SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 23, 2001
Commission file number: 0-21154
CREE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
North Carolina 56-1572719
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
4600 Silicon Drive
Durham, North Carolina 27703
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(919) 313-5300
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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. [X] Yes [ ] No
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, par value
$0.00125 per share, as of January 31, 2002 was 72,611,340.
CREE, INC.
FORM 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended December 23, 2001
INDEX
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION --------
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 23, 2001
(unaudited) and June 24, 2001 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
and six months ended December 23, 2001 and December 24,
2000 (unaudited) 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the six
months ended December 23, 2001 and December 24,
2000 (unaudited) 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 15
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk 22
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 22
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 23
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 24
SIGNATURES 25
-2-
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 - Financial Statements
CREE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)
December 23, June 24,
2001 2001
------------ ----------
ASSETS (Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $144,337 $164,562
Short-term investments held to maturity 10,000 36,965
Marketable securities 13,917 6,675
Accounts receivable, net 34,740 34,850
Interest receivable 421 1,270
Inventories 18,244 15,202
Deferred income tax 12,825 4,172
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,535 2,220
------------ ----------
Total current assets 236,019 265,916
Property and equipment, net 214,413 226,920
Goodwill and intangible assets, net 78,743 83,282
Long-term investments held to maturity 27,971 7,971
Patents, net 3,638 3,246
Other assets 23,338 27,788
------------ ----------
Total assets $584,122 $615,123
============ ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable, trade $ 6,902 $ 14,148
Accrued salaries and wages 4,738 2,435
Other accrued expenses 2,437 5,156
------------ ---------
Total current liabilities 14,077 21,739
Long term liabilities:
Deferred income taxes 3,850 3,850
Other long term liabilities 38 438
------------ ---------
Total long term liabilities 3,888 4,288
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01; -- --
3,000 shares authorized at
December 23, 2001 and June 24, 2001;
none issued and outstanding
Common stock, par value $0.00125; 90 91
120,000 shares authorized;
72,591 and 72,907 shares issued and
outstanding at December 23, 2001
and June 24, 2001, respectively
Additional paid-in-capital 511,130 518,781
Deferred compensation expense (955) (1,211)
Retained earnings 65,085 76,001
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, (9,193) (4,565)
net of tax
------------ ----------
Total shareholders' equity 566,157 589,097
------------ ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $584,122 $615,123
============ ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements.
-3-
CREE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
--------------------------- ---------------------------
December 23, December 24, December 23, December 24,
2001 2000 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Revenue:
Product revenue, net $ 36,873 $ 37,587 $ 75,451 $ 71,898
Contract revenue, net 4,219 3,907 8,807 7,238
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total revenue 41,092 41,494 84,258 79,136
Cost of revenue:
Product revenue 18,508 16,163 38,420 30,652
Contract revenue 3,209 3,257 6,559 5,844
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total cost of revenue 21,717 19,420 44,979 36,496
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit 19,375 22,074 39,279 42,640
Operating expenses:
Research and development 6,748 2,295 10,853 4,396
Sales, general and administrative 5,582 3,010 11,314 6,967
Other expense 18,820 62 19,670 62
Goodwill and intangible
asset amortization 2,256 -- 4,511 --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(Loss) income from operations (14,031) 16,707 (7,069) 31,215
Other non operating (loss) (11,794) (11) (11,794) (99)
Interest income, net 1,353 4,322 3,490 9,105
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(Loss) income before income taxes (24,472) 21,018 (15,373) 40,221
Income tax (benefit) expense (7,096) 7,157 (4,458) 13,706
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net (loss) income $ (17,376) $ 13,861 $(10,915) $ 26,515
============ ============ ============ ============
(Loss) earnings per share:
Basic ($0.24) $0.19 ($0.15) $0.37
============ ============ ============ ============
Diluted ($0.24) $0.18 $(0.15) $0.35
============ ============ ============ ============
Shares used in per share calculation:
Basic 72,457 71,495 72,705 71,154
============ ============ ============ ============
Diluted 72,457 75,200 72,705 75,230
============ ============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements.
-4-
CREE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
---------------------------
December 23, December 24,
Operating activities: 2001 2000
------------ ------------
Net (loss) income $ (10,915) $ 26,515
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment 15,337 9,050
Loss on disposal of property, equipment,
and other impairment charge 18,935 62
Amortization of patent rights 124 87
Goodwill and intangible asset amortization 4,511 --
Amortization of deferred compensation 256 279
Deferred income taxes (8,453) 13,161
(Gain) on available for sale securities (558) (1,182)
Tax benefits associated with stock option
exercises 1,690 --
Other than temporary decline in value of
long term investments 12,352 --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and interest receivable 959 (10,802)
Inventories (3,015) (4,015)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 686 (287)
Accounts payable, trade (7,246) 3,915
Accrued expenses and other long-term (817) (243)
liabilities
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 23,846 36,540
------------ ------------
Investing activities:
Purchase of available for sale securities (15,305) (7,176)
Proceeds from sale of available for sale
securities 2,103 5,837
Purchase of property and equipment (21,765) (57,388)
Purchase of securities held to maturity (40,000) (56,606)
Proceeds from maturities of securities held
to maturity 46,965 50,640
Increase in other long-term assets (7,901) (21,670)
Capitalized patent costs (516) (381)
------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (36,419) (86,744)
------------ ------------
Financing activities:
Acquisition fees for purchase accounting
transaction -- (674)
Repurchase of common stock (10,608) --
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 2,956 6,531
------------ ------------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities (7,652) 5,857
------------ ------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $ (20,225) $ (44,347)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period $ 164,562 $ 103,843
=========== ============
End of period $ 144,337 $ 59,496
=========== ============
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for income taxes $ 1,901 $ 414
=========== ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
consolidated financial statements.
-5-
CREE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Basis of Presentation
- ---------------------
The consolidated balance sheet as of December 23, 2001, the consolidated
statements of income for the three and six months ended December 23, 2001 and
December 24, 2000, and the consolidated statements of cash flow for the six
months ended December 23, 2001 and December 24, 2000 have been prepared by the
Company and have not been audited. In the opinion of management, all normal and
recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position,
results of operations and cash flow at December 23, 2001, and for all periods
presented, have been made. The balance sheet at June 24, 2001 has been derived
from the audited financial statements as of that date.
Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these
condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's fiscal 2001
Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the period ended
December 23, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that
may be attained for the entire fiscal year.
Accounting Policies
- -------------------
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cree, Inc., and
its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Cree Lighting Company ("Cree Lighting"), UltraRF,
Inc. ("UltraRF"), Cree Research FSC, Inc., Cree Funding LLC, Cree Employee
Services Corporation, CI Holdings, Limited, Cree Technologies, Inc. and Cree
Asia-Pacific, Inc. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Business Combination
On December 29, 2000, the Company completed the acquisition of the UltraRF
division of Spectrian Corporation, or Spectrian, through the purchase of assets
of the business by Cree's wholly owned subsidiary, UltraRF, Inc. in a business
combination accounted for under the purchase method. Under the terms of the
Asset Purchase Agreement, UltraRF acquired substantially all of the net assets
of the business from Spectrian in exchange for a total of 2,656,917 shares of
Cree common stock valued at $113.5 million. Of the total shares issued, 191,094
shares were placed in escrow and proceeds from the sale of such shares retained
in escrow to secure Spectrian's representations, warranties and covenants under
the Asset Purchase Agreement. Under the terms of the escrow arrangement,
one-half of the funds were released to Spectrian in June 2001 and the balance
was released in December 2001 because no claims were made against the escrowed
assets.
-6-
The consolidated financial statements reflect the allocation of the purchase
price based upon fair value of the assets acquired, including goodwill of $81.5
million and other intangible assets of $6.3 million. Goodwill is being amortized
on a straight-line basis over ten years and other related intangibles are being
amortized over five to eight years.
The results of operations of UltraRF have been included in the consolidated
results of the Company since the date of acquisition.
Business Segments
The Company operates in two business segments, Cree and UltraRF. The Cree
segment incorporates its proprietary technology to produce compound
semiconductors using silicon carbide and gallium nitride technology. Products
from this segment are used in automotive and liquid crystal display
backlighting, indicator lamps, full color light emitting diode displays and
other lighting applications as well as microwave and power applications.
The UltraRF segment designs, manufactures and markets silicon-based LDMOS and
bipolar radio frequency power semiconductors utilized in building power
amplifiers for wireless infrastructure applications.
Summarized financial information concerning the reportable segments as of and
for the three and six months ended December 23, 2001 is shown in the following
table. The "Other" column represents amounts excluded from specific segments
such as interest income. In addition, the "Other" column also includes corporate
assets such as cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments held to
maturity, marketable securities, interest receivable and long-term investments
held to maturity which have not been allocated to a specific segment.
As of and for the
three months ended
December 23, 2001
(in thousands) Cree UltraRF Other Total
- -------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Revenue $ 33,311 $ 7,781 $ -- $ 41,092
(Loss) income before
income taxes (24,066) (1,759) 1,353 (24,472)
Assets $ 288,815 $ 98,661 $ 196,646 $ 584,122
As of and for the
six months ended
December 23, 2001
(in thousands) Cree UltraRF Other Total
- -------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
Revenue $ 66,804 $ 17,454 $ -- $ 84,258
(Loss) income before
income taxes (17,509) (1,354) 3,490 (15,373)
Assets $ 288,815 $ 98,661 $ 196,646 $ 584,122
Comparable data for the three and six months ended December 24, 2000 is not
presented because the company operated in one segment during those periods.
-7-
Reclassifications
Certain fiscal 2001 amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2002 presentation.
These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or
shareholder's equity.
Fiscal Year
The Company's fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Sunday in
the month of June. The Company's 2002 fiscal year extends from June 25, 2001
through June 30, 2002 and is a 53-week fiscal year. The Company's 2001 fiscal
year extended from June 26, 2000 through June 24, 2001 and was a 52-week fiscal
year.
Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in
the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ
from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes product revenue at the time of shipment when title is
transferred to the customer in accordance with the terms of the relevant
contract. Revenue from government contracts is recorded on the
percentage-of-completion method as expenses per contract are incurred.
Contract revenue represents reimbursement by various U.S. Government entities to
aid in the development of the Company's technology. The applicable contracts
generally provide that the Company may elect to retain ownership of inventions
made in performing the work, subject to a non-exclusive license retained by the
government to practice the inventions for government purposes. Contract revenue
includes funding of direct research and development costs and a portion of the
Company's general and administrative expenses and other operating expenses for
contracts under which funding is expected to exceed direct costs over the life
of the contract. The specific reimbursement provisions of the contracts,
including the portion of the Company's general and administrative expenses and
other operating expenses that are reimbursed, vary by contract. Such
reimbursements are recorded as contract revenue. For contracts under which the
Company anticipates that direct costs will exceed amounts to be funded over the
life of the contract (i.e., certain cost share arrangements), the Company
reports direct costs as research and development expenses with related
reimbursements recorded as an offset to those expenses.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of unrestricted cash accounts and highly
liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when
purchased.
-8-
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term
investments, available for sale securities, accounts and interest receivable,
accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities approximate fair values
at December 23, 2001 and June 24, 2001.
Investments
Investments are accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, (SFAS 115) "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities". This statement requires certain securities to be
classified into three categories:
(a) Securities Held-to-Maturity -- Debt securities that the entity has the
positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at amortized
cost.
(b) Trading Securities -- Debt and equity securities that are bought and held
principally for the purpose of selling in the near term are reported at
fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings.
(c) Securities Available-for-Sale -- Debt and equity securities not classified
as either securities held-to-maturity or trading securities are reported at
fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and
reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
At December 23, 2001, the Company held short-term investments in the common
stock of publicly traded equity securities. The Company considers these
investments to be strategic in nature; therefore, these investments are
accounted for as "available for sale" marketable securities under SFAS 115.
Therefore, unrealized gains or losses are excluded from earnings and are
recorded in other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. At December 23,
2001, the fair market value of these investments was $13.9 million with gross
unrealized losses totaling $12.9 million.
