its claim that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification; and the Company shall act in the utmost good faith to assure the Indemnitee a complete opportunity to defend against such claim.

(e) Application to Court of Chancery . Notwithstanding a determination by any forum listed in Section 8(c) hereof that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification with respect to a specific proceeding, the Indemnitee shall have the right to apply to the Court of Chancery of Delaware, the court in which that proceeding is or was pending or any other court of competent jurisdiction, for the purpose of enforcing the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement.

(f) Expenses Related to this Agreement . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company shall indemnify the Indemnitee against all expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with any hearing or proceeding under this

 

6


Section 8 involving the Indemnitee and against all expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with any other proceeding between the Company and the Indemnitee involving the interpretation or enforcement of the rights of the Indemnitee under this Agreement unless a court of competent jurisdiction finds that each of the claims and/or defenses of the Indemnitee in any such proceeding was frivolous or made in bad faith.

9. Exceptions . Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement:

(a) Claims Initiated by Indemnitee . To indemnify or advance expenses to the Indemnitee with respect to proceedings or claims initiated or brought voluntarily by the Indemnitee and not by way of defense, unless (i) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by law, (ii) the proceeding was authorized by the Board, (iii) such indemnification is provided by the Company, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under the General Corporation Law of Delaware or (iv) the proceeding is brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification under this Agreement or any other statute or law or otherwise as required under Section 145;

(b) Lack of Good Faith . To indemnify the Indemnitee for any expenses incurred by the Indemnitee with respect to any proceeding instituted by the Indemnitee to enforce or interpret this Agreement, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of the material assertions made by the Indemnitee in such proceeding was not made in good faith or was frivolous; or

(c) Unauthorized Settlements . To indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of a proceeding unless the Company consents to such settlement, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

10. Non-exclusivity . The provisions for indemnification and advancement of expenses set forth in this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights which the Indemnitee may have under any provision of law, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, the vote of the Company’s stockholders or disinterested directors, other agreements, or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and to action in another capacity while occupying his position as an agent of the Company, and the Indemnitee’s rights hereunder shall continue after the Indemnitee has ceased acting as an agent of the Company and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of the Indemnitee.

11. Enforcement . Any right to indemnification or advances granted by this Agreement to Indemnitee shall be enforceable by or on behalf of Indemnitee in any court of competent jurisdiction if (i) the claim for indemnification or advances is denied, in whole or in part, or (ii) no disposition of such claim is made within ninety (90) days of request therefor. Indemnitee, in such enforcement action, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting his claim. It shall be a defense to any action for which a claim for indemnification is made under this Agreement (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses pursuant to Section 6 hereof, provided that the required undertaking has been tendered to the Company) that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification because of the limitations set forth in Sections 4 and 9 hereof. Neither the failure of the Company (including its

 

7


Board of Directors or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such enforcement action that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances, nor an actual determination by the Company (including its Board of Directors or its stockholders) that such indemnification is improper, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement or otherwise.

12. Subrogation . In the event the Company is obligated to make a payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery under an insurance policy or any other indemnity agreement covering the Indemnitee, who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.

13. Survival of Rights .

(a) All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee is an agent of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible claim or threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, arbitrational, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee was serving in the capacity referred to herein.

(b) The Company shall require any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

14. Interpretation of Agreement . It is understood that the parties hereto intend this Agreement to be interpreted and enforced so as to provide indemnification to the Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law including those circumstances in which indemnification would otherwise be discretionary.

15. Severability . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever, (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of the Agreement (including without limitation, all portions of any paragraphs of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, all portions of any paragraph of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that are not themselves invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable and to give effect to Section 14 hereof.

16. Modification and Waiver . No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by both of the parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

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17. Notice . All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (i) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party addressee or (ii) if mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third business day after the mailing date. Addresses for notice to either party are as shown on the signature page of this Agreement, or as subsequently modified by written notice.

18. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed exclusively by and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware as applied to contracts between Delaware residents entered into and to be performed entirely within Delaware.

The parties hereto have entered into this Indemnity Agreement effective as of the date first above written.

 

THE COMPANY:
Super Micro Computer, Inc.
By  

 

 

Charles Liang

President

Address  

80 Rock Ave.

San Jose, CA 95131

INDEMNITEE:

 

___________________________
Address  

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

Exhibit 10.24

Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this exhibit. The copy filed herewith omits the information subject to the confidential request. Omissions are designated as ****. A complete copy of this exhibit has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

PRODUCT MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

Supermicro Computer Inc.

980 Rock Ave., San Jose,

CA 95131, U.S.A.

AND

ABLECOM Technology Inc.

5 th Floor, No. 228, Liang-Chen Rd.,

Chung-Ho City, Taipei County,

235 Taiwan, R. O. C.

(January 8, 2007)


SUPERMICRO COMPUTER INC.

PRODUCT MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT

This Product manufacturing Agreement (“Agreement”), made and entered into on January 8, 2007 (“Effective Date”), by and between Supermicro Computer Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of United States of American and having its principal place of business at 980 Rock Ave., San Jose, CA95131 (hereinafter referred to as “SMC”) and ABLECOM Technology Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Taiwan, R. O. C., and having its principal place of business at 5 th Floor, No. 228, Lian-Cheng Rd., Chung-Ho City, Taipei County, 235 Taiwan, R. O. C. (hereinafter referred to as “ABLECOM”)

The parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS:

1. Product: means the Products developed under the Product Development Agreement(s) now existing and hereafter executed by the parties.

2. Forecast: means SMC’s estimate of the future demand of Products.

3. Drop-shipment: means shipments dispatched directly to SMC’s customer upon SMC’s request.

4. Safety Stock: means the extra inventory kept on hand by ABLECOM to protect against out-of-stock conditions due to unexpected demand and delays in delivery by ABLECOM.

5. PO: means SMC’s purchase order or other ordering document.

6. Rush Order: means SMC’s orders, acknowledged by both parties, in which the period between the time such order was placed and the specified delivery date is shorter than standard lead-time for the ordered products.

7. FOB destination: means ABLECOM is responsible for insurance and other costs excluding freight until the goods are delivered to the destination specified in the PO. Title and risk of loss pass to SMC upon delivery of goods to the destination specified in the PO. SMC is responsible for freight costs only.

