UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) |
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| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 | ||
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OR | ||
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| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period from to | ||
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COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-29661 |
UTSTARCOM, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE |
| 52-1782500 |
(State of Incorporation) |
| (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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1275 HARBOR BAY PARKWAY, |
| 94502 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
| (zip code) |
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (510) 864-8800 |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ý No o
As of October 31, 2003 there were 103,826,082 shares (120,744,955 shares assuming conversion of outstanding convertible subordinated notes) of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding, par value $0.00125.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1—CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UTSTARCOM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
|
| September 30, |
| December 31, |
| ||
ASSETS |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ | 436,085 |
| $ | 231,944 |
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Short-term investments |
| 5,282 |
| 107,305 |
| ||
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $27,400 and $26,250 at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively |
| 261,105 |
| 221,215 |
| ||
Accounts receivable, related parties |
| 52,581 |
| 835 |
| ||
Notes receivable |
| 18,894 |
| 12,048 |
| ||
Inventories |
| 979,810 |
| 424,666 |
| ||
Prepaids |
| 176,464 |
| 47,220 |
| ||
Restricted cash |
| 17,407 |
| 21,251 |
| ||
Other current assets |
| 64,064 |
| 40,888 |
| ||
Total current assets |
| 2,011,692 |
| 1,107,372 |
| ||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
| 156,061 |
| 98,511 |
| ||
Long-term investments |
| 22,818 |
| 35,360 |
| ||
Goodwill |
| 100,346 |
| 44,806 |
| ||
Intangible assets, net |
| 48,076 |
| 5,014 |
| ||
Other long-term assets |
| 38,081 |
| 14,489 |
| ||
Total assets |
| $ | 2,377,074 |
| $ | 1,305,552 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
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Current liabilities: |
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Notes payable |
| $ | 23,390 |
| $ | — |
|
Accounts payable |
| 402,037 |
| 256,980 |
| ||
Income taxes payable |
| 24,315 |
| 13,003 |
| ||
Deferred revenue |
| 544,659 |
| 164,247 |
| ||
Other current liabilties |
| 186,607 |
| 104,927 |
| ||
Total current liabilities |
| 1,181,008 |
| 539,157 |
| ||
Long-term debt |
| 402,500 |
| — |
| ||
Total liabilities |
| 1,583,508 |
| 539,157 |
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Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8, 13, 17) |
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Minority interest |
| 519 |
| — |
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Stockholders’ equity: |
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Common stock: $0.00125 par value; authorized: 750,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 103,202,125 and 106,787,908 at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 |
| 130 |
| 135 |
| ||
Additional paid-in capital |
| 637,930 |
| 658,546 |
| ||
Deferred stock compensation |
| (8,916 | ) | (11,766 | ) | ||
Retained earnings |
| 163,422 |
| 120,520 |
| ||
Receivable from stockholders |
| (254 | ) | (282 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
| 735 |
| (758 | ) | ||
Total stockholders’ equity |
| 793,047 |
| 766,395 |
| ||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity |
| $ | 2,377,074 |
| $ | 1,305,552 |
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
UTSTARCOM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands, except per share data)
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended |
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| September 30, |
| September 30, |
| September 30, |
| September 30, |
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Net sales |
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Unrelated parties |
| $ | 558,328 |
| $ | 223,486 |
| $ | 1,176,014 |
| $ | 577,270 |
|
Related parties |
| 26,054 |
| 42,027 |
| 144,722 |
| 103,441 |
| ||||
|
| 584,382 |
| 265,513 |
| 1,320,736 |
| 680,711 |
| ||||
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Cost of sales |
| 398,280 |
| 172,696 |
| 884,445 |
| 436,340 |
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Gross profit |
| 186,102 |
| 92,817 |
| 436,291 |
| 244,371 |
| ||||
Operating expenses: |
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|
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Selling, general and administrative |
| 57,371 |
| 28,582 |
| 129,917 |
| 81,788 |
| ||||
Research and development |
| 44,723 |
| 22,958 |
| 107,613 |
| 63,525 |
| ||||
In-process research and development |
| 161 |
| — |
| 10,809 |
| 670 |
| ||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
| 3,081 |
| 631 |
| 5,259 |
| 1,764 |
| ||||
Total operating expenses |
| 105,336 |
| 52,171 |
| 253,598 |
| 147,747 |
| ||||
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Operating income |
| 80,766 |
| 40,646 |
| 182,693 |
| 96,624 |
| ||||
Interest income |
| 530 |
| 1,356 |
| 2,172 |
| 4,384 |
| ||||
Interest expense |
| (1,506 | ) | (88 | ) | (3,463 | ) | (1,223 | ) | ||||
Other income (expenses), net |
| 670 |
| (3,334 | ) | 4,118 |
| (4,885 | ) | ||||
Equity in loss of affiliated companies |
| (1,560 | ) | (145 | ) | (4,280 | ) | (944 | ) | ||||
Income before income taxes and minority interest |
| 78,900 |
| 38,435 |
| 181,240 |
| 93,956 |
| ||||
Income tax expense |
| 19,725 |
| 7,686 |
| 45,310 |
| 18,790 |
| ||||
Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries |
| (35 | ) | — |
| (35 | ) | (1,156 | ) | ||||
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Net income |
| $ | 59,140 |
| $ | 30,749 |
| $ | 135,895 |
| $ | 74,010 |
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Basic earnings per share |
| $ | 0.58 |
| $ | 0.28 |
| $ | 1.31 |
| $ | 0.67 |
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Diluted earnings per share |
| $ | 0.46 |
| $ | 0.27 |
| $ | 1.12 |
| $ | 0.64 |
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Weighted average shares used in per-share calculation: |
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- Basic |
| 102,814 |
| 109,776 |
| 103,607 |
| 110,459 |
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- Diluted |
| 131,914 |
| 113,508 |
| 123,194 |
| 115,716 |
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
UTSTARCOM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(In thousands)
|
| Nine months ended |
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|
| September 30, 2003 |
| September 30, 2002 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
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Net income |
| $ | 135,895 |
| $ | 74,010 |
|
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
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Depreciation and amortization |
| 30,293 |
| 15,275 |
| ||
Non-qualified stock option exercise tax benefits |
| 12,605 |
| 3,323 |
| ||
Loss on sale of assets |
| 744 |
| 321 |
| ||
Loss on sale of notes receivable |
| 1,931 |
| — |
| ||
In-process research and development costs |
| 10,809 |
| 670 |
| ||
Amortization of debt issuance |
| 1,359 |
| — |
| ||
Warrants adjustment to fair value |
| (64 | ) | — |
| ||
Loss on sale of investment |
| 73 |
| — |
| ||
Impairment of long-term investment |
| 63 |
| 2,823 |
| ||
Stock compensation expense |
| 3,236 |
| 2,291 |
| ||
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
| 1,150 |
| 6,471 |
| ||
Deferred income taxes |
| (2,960 | ) | (8,716 | ) | ||
Inventory reserve |
| 9,715 |
| 16,477 |
| ||
Equity in loss of affiliated companies |
| 4,280 |
| 944 |
| ||
Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiary |
| 35 |
| 1,156 |
| ||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
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Accounts receivable |
| (92,786 | ) | 7,660 |
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Inventories |
| (558,514 | ) | (72,345 | ) | ||
Other current and non-current assets |
| (153,290 | ) | (18,642 | ) | ||
Accounts payable |
| 145,057 |
| 43,027 |
| ||
Income taxes payable |
| 11,312 |
| 5,160 |
| ||
Other current liabilities |
| 70,989 |
| 31,516 |
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Deferred revenue |
| 370,744 |
| 24,955 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
| 2,676 |
| 136,376 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
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Additions to property, plant and equipment |
| (71,419 | ) | (42,027 | ) | ||
Investment in affiliates, net of cash acquired |
| (661 | ) | (11,044 | ) | ||
Issuance of note receivable |
| (10,071 | ) | — |
| ||
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired |
| (112,415 | ) | (17,705 | ) | ||
Purchase of investments |
| (64,643 | ) | (74,913 | ) | ||
Proceeds from sale of investments |
| 177,923 |
| 101,937 |
| ||
Net cash used in investing activities |
| (81,286 | ) | (43,752 | ) | ||
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
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Issuance of stock upon exercise of stock options, net of expenses |
| 51,229 |
| 36,982 |
| ||
Purchase of calls spread |
| (43,792 | ) | — |
| ||
Proceeds from borrowings |
| 414,821 |
| 39,619 |
| ||
Payments for borrowing |
| — |
| (110,101 | ) | ||
Repurchase of stock |
| (139,609 | ) | (72,921 | ) | ||
Proceeds from stockholder notes |
| 28 |
| 39 |
| ||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
| 282,677 |
| (106,382 | ) | ||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
| 74 |
| (138 | ) | ||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
| 204,141 |
| (13,896 | ) | ||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
| 231,944 |
| 321,136 |
| ||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
| $ | 436,085 |
| $ | 307,240 |
|
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
UTSTARCOM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UTStarcom, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries and equity in affiliated companies are shown separately in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Investments in affiliated companies are accounted for using the cost or equity method, as applicable. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation format.
The accompanying financial data as of September 30, 2003 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The December 31, 2002 balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited December 31, 2002 financial statements, including the notes thereto, and the other information set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A.
The Company has a 90% ownership interest in UTStarcom (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. (“CUTS”), an affiliate incorporated in China that assembles and manufactures handsets for our Personal Access System, or PAS, product line. On September 23, 2003, the Company acquired controlling voting rights of CUTS and has consolidated the results of operations of this affiliate as of that date.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the periods indicated. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
2. REVENUE RECOGNITION:
Revenues from sales of telecommunications equipment are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, customer acceptance has been obtained, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. If the fee due from the customer is not fixed or determinable due to extended payment terms, revenue is recognized as payments become due from the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. Any payments received prior to revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue. Shipping and handling costs are recorded as revenues and costs of revenues.
Where multiple elements exist in an arrangement, the arrangement fee is allocated to the different elements based upon verifiable objective evidence of the fair value of the elements. Multiple element arrangements primarily involve the sale of PAS or iPAS equipment with handsets, installation and training and the provision of such equipment to different locations for the same customer. Revenue is recognized as each element is earned, namely upon installation and acceptance of equipment or delivery of handsets, provided that the undelivered elements are not deemed essential to the functionality of the delivered elements and payment for the delivered elements is not contingent on delivery of the undelivered elements.
Where multiple elements exist in an arrangement and software is more than incidental to the equipment or services in the arrangement, software and software-related elements are recognized under the provisions of Statement of Position 97-2, as amended, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issues No 03-05. The Company allocates revenues to each element of software arrangements based on vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”). VSOE of each element is based on the price charged when the same element is sold separately. The Company uses the residual method to recognize revenue when an arrangement includes one or more elements to be delivered at a future date and VSOE of the fair value of all the undelivered elements exists. Under the residual method, the fair value of the undelivered elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is recognized as revenue. If evidence of fair value of one or more undelivered elements does not exist, revenue is deferred and recognized when delivery of those elements occurs or when fair value can be established.
6
The Company recognizes revenue for system integration, installation and training upon completion of performance if all other revenue recognition criteria are met. Other service revenue, such as that related to maintenance and support contracts, is recognized ratably over the contract term.
The Company assesses collectability based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with the customer, and the credit-worthiness of the customer. The Company does not request collateral from our customers. If the Company determines that collection of a fee is not reasonably assured, the Company defers the fee and recognizes revenue at the time collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash.
3. EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is determined in the same manner as basic earnings per share except that the number of shares is increased by potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares consist of employee stock options, a written call option, warrants and convertible subordinated notes.
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except share and per share data):
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| Three Months Ended |
| Nine Months Ended |
| ||||||||
|
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
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Numerator: |
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Net income (for basic EPS computation) |
| $ | 59,140 |
| $ | 30,749 |
| $ | 135,895 |
| $ | 74,010 |
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Effect of Dilutive Securities |
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7/8% Convertible Subordinated Notes |
| 1,098 |
| — |
| 2,473 |
| — |
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Net income adjusted for dilutive securities |
| $ | 60,238 |
| $ | 30,749 |
| $ | 138,368 |
| $ | 74,010 |
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Denominator: |
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Shares used to compute basic EPS |
|
| 102,814 |
|
| 109,776 |
|
| 103,607 |
|
| 110,459 |
|
Dilutive common stock equivalent shares: |
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Stock options |
| 8,810 |
| 3,705 |
| 6,977 |
| 5,229 |
| ||||
Written call option |
| 3,341 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| ||||
Convertible subordinated notes |
| 16,919 |
| — |
| 12,581 |
| — |
| ||||
Warrants |
| 30 |
| 27 |
| 29 |
| 28 |
| ||||
Shares used to compute diluted EPS |
| 131,914 |
| 113,508 |
| 123,194 |
| 115,716 |
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Basic earnings per share |
| $ | 0.58 |
| $ | 0.28 |
| $ | 1.31 |
| $ | 0.67 |
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Diluted earnings per share |
| $ | 0.46 |
| $ | 0.27 |
| $ | 1.12 |
| $ | 0.64 |
|
7
Certain potential shares related to employee stock options, warrants and written call options outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 were excluded in the diluted per share computations, since their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares during the period and, accordingly, their effect is anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2003, these shares totaled 0.2 million with a weighted average exercise price of $43.16 per share, compared to 6.7 million with a weighted average exercise price of $21.20 per share for the corresponding period in 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, these shares totaled 17.4 million at a weighted average exercise price of $32.19 per share, compared to 2.2 million with a weighted average exercise price of $24.17 per share for the corresponding period in 2002.
On September 30, 2003, each of the Company’s 7/8% convertible subordinated notes outstanding was eligible for conversion into shares of common stock. For each $1,000 of aggregate principal amount of notes converted, the Company will deliver approximately 42.0345 shares of common stock, if the Company’s stock price exceeds a specified threshold. At September 30, 2003 the closing price of the Company’s common stock exceeded the specified threshold, which had the effect of increasing the denominator for diluted earnings per share by 16.9 million shares and 12.6 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. Additionally, during the quarter ended September 30, 2003, the average price of the Company’s stock exceeded the specified strike prices of the convertible bond hedge and call option transactions that the Company entered into to reduce the potential dilution from conversion of the notes. Both the bond hedge and call option transactions may be settled at the Company’s option either in cash or net shares and expire on March 1, 2008. Using the treasury stock method, under FAS 128, this would have the effect of decreasing the denominator for diluted earnings per share by 6.8 million shares for the bond hedge transaction, and increasing the denominator for diluted earnings per share by 3.3 million shares for the call option transaction. However, only the dilutive effect of the 3.3 million shares with respect to the call option transaction is included in the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation above. The convertible bond hedge, under FAS 128, is always anti-dilutive.
The net income for the diluted EPS computation reflects the reduction in interest expense of $1.1 million and $2.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, that would result from an assumed conversion of the 7/8% convertible subordinated notes.
4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:
The Company accounts for employee stock option grants in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and has adopted the disclosure-only alternative of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”). Under APB 25, compensation expense is based on the difference, if any, on the date of grant between the fair value of the common stock and the exercise price of the option.
The fair value of warrants, options or stock granted or issued to non-employees for services is expensed over the period benefited. The warrants and options are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based employee compensation (in thousands, except per share data):
8
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended |
| ||||
|
| September 30, |
| September 30, |
| ||||
|
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
|
Basic |
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Net income available for common stockholders: |
|
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As reported |
| $59,140 |
| $30,749 |
| $135,895 |
| $74,010 |
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Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects |
| 115 |
| 353 |
| 2,304 |
| 1,677 |
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Deduct: Total compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects |
| (7,199 | ) | (5,054 | ) | (21,409 | ) | (14,379 | ) |
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Pro forma net income |
| $52,056 |
| $26,048 |
| $116,790 |
| $61,308 |
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Basic income per share: |
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As reported |
| $0.58 |
| $0.28 |
| $1.31 |
| $0.67 |
|
Pro forma |
| $0.51 |
| $0.24 |
| $1.13 |
| $0.56 |
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Diluted |
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Net income available for common stockholders: |
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As reported |
| $59,140 |
| $30,749 |
| $135,895 |
| $74,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of dilutive securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7/8% Convertible subordinated notes |
| 1,098 |
| — |
| 2,473 |
| — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects |
| 115 |
| 353 |
| 2,304 |
| 1,677 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deduct: Total compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects |
| (7,199 | ) | (5,054 | ) | (21,409 | ) | (14,379 | ) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income |
| $53,154 |
| $26,048 |
| $119,263 |
| $61,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted income per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported |
| $0.46 |
| $0.27 |
| $1.12 |
| $0.64 |
|
Pro forma |
| $0.41 |
| $0.24 |
| $0.99 |
| $0.55 |
|
5. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
The reconciliation of net income to comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 is as follows (in thousands):
|
| Three Months Ended September 30 |
| Nine Months Ended September 30 |
| ||||||||
|
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
| ||||
Net income |
| $ | 59,140 |
| $ | 30,749 |
| $ | 135,895 |
| $ | 74,010 |
|
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments |
| (309 | ) | (18 | ) | 874 |
| (239 | ) | ||||
Change in cumulative translation adjustments |
| 663 |
| 3 |
| 619 |
| (138 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Total comprehensive income |
| $ | 59,494 |
| $ | 30,734 |
| $ | 137,388 |
| $ | 73,633 |
|
6. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:
All of the Company’s short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale. At September 30, 2003, $19.7 million of available-for-sale securities were included in cash equivalents and $5.3 million of available-for-sale securities were included in short-term investments. At December 31, 2002, $105.0 million of available-for-sale securities were included in cash equivalents and $107.3 million of available-for-sale securities were included in short-term investments. These available-for-sale securities consist of government-backed notes, commercial paper, floating rate corporate bonds and fixed income corporate bonds. These investments are recorded at fair value. Any unrealized holding gains or losses are reported as a component of comprehensive income.
7. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
|
| Nine Months Ended |
| ||||
|
| September 30, |
| ||||
(In thousands) |
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
| ||
Non-cash operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Accounts receivable transferred to notes receivable |
| $ | 256,526 |
| $ | — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common stock issued in conjunction with acquisitions |
| $ | 3,000 |
| $ | 750 |
|
8. RESTRICTED CASH:
At September 30, 2003, the Company had restricted cash of $17.4 million comprised of $13.8 million of standby letters of credit and a $3.6 million of a time deposit required for Japanese tax purposes. At December 31, 2002, the Company had restricted cash of $21.3 million comprised of $9.8 million of standby letters of credit, and an $11.5 million deposit required by China regulatory authorities.
The Company issues standby letters of credit primarily to support international sales activities outside of China. When the Company submits a bid for a sale, often the potential customer will require that the Company issue a bid bond or a standby letter of credit to demonstrate its commitment through the bid process. In addition, the Company may be required to issue standby letters of credit as guarantees for advance customer payments upon contract signing or performance guarantees. The standby letters of credit usually expire six to nine months from date of issuance without being drawn by the beneficiary thereof.
9
9. INVENTORIES:
Inventories as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 consist of the following (in thousands):
|
| September 30, 2003 |
| December 31, 2002 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Raw materials |
| $ | 95,259 |
| $ | 84,715 |
|
Work-in-process |
| 88,792 |
| 26,915 |
| ||
Finished goods |
| 795,759 |
| 313,036 |
| ||
|
| $ | 979,810 |
| $ | 424,666 |
|
10. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:
The Company accepts bank notes receivable and commercial notes receivable, with maturity dates between three and six months, from our customers in China in the normal course of business. The Company may discount these notes with banking institutions in China. A sale of these notes is reflected as a reduction of other current assets and the proceeds of the settlement of these notes are included in cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Notes receivable sold during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $110.8 million and $237.6 million, respectively. These notes are not included in our consolidated balance sheet as the criteria for sale treatment established by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities” (“SFAS 140”), has been met. Under SFAS 140, upon a transfer, the transferer or entity must derecognize financial assets when control has been surrendered and the transferee obtains control over the assets. In addition, the transferred assets have been isolated from the transferor, beyond the reach of its creditors, and the transferee has the right, without conditions or constraints, to pledge or exchange the assets it has received. The costs of settling or transferring these notes receivable were $1.0 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, and were included in other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Notes receivable available for sale were $18.9 million and $12.0 million at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively.