As of December 23, 2001, the Company's short-term investments held to maturity
included $10.0 million in government bonds. The company purchased the
investments with a portion of the proceeds from its public stock offering in
January 2000. The Company has the intent and ability to hold these securities
until maturity; therefore, they are accounted for as "securities held-to
maturity" under SFAS 115. The securities are reported on the consolidated
balance sheets at amortized cost, as a short-term investment with unpaid
interest included in interest receivable.
As of December 23, 2001, the Company's long-term investments consisted of $28.0
million in high-grade commercial paper, medium term notes and other debt
securities that mature in June 2003 and August 2003. The Company has the intent
and ability to hold these securities until maturity; therefore, they are
accounted for as "securities held-to-maturity" under SFAS 115. These securities
are reported on the consolidated balance sheet at amortized cost, as long-term
investments with unpaid interest included in interest receivable if interest is
due in less than 12 months, and as a long term receivable if interest is due in
more that 12 months.
-9-
As of December 23, 2001, the Company maintained $23.3 million of net investments
in the equity of privately-held companies, which are included in other assets on
the consolidated balance sheet. Since the Company does not have the ability to
exercise significant influence over the operations of these companies, these
investment balances are carried at cost and accounted for using the cost method
of accounting for investments. Management conducts a quarterly impairment review
of each investment in the portfolio, including historical and projected
financial performance, expected cash needs and recent funding events.
Other-than-temporary impairments for investments are estimated and recognized if
the market value of the investment is below its cost basis for an extended
period or the issuer has experienced significant financial declines or
difficulties in raising capital to continue operations. During the quarter
ending December 23, 2001, the Company recorded an impairment charge on these
investments of $12.4 million, representing the Company's best estimate of an
"other than temporary" decline in value. This impairment charge was included as
`other non-operating loss' on the consolidated statements of operations.
Impairment of Property and Equipment
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121,
Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed Of ("SFAS 121"), the Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment
based on changes in circumstances that indicate their carrying amounts may not
be recoverable. During the quarter ended December 23, 2001, the Company recorded
an impairment charge for property and equipment totaling $18.1 million related
to assets to be disposed of, which is included in `other operating expense' on
the consolidated statements of operations. This impairment charge was due to
technology decisions or changes resulting in the obsolescence of the assets.
These assets are being carried at the lower of their carrying amount or fair
value less cost to sell. The majority of these assets will be destroyed due to
the proprietary nature of the assets. Disposal of the impaired assets is
expected to occur in the second half of fiscal 2002.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined
under the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories consist of the
following:
December 23, June 24,
2001 2001
------------ ----------
(in thousands)
Raw materials $ 3,867 $ 4,538
Work-in-progress 8,190 6,206
Finished goods 7,315 5,251
Reserve (1,128) (793)
============ ==========
Total inventory, net $18,244 $15,202
============ ==========
-10-
Research and Development Accounting Policy
The U.S. Government provides funding through research contracts for several of
the Company's current research and development efforts. The contract funding may
be based on either a cost-plus, a cost-share or a firm fixed price arrangement.
The amount of funding under each contract is determined based on cost estimates
that include direct costs, plus an allocation for research and development,
general and administrative and the cost of capital expenses. Cost-plus funding
is determined based on actual costs plus a set percentage margin. For the
cost-share contracts, the actual costs are divided between the U.S. government
and the Company based on the terms of the contract. The government's cost share
is then paid to the Company. Activities performed under these arrangements
include research regarding silicon carbide and gallium nitride materials. The
contracts typically require the submission of a written report that documents
the results of such research.
The revenue and expense classification for contract activities is based on the
nature of the contract. For contracts where the Company anticipates that funding
will exceed direct costs over the life of the contract, funding is reported as
contract revenue and all direct costs are reported as costs of contract revenue.
For contracts under which the Company anticipates that direct costs will exceed
amounts to be funded over the life of the contract, costs are reported as
research and development expenses and related funding as an offset of those
expenses. The following table details information about contracts for which
direct expenses exceed funding by period as included in research and development
expenses:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 23, December 24, December 23, December 24,
2001 2000 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(In thousands)
Net R&D costs $ 47 $ 174 $ 60 $ 239
Government funding 18 314 229 660
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total direct costs $ 65 $ 488 $ 289 $ 899
incurred ============ ============ ============ ============
Significant Sales Contracts
On September 21, 2001, the Company entered into a new Purchase Agreement with
Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH & Co. ("Osram"), pursuant to which Osram agreed
to purchase and the Company is obligated to ship certain quantities of LED chips
and silicon carbide wafers through September 2002.
The Purchase Agreement calls for certain quantities of LED chips to be delivered
each month unless shipment is deferred by Osram under the deferred shipment
notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to such provisions, Osram
elected during the December 2001 quarter to defer 43% of the original contracted
amount to a later quarter than originally scheduled. In any event, the Purchase
Agreement requires Osram to purchase all products by March 24, 2003. The
-11-
Purchase Agreement also provides for liquidated damages if the Company is unable
to ship at least 85% of the cumulative quantity due to have been shipped each
month. These damages are calculated at one percent per week of the purchase
price of the delayed product, subject to a maximum of ten percent of the
purchase price. If product shipments are delayed six weeks or more due to
circumstances within the Company's control, then in lieu of liquidated damages,
Osram may claim damages actually resulting from the delay up to forty percent of
the purchase price of delayed products.
Additionally, the Purchase Agreement provides for higher per unit prices early
in the contract with reductions in unit prices being available as the cumulative
volume shipped increases. The higher prices were negotiated by the Company to
offset higher per unit costs expected earlier in the contract.