8. A/R: means accounts receivable.

9. A/R-Claiming invoice: means ABLECOM invoices claiming payments for Products sold to SMC under this Agreement.

10. On-Time Delivery: means delivery of the Product by ABLECOM on the date specified in SMC’s PO.

 


11. ECO: means engineering change order issued by SMC to ABLECOM after product release.

12. ECN: means engineering change notice issued by SMC to ABLECOM before product release.

13. ECR: means engineering change request provided by ABLECOM to SMC in response to an ECO or ECN.

14. BOM: means bills of materials.

15. Short-shipment: means the delivery by ABLECOM of a shipment of Product to SMC or SMC’s customer where the physical quantity of Products in such shipment is less than the invoiced unit quantity of Products, as determined by SMC or SMC’s customer (as applicable) upon receipt of the Product shipment at the applicable delivery location.

16. Missing Unit: means products that are lost during transportation from ABLECOM shipping point to SMC’s warehouse.

17. RMA: means return material authorization.

18. NFF: means no fault found on the returning shipments from SMC or its customers.

19. NDA: means non-disclosure agreement.

20. Standard Production Procedure: means procedure adopted by ABLECOM in consultation with SMC that ABLECOM will follow in manufacturing and producing Products for SMC hereunder.

21. Product Testing Procedure: means procedure adopted by ABLECOM in consultation with SMC that ABLECOM will follow to determine if Products meet the requirements of the specifications.

22. Quality Control Procedure: means procedure adopted by ABLECOM in consultation with SMC that ABLECOM will follow to control and maintain the quality of products manufactured and produced for SMC hereunder.

23. Product Development Agreement: means those certain separate Product-specific product development agreements entered into by and between ABLECOM and SMC from time to time, a sample of which is attached hereto as Attachment B.

24. Specifications: means the Product specifications set forth in the specific Product Development Agreement.

25. MP: means Mass production.

26. Vendor List: means a list of vendors approved by SMC for the supply of different components.

27. Critical Components: mean components in power supply, fan, and LED control board.

2. AGREEMENT DURATION, WORK, LICENSE

2.1 AGREEMENT DURATION: The term of this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and shall continue thereafter for a period of one (1) year unless earlier terminated as set forth in this Agreement (the “Initial Term”). The terms of this Agreement

 


shall automatically renew for additional one (1) year periods (each, a “Renewal Term”), unless (i) SMC notifies ABLECOM of its intent not to renew the Agreement at least three (3) months prior to the expiration of the then-current term, or (ii) ABLECOM notifies SMC of its intent not to renew the Agreement at least six (6) months prior to the expiration of the then-current term, or other time frame as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties in writing. The Initial Term and any Renewal Terms shall collectively be referred to herein as the “Term.”

2.2 WORK: ABLECOM agrees to manufacture the Products pursuant to PO’s or changes thereto issued by SMC and accepted by ABLECOM. ABLECOM shall be responsible for procuring components, materials, equipments and other supplies, and to manufacture, assemble, test and deliver Products pursuant to Specifications, workmanship standards and quality requirements for each Product as provided to ABLECOM by SMC. Upon mutual agreement, SMC shall have the option to provide components required for the manufacture, assembly, testing, and delivery of the Products by ABLECOM. The Specifications of each Product are listed in the applicable Product Development Agreement and may include, but are not limited to, BOM, assembly drawings, process documentation, test specifications, current revision number, and approved Vendor List.

2.3 LICENSE: SMC grants ABLECOM a limited, personal, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license during the term of this Agreement to use the relevant SMC patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property solely in connection with and to the extent required to manufacture the Products and carry out ABLECOM’s obligations under this Agreement.

2.4 MANUFACTURING: SMC agrees that, during the Term, it shall not directly contract with any third party for the manufacturing of the Product; provided, however, that the foregoing restriction shall terminate if (i) Ablecom is unable or unwilling to manufacture the product for any reason at any time during the Term, (ii) Ablecom increases its manufacturing, production and/or development fees by more than a percentage as agreed upon between the parties under any particular Product Development, Production, and Service Agreement on an annual basis during the Term, or (iii) Ablecom does not deliver the Product to SMC in accordance with the milestone schedule included in the Development Plan or other delivery schedule as mutually agreed upon by the parties in writing.

 


2.5 NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT: ABLECOM shall sign an NDA (attached as Attachment A) and agrees to abide by the conditions and terms specified in the NDA.

2.5 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: SMC will provide the BOM to the ABLECOM. ABLECOM will be responsible for providing proposed Standard Production Procedure, Product Testing Procedure, and Quality Control Procedure.

3. PRICING

3.1 QUOTATIONS: ABLECOM shall furnish quotations to SMC within 24 hours after ABLECOM’s receipt of the BOM from SMC. Such quotations shall list separately price for the units.

3.2 PRICE: The prices to be paid by SMC to ABLECOM for each unit of Products delivered by ABLECOM hereunder shall be individually negotiated between ABLECOM and SMC based on the quotations provided by ABLECOM on a quarterly basis. Once a price for a particular Product has been agreed upon in writing by the parties, the agreed-upon price may not be increased during the quarter unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties as set forth in this Agreement. All prices for Products shall be in US dollars. ABLECOM shall publish a current price list quarterly for Products for SMC’s later reference.

4. PRICE ADJUSTMENT

4.1 PRICE LIST: Prices specified in all price lists agreed upon between the parties are firm and may not be increased by ABLECOM without SMC’s prior written approval. ABLECOM agrees to make best efforts to reduce cost on a continuing basis to make the price more competitive than market price. ABLECOM shall direct its cost reduction in the areas of (i) material cost reduction, (ii) manufacturing process yield improvement, and (ii) other cost reductions. ABLECOM shall pass the cost reduction to SMC in the form of a “ Price Reduction ” whenever there is a decrease in manufacturing costs. Price Reduction shall apply to Products identified in any POs existing on or after the effective date of such price decrease. Price increase shall not be binding on SMC unless such increase is caused by an increase of more than five percent (5%) in manufacturing costs in any given quarter and the following is met. ABLECOM shall notify SMC of such increase and the parties shall negotiate in good faith any related increase in the price for affected Products, provided, however, that any price increase approved by SMC shall not apply to products identified in any POs existing on or before the effective date of such approved price increase.

 


4.2 ALTERATION IN PROCEDURES AND SUBSTITUTION OF MATERIALS; PRICE CHANGES: ABLECOM shall strictly follow all procedures, including but not limited to Production Procedures, Testing Procedures, Quality Control Procedures, unless otherwise agreed to by SMC in writing. ABLECOM shall not make alterations to the aforementioned procedures. However, upon receiving SMC’s written request for alterations, ABLECOM shall adopt such alterations specified in the written request; provided, however, that ABLECOM may seek permission from SMC to not make alterations when such alteration will cause substantial and material increases in ABLECOM’s costs, in which case, upon prior written approval by SMC, SMC shall pay for reasonable expenses and cost increases related to such SMC-requested alterations. ABLECOM may not substitute parts or materials without SMC’s prior written approval. In the event of a decrease in ABLECOM’S production costs resulting from an alteration specified above, ABLECOM shall reduce SMC’s fees commensurate with the resulting cost decrease.