11. ACQUISITIONS:
On May 23, 2003, the Company completed its acquisition from 3Com Corporation, a Delaware corporation, (“3Com”) of selected assets and liabilities from 3Com’s CommWorks division (“CommWorks”). The Company paid $100.0 million in cash and incurred related transaction and other related costs of $9.3 million. The Company funded the consideration for the acquisition from cash on hand.
Selected assets acquired included CommWork’s portfolio of carrier-focused voice and data networking products and customer support and professional services. In addition, the Company acquired or licensed all of the 3Com intellectual property used by CommWorks. CommWorks develops and deploys carrier-class, IP-based multi-service access and service-creation platforms for telecommunications service providers.
Subsequent to the May 23, 2003 acquisition of CommWorks, the Company made a preliminary allocation of the purchase price based in part upon a preliminary appraisal from an independent valuation specialist. During the three months ended September 30, 2003, the Company completed the allocation of the purchase price of CommWorks. The estimated amounts for intangible assets and goodwill changed due to revised assumptions of future revenues from existing customers. The amount of the purchase price allocated to in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) of $1.3 million was charged to the Company’s results of operations, as no alternative future uses existed at the acquisition date. Goodwill of $52.5 million was recorded in connection with the acquisition. The results of operations of CommWorks have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations beginning on the acquisition date of May 23, 2003.
In assessing CommWorks’ IPR&D projects, the key characteristics of the products under development were considered as well as future prospects, the rate at which technology changes in the telecommunications equipment industry, product life cycles, and the projects’ stages of development.
As of the date of the acquisition, CommWorks had two projects under development that qualified for IPR&D, SLAP and High Density Voice (“HDV”) 2.0. SLAP is an IPR&D project in the Wireless division of CommWorks. The objective of SLAP is to develop an interface that connects UTStarcom’s products with radio switch manufacturers’ products in China in order to connect a cellular network to the Internet. HDV 2.0 is an IPR&D project in the Wireline product line of CommWorks. HDV 2.0 utilizes software technology to increase data capacity for Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) solutions.
10
There are significant risks associated with those technologies. The technological risks stem from the fact that the new technologies are in an early stage of development. As of the closing date, CommWorks’ SLAP IPR&D project was approximately 60% complete and HDV 2.0 was approximately 40% complete. Therefore, there are significant risks associated with reaching the technological milestones on time and on budget. Commercial risks are associated with the competitive nature of the telecommunications equipment market.
Significant additional costs will be required to complete the IPR&D projects. The SLAP product is approximately 80% complete as of September 30, 2003 and is expected to be commercialized in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Remaining costs required to complete the project are estimated to be $0.1 million. The HDV 2.0 product is approximately 50% complete as of September 30, 2003, and is expected to be commercialized in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Remaining costs required to complete the project are estimated to be $0.2 million.
The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price for CommWorks based upon the final independent valuation. The final valuation resulted in changes in estimated fair value, changes in the estimated useful lives of the intangible assets acquired and a change in the amount attributable to goodwill, mainly due to revised assumptions of future revenues from existing customers. The Company also recorded additional employee-related liabilities.
|
| September 30, 2003 |
| June 30, 2003 |
| Change |
| |||
|
| (in thousands) |
| (in thousands) |
| (in thousands) |
| |||
Fair value of tangible net assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Property, plant and equipment |
| $ | 10,973 |
| $ | 10,973 |
| $ | — |
|
Other tangible assets |
| 6,522 |
| 6,522 |
| — |
| |||
Deferred transition costs |
| 6,588 |
| 6,588 |
| — |
| |||
Fair value of identified intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
Customer relationships |
| 27,820 |
| 6,360 |
| 21,460 |
| |||
Backlog |
| 1,950 |
| 1,950 |
| — |
| |||
Trade names |
| 940 |
| 940 |
| — |
| |||
Existing technology |
| 14,190 |
| 10,840 |
| 3,350 |
| |||
In-process research and development |
| 1,290 |
| 1,260 |
| 30 |
| |||
Liabilities assumed |
| (13,481 | ) | (11,193 | ) | (2,288 | ) | |||
Excess of costs of acquiring CommWorks over fair value of identified net assets acquired (goodwill) |
| 52,515 |
| 75,067 |
| — (22,552 | ) | |||
|
| $ | 109,307 |
| $ | 109,307 |
| $ | — |
|
The following pro forma results of operations reflect the combined results of the Company and CommWorks for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 as if the business combination occurred at the beginning of the period. These results do not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition been made as of that date or the results of operations which may occur in future periods.
(In thousands, except per share data) |
| Three Months Ended |
| Nine Months Ended |
| ||||||||
|
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
| ||||
Pro forma adjusted net revenue |
| $ | 584,382 |
| $ | 309,124 |
| $ | 1,362,524 |
| $ | 780,083 |
|
Pro forma adjusted net income (loss) |
| $ | 59,140 |
| $ | (10,841 | ) | $ | 111,916 |
| $ | 13,565 |
|
Pro forma adjusted basic Earnings (loss) per share |
| $ | 0.58 |
| $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 1.08 |
| $ | 0.12 |
|
Pro forma adjusted diluted Earnings (loss) per share |
| $ | 0.46 |
| $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 0.92 |
| $ | 0.12 |
|
The pro forma results of operations include historical operations of the Company and CommWorks. Certain non-recurring
11
charges were recorded by CommWorks and are included above including a $15.0 million restructuring charge in both the first and second quarter of 2002 and a $15.0 million and $6.1 million charge relating to goodwill impairment, which was recorded in the second quarter of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003, respectively.
On June 30, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of RollingStreams Systems, Ltd. (“RollingStreams”), a development-stage company, pursuant to a share exchange agreement. RollingStreams designs streaming, end-to-end TV-over-Internet-Protocol (“TVoIP”) solutions for telecommunications operators and broadband service providers. The Company’s investment in RollingStreams was $0.4 million prior to the acquisition. The purchase consideration for all the outstanding shares of RollingStreams, other than those already held by the Company prior to the acquisition, was 301,074 shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, the Company assumed all outstanding RollingStreams options, which became options to purchase an aggregate of 12,742 shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at $0.5 million. Of the 301,074 shares, 164,115 shares valued at $5.8 million, were issued at the closing, 28,696 of which are held in escrow for any undisclosed liabilities or contingencies incurred by RollingStreams prior to the closing or for any breach of the share exchange agreement. These shares will be distributed to the former shareholders of RollingStreams within ten days of the six-month anniversary of the closing, after deducting any claims. Up to 147,592 of the 301,074 shares will be payable in the form of an earnout after an earnout period expiring 18 months after the closing, subject to the achievement of certain revenue milestones during such earnout period.
Subsequent to the June 30, 2003 acquisition of RollingStreams, the Company made a preliminary allocation of the purchase price. During the three months ended September 30, 2003, the Company completed the allocation of the purchase price of RollingStreams. The amount of the purchase price allocated to IPR&D was $6.2 million. This amount was charged to the Company’s results of operations, as no alternative future uses existed at the acquisition date. The results of operations of RollingStreams have been included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations beginning on July 1, 2003.
As of the date of the acquisition, the Company had one project under development that qualified for IPR&D, MediaSwitch. MediaSwitch is an end-to-end solution designed for telecom operators and broadband service providers to deliver broadcast quality TV and on-demand entertainment services over Internet Protocol networks.
MediaSwitch is considered an IPR&D project because there are significant risks associated with the development of this technology. These risks include technological and commercial risks. The technological risks stem from the fact that the technology was 70% complete as of September 30, 2003. Therefore, there are significant risks associated with reaching the technological milestones on time and on budget. Commercial risks are associated with the lack of market acceptance for the TVoIP concept.
In addition to the technological and commercial risks stated above, significant additional costs will be required to complete the IPR&D project. MediaSwitch is now expected to be commercialized in the second quarter of 2004. Remaining costs required to complete the project are estimated to be $4.5 million. This involves adding new features and functionalities and stabilizing the software code.
The following table represents the final allocation of the purchase price for RollingStreams. The allocation of the purchase price is based upon an independent valuation.
|
| (in thousands) |
| |
Fair value of tangible net assets acquired |
| $ | 31 |
|
In-process research and development |
| 6,193 |
| |
Investment |
| (363 | ) | |
Deferred compensation |
| 434 |
| |
Liabilities assumed |
| (3 | ) | |
|
| $ | 6,292 |
|
On May 7, 2003, the Company completed the purchase of all of the assets of Xebeo Communications, Inc. (“Xebeo”) for $2.4 million in cash. Xebeo develops and manufactures optical packet switches that enable telecommunications carriers to provide single fiber, multi-service access to customers. In addition, an amount up to $0.7 million may be payable based on future contingencies related to employment.
Subsequent to the May 7, 2003 acquisition of Xebeo, the Company made a preliminary allocation of the purchase price. During
12
the three months ended September 30, 2003, the Company completed the allocation of the purchase price of Xebeo. The amount of the purchase price allocated to IPR&D of $2.0 million was charged to the Company’s results of operations, as no alternative future uses existed at the acquisition date.
As of the date of the acquisition, Xebeo was focusing its resources on the development of its first product, MetroBridge, an optical packet switching solution, and was considered in the development stage. The development of MetroBridge was 60% complete as of the closing date. The technological feasibility of the technology was not established and the technology had no future alternative uses, therefore the development of MetroBridge is considered IPR&D. Significant additional costs would be required to complete the development of MetroBridge, which is now expected to be commercialized in the fourth quarter of 2004. Remaining costs required to complete the project were estimated to be $1.1 million as of September 30, 2003.
The following table represents the final allocation of the purchase price for Xebeo based upon the independent valuation.
|
| (in thousands) |
| |
Fair value of tangible net assets acquired |
| $ | 661 |
|
In-process research and development |
| 2,005 |
| |
Liabilities assumed |
| (248 | ) | |
|
| $ | 2,418 |
|
12. DEBT:
The following represents the outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002 (in thousands):
Note |
| Rate |
| Maturity |
| September 30, 2003 |
| December 31, 2002 |
| ||
Notes Payable |
| 2.97 - 3.36% |
| October 3, 2003 |
| $ | 23,390 |
| $ | — |
|
Convertible Subordinated Notes |
| 7/8% |
| March 1, 2008 |
| 402,500 |
|
|
| ||
Total Debt |
|
|
|
|
| $ | 425,890 |
| $ | — |
|
Long-term debt |
|
|
|
|
| 402,500 |
| — |
| ||
Short-term debt |
|
|
|
|
| $ | 23,390 |
| $ | — |
|
The Company had unutilized borrowing facilities under lines of credit of $547.7 million as of September 30, 2003. $71.3 million of these facilities expire in 2003 and $476.4 million of these facilities expire between 2004 and 2010.
On March 12, 2003, the Company completed an offering of $402.5 million of convertible subordinated notes due March 1, 2008 to qualified buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. The notes bear interest at a rate of 7/8% per annum and are convertible into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $23.79 per share and are subordinated to all present and future senior debt of the Company. Holders of the notes may convert their notes only if: (i) the price of the Company’s common stock issuable upon conversion of a note reaches a specified threshold, (ii) specified corporate transactions occur, or (iii) the trading price for the notes falls below certain thresholds. At the initial conversion price, each $1,000 principal amount of notes will be convertible into approximately 42.0345 shares of common stock.
Concurrent with the issuance of the convertible notes, the Company entered into convertible bond hedge and call option transactions with respect to its common stock, the exposure for which is held by Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. Both the bond hedge and call option transactions may be settled at the Company’s option either in cash or net shares and expire on March 1, 2008. The convertible bond hedge and call option transactions are expected to reduce the potential dilution from conversion of the notes. The options have been included in stockholders’ equity in accordance with the guidance in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-19, “Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock.”
13. WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER GUARANTEES:
Warranty obligations are as follows (in thousands):
13
|
| Three months ended |
| Nine months ended |
| ||||||||
|
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
| 2003 |
| 2002 |
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Beginning of period |
| $ | 16,428 |
| $ | 8,894 |
| $ | 13,297 |
| $ | 6,721 |
|
Accruals for warranties issued during the period |
| 11,730 |
| 3,003 |
| 28,440 |
| 9,354 |
| ||||
Adjustments to accruals for changes in estimates |
| — |
| — |
| (4,552 | ) | — |
| ||||
Settlements made during the period |
| (6,598 | ) | (1,560 | ) | (15,625 | ) | (5,738 | ) | ||||
Balance at September 30, 2003 |
| $ | 21,560 |
| $ | 10,337 |
| $ | 21,560 |
| $ | 10,337 |
|
Certain of the Company’s sales contracts include provisions under which customers would be indemnified by the Company in the event of, among other things, a third-party claim against the customer for intellectual property rights infringement related to the Company’s products. There are no limitations on the maximum potential future payments under these guarantees. The Company has accrued no amounts in relation to these provisions as no such claims have been made. The Company believes it has valid, enforceable rights to the intellectual property embedded in its products.
The Company issues standby letters of credit primarily to support international sales activities outside of China. When the Company submits a bid for a sale, often the potential customer will require that the Company issue a bid bond or a standby letter of credit to demonstrate its commitment through the bid process. In addition, the Company may be required to issue standby letters of credit as guarantees for advance customer payments upon contract signing or performance guarantees. The standby letters of credit usually expire six to nine months from date of issuance without being drawn by the beneficiary thereof.
14. LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS:
The Company’s long-term investments are as follows (in thousands):
|
| September 30, 2003 |
| December 31, 2002 |
| ||
Softbank China |
| $ | 5,320 |
| $ | 5,526 |
|
Cellon International |
| 8,000 |
| 8,000 |
| ||
Restructuring Fund No. 1 |
| 1,861 |
| 1,981 |
| ||
Global Asia Partners L.P. |
| 1,782 |
| 882 |
| ||
Fiberxon Inc. |
| 2,000 |
| 2,000 |
| ||
InterWave Communications International Ltd. |
| 1,656 |
| 1,546 |
| ||
China Telecom |
| — |
| 9,106 |
| ||
Joint Venture with Matsushita |
| 779 |
| 4,683 |
| ||
Others |
| 1,420 |
| 1,636 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Total |
| $ | 22,818 |
| $ | 35,360 |
|
The Company has a $5.3 million investment in Softbank China, an investment fund established by SOFTBANK CORP. focused on investments in Internet companies in China. This investment permits the Company to participate in the anticipated growth of Internet-related businesses in China. SOFTBANK CORP. and its related companies are significant stockholders of the Company. The Company’s investment constitutes 10% of the funding for Softbank China, with SOFTBANK CORP. contributing the remaining 90%. The fund has a separate management team, and none of the Company’s employees are employed by the fund. Many of the fund’s investments are and will be in privately held companies, many of which are still in the start-up or development stages. These investments are inherently risky as the markets for the technologies or products the companies have under development are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. The Company accounts for this investment under the cost method and recorded losses of $0.1 million and $0.2 million due to an other than temporary decline in the carrying value of this investment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, and recorded losses of $0.0 million and $0.5 million due to an other than temporary decline in the carrying value of this investment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company invested $2.0 million in Restructuring Fund No. 1, a venture capital investment limited partnership established by SOFTBANK INVESTMENT CORP., an affiliate of SOFTBANK CORP. SOFTBANK America Inc., an entity affiliated with SOFTBANK CORP., is a significant stockholder of the Company. The fund focuses on leveraged buyout investments in companies in Asia undergoing restructuring or bankruptcy procedures. The total fund offering is expected to be between approximately $150.0 million and $226.0 million, with each investor contributing a minimum of $0.8 million.
14
The fund has a separate management team, and none of the Company’s employees are employed by the fund. The Company accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded equity losses of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The balance in this investment is $1.9 million at September 30, 2003.
The Company has also invested directly in a number of private technology-based companies in the early stages of development. These investments are accounted for on the cost basis. The Company continually evaluates the carrying value of these investments for possible impairment based on the achievement of business objectives and milestones, the financial condition and prospects of these companies and other relevant factors. During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003, no impairment charge was considered necessary, based upon a review of the carrying value of these investments. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, impairment charges in respect of these private technology investments were $1.7 and $2.3 million, respectively.
In June 2002, the Company invested $1.0 million in Global Asia Partners L.P., and an additional $1.0 million in June 2003, with a commitment to invest up to a maximum of $5.0 million. The remaining amount is due at such times and in such amounts as shall be specified in one or more future capital calls to be issued by the general partner. The fund size is anticipated to be $100 million and the fund was formed to make private equity investments in private or pre-IPO technology and telecommunications companies. The fund’s geographic focus is on technology investments in Asia, in particular India and China. The Company accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded equity losses of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The balance in this investment is $1.8 million at September 30, 2003.
During 2002, the Company purchased approximately 5.8 million shares of common stock of InterWave Communications, Inc., a technology company listed on NASDAQ, for approximately $3.0 million. In addition, the Company received warrants to purchase 2.0 million shares of InterWave’s common stock at $0.21 per share. The Company’s holdings were adjusted for a 1:10 reverse stock split on April 30, 2003, and were 0.6 million shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 0.2 million shares of InterWave’s common stock at $2.10 per share. The warrants were valued at $0.4 million at September 30, 2003, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company recorded the decrease in the carrying value of these securities of $0.3 million as of September 30, 2003, in comprehensive income in equity. The Company recorded a gain (loss) of $(0.1) million and $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, to reflect the change in the fair value of the warrants.
On July 5, 2002, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd., a stockholder of the Company, to jointly design and develop, manufacture and sell telecommunication products. The Company has a 49% ownership interest in the joint venture company, which has a registered share capital of $10.0 million. The cash consideration of $4.9 million payable by the Company was paid in October 2002. As the Company does not have voting control over significant matters of the joint venture company, the investment in and results of operations of the joint venture company are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded equity losses of $1.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively.
In November 2002, the Company purchased approximately 0.5 million shares of common stock of China Telecom in its initial public offering for approximately $10.0 million. China Telecom is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. During the first and second quarters of 2003, the Company sold these shares realizing a loss of $0.7 million. China Telecom is the leading provider of wireline telephone, data and Internet and leased line services in four of the most economically developed regions of China, and its affiliates are customers of the Company.
15. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
The Company’s goodwill and intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
|
| September 30, 2003 |
| December 31, 2002 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Goodwill |
| $ | 113,169 |
| $ | 57,629 |
|
Less accumulated amortization |
| (12,823 | ) | (12,823 | ) | ||
|
| $ | 100,346 |
| $ | 44,806 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Identified intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Existing technology |
| $ | 25,180 |
| $ | 7,570 |
|
Less accumulated amortization |
| (6,080 | ) | (2,556 | ) | ||
|
| $ | 19,100 |
| $ | 5,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Customer relationships |
| $ | 27,820 |
| $ | — |
|
Less accumulated amortization |
|
| (927 | ) | — |
| |
|
| $ | 26,893 |
| $ | — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Trade names |
| $ | 940 |
| $ | — |
|
Less accumulated amortization |
| (157 | ) | — |
| ||
|
| $ | 783 |
| $ | — |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Backlog |
| $ | 1,950 |
| $ | — |
|
Less accumulated amortization |
| (650 | ) | — |
| ||
|
| $ | 1,300 |
| $ | — |
|
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $3.1 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003
15
and 2002, respectively, and was $5.3 million and $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Expected amortization expense for the next five fiscal years, beginning the year ended December 31, 2004, is $10.4 million, $7.3 million, $5.8 million, $5.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
During the second quarter of 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of CommWorks. The Company made a preliminary allocation of the purchase price based on a preliminary appraisal by an independent valuation specialist, subsequent to the acquisition. During the three months ended September 30, 2003, the Company completed the allocation of the purchase price of CommWorks. The estimated amounts for intangible assets and goodwill changed during the three months ended September 30, 2003, mainly due to revised assumptions of future revenues from existing customers.
Goodwill increased by $55.5 million and intangible assets increased by $48.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was mainly attributable to goodwill of $52.5 million and intangible assets of $44.9 million which was comprised of purchased technology of $14.2 million, customer relationships of $27.8 million and other intangibles of $2.9 million that was recorded on the acquisition of CommWorks, based on the final purchase price allocation. The estimated useful life of purchased technology is from one to five years, the estimated useful life of customer relationships is ten years, and the estimated useful lives of backlog and trade names are from one to two years.
In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with definite useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”
The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 had the effect of eliminating amortization of goodwill commencing January 1, 2002; however, impairment reviews may result in future periodic write-downs. The Company performs its annual impairment review in the fourth quarter of each year or when changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment.