In December 2000, the Company's subsidiary, UltraRF, entered into a Supply
Agreement with Spectrian. Under this agreement, Spectrian has committed to
purchase semiconductor components having a minimum aggregate purchase price of
approximately $58 million during the two years ended December 31, 2002. In
addition, UltraRF agreed to allocate sufficient capacity to supply Spectrian
with quantities in excess of its minimum commitment by up to 20%. The minimum
purchase amounts are fixed for each quarter during the two-year term of the
agreement, with the aggregate of the eight quarters equaling $58.0 million. In
October 2001, Spectrian and UltraRF agreed to modify the Supply Agreement under
which the minimum purchase amount for the quarter ending December 23, 2001 was
reduced and the subsequent two quarters increased so that the aggregate for the
eight quarters remained at $58 million. In modification of the supply agreement,
we also agreed that if we are not able to meet our proposed ramp up of LDMOS-8
production to Spectrian in the March 2002 quarter that Spectrian may be entitled
to a credit of up to $2.1 million. Cree, UltraRF and Spectrian also entered into
a development agreement, under which Spectrian provided R&D funding of $2.4
million. This work supports the development, by Cree and UltraRF, to improve
high linearity and gain LDMOS power modules, and silicon carbide based RF power
transistors for potential use in Spectrian's power amplifier products.
Income Taxes
The Company has established an estimated tax provision based upon an effective
rate of 29% for the quarter ended December 23, 2001. The Company's effective tax
rate was 34% for the quarter ended December 24, 2000. The estimated effective
rate was based upon projections of income for the fiscal year and the Company's
ability to utilize remaining net operating loss carryforwards and other tax
credits. However, the actual effective rate may vary depending upon actual
pre-tax book income for the year or other factors.
Shareholders' Equity
On January 18, 2001, the Company announced that its Board of Directors
authorized the repurchase of up to four million shares of its outstanding common
stock. Additionally, on March 22, 2001, the Company announced that its Board of
Directors increased the repurchase limits under the stock repurchase program
announced in January 2001 to include an additional three million shares, for a
total of seven million shares of its outstanding common stock. For the three and
six months periods ended December 23, 2001, the Company repurchased 42,000
shares and 705,000 shares, respectively, of its common stock at an average price
of $15.04 per share for an aggregate of approximately $10.6 million. The
repurchase program expired during January, 2002, however, management intends to
seek board approval to renew the program.
-12-
Comprehensive (Loss) Income
- ---------------------------
Comprehensive (loss) income consists of the following:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 23, December 24, December 23, December 24,
2001 2000 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(In thousands)
Net (loss) income $ (17,376) $ 13,861 $ (10,915) $ 26,515
Other comprehensive 2,130 (5,532) (4,628) (6,950)
income (loss),
net of tax
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Comprehensive (loss) $ (15,246) $ 8,329 $ (15,543) $ 19,565
income ============ ============ ============ ============
Earnings Per Share
- ------------------
The Company presents earnings per share in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS 128"). The
following computation reconciles the differences between the basic and diluted
presentations:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
December 23, December 24, December 23, December 24,
2001 2000 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net (loss) income $ (17,376) $ 13,861 $ (10,915) $ 26,515
Weighted average
common shares 72,457 71,495 72,705 71,154
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Basic (loss) earnings
per common share ($0.24) $0.19 ($ 0.15) $0.37
============ ============ ============ ============
Net (loss) income ($17,376) $ 13,861 $ (10,915) $ 26,515
Diluted weighted
average common shares:
Common shares outstanding 72,457 71,495 72,705 71,154
Dilutive effect of stock
options and warrants -- 3,705 -- 4,076
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total diluted weighted
average common shares 72,457 75,200 72,705 75,230
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Diluted (loss) earnings
per common share ($0.24) $0.18 ($0.15) $0.35
============ ============ ============ ============
Potential common shares that would have the effect of increasing diluted income
per share are considered to be antidilutive. In accordance with SFAS 128, for
the three and six months ended December 23, 2001, 8,892,675 and 8,843,688
shares, respectively, were not included in calculating diluted earnings per
share and for the three months and six months ended December 24, 2000, 1,034,441
shares were not included in calculating diluted earnings per share because the
effect would be antidilutive.
-13-
New Accounting Pronouncements
- -----------------------------
On June 29, 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") unanimously
approved the issuance of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
No. 141, "Business Combinations", and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets". SFAS 141 eliminates the pooling-of-interests method of accounting for
business combinations except for qualifying business combinations that were
initiated prior to July 1, 2001. SFAS 141 also includes new criteria to
recognize intangible assets separately from goodwill. The requirements of SFAS
141 are effective for any business combination accounted for by the purchase
method that is completed after June 30, 2001. Under SFAS 142, goodwill and
intangible assets with indefinite lives are no longer amortized but are reviewed
annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise, for impairment.
Separable intangible assets that are not deemed to have an indefinite life will
continue to be amortized over their useful lives. The amortization provisions of
SFAS 142 requiring nonamortization of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible
assets apply to goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets acquired after
June 30, 2001. With respect to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to
July 1, 2001, we are required to adopt SFAS 142 in the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2002.
Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 ("SFAS 144") provides
guidance on differentiating between assets held and used and assets to be
disposed of. The distinction is important because assets to be disposed of must
be stated at the lower of the assets' carrying amount or fair value less cost to
sell, and depreciation is no longer recognized. Assets to be disposed of would
be classified as held for sale (and depreciation would cease) when management,
having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the
asset(s) meeting all required criteria. If the plan of sale criteria are met
after the balance sheet date but before issuance of the financial statements,
the related asset would continue to be classified as held and used at the
balance sheet date. Unless the undiscounted cash flow test indicated a loss was
necessary on the balance sheet date, no loss would be recognized even if the
asset is expected to be sold at a loss.