4.3 CHANGE IN MARKET PRICE: Whenever there is a change in market price of the Products, the parties shall negotiate in good faith a mutually acceptable Price Reduction or price increase. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all price increases must be pre-approved by SMC in writing and shall not be applied to Products for which SMC has submitted to ABLECOM a PO on or before the effective date of any such approved price increase.

5. FORECASTS, ORDERS, MATERIAL PROCUREMENT

5.1 FORECAST: SMC shall provide a non-binding two-month rolling forecast to ABLECOM three (3) months prior to the purchase of raw material. For example, a forecast shall be provided in the beginning of July for October and November of that year.

5.2 PURCHASE ORDERS:

5.2.1 The parties agree that the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement shall prevail over any conflicting terms and conditions of any purchase order, acknowledgement form, invoice or any other instrument. The terms and conditions contained in ABLECOM’s acknowledgement form, invoice or any other instrument shall not be binding on SMC.

 


5.2.2 SMC shall issue PO’ from time to time during the Term, which POs shall include the following information:

1) PO Number;

2) PO entry date;

3) Description of the Products;

4) Quantity to be delivered;

5) Desired delivery dates; and

6) Purchase Prices

5.2.3 In the first week of every calendar month, SMC shall issue a PO to ABLECOM for the next two (2) months’ MP. For example, SMC will issue a PO for September’s MP in the first week of July. ABLECOM shall accept or reject each of SMC’s PO’s within two (2) working days after its receipt of the PO and shall notify SMC of the estimated time of arrival (“ETA”) for the Products ordered within five (5) working days. SMC’s PO will be deemed to be accepted by ABLECOM if ABLECOM does not respond within such two (2) working day period. If, within the two (2) working-day period, ABLECOM determines that it is unable to accept any of the conditions specified in the PO, ABLECOM shall notify SMC of the unacceptable condition(s) and reasons therefor, and provide alternative proposals to SMC in writing within the foregoing time frame. ABELCOM’s rejection is only valid if the reasons provided therefor are reasonably acceptable to SMC.

5.3 RUSH ORDER: In the event of urgent needs from the market, SMC may issue Rush Orders, the lead-time for which shall be acknowledged by both parties and accepted in writing by ABLECOM. SMC shall pay all relevant cost and expenses related to such Rush Orders that have been pre-approved in writing by SMC. No penalties shall be imposed on ABLECOM for delivery delays on such Rush Orders.

5.4 CHANGE ORDER: If needed, SMC may change or cancel an issued PO after receipt by ABLECOM. In the event that such change or cancellation results in a loss of raw material or additional charges to be incurred by ABLECOM, SMC shall pay all the relevant cost or expenses, including cost of material that cannot be reused or resold provided that SMC has pre-approved such cost or expenses in writing. The number of orders changed shall not exceed 10% of the total quantity purchased during the applicable month of the Term.

5.5 MATERIAL PROCUREMENT: PO’s issued by SMC in conformance with this Agreement shall constitute authorization for ABLECOM to procure, using standard purchasing practices, the components, subassemblies, materials and supplies necessary for

 


the manufacture of the Products covered by such PO. ABLECOM shall ensure that all procurement materials conform to the Specifications. All Products produced by ABLECOM must be in full compliance with pre-approved instructions, specifications, procedures, and ECOs.

6. DELIVERY, CANCELLATION

6.1 DELIVERY: ABLECOM shall deliver all Products to the destination. Shipment destinations shall be determined by SMC and indicated on each PO. On-time delivery means ABLECOM delivers the Products to SMC or SMC’s customers no later than the fixed product lead-time (5 to 8 weeks based on product type) shown on SMC’s PO and accepted by ABLECOM via ABLECOM Sales Acknowledge, e-mail, fax or other written instruments. If ABLECOM changes the delivery date specified in SMC’s PO, SMC must first approve such changes before the changed delivery date becomes the on-time delivery date. ABLECOM will make up the short-shipment quantity by the next following shipment with FOC (free of charge) invoices as the original invoice shall not be revised.

6.2 DELIVERY DELAY: If ABLECOM delays delivery without SMC’s pre-approval, ABLECOM shall be responsible for a late delivery charge. Late delivery means ABLECOM delivers products to SMC later than the fixed product lead-time (5 to 8 weeks). This late delivery charge for each day shall equal **** of the invoiced amount of the delayed shipment.

If a product is delivered to a designated location more than four (4) weeks late, SMC has the right to return said Products. ABLECOM shall issue SMC a refund or a credit against outstanding A/R Claiming Invoices for such late Product and ABLECOM shall bear all related costs, import duty excluded. The PO shall be considered cancelled and SMC shall be free from any liability due to such cancellation.

All Product delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be properly and professionally packed. ABLECOM shall bear the cost of damages resulting from improper packaging or handling at the ABLECOM’s site.

6.3 MISSING UNITS: SMC shall inform ABLECOM of missing units, if any, within three (3) working days after shipments arrived at SMC’s warehouse.

 

**** Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


6.4 CANCELLATION LIABILITY: In the event SMC cancels any orders, or portions thereof, SMC and ABLECOM agree to the following cancellation terms provided that SMC’s liability shall be limited to the Long Lead Time Components. If SMC cancels orders or portions thereof within two (2) weeks prior to the shipment date, SMC shall be liable for and agrees to pay the actual cost for obsolete materials if ABLECOM can not re-allocate those raw materials for other usage, provided the costs for such obsolete materials have been pre-approved by SMC in writing. Where SMC issues a Rush Order that is not included in the forecast, SMC shall pay the extra fee which SMC has reviewed and approved.

 

Completed Chassis Products

 

# weeks from the delivery

 

SMC cancellation liability

****

  SMC is liable for Material Cost

****

  SMC may cancel any orders scheduled without liability.
Raw Materials: Power supply and fan.  

# weeks from the delivery

 

SMC cancellation liability

****

  SMC is liable for Material Cost

****

 

SMC may cancel any orders scheduled, but

remains liable for Critical Component costs.