16. SEGMENT REPORTING:
The Company provides telecommunications equipment through an integrated suite of network access systems, optical transmission products and subscriber terminal products. The Company primarily operates in three geographic areas: China, Japan and other regions. The chief operating decision-makers evaluate performance, make operating decisions, and allocate resources based on consolidated financial data. Gross profit, operating income and income taxes are not allocated to specific individual departments within the organization. In accordance with SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the Company is considered a single reportable segment. The Company is required to disclose certain information about product revenues, information about geographic areas, information about major customers, and information about long-lived assets.
During the third quarter of 2002, the provincial-level telecommunications service entity in the Zhejiang province of China began to consolidate telecommunications purchasing decisions for that province. As a result of this development in the Zhejiang province, the Company has grouped all telecommunications service entities in the Zhejiang province together and has treated these as one customer. At September 30, 2003, the Company had approximately 12 such telecommunications service entities in the Zhejiang province. Giving effect to this treatment, for the three months ended September 30, 2003, no customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales. For the three months ended September 30, 2002, sales to the Zhejiang province, Softbank BB Corporation (“SBBC”) and Kunming PTB accounted for 16%, 15% and 11% of net sales, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, sales to SBBC accounted for 11% of net sales and no other customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, sales to the Zhejiang province and SBBC accounted for 21% and 14% of net sales, respectively. Revenue attributable to Japan was primarily due to sales to SBBC. Sales to SBBC were $26.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and $39.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. Sales to SBBC were $144.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and $96.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002.
Geographical area data and product data are as follows (in thousands):
16
|
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2003 |
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2002 |
| ||||||||||||||
|
| Telecommunications |
| Subscriber |
| Total |
| Telecommunications |
| Subscriber |
| Total |
| ||||||
Net sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
China |
| $ | 184,656 |
| $ | 333,538 |
| $ | 518,194 |
| $ | 117,405 |
| $ | 100,836 |
| $ | 218,241 |
|
Japan |
| 33,042 |
| — |
| 33,042 |
| 42,029 |
| — |
| 42,029 |
| ||||||
Other |
| 33,082 |
| 64 |
| 33,146 |
| 5,241 |
| 2 |
| 5,243 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Total net sales |
| $ | 250,780 |
| $ | 333,602 |
| $ | 584,382 |
| $ | 164,675 |
| $ | 100,838 |
| $ | 265,513 |
|
|
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003 |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2002 |
| ||||||||||||||
|
| Telecommunications |
| Subscriber |
| Total |
| Telecommunications |
| Subscriber |
| Total |
| ||||||
Net sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
China |
| $ | 461,041 |
| $ | 658,631 |
| $ | 1,119,672 |
| $ | 313,700 |
| $ | 254,168 |
| $ | 567,868 |
|
Japan |
| 153,629 |
| — |
| 153,629 |
| 102,705 |
| — |
| 102,705 |
| ||||||
Other |
| 45,376 |
| 2,059 |
| 47,435 |
| 10,136 |
| 2 |
| 10,138 |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Total net sales |
| $ | 660,046 |
| $ | 660,690 |
| $ | 1,320,736 |
| $ | 426,541 |
| $ | 254,170 |
| $ | 680,711 |
|
Revenue attributable to the United States of America was insignificant during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.
Long-lived assets by geography are as follows (in thousands):
|
| September 30, |
| December 31, |
| ||
U.S. |
| $ | 159,443 |
| $ | 43,600 |
|
Foreign |
| 145,040 |
| 104,731 |
| ||
Total long-lived assets |
| $ | 304,483 |
| $ | 148,331 |
|
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Litigation:
On October 31, 2001, a complaint was filed in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, some of its directors and officers and various underwriters for its initial public offering. Substantially similar actions were filed concerning the initial public offerings for more than 300 different issuers, and the cases were coordinated as In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, 21 MC 92. In April 2002, a consolidated amended complaint was filed in the matter against the Company, captioned In re UTStarcom, Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, Civil Action No. 01-CV-9604. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 through undisclosed improper underwriting practices concerning the allocation of IPO shares in exchange for excessive brokerage commissions, agreements to purchase shares at higher prices in the aftermarket, and misleading analyst reports. Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages on behalf of a purported class of purchasers of the Company’s common stock between March 2, 2000 and December 6, 2000. The Company’s directors and officers have been dismissed without prejudice pursuant to a stipulation. On February 19, 2003, the Court granted in part and denied in part a motion to dismiss brought by defendants including the Company. The order dismisses all claims against the Company except for a claim brought under Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, which alleges that the Company’s initial public offering registration statement contained untrue statements of material fact and omitted to state material facts required to be stated in the registration statement, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. A proposal has been made for the settlement and release of claims against the issuer defendants, including UTStarcom. The settlement is subject to a number of conditions, including approval of the proposed settling parties and the court. If the settlement does not occur, and litigation against UTStarcom continues, UTStarcom believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to defend the case vigorously. We are unable to currently estimate the loss, if any, associated with the above litigation.
17
Investment Commitments:
As of September 30, 2003, the Company had invested a total of $2.0 million in Global Asia Partners L.P. The fund size is anticipated to be $100 million and the fund was formed to make private equity investments in private or pre-IPO technology and telecommunications companies in Asia. The Company has a commitment to invest up to a maximum of $5.0 million. The remaining amount is due at such times and in such amounts as shall be specified in one or more future capital calls to be issued by the general partner.
18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The Company recognized related party revenue of $26.1 million and $144.7 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, and $42.0 million and $103.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively, primarily with respect to sales of telecommunications equipment to SBBC, an affiliate of SOFTBANK CORP. SOFTBANK America Inc., an entity affiliated with SOFTBANK CORP., a significant stockholder of the Company. SBBC offers asynchronous digital subscriber line (“ADSL”) coverage throughout Japan, which is marketed under the name YAHOO. The Company provides ADSL technology to SBBC. The contract was competitively bid and the terms of this contract were on terms no more favorable than those with unrelated parties. At September 30, 2003, there was $52.6 million related to this agreement in related party receivables. There were no amounts included in deferred revenue in respect of this agreement at September 30, 2003. Included in accounts receivable in respect of this agreement at December 31, 2002 was $0.8 million. There were no amounts included in deferred revenue in respect of this agreement at December 31, 2002.
The Company has invested in Softbank China and Restructuring Fund No. 1, which are investment vehicles established by SOFTBANK CORP. and its affiliates. See Note 14.
On April 5, 2003, the Company repurchased 8.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock beneficially owned by SOFTBANK America Inc., at a purchase price of $17.385 per share. The total cost of the repurchase was $139.6 million, including transaction fees. In connection with this repurchase transaction, SOFTBANK America Inc. entered into an agreement with the Company not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of the Company’s common stock for a period of one year, subject to a number of exceptions. As of September 30, 2003, SOFTBANK America Inc. beneficially owned approximately 14.4% of the Company’s outstanding stock as of September 30, 2003.
On July 17, 2003, the Company entered into a Mezzanine Loan Agreement with BB Modem Rental PLC ("BB Modem"), an affiliate of SOFTBANK CORP. Under the terms of the agreement the Company loaned BB Modem $10.1 million, for the purposes of investing in a portfolio of ADSL modems and associated modem rental agreements, from SOFTBANK BB CORP., formerly BB Technologies, an affiliate of SOFTBANK CORP. SOFTBANK BB CORP. will continue to service such modems and modem rental agreements. The Company’s loan is subordinated to certain senior lenders of BB Modem, and repayments are payable to us over a forty-two month period through January 31, 2007, with a substantial portion of the principal amount of the loan schedule to be repaid during the last 16 months of this period. The Company’s recourse for nonpayment of the loan is limited to the assets of BB Modem, the account into which subscriber payments are made and its rights under the securitization transaction documents. The value of BB Modem's modems that serve as collateral for the loan may decrease over time and may not be sufficient upon sale to pay the outstanding amounts on the loans. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded $0.2 million in interest income in respect of this loan. The loan receivable at September 30, 2003 was approximately $10.6 million.
19. COUNTRY RISKS:
Approximately 89% and 82% of the Company’s net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and approximately 85% and 83% of the Company’s net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, were made in China. Accordingly, the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations are likely to be influenced by the political, economic and legal environment in China and by the general state of China’s economy. The Company’s operations in China are subject to special considerations and significant risks not typically associated with companies in the United States. These include risks associated with, among others, the political, economic and legal environments and foreign currency exchange. The Company’s results may be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in the political, economic, competitive and social conditions in China, including changes in governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, changes in China’s telecommunications industry and regulatory rules and policies, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation.
Under China’s current regulatory structure, the communications products that the Company offers in China must meet government and industry standards, and a network access license for the equipment must be obtained. Without the license, the equipment is not allowed to be connected to public telecommunications networks or sold in China. Moreover, the Company must ensure that the quality of the telecommunications equipment for which it has obtained a network access license is stable and reliable, and may not lower the quality or performance of other installed licensed products. China’s State Council’s product quality supervision department, in concert with China’s Ministry of Information Industry, performs spot checks to track and supervise the quality of licensed telecommunications equipment and publishes the results of such spot checks.
18
The regulations implementing these requirements are not very detailed, have not been applied by a court and may be interpreted and enforced by regulatory authorities in a number of different ways. The Company has obtained the required network access licenses for its AN-2000B platform. The Company has also obtained a probationary network access license for its mSwitch product, and after the trial period, an official network access license will be issued if the trial demonstrates that mSwitch satisfies all applicable government and industry standards. The Company applied for, but has not yet received, a network access license for its PAS systems and handsets. Based upon conversations with the Ministry of Information Industry, the Company understands that its PAS systems and handsets are considered to still be in the trial period and that sales of the Company’s PAS systems and handsets may continue to be made during this trial period, but a license will ultimately be required. Network access licenses will also be required for most additional products that the Company is selling or may sell in China, including the mSwitch platform. If the Company fails to obtain the required licenses, the Company could be prohibited from making further sales of the unlicensed products, including the PAS systems and handsets, in China, which would substantially harm its business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s counsel in China has advised that China’s governmental authorities may interpret or apply the regulations with respect to which licenses are required and the ability to sell a product while a product is in the trial period in a manner that is inconsistent with the information received by such counsel in China, either of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
Approximately 6% and 16% of the Company’s sales for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and approximately 12% and 15% of the Company’s sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, were made in Japan. Accordingly, the political, economic and legal environment and the general state of Japan’s economy may influence the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
20. INCOME TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:
In establishing its deferred income tax assets and liabilities, the Company makes judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance applicable to its operations. The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities and evaluates the need for valuation allowances to reduce the deferred tax assets to realizable amounts. The likelihood of a material change in the Company’s expected realization of these assets is dependent on future taxable income, its ability to use foreign tax credit carryforwards and carrybacks, and the effectiveness of its tax planning strategies in the various relevant jurisdictions. Changes to the Company’s income tax provision or in the valuation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities may affect its annual effective income tax rate.
21. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:
In November 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (“EITF No. 00-21”). This issue addresses how revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting and how the arrangement consideration should be allocated to the identified separate accounting units. EITF No. 00-21 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. Where multiple elements exist in an arrangement, the arrangement fee is allocated to the different elements based upon verifiable objective evidence of the fair value of the elements. The Company adopted EITF No. 00-21 on July 1, 2003, and the adoption did not have a significant impact on the consolidated results of operations and financial position.
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 provides accounting guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”), formerly referred to as special purpose entities. FIN 46 applies to public and private business enterprises that have a controlling interest or business or contractual relationship with a VIE. FIN 46 requires consolidation of existing non-controlled affiliates if the VIE is unable to finance its operations without investor support, or where the other investors do not have exposure to the significant risks and rewards of ownership. FIN 46 will be effective for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 149”). This statement amends SFAS 133 to provide clarification on the financial accounting and reporting of derivative instruments and hedging activities. The adoption of SFAS 149, which is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS 150”). SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of these instruments were previously classified as equity.
19
As the Company does not have any of these financial instruments, the adoption of FAS 150 is not expected have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 2—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are based on information that is currently available to management. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of complying with those provisions. The forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those concerning the following: our expectations as to the nature of possible trends; the manner in which customers in Chinese provinces negotiate for the purchase of our products; our expectation regarding continued growth in our business and operations; our expectation that our PAS network access system will continue to be allowed in China’s county-level cities and counties; our expectation that there will be no penalties or fines for our non-compliance with the licensing requirements in China for our PAS system and other products; our expectation concerning the anticipated cost and completion date of our new Hangzhou manufacturing facility; our expectation that there will be fluctuations in our overall gross profit, gross margin, product mix, quarter to quarter results, customer base and selling prices; our plans for expanding the direct sales organization and our selling and marketing campaigns and activities; our expectation that we may use cash, debt or securities of the Company to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, technologies or product offerings; our expectation that there will be increases in selling, marketing, research and development, general and administrative expenses; our expectations regarding future growth of our business and operations; our expectation that we will continue to invest significantly in research and development; our expectations regarding our future levels of backlog orders; our expectations regarding our future investments, particularly in Softbank China; our expectation that existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to finance our operations for at least the next 12 months; our expectations regarding the development of a 3G network in China; statements regarding the impact of a reorganization of China Netcom; and the impact of changes in general world and domestic economic conditions in light of the military conflict in Iraq. Additional forward-looking statements may be identified by the words, “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “will” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and events to differ materially. For a detailed discussion of these risks and uncertainties, see the “Factors Affecting Future Operating Results” section of this Form 10-Q. We do not guarantee future results and undertake no obligation to update the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Form 10-Q.
OVERVIEW
Incorporated in 1991, UTStarcom designs, manufactures, and markets wireline and wireless broadband access and switching equipment that enables migration to next generation IP-based networks. Our operations are conducted primarily by our foreign subsidiaries that manufacture, distribute and support our products, principally in China. Our systems and products allow service providers to offer cost-efficient and expandable voice, data and Internet access services. Because our systems are based on widely adopted international communications standards, service providers can easily integrate our systems into their existing networks and deploy our systems in new broadband, Internet Protocol and wireless network rollouts.
We have derived most of our revenues from sales of telecommunications equipment to service providers in China. However, we continue to expand our sales to service providers in other growing communications markets outside of China, including Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Our customers often make a large initial purchase of our equipment followed by supplemental purchases of enhancements and upgrades. As a result, our largest revenue-producing customers typically vary from period to period. The evaluation period for our products by potential customers may span a year or more and our business generally depends on a relatively small number of large deployments.
Approximately 89% and 85% of our net sales, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and approximately 82% and 83% of our net sales, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002 were made in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition and results of operations are likely to be influenced by the political, economic and legal environment in China, and by the general state of China’s economy. Our results may be adversely affected by, among other things, changes in the political, economic, competitive and social conditions in China, including changes in China’s governmental policies with respect to laws and regulations, changes in telecommunications industry and regulatory rules and policies, anti-inflationary measures, currency conversion and remittance abroad, and rates and methods of taxation. We extend credit to our customers in China without requiring collateral. We monitor our exposure for credit losses and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts.
We have historically considered local telecommunications service providers serving municipalities and counties to be our primary customers in China. Recently, however, the provincial-level telecommunications service entity in the Zhejiang province of China has begun to consolidate telecommunications purchasing decisions for that province. As a result of this trend in the Zhejiang
20
province, we have grouped all telecommunications service entities in the Zhejiang province together and have treated these as one customer. At September 30, 2003, we had approximately 12 telecommunications service entities in Zhejiang province. Giving effect to this treatment, for the three months ended September 30, 2003, no customers accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales. For the three months ended September 30, 2002, sales to the Zhejiang province, SBBC and Kunming PTB accounted for 16%, 15% and 11% of consolidated net sales, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, sales to SBBC accounted for 11% of consolidated net sales and no other customer accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, sales to the Zhejiang province and SBBC accounted for 21% and 14% of consolidated net sales, respectively.
Whether this represents the beginning of a greater trend throughout China towards increased consolidation of negotiations and purchasing decisions into the control of provincial-level telecommunications service entities is unclear. To our knowledge, no telecommunications service entities in the other Chinese provinces in which we operate have centralized this process. However, the nature of negotiations in China is still evolving. If a trend toward consolidation of purchasing decisions into the control of provincial-level telecommunications service entities in China does emerge, it could possibly take a variety of forms. For example, some provincial-level telecommunications service entities could simply coordinate purchase decisions to be made by local telecommunications service providers, with local service providers retaining ultimate control over purchasing decisions. In other cases, however, provincial-level entities could wield greater control over the decision of whether or not to purchase our products. In any event, such a trend could streamline the negotiation process within Chinese provinces, but it could also place downward pressure on the prices we can charge for our products. We will continue to monitor business practices in China closely, and to the extent that any of these changes affect the manner in which our customers make their decisions about whether or not to purchase our products, we will re-evaluate what entities may best be described as our customers.
Under China’s current regulatory structure, the communications products that we offer in China must meet government and industry standards, and a network access license for the equipment must be obtained. Without the license, the equipment is not allowed to be connected to public telecommunications networks or sold in China. Moreover, we must ensure that the quality of the telecommunications equipment for which we have obtained a network access license is stable and reliable, and may not lower the quality or performance of other installed licensed products. China’s State Council’s quality supervision department, in concert with China’s Ministry of Information Industry, performs spot checks to track and supervise the quality of licensed telecommunications equipment and publishes the results of such spot checks.
The regulations implementing these requirements are not very detailed, have not been applied by a court and may be interpreted and enforced by regulatory authorities in a number of different ways. We have obtained the required network access licenses for our AN-2000B platform. We have also obtained a probationary network access license for our mSwitch product, and after the trial period, an official network access license will be issued if the trial demonstrates that mSwitch satisfies all applicable government and industry standards. We have applied for, but have not yet received, a network access license for our PAS systems and handsets. Based upon conversations with the Ministry of Information Industry, we understand that our PAS systems and handsets are considered to still be in the trial period and that sales of our PAS systems and handsets may continue to be made by us during this trial period. However, a license will ultimately be required. Network access licenses will also be required for most additional products that we are selling or may sell in China, including our mSwitch platform. If we fail to obtain the required licenses, we could be prohibited from making further sales of the unlicensed products, including our PAS systems and handsets, in China, which would substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our counsel in China has advised us that China’s governmental authorities may interpret or apply the regulations with respect to which licenses are required and the ability to sell a product while a product is in the trial period in a manner that is inconsistent with the information received by our counsel in China, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Remittances from China, which are of a capital nature, such as the repayment of bank loans denominated in foreign currencies, require approval from appropriate governmental authorities before Renminbi can be used to purchase foreign currency. Although the payment of cash dividends is permitted so long as our subsidiaries have sufficient reserves and adequate amounts of Renminbi to purchase foreign currency, regulations restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us through intercompany loans and advances.
Business activity in China and many other countries in Asia declines considerably during the first quarter of each year in observance of the Lunar New Year. As a result, sales during the first quarter of our fiscal year have typically been lower than sales during the fourth quarter of the preceding year, and we expect this trend to continue.
Revenues from sales of telecommunications equipment are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred as evidenced by customer acceptance, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. If the fee due from the customer is not fixed or determinable due to extended payment terms, revenue is recognized as payments become due from the customer, assuming all other criteria for revenue recognition are met. Any payments received prior to revenue recognition are recorded as deferred revenue. Shipping and handling costs are recorded as revenues and costs of revenues.
21
Where multiple elements exist in an arrangement, the arrangement fee is allocated to the different elements based upon verifiable objective evidence of the fair value of the elements. Our multiple element arrangements primarily involve the sale of PAS or iPAS equipment with handsets, installation and training and the provision of such equipment to different locations for the same customer. Revenue is recognized as each element is earned, namely upon installation and acceptance of equipment or delivery of handsets, provided that the undelivered elements are not deemed essential to the functionality of the delivered elements and payment for the delivered elements is not contingent on delivery of the further elements.
Cost of sales consists primarily of material costs, third party commissions, costs associated with manufacturing, assembly and testing of products, costs associated with installation and customer training and overhead and warranty costs. Cost of sales also includes import taxes and tariffs on components and assemblies. Some components and materials used in our products are purchased from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers and, in some cases, are subject to our obtaining Chinese import permits and approvals. We also rely on third party manufacturers in China to manufacture and assemble most of our handsets.