-14-
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
Information set forth in this Form 10-Q, including Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains various
"forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. These statements
represent the Company's judgment concerning the future and are subject to risks
and uncertainties that could cause our actual operating results and financial
position to differ materially. Such forward-looking statements can be identified
by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "anticipate,"
"believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," and "intend" or the negative thereof or
other variations thereof or comparable terminology. The Company cautions that
such forward-looking statements are further qualified by important factors that
could cause the Company's actual operating results to differ materially from
those forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to,
uncertainty regarding economic conditions; risks from increased competition;
uncertain product demand; uncertainty whether we can achieve our targets for
increased yields and cost reductions needed to maintain our margins; risks
associated with the production ramp-up for new products; including the
possibility of unexpected delays, increased costs and manufacturing difficulties
or less than expected market acceptance; risks associated with the planned
release of new products under development, including the possibility we will be
unable to develop and manufacture commercially viable versions of such products;
the risk of variability in our manufacturing processes that can adversely affect
yields and product performance; the risk that our investments in third parties
will generate losses; the risk that changes in customer concentration will
adversely affect our sales; the possibility of adverse results in our pending
intellectual property litigation; uncertainty whether our intellectual property
rights will provide meaningful protection and concentration of our business
among few customers. See Exhibit 99.1 for further discussion of factors that
could cause the Company's actual results to differ.
Overview
Cree, Inc. is the world leader in developing and manufacturing semiconductor
materials and electronic devices made from silicon carbide ("SiC") and gallium
nitride ("GaN"). We recognize product revenue at the time of shipment when legal
title transfers to our customers or in accordance with the terms of the relevant
contract. Our financial statements also include estimates by management for
reserves for inventory, accounts receivable and investments in privately held
companies. We derive the largest portion of our revenue from the sale of blue
and green light emitting diode ("LED") products. We offer LEDs at four
brightness levels- X-Bright(TM) blue and ultraviolet products, MegaBright(TM)
blue, green and ultraviolet products, high brightness blue and green products
(now including our UltraBright(TM) blue and green devices) and standard
brightness blue products. Our LED devices are utilized by end users for
automotive dashboard lighting, LCD backlighting, including wireless handsets and
other consumer products, indicator lamps, miniature white lights, indoor sign
and arena displays, outdoor full color displays, traffic signals and other
lighting applications.
We introduced our new next generation LED X-Bright(TM) technology in the second
quarter of 2002. The X-Bright(TM) family of LEDs is being designed to offer
increased brightness by up to 50 percent over the MegaBright(TM) family of
-15-
LED's. Target applications for the X-Bright(TM) devices include solid state
illumination, cell phones, automotive and video screens. We shipped sample
quantities of our X-Bright(TM) chips during December 2001. These products have
gained strong initial interest from our customers, but will require a design-in
cycle that is expected to continue for several months.
We also recently introduced the 505 traffic signal green and 525 signage green
devices in the MegaBright(TM) product line. These diodes exhibit typical
brightness increase of greater than two times the current UltraBright(TM) device
brightness levels. The target applications for the MegaBright(TM) green devices
are traffic signals, display signs and consumer products. During the first six
months of fiscal 2002, the MegaBright(TM) blue and green products made up 26% of
our LED revenue. We continue to develop the X-Bright(TM) green family of
products.
Revenue at the UltraRF segment was $17.5 million during the first six months of
fiscal 2002. In the long term, UltraRF's success will depend on the rate at
which we diversify our Spectrian-concentrated business. Currently over 90% of
the sales of the UltraRF division are made to Spectrian under a supply contract
which was entered into when we acquired UltraRF from Spectrian in December, 2000
and was subsequently modified. This supply agreement expires on December 31,
2002.We believe that the introduction of our new power amplifier module and
LDMOS-8 RF power transistor devices along with our continued commitment to LDMOS
research and development, will generate product design wins from new customers,
consistent with our customer diversification strategy. We also believe that
Spectrian will continue to be a customer after the expiration of the supply
contract. However, the level and pricing of sales to Spectrian will be subject
to market conditions once the supply contract expires.
We derive additional revenue from the sale of advanced materials made from SiC
that are used for manufacturing LEDs and power devices by our customers or for
research and development for new semiconductor applications.
The balance of our revenue is derived from government research contract funding.
Results of Operations
- ---------------------
Three Months Ended December 23, 2001 and December 24, 2000
Revenue. Revenue decreased 1% to $41.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal
2002 from $41.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2001. This decrease was
attributable to lower product revenue of $36.9 million in the second quarter of
fiscal 2002 from $37.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2001. Without the
acquisition of UltraRF, revenue for the second quarter would have been $33.3
million or 11% lower than the prior year comparative results. For the second
quarter of fiscal 2002, LED revenue declined 19% from the prior year despite a
10% LED chip volume increase over units delivered in the second quarter of last
year. Average LED sales prices declined 26% in the second quarter of fiscal 2002
compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2001 due to expected contractual volume
discounts given to customers. Our MegaBright(TM) LED products, which first began
shipping in July 2001, showed increasing customer acceptance as they grew to 37%
of LED revenue during the second quarter. The MegaBright(TM) and X-Bright(TM)
products will likely continue to replace some of the demand for older devices,
as new customer product qualifications are completed. In December 2001, we
sampled our first X-Bright(TM) products. These products have gained strong
customer interest but will require a design cycle before significant sales
-16-
begin. Therefore, we target the sales of these products to begin in our fourth
quarter of fiscal 2002. As a result of the growth of our MegaBright(TM) and
X-Bright(TM) products, our high brightness chips (including UltraBright(TM)
chips) declined from 79% of LED sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2001 to
38% of LED sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2002. Sales of our standard
brightness chips made up 25% of LED revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2002
compared to 21% of LED sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2001.
Revenue from UltraRF was $7.8 million during the quarter with LDMOS products
making up over 68% of revenue due to demand from Spectrian Corporation. As we
completed the acquisition of UltraRF in December 2000, there were no sales from
this unit in the comparable December 2000 quarter. UltraRF continues to ramp its
production of LDMOS products currently being shipped for next generation
wireless base station applications. We continue to work on new customer design
wins, which will utilize this new technology. A successful ramp up of LDMOS-8
products is critical to meeting our contractual obligations with Spectrian.
Material sales declined 35% in the second quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to the
same period of fiscal 2001 due to significantly lower gemstone material sales.
Sales of gemstone material products declined 84%, as there were only nominal
sales to Charles & Colvard, or C&C during the second quarter of fiscal 2002. We
anticipate little to no revenue from this customer over the next several
quarters. SiC wafer sales revenue decreased 9% in the second quarter of fiscal
2002 compared to the same period of the prior year. Wafer units shipped
increased 3%, while average sales prices declined 12% in the second quarter of
fiscal 2002 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2001.