7. INVOICES, TERMS OF TRADING AND TERMS OF PAYMENT

7.1 A/R Claiming Invoices: ABLECOM shall send invoices by post-mail for A/R claiming to SMC on every Friday of the month. The invoice shall also include freight charges from Taiwan, R. O. C. to the designated shipment location in SMC’s PO, which ABLECOM has paid on behalf of SMC. Invoices for each shipment shall include only items shipped on that particular shipment. Thereafter, SMC shall inform ABLECOM of any discrepancies, if any, within five (5) working days after receiving the A/R-Claiming Invoices, and SMC has no obligation to pay for any item until a correct invoice for the item in dispute is received at the “ship to” address shown on the face of the PO’s.

7.2 Terms of Trading: ****.

 

**** Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


7.3 Terms of Payment: ****

7.4 In the event that too many over-due A/R by SMC becomes the reason for ABLECOM’s lack of cash flow for the purchase of raw materials for production of the Products which causes substantial delay in delivery of the Products, ABLECOM shall not be responsible for these kinds of faults and shall not and /or will not accept any penalty therefor.

8. ENGINEERING CHANGE ORDERS (“ECO”)

(a) SMC may request, in writing, that ABLECOM incorporates engineering changes into the Product and ABLECOM shall execute an ECO or an ECN accordingly. However, if such an ECO will incur additional cost, ABLECOM shall submit to SMC a written estimate that states the cost, time of implementation and the impact on the delivery schedule and pricing within three (3) working days after ABLECOM provides an ECR to SMC.

(b) ABLECOM shall carry out ECO or ECN immediately after receipt of ECR from SMC. Where ECO and ECN are issued under reasonable cost and arrangement, SMC shall be liable for all excess inventory provided that ABLECOM notifies SMC of such excess inventory within three (3) weeks of the ECR.

(c) If ABLECOM makes any change without an ECO or ECN from SMC, SMC has the right to reject the Product and ABLECOM will be liable for all costs and damages.

(d) If SMC requests that ABLECOM deliver the Products without any ECR, ECO or ECN, SMC shall be liable for and agree to pay all the costs and expenses, such as, but are not limited to, rework and transportation cost.

9. PRODUCT ACCEPTANCE; WARRANTIES

9.1 PRODUCT ACCEPTANCE: ABLECOM shall deliver all Products in conformance to the Specifications and must comply with all workmanship standards and

 

**** Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


quality requirements set forth by SMC. All non-conforming and defective products will be rejected. When a shipment of Product is rejected, ABLECOM will be liable for the following expenses:

(a) Administrative Fee for Refused Shipments: ABLECOM will be responsible for all expenses incurred for the shipment. SMC will charge ABLECOM ****% of the return shipment’s invoice amount as the administrative fee for arranging the shipment return.

(b) Penalty for Unauthorized Switch of Material or Vendor: ABLECOM shall be responsible for up to ****% of the shipment invoice amount to cover administrative costs by SMC for any non-conforming product shipments due to switch of components or use of vendors without SMC’s prior written authorization.

9.2 YIELD: All Products delivered by ABLECOM shall comply with the Incoming Quality Control (“IQC”) standard procedure at MIL-STD-105E acceptance rate. ABLECOM shall provide a root-cause analysis and an action plan to correct the problems for each problem case reported by SMC.

ABLECOM shall provide daily internal yield rate for each Product. Ablecom shall also provide a weekly yield data that includes details of specific component failures or process-related issues and corrective actions of the top three (3) problems for various manufacturing activities.

9.3 FAILURE: As SMC’s strategic partner, ABLECOM is expected to institute appropriate quality controls at the factory to prevent any defective Product from being shipped to SMC. SMC reserves the right to audit ABLECOM’s facilities, to conduct source inspections and/or to inspect Product at designated distribution or field repair centers. SMC may return defective Products, freight collect, after obtaining a return material authorization number from ABLECOM.

ABLECOM shall provide a failure analysis and a corrective action plan to SMC to prevent the reoccurrence of product failure.

9.4 WARRANTY: ABLECOM warrants that Product will conform to SMC Specifications and will be free from defects in workmanship for a period of thirty-six (36) months on power supply components (except PWS-0052, in which case the warranty period shall be 18 months), sixty (60) months for fan components, and fourteen (14) months for CDM & FLOPPY components. If any Product failure occurs during the

 

**** Certain information on this page has been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to the omitted portions.


warranty period, ABLECOM will promptly repair or replace the Product. ABLECOM will bear all costs of repairing defective Product under warranty. The freight cost shall be one-way prepaid by ABLECOM including shipments that are found to be NFF. ABLECOM further warrants that, except to the extent that the Specifications are contributed by SMC, the Products will be original works of ABLECOM and will not infringe any third parties’ intellectual property rights.

9.5 RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION (“RMA”) PROCEDURE:

ABLECOM USA Office personnel shall inspect the non-conforming or defective Product, identify the problem, and issue an RMA number within three (3) working days upon receipt of request by SMC. Such RMA request shall provide a correct Product description, part number, serial number, detailed quantities, and other related information.

 

  9.5.1 Power Supply components: ABLECOM shall identify the problem and notify SMC of its decision to rework, replace or repair within forty-eight (48) hours from receipt of the non-conforming or defective power supply. ABLECOM shall complete rework, repair, or replacement and return the conforming power supply to SMC within 45 calendar days after receipt of the returned Products.

 

  9.5.2 All other components: ABLECOM shall promptly repair or replace the defective Product and return conforming Product to SMC within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the returned Products.

 

  9.5.3 Penalty for delay in rework, repair, or replacement: If ABLECOM fails to return the reworked, repaired or replaced Product to SMC within the time frame specified in Section 9.5, ABLECOM will provide SMC a 100% refund or a credit against outstanding A/R Claiming Invoices of the invoiced amount of the Product.

9.6 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS: Ownership of intellectual property rights with respect to the Products delivered hereunder are set forth in the applicable Product Development Agreement.

9.7 CHARGES ON CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE: Under certain special circumstances, SMC may conditionally accept Products that do not conform to the Specifications. However, the conditional acceptance is subject entirely to SMC’s sole discretion. ABLECOM shall work promptly and closely with SMC to take all corrective action for the remedy on the non-conforming Products under conditionally accepted

 


shipments. If SMC does not receive a satisfactory response from ABLECOM within three (3) days or an effective workaround solution from ABLECOM within seven (7) working days, SMC may act on ABLECOM’s behalf to execute action plans to seek a remedy at ABLECOM’s sole expense. ABLECOM shall be liable for all expenses incurred for the remedy of the conditionally-accepted shipment. These charges may include, but are not limited to materials and labor charges. An additional 10% will be added to the charges to compensate SMC for administrative costs.