During the three months ended September 30, 2003, the Company established a just in time (“JIT”) inventory process as part of our contract manufacturing process, in order to minimize handset inventory costs and handset inventory levels. Hangzhou UTStarcom Telecom Co., Ltd. (“HSTC”), one of the Company’s subsidiaries in China, entered into an agreement with a third party supplier to procure handset components on a JIT basis. Under the agreement, the supplier will directly place orders for handset components with various vendors. Title to the inventories will pass to HSTC upon delivery. At the inception of this agreement, HSTC sold handset components on hand to the supplier at cost. HSTC sold approximately $134.0 million of handset components to this supplier during the three months ended September 30, 2003.
Our gross profit has been affected by product mix, average selling prices and material costs. Our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, varies among our product families. We expect that our overall gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, will fluctuate from period to period as a result of shifts in product mix, anticipated decreases in average selling prices and our ability to reduce cost of sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include compensation and benefits, professional fees, sales commissions, provision for doubtful accounts receivable and travel and entertainment costs. A large percentage of our costs are fixed and are difficult to quickly reduce in periods of reduced sales. We intend to pursue aggressive selling and marketing campaigns and to expand our direct sales organization, and, as a result, our sales and marketing expenses will increase in future periods. We also expect that in support of our continued growth, general and administrative expenses will continue to increase for the foreseeable future.
Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs of employees engaged in research, design and development activities, the cost of parts for prototypes, equipment depreciation and third party development expenses. A large percentage of our costs are fixed and are difficult to quickly reduce in periods of reduced sales. We believe that continued investment in research and development is critical to our long-term success. Accordingly, we expect that our research and development expenses will increase in future periods.
The equity loss for the current year is primarily due to our share of losses relating to a joint venture agreement we entered into on July 5, 2002 with Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd., and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., to jointly design, develop, manufacture and sell telecommunications products. We have a 49% ownership interest in this joint venture company. The equity loss for 2002 is in respect of losses at Guangdong UTStarcom Telecom Co., Ltd., (“GUTS”) our Guangdong manufacturing subsidiary. In May 2002, we acquired the remaining 49% ownership interest in GUTS, which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary. Its results of operations are included in our consolidated financial statements beginning June 1, 2002. Prior to May 2002, GUTS was accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Under current regulations in China, foreign investment enterprises that have been accredited as technologically advanced enterprises are entitled to additional tax incentives. These tax incentives vary in different locales and could include preferential national enterprise income tax treatment at 50% of the usual rates for different periods of time. All of our active subsidiaries in China were accredited as technologically advanced enterprises. The tax holidays applicable to our wholly-owned subsidiaries, UTStarcom China and UTStarcom Telecom Co., Ltd. (“HUTS”), which together accounted for approximately 76% of our revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, expired at the end of 2002 and 2001, respectively. The tax holidays were not extended for the entities, and for 2003, the national enterprise tax rates were increased from 7.5% to 15%, and from 10% to 15%, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2002, we formed a new entity, Hangzhou UTStarcom Telecom Co., Ltd., to manufacture and sell handsets. This entity will benefit from a two-year national enterprise income tax exemption from the first profit-making year and a 50% national enterprise income tax reduction in the following three years. The Chinese government is considering the imposition of a “unified” corporate income tax that would phase out, over time, the preferential tax treatment to which foreign investment enterprises, such as UTStarcom, are currently entitled. We cannot be certain whether the government will implement such a unified tax structure, or, if implemented, whether it will adversely affect our financial results.
Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries for the three months ended September 30, 2003, represented the
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10% share of earnings of CUTS, our Chongqing manufacturing joint venture, attributable to our joint venture partner. Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, represented the share of earnings in HUTS, our Zhejiang manufacturing joint venture, attributable to our joint venture partner, prior to our acquisition of the remaining 12% ownership interest in HUTS in May 2002.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our financial condition and results of operations are based on certain critical accounting policies and estimates, which include judgments, estimates, and assumptions on the part of management. Estimates are based on historical experience, knowledge of economic and market factors and various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The following summary of critical accounting policies and estimates highlights those areas of significant judgment in the application of our accounting policies that affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is concentrated in China. Therefore, a material adverse change in economic, political and social conditions in China could have an adverse effect on our accounting estimates and result in additional charges to operations.
Revenue Recognition, Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Product Warranty
We recognize revenue from sales of telecommunications equipment when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, customer acceptance has been obtained, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. For transactions where we have yet to obtain customer acceptance, revenue is deferred until the terms of acceptance are satisfied. For transactions where the fee is not fixed or determinable due to extended payment terms, we recognize revenue as payments become due from the customer assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met. We recognize system integration, installation and training revenues upon performance completion. Revenue from maintenance and support contracts is recognized ratably over the contract term. A sales reserve is established based on historical trends in sales returns. If actual future sales returns do not reflect the historical data, our revenue could be affected. Historically, the level of sales returns and our collection history have been within our expectations.
We also maintain allowances for doubtful accounts based on our assessment of the collectability of our accounts receivable. We continually monitor collections from our customers and maintain allowances for doubtful accounts based upon the age of outstanding invoices and any specific customer collection issues. If we determine that fee collection is not reasonably assured, we defer the fee and recognize the revenue at the time collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon the receipt of cash. Historically, doubtful accounts or credit losses have been within our expectations, and our doubtful account allowances have been adequate.
We provide a warranty on our equipment and handset sales for a period generally ranging from twelve to eighteen months. We provide for the expected cost of product warranties at the time that we recognize revenue, based on our assessment of past warranty experience. We continually monitor the level of our warranty expenses. If, however, there were a material adverse change in our product failure rates, an additional warranty provision would be required. Historically, our warranty experience has been within our expectations.
Inventories
Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, net of write-downs for excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory. Inventory write-downs are based on our assumptions about future market conditions and customer demand. We continually monitor our inventory valuation. Historically, the level of inventory write-downs, our inventory turnover and obsolescence experience have been within our expectations.
Research and Development and Software Development Costs
Our research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. We capitalize costs incurred in the development of software that will ultimately be sold when technological feasibility has been attained and /or the development of the related product has been completed. Management judgment is required in assessing expected future revenues and changes in product technologies, and the ultimate recoverability of our capitalized software development costs.
Deferred Income Taxes
We recognize deferred income taxes as the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial statement amounts based on enacted tax rates. Management judgment is required in the assessment of the recoverability of our deferred tax assets based on our assessment of projected taxable income. Numerous factors could affect our results of operations in the
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future. If there were a significant decline in our future operating results, our assessment of the recoverability of our deferred tax assets would need to be revised, and any such adjustment to our deferred tax assets would be charged to income in that period.
Goodwill and Intangibles
We have recorded goodwill and intangible assets in connection with our business acquisitions. Management judgment is required in the assessment of the related useful lives, assumptions regarding our ability to successfully develop and ultimately commercialize acquired technology, and assumptions regarding the fair value and the recoverability of these assets. Historically, there have been no circumstances that resulted in revised assumptions or impairment charges. We perform our annual goodwill impairment review in the fourth quarter of each year or when changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment.
Long-Term Investments
We have invested in a fund focused on investments in Internet companies in China and a fund focused on investments in companies in Asia undergoing restructuring or bankruptcy procedures. We have also invested directly in a number of private technology-based companies in the early stages of development and in publicly listed technology companies traded on Nasdaq and NYSE. While quoted market prices are readily available to determine the fair value of our investments in these publicly-traded companies, management judgment is required in evaluating the carrying value of our private company investments for possible impairment. For our private technology company investments, we assess impairment based on an evaluation of the achievement of business objectives and milestones, the financial condition and prospects of these companies and other relevant factors. We continually monitor these investments for impairment, and charge to income any impairment amounts in the period such a determination is made.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We recognized related party revenue of $26.1 million and $144.7 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, and $42.0 million and $103.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively, primarily with respect to sales of telecommunications equipment to SBBC, an affiliate of SOFTBANK CORP. SOFTBANK America Inc., an entity affiliated with SOFTBANK CORP., a significant stockholder of ours. SBBC offers asynchronous digital subscriber line (“ADSL”) coverage throughout Japan, which is marketed under the name “YAHOO! BB.” We provide ADSL technology to SBBC. The contract was competitively bid on and its terms were no more favorable than those in contracts with unrelated parties. Included in accounts receivable at September 30, 2003 was $52.6 million related to this agreement. There were no amounts included in deferred revenue in respect of this agreement at September 30, 2003. Included in accounts receivable in respect of this agreement at December 31, 2002 was $0.8 million. There were no amounts included in deferred revenue in respect of this agreement at December 31, 2002.
During 2000, we invested $10.0 million in Softbank China, an investment fund established by SOFTBANK CORP. focused on investments in Internet companies in China. This investment permits us to participate in the anticipated growth of Internet-related businesses in China. SOFTBANK CORP. and its related companies are significant stockholders of ours. Our investment constitutes 10% of the funding for Softbank China, with SOFTBANK CORP. contributing the remaining 90%. The fund has a separate management team, and none of our employees are employed by the fund. Many of the fund’s investments are and will be in privately held companies, many of which are still in the start-up or development stages. These investments are inherently risky as the market for the technologies or products the companies have under development are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. We account for this investment under the cost method and recorded losses of $0.1 million and $0.2 million due to an other-than-temporary decline in the carrying value of this investment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, and recorded losses of $0.0 million and $0.5 million due to an other-than-temporary decline in the carrying value of this investment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2002, we invested $2.0 million in Restructuring Fund No. 1, a venture capital investment limited partnership established by SOFTBANK INVESTMENT CORP., an affiliate of SOFTBANK CORP. SOFTBANK America Inc., an entity affiliated with SOFTBANK CORP., is a significant stockholder of ours. The fund focuses on leveraged buyout investments in companies in Asia undergoing restructuring or bankruptcy proceedings. The total fund offering is expected to be between approximately $150.0 million and $226.0 million, with each investor contributing a minimum of $0.8 million. The fund has a separate management team, and none of our employees are employed by the fund. We account for this investment under the equity method of accounting. The balance in this investment was $1.9 million at September 30, 2003.
On April 5, 2003, we repurchased 8.0 million shares of our common stock beneficially owned by SOFTBANK America Inc., at a purchase price of $17.385 per share. The total cost of the repurchase was $139.6 million including transaction fees. In connection with this repurchase transaction, SOFTBANK America Inc. entered into an agreement with us not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of our common stock for a period of one year, subject to a number of exceptions. As of September 30, 2003, SOFTBANK America Inc.
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beneficially owned approximately 14.4% of our outstanding stock.
On July 17, 2003, we entered into a Mezzanine Loan Agreement with BB Modem Rental PLC ("BB Modem"), an affiliate of SOFTBANK CORP. Under the terms of the agreement we loaned BB Modem $10.1 million, for the purposes of investing in a portfolio of ADSL modems and associated modem rental agreements, from SOFTBANK BB CORP., formerly BB Technologies, an affiliate of SOFTBANK CORP. SOFTBANK BB CORP. will continue to service such modems and modem rental agreements. Our loan is subordinated to certain senior lenders of BB Modem, and repayments are payable to us over a forty-two month period through January 31, 2007, with a substantial portion of the principal amount of the loan schedule to be repaid during the last 16 months of this period. Our recourse for nonpayment of the loan is limited to the assets of BB Modem, the account into which subscriber payments are made and its rights under the securitization transaction documents. The value of BB Modem's modems that serve as collateral for the loan may decrease over time and may not be sufficient upon sale to pay the outstanding amounts on the loans. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, we recorded $0.2 million in interest income in respect of this loan. The loan receivable at September 30, 2003 was approximately $10.6 million.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
NET SALES
Our net sales increased 120% to $584.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 from $265.5 million for the corresponding period in 2002. Sales of telecommunications equipment for the three months ended September 30, 2003 were $250.8 million, an increase of $86.1 million or 52% as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2002. Sales of subscriber handsets for the three months ended September 30, 2003 were $333.6 million, an increase of $232.8 million or 231%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2002. In particular, sales of PAS/iPAS equipment, AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment, PAS handsets and other products were $191.9 million, $36.7 million, $333.6 million and $22.2 million, respectively, and represented 33%, 6%, 57% and 4% of our net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. Sales of PAS/iPAS equipment, AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment, PAS handsets and other products were $117.4 million, $46.0 million, $101.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, and represented 44%, 17%, 38% and 1% of our net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2002, respectively. Our mSwitch products are included with our iPAS product offering. We do not expect the percentage of revenues attributed to these products to change significantly in the near future. In particular, we expect that 2003 sales of PAS/iPAS equipment, AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment and PAS handsets will represent approximately 35%, 15% and 50% of our net sales, respectively.
Sales of iPAS/PAS equipment and sales of subscriber handsets increased due to the continued growth in spending on telecommunications infrastructure in China, which accounted for 89% and 82% of our net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. International sales of telecommunications equipment increased to $66.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to $47.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002, mainly driven by sales of our newly acquired CommWorks product and service offerings. Sales in Japan for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 accounted for 6% and 16% of our net sales, respectively. During 2002, the provincial-level telecommunications service entity in the Zhejiang province of China began to consolidate telecommunications purchasing decisions for that province. As a result of this trend, we have grouped all telecommunications service entities in the Zhejiang province together and have treated them as one customer. At September 30, 2003, we had approximately 12 telecommunications service entities in the Zhejiang province. For the three months ended September 30, 2003, no customers accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales. For the three months ended September 30, 2002, sales to the Zhejiang province, SBBC and Kunming PTB accounted for 16%, 15% and 11% of net sales, respectively.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit increased by 101% to $186.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 from $92.8 million for the corresponding period in 2002. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 32% for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 35% for the three months ended September 30, 2002. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was impacted by our changing product mix as well as market conditions. Our higher margin AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment sales were 6% of our net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2003, as compared to 17% for the three months ended September 30, 2002. In addition, our handset sales generally have lower margins than our AN 2000/IP-DSLAM sales, and comprised 57% and 38% of our net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The telecom market, in general, has been experiencing competitive pricing pressures. Market competition and margin pressure on our sales of AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment and on our sales of PAS/iPAS equipment contributed to the decrease in our gross margin as a percentage of sales for the three months ended September 30, 2003.
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SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 101% to $57.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 from $28.6 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The increase in absolute dollars in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased sales and administrative personnel and related expenses, including sales commissions, associated with the growth in net sales and the expansion of our overall level of business activities. Selling and administrative headcount increased to 2,464 employees at September 30, 2003 as compared to 1,366 employees at September 30, 2002. We increased our international presence and our higher cost international sales force as of September 30, 2003, significantly. This contributed to the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 10% and 11% for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was mainly due to increasing sales during the three months ended September 30, 2003. We expect our selling, general and administrative expenses to increase in absolute dollar amounts and to be approximately 9% to 10% of net sales in 2003.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development expenses increased 95% to $44.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 from $23.0 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily due to the hiring of additional technical personnel, our recent acquisition of CommWorks and increased prototype expenses and licensing fees to support our research and development efforts. Research and development headcount increased to 2,215 employees at September 30, 2003 as compared to 1,228 employees at September 30, 2002. As a percentage of net sales, research and development expenses were 8% and 9% for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We expect our research and development expenses to increase in absolute dollar amounts in 2003 as we expand our research and development organization to support new product development.
AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Amortization of intangible assets was $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. The increase in amortization expense was mainly due to additional amortization of intangibles recorded upon our acquisition of CommWorks in May 2003. We recorded intangibles of $44.9 million in connection with our acquisition of CommWorks based on a final purchase price allocation. The estimated useful lives of these purchased intangibles are from one to ten years. Expected amortization expense for the next five years, beginning the year ended December 31, 2004, is $10.4 million, $7.3 million, $5.8 million, $5.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Net interest income (expense) was $(1.0) million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and $1.3 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The decrease was primarily due to interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs relating to $402.5 million of convertible subordinated notes that we issued in March 2003. In addition, there were lower balances in cash and cash equivalents on average during the three months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to 2002.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Other income (expense), net was $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and $(3.3) million for the corresponding period in 2002. The current quarter’s other income was comprised of a $3.2 million government incentive related to UTStarcom operations in Japan, offset by $1.4 million of foreign currency transaction losses and expenses of approximately $1.0 million attributable to settling or transferring notes receivable. Other income (expense), net for the three months ended September 30, 2002 was primarily comprised of investment impairment losses of $1.7 million, foreign currency transaction losses of $2.1 million, offset by investment income of $0.7 million.
EQUITY IN LOSS OF AFFILIATED COMPANIES
Consolidated equity in the net loss of affiliated companies was $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and $0.1 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The equity loss for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was primarily due to our share of losses relating to a joint venture agreement we entered into on July 5, 2002 with Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd., and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., to jointly design, develop, manufacture and sell telecommunication products. We have a 49% ownership interest in this joint venture company.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Income tax expense was $19.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and $7.7 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The increase in income tax expense was due to our increasing income and an increase in the effective tax rate. The
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effective tax rate was 25% and 20% for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in our effective tax rate was due primarily to the expiration of certain tax holidays in China and the fact that more of our revenue has become subject to higher tax rate jurisdictions as we expand our business globally. The future rate may vary due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant income contribution by domestic and foreign operations, changes in statutory tax rates, the amount of tax exempt interest income generated during the year, the ability to utilize foreign tax credits and non-deductible items relating to acquisitions, or other non-recurring charges. We will continue to monitor the effective tax rate on a quarterly basis.
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
NET SALES
Our net sales increased 94% to $1,320.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $680.7 million for the corresponding period in 2002. Sales of telecommunications equipment for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $660.0 million, an increase of $233.5 million or 55%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Sales of subscriber handsets for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $660.7 million, an increase of $406.5 million or 160%, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2002. In particular, sales of PAS/iPAS equipment, AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment, PAS handsets and other products were $456.4 million, $178.5 million, $660.7 million and $25.2 million, respectively, and represented 35%, 13%, 50% and 2% of our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. Sales of PAS/iPAS equipment, AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment, PAS handsets and other products were $304.5 million, $117.1 million, $254.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively, and represented 45%, 17%, 37% and 1% of our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, respectively. Our mSwitch products are included with our iPAS product offering. We do not expect the percentage of revenues attributed to these products to change significantly in the near future. In particular, we expect that 2003 sales of PAS/iPAS equipment, AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment and PAS handsets will represent approximately 35%, 15% and 50% of our net sales, respectively.
Sales of iPAS/PAS equipment and sales of subscriber handsets increased due to the continued growth in spending on telecommunications infrastructure in China, which accounted for 85% and 83% of our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Sales of telecommunications equipment also increased due to a $86.2 million increase in international sales, primarily driven by the sale of equipment to SBBC in Japan to support its ADSL rollout. Sales in Japan for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, accounted for 12% and 15% of our net sales, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, sales to SBBC accounted for 11% of our net sales and no other customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated net sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, sales to the Zhejiang province and SBBC accounted for 21% and 14% of our net sales, respectively.
GROSS PROFIT
Gross profit increased 79% to $436.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $244.4 million for the corresponding period in 2002. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 33% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to 36% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was impacted by our changing product mix as well as market conditions. Our higher margin AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment sales were 13% of our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, as compared to 17% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. In addition, our handset sales generally have lower margins than our AN 2000/IP-DSLAM sales, and comprised 50% and 37% of our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Market competition and margin pressure on our sales of AN-2000/IP-DSLAM equipment and on our sales of PAS/iPAS equipment contributed to the decrease in our gross margin as a percentage of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2003.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 59% to $129.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $81.8 million for the corresponding period in 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was 10% and 12% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in absolute dollars was primarily due to increased sales and administrative personnel and related expenses, including sales commissions, associated with the growth in net sales and the expansion of our overall level of business activities. Selling and administrative headcount increased to 2,464 employees at September 30, 2003 as compared to 1,366 employees at September 30, 2002. We increased our international presence and our higher cost international sales force significantly. This contributed to the increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was partly attributable to significant cash collections in China in respect of previously recorded doubtful accounts.