Contract revenue received from U.S. Government agencies and non-governmental
customers increased 8% during the second quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to the
second quarter of fiscal 2001 due to larger microwave contract awards received.
We are currently seeing a trend in our sales activities where orders from our
larger customers are slowing while orders from smaller customers are increasing.
This change in customer mix improves the balance of our revenue stream as we
decrease our customer concentration. However, this change also limits order
visibility as smaller customers generally do not order as far in advance as
larger customers. If the volume of orders from these smaller customers does not
reach the level we currently anticipate, revenue for the second half of 2002
could be significantly less than expected.
Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased 12% to $19.4 million in the second quarter
of fiscal 2002 compared to $22.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2001.
Compared to the prior year period, gross margin for the fiscal 2002 quarter
decreased to 47% from 53% of revenue. Gross margin for the second quarter of
fiscal 2002 at UltraRF was 44% of revenue. Profitability at UltraRF was lower
than the prior sequential quarter due to a shift in product mix favoring a
higher percentage of LDMOS products in comparison to bipolar products. LDMOS
products had a lower average selling price and lower gross margins relative to
the bipolar products. The LED product line realized lower profitability during
the second quarter of fiscal 2002 in comparison to the prior year period due to
overall contractual declines in average sales prices of 26% partially offset by
a 20% decrease in manufacturing costs. We continue to focus on cost reduction as
one of our highest priorities. We plan to manage our expense structure and
reduce costs though process improvements and other efficiencies and to increase
overall yields.
-17-
Research and Development. Research and development expenses increased 191%, or
$4.4 million, in the second quarter of fiscal 2002 to $6.7 million from $2.3
million in the second quarter of fiscal 2001. Increased spending for research
and development results from the combination of UltraRF expenses and increased
internal funding to support microwave and optoelectronic programs. Without the
addition of UltraRF expenses, research and development costs would have
increased 143% from the second quarter of 2001. Internal funding for R&D will
continue at these spending levels in the near term as we continue to focus on
developing brighter LED's, improved LDMOS and SIC microwave and power devices
and blue laser products.
Sales, General and Administrative. Sales, general and administrative expenses
increased 87%, or $2.6 million, in the second quarter of fiscal 2002 to $5.6
million from $3.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2001, due to the
combination of UltraRF expenses and significant legal costs primarily associated
with ongoing intellectual property litigation. Excluding UltraRF results,
selling, general and administrative expenses would have been 54% higher than the
prior year period as a result of greater costs incurred during the December 2002
quarter associated with patent litigation.
Other Expense. Other expense was $18.8 million during the second quarter of
fiscal 2002. This primarily consists of an impairment charge on property and
equipment of $18.1 million taken during the quarter primarily due to technology
decisions and changes. In accordance with SFAS 121, management reviews
long-lived assets for impairment based on changes in circumstances that indicate
their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. This impairment charge reflects
management's decision on technology resulting from the progress made by our
research and development teams. After extensively testing certain reactor
technology equipment, we narrowed a preference for certain processes, and we
intend to use these processes going forward. We wrote off non-producing reactor
equipment which does not use the preferred processes. Also, in December 2001
management committed to a plan to begin a 3" wafer transition over the next
18-24 months. As a result, we wrote off non-convertible 2" crystal growth
equipment that was not currently or expected to be in use. Finally, yield
improvements also resulted in the obsolescence of certain other equipment. All
equipment written off is being dismantled and destroyed if proprietary in
nature, or sold where possible. These assets are being carried at the lower of
their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The remaining amount of
$700,000 of other expense represents a one-time bonus paid to UltraRF employees.
Other Non Operating (loss). The other non operating (loss) of $11.8 million
primarily represents an "other-than-temporary" decline in value related to our
long-term investments in privately-held companies in the amount of $12.4
million. Management conducts a quarterly impairment review of each investment in
the portfolio, including historical and projected financial performance,
expected cash needs and recent funding events. Other-than-temporary impairments
for investments are recognized if the market value of the investment is below
its cost basis for an extended period or the issuer has experienced significant
financial declines or difficulties in raising capital to continue operations.
This impairment charge was partially offset by a gain on the sale of marketable
securities of $600,000.
-18-
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Amortization. As a result of the acquisition of
UltraRF, we recorded goodwill and other intangible assets on its balance sheet
which are being amortized over periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. No expense
was incurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2001 due to the timing of the
UltraRF acquisition.
Interest Income, Net. Interest income, net declined $3.0 million or 69%, in the
second quarter of fiscal 2002 in comparison to the second quarter of fiscal
2001. The reduction from the comparative quarter results primarily from lower
interest rates available for our liquid cash as a result of aggressive interest
rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense. Income tax benefit for the second quarter of
fiscal 2002 was $7.1 million compared to an income tax expense of $7.2 million
in the second quarter of fiscal 2001. The income tax benefit resulted from the
$24 million net loss resulting from the charge taken for the impairment of fixed
assets of $18.1 million and the $12.4 million charge for the reserve for
investments in privately held companies. The effective income tax rate was 29%
for the second quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to a 34% rate during the
comparative period in fiscal 2001. This change in our effective tax rate is a
direct result of the implementation of certain tax planning strategies.
Six Months Ended December 23, 2001 and December 24, 2000
Revenue. Revenue increased 6.6% to $84.3 million in the first six months of
fiscal 2002 from $79.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2001. This
increase was attributable to higher product revenue of $75.5 million in the
first six months of fiscal 2002 from $71.9 million in the first six months of
fiscal 2001. Without the acquisition of UltraRF, product revenue for the first
six months of fiscal 2002 would have been $66.8 million or 17% lower than the
prior year comparative period results. For the first six months of fiscal 2002,
LED revenue declined 16% from the prior year period despite a 16% LED chip
volume increase over units delivered in the first six months of last fiscal
year. Average LED sales prices declined 28% in the first six months of fiscal
2002 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2001 due to expected contractual
volume discounts given to customers. Our new MegaBright(TM) LED products showed
increasing customer acceptance as they grew to 26% of LED revenue during the
first six months of fiscal 2002. As a result of the growth of these products,
our high brightness chips (including UltraBright(TM) chips) declined from 80% of
LED sales in the first six months of fiscal 2001 to 47% of LED sales for the
first six months of fiscal 2002. Sales of our standard brightness chips remained
strong at 27% of total LED revenue in the first six months of fiscal 2002,
compared 20% during the first six months of fiscal 2001.