10. SAFETY STOCK

10.1 FORECAST for Safety Stock: SMC shall provide ABLECOM with the quantity of desired Safety Stock in a two-month-rolling, binding forecast three (3) months prior to MP of the Product.

10.2 PROCEDURE for Safety Stock: The Safety Stock level shall be mutually agreed upon in writing by ABLECOM and SMC on a monthly basis. For every shipment, SMC shall issue a PO two (2) weeks prior to the shipment date as well as shipping instructions to ABLECOM. ABLECOM is responsible for providing weekly inventory reports to SMC. SMC shall be liable for any Safety Stock older than two (2) months and may direct any shipment of such Safety Stock to a location of its choice.

10.3 Once the production for Safety Stock has been completed, SMC shall purchase all such Safety Stock within two (2) months of the production completion date.

10.4 SHIPMENT TERMS: Shipping terms for Safety Stock is as set forth in Section 7.2 above.

10.5 PAYMENT TERMS FOR DROP-SHIPMENTS: Payment terms for Drop Shipments are as set forth in Section 7.3 above.

10.6 HANDLING CHARGE: ABLECOM shall charge SMC one percent (1%) as the handling charge for consigned parts or purchasing parts from SMC for manufacturing SMC Safety Stock.

11. PRODUCT END OF LIFE

SMC shall inform ABLECOM twelve (12) weeks in advance before the date SMC discontinues distribution and support of the Product (“End Of Life” or “EOL”). ABLECOM shall inform SMC of obsolete materials, if any, upon such EOL. If the EOL

 


for a particular Product occurs within the twelve-week time period, then SMC shall pay ABLECOM for the actual cost of any obsolete material procured for production of the Product if ABLECOM is unable, after reasonable attempts, to re-allocate such obsolete materials for other uses.

12. INDEMNITY

ABLECOM shall indemnify, defend and hold SMC and its agents, consignees, employees and representatives harmless from and against all expenses, costs, charges, damages, claims, suits, losses, fines, penalties or liabilities (including lawyers’ fees) of every kind whatsoever by reason of, arising out of, or in any way connected with (i) accidents, occurrences, injuries or losses to or of any person or property including, without limitation thereto, loss of use of property, which may occur before or after delivery of the Products to SMC, upon or about or in any way due to or resulting from, in whole or in part, the sale, design, preparation, manufacture, fabrication, construction, completion, transportation, delivery, failure to deliver, and/or installation of the Products or (ii) infringement of third parties’ intellectual property rights provided that such infringement is caused by designs developed solely and independently by ABLECOM.

13. TERMINATION

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice if the other party materially breaches this Agreement and fails to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice thereof from the non-breaching party.

Upon any expiration or termination of this Agreement: (i) each party shall return the other party’s Confidential Information; and (ii) ABLECOM shall provide SMC with all materials, processes, data, specifications, and other information related to the manufacture and research and development of the Products hereunder.

14. MISCELLANEOUS

14.1 CONFIDENTIALITY: All Confidential Information (as that term is defined in the NDA) disclosed by one party to the other party hereunder shall be governed by the terms of the NDA.

14.2 ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes all

 


prior agreements and understandings between the parties relating to such transactions. Both parties shall hold the existence and terms of this Agreement confidential, unless it obtains the other party express written consent otherwise.

14.3 ASSIGNMENT: Neither party shall assign this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party. Any attempted assignment without the other party’s consent shall be void and ineffective.

14.4 AMENDMENTS: This Agreement may be amended only by written consent of both parties.

14.5 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: Neither party shall, for any purpose, be deemed to be an agent of the other party and the relationship between the parties shall only be that of independent contractors. Neither party shall have any right or authority to assume or create any obligations or to make any representations or warranties on behalf of any other party, whether express or implied, or to bind the other party in any respect whatsoever.

14.6 EXPENSES: In the event a dispute between the parties hereunder with respect to this Agreement must be resolved by litigation or other proceeding, the prevailing party shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for all associated reasonable attorneys fees from the other party.

14.7 GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California, excluding its choice of law principles. The parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and Federal courts in Santa Clara County, California.

14.8 FORCE MAJEURE: In the event that either party is prevented from performing or is unable to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement (other than a payment obligation) due to any Act of God, fire, casualty, flood, earthquake, war, strike, lockout, epidemic, destruction of production facilities, riot, insurrection, material unavailability, or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the party invoking this section, and if such party shall have used its commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate its effects, such party shall give prompt written notice to the other party, its performance shall be excused, and the time for the performance shall be extended for the period of delay or inability to perform due to such occurrences. Regardless of the reason of the Force Majeure, if such party is not able to perform within ninety (90) days after such event, the other party may terminate the Agreement. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the obligations of either party that exist as of the date of termination.

 


14.9 ARBITRATION: The parties shall settle any controversy arising out of this Agreement by arbitration in Santa Clara, California in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. A single arbitrator shall be agreed upon by the parties or, if the parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator within thirty (30) days, then the parties agree that a single arbitrator shall be appointed by the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator may award attorneys’ fees and costs as part of the award. The award of the arbitrator shall be binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.

14.10 AMBIGUITIES: Each party has participated fully in the negotiation and review of this Agreement. Any rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not apply in interpreting this Agreement.

14.11 LIMITATION OF LIABILITIES: EXCEPT WITH RESPECT TO SECTIONS 9.4, 9.6, 12, AND 14.1 NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, OR OTHER ECONOMIC DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF BREACH OF ANY TERM OF THIS AGREEMENT.

14.12 SEVERABILITY: If any provision or part hereof shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, then the meaning of such provision or part hereof shall be construed so as to render it enforceable to the extent feasible. If no feasible interpretation would save such provision or part hereof, it shall be severed, but without in any way affecting the remainder of such provision or any other provision contained herein, all of which shall continue in full force and effect unless such severance effects such a material change as to render the Agreement unreasonable.

14.13 SURVIVAL: Notwithstanding any expiration or termination of this Agreement, Sections 9.4, 9.6, 12, 13, and 14 shall remain in full force and effect.

15. ATTACHMENTS

 

Attachment A    Non-Disclosure Form
Attachment B    Product Development, Production and Service Agreement

 


[ SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS ]

 


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representative as of the Effective Date.