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This had the effect of reducing the requirement for allowances for doubtful accounts as compared with previous periods although our net sales and accounts receivable have increased substantially during the nine months ended September 30, 2003. In addition, due to the SARS outbreak in China, our travel to Asia was curtailed for a number of months, with a resulting reduction in travel expenses. We expect our selling, general and administrative expenses to increase in absolute dollar amounts and to return to our previous percentage of net sales level in 2003 as sales and marketing activities increase and we incur additional expenses related to the anticipated growth of our business and operations.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development expenses increased 69% to $107.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $63.5 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The increase in research and development expenses was primarily due to the hiring of additional technical personnel, increased prototype expenses and licensing fees to support our research and development efforts. Research and development headcount increased to 2,215 employees at September 30, 2003 as compared to 1,228 employees at September 30, 2002. As a percentage of net sales, research and development expenses were 8% and 9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We expect our research and development expenses to increase in absolute dollar amounts in 2003 as we expand our research and development organization to support new product development.
IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS
In-process research and development expense was $10.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, and $0.7 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The charge for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 resulted from our acquisition of CommWorks, a former division of 3Com, and three smaller acquisitions: RollingStreams, Xebeo and Shanghai Yi Yun Telecom Technology Co. Ltd., which accounted for $1.3 million, $6.2 million, $2.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively, and were based on appraisals by an independent valuation specialist. The charge for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 arose from our acquisition of Issanni Communications, Inc. on April 19, 2002 and was based on an appraisal by an independent valuation specialist.
On May 23, 2003, the Company completed its acquisition from 3Com Corporation, a Delaware corporation, (“3Com”) of selected assets and liabilities from 3Com’s CommWorks division (“CommWorks”).
The amount of the purchase price allocated to in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) of $1.3 million, based on an appraisal by an independent valuation specialist, was charged to the Company’s results of operations, as no alternative future uses existed at the acquisition date.
In assessing CommWorks’ IPR&D projects, the key characteristics of the products under development were considered as well as future prospects, the rate at which technology changes in the telecommunications equipment industry, product life cycles, and the projects’ stages of development.
As of the date of the acquisition, CommWorks had two projects under development that qualified for in-process research and development (“IPR&D”), SLAP and High Density Voice (“HDV”) 2.0. SLAP is an IPR&D project in the Wireless division of CommWorks. It is an interface that connects UTStarcom’s products with radio switch manufacturers’ products in China in order to connect a cellular network to the Internet. HDV 2.0 is an IPR&D project in the Wireline product line of CommWorks. HDV 2.0 utilizes software technology to increase data capacity for Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) solutions.
There are significant risks associated with those technologies. The technological risks stem from the fact that the new technologies are in an early stage of development. As of the closing date, CommWorks’ SLAP IPR&D project was approximately 60% complete and HDV 2.0 was approximately 40% complete. Therefore, there are significant risks associated with reaching the technological milestones on time and on budget. Commercial risks are associated with the competitive nature of the telecommunications equipment market.
Additional costs will be required to complete the IPR&D projects. The SLAP product is now expected to be commercialized in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Remaining costs required to complete the project, are estimated to be $0.1 million. The HDV 2.0 product is now expected to be commercialized in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Remaining costs required to complete the project are estimated to be $0.2 million.
On June 30, 2003, the Company completed the acquisition of RollingStreams Systems, Ltd. (“RollingStreams”), a development-stage company. RollingStreams designs streaming, end-to-end TV-over-Internet-Protocol (“TVoIP”) solutions for telecommunications operators and broadband service providers. The amount of the purchase price allocated to in-process research and development was $6.2 million, based on an appraisal by an independent valuation specialist. This amount was charged to the Company’s results of operations, as no alternative future uses existed at the acquisition date.
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As of the date of the acquisition, the Company had one project under development that qualified for in-process research and development, MediaSwitch. MediaSwitch is an end-to-end solution designed for telecom operators and broadband service providers to deliver broadcast quality TV and on-demand entertainment services over Internet Protocol networks.
MediaSwitch is considered an IPR&D project because there are significant risks associated with the development of this technology. These risks include technological and commercial risks. The technological risks stem from the fact that the technology is 70% complete. Therefore, there are significant risks associated with reaching the technological milestones on time and on budget. Commercial risks are associated with the lack of market acceptance for the TVoIP concept.
In addition to the technological and commercial risks stated above, significant additional costs will be required to complete the IPR&D project. MediaSwitch is now expected to be commercialized in the second quarter of 2004. Remaining costs required to complete the project are estimated to be $4.5 million. Remaining engineering tasks include the productization of the complete solution. This involves adding new features and functionalities and stabilizing the software code.
On May 7, 2003, the Company completed the purchase of all of the assets of Xebeo Communications, Inc. (“Xebeo”), a development stage company. Xebeo develops and manufacturers optical packet switches that enable telecommunications carriers to provide single fiber, multi-service access to customers.
The amount of the purchase price allocated to in-process research and development of $2.0 million, based on an appraisal by an independent valuation specialist, was charged to the Company’s results of operations, as no alternative future uses existed at the acquisition date.
As of the date of the acquisition, Xebeo was focusing its resources on the development of its first product, MetroBridge, an optical packet switching solution, and was considered in the development stage. The development of MetroBridge was 60% complete as of the closing date. The technological feasibility of the technology was not established and the technology had no future alternative uses, therefore the development of MetroBridge is considered IPR&D. Significant additional costs are required to complete the development of MetroBridge, which is now expected to be commercialized in the fourth quarter of 2004. Remaining costs required to complete the project were estimated to be $1.1 million as of September 30, 2003.
AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Amortization of intangible assets increased to $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $1.8 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The increase in amortization of intangible assets was primarily due to additional intangibles recorded in connection with our acquisition of CommWorks. The estimated useful lives of these purchased intangibles are from one to ten years. Expected amortization expense for the next five years, beginning the year ended December 31, 2004, is $10.4 million, $7.3 million, $5.8 million, $5.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Net interest income (expense) was $(1.3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and $3.2 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The decrease was primarily due to interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs relating to $402.5 million of convertible subordinated notes that we issued in March 2003. In addition, there were lower balances in cash and cash equivalents on average during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to 2002.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
Other income (expense), net was $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and other income (expense), net was $(4.9) million for the corresponding period in 2002. Other income (expense), net for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was primarily comprised of a reinvestment incentive payment received in China of $3.9 million, an incentive payment for exports and value added taxes in China of $2.6 million, a government incentive related to UTStarcom’s operations in Japan of $3.2 million, offset by foreign exchange losses of $2.9 million relating to foreign currency transaction losses and expenses of approximately $1.9 million attributable to settling or transferring notes receivable. Other income (expense), net for the three months ended September 30, 2002 was primarily related to write-downs of long-term investments of $2.8 million and foreign exchange losses of $2.3 million offset by investment income of $0.7 million.
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EQUITY IN LOSS OF AFFILIATED COMPANIES
Consolidated equity in net loss of affiliated companies was $4.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and $0.9 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The equity loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was primarily comprised of our share of losses relating to a joint venture agreement we entered into on July 5, 2002 with Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd., and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., to jointly design, develop, manufacture and sell telecommunication products. We have a 49% ownership interest in this joint venture company.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Income tax expense was $45.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and $18.8 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The effective tax rate was 25% and 20% for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in our effective tax rate was due primarily to the expiration of certain tax holidays in China and the fact that more of our revenue has become subject to higher tax rate jurisdictions as we expand our business globally. The future rate may vary due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant income contribution by domestic and foreign operations, changes in statutory tax rates, the amount of tax exempt interest income generated during the year, the ability to utilize foreign tax credits and non-deductible items relating to acquisitions, or other non-recurring charges. We will continue to monitor the effective tax rate on a quarterly basis.
MINORITY INTEREST IN EARNINGS OF CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries was $0.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and $1.2 million for the corresponding period in 2002. The decrease is due to the acquisition of the remaining 12% ownership interest in HUTS during the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, represented the 10% share of earnings of CUTS, our Chongqing manufacturing joint venture, attributable to our joint venture partner. Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiaries for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, represented the share of earnings in HUTS, our Zhejiang manufacturing joint venture, attributable to our joint venture partner, prior to our acquisition of the remaining 12% ownership interest in HUTS in May 2002. HUTS is now a wholly-owned subsidiary.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At September 30, 2003, we had lines of credit totaling $547.7 million available for future borrowings, and we had not guaranteed any debt not included in the consolidated balance sheet. At September 30, 2003, we had working capital of $830.7 million, including $436.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $5.3 million of short-term investments.
Net cash provided by operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 of $2.7 million was primarily due to net income of $135.9 million, adjusted for non-cash charges including depreciation and amortization expense of $30.3 million, in-process research and development costs of $10.8 million, amortization of deferred stock compensation expense of $3.2 million, non-qualified stock option exercise tax benefits of $12.6 million and an increase in inventory reserves of $9.7 million, as well as growth in accounts payable of $145.1 million, other accrued liabilities of $71.0 million, and deferred revenue of $370.7 million and income taxes payable of $11.3 million. This was offset by an increase in inventories, accounts receivable and other current and non-current assets of $558.5 million, $92.8 million and $153.3 million, respectively. Net cash provided by operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 of $136.4 million was primarily due to net income of $74.0 million, adjusted for depreciation and amortization expense of $15.3 million, and increases in inventory reserves of $16.5 million, allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.5 million, accounts payable of $43.0 million, other accrued liabilities of $31.5 million, deferred revenue of $25.0 million and income taxes payable of $5.2 million, and a decrease in accounts receivable of $7.7 million. This was offset by an increase in inventories other current and non-current assets of $72.3 million and $18.6 million, respectively.
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 of $81.3 million was primarily due to business acquisitions of $112.4 million, purchases of property, plant and equipment of $71.4 million of which $21.2 million related to our new manufacturing facility in Hangzhou, investment in affiliates of $0.7 million, issuance of notes receivable of $10.1 million, and purchase of investments of $64.6 million, offset by sales of investments of $177.9 million. Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 of $43.8 million was primarily due to purchases of property, plant and equipment of $42.0 million of which $12.1 million related to our new manufacturing facility in Hangzhou, business acquisitions of $17.7 million including $14.1 million relating to the purchase of the remaining interest in HUTS, $1.5 million net of cash acquired relating to the purchase of the remaining interest in GUTS and $2.1 million relating to the acquisition of Issanni and investment in affiliates of $11.0 million which comprised investments in private technology companies, offset by net sales of short-term investments of $27.0 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 of $282.7 million was primarily due to the offering of convertible subordinated notes with net proceeds of $391.4 million, proceeds from notes payable of $23.4 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $51.2 million, offset by a repurchase of Softbank shares for $139.6 million and purchases
30
of call spread for $43.8 million. Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 of $106.4 million was primarily due to the repurchase of our stock and related transaction costs for $72.9 million and net payments of $70.5 million on borrowings under our lines of credit. This was offset by $36.9 million in proceeds from the sale of common stock in connection with the Softbank resale and the issuance of common stock through the exercise of stock options.
On May 23, 2003, we completed the acquisition from of selected assets and liabilities from 3Com’s CommWorks division. We paid $100 million in cash, related transaction costs of $4.6 million and related transition costs of $4.7 million, such consideration was determined through negotiations between the Company and 3Com. We funded the consideration for the acquisition from cash on hand.
We completed an offering on March 12, 2003 of $402.5 million of convertible subordinated notes due in 2008 to qualified buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. We used $43.8 million of the net proceeds in the second quarter to enter into convertible bond hedge and call option transactions with respect to our common stock to reduce the potential dilution from conversion of the notes. We used $139.6 million of the net proceeds in the second quarter to repurchase 8.0 million of our shares of common stock beneficially owned by SOFTBANK America, Inc., pursuant to an agreement we entered into on March 7, 2003.
In 2001, we purchased the rights to use 49 acres of land located in Zhejiang Science and Technology Industry Garden of Hangzhou Hi-tech Industry Development Zone. As of September 30, 2003, we had completed the foundation and groundwork of a facility to be located there and have commenced construction of the building. We expect that construction of the new facility will be completed in early 2004 at a projected cost of approximately $95.6 million. We revised the expected completion date of that facility from late 2003 to early 2004, due to a slow down in construction during the first quarter of fiscal 2003 resulting from the SARS outbreak and inclement weather. Capital expenditures for the facility were $38.6 million in 2002 and $8.8 million and $21.2 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.
Our principal commitments at September 30, 2003 consisted of obligations under operating leases and a commitment to invest up to an additional $3.0 million in one of our investments. We lease certain of our facilities under noncancelable operating leases, which expire at various dates through 2007. We did not have any borrowings under our lines of credit at September 30, 2003.
We accept bank notes receivable and commercial notes receivable from our customers in China in the normal course of business. We may discount these notes with banking institutions in China. A sale of these notes is reflected as a reduction of other current assets and the proceeds of the settlement of these notes are included in cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Notes receivable sold during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 were $110.8 million and $237.6 million, respectively.
We have not engaged in any transactions or arrangements with unconsolidated entities or other persons that are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or the availability of, or requirements for, capital resources.
Our China sales are generally denominated in local currency. Due to the limitations on converting Renminbi, we are limited in our ability to engage in currency hedging activities in China. Sales outside China are generally denominated in US dollars. We cannot guarantee that fluctuations in currency exchange rates in the future will not have a material adverse effect on revenues from international sales and, correspondingly, on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have contracts negotiated in Japanese Yen and a multi-currency bank account in Japanese Yen for purchasing portions of our inventories and supplies. The balance of this Japanese Yen account as of September 30, 2003 was approximately $8.0 million. As of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, we were not engaged in any hedging activities and did not hold any derivative financial instruments in respect of these Japanese Yen purchases.
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash from operations will be sufficient to finance our operations through at least the next 12 months. As of September 30, 2003, we had cash, restricted cash and investments of $458.8 million and lines of credit totaling $547.7 million available for future borrowings. With respect to these facilities, $71.3 million expire in 2003 and $476.4 million expire between 2004 and 2010. However, in the event that our current cash balances, anticipated future cash flows from operations and current lines of credit are not sufficient to meet our obligations or strategic needs or in the event that market conditions are favorable, we would consider raising additional funds in the capital or equity markets. If additional financing is needed, there can be no assurance that such financing will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
Our obligations under contractual obligations and commercial commitments are primarily with regard to leasing
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arrangements, standby letters of credit and convertible subordinated notes and are as follows (in thousands):
|
| September 30, 2003 |
| ||||||||||
|
| Total |
| Less than |
| 1-3 years |
| 3-5 years |
| ||||
Contractual Obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Notes Payable |
| $ | 23,390 |
| $ | 23,390 |
| — |
| — |
| ||
Convertible Subordinated Notes |
| $ | 402,500 |
| $ | — |
| $ | — |
| $ | 402,500 |
|
Operating leases |
| $ | 22,954 |
| $ | 9,696 |
| $ | 13,062 |
| $ | 196 |
|
Other Commercial Commitments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Standby letters of credit |
| $ | 13,838 |
| $ | 11,938 |
| $ | 1,900 |
| $ | — |
|
Certain sales contracts include provisions under which customers would be indemnified by us in the event of, among other things, a third-party claim against the customer for intellectual property rights infringement related to our products. There are no limitations on the maximum potential future payments under these guarantees. We have not accrued any amounts in relation to these provisions as no such claims have been made and we believes we have valid, enforceable rights to the intellectual property embedded in our products.
The Company issues standby letters of credit primarily to support international sales activities outside of China. When the Company submits a bid for a sale, often the potential customer will require that the Company issue a bid bond or a standby letter of credit to demonstrate its commitment through the bid process. In addition, the Company may be required to issue standby letters of credit as guarantees for advance customer payments upon contract signing or performance guarantees. The standby letters of credit usually expire six to nine months from date of issuance without being drawn by the beneficiary thereof.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In November 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (“EITF No. 00-21”). This issue addresses how revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting and how the arrangement consideration should be allocated to the identified separate accounting units. EITF No. 00-21 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. Where multiple elements exist in an arrangement, the arrangement fee is allocated to the different elements based upon verifiable objective evidence of the fair value of the elements. We adopted EITF No. 00-21 on July 1, 2003, and the adoption did not have a significant impact on the consolidated results of operations and financial position.
In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 provides accounting guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”), formerly referred to as special purpose entities. FIN 46 applies to public and private business enterprises that have a controlling interest or business or contractual relationship with a VIE. FIN 46 requires consolidation of existing non-controlled affiliates if the VIE is unable to finance its operations without investor support, or where the other investors do not have exposure to the significant risks and rewards of ownership. FIN 46 will be effective for the quarter ended December 31, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 149”). This statement amends SFAS 133 to provide clarification on the financial accounting and reporting of derivative instruments and hedging activities. The adoption of SFAS 149, which is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS 150”). SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of these instruments were previously classified as equity. The guidance in SFAS 150 is generally effective for all financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. As we do not have any of these financial instruments, the adoption of SFAS 150 did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPANY
Our future product sales are unpredictable, our operating results are likely to fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and if we fail to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors, our stock price could decline significantly.
Our quarterly and annual operating results have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future due to a variety of factors, some of which are outside of our control. As a result, period-to-period comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful or indicative of future performance. Furthermore, it is likely that in some future quarters our operating results will fall below the expectations of securities analysts or investors. If this occurs, the trading price of our common stock could decline.
Factors that may affect our future operating results include:
• the timing, number and size of orders for our products, as well as the relative mix of orders for each of our products, particularly the volume of lower margin handsets;
• cancellation, deferment or delay in implementation of large contracts;
• the evolving and unpredictable nature of the economic, regulatory, competitive and political environments in China and other countries in which we market or plan to market our products;
• price reductions by our competitors;
• competitive market pressures resulting in decreased gross margins or increased inventory levels;
• changes in our customers’ subscriber growth rate;
• currency fluctuations;
• market acceptance of our products and product enhancements;
• the lengthy and unpredictable sales cycles associated with sales of our products combined with the impact of this variability on our suppliers’ ability to provide us with components on a timely basis;
• the impact of changes in general world and domestic economic conditions in light of the military and political situation in Iraq;
• longer collection periods of accounts receivable in China and other countries; and
• a seasonal reoccurance of an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS);
• the decline in business activity we typically experience during the Lunar New Year, which leads to decreased sales during our first fiscal quarter.
The limited performance history of some of our products, our limited forecasting experience and processes and the emerging nature of our target markets make forecasting our future sales and operating results difficult. Our expense levels are based, in part, on our expectations regarding future sales, and these expenses are largely fixed, particularly in the short term. In addition, to enable us to promptly fill orders, we maintain inventories of finished goods, components and raw materials. As a result, we commit to considerable costs in advance of anticipated sales. In the past, a substantial portion of our sales in each quarter resulted from orders received and shipped in that quarter, and we have operated with a limited backlog of unfilled orders. Accordingly, we may not be able to reduce our costs in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected shortfall between forecasted and actual sales. Any significant shortfall of sales may require us to maintain higher levels of inventories of finished goods, components and raw materials than we require, thereby increasing our risk of inventory obsolescence and corresponding inventory write-downs and write-offs.
Competition in our markets may lead to reduced prices, revenues and market share.
We are increasingly facing intense competition in our target markets, especially from domestic companies in China. We believe that our strongest competition in the future may come from these companies, many of which operate under lower cost structures and more favorable governmental policies and have much larger sales forces than we do. Furthermore, other companies not presently offering competing products may also enter our target markets, particularly with the reduction of trade restrictions as a result of
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China’s admission to the World Trade Organization, or WTO. Many of our competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, product development, sales, marketing and other resources than we do. As a result, our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in service provider requirements. Our competitors may also be able to devote greater resources than we can to the development, promotion and sale of new products. These competitors may also be able to offer significant financing arrangements to service providers, in some cases facilitated by government policies, which is a competitive advantage in selling systems to service providers with limited financial and currency resources. Increased competition is likely to result in price reductions, reduced gross profit as a percentage of net sales and loss of market share, any one of which could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Moreover, current and potential competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties, including Telecommunications Administrations and other local organizations in China, to increase the ability of their products to address the needs of prospective customers in our target markets. Accordingly, alliances among competitors or between competitors and third parties may emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share. To remain competitive, we believe that we must continue to partner with Telecommunications Administrations and other local organizations in China, maintain a high level of investment in research and development and in sales and marketing, and manufacture and deliver products to service providers on a timely basis and without significant defects. If we fail to meet any of these objectives, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.
The introduction of inexpensive wireless telephone service or other competitive services in China may also have an adverse impact on sales of our PAS systems and handsets in China. We may not be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors, and competitive pressures in the future may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business may suffer if we are unable to collect payments from our customers on a timely basis.