Revenue from UltraRF was $17.5 million during the first six months of fiscal
2002 with an even split of bipolar and LDMOS products being shipped. Most of the
revenue demand was generated from Spectrian Corporation. As we completed the
acquisition of UltraRF in December 2000, there were no sales from this unit in
the first six months of fiscal 2001.
Material sales declined 30% in the first six months of fiscal 2002 compared to
the same period of fiscal 2001 due to significantly lower gemstone sales. Sales
of gemstone products declined 85%, as there were only nominal sales to C&C
during the first six months of fiscal 2002. We anticipate little to no revenue
from this customer over the next several quarters. SiC wafer sales increased
6.5% in the first six months of fiscal 2002 compared to the prior year period.
-19-
This is due to demand for wafers used in LED and power products by our customers
and increased interest by the research community. Wafer units increased 23%,
while average sales prices declined 14% in the first six months of fiscal 2002
compared to the first six months of fiscal 2001.
Contract revenue received from U.S. Government agencies and non-governmental
customers increased 22% during the first six months of fiscal 2002 compared to
the first six months of fiscal 2001 due to larger microwave contract awards
received.
Gross Profit. Gross profit decreased 8% to $39.3 million in the first six months
of fiscal 2002 compared to $42.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2001.
Compared to the first six months of the prior year, gross margin for the first
six months of fiscal 2002 decreased to 47% from 54% of revenue. Gross margin for
the first six months of fiscal 2002 at UltraRF was 46% of revenue. The LED
product line realized lower gross margins during that period in comparison to
the prior year period due to contractual declines in average sales prices
amounting to 28% being offset by manufacturing costs that were 15% lower. We
continue to focus on cost reduction as one of our highest priorities. We plan to
manage our expense structure and reduce costs though process improvements and
other efficiencies and to increase overall yields. Gross margins also declined
on materials revenue as wafer costs for SiC material sales were also higher
comparing the first half of fiscal 2002 results to the first half of fiscal 2001
due to a change in product mix.
Research and Development. Research and development expenses increased 148% or
$6.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2002 to $10.9 million from $4.4
million in the first six months of fiscal 2001. Increased spending for research
and development results from the combination of UltraRF expenses and increased
internal funding to support microwave and optoelectronic programs. Without the
addition of UltraRF expenses, research and development costs would have
increased 100% from the first six months of 2001.
Sales, General and Administrative. Sales, general and administrative expenses
increased 61%, or $4.3 million, in the first six months of fiscal 2002 to $11.3
million from $7.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2001. The increase
is due to the combination of UltraRF expenses and significant legal costs of
$3.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2002 primarily associated with
ongoing intellectual property litigation. For further discussion on the
intellectual property litigation see below in Part II, Item 1, Legal
Proceedings. Excluding UltraRF results, selling, general and administrative
expenses would have been 34% higher.
Other Expense. Other expense was $19.7 million during the first six months of
fiscal 2002. This is made up of a charge for the impairment of fixed assets
during the six-month period due to technology changes and a one-time bonus of
$700,000 for UltraRF employees.
Other Non Operating (loss). The other non operating (loss) of $11.8 million in
the first six months of fiscal 2002 was attributed to an "other than temporary"
decline in value related to our long-term investments in the amount of $12.4
million recorded during the second quarter as discussed above. This charge was
partially offset by a gain on the sale of marketable securities of $600,000.
-20-
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Amortization. As a result of the acquisition of
UltraRF, we recorded goodwill and other intangible assets on its balance sheet,
which are being amortized over periods ranging from 5 to 10 years. No expense
was incurred during the first six months of fiscal 2001 due to the timing of the
UltraRF acquisition.
Interest Income, Net. Interest income, net declined $5.6 million, or 62%, in the
first six months of fiscal 2002 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2001.
The reduction from the comparative quarter results primarily from lower interest
rates available for our liquid cash as a result of aggressive federal interest
rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense. Income tax benefit for the first six months of
fiscal 2002 was $4.5 million compared to an income tax expense of $13.7 million
in the first six months of fiscal 2001. The income tax benefit resulted from the
$15.4 million net pre-tax loss which was due to the charges for the impairment
of fixed assets of $18.1 million and the $12.4 million reserve for investments
in privately held companies. The effective income tax rate was 29% for the
second quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to 34% during the comparative period of
fiscal 2001. This change in our effective tax rate is a direct result of the
implementation of certain tax planning strategies.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------
We have funded our operations to date through sales of equity, bank borrowings
and revenue from product and contract sales. As of December 23, 2001, we had
working capital of $221.9 million, including $168.3 million in cash, short-term
investments and marketable securities. Operating activities generated net cash
of $23.8 million for the first six months of fiscal 2002 compared with $36.5
million generated during the comparative period in fiscal 2001. This reduction
in cash provided by operations was primarily attributable to lower income from
operations and timing differences attributable to our increase in deferred
income tax assets and a decline in accounts payable.
Capital expenditures of property, plant and equipment amounted to $21.8 million
during the first half of fiscal 2002. In addition, $15.3 million was invested in
available for sale securities and $40.0 million was invested in securities held
to maturity during the second quarter of fiscal 2002. Proceeds of $47.0 million
from securities held to maturity was used to reinvest in available for sale
securities and in securities held to maturity. In addition, $7.9 million was
invested in privately held companies.
Cash used in financing activities during the first half of fiscal 2002 includes
a total of 705,000 shares of common stock which have been repurchased on the
open market for an aggregate of $10.6 million. In addition, we received $3.0 in
proceeds from the exercise of stock options from our employee stock option plan.