 

SMC:     ABLECOM:
SUPER MICRO COMPUTER INC.     ABLECOM TECHNOLOGY

/s/ Howard Hideshima

   

/s/ Steve Liang

Signature     Signature
Name: Howard Hideshima     Name: Steve Liang
Title: CFO     Title: President
Date: 1/8/07     Date: Dec. 29, 2006

 


Attachment A

Non-Disclosure Agreement

 


LOGO

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement

This NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made effective as of the 29th day of Dec. 2006, by and between SUPERMICRO Computer, Inc., a California Corporation, (“herein “SUPERMICRO”) and Ablecom Technology Inc. to assure the protection and preservation of the confidential, and/or proprietary nature of the information to be disclosed or made available between the parties in connection with certain negotiation, discussions, or manufacturing contracts.

WHEREAS, in order to pursue these negotiations, discussions, or manufacturing contracts, the parties have agreed to mutual disclosures of certain data and other information which are of a proprietary and confidential nature (as defined in Paragraph 3 below and referred to herein as “Confidential Information”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in reliance upon and consideration of the following undertakings, and for the other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement hereby agree as follows:

Subject to the limitation set forth in Paragraph 5, Confidential Information shall be deemed to include any information, roadmap, schematic diagram, Gerber data, Bill of Material, process, technique, compound, library, method of synthesis, program, design, drawing, formula or test data relating to any research project, work in progress, development, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, servicing, financing or personal matter relating to the disclosing party, its present or future products, sales, suppliers, distributors, customers, employees, investors, or business, whether in oral, written, graphic, or electronic forms.

The term “Confidential Information” shall not be deemed to include information which, to the extent that the recipients of Confidential Information can establish by competent written proof:

 

  a. at the time of disclosure is in public domain;

 

  b. after disclosure, became part of the public domain by publication or otherwise, except by (i) breach of this Agreement by the recipient or (ii) disclosure by any person or affiliated company to whom Confidential Information was disclosed under this Agreement;

 

  c. was (i) in the recipient’s possession in documentary form at the time of disclosure by the disclosing party or (ii) subsequently and independently developed by the recipient’s employee who had no knowledge of or access to the Confidential Information;

 

  d. recipient shall receive from a third party who has the lawful right to disclose the Confidential Information and who shall not have obtained the Confidential Information either directly or indirectly from the disclosing party; or

 

  e. disclosure is required by law or regulation.

In the event the Confidential Information is required to be disclosed pursuant to subsection (e), the party required to make disclosure shall notify the other to allow the party to assert whatever exclusions or exemptions may be available to it under such law or regulation.

Each party shall maintain in trust and confidence and not to disclose to any third party or use for any unauthorized purpose any Confidential Information received from the other party. Each party may use such Confidential Information only for the purpose of engaging in discussions relating to a potential business relationship between the parties. The Confidential Information shall not be used for any purpose or in any manner that would constitute a violation of any laws or regulations, including, without limitation, the import or export control laws of the United States. No other rights or license to trademarks, inventions, copyrights, or patents are implied or granted under this Agreement. Confidential Information supplied shall not be reproduced in any form.

The responsibilities of the parties are limited to using their reasonable and best efforts to protect the Confidential Information from unauthorized use or disclosure. Both parties shall advise their employees or agents who might have access to such Confidential Information of the confidential nature thereof. No Confidential Information shall be disclosed to any officer, employee, or agent of either party who does not have a need to know for such information.

All Confidential Information (including copies thereof) shall remain the property of the disclosing party, and shall be returned to the disclosing party after the receiving party’s need has expired, or upon request of the disclosing party, and in any event, upon completion or termination of this Agreement.

This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect for so long as the parties continue to exchange Confidential Information. This Agreement may be terminated any time upon ten (10) days’ written notice to the other party. The termination of this Agreement shall not relieve either party of provisions hereof and shall survive the termination of this agreement for a period of seven (7) years from the date of such termination.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Each party agrees to that the Confidential Information is subject to the export and customs laws and regulations of the United States and any other applicable country and shall not export, re-export or transship, directly or indirectly, such information to any country without first obtaining proper governmental approval.

Neither party shall reveal the fact that the Confidential Information has been disclosed pursuant to this Agreement. It is understood that disclosure pursuant to this Agreement is not a public disclosure or sale or offer for sale of any product.

This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties and may not be changed, modified, amended, or supplemented except by written instrument signed by both parties. The unenforceability of any provision on this Agreement shall not affect the enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Neither this Agreement nor the disclosure of any Confidential Information pursuant to this Agreement by any party shall restrict such party from disclosing any of its Confidential Information to any third party.

Each party hereby acknowledges and agrees that in the event of any breach of this Agreement by the party, including, without limitation, the actual or threatened disclosure of a disclosing party’s Confidential Information without the prior, written consent of the disclosing party, the disclosing party will suffer an irreparable injury, such that no remedy of law will afford it adequate protection against, or appropriate compensation for, such injury. Accordingly, each party hereby agrees that the other party shall be entitled to specific performance of a receiving party’s obligations under this Agreement, as well as such further injunctive relief may be granted by a court of competent jurisdiction.

This Agreement shall remain in effect for a period no less than three years from the above date.

 

AGREED TO AS OF THE FIRST DATE ABOVE:    
Super Micro Computer, Inc.    

Company

     

Address

980 Rock Avenue      
San Jose, CA 95131      
Signed by:  

/s/ Howard Hideshima

    Signed by:  

/s/ Steve Liang

Name:   Howard Hideshima     Name:   Steve Liang
Title:   CFO     Title:   President


Attachment B

Development, Production and Service Agreement


PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT,

PRODUCTION AND SERVICE AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into effect on                      (Month)      (Day), 200    (the “Effective Date”), by and between Super Micro Computer, Inc. (“Supermicro”), a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of California and Ablecom Technology. (“Ablecom”), a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Taiwan.

Recitals

1. Super Micro is engaging in the business of developing, producing and selling computer products, and

2. Ablecom has the expertise and facilities to undertake the tasks of producing computer products, and is willing to assist Supermicro, and

3. Super Micro wishes Ablecom to assist it in developing and producing                          .

Agreement

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions.

1.1 “ Improvements ” shall mean any findings, discoveries, inventions, additions, modifications, derivative works, formulations, or changes made by either Supermicro or Ablecom during the term of this Agreement that relate to the Products.

1.2 “Intellectual Property Rights” shall mean copyright rights (including, without limitation, the exclusive right to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, publicly display and publicly perform the copyrighted work), trademark rights (including, without limitation, trade names, trademarks, service marks, and trade dress), patent rights (including, without limitation, the exclusive right to make, use and sell), trade secrets, moral rights, right of publicity, right of privacy, authors’ rights, contract and licensing rights, goodwill and all other intellectual property rights as may exist now and/or hereafter come into existence and all renewals and extensions thereof, regardless of whether such rights arise under the law of the United States or any other state, country or jurisdiction.