Our customers often must make a significant commitment of capital to purchase our products. As a result, any downturn in a customer’s business that affects the customer’s ability to pay us could harm our financial condition. Moreover, accounts receivable collection cycles historically tend to be much longer in China than in other markets. The failure of any of our customers to make timely payments could require us to write-off accounts receivable or increase our accounts receivable reserves, either of which could adversely affect our financial condition.
Our acquisition of CommWorks could be difficult to integrate, may disrupt our business and could harm our operating results.
In May 2003, we completed our acquisition of certain assets of 3Com Corporation’s CommWorks division (“CommWorks”). However, our management and financial controls, personnel, computer systems and other corporate support systems may not be adequate to manage the increase in the size and scope of our operations as a result of the completed acquisition. In addition, we may not be able to generate revenue from the CommWorks operations consistent with historical results. We may not be able to realize the synergies that we expect will result from the addition of the CommWorks assets to our business. Although our acquisition of CommWorks is structured as an acquisition of selected assets and liabilities, we cannot assure you that we will not assume or become subject to, as a result of the acquisition, liabilities that have an adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations. We also expect that CommWorks will need a significant working capital investment from us and/or an available debt facility. If additional financing is needed to fund the CommWorks operations, we cannot assure you that such financing will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
Moreover, based on information provided by 3Com Corporation, CommWorks has experienced sequentially declining annual revenue for the past several years and has experienced substantial operating losses during these periods. There can be no assurance that CommWorks will not continue to do so following its acquisition by us. Furthermore, historical results of the CommWorks operations may not be indicative of the results to be expected from those operations as they are integrated into our business.
Our market is subject to rapid technological change, and to compete effectively, we must continually introduce new products that achieve market acceptance.
The emerging market for communications equipment in developing countries is characterized by rapid technological developments, frequent new product introductions and evolving industry and regulatory standards. Our success will depend in large part on our ability to enhance our network access and switching technologies and develop and introduce new products and product enhancements that anticipate changing service provider requirements and technological developments. We may need to make substantial capital expenditures and incur significant research and development costs to develop and introduce new products and enhancements. If we fail to timely develop and introduce new products or enhancements to existing products that effectively respond to technological change, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. From time
34
to time, our competitors or we may announce new products or product enhancements, technologies or services that have the potential to replace or shorten the life cycles of our products and that may cause customers to defer purchasing our existing products, resulting in inventory obsolescence. Future technological advances in the communications industry may diminish or inhibit market acceptance of our existing or future products or render our products obsolete.
Even if we are able to develop and introduce new products, they may not gain market acceptance. Market acceptance of our products will depend on various factors including:
• our ability to obtain necessary approvals from regulatory organizations;
• the perceived advantages of the new products over competing products;
• our ability to attract customers who have existing relationships with our competitors;
• product cost relative to performance; and
• the level of customer service available to support new products.
Specifically, sales of PAS, our wireless access system, will depend in part upon consumer acceptance of the mobility limitations of this service relative to other wireless service systems, such as GSM or CDMA. If our existing or new products fail to achieve market acceptance for any reason, our business could be seriously harmed.
Our business will suffer if we are unable to deliver quality products on a timely and cost effective basis.
Our operating results depend on our ability to manufacture products on a timely and cost effective basis. In the past, we have experienced reductions in yields as a result of various factors, including defects in components and human error in assembly. If we experience deterioration in manufacturing performance or a delay in production of any of our products, we could experience delays in shipments and cancellations of orders. Moreover, networking products frequently contain undetected software or hardware defects when first introduced or as new versions are released. In addition, our products are often embedded in or deployed in conjunction with service providers’ products, which incorporate a variety of components produced by third parties. As a result, when a problem occurs, it may be difficult to identify the source of the problem. These problems may cause us to incur significant warranty and repair costs, divert the attention of our engineering personnel from our product development efforts and cause significant customer relation problems or loss of customers, any one of which could harm our business.
We contract with third parties in China to undertake high volume manufacturing and assembly of our handsets. In addition, we sometimes use third parties for high volume assembly of circuit boards. We do not have any long-term contracts with these third party manufacturers, and in the event that these manufacturers are unable or unwilling to continue to manufacture our products, we may be unable to secure alternative manufacturers or could experience delays in qualifying new manufacturers.
We depend on some sole source and other key suppliers for handsets, base stations, components and materials used in our products, and if these suppliers fail to provide us with adequate supplies of high quality products at competitive prices, our competitive position, reputation and business could be harmed.
Some components and materials used in our products are purchased from a single supplier or a limited group of suppliers. If any supplier is unwilling or unable to provide us with high-quality components and materials in the quantities required and at the costs specified by us, we may not be able to find alternative sources on favorable terms, in a timely manner, or at all. Our inability to obtain or to develop alternative sources if and as required could result in delays or reductions in manufacturing or product shipments. Moreover, these suppliers may delay product shipments or supply us with inferior quality products. If any of these events occur, our competitive position, reputation and business could suffer.
Our ability to source a sufficient quantity of high-quality components used in our products may be limited by China’s import restrictions and duties. We require a significant number of imported components to manufacture our products in China. Imported electronic components and other imported goods used in the operation of our business are subject to a variety of permit requirements, approval procedures, import duties and registration requirements. Non-payment of required import duties could subject us to penalties and fines and could adversely affect our ability to manufacture and sell our products in China. In addition, import duties increase the cost of our products and may make them less competitive.
In particular, components of our PAS system include the handset used by subscribers to make and receive mobile telephone calls and the base station unit. Our inability to obtain a sufficient number of high-quality components and assemblies for handsets and base
35
stations could severely harm our business. From time to time, there has been a worldwide shortage of handsets, and there currently exists a shortage of low-priced handsets, which we have found to be popular with many consumers in China. We have only used third parties to assemble and manufacture handsets in China for us for a limited period of time. These manufacturers may be unable to produce adequate quantities of high-quality handsets to meet the demand of our customers. In addition, we may be unable to obtain adequate quantities of base stations and may be unable to find alternative sources on favorable terms, in a timely manner, or at all. Our inability to obtain or to develop alternative sources if and as required could result in delays or reductions in manufacturing or product shipments.
If we are unable to expand our direct sales organization in China and indirect distribution channels elsewhere or successfully manage our expanded sales organization, our operating results may suffer.
Our distribution strategy focuses primarily on developing and expanding our direct sales organization in China and our indirect distribution channels outside of China. We may not be able to successfully expand our direct sales organization in China and the cost of any expansion may exceed the revenue generated from these efforts. Even if we are successful in expanding our direct sales organization in China, we may not be able to compete successfully against the significantly larger and better-funded sales and marketing operations of current or potential competitors. In addition, if we fail to develop relationships with significant international resellers or manufacturers’ representatives, or if these resellers or representatives are not successful in their sales or marketing efforts, we may be unsuccessful in our expansion efforts outside China.
We expect average selling prices of our products to decrease, which may reduce our revenues and our gross margin as a percentage of net sales, and, as a result, we must introduce new products and reduce our costs in order to maintain profitability.
The average selling prices for communications access and switching systems and subscriber terminal products, such as handsets, in China have been declining as a result of a number of factors, including:
• increased competition;
• aggressive price reductions by competitors; and
• rapid technological change.
We anticipate that average selling prices of our products will decrease in the future in response to product introductions by us or our competitors or other factors, including price pressures from customers. Therefore, we must continue to develop and introduce new products and enhancements to existing products that incorporate features that can be sold at higher average selling prices. Failure to do so could cause our revenues and gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, to decline.
Our cost reduction efforts may not allow us to keep pace with competitive pricing pressures or lead to improved gross profit, as a percentage of net sales. In order to be competitive, we must continually reduce the cost of manufacturing our products through design and engineering changes. We may not be successful in these efforts or in delivering our products to market in a timely manner. In addition, any redesign may not result in sufficient cost reductions to allow us to reduce the prices of our products to remain competitive or to improve or maintain our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales.
Shifts in our product mix may result in declines in gross profit, as a percentage of net sales.
Our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, varies among our product groups. We anticipate that the gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, may be lower for our newly developed products due to start-up costs and may improve as unit volumes increase and efficiencies can be realized. Our overall gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, has fluctuated from period to period as a result of shifts in product mix, the introduction of new products, decreases in average selling prices for older products and our ability to reduce manufacturing costs.
Service providers sometimes evaluate our products for long and unpredictable periods, which causes the timing of purchases and our results of operations to be unpredictable.
The period of time between our initial contact with a service provider and the receipt of an actual purchase order may span a year or more. During this time, service providers may subject our products to an extensive and lengthy evaluation process before making a purchase. The length of these qualification processes may vary substantially by product and service provider, making our results of operations unpredictable. We may incur substantial sales and marketing expenses and expend significant management effort during this process, which ultimately may not result in a sale. These qualification processes often make it difficult to obtain new customers,
36
as service providers are reluctant to expend the resources necessary to qualify a new supplier if they have one or more existing qualified sources.
Our multi-national operations subject us to various economic, political, regulatory and legal risks.
We market and sell our products in China and other markets, including Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, India, Africa, Europe and Latin America. The expansion of our existing multi-national operations and entry into additional international markets will require significant management attention and financial resources. Multi-national operations are subject to inherent risks, including:
• difficulties in designing products that are compatible with varying international communications standards;
• longer accounts receivable collection periods and greater difficulty in accounts receivable collection;
• unexpected changes in regulatory requirements or the regulatory environment;
• changes in governmental control or influence over our customers;
• changes to import and export regulations, including quotas, tariffs and other trade barriers;
• delays or difficulties in obtaining export and import licenses;
• potential foreign exchange controls and repatriation controls on foreign earnings;
• exchange rate fluctuations and currency conversion restrictions;
• the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations;
• difficulties and costs of staffing and managing multi-national operations, including but not limited to internal control and compliance;
• reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;
• potentially adverse tax consequences; and
• political and economic instability.
Multi-national companies are required to establish intercompany pricing for transactions between their separate legal entities operating in different taxing jurisdictions. These intercompany transactions are subject to audit by taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which multi-national companies operate. An additional tax liability may be incurred if it is determined that intercompany pricing was not done at arm’s length. We believe we have adequately estimated and recorded our liability arising from intercompany pricing, but an additional tax liability may result from audits of our intercompany pricing policies.
In markets outside of China, we rely on a number of original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, and third-party distributors and agents to market and sell our network access products. If these OEMs, distributors or agents fail to provide the support and effort necessary to service developing markets effectively, our ability to maintain or expand our operations outside of China will be negatively impacted. We may not successfully compete in these markets, our products may not be accepted and we may not successfully overcome the risks associated with international operations.
Moreover, in less developed markets we may face additional risks, such as inconsistent infrastructure support, unstable political and economic environments, and lack of a secure environment for our personnel, facilities and equipment. We have in the past experienced cases of vandalism and armed theft of our equipment that had been or was being installed in the field. If disruptions for any of these reasons become too severe in any particular market, it may become necessary for us to terminate contracts and withdraw from that market and suffer the associated costs and lost revenue.
Due to the multi-national nature of our business and operations, we are subject to regulation in multiple governmental jurisdictions. Furthermore, as a result of the heavily regulated nature of the markets in which we operate, we are continually subject to the risk of governmental investigations regarding our compliance with the rules and regulations of such jurisdictions. Should we become subject to any such investigations, there may be significant and unanticipated expenses, and risks such as the distraction of our
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key employees and disruptions to our operations. Such expenses and risks may result even in the event that such investigations are decided in our favor and no instances of non-compliance are found.
We are subject to risks relating to currency exchange rate fluctuations.
We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk because our sales to China are denominated in Renminbi and portions of our accounts payable and our notes receivable are denominated in Japanese Yen. Due to the limitations on converting Renminbi, we are limited in our ability to engage in currency hedging activities in China. Although the impact of currency fluctuations of Renminbi to date has been insignificant, fluctuations in currency exchange rates in the future may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our failure to meet international and governmental product standards could be detrimental to our business.
Many of our products are required to comply with numerous government regulations and standards, which vary by market. As standards for products continue to evolve, we will need to modify our products or develop and support new versions of our products to meet emerging industry standards, comply with government regulations and satisfy the requirements necessary to obtain approvals. Our inability to obtain regulatory approval and meet established standards could delay or prevent our entrance into or force our departure from particular markets.
Our recent growth has strained our resources, and if we are unable to manage and sustain our growth, our operating results will be negatively affected.
We have recently experienced a period of rapid growth and anticipate that we must continue to expand our operations to address potential market opportunities. If we fail to implement or improve systems or controls or to manage any future growth and expansion effectively, our business could suffer.
Our expansion has placed and will continue to place a significant strain on our management, operational, financial and other resources. To manage our growth effectively, we will need to take various actions, including:
• enhancing management information systems and forecasting procedures;
• further developing our operating, administrative, financial and accounting systems and controls;
• maintaining close coordination among our engineering, accounting, finance, marketing, sales and operations organizations;
• expanding, training and managing our employee base; and
• expanding our finance, administrative and operations staff.
We may not be able to sustain profitability.
We may not be able to remain profitable in future periods. We anticipate continuing to incur significant sales and marketing, research and development and general and administrative expenses and, as a result, we will need to generate higher revenues to remain profitable. Numerous factors could negatively impact our results of operations, including a decrease in sales, price pressures and significant fixed costs. Our past results should not be relied on as an indication of our future performance.
Our success is dependent on continuing to hire and retain qualified personnel, and if we are not successful in attracting and retaining these personnel, our business would be harmed.
The success of our business depends in significant part upon the continued contributions of key technical and senior management personnel, many of whom would be difficult to replace. In particular, our success depends in large part on the knowledge, expertise and services of Hong Liang Lu, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ying Wu, our Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of China Operations. The loss of any key employee, the failure of any key employee to perform satisfactorily in his or her current position or our failure to attract and retain other key technical and senior management employees could have a significant negative impact on our operations.
To effectively manage our recent growth as well as any future growth, we will need to recruit, train, assimilate, motivate and retain qualified employees. Competition for qualified employees is intense, and the process of recruiting personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to execute our business strategy can be difficult, time-consuming and expensive. We are
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actively searching for research and development engineers and sales and marketing personnel, who are in short supply. Additionally, we have a need for and have experienced difficulty in finding qualified accounting personnel knowledgeable in U.S. and China accounting standards who are resident in China. If we fail to attract, hire, assimilate or retain qualified personnel, our business would be harmed.
Competitors and others have in the past and may in the future attempt to recruit our employees. In addition, companies in the telecommunications industry whose employees accept positions with competitors frequently claim that the competitors have engaged in unfair hiring practices. We may be the subject of these types of claims in the future as we seek to hire qualified personnel. Some of these claims may result in material litigation and disruption to our operations. We could incur substantial costs in defending ourselves against these claims, regardless of their merit.
Any acquisitions that we undertake could be difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, dilute our stockholders and harm our operating results.
We may acquire other businesses, products and technologies. For example, on May 23, 2003, we purchased certain assets and liabilities of the CommWorks division of 3Com Corporation for $100.0 million in cash and incurred related transaction and other related costs of $9.3 million. In addition, during 2002 we acquired Issanni, a remote access server and local access technology company and assets and intellectual property of Shanghai Yi Yun, a provider of synchronous digital hierarchy transmission equipment. Any anticipated benefits of an acquisition may not be realized. We have in the past and will continue to evaluate acquisition prospects that would complement our existing product offerings, augment our market coverage, enhance our technological capabilities, or that may otherwise offer growth opportunities. Acquisitions may result in dilutive issuances of equity securities, use of our cash resources, the incurrence of debt and the amortization of expenses related to intangible assets. In addition, acquisitions involve numerous risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of operations, technologies, products and personnel of the acquired company, diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns, risks of entering markets in which we have no direct or limited prior experience, and the potential loss of key employees of the acquired company.
We may be unable to adequately protect the loss or misappropriation of our intellectual property, which could substantially harm our business.
We rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secret laws and contractual obligations to protect our technology. We have applied for patents in the United States and have also acquired United States patents and pending applications as a result of our purchase of CommWorks on May 23, 2003. At present, we possess 74 issued United States patents, and have 114 pending United States patent applications. We have also filed patent applications in other countries. Additional patents may not be issued from our pending patent applications and our issued patents may not be upheld. In addition, we have, from time to time, chosen to abandon previously filed applications. Moreover, we have not yet obtained, and may not be able to obtain, patents in China on our products or the technology that we use to manufacture our products. Moreover, we may face difficulties in registering our existing trademarks in new jurisdictions in which we operate. Our subsidiaries and joint ventures in China rely upon our trademarks, technology and know-how to manufacture and sell our products. We cannot guarantee that these and other intellectual property protection measures will be sufficient to prevent misappropriation of our technology or trademarks or that our competitors will not independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to ours. In addition, the legal systems of many foreign countries, including China, do not protect or honor intellectual property rights to the same extent as the legal system of the United States.
We may be subject to claims that we infringe the intellectual property of others, which could substantially harm our business.
The industry in which we compete is moving towards aggressive assertion, licensing, and litigation of patents and other intellectual property rights. From time to time, we have become aware of the possibility or have been notified that we may be infringing certain patents or other intellectual property rights of others. Regardless of their merit, responding to such claims could be time consuming, divert management’s attention and resources and cause us to incur significant expenses. In addition, although some of our supplier contracts provide for indemnification from the supplier with respect to losses or expenses incurred in connection with any infringement claim, some of our contracts do not provide for such protection. Moreover, certain of our sales contracts provide that we must indemnify our customers against claims by third parties for intellectual property rights infringement related to our products. There are no limitations on the maximum potential future payments under these guarantees. Therefore, we may incur substantial costs related to any infringement claim, which may substantially harm our results of operations or financial condition.
We may, in the future, become subject to litigation to defend against claimed infringements of the rights of others or to determine the scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others. Future litigation may also be necessary to enforce and protect our trade secrets and other intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property litigation or threatened intellectual property litigation could be costly, and adverse determinations or settlements could result in the loss of our proprietary rights, subject us to significant liabilities, require us to seek licenses from or pay royalties to third parties which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, and/or prevent us from manufacturing or selling our products, which could cause disruptions to our operations or the markets in which we compete.
In the event that there is a successful claim of infringement against us and we fail to develop non-infringing technology or license the propriety rights on commercially reasonable terms and conditions, our business, results of operations or financial condition could
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be materially and adversely impacted.
Business interruptions could adversely affect our business.
Our operations are vulnerable to interruption by fire, earthquake, power loss, telecommunications failure and other events beyond our control. We do not have a detailed disaster recovery plan. Our headquarters facility in the State of California was subject to electrical blackouts as a consequence of a shortage of available electrical power. In the event these blackouts resume, they could disrupt the operations at our headquarters. In addition, we do not carry sufficient business interruption insurance to compensate us for losses that may occur and any losses or damages incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are exposed to fluctuations in the values of our portfolio investments.
We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. Part of this portfolio includes equity investments in publicly traded companies, the value of which are subject to market price volatility. Recent events have adversely affected the public equities market and general economic conditions may continue to worsen. Should the fair value of our publicly traded equity investments decline below their cost basis in a manner deemed to be other-than-temporary, it may become necessary for us to take an impairment charge.
We have also invested in several privately held companies as well as investment funds which invest primarily in privately held companies, many of which can still be considered to be in the start-up or development stages. These investments are inherently risky, as the market for the technologies or products they have under development are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. We could lose our entire initial investment in these companies and investment funds.
If we seek to secure additional financing we may not be able to do so. If we are able to secure additional financing our stockholders may experience dilution of their ownership interest or we may be subject to limitations on our operations.
We currently anticipate that our available cash resources, which include existing cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash from operations, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated needs for working capital and capital expenditure during the next 12 months. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to meet our anticipated needs for working capital and capital expenditures, we may need to raise additional funds to develop new or enhanced products, respond to competitive pressures, take advantage of acquisition opportunities or raise capital for strategic purposes. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, our stockholders may experience dilution of their ownership interest, and the newly issued securities may have rights superior to those of common stock. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt, we may be subject to limitations on our operations.
We have been named as a defendant in securities litigation.
We, and various underwriters for our initial public offering are defendants in a putative shareholder class action. The complaint alleges undisclosed improper underwriting practices concerning the allocation of IPO shares, in violation of the federal securities laws. Similar complaints have been filed concerning the IPOs of more than 300 companies, and the litigation has been coordinated in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York as In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, 21 MC 92. Although we believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims against us and intend to defend the litigation vigorously, until the matter is resolved, it will be necessary for us to continue to expend time and financial resources on the matter. Morevoer, an adverse judgment in the litigation could materially harm our operations.