We currently have adequate cash and working capital resources on hand to fund
near term capital expenditures and other planned items. We may issue additional
shares of common stock for the acquisition of complementary businesses or other
significant assets or enter into other capital transactions as needs and
opportunities warrant. From time to time we evaluate potential acquisitions of
and investments in complementary businesses and anticipate continuing to make
such evaluations.
-21-
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Quantitative Disclosures
- ------------------------
As of December 23, 2001, the Company maintains investments in publicly traded
equity securities that are treated for accounting purposes under SFAS 115 as
"available for sale" securities. These investments are carried at fair market
value based on quoted market prices of the investments as of December 21, 2001,
with net unrealized gains or losses excluded from earnings and reported as a
separate component of stockholder's equity. These investments are subject to
market risk of equity price changes. Management views these stock holdings as
strategic investments; therefore, the shares are accounted for as "available for
sale" securities under SFAS 115. The fair market value of these investments as
of December 23, 2001, using the closing sale price of December 21, 2001 was
$13.9 million.
Qualitative Disclosures
- -----------------------
Investments in the common stock of other public companies are subject to the
market risk of equity price changes. While the Company cannot predict or manage
the future market price for such stock, management continues to evaluate its
investment position on an ongoing basis.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
As discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended June 24, 2001, and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
fiscal quarter ended September 24, 2001, the Company intervened as a party in
lawsuits filed by Nichia Corporation in December 1999 and April 2000 in the
Tokyo District Court in which Nichia alleges that LED products manufactured by
the Company infringe two Nichia patents, Japanese Patent Nos. 2,778,405 (the
"405 patent") and 2,918,139 (the "139 patent"). Nichia originally filed two
lawsuits based on the `405 patent but voluntarily dismissed one of the suits in
October 2001. The Tokyo District Court dismissed the second lawsuit on the `405
patent in a decision issued in December 2001 in which the court found that the
Company's high brightness LED products at issue in the case were non-infringing.
Nichia has appealed this dismissal to the Tokyo High Court.
The Tokyo District Court had previously dismissed Nichia's suit on the `139
patent in a decision issued in May 2001 in which the court found that the
Company's standard brightness LED products do not infringe the `139 patent;
Nichia's appeal from this dismissal remains pending before the Tokyo High Court.
In July 2001, Rohm Co., Ltd. ("Rohm") filed a complaint against Nichia in the
Tokyo District Court in which Rohm seeks a ruling that its sale of products that
incorporate the Company's standard brightness LED products do not infringe the
`139 patent. The Company intervened in this suit in December 2001 to assist in
showing that its standard brightness LED products do not infringe the `139
patent, and the case remains pending before the district court.
-22-
As also discussed in the Company's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q reports noted above,
the Company's subsidiary, Cree Lighting Company, is a co-plaintiff in a patent
infringement lawsuit brought against Nichia and Nichia America Corporation and
originally filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
California in May 2001. The California district court in September 2001
provisionally granted the defendants' motion to transfer the case to the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, subject to a
determination by the North Carolina court of whether the case should be
transferred. In November 2001 the North Carolina district court ruled that
transfer was appropriate and has retained the case.
Also pending before the North Carolina court is the previously-reported action
brought by the Company and North Carolina State University against Nichia and
Nichia America Corporation in which Nichia has counterclaimed against the
Company, its subsidiary Cree Lighting Company and a former Nichia researcher now
employed part-time by Cree Lighting Company. In October 2001, in response to
Nichia's amended answer and counterclaim filed in September 2001, the Company
and the Cree Lighting employee replied to the amended counterclaim, denying
liability and asserting, in the Company's reply, claims seeking a declaratory
judgment that the Nichia patents at issue are invalid, unenforceable and not
infringed. The Company's reply also asserted a claim for damages in which the
Company alleges that Nichia's actions in bringing the patent infringement
counterclaims were not made for any legitimate purpose and constitute unfair
competition under North Carolina law. In addition, the Company and the Cree
Lighting employee named as a counterclaim co-defendant moved to strike or
dismiss the allegations of the amended counterclaim in which Nichia asserted
claims for trade secret misappropriation not based on any alleged actual
misappropriation and claims under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Cree
Lighting Company also moved, in October 2001, to dismiss Nichia's claims against
it for lack of proper venue. These motions remain pending.
In November 2001, the Company was served with pleadings in which the Company is
named as a defendant to a counterclaim of Nichia Corporation and Nichia America
Corporation in a lawsuit pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern
District of Pennsylvania. The complaint in the underlying action, which was
brought by Rohm Co., Ltd. against Nichia Corporation and Nichia America
Corporation, alleges that Nichia is infringing certain U.S. patents owned by
Rohm. Nichia's counterclaim, as amended in December 2001, names both Rohm and
the Company as counterclaim defendants and alleges that the Company and Rohm
violated antitrust laws by conspiring to exclude Nichia from the U.S. market for
high brightness light-emitting diodes. The counterclaim seeks actual and treble
damages, attorneys' fees and court costs. The Company has moved to dismiss the
counterclaim for lack of personal jurisdiction. Rohm has separately moved to
dismiss certain counts of the counterclaims, including those asserted against
the Company, for failure to state a claim on which relief can be granted. Both
motions remain pending.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on October 23, 2001.
Directors were elected as follows:
Name Votes For Votes Withheld
---- --------- --------------
F. Neal Hunter 66,904,810 156,408
Charles M. Swoboda 66,904,810 156,408
John W. Palmour, Ph.D. 66,904,810 156,408
Dolph W. von Arx 66,556,814 504,404
James E. Dykes 66,904,810 156,408
William J. O'Meara 66,904,810 156,408
Robert J. Potter, Ph.D. 66,854,710 206,508
-23-
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
The following exhibits are being filed herewith and are numbered in
accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
10.19 Fiscal 2002 Management Incentive Plan *
99.1 Certain Business Risks and Uncertainties
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
None.
*Compensatory plan.
-24-
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
CREE, INC.
Date: February 5, 2002 /s/ Cynthia B. Merrell
-----------------------------------------
Cynthia B. Merrell
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Authorized Officer and Chief Financial
and Accounting Officer)
-25-