1.3 “ Know-How ” shall mean any and all technical information presently available or generated during the term of this Agreement that relates to the Product or Improvements and shall include, without limitation, all manufacturing data, manufacturing process information, and any other information relating to Product or Improvements and useful for the development, manufacture, or effectiveness of Product.

1.4 “ Product ” shall mean Supermicro products developed pursuant to this Agreement. A separate Product Description and Product Specifications listed in the form of Addendum A and a detailed Product Commitment listed in the form of Addendum C attached hereto shall be prepared for each such Product.

1.5 “ Pilot Run ” shall mean the manufacturing by Ablecom and the selling by Supermicro to Supermicro customers a quantity of Products to test the Tooling.

1.6 “ Specifications ” shall mean the written documents, mechanical drawings, fax, or email related to Products confirmed by Supermicro and Ablecom. A separate Product Description and Product Specifications substantially in the form of Addendum A attached hereto shall be prepared for each such Product.


1.7 “ Technology ” shall mean, collectively, the Improvements, Know-How, Product, Tooling and all Intellectual Property Rights related thereto.

1.8 “ Tooling ” shall mean the masks, layout, tooling and other physical materials generated by or for Supermicro for the Products that are based on the Specifications.

2. Development Activities, Production and Engineering Support; Product Sales Commitment .

2.1 Development . Ablecom shall develop the Products based on the Specifications in accordance with the milestone schedule and other terms and conditions set forth in as the attached Addendum A (the “Development Plan”).

2.2 No Defects . Ablecom shall develop the Products such that they shall be completely free of defects and shall be subject to the satisfaction of Supermicro. In the event that Supermicro is not satisfied with any aspect of the design of Products, Ablecom shall be obligated to remedy any defects to the satisfaction of Supermicro.

2.3 Service Support. After the completion of Product development, Ablecom agrees to provide Supermicro with full support requested by Supermicro in connection with Supermicro sales of the Products.

2.4 Manufacturing and Production.

2.4.1 Product Manufacturing Agreement. Terms and conditions related to manufacturing and production of the Product by Ablecom, including, without limitation, delivery terms, product fees and shipping fees, are set forth in a separate product manufacturing agreement executed by and between Supermicro and Ablecom as of January 8, 2007 (the “Product Manufacturing Agreement”).

2.4.2 Manufacturing. Supermicro agrees that, during the Term, it shall not directly contract with any third party for the manufacturing of the Product; provided, however, that the foregoing restriction shall terminate if (i) Ablecom is unable or unwilling to manufacture the product for any reason at any time during the Term, (ii) Ablecom increases its manufacturing, production and/or development fees by more than [#] percent (#%) on an annual basis during the Term, or (iii) Ablecom does not deliver the Product to Supermicro in accordance with the milestone schedule included in the Development Plan or other delivery schedule as mutually agreed upon by the parties in writing.

2.5 Development Fee Supermicro shall pay Ablecom the per unit fees set forth in Addendum B to reimburse Ablecom for the cost of research and development supplies and the costs of overhead and services (the “Development Fee”). If Supermicro determines that the Product does not meet the specifications, Ablecom shall perform work necessary to make the Product meet the specifications at no additional charge to Supermicro.

2.6. Product Sales Commitment . During the Term, Supermicro shall sell a minimum quantity of the Product as set forth in Addendum C attached hereto within the timeframe set forth therein [the “Minimum Sales Volume”).

3. Ownership of Technology and Tooling; License to the Tooling.

3.1 Ownership of Technology Ablecom agrees that, subject to the terms of Addendum C with respect to the Tooling, any and all Technology, including, without limitation, the Intellectual Property Rights related thereto, developed by Ablecom pursuant to this Agreement shall be the sole and exclusive property of Supermicro

 


3.2 Assignment . Ablecom hereby does and will assign to Supermicro or Supermicro’s designee all of Ablecom’s right, title and interest in and to any and all Technology, all Intellectual Property Rights related thereto, and all associated records. To the extent any of the rights, title and interest in and to Technology cannot be assigned by Ablecom to Supermicro, Ablecom hereby grants to Supermicro an exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, irrevocable, worldwide license (with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees) to practice such non-assignable rights, title and interest.

4. Warranties.

4.1 Original Works. Ablecom represents and warrants that, except to the extent that the Specifications are contributed by Supermicro, the Products will be original works of Ablecom, except for material in the public domain. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not violate any agreement between Ablecom and a third party. No patent will be infringed by the Product, and Ablecom will promptly notify Supermicro of any possible infringement upon such patent committed by any party.

4.2 No Defects. Ablecom warrants that the Products will operate in all material respects in accordance with the Specifications and will be free of defects in design for a period of six (6) months after the acceptance of the designs by Supermicro. If Supermicro should determine at any time within the warranty period that these materials do not operate in accordance with the Specifications, Supermicro shall notify Ablecom of the problem in writing, and Ablecom will promptly take at its expense all reasonable steps to correct the problem.

4.3 Indemnity. Ablecom will indemnify, defend and hold Supermicro harmless from any claims, losses, damages or expenses, including attorney’s fees, arising out of any breach of the representations and warranties in this Section 4.

4.4 No Infringement. Ablecom will not develop, manufacture, license, market or otherwise use or disclose the Product, Improvements, Know-How, Specifications or other designs or any intellectual property developed for Supermicro under this Agreement.

5. Confidential Information. Each of the parties acknowledges that certain information that it (“ Receiving Party ”) receives from the other (“ Disclosing Party ”) may be confidential information of the Disclosing Party and agrees:

5.1 “ Confidential Information ” means information disclosed to the Receiving Party by the Disclosing Party in writing and marked as Confidential or Proprietary or, if disclosed orally, confirmed in writing, marked as Confidential or Proprietary within ten (10) working days after such oral disclosure.

5.2 Confidential Information does not include any information to the extent that such information (a) is presently, or subsequently becomes, generally available to the public without a wrongful act of the Receiving Party; (b) is information which the Disclosing Party agrees in writing may be disclosed without restriction; (c) is already known to the Receiving Party; (d) is developed independently by the Receiving Party; (e) is furnished by the Disclosing Party to a third party without restriction on disclosure; or (f) is disclosed pursuant to a court order.