RISKS RELATING TO THE STRUCTURE AND REGULATION OF
CHINA’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY
China’s telecommunications industry is subject to extensive government regulation.
China’s telecommunications industry is heavily regulated by the Ministry of Information Industry. The Ministry of Information Industry has broad discretion and authority to regulate all aspects of the telecommunications and information technology industry in China, including managing spectrum bandwidths, setting network equipment specifications and standards and drafting laws and regulations related to the electronics and telecommunications industries. Additionally, the Ministry of Information Industry can unilaterally, or in concert with other relevant authorities, decide what types of equipment may be connected to the national telecommunications networks, the forms and types of services that may be offered to the public, the rates that are charged to subscribers for those services and the content of material available in China over the Internet. If the Ministry of Information Industry sets standards with which we are unable to comply or which render our products noncompetitive, our ability to sell products in China may be limited, resulting in substantial harm to our operations.
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At the end of May 2000, we became aware of an internal notice, circulated within the Ministry of Information Industry, announcing a review of PHS-based telecommunications equipment for future installation into China’s telecommunications infrastructure. The Ministry of Information Industry requested service providers to temporarily halt new deployments of PHS-based telecommunications equipment, including our PAS systems and handsets, pending conclusion of a review by the Ministry of Information Industry. Subsequently, at the end of June 2000, the Ministry of Information Industry issued a notice stating that it had concluded its review of PHS-based equipment and that the continued deployment of PHS-based systems, such as our PAS systems and handsets, in China’s county-level cities, towns and villages would be permitted. In addition, the notice stated that deployments within large and medium-sized cities would only be allowed in very limited areas of dense population, such as campuses, commercial buildings and special development zones. The notice confirmed, however, that new citywide deployments of our PAS system in large and medium cities would not be permitted. Failure of the Ministry of Information Industry to permit the sale or deployment of our PAS systems and handsets, or the sale or deployment of our other products, or the imposition of additional limitations on their sale in the future could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. The Ministry of Information Industry may conduct further reviews or evaluations of PHS-based telecommunications equipment or may change its position regarding PHS-based systems in the future.
China’s telecommunications regulatory framework is in the process of being developed, which has led to uncertainties regarding how to conduct our business in China.
China does not yet have a national telecommunications law. However, to provide a uniform regulatory framework for the telecommunications industry, the Chinese government is currently preparing a draft of such a law (the “Telecommunications Law”). If and when the Telecommunications Law is adopted by the National People’s Congress or its standing committee, it is expected to provide a new regulatory framework for telecommunications regulation in China. We do not yet know the final nature or scope of the regulation that would be created if the Telecommunications Law is passed. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether it will have a positive or negative effect on us or on some or all aspects of our business.
China’s telecommunications regulatory framework is in the process of being developed. In September 2000, China’s State Council issued the Telecommunications Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, known as the Telecom Regulations. The Telecom Regulations cover telecommunications services and market regulations, pricing, interconnection and connection, as well as telecommunications construction and security issues. In May 2001, China’s Ministry of Information Industry issued the Administrative Measures of Network Access Licenses to implement the Telecom Regulations. Regulations in this area often require subjective interpretation and, given the relative infancy of the Telecom Regulations and the implementing regulations, we do not know how the regulations will be interpreted or enforced. As a result, our attempts to comply with these regulations may be deemed insufficient by the appropriate regulatory agencies, which could subject us to penalties that adversely affect our business.
Our business may be disrupted if our major customers or entities that control them significantly restructure their operations or if China further restructures its telecommunications industry.
Our business may be disrupted if any of our major customers or entities that control them restructure their operations or if China undertakes to restructure its telecommunications industry. For example, in February 1999, China announced plans to restructure the China Telecom system. Following the announcement of the restructuring, we observed a reduction in orders from our main customers in China, the local telecommunications companies, which we attributed to the uncertainties surrounding the restructuring and the ultimate impact the restructuring would have on those customers. More recently, it has been reported that China Netcom has been restructuring its operations for its initial public offering, and this restructuring could impact our ability to do business with local telephone companies that are within China Netcom’s zone of influence. If China undertakes to restructure its telecommunications industry further, or if any of our major customers in China, or entities that control those customers, significantly restructure their operations, our business could again be disrupted and our operating results could fluctuate.
We do not have some of the licenses we are required to have to sell our network access products in China.
Under China’s current regulatory structure, the communications products that we offer in China must meet government and industry standards, and a network access license for the equipment must be obtained. Without the license, the equipment is not
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allowed to be connected to public telecommunications networks or sold in China. Moreover, we must ensure that the quality of the telecommunications equipment for which we have obtained a network access license is stable and reliable, and may not lower the quality or performance of other installed licensed products. China’s State Council’s product quality supervision department, in concert with China’s Ministry of Information Industry, performs spot checks to track and supervise the quality of licensed telecommunications equipment and publishes the results of such spot checks.
The regulations implementing these requirements are not very detailed, have not been applied by a court and may be interpreted and enforced by regulatory authorities in a number of different ways. We have obtained the required network access licenses for our AN-2000B platform. We have also obtained a probationary network access license for our mSwitch product, and after the trial period, an official network access license will be issued if the trial demonstrates that mSwitch satisfies all the applicable government and industry standards. We have applied for, but have not yet received, a network access license for our PAS systems and handsets. Based upon conversations with China’s Ministry of Information Industry, we understand that our PAS systems and handsets are considered to still be in the trial period and that sales of our PAS systems and handsets may continue to be made by us during this trial period, but a license will ultimately be required. Network access licenses will also be required for most additional products that we are selling or may sell in China, including our mSwitch platform. If we fail to obtain the required licenses, we could be prohibited from making further sales of the unlicensed products, including our PAS systems and handsets, in China, which would substantially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our counsel in China has advised us that China’s governmental authorities may interpret or apply the regulations with respect to which licenses are required and the ability to sell a product while a product is in the trial period in a manner that is inconsistent with the information received by our counsel in China, and either of these conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are required to register the software incorporated in our products in accordance with relevant Chinese regulations.
In October 2000, the Ministry of Information Industry issued regulations which prohibit the production and sale of software products, or products incorporating software, in China unless the software is registered with the government. We have accomplished the necessary registration with regard to the software incorporated in our AN-2000, PAS and mSwitch products. However, additional registration is required for software incorporated in additional products that we are selling or may sell in China. Based upon advice received orally from the Ministry of Information Industry, we believe that we will be able to sell products incorporating our software while any of our applications for registration may be pending. However, the Chinese government may interpret or apply the regulations in such a way as to prohibit sales of products incorporating our unregistered software prior to registration. If the government prohibits sales pending registration, or if we fail in our efforts to register any software required to be registered, we could be prohibited from making further sales of products incorporating our unregistered software in China, which could substantially harm our business and financial condition.
Most of our customers in China have historically been part of the China Telecom system and under China Telecom’s ultimate control; following the restructuring of China Telecom, most of our customers in China are now part of the new China Telecom or China Netcom, and are subject to their ultimate control.
Our main customers in China are the local telecommunications companies (formerly known as telecommunications bureaus), which historically operated under China Telecom, China’s state-owned fixed line operator, and were subject to its ultimate control. Following the restructuring of China Telecom, the telecommunications companies now operate under the ultimate control of either the new China Telecom or China Netcom. China Telecom completed its initial public offering in November 2002, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and China Netcom is reported to be under reorganization and preparing for an initial public offering. We cannot be certain of the impact of these transactions on our ability to do business with these companies or the companies that they control. Policy statements may be issued and decisions may be made by the new China Telecom and China Netcom, which govern the equipment purchasing decisions of most of our customers in China. For example, in late 1999, China Telecom prohibited all telecommunications companies from purchasing PHS systems, such as our PAS systems, for implementation in large cities, even before these sales were prohibited by China’s Ministry of Information. Moreover, it has been reported that additional local telecommunications companies have recently become affiliated with China Telecom, which could impact our ability to do business with these companies. As most of our sales are generated from our operations in China, any decisions by the new China Telecom or China Netcom restricting or prohibiting the sales or deployment of our products could cause significant harm to our business.
Our customer base in China could effectively become increasingly concentrated if more purchasing decisions are coordinated or made by provincial or greater regional telecommunications service entities rather than by local telecommunications service providers.
We have historically considered local telecommunications service providers serving municipalities and counties to be our primary customers in China. Recently, however, the provincial-level telecommunications service entity in the Zhejiang province of China has begun to consolidate telecommunications purchasing decisions for that province. As a result of this trend in the Zhejiang province, we have grouped all telecommunications service entities in the Zhejiang province together and have treated these as one customer for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and the comparative periods presented. At September 30, 2003, we had approximately 12 telecommunications service entities in the Zhejiang province. For the three months ended September 30, 2003, no customers accounted for 10% or more of consolidated net sales. For the three months ended September 30, 2002, sales to the Zhejiang province, SBBC and Kunming PTB and accounted for 16%, 15% and 11% of net sales, respectively. For the nine months ended
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September 30, 2003, sales to SBBC accounted for 11% of our net sales and no other customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated net sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2002, sales to the Zhejiang province and SBBC accounted for 21% and 14% of our net sales, respectively.
Whether this represents the beginning of a greater trend throughout China toward increased consolidation of negotiations and purchasing decisions into the control of provincial-level telecommunications service entities is unclear. If an increasing number of purchasing decisions and negotiations are controlled on a larger regional level in China by provincial-level telecommunications service entities, this would effectively result in a concentration of our customer base. Our financial results may increasingly depend in significant part upon the success of a few major customers and our ability to meet their future capital equipment needs. Although the composition of the group comprising our largest customers may vary from period to period, the loss of a significant customer or any reduction in orders by any significant customer, including reductions due to market, economic or competitive conditions in the telecommunications industry, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition to the business risks associated with dependence on major customers, significant customer concentration may also result in significant concentrations of accounts receivable. Significant and concentrated receivables would expose us to additional risks, including the risk of default by one or more customers representing a significant portion of our total receivables. If we are required to take additional accounts receivable reserves, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially adversely affected.
Our ability to sell our PAS wireless systems and handsets could be significantly impaired if the new China Telecom or China Netcom are granted, or if they otherwise acquire, mobile licenses allowing the new China Telecom or China Netcom to deliver cellular services.
The new China Telecom and China Netcom hold and operate the fixed line telephone and data communications assets in China, and currently do not have the licenses necessary to offer cellular services. To offer wireless services to end users, the Telecommunications Companies must offer services that can be delivered over wireline networks, such as those delivered over our PAS wireless systems and handsets. China’s media sources have widely reported that after the restructuring of China Telecom, China’s Ministry of Information Industry may grant mobile licenses to the new China Telecom or China Netcom, or to both. If China’s Ministry of Information Industry does grant a mobile license to the new China Telecom or China Netcom, or to both, or if such entities otherwise acquire mobile licenses, local Telecommunications Companies will be free to offer cellular services such as GSM or CDMA to their customers, and they may therefore elect not to deploy our PAS systems and handsets. If this were to occur, we could lose current and potential customers for our PAS systems and handsets, and our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Changes in telecommunications rates or pricing policies may result in decreased demand for our products.
In November 2000, China’s Ministry of Information Industry announced significant changes in rates for telecommunications services in China. While long distance, international, leased line and Internet connection fees were cut by up to 70%, the rates for local telephone services, which include certain types of wireless access services such as those offered over our PAS systems and handsets, were increased, from approximately $0.01 per minute to approximately $0.02 per minute. The increase in rates may result in a reduced demand by end users for wireless services delivered over our PAS system and a corresponding decline in demand for our products. In addition, mobile operators are offering price incentive plans that could impact demand for our products. Additionally, China’s Ministry of Information Industry may implement future rate changes for wireline or wireless services in China or change telecommunications pricing policies, including allowing carriers to set prices based on market conditions, any of which may lead to reduced demand for our systems and products and result in a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
Promotional or incentive programs offered by mobile operators such as China Mobile and China Unicom may adversely impact the competitiveness and pricing of our PAS Systems and related products.
The official tariffs and per-minute usage rates charged to mobile users in China are generally set by the Ministry of Information Industry and the National Development and Reform Commission, and are usually adhered to by mobile operators. However, from time to time, certain mobile operators such as China Mobile and China Unicom have offered special promotional pricing or incentives to customers, such as free incoming calls or free mobile-to-mobile calls. The continued use of such incentive programs by mobile operators may adversely impact the competitiveness and pricing of our PAS Systems and related products and their rollout by the new China Telecom and China Netcom. Such incentive programs may continue or be expanded in the future. We cannot be certain as to what impact such incentive programs may have on our financial condition. However, it is possible that the continuation or expansion of such programs may have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
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RISKS RELATING TO CONDUCTING OPERATIONS IN CHINA
Sales in China have accounted for most of our total sales, and therefore, our business, financial condition and results of operations are to a significant degree subject to economic, political and social events in China.
Approximately $518.2 million, or 89% and $218.2 million or 82%, of our net sales in the three months ending September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and approximately $1,119.7 million, or 85% and $567.9 million or 83%, of our net sales in the nine months ending September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively, occurred in China. Additionally, a substantial portion of our fixed assets is located in China. Of our total fixed assets, approximately 79% and 88%, as of September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively, were in China. We expect to make further investments in China in the future. Therefore, our business, financial condition and results of operations are to a significant degree subject to economic, political, social and other events in China.
Devaluation of the Renminbi versus the U.S. dollar and fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our financial results.
Exchange rate fluctuations could have a substantial negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations. We purchase substantially all of our materials in the United States and Japan and a significant portion of our cost of goods sold is incurred in U.S. dollars and Japanese yen. A significant portion of our operating expenses is incurred in U.S. dollars. At the same time, most of our sales are denominated in Renminbi. The value of the Renminbi is fixed by China’s national government and is subject to changes in China’s governmental policies and to international economic and political developments. China may choose to devalue the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. Additionally, China’s government has considered from time to time whether to partially or fully abandon the official exchange rate for Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. The abandonment of this official exchange rate policy may lead to sharp depreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies and to significantly more volatility in the Renminbi exchange rate in the future, both of which would adversely affect our financial results and make our future results more subject to fluctuation.
In the past, financial markets in many Asian countries have experienced severe volatility and, as a result, some Asian currencies have experienced significant devaluation from time to time. The devaluation of some Asian currencies may have the effect of rendering exports from China more expensive and less competitive and therefore place pressure on China’s government to devalue the Renminbi. Any devaluation of the Renminbi could result in an increase in volatility of Asian currency and capital markets. Future volatility of Asian financial markets could have an adverse impact on our ability to expand our product sales into Asian markets outside of China. Moreover, due to the limitations on the convertibility of Renminbi, we are limited in our ability to engage in currency hedging activities in China and do not currently engage in currency hedging activities with respect to international sales outside of China.
Currency restrictions in China may limit the ability of our subsidiaries and joint ventures in China to obtain and remit foreign currency necessary for the purchase of imported components and may limit our ability to obtain and remit foreign currency in exchange for Renminbi earnings.
China’s government imposes controls on the convertibility of Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. Under the current foreign exchange control system, sufficient foreign currency may not be available to satisfy our currency needs. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict the ability of our Chinese subsidiaries to obtain and remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency denominated obligations, such as payments to us for components, which we export to them, and for technology licensing fees. We may also experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit needed foreign currency. Our business could be substantially harmed if we are unable to convert and remit our sales received in Renminbi into U.S. dollars. Under existing foreign exchange laws, Renminbi held by our China subsidiaries can be converted into foreign currencies and remitted out of China to pay current account items such as payments to suppliers for imports, labor services, payment of interest on foreign exchange loans and distributions of dividends so long as the subsidiaries have adequate amounts of Renminbi to purchase the foreign currency. Expenses of a capital nature such as the repayment of bank loans denominated in foreign currencies, however, require approval from appropriate governmental authorities before Renminbi can be used to purchase foreign currency and then remitted out of China. This system could be changed at any time by executive decision of China’s State Council to impose limits on current account convertibility of the Renminbi or other similar restrictions. Moreover, even though the Renminbi is intended to be freely convertible under the current account, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, which is responsible for administering China’s foreign currency market, has a significant degree of administrative discretion in implementing the laws. From time to time, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange has used this discretion in ways, which effectively limit the convertibility of current account payments and restrict remittances out of China. Furthermore, in many circumstances the State Administration of Foreign Exchange must approve foreign currency conversions and remittances. Under the current foreign exchange control system, sufficient foreign currency may not be available at a given exchange rate to satisfy our currency demands.
China subjects foreign investors in the telecommunications industry to ownership and geographic limitations.
China’s government and its agencies, including China’s Ministry of Information Industry and China’s State Council, regulate
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foreign investment in the telecommunications industry through the promulgation of various laws and regulations and the issuance of various administrative orders and decisions. Currently, foreign investors may engage in such activities only in accordance with certain ownership and geographic limitations. China may promulgate new laws or regulations, or issue administrative or judicial decisions or interpretations, which would further restrict foreigners from engaging in telecommunications-related activities. The promulgation of laws or regulations or the issuance of administrative orders or judicial decisions or interpretations restricting telecommunications activities by foreigners could have a substantial impact on our ongoing operations.
Governmental policies in China could impact our business.
Since 1978, China’s government has been and is expected to continue reforming its economic and political systems. These reforms have resulted in and are expected to continue to result in significant economic and social development in China. Many of the reforms are unprecedented or experimental and may be subject to change or readjustment due to a number of political, economic and social factors. We believe that the basic principles underlying the political and economic reforms will continue to be implemented and provide the framework for China’s political and economic system. New reforms or the readjustment of previously implemented reforms could have a significant negative effect on our operations. Changes in China’s political, economic and social conditions and governmental policies, which could have a substantial impact on our business, include:
• new laws and regulations or the interpretation of those laws and regulations;
• the introduction of measures to control inflation or stimulate growth;
• changes in the rate or method of taxation;
• the imposition of additional restrictions on currency conversion and remittances abroad; and
• any actions which limit our ability to develop, manufacture, import or sell our products in China, or to finance and operate our business in China.
Economic policies in China could impact our business.
The economy of China differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in various respects such as structure, government involvement, level of development, growth rate, capital reinvestment, allocation of resources, self-sufficiency, rate of inflation and balance of payments position. In the past, the economy of China has been primarily a planned economy subject to one- and five-year state plans adopted by central government authorities and largely implemented by provincial and local authorities, which set production and development targets.
Since 1978, increasing emphasis had been placed on decentralization and the utilization of market forces in the development of China’s economy. Economic reform measures adopted by China’s government may be inconsistent or ineffectual, and we may not in all cases be able to capitalize on any reforms. Further, these measures may be adjusted or modified in ways, which could result in economic liberalization measures that are inconsistent from time to time or from industry to industry or across different regions of the country. China’s economy has experienced significant growth in the past decade. This growth, however, has been accompanied by imbalances in China’s economy and has resulted in significant fluctuations in general price levels, including periods of inflation. China’s government has implemented policies from time to time to increase or restrain the rate of economic growth, control periods of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. While we may be able to benefit from the effects of some of these policies, these policies and other measures taken by China’s government to regulate the economy could also have a significant negative impact on economic conditions in China with a resulting negative impact on our business.
China’s entry into the World Trade Organization creates uncertainty as to the future economic and business environments in China.
China’s entry into the WTO was approved in September 2001. Entry into the WTO will require China to further reduce tariffs and eliminate non-tariff barriers, which include quotas, licenses and other restrictions by 2005 at the latest. While China’s entry into the WTO and the related relaxation of trade restrictions may lead to increased foreign investment, it may also lead to increased competition in China’s markets from international companies. China’s entry into the WTO could have a negative impact on China’s economy with a resulting negative impact on our business.
Uncertainties related to a rollout of 3G networks in China could harm our business.
It is anticipated that the government of China will grant 3G network licenses to telecommunications service providers beginning in the second half of 2004. We face several potential risks in connection with a 3G rollout. For example, if telecommunications service providers invest heavily in 3G networks, capital expenditures to build-out PAS networks that utilize our existing products may decline. Moreover, it is possible that current PAS frequency bands utilized by PAS networks may be reallocated for use by 3G networks, which would have the effect of restricting or shutting down PAS networks. In either case, our ability to sell our PAS products in China would decline significantly, and our operating results would be harmed.