5.3 That it will take all reasonable steps to preserve the confidentiality of any Confidential Information, including only disclosing it to those employees to who it is necessary or appropriate and who have signed an agreement by which he or she is bound to observe confidentiality as provided herein.

6. Notices. All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed by Certified Mail or e-mail, return receipt or e-mail requested, addressed to the respective party at its last known address. Such notices shall be effective five days after mailing for Certified Mail or two (2) working days of e-mail.


7. Term and Termination.

7.1 Term. This Agreement will be binding on the parties hereto as of Effective Date hereof and will continue in full force and effect thereafter unless sooner terminated by exercise by a party of its rights under this Section 8.

7.2 Termination by Supermicro. Supermicro may terminate this Agreement at any time upon 30 days written or email notice to Ablecom.

7.3 Termination for Default. If either party breaches this Agreement or becomes in default of any of its provisions in any material respect, and such breach or default shall not have been corrected within thirty (30) days of receipt of written or email notice of such breach or default, then the party not in default shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement immediately upon notice to the other party.

7.4 Survival. The parties agree that their respective obligations pursuant to Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12-15 hereof will survive a termination for any reason.

8. Arbitration. The parties shall settle any controversy arising out of this Agreement by arbitration in Alameda, California in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. A single arbitrator shall be agreed upon by the parties or, if the parties cannot agree upon an arbitrator within thirty (30) days, then the parties agree that a single arbitrator shall be appointed by the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator may award attorneys’ fees and costs as part of the award. The award of the arbitrator shall be binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.

9. Force Majeure. If the performance of this Agreement or any obligations hereunder is prevented, restricted or interfered with by reason of fire or other casualty or accident, strikes or labor disputes, war or other violence, any law, order, proclamation, regulations, ordinance, demand or requirement of any government agency, failure of any supplier or subcontractor or any other act or condition beyond the reasonable control of the parties hereto, the party so affected upon giving prompt notice to the other parties will be excused from such performance during such prevention, restriction or interference.

10. Nature of Relationship. Ablecom is an independent party acting in the ordinary course of business and does not have the authority to negotiate or concluded contracts in the name of the Supermicro nor does it, or will it, have a stock of merchandise belonging to the Supermicro from which orders will be filled. Ablecom is not authorized to enter into or execute any contract, order or other commitment, or otherwise obligate Supermicro in any manner, without prior approval in writing, nor shall Ablecom take any action which has the effect of creating the appearance of its having such authority. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to establish or otherwise create a relationship of partners, principal and agent, employer and employee, or otherwise between Supermicro and Ablecom.

11. Withholding Taxes. Any withholding taxes or other fees, levies, charges or taxes (“ Charges ”) imposed on the payments hereunder shall be the sole responsibility of Ablecom and Supermicro is authorized to withhold such Charges from the payments to Ablecom as required by law. Ablecom hereby indemnifies and holds Supermicro harmless from liability for any such Charges collected from Supermicro as withholding agent. The payments paid or payable by Supermicro to Ablecom under this agreement covers includes any income tax, withholding tax, value-added tax, and other taxes, levies or charges imposed based on Taiwan laws on the payment (Taiwan tax charges).

12. Entire Agreement. The terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and all the Addenda hereto constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter thereof and supersede all previous agreements and understandings, whether oral or written. No agreement or understanding varying or extending the terms and conditions of this Agreement will be binding upon either party unless in a written document which expressly refers to the affected agreement and which is signed by the party to be bound thereby. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts or on fax copies, each or which shall be deemed to be an original and shall constitute one agreement.

 


13. Assignment. Neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party hereto except to an affiliated entity owning more than fifty percent (50%) interest in such party or to a person or entity into which it has merged or which has otherwise succeeded to all of the business and assets of assignor, and which has assumed in writing the assignor’s obligations under this Agreement.

14. Execution. Each individual executing this Agreement on behalf of a party warrants that he or she is authorized to execute this Agreement on behalf of such party and that this Agreement is binding on such party.

15. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California, excluding its choice of law principles. The parties agreed to the jurisdiction to the courts of California.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed on the Effective Date by their duly authorized officers.

 

Ablecom:       Supermicro:
ABLECOM TECHNOLOGY INC.     SUPER MICRO COMPUTER, INC.
D4, 4F, No 16 Jian Ba Rd.     980 Rock Avenue San Jose, CA 95131
Chung-Ho City, Taipei     U.S.A.
Taiwan,R.O.C.    
By:  

 

    By:  

 

Name:  

 

    Name:  

 

Its:  

 

    Its:  

 


Addendum A

Product Description and Specifications

1. Product Name:

2. Product Description:

3. Product Specifications:

Comments and Notes

 


Addendum B

Costs of R&D Supplies, Overhead and Services

Super Micro Computer, Inc. agrees to pay for the research and development supplies, overhead costs and services. These costs shall be included in the Ablecom’s selling price. The cost of the research and development supplies shall be $              per unit and the costs of overhead and service shall be $              per unit, up to a maximum of              units.


Addendum C

[Name of Project]

I Pilot Run; Minimum Sales Volume; Tooling Charges Pilot Run. Within              days after the Effective Date, the parties will conduct a Pilot Run of the Product.

II. Minimum Sales Volume . Supermicro commits to sell a minimum quantity of units of the Product within              years of the completion of the Pilot Run.

III. Failure to Meet the Minimum Sales Volume

A. One-Time Payment. In the event that Supermicro does not meet the Minimum Sales Volume within the time period specified above, Supermicro may, at its election, make a one-time payment to Ablecom of $             (“One-Time Payment”).

B. Joint Ownership of Tooling. In the event that Supermicro does not meet the Minimum Sales Volume, and Supermicro does not elect to pay the One-Time Payment described above, then Supermicro will make the Tooling available to Ablecom on a joint ownership basis and Supermicro will use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Ablecom in obtaining joint ownership in such Tooling. Ablecom shall be allowed to sell the Product to other customers with such joint ownership right.

IV. Tooling Charges . A Tooling charge of $              per unit shall be amortized by Ablecom and paid for by Supermicro over this minimum quantity of              units.

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the use in this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 333-138370 on Form S-1 of our report dated September 12, 2006 (November 10, 2006 as to the second paragraph of Note 10 concerning a settlement agreement with the Department of the Treasury and January 10, 2007 concerning to the effect of the stock split as discussed in Note 13), relating to the consolidated financial statements of Super Micro Computer, Inc. (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to related party transactions discussed in Note 7), appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

 

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Prospectus.

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

San Jose, California

January 18, 2007