We also face risks relating to our ability to compete within any emerging 3G marketplace. For example, we have invested most heavily in WCDMA technology; however, alternative technologies, such as CDMA 2000 and TDSCDMA, may become the dominant technologies within 3G networks. If an alternative technology becomes the dominant technology of 3G networks in China, our ability to sell 3G products in China will suffer. Moreover, within the 3G marketplace, we will likely face stiff competition and may not be able to establish or maintain significant market share for our 3G products, in which case our operating results would suffer.
If tax benefits available to our subsidiaries located in China are reduced or repealed, our business could suffer.
Our subsidiaries and joint ventures located in China enjoy tax benefits in China which are generally available to foreign
45
investment enterprises, including full exemption from national enterprise income tax for two years starting from the first profit-making year and/or a 50% reduction in national income tax rate for the following three years. In addition, local enterprise income tax is often waived or reduced during this tax holiday/incentive period. Under current regulations in China, foreign investment enterprises that have been accredited as technologically advanced enterprises are entitled to additional tax incentives. These tax incentives vary in different locales and could include preferential national enterprise income tax treatment at 50% of the usual rates for different periods of time. All of our active subsidiaries in China were accredited as technologically advanced enterprises. The tax holidays applicable to our wholly-owned subsidiaries, UTStarcom China and HUTS, which together accounted for approximately 76% of our revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, expired at the end of 2002 and 2001, respectively. The tax holidays were not extended for the entities, and for 2003, the national enterprise tax rates were increased from 7.5% to 15% and from 10% to 15%, respectively, which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations. During the fourth quarter of 2002, we formed a new entity, Hangzhou UTStarcom Telecom Co., Ltd., to manufacture and sell handsets. This entity will benefit from a two-year national enterprise income tax exemption from the first profit-making year, and a 50% national enterprise income tax reduction in the following three years. The Chinese government is considering the imposition of “unified” corporate income tax that would phase out, over time, the preferential tax treatment to which foreign investment enterprises, such as UTStarcom, are currently entitled. While it is not certain whether the government will implement such a unified tax structure or whether, if implemented, UTStarcom will be grandfathered into the new tax structure, if the new tax structure is implemented, it will adversely affect our financial condition.
China’s legal system embodies uncertainties that could negatively impact our business.
China has a civil law system. Decided court cases do not have binding legal effect on future decisions. Since 1979, many new laws and regulations covering general economic matters have been promulgated in China. Despite this activity to develop the legal system, China’s system of laws is not yet complete. Even where adequate law exists in China, enforcement of existing laws or contracts based on existing law may be uncertain and sporadic and it may be difficult to obtain swift and equitable enforcement, or to obtain enforcement of a judgment by a court of another jurisdiction. The relative inexperience of China’s judiciary in many cases creates additional uncertainty as to the outcome of any litigation. Further, interpretation of statutes and regulations may be subject to government policies reflecting domestic political changes. Moreover, government policies and internal rules promulgated by governmental agencies may not be published in time, or at all. As a result, we may operate our business in violation of new rules and policies without having any knowledge of their existence.
China has adopted a broad range of related laws, administrative rules and regulations that govern the conduct and operations of foreign investment enterprises and restrict the ability of foreign companies to conduct business in China. These laws, rules and regulations provide some incentives to encourage the flow of investment into China, but also subject foreign companies, and foreign investment enterprises, including our subsidiaries in China, to a set of restrictions that may not always apply to domestic companies in China. As a result of its admission into the WTO, China is increasingly according foreign companies and foreign investment enterprises established in China the same rights and privileges as Chinese domestic companies. These special laws, administrative rules and regulations governing foreign companies and foreign investment enterprises may still place us and our subsidiaries at a disadvantage in relation to Chinese domestic companies and may adversely affect our competitive position. Moreover, as China’s legal system develops, the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws and the pre-emption of local regulations by national laws may adversely affect foreign investors and companies. Many of our activities and products in China are subject to administrative review and approval by various national and local agencies of China’s government. Because of the changes occurring in China’s legal and regulatory structure, we may not be able to secure the requisite governmental approval for our activities and products. Failure to obtain the requisite government approval for any of our activities or products could substantially harm our business.
We face uncertainties regarding the timing for the completion of our new manufacturing facility.
In 2001, we purchased the rights to use 49 acres of land located in Zhejiang Science and Technology Industry Garden of Hangzhou Hi-tech Industry Development Zone. As of September 30, 2003, we had completed the foundation and groundwork of a facility to be located there and have commenced construction of the building. We expect that construction of the new facility will be completed in early 2004 at a projected cost of approximately $95.6 million. We revised the expected completion date of that facility from late 2003 to early 2004, due to a slow down in construction during the first quarter of fiscal 2003, resulting from the SARS outbreak and inclement weather. Capital expenditures for the facility were $38.6 million in 2002 and $8.8 million and $21.2 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR STOCK PERFORMANCE AND
CONVERTIBLE DEBT SECURITIES
On March 12, 2003 we sold $402.5 million of convertible subordinated notes (referred to as the “notes” in the following risk factors) due in 2008 to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes bear interest at a rate of 7/8% percent per annum, are convertible into UTStarcom common stock at a conversion price of $23.79 per share and are subordinated to all present and future senior debt of UTStarcom. Holders of the notes may convert their notes only if: (i)
46
the price of our common stock issuable upon conversion of a note reaches a specified threshold, (ii) specified corporate transactions occur, or (iii) the trading price for the notes falls below certain thresholds. At the initial conversion price, each $1,000 principal amount of notes will be convertible into approximately 42.0345 shares of our common stock.
Our stock price is highly volatile.
The trading price of our common stock has fluctuated significantly since our initial public offering in March 2000. Our stock price could be subject to wide fluctuations in the future in response to many events or factors, including those discussed in the preceding risk factors relating to our operations, as well as:
• actual or anticipated fluctuations in operating results, actual or anticipated gross profit as a percentage of net sales, levels of inventory, our actual or anticipated rate of growth and our actual or anticipated earnings per share;
• changes in expectations as to future financial performance or changes in financial estimates or buy/sell recommendations of securities analysts;
• changes in governmental regulations or policies in China, such as the temporary suspension of sales of our PAS systems that occurred in May and June of 2000, which caused our stock price to drop;
• our, or a competitor’s, announcement of new products, services or technological innovations;
• the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies; and
• news and commentary emanating from the media, securities analysts, and government bodies in China relating to UTStarcom and to the industry in general.
General market conditions and domestic or international macroeconomic factors unrelated to our performance may also affect our stock price. For these reasons, investors should not rely on recent trends to predict future stock prices or financial results. In addition, following periods of volatility in a company’s securities, securities class action litigation against a company is sometimes instituted. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and the diversion of management time and resources.
In addition, public announcements by China Telecom and China Netcom, each of which exert significant influence over many of our major customers in China, may contribute to volatility in the price of our stock. In 2002, China Telecom completed its initial public offering, which has caused that entity to issue press releases more frequently than in prior years. The price of our stock may react to such announcements. More recently, it has been reported that China Netcom has been restructuring its operations for its own initial public offering. More frequent public announcements from China Netcom relating to or resulting from their initial public offering could cause the price of our stock to become even more volatile.
Softbank Corp. and its related entities, including Softbank America Inc., has significant influence over our management and affairs, which it could exercise against your best interests.
SOFTBANK CORP. and its related entities, including SOFTBANK America Inc., beneficially owned approximately 14.4% of our outstanding stock as of September 30, 2003. As a result, SOFTBANK CORP. and its related entities, including SOFTBANK America Inc., have the ability to exercise influence over all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval and exert significant influence over our management and affairs. This concentration of ownership may delay or prevent a change of control or discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company, which could decrease the market price of our common stock. Matters that could require stockholder approval include:
• election and removal of directors;
• merger or consolidation of our company; and
• sale of all or substantially all of our assets.
The interests of SOFTBANK America Inc. may not always coincide with our interests. SOFTBANK America Inc., acting through its designees on our board of directors and through its ownership of voting securities, will have the ability to exercise significant influence over our actions irrespective of the desires of our other stockholders or directors.
SOFTBANK has entered into an agreement with us not to offer, sell or otherwise dispose of our common stock prior to March 7, 2004, subject to a number of exceptions.
Delaware law and our charter documents contain provisions that could discourage or prevent a potential takeover, even if the transaction would benefit our stockholders.
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Other companies may seek to acquire or merge with us. An acquisition or merger of our company could result in benefits to our stockholders, including an increase in the value of our common stock. Some provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, as well as provisions of Delaware law, may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that a stockholder may consider favorable. These provisions include:
• authorizing the board of directors to issue additional preferred stock;
• prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
• limiting the persons who may call special meetings of stockholders;
• prohibiting stockholder action by written consent;
• creating a classified board of directors pursuant to which our directors are elected for staggered three year terms; and
• establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors and for proposing matters that can be acted on by stockholders at stockholder meetings.
The convertible debt securities rank below our senior debt and liabilities of our subsidiaries, and we may be unable to repay our obligations under the notes.
The convertible debt securities (the “notes”) are unsecured and subordinated in right of payment in full to all of our existing and future senior debt. Because the notes are subordinated to our senior debt, in the event of (i) our liquidation or insolvency, (ii) a payment default on our designated senior debt, (iii) a covenant default on our designated senior debt, or (iv) acceleration of the notes due to an event of default, we will make payments on the notes only after our senior debt has been paid in full. After paying our senior debt in full, we may not have sufficient assets remaining to pay any or all amounts due on the notes.
The notes are obligations exclusively of UTStarcom. Since substantially all of UTStarcom’s operations are conducted through subsidiaries, our cash flow and our ability to service our debt, including the notes, is dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to us. Our subsidiaries are separate legal entities and have no obligation to make any payments on the notes or make any funds available for payment on the notes, whether by dividends, loans or other payments. The payment of dividends and the making of loans and advances to us by our subsidiaries may be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions and are dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries do not guarantee the payment of the notes. Our right to receive assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization, and your right to participate in these assets, are effectively subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary’s creditors. Consequently, the notes will be effectively subordinated to all liabilities, including trade payables, of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish, except to the extent that we are recognized as a creditor of such subsidiary, in which case our claims would still be subordinate to any security interests in the assets of such subsidiary and any debt of such subsidiary senior to that held by us.
As of September 30, 2003, (i) we had no senior debt outstanding, and (ii) our subsidiaries had notes payable of $23.4 million and approximately $514.3 million of other liabilities, including trade payables, but excluding intercompany liabilities, as to which the notes would have been effectively subordinated.
Neither we nor our subsidiaries are prohibited or limited from incurring debt or acting as guarantors of debt for others in whom we or our subsidiaries may have an interest under the indenture. Our ability to pay our obligations on the notes could be adversely affected by our or our subsidiaries’ incurrence of additional indebtedness or other liabilities. We and our subsidiaries may from time to time incur additional indebtedness and other liabilities, including senior debt.
We may be limited in our ability to purchase the notes in the event of a change in control.
Our ability to purchase the notes upon the occurrence of a change in control is subject to limitations. We may not have sufficient financial resources or the ability to arrange financing to pay the purchase price for all the notes delivered by holders seeking to exercise their purchase right. Although we may elect, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, to pay the purchase price for the notes in common stock, our ability to purchase the notes in cash may be limited or prohibited by the terms of any future borrowing arrangements existing at the time of a change in control. Any failure by us to purchase the notes upon a change in control would result in an event of default under the indenture, whether or not the purchase is permitted by the subordination provisions of the indenture. Any such default may, in turn, cause a default under our senior debt. Moreover, the occurrence of a change in control could result in an event of default under the terms of our then existing senior debt. As a result, any purchase of the notes may be prohibited until the senior debt is paid in full.
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In the event we elect to pay the purchase price in common stock, our common stock will be valued at a price determined prior to the applicable repurchase date, therefore, holders of the notes bear the market risk that our common stock will decline in value between the date the price is calculated and the purchase date.
Absence of a trading market for the notes.
The notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. At the time of the original issuance of the notes in March 2003, the initial purchasers of the notes advised us that they intended to make a market in the notes. However, as initial purchasers, they are not obligated to make a market in the notes and any market making by the initial purchasers may be discontinued at any time at the sole discretion of the initial purchasers without notice. We cannot assure you that a market for the notes will develop and continue upon completion of the offering or that the market price of the notes will not decline. Various factors, such as changes in prevailing interest rates or changes in perceptions of our creditworthiness could cause the market price of the notes to fluctuate significantly. The trading price of the notes will also be significantly affected by the market price of our common stock, which could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a variety of factors. The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq National Market and will only be traded on the over-the-counter market.
We have significantly increased our leverage as a result of the sale of the notes.
In connection with the sale of the notes, we incurred $402.5 million of indebtedness. As a result of this indebtedness, our principal and interest payment obligations have increased substantially. The degree to which we are leveraged could materially and adversely affect our ability to obtain financing for working capital, acquisitions or other purposes and could make us more vulnerable to industry downturns and competitive pressures. Our ability to meet our debt service obligations will be dependent upon our future performance, which will be subject to financial, business and other factors affecting our operations, many of which are beyond our control.
Hedging transactions and other transactions may affect the value of the notes and of our common stock.
We have entered into convertible bond hedge and call option transactions with respect to our common stock, the exposure for which is held by Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. The convertible bond hedge and call option transactions are expected to reduce the potential dilution from conversion of the notes. In connection with these hedging arrangements, Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC have taken and/or will take positions in our common stock in secondary market transactions and/or have entered and/or will enter into various derivative transactions after the pricing of the notes. Such hedging arrangements could increase the price of our common stock. Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC are likely to modify their hedge positions from time to time prior to conversion or maturity of the notes by purchasing and selling shares of our common stock, other securities of the Company or other instruments they may wish to use in connection with such hedging. We cannot assure you that such activity will not adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
The notes may not be rated or may receive a lower rating than anticipated.
We believe it is unlikely that the notes will be rated. However, if one or more rating agencies rates the notes and assigns the notesa rating lower than the rating expected by investors, or reduces their rating in the future, the market price of the notes and our common stock would be harmed.
ITEM 3—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in the stock market.
Interest Rate Risk. Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio. The fair value of our investment portfolio would not be significantly affected by either a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates due mainly to the short-term nature of most of our investment portfolio. However, our interest income can be sensitive to changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates since the majority of our funds are invested in instruments with maturities less than one year. Our policy is to limit the risk of principal loss and ensure the safety of invested funds by generally attempting to limit market risk. Funds in excess of current operating requirements are mostly invested in government-backed notes, commercial paper, floating rate corporate bonds, fixed income corporate bonds and tax exempt instruments. In accordance with our investment policy, all short-term investments are invested in “investment grade” rated securities with minimum A or better ratings. Currently, most of our short-term investments have AA or better ratings.
The table below represents carrying amounts and related weighted-average interest rates of maturity of interest bearing instruments in our investment portfolio at September 30, 2003:
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(in thousands except interest rates) |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Cash and cash equivalents |
| $ | 436,085 |
|
Average interest rates |
| 1.2 | % | |
Short-term investments |
| $ | 5,282 |
|
Average interest rates |
| 1.4 | % | |
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments |
| $ | 441,367 |
|
Average interest rate |
| 1.2 | % |
Part of our investment portfolio has recently included equity investments in publicly traded companies, the value of which are subject to market price volatility. Recent events have adversely affected the public equities market and general economic conditions may continue to worsen. Should the fair value of our publicly traded equity investments decline below their cost basis in a manner deemed to be other-than-temporary, it may become necessary for us to take an impairment charge. We have also invested in several privately held companies as well as investment funds which invest primarily in privately held companies, many of which can still be considered in the start-up or development stages. These investments are inherently risky, as the market for the technologies or products they have under development are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. We could lose our entire initial investment in these companies and investment funds.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk. We are exposed to foreign exchange rate risk because most of our sales in China are denominated in Renminbi and portions of our accounts payable and our notes receivable are denominated in Japanese Yen. Due to the limitations on converting Renminbi, we are limited in our ability to engage in currency hedging activities in China. Although the impact of currency fluctuations of Renminbi to date has been insignificant, fluctuations in currency exchange rates in the future may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We have a multi-currency bank account in Japanese Yen for purchasing portions of our inventories and supplies. The balance of this Japanese Yen account as of September 30, 2003 is approximately $8.0 million. The balance of our long-term note receivable denominated in Japanese Yen was $10.6 million at September 30, 2003.
Credit Risk. We completed an offering on March 12, 2003, of $402.5 million of convertible subordinated notes due March 1, 2008. Concurrent with the issuance of the convertible notes, we entered into convertible bond hedge and call option transactions with respect to its common stock, the exposure for which is held by Banc of America Securities LLC and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. Both the bond hedge and call option transactions may be settled at the Company’s option either in cash or net shares and expire on March 1, 2008. The convertible bond hedge and call option transactions are expected to reduce the potential dilution from conversion of the notes. Subject to the movement in the share price of our common stock, we could be exposed to credit risk in the settlement of these options in our favor. Based on a review of the possible net settlements and the credit strength of Banc of America Securities LLC and its affiliates and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and its affiliates, we believe that we do not have a material exposure to credit risk arising from these option transactions.
ITEM 4—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of September 30, 2003. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them in a timely fashion and no changes are required at this time.
In connection with the evaluation by our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of our internal control over financial reporting, pursuant to the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d), no changes during the quarter ended September 30, 2003 were identified that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
On October 31, 2001, a complaint was filed in United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, some of its directors and officers and various underwriters for its initial public offering. Substantially similar actions were filed concerning the initial public offerings for more than 300 different issuers, and the cases were coordinated as In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, 21 MC 92. In April 2002, a consolidated amended complaint was filed in the matter against the
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Company, captioned In re UTStarcom, Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, Civil Action No. 01-CV-9604. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 through undisclosed improper underwriting practices concerning the allocation of IPO shares in exchange for excessive brokerage commissions, agreements to purchase shares at higher prices in the aftermarket, and misleading analyst reports. Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages on behalf of a purported class of purchasers of the Company’s common stock between March 2, 2000 and December 6, 2000. The Company’s directors and officers have been dismissed without prejudice pursuant to a stipulation. On February 19, 2003, the Court granted in part and denied in part a motion to dismiss brought by defendants including the Company. The order dismisses all claims against the Company except for a claim brought under Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933. A proposal has been made for the settlement and release of claims against the issuer defendants, including UTStarcom. The settlement is subject to a number of conditions, including approval of the proposed settling parties and the court. If the settlement does not occur, and litigation against UTStarcom continues, UTStarcom believes it has meritorious defenses and intends to defend the case vigorously. The total amount of the loss associated with the above litigation is not determinable at this time. Therefore we are unable to currently estimate the loss if any associated with the litigation.
ITEM 2—CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
[None.]
ITEM 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
[None.]
ITEM 4 – SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
On September 24, 2003, a special meeting of stockholders of the Company was held in Oakland, California. At the meeting, an amendment to our certificate of incorporation was approved, increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock from 250 million to 750 million. 79,358,851 votes were cast in favor of the amendment, 11,610,322 votes were cast against the amendment, and 102,800 were withheld.
Our directors, officers, or employees have entered, and may from time to time enter, into good faith trading plans pursuant to SEC Rule 10b5-1(c).
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ITEM 6—EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
NUMBER |
| EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION |
|
|
|
31.1 |
| Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
31.2 |
| Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
32.1 |
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
32.2 |
| Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
1. Amendment No. 1 to Report on Form 8-K, dated May 23, 2003, filed on July 10, 2003 under Item 7, containing financial information related to the Company’s acquisition of the CommWorks division of 3Com Corporation.
2. Report on Form 8-K dated July 10, 2003, filed on July 10, 2003 under Item 5, containing risk factors relating to the Company.
3. Report on Form 8-K dated September 24, 2003, filed on September 25, 2003 under Item 5, relating to the approval by the Company’s stockholders of an amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation.
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UTSTARCOM, INC.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 12, 2003 | UTSTARCOM, INC. |
|
|
|
|
| BY: |
|
|
|
|
| /s/ Hong Liang Lu |
| Hong Liang Lu |
| President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
| /s/ Michael J. Sophie |
| Michael J. Sophie |
| Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary |
| (Principal Financial Officer) |
53
UTSTARCOM, INC.
NUMBER |
| EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION |
|
|
|
31.1 |
| Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
31.2 |
| Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
32.1 |
| Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
32.2 |
| Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |