ITEM 1 BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
Alliance Semiconductor Corporation was incorporated in California on February 4, 1985 and reincorporated in Delaware on October 26, 1993. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms "Alliance" and the "Company" refer to Alliance Semiconductor Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The Company designs, develops and markets high performance memory and memory intensive logic products to the personal computer, networking, telecommunications and instrumentation industries. Market trends such as the proliferation of high-end personal computers and workstations and an increased emphasis on high-throughput applications, including networking, graphics, multimedia and telecommunications products, have created opportunities for high performance memory products. The Company addresses these opportunities with its families of static random access memories ("SRAMs") and dynamic random access memories ("DRAMs"), characterized by high storage capacity (density), fast access times and low power consumption. Additionally, the Company produces a family of single power supply flash memory products, for applications such as personal computer BIOS storage and cellular phones. The Company is actively pursuing a variety of opportunities to leverage its competencies in memory and memory-intensive logic design to create a range of embedded-memory products that combine logic and memory on a single chip. The Company has recently announced its intention to enter the networking semiconductor market.
The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and has been subject to significant downturns at various times that have been characterized by diminished product demand, production overcapacity, and accelerated erosion of selling prices. During much of fiscal 1999 the market for certain of the Company's DRAM devices continued to experience excess supply relative to demand which resulted in a significant downward trend in average selling prices. Pricing pressure also resulted in significant declines in average selling prices during fiscal 1999 for many of the Company's SRAM, flash and graphics products (the Company exited the graphics products market at the beginning of fiscal 1999). Although the Company is unable to predict future trends in average selling prices, historically the semiconductor industry has experienced significant annual declines in average selling prices.
The average selling price that the Company is able to command for its products is highly dependent on industry-wide production capacity and demand, and as a consequence the Company could experience (as it did throughout much of fiscal 1998 and continuing into fiscal 1999) rapid erosion in product pricing which is not within the control of the Company and which could have an adverse material effect on the Company's operating results.
Throughout this report, the Company often has indicated its fiscal years as ending on March 31, whereas the Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the end of March. The fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 contained 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1997 each contained 52 weeks.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
Traditionally, the markets for SRAMs and DRAMs have been dominated by large manufacturing companies, such as Toshiba, NEC, Hitachi, Texas Instruments and Samsung. The majority of the memory products from these manufacturers has consisted of commodity products, which have relatively predictable, multi-year product life cycles and thus require more focus on process technology and production cost and less on design. In recent years, certain technology trends dramatically increased the performance requirements for SRAMs and DRAMs, creating new design challenges and market opportunities for emerging semiconductor companies. The proliferation of more powerful personal computers and workstations in recent years and the increasing emphasis on high-throughput networking, graphics, multimedia and telecommunications products have created mass market opportunities for high speed SRAMs and high speed DRAMs.
The emergence of graphical user interface ("GUI") environments (such as Microsoft(R) Windows(R)) and multimedia applications for personal computers has placed an additional burden on microprocessors to manipulate windows, icons, video and other complex graphical objects. This burden on microprocessors and the resulting decrease in the speed with which software applications are executed have created a need for a companion processor (a "GUI accelerator") that off-loads from the main processor the management of GUI tasks. GUI acceleration has become a fundamental requirement for high performance personal computers. The emergence of multimedia applications has driven the need for higher performance multimedia user interface accelerators that can provide acceleration of 2D/3D graphics and video. Both GUI and MMUI (multi-media user interface) accelerators require fast DRAMs or SGRAMs (synchronous graphic random access memories) to store screen content that is used frequently to refresh the display. SRAMs and DRAMs are forms of "volatile" memory, meaning that such devices retain their memory only when connected to a power supply. In contrast, flash memory is a form of "non-volatile" memory, which retains its memory even when the power supply is turned off. The demand for flash memory has increased in recent years. In addition to being a preferred method of storing the basic input/output system ("BIOS") for computers, a variety of applications make use of flash memory (for instance, cellular phone handsets often allow users to "store" frequently-dialed numbers in flash memory; such memory is retained when the handset power is turned off).
Embedded-memory applications are growing rapidly, as manufacturers of items from cell phones to toasters are introducing "smart" machines that use integrated circuits to improve performance. Embedding memory and logic on a single chip may produce significant advantages in size and speed.
TECHNOLOGY
The Company has focused on using innovative design techniques to develop high performance SRAMs and DRAMs that can be manufactured using a simple CMOS manufacturing process. The Company combines both SRAM and DRAM design approaches in creating its SRAM and DRAM products, and believes that merging these techniques enables it to design SRAMs that feature some of the density attributes of DRAMs and to design DRAMs that feature some of the speed attributes of SRAMs. Since its inception in 1985, the Company has accumulated substantial experience in designing SRAM and DRAM products.
The Company believes that the die sizes (the physical sizes of its complete, unpackaged, memory circuits) of many of its products are smaller than those of competing products, providing the Company with a key competitive advantage. Because yields increase significantly as die size decreases, the Company believes that its small die sizes have been a major contributor to its generally high manufacturing yields. Small die sizes also generally result in additional benefits, such as lower die cost, increased speed, greater reliability and lower power consumption.
In addition to having small die sizes, many of the Company's products are designed to be manufactured using a CMOS process with fewer steps than required for competitive memory products. The Company's competitors
often require a greater number of mask steps and/or more complex manufacturing processes to achieve similar performance of such products. Because yields typically decline as manufacturing complexity and the number of process steps increase, the simpler manufacturing process utilized by the Company has contributed to its generally high manufacturing yields. The Company also believes that a simpler manufacturing process leads to faster time to market and shorter manufacturing cycle times.
The Company's development strategy is to leverage its proprietary design modules, which have been created using its design philosophies. These modules, which are scaleable in size, can be used by the Company as building blocks for new products, resulting in shorter design cycles. The Company believes that this design strategy also enables it to maximize the performance, yield and cost advantages of its basic designs and sustain them over time in successive generations of higher performance and higher density products.
PRODUCTS
HIGH SPEED CMOS SRAMS
Sales of the Company's SRAM products accounted for substantially all of the Company's net revenues from April 1, 1992 through the early part of fiscal 1997. During fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, SRAM products, contributed approximately 58%, 27% and 41% respectively of the Company's net revenues. The Company currently offers SRAM products in several different packages and speed grades ranging from 64-Kbit densities with 8ns access times to 4-Mbit densities with 15ns access times. Currently, the Company's volume SRAM products are manufactured using 0.5 to 0.3 micron technology, with development for a transition to 0.25 micron technology underway.
HIGH SPEED CMOS DRAMS
During fiscal 1998, the Company commenced volume production of 4-Mbit and 16-Mbit DRAM products in 256Kbit x 16 and 1Mbit x 16 configurations, respectively. Sales of the Company's family of DRAM products experienced a decline during fiscal 1999, contributing approximately 40% of the fiscal year's net revenues, as compared to approximately 66% and 47% of the Company's net revenues in fiscal 1998 and1997, respectively.
MMUI ACCELERATORS
During fiscal 1998, the Company further expanded its offering of graphics accelerator products, and introduced an embedded DRAM 2D/3D graphics controller. Sales of MMUI accelerator products accounted for approximately 1% of the Company's net revenues during fiscal 1999 as compared to approximately 7% of the Company's net revenues in fiscal 1998. In July, 1998, the Company determined that it should exit the graphics accelerator business, and announced a workforce reduction of approximately 45 full-time positions, including substantially all of the Company's graphics personnel.
HIGH SPEED CMOS FLASH MEMORIES
During fiscal 1998, the Company extended its offering of 5 volt-only flash memory products (which use a single, 5 volt, power supply for read and programming functions) and now offers 5 volt-only products in densities up to 8-Mbit, with access times as fast as 55ns. To date, the Company has not derived significant revenue from flash memory products.
NETWORK HARDWARE ACCELERATORS
The Company has announced that it expects to introduce the first product of an Internet Protocol Routing Processor ("IPRP") family that leverages the Company's logic and embedded memory technology, to enable hardware accelerated wire speed routing of IP packets, in multi-ported Gigabit and Terabit routers. These IPRP devices should become integral components in mission critical and multimedia enhanced high-end routers, which are being deployed to build the next generation Internet infrastructure. The Company achieved working silicon of the first product of IPRP family during the quarter ended April 3, 1999.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Timely development and introduction of new products are essential to maintaining the Company's competitive position. The Company currently develops all of its products in-house and had on staff 60 development personnel (30 in the United States and 30 in India) as of April 4, 1999. The Company uses a workstation-based computer-aided design environment to design and prototype new products. The Company's design process uses network computing, high-level design methodologies, simulators, circuit synthesizers and other related tools. During fiscal 1999, fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997, the Company spent approximately $14.1 million, $15.3 million, and $15.0 million respectively, on product development activities. The Company plans to continue to invest substantial amounts in development to design additional products.
The markets for the Company's products are characterized by rapid technological change, evolving industry standards and product obsolescence. The Company's future success will be highly dependent upon the timely completion and introduction of new products at competitive performance levels. The success of new products depends on a variety of factors, including product selection, successful and timely completion of product development, the Company's ability to secure sufficient foundry capacity for volume manufacturing of wafers, achievement of acceptable wafer fabrication yields (the proportion of good die on a silicon wafer) by the Company's independent foundries and the Company's ability to offer products at competitive prices. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify new product opportunities successfully, develop and bring to market such new products in a timely and cost effective manner, or that the Company will be able to respond effectively to new technological changes or new product announcements by others. There also can be no assurance that the Company can secure adequate foundry capacity for the production of such products, or obtain acceptable manufacturing yields necessary to enable the Company to offer products at competitive prices. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the Company's products will gain or maintain market acceptance. Such inabilities could materially and adversely affect the Company's operating results.
The markets for SRAMs, DRAMs, and flash memory products are volatile and subject to rapid technological and price change. Any inventory of products for those markets may be subject to obsolescence and price erosion, which could materially and adversely affect the Company's operating results. During fiscal 1999, the Company incurred pre-tax charges of approximately $20 million, primarily to adjust the valuation of the Company's inventory to reflect declines in market value.
CUSTOMERS
The Company's primary customers are major domestic and international suppliers and manufacturers of personal computers and personal computer peripheral system boards including IBM, Pony & Goldenway and EDO Micro. The market for DRAMs and SRAMs used in personal computers is characterized by price volatility and has experienced significant fluctuations and downturns in product demand. Moreover, with respect to SRAMs, the Company derived less than 10% of its net revenue in fiscal 1999 from the sale of SRAMs for personal computer cache applications. Intel has introduced the Pentium II card containing a microprocessor and cache memory (SRAM) on the card, and the Company has not to date been selected as a supplier of SRAM memory to Intel for the Pentium II card. There can be no assurance that the Company will be selected by Intel to supply SRAM memory for the Pentium II card in the future. If Intel continues to assemble cache memory onto the Pentium II card (or successors thereto) prior to sale to customers, then failure by the Company to be chosen to supply SRAM to Intel for the Pentium II card (or successors thereto) would likely materially limit the Company's sales of SRAMs to the personal computer market.
While the Company's strategy is to increase its penetration into the networking, telecommunications and instrumentation markets with its existing SRAM, DRAM, and Flash Memory products and to develop new products complementary to its existing products, the Company may not be successful in executing such strategy. A decline in demand in the personal computer industry or lack of success in developing new markets or new products could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results.
Because a large percentage of the worldwide supply of personal computers and personal computer system boards is manufactured by suppliers located in Asia, a substantial percentage of the Company's net revenues are derived from Asian companies. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 sales to customers in Asia
accounted for approximately 32%, 30%, and 28% of the Company's net revenues, respectively. Continued weakness of the Asian economies -- a risk heightened by the recent financial and currency crisis in many Asian countries -- may have a material adverse impact on the Company.
The Company is also selling SRAMs to networking, telecommunications and instrumentation customers including 3Com, Lucent Technologies Inc., IBM, Sony, Newbridge Networks and Bay Networks. The Company believes that if its sales penetration into these markets increases, its customer base will diversify not only by product application but also geographically. There can be no assurance that such sales penetration into these markets will in fact increase. The Company also, as a result of an antidumping proceeding commenced in February 1997, must pay a cash deposit equal to 50.15% of the value of any SRAMs manufactured (wafer fabrication) in Taiwan, in order to import such goods into the U.S. Although the Company may be refunded such deposits (see Item 3 - Legal Proceedings, below), the deposit requirement, and the potential that all entries of Taiwan-fabricated SRAMs during the period October 1, 1997 through March 31, 1999 will be liquidated at the bond rate or deposit rate in effect at the time of entry, may materially adversely affect the Company's ability to sell Taiwan manufactured (wafer fabrication) SRAMs in the United States. The Company manufactures (wafer fabrication) SRAMs in Singapore (and has manufactured SRAMs in Japan as well), and may be able to support its U.S. customers with such products, which are not subject to antidumping duties. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to do so.
Sales to the Company's customers are typically made pursuant to specific purchase orders, which may be canceled by the customer without enforceable penalties. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, two customers accounted for approximately 15% and 13% of the Company's net revenues. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998, one customer accounted for approximately 18% of the Company's net revenues. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997, no customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's net revenues. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
SALES AND MARKETING
The Company markets and distributes its products in North America through a direct sales organization supported by manufacturers' representatives and distributors. The Company uses manufacturers' representatives and/or distributors to make sales in Europe, Asia and the rest of the world.
The Company uses manufacturers' representatives and distributors who are not subject to minimum purchase requirements and who can discontinue marketing the Company's products at any time. Many of the Company's distributors are permitted to return to the Company a portion of the products purchased by them. The loss of one or more manufacturers' representatives or distributors could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results. The Company believes that its relations with its manufacturers' representatives and distributors generally are good.
The Company believes that customer service and technical support are important competitive factors in selling to major customers. The Company provides technical support to its customers worldwide. Distributors and manufacturers' representatives supplement the Company's efforts by providing additional customer service at a local level. The Company also works closely with its customers in qualification of its products and providing the needed quality and reliability data. The Company believes that close contact with its customers not only improves the customers' level of satisfaction but also provides important insights into future market directions.
International revenues accounted for 50%, 41%, and 36% of net revenues in fiscal 1999, fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997, respectively. The majority of the Company's international revenues in fiscal years 1996 through 1999 were derived from Asian manufacturers of personal computers and personal computer system boards, because a large percentage of the worldwide supply of these products has been and continues to be manufactured by suppliers located in Asia. The Company expects that international sales will continue to represent a significant portion of net revenues. In addition, the Company's products are manufactured, assembled and tested by independent third parties primarily located in Asia, and the Company has in the past and intends in the future to make investments in certain foundries in Asia in order to secure production capacity. Due to its international sales and independent third party manufacturing, assembly and testing operations, the Company is subject to the risks of conducting business internationally. These risks include unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, delay resulting from
difficulty in obtaining export licenses of certain technology, tariffs and other barriers and restrictions, and the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws. The Company is also subject to general geopolitical risks in connection with its international operations, such as political and economic instability and changes in diplomatic and trade relationships. In addition, because the Company's international sales generally are denominated in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar could increase the price in local currencies of the Company's products in foreign markets and make the Company's products relatively more expensive than competitors' products that are denominated in local currencies. The recent financial and economic crisis in Asia may have heightened all of the foregoing risks (for instance, the U.S. dollar was significantly stronger at the end of fiscal 1998 vis-a-vis many Asian currencies than at the beginning of fiscal 1998). Although the Company to date has not experienced any material adverse effect on its operations as a result of such regulatory, geopolitical and other factors, there can be no assurance that such factors will not adversely impact the Company's operations in the future or require the Company to modify its current business practices.
MANUFACTURING
The Company subcontracts its manufacturing to independent foundries, which allows the Company to avoid the significant capital investment required for wafer fabrication facilities. The Company, however, has entered into agreements providing for the investment of significant sums for the formation of companies to build and operate manufacturing facilities or to obtain guaranteed capacity, as described below. As a result, the Company focuses its resources on product design and development, quality assurance, marketing and sales, and customer support. The Company designs its products using proprietary circuit modules and standard fabrication processes in order to operate within the process parameters of its contract manufacturers.
The Company's major foundries are United Microelectronics Corporation ("UMC") in Taiwan, United Semiconductor Corporation ("USC") in Taiwan, United Silicon, Inc. ("USIC") in Taiwan, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. ("Chartered") in Singapore and Rohm Co., Ltd. ("Rohm") in Japan. The Company has entered into foundry production agreements with all of its major foundries. Although the Company believes it currently has adequate capacity to address market requirements, there can be no assurance that in the future the Company's current foundries, together with any additional sources, would be willing or able to satisfy all of the Company's requirements on a timely basis. The Company has encountered delays in the qualification process and production ramp-up in the past, and qualification of or production ramp-up at any additional foundries could take longer than anticipated. The Company has entered into equity arrangements in order to obtain an adequate supply of wafers, especially wafers manufactured using advanced process technologies. The Company will continue to consider various possible transactions, including but not limited to equity investments in independent wafer manufacturers in exchange for guaranteed production; the formation with others of new companies to own and operate foundries; the usage of "take or pay" contracts that commit the Company to purchase specified quantities of wafers over extended periods; and the licensing of certain of the Company's designs, in order to obtain an adequate supply of wafers using advanced process technologies. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company would be able to consummate any such transaction in a timely manner, or at all, or on terms commercially acceptable to the Company.
In February 1995, the Company agreed to purchase shares of Chartered for approximately US$10 million and entered into a manufacturing agreement under which Chartered will provide a minimum number of wafers from its 8-inch wafer fabrication facility known as "Fab2." In April 1995, the Company agreed to purchase additional shares in Chartered, bringing the total agreed investment in Chartered to approximately US$51.6 million and Chartered agreed to provide an increased minimum number of wafers to be provided by Chartered from Fab2. The Company has paid all installments to Chartered. Currently, the Company owns approximately 2.14% of the outstanding shares of Chartered. Chartered is a private company based in Singapore that is controlled by entities affiliated with the Singapore government. The Company does not own a material percentage of the equity of Chartered. Chartered has also received investments of approximately US$10 million to US$20 million from a number of United States companies, including Actel Corporation, Brooktree Corporation, LSI Logic Corporation and Rockwell International Corporation, in return for guaranteed minimum numbers of wafers from Fab2. Chartered also announced in January 1998 that it had entered into an agreement with Lucent Technologies Inc. to create a foundry venture, Silicon Manufacturing Partners Pte. Ltd., and announced in April 1997 that it had entered into an agreement with Hewlett-Packard Co. to create a foundry venture, Chartered Silicon Partners Pte. Ltd.
In July 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with UMC and S3 Incorporated ("S3") to form a separate Taiwanese company, USC, for the purpose of building and managing an 8-inch semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taiwan. The facility is in full production utilizing advanced sub-micron semiconductor manufacturing processes. Alliance's initial contribution of approximately $70 million was paid in three installments between September 1995 and July 1997, representing an initial equity ownership of approximately 19.0%. In April 1998, the Company sold 3.5% of the outstanding shares of USC, for gross proceeds of approximately $32 million and the right to receive contingent payment of up to approximately 665 million New Taiwan Dollars (approximately US $20.4 million at the exchange rate prevailing on June 7, 1999, which rate is subject to material change). As a result of that sale, the Company owned approximately 15.5% of the outstanding shares of USC. In October 1998, USC issued 46 million shares to the Company by way of dividend distribution as well as distributions to other entities. As a result of these distributions, the Company owned approximately 15.1% of the outstanding shares. In April 1999, USC issued 46 million shares to the Company by way of dividend distribution as well as distributions to other entities. As a result of these distributions, the Company owned approximately 14.8% of the outstanding shares. To the extent USC experiences operating income or losses, and the Company maintains its current ownership percentage of outstanding shares, the Company will recognize its proportionate share of such income or losses. Throughout fiscal 1999, the Company reported income of approximately $10.9 million related to its share of USC's income. The Company believes that a number of manufacturers are expanding or planning to expand their fabrication capacity over the next several years, which could lead to overcapacity in the market and resulting decreases in costs of finished wafers. If the wafers produced by USC cannot be produced at competitive prices, or if there is not sufficient demand of USC's wafers, USC could sustain operating losses. There can be no assurance that such operating losses will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
In October 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with UMC and other parties to form a separate Taiwanese company, United Silicon Inc. ("USIC"), for the purpose of building and managing an 8-inch semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taiwan. The facility has commenced volume production utilizing advanced sub-micron semiconductor manufacturing processes. The contributions of the Company and other parties shall be in the form of equity investments, representing an initial ownership interest of approximately 5% for each US$30 million invested. The Company had originally committed to an investment of approximately US$60 million or 10% ownership interest but subsequently requested that its level of participation be reduced by 50%. The first installment of approximately 50% of the revised investment, or US$13.7 million, was made in January 1996. The Company had but did not exercise the option to pay a second installment of approximately 25% of the revised investment payable in December 1997. The Company made a third installment payment of approximately 106 million NTD, or approximately US$3.1 million in July, 1998. Currently, the Company owns approximately 3.21% of the outstanding shares of USIC and has the right to purchase approximately 3.7% of the manufacturing capacity of the facility.
In June 1999, UMC announced plans to merge four semiconductor wafer foundry units, USC, USIC, United Integrated Circuit Corporation and UTEK Semiconductor Corporation, into UMC, a publicly-traded company in Taiwan. According to the proposed terms of the merger, Alliance will receive 247.7 million shares of UMC stock for its 247.7 million shares or 14.76% ownership of USC and approximately 35.6 million shares of UMC stock for its 48.1 million shares or 3.2% ownership of USIC. UMC has indicated that they expect to have approximately 8.8 billion shares outstanding as of the closing date of the merger. Based on June 14th's closing price for UMC shares of NTD 67.50, and the then current U.S. dollar exchange rate of 32.36, the estimated value of these investments is approximately $589 million. At March 31, 1999 the book value for these investments was approximately $94 million excluding deferred tax liabilities, and cumulative translation adjustments that relate to the investment in USC. The merger is subject to shareholders and government approval and is expected to close before the end of 1999. The UMC shares received by Alliance are expected to be subject to a six-month "lock-up" or no trade period before the shares become freely tradable in Taiwan.
There can be no assurance that the Company's current foundries, together with any additional sources, will be able or willing to satisfy all of the Company's requirements on a timely basis. The Company has encountered delays in qualification and production ramp-up in the past, and the production ramp-up at any additional foundries could take longer than anticipated. In the event that the Company's foundries are unable or unwilling to satisfy the Company's requirements in a timely manner, the Company's operating results could be materially adversely affected. In addition, UMC, USC and USIC all are located in the Science-Based Industrial Park in Hsin Chu City,
Taiwan. The Company currently expects these three foundries to supply the substantial portion of the Company's products in fiscal 2000. Disruption of operations at the Company's foundries for any reason, including work stoppages, fire, earthquakes or other natural disasters, could cause delays in shipments of the Company's products, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. In or about October 1997, a fire caused extensive damage to United Integrated Circuits Corporation ("UICC"), a foundry joint venture between UMC and various companies. UICC is located next to USIC and near USC and UMC in the Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park. (The Company has products manufactured at UMC and USC, and owns equity stakes in USC and USIC.) UICC suffered an additional fire in January 1998, and since October 1996, there have been at least two other fires at semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park. There can be no assurance that fires or other disasters will not have a material adverse effect on UMC, USC or USIC in the future. In addition, as a result of the rapid growth of the semiconductor industry based in the Hsin-Chu Science-Based Industrial Park, severe constraints have been placed on the water and electricity supply in that region. Any shortages of water or electricity could adversely affect the Company's foundries' ability to supply the Company's products, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
The Company is using multiple sources for certain of its products, which may require the Company's customers to perform separate product qualifications. The Company has not, however, developed alternate sources of supply for certain other products, and its newly introduced products are typically produced initially by a single foundry until alternate sources can be qualified. The requirement that a customer perform separate product qualifications or a customer's inability to obtain a sufficient supply of products from the Company may cause that customer to satisfy its product requirements from the Company's competitors, which would adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
The Company purchases products from UMC, USC, USIC, Chartered and Rohm pursuant to various agreements. The Company believes that its relationship with each of these foundries is good. However, UMC and Rohm manufacture products in the same facilities used to manufacture the Company's products, which products are sold in competition with the Company's products.
Reliance on these foundries involves several risks, including constraints or delays in timely delivery of the Company's products, reduced control over delivery schedules, quality assurance, costs and loss of production due to seismic activity, weather conditions and other factors. Although the Company continuously evaluates sources of supply and may seek to add additional foundry capacity, there can be no assurance that such additional capacity can be obtained at acceptable prices, if at all. The occurrence of any supply or other problem resulting from these risks could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results. There can be no assurance that problems affecting manufacturing yields of the Company's products will not occur in the future such as occurred during late in fiscal 1996.
The Company uses domestic and offshore subcontractors for die assembly and testing. In the assembly process, the silicon wafers are separated into individual dies that are then assembled into packages and tested in accordance with procedures developed by the Company. Following assembly, the packaged devices are further tested and inspected pursuant to the Company's quality assurance program before shipment to customers. While the timeliness, yield and quality of product deliveries from the Company's suppliers of assembly and test services have been acceptable to date, there can be no assurance that problems will not occur in the future. Any significant disruption in adequate supplies from these subcontractors, or any other circumstance that would require the Company to qualify alternative sources of supply, could delay shipment and result in the loss of customers, limitations or reductions in the Company's revenue, and other adverse effects on the Company's operating results. Most of the Company's wafer foundries, assembly and testing facilities comply with the requirements of ISO 9000.
There is an ongoing risk that the suppliers of wafer fabrication, wafer sort, assembly and test services to the Company may increase the price charged to the Company for the services they provide, to the point that the Company may not be able to profitably have its products produced by such suppliers. The occurrence of such price increases could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results.
The Company also is subject to the risks of shortages and increases in the cost of raw materials used in the manufacture or assembly of the Company's products. Shortages of raw materials or disruptions in the provision of
services by the Company's assembly or testing houses or other circumstances that would require the Company to seek alternative sources of supply, assembly or testing could lead to constraints or delays in timely delivery of the Company's products. Such constraints or delays may result in the loss of customers, limitations or reductions in the Company's revenue or other adverse effects on the Company's operating results. The Company's reliance on outside foundries and independent assembly and testing houses involves several other risks, including reduced control over delivery schedules, quality assurance and costs. Interruptions in supply at the Company's foundries or assembly or testing houses may cause delays in delivery of the Company's products. The occurrence of any supply or other problem resulting from the risks described above could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results.
COMPETITION
The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and is characterized by price erosion, rapid technological change, product obsolescence and heightened international competition in many markets. Many of the Company's customers may be purchasing products from both the Company and the Company's competitors. The Company's principal competitors include Cypress Semiconductor Corporation; Integrated Device Technology, Inc.; Integrated Silicon Solutions, Inc.; Micron Technology, Inc.; AMD; NEC; Samsung; Toshiba; and other U.S., Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese manufacturers. Certain of the Company's competitors and potential competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution and other resources, broader product lines and longer-standing relationships with customers than the Company. Due to the downturn in the SRAM and DRAM markets, companies that have broader product lines and longer-standing customer relationships may be in a stronger competitive position than the Company. In addition, as the Company enters new markets, the Company may face additional competition. Markets for most of the Company's products are characterized by intense price competition. The Company's future success will be highly dependent upon the successful development and timely introduction of new products that meet the needs of the market at a competitive price. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to develop or market any such products successfully. The Company believes that its ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors both within and outside of its control, including price, product quality, performance, success in developing new products, adequate foundry capacity and sources of raw materials, efficiency of production, timing of new product introductions by competitors, protection of Company products by effective utilization of intellectual property laws and general market and economic conditions. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully in the future.
LICENSES, PATENTS AND MASKWORK PROTECTION
The Company seeks to protect its proprietary technology by filing patent applications in the United States and registering its circuit designs pursuant to the Semiconductor Chip Protection Act of 1984. The Company holds 44 United States patents covering certain aspects of its product designs or manufacturing technology, which patents expire between 2009 and 2010. The Company also has 31 pending United States patent applications, 7 of which have been allowed and are expected to be issued as patents. No assurance can be given that the claims allowed on any patents held by the Company will be sufficiently broad to protect the Company's technology. In addition, no assurance can be given that any patents issued to the Company will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented or that the rights granted thereunder will provide competitive advantages to the Company. The loss of patent protection on the Company's technology or the circumvention of its patent protection by competitors could have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to compete successfully in its products business. There can be no assurance that any existing or future patent applications by the Company will result in issued patents with the scope of the claims sought by the Company, or at all, that any current or future issued or licensed patents, trade secrets or know-how will afford sufficient protection against competitors with similar technologies or processes, or that any patents issued will not be infringed upon or designed around by others. In addition, there can be no assurance that others will not independently develop proprietary technologies and processes which are the same as or substantially equivalent or superior to those of the Company. Further, there can be no assurance that the Company has not or will not infringe prior or future patents owned by others, that the Company will not need to acquire licenses under patents belonging to others for technology potentially useful or necessary to the Company, or that such licenses will be available to the Company, if at all, on terms acceptable to the Company.
Copyrights and maskwork protection are also key elements in the conduct of the Company's business. The Company also relies on trade secrets and proprietary know-how which it seeks to protect by confidentiality
agreements with its employees and consultants and with third parties. There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be breached, that the Company will have adequate remedies for any breach, or that its trade secrets and proprietary know-how will not otherwise become known or be independently discovered by others.
The semiconductor industry is characterized by frequent claims and litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. The Company has from time to time received, and believes that it likely will receive in the future, notices alleging that the Company's products, or the processes used to manufacture the Company's products, infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties. The ultimate conclusion with respect to any alleged infringement must be determined by a court or administrative agency in the event of litigation, and there can be no assurance that a court or administrative agency would determine that the Company's products do not infringe the patents in question. Patent litigation is inherently uncertain and the Company cannot predict the result of any such litigation or the level of damages that could be imposed if it were determined that certain of the Company's products or processes infringe any of the patents in question. The Company currently is in litigation with Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. ("AMD") concerning claims by AMD that the Company's flash memory devices infringe two AMD patents. See Item 3 - Legal Proceedings, below.
There can be no assurance that other third parties will not assert claims against the Company with respect to existing or future products or that, in the case of the existing or potential allegations described above or any new dispute, licenses to disputed third-party technology will be available on reasonable commercial terms, if at all. In the event of litigation to determine the validity of any third-party claims (or claims against the Company for indemnification related to such third-party claims), including the claims and potential claims referred to in the preceding paragraph, such litigation, whether or not determined in favor of the Company, could result in significant expense to the Company and divert the efforts of the Company's technical and management personnel from other matters. In the event of an adverse ruling in such litigation, the Company might be required to cease the manufacture, use and sale of infringing products, discontinue the use of certain processes, expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology or obtain licenses to the infringing technology. In addition, depending upon the number of infringing products and the extent of sales of such products, the Company could suffer significant monetary damages. In the event of a successful claim against the Company and the Company's failure to develop or license a substitute technology, the Company's operating results could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the laws of certain territories in which the Company's products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold, including Asia, Europe or Latin America, may not protect the Company's products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States.
BACKLOG
Sales of the Company's products are made pursuant to standard purchase orders. Purchase orders are subject to changes in quantities of products and delivery schedules in order to reflect changes in the customers' requirements and to price renegotiations. In addition, orders typically may be canceled at the discretion of the buyer without enforceable penalty. The Company's business, in line with that of much of the semiconductor industry, is characterized by short lead time orders and quick delivery schedules. Also, the Company's actual shipments depend on the manufacturing capacity of the Company's foundries. Finally, capacity constraints or unexpected manufacturing delays may prevent the Company from meeting the demand for certain of its products, therefore backlog is not necessarily indicative of future sales.
EMPLOYEES
As of April 4, 1999, the Company had 149 full-time employees, consisting of 60 in research and development, 10 in marketing, 11 in sales, 30 in finance and administration and 38 in operations. Of the 60 research and development employees (30 in the US and 30 in India), 26 have advanced degrees. In 1997, the Company opened a design center in India. The Company believes that its future success will depend, in part, on its ability to continue to attract and retain qualified technical and management personnel, particularly highly-skilled design engineers involved in new product development, for whom competition is intense. The Company's employees are not represented by any collective bargaining unit, and the Company has never experienced a work stoppage. The Company believes that its employee relations are good.
The Company has recently experienced and may continue to experience growth in the number of its employees and the scope of its operating and financial systems, resulting in increased responsibilities for the Company's management. To manage future growth effectively, the Company will need to continue to implement and improve its operational, financial and management information systems and to hire, train, motivate and manage its employees. During fiscal 1997, the Company initiated the conversion of its business information systems to Oracle with the full conversion completed in March 1999. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able effectively to manage future growth, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results.
The Company will depend to a large extent on the continued contributions of its founders, N. Damodar Reddy, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, and his brother C.N. Reddy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company (collectively referred to as the "Reddys"), as well as other officers and key design personnel, many of whom would be difficult to replace. During fiscal 1999 and subsequently, a number of officers and design personnel left the Company to pursue various other opportunities. The future success of the Company will depend on its ability to attract and retain qualified technical and management personnel, particularly highly-skilled design engineers involved in new product development, for whom competition is intense. The loss of either of the Reddys or key design personnel could delay product development cycles or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company's business. The Company is not insured against the loss of any of its key employees, nor can the Company assure the successful recruitment of new and replacement personnel.
ITEM 2
ITEM 2 FACILITIES
The Company's executive offices and its principal marketing, sales and product development operations are located in a 41,400 square foot leased facility in San Jose, California under a lease which expires in September 1999. A lease was signed in June 1999 for a new 56,600 square foot corporate headquarters located in Santa Clara, California, which expires in June 2006. The Company has an option to extend the lease for a term of five years. The Company also leases office space in Hsin Chu, Taiwan to manage the logistics of the wafer fabrication, assembly and testing of the Company's products in Taiwan. The Company leases an engineering office in Bangalore, India, and has purchased a parcel of land in an office park under development in Hyderabad, India, for product development. Additionally, the Company leases sales offices in Reading, Massachusetts; Heathrow, Florida; Taipei, Taiwan; and Japan.
ITEM 3
Item 3 - Legal Proceedings, above), the deposit requirement, and the potential that all entries of Taiwan-fabricated SRAMs from October 1, 1997 through March 31, 1999 will be liquidated at the bond rate or deposit rate in effect at the time of entry, may materially adversely affect the Company's ability to sell in the United States SRAMs manufactured (wafer fabrication) in Taiwan. The Company manufactures (wafer fabrication) SRAMs in Singapore (and has manufactured SRAMs in Japan as well), and may be able to support its U.S. customers with such products, which are not subject to antidumping duties. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company will be able to do so.
In October 1998, Micron Technology, Inc. filed an antidumping petition with the DOC and the ITC, alleging that dynamic random access memories ("DRAMs") fabricated in Taiwan are being sold in the United States at less than fair value, and that the United States industry producing DRAMs is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of DRAMs fabricated in Taiwan. The petition requests the United States government to impose antidumping duties on imports into the United States of DRAMs fabricated in Taiwan. A material portion of the DRAMs designed and sold by the Company are fabricated in Taiwan. The Company received preliminary producer and importer questionnaires from the ITC, and submitted responses to such questionnaires in November 1998. In December 1998, the ITC preliminarily determined that there is a reasonable indication that the imports of the products under investigation are injuring the United States industry. The
Company received a questionnaire from the DOC, and responded to such questionnaire in accordance with the established deadline. In January 1999, the DOC decided to limit the number of respondents investigated and notified Alliance that it would not be separately investigated. In May 1999 the DOC issued a preliminary affirmative determination of dumping. Under that determination, the Company's imports into the United States on or after approximately May 28, 1999 of DRAMs fabricated in Taiwan are subject to an antidumping duty deposit in the amount of 16.65% (the preliminary "all others" rate) of the entered value of such DRAMs, an antidumping margin calculated by weight-averaging the antidumping margins of individually investigated respondent companies. The Company will post a bond to cover deposits on such entries. The DOC is currently scheduled to complete its investigation by late 1999. If the DOC final determination of dumping and the ITC final determination of injury are affirmative, the DOC will issue an antidumping duty order. Under any such order, the Company's imports of Taiwan-fabricated DRAMs into the United States on or after the date the order is published will be subject to a cash deposit in the amount of the final "all others" rate of the entered value of such DRAMs. If either agency's final determination is negative, the investigation will be terminated, the suspension of liquidation lifted, and the bond released. If an antidumping order is issued, in late 2000 the Company will have an opportunity to request a review of its sales of Taiwan-fabricated DRAMs from approximately May 1999 through November 2000 (the "Review Period"). If the Company makes such a request, the amount of antidumping duties, if any, owed on entries during the Review Period will remain undetermined until the conclusion of the review in late 2001, which would determine a company-specific antidumping duty margin. If the DOC found, based upon analysis of the Company's sales during the Review Period, that antidumping duties either should not be imposed or should be imposed at a lower rate than the final "all others" rate determined in the original investigation, the difference between the cash deposits made by the Company, and the deposits that would have been made had the lower rate (or no rate, as the case may be) been in effect, would be returned to the Company, with interest. If, on the other hand, the DOC found a higher Company-specific margin, the Company would have to pay the difference between the cash deposits paid by the Company and the deposits that would have been made had the higher rate been in effect, with interest. A material portion of the DRAMs designed and sold by the Company are fabricated in Taiwan, and the cash deposit requirement and possibility of assessment of antidumping duties could materially adversely affect the Company's ability to sell Taiwan-fabricated DRAMs in the United States and have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results and financial condition.
The Company has made and will continue to make investments in emerging, high technology companies such as Maverick Networks and others. There is no guarantee that these companies will be successful or that the Company will recover its investments.
As a result of the foregoing factors, as well as other factors affecting the Company's operating results, past performance should not be considered to be a reliable indicator of future performance and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. In addition, stock prices for many technology companies are subject to significant volatility, particularly on a quarterly basis. If revenues or earnings fail to meet expectations of the investment community, there could be an immediate and significant impact on the market price of the Company's Common Stock.
Due to the foregoing factors, it is likely that in some future quarter or quarters the Company's operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors. In such event, the price of the Company's Common Stock would likely be materially and adversely affected.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's operating activities used cash of approximately $24.2 million in fiscal 1999, versus generating cash of approximately $6.9 million in fiscal 1998, and using approximately $44.6 million in fiscal 1997. Cash utilized in operations in fiscal 1999 was primarily the result of net loss generated during the period. Cash generated by operations in fiscal 1998 was the result of a tax refund and changes in working capital accounts offset by a net loss incurred during the fiscal year. Cash utilized in operations in fiscal 1997 was the result of an operating loss and an increase in working capital.
Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately $25.0 million in fiscal 1999 versus cash used in investment activities of $21.9 million in fiscal 1998, and approximately $19.3 million in fiscal 1997. Net cash provided by investing activities in fiscal 1999 included equipment purchases of approximately $2.6 million,
investments in USIC of approximately $3.1 million, and proceeds from the sale of USC shares of approximately $31.7 million. Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 1998 reflect equipment purchases of approximately $3.2 million and an equity investment in USC of approximately $17.6 million, while net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 1997 including equipment purchases of approximately $3.1 million and an equity investment in USC of approximately $16.4 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 1999 primarily reflects a decrease in restricted cash of approximately $1.3 million, partially offset by the reduction of long term debt obligations of approximately $0.8 million. Net cash provided by financing activities of approximately $0.6 million in fiscal 1998, reflects receipt of approximately $3.1 million from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options pursuant to the Company's stock option and employee stock purchase plans, partially offset by the reduction of a long term debt obligation of approximately $1.1 million and an increase in restricted cash of approximately $1.4 million. Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $0.7 million in fiscal 1997 generated through financing activities resulting from proceeds of a secured loan of approximately $3.8 million and proceeds of approximately $2.0 million through issuance of common stock upon exercise of options under the Company's stock option and employee stock purchase plans, partially offset by an increase in restricted cash of approximately $5.1 million.
At April 3, 1999, the Company had approximately $6.2 million in cash, an increase of approximately $3.2 million from March 28, 1998, and working capital of approximately $22.1 million, a decrease of approximately $17.8 million from March 28, 1998.
The Company believes that these sources of liquidity, and financing opportunities the Company believes will be available to it, will be sufficient to meet its projected working capital and other cash requirements for the foreseeable future.
In order to obtain an adequate supply of wafers, especially wafers manufactured using advanced process technologies, the Company has entered into and will continue to consider various possible transactions, including equity investments in or loans to foundries in exchange for guaranteed production capacity, the formation of joint ventures to own and operate foundries, or the usage of "take or pay" contracts that commit the Company to purchase specified quantities of wafers over extended periods. Manufacturing arrangements such as these may require substantial capital investments, which may require the Company to seek additional equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance that such additional financing, if required, will be available when needed or, if available, will be on satisfactory terms. Additionally, the Company has entered into and will continue to enter into various transactions, including the licensing of its integrated circuit designs in exchange for royalties, fees or guarantees of manufacturing capacity.
In February 1995, the Company agreed to purchase shares of Chartered for approximately US$10 million and entered into a manufacturing agreement under which Chartered will provide a minimum number of wafers from its 8-inch wafer fabrication facility known as "Fab2." In April 1995, the Company agreed to purchase additional shares in Chartered, bringing the total agreed investment in Chartered to approximately US$51.6 million and Chartered agreed to provide an increased minimum number of wafers to be provided by Chartered from Fab2. The Company has paid all installments to Chartered. Chartered is a private company based in Singapore that is controlled by entities affiliated with the Singapore government. The Company owns approximately 2.1% of the equity of Chartered.
In July 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with United Microelectronics corporation ("UMC") and S3 Incorporated ("S3") to form a separate Taiwanese company, United Semiconductor Corporation ("USC"), for the purpose of building and managing an 8-inch semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taiwan. The Company paid approximately 1 billion New Taiwan Dollars ("NTD") (approximately US$36.4 million) in September 1995, approximately NTD 450 million (approximately US$16.4 million) in July 1996, and approximately NTD 492 million (approximately US$17.6 million) in July 1997. After the last payment, the Company owned approximately 190 million shares of USC, or approximately 19% of the outstanding shares. In April 1998, the Company sold 35 million shares of USC to an affiliate of UMC and received approximately US$31.7 million. In connection with the sale of 35 million shares of USC, the Company additionally has the right to receive up to another 665 million NTD (approximately US$20.4 million) upon the occurrence of certain potential future events. After the April 1998 sale, the Company owned approximately 15.5% of the outstanding shares of USC, and has the right to purchase up to
approximately 25% of the manufacturing capacity in the facility. In October 1998, USC issued 46 million shares to the Company by way of dividend distribution. Additionally, USC made a stock distribution to its employees. As a result of this distribution, the Company's ownership in USC was reduced to 15.1% of the outstanding shares. In April 1999, USC issued 46 million shares to the Company by way of dividend distribution. Additionally, USC made a stock distribution to its employees. As a result of this distribution, the Company's ownership in USC was reduced to 14.8% of the outstanding shares. To the extent USC experiences operating income or losses and the Company maintains its current ownership percentage of outstanding shares, the Company will recognize its proportionate share of such income or losses. During fiscal 1999, the Company recorded $10.9 million of equity in income of USC, as compared to $15.5 million recorded during fiscal 1998.
In October 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with UMC and other parties to form a separate Taiwanese company, USIC, for the purpose of building and managing an 8-inch semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taiwan. The facility has commenced volume production utilizing advanced sub-micron semiconductor manufacturing processes. The contributions of the Company and other parties shall be in the form of equity investments, representing an initial ownership interest of approximately 5% for each US$30 million invested. The Company had originally committed to an investment of approximately US$60 million or 10% ownership interest but subsequently requested that its level of participation be reduced by 50%. The first installment of approximately 50% of the revised investment, or US$13.7 million, was made in January 1996, and the Company had but did not exercise the option to pay a second installment of approximately 25% of the revised investment payable in December 1997. The Company made a third installment payment of approximately 106 million NTD (or approximately US$3.1 million) in July 1998. After the third installment, the Company owns approximately 3.21% of the outstanding shares of USIC and has the right to purchase approximately 3.7% of the manufacturing capacity of the facility.
In June 1999, UMC announced plans to merge four semiconductor wafer foundry units, USC, USIC, United Integrated Circuit Corporation and UTEK Semiconductor Corporation, into UMC, a publicly-traded company in Taiwan. According to the proposed terms of the merger, Alliance will receive 247.7 million shares of UMC stock for its 247.7 million shares or 14.76% ownership of USC and approximately 35.6 million shares of UMC stock for its 48.1 million shares or 3.2% ownership of USIC. UMC has indicated that they expect to have approximately 8.8 billion shares outstanding as of the closing date of the merger. Based on June 14th's closing price for UMC shares of NTD 67.50, and the then current U.S. dollar exchange rate of 32.36, the estimated value of these investments is approximately $589 million. At March 31, 1999 the book value for these investments was approximately $94 million excluding deferred tax liabilities and cumulative translation adjustments relating to the investment in USC. The merger is subject to shareholders and government approval and is expected to close before the end of 1999. The UMC shares received by Alliance are expected to be subject to a six-month "lock-up" or no trade period before the shares become freely tradable in Taiwan.
On January 25, 1999, the Company agreed to approve a proposed merger between Maverick Networks ("Maverick"), a startup company funded by the Company, Broadcom Corporation ("Broadcom") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Broadcom. At the signing of the merger agreement, the company owned approximately 28.4% of the total outstanding shares of Maverick.
On May 31, 1999, Maverick Networks (an entity in which the Company had a 28% interest in) completed a transaction with Broadcom Corporation, resulting in the Company selling its ownership interest in Maverick Networks. As a result of this transacton, the Company will report a pre-tax, non-operating gain of approximately $52 million on its investment with Maverick Networks in the financial results for the first quarter ending July 3, 1999, based on Broadcom's closing stock price of $95 3/4 on May 31, 1999. The Company will receive 538,961 shares of Boadcom's Class B Common Stock which are identical to Class A Common Stock except for certain voting rights, and are automatically converted into Class A Common Stock upon sale.
As reported in the Company's Fourth Quarter FY 1999 earnings release dated April 27, 1999, the Broadcom shares are subject to certain restrictions, including a restriction pursuant to the pooling-of-interest accounting rules which prevents the Company from selling its shares until Broadcom first publicly reports thirty days of Broadcom and Maverick Networks combined operating results. According to the Company's agreement with Broadcom, 10% or 53,896 shares of Broadcom stock will be held in escrow for six months to potentially compensate Broadcom for
losses, if any, Broadcom may incur if Maverick breaches terms of the merger agreement, or misrepresents information in the transaction.
ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We have exposure to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and changes in market values of our investments. These investments operate in markets that have experienced significant exchange rate fluctuations over the year ended March 31, 1999. These entities, in which we hold varying percentage interests, operate and sell their products in various global markets; however, the majority of their sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, and therefore, their foreign currency risk is reduced. We did not hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes as of March 31, 1999.
INVESTMENT RISK
As of March 31, 1999, our investment portfolio consisted of fixed income securities. These securities, like all fixed income instruments, carry a degree of interest rate risk. Fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates, while floating rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates fall.
FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK
Based on our overall currency rate exposure at March 31, 1999, a near term 10% appreciation or depreciation in the value of the U.S. dollar would have an insignificant effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows over the next fiscal year. There can be no assurance that there will not be a material impact in the future.
ITEM 8 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The index to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules, and the report of the independent accountants appear in Part III of this Form 10-K. Selected quarterly financial data appears in Item 6 above.
ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
================================================================================ PART III
ITEM 10 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Other than the information required pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K, the information required by this item concerning executive officers of the Company is set forth in Part I of this Form 10-K after Item 4.
ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section captioned "Executive Compensation" contained in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12
ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section captioned "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" contained in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13
ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section captioned "Certain Transactions" contained in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14
ITEM 14 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) (I) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page of this Form 10-K Annual Report.
(II) REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS -- See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on of this Form 10-K Annual Report.
(2) (I) SCHEDULE II: VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS - See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on of this Form 10-K Annual Report.
(II) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF UNITED SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION, A TAIWANESE COMPANY - The following financial statements are filed as part of this report: Financial Statements of United Semiconductor Corporation for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997.
(3) EXHIBITS -- See Exhibit Index on page 32 of this Form 10-K Annual Report.
(b) The following Current Report on Form 8-K was filed during the Registrant's fourth fiscal quarter: Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 1999.
(c) See Exhibit Index on page 32 of this Form 10-K Annual Report.
================================================================================ EXHIBIT INDEX
+ MANAGEMENT CONTRACT OR COMPENSATORY PLAN OR ARRANGEMENT REQUIRED TO BE FILED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THIS FORM 10-K.
* CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN GRANTED WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT.
** CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT HAS BEEN REQUESTED WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT.
(A) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM SB-2 (FILE NO. 33-69956-LA) DECLARED EFFECTIVE BY THE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 30, 1993.
(B) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON JUNE 29, 1994.
(C) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM SB-2 (FILE NO. 33-90346-LA) DECLARED EFFECTIVE BY THE COMMISSION ON MARCH 28, 1995.
(D) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON APRIL 28, 1995.
(E) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON JULY 24, 1995.
(F) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 23, 1995.
(G) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 13, 1996.
(H) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 12, 1996.
(I) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8 (FILE NO. 333-13461) FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 4, 1996.
(J) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 11, 1997.
(K) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON JUNE 27, 1997.
(L) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS HEREBY INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM REGISTRANT'S CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON MARCH 19, 1998.
(M) THE DOCUMENT REFERRED TO IS FILED HEREWITH.
================================================================================ 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.
ALLIANCE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
June 30, 1999 By: /S/ N. DAMODAR REDDY ------------------------------------------ N. Damodar Reddy Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
June 30, 1999 By: /S/ DAVID EICHLER ------------------------------------------ David Eichler Vice President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints N. Damodar Reddy and Bradley A. Perkins or either of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments to this Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
ALLIANCE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
PAGES ONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Report of Independent Accountants........................................F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1999 and 1998................F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997............................................F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997................................F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997....................................F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ..............................F-7
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE:
Report of Independent Accountants .......................................F-19
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts..........................F-20
Financial Statements of United Semiconductor Corporation for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997........F-21
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Alliance Semiconductor Corporation:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Alliance Semiconductor Corporation and its subsidiaries at March 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
San Jose, California April 26, 1999
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ALLIANCE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
NOTE 1. THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Alliance Semiconductor Corporation (the "Company" or "Alliance"), a Delaware corporation, designs, develops and markets high performance memory products and memory intensive logic products. The Company sells its products to the desktop and portable computing, networking, telecommunications and instrumentation markets.
The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and has been subject to significant rapid technological changes at various times that have been characterized by diminished product demand, production overcapacity, and accelerated erosion of selling prices. The average selling price that the Company is able to command for its products is highly dependent on industry-wide production capacity and demand, and as a consequence the Company could experience rapid erosion in product pricing (such as that occurred with SRAM and DRAM pricing during fiscal year 1999, 1998 and 1997) which is not within the control of the Company and which could have an adverse material effect on the Company's operating results. The Company is unable to predict when or if average selling prices will stabilize.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
FISCAL YEAR
For purposes of presentation, the Company has indicated its fiscal years as ending on March 31, whereas the Company's fiscal year actually ends on the Saturday nearest the end of March. The fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 contained 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1997 each contained 52 weeks.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue from product sales is recognized upon shipment, net of accruals for estimated sales returns and allowances.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company accounts for its short-term investments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities."
The Company's investments are primarily money market funds and state and municipal bonds and classified as available for sale securities.
INVENTORIES
During fiscal years 1997, 1998 and the first half of fiscal 1999, the Company experienced a deterioration in the average selling prices and a slowing in demand for SRAM, DRAM and MMUI products. As a result of these factors, the Company recorded pre-tax charges in the first, second and third quarters of fiscal 1999 of approximately $20 million, pre-tax charges in the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 1998 aggregating approximately $15 million and pre-tax charges in fiscal 1997 of $17 million. These pre-tax charges were made to
reflect a further decline in market value of certain inventory and to provide additional reserves for obsolete and excess inventory. The Company is unable to predict when or if such decline in prices will stabilize. A continued decline in average selling prices for its products could result in additional material inventory valuation adjustments and corresponding charges to operations.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic useful lives of the assets which range from three to five years.
CONCENTRATION OF RISKS
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents and accounts receivable.
The Company invests primarily in money market funds and state and municipal bonds. The Company further limits its exposure to these investments by placing such investments with various financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluations of these financial institutions.
The Company sells its products to original equipment manufacturers and distributors throughout the world. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and, on occasion, may require letters of credit from its non-US customers. Two customers accounted for approximately 15% and 13% of net revenues for the year ended March 31, 1999 and one customer accounted for approximately 18% of net revenues for the year ended March 31, 1998. No customer accounted for 10% or more of net revenues for the year ended March 31, 1997. At March 31, 1999, two customers accounted for approximately 15% and 12% of accounts receivable. At March 31, 1998, one customer accounted for approximately 27% and another customer accounted for approximately 11% of accounts receivable.
The Company conducts the majority of its business in U.S. dollars and foreign currency translation gains and losses have not been material in any one year. International sales accounted for approximately $24.0 million, $48.5 million, and $29.7 million of net revenues for the years ended March 31, 1999, March 31, 1998 and March 31, 1997, respectively.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company accounts for its stock-based awards using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." The Company's policy is to grant options with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's stock on the date of grant. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized in the Company's statements of operations. The Company provides additional pro forma disclosures as required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123").
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (denominator) during the period. Diluted EPS gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period including stock options, using the treasury stock method. In computing Diluted EPS, the average stock price for the period is used in determining the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the proceeds obtained upon exercise of stock options.
Following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the Basic and Diluted EPS computations for the periods presented below:
Due to the Company's net loss from continuing operations in 1999, 1998 and 1997, a calculation of EPS assuming dilution is not required. At March 31, 1999 there were 2,741,298 options outstanding to purchase common stock at a weighted average price of $5.37 per share. At March 31, 1998, there were 3,675,431 options outstanding to purchase common stock at a weighted average price of $5.81 per share. At March 31, 1997, there were 4,191,289 options outstanding to purchase common stock at a weighted average price of $3.87 per share.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
In 1999, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income. "Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The primary difference between net income and comprehensive income, for the Company, is due to foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive income is being shown in the statement of stockholders' equity.
SEGMENT REPORTING
In 1999, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 supersedes SFAS No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise," and replaces the "industry segment" approach with the "management" approach. The management approach designates the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance as the source of a company's reportable segments. SFAS No. 131 also requires disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. The adoption of SFAS No. 131 did not affect results of operations or financial position.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. It further provides criteria for derivative instruments to be designated as fair value, cash flow and foreign currency hedges, and establishes respective accounting standards for reporting changes in the fair value of the instruments. The statement is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 133, the Company will be required to adjust hedging instruments to fair value in the balance sheet, and recognize the offsetting gain or loss as transition adjustments to be reported in net income or other comprehensive income, as appropriate, and presented in a manner similar to the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. The Company believes the adoption of this statement will not have a significant effect on the results of operations.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform with the 1999 presentation.
NOTE 2. BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS
NOTE 3. INVESTMENT IN CHARTERED SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING LTD. ("CHARTERED")
In February 1995, the Company agreed to purchase shares of Chartered for $10 million and entered into a manufacturing agreement under which Chartered will provide a minimum number of wafers from its 8-inch wafer fabrication facility known as "Fab2." In April 1995, the Company agreed to purchase additional shares in Chartered, bringing the total agreed investment in Chartered to $51.6 million and Chartered agreed to provide an increased minimum number of wafers to be provided by Chartered from Fab2. The Company has paid all installments to Chartered. Chartered is a private company based in Singapore that is controlled by entities affiliated with the Singapore government. The Company is accounting for this investment using the cost method of accounting. The Company owns approximately 2.1% of the equity of Chartered.
NOTE 4. INVESTMENT IN UNITED SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION ("USC")
In July 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with United Microelectronics Corporation ("UMC") and S3 Incorporated ("S3") to form a separate Taiwanese company, United Semiconductor Corporation ("USC"), for the purpose of building and managing an 8-inch semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taiwan. The Company paid approximately 1 billion New Taiwan Dollars ("NTD") (approximately US$36.4 million) in September 1995, approximately NTD 450 million (approximately US$16.4 million) in July 1996, and approximately NTD 492 million (approximately US$17.6 million) in July 1997. After the last payment, the Company owned approximately 190 million shares of USC, or approximately 19% of the outstanding shares. In April 1998, the Company sold 35 million shares of USC to an affiliate of UMC and received approximately US$31.7 million. In connection with the sale of 35 million shares of USC, the Company had the right to receive up to another 665 million NTD (approximately US$20.4 million) upon the occurrence of certain potential future events. After the April 1998 sale, the Company owned approximately 15.5% of the outstanding shares of USC. In October 1998, USC issued 46 million shares to the Company by way of dividend distribution. Additionally, USC made a stock distribution to its employees. As a result of this distribution, the Company's ownership in USC was reduced to 15.1% of the outstanding shares. To the extent USC experiences operating income or losses and the Company maintains its current ownership percentage of outstanding shares, the Company will recognize its proportionate share of such income or losses. During fiscal 1999, the Company recorded $10.9 million of equity in income of USC, as compared to $15.5 million recorded during fiscal 1998.
The Company is accounting for this investment using the equity method of accounting with a ninety-day lag in recording the Company's share of results for the entity. The Company had not recorded its share of USC's net income for the two-year period ended December 31, 1996, as it was immaterial.
Summarized financial information, using the respective year-end exchange rate for the financial position and an average exchange rate for the respective year for results of operations, for USC at December 31, 1998 and 1997, is as follows (in thousands):
NOTE 5. INVESTMENT IN UNITED SILICON, INC. ("USIC")
In October 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with UMC and other parties to form a separate Taiwanese company, USIC, for the purpose of building and managing an 8-inch semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taiwan. The facility has commenced volume production utilizing advanced sub-micron semiconductor manufacturing processes. The contributions of the Company and other parties shall be in the form of equity investments, representing an initial ownership interest of approximately 5% for each US$30 million invested. The Company had originally committed to an investment of approximately US$60 million or 10% ownership interest but subsequently requested that its level of participation be reduced by 50%. The first installment of approximately 50% of the revised investment was made in January 1996, and the Company had but did not exercise the option to pay a second installment of approximately 25% of the revised investment payable in December 1997. The Company made a third installment payment of approximately 106 million NTD (or approximately US$3.1 million) in July 1998. After the third installment, the Company owns approximately 3.21% of the outstanding shares of USIC and has the right to purchase approximately 3.7% of the manufacturing capacity of the facility. The Company is accounting for this investment using the cost method of accounting.
NOTE 6. LONG TERM OBLIGATIONS, LEASES AND COMMITMENTS
OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases its headquarters facility under an operating lease which expires in September 1999. Under the terms of the lease, the Company is required to pay property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. In addition, the Company also leases sales and design center offices under operating leases which expire in between 1999 and 2007, and leases other sales offices on month-to-month leases.
Future minimum rental payments under these leases are as follows:
Rent expense for fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $635,000, $484,000, and $437,000, respectively.
LONG TERM OBLIGATIONS
The Company obtained secured financing of $3.8 million at the end of March 1997. This borrowing is collateralized by equipment with a total acquisition cost of $4.8 million, and bears interest at a fixed rate of 11.26%. No financial covenants are required to be met under the security agreement related to such financing. Principal and interest are payable in thirty-six consecutive monthly installments through March 2000.
The Company entered into a financing arrangement with respect to its purchase and maintenance of certain business software applications, under which the Company is obligated to make quarterly payments of approximately $96,000 through late 2001, subject to certain contingencies.
PURCHASE COMMITMENTS
At March 31, 1999, the Company had approximately $18.0 million in non-cancelable purchase commitments with suppliers. The Company expects to sell all products which it has committed to purchase from suppliers.
LETTERS OF CREDIT
At March 31, 1999, approximately $5.2 million in standby letters of credit were outstanding and expire through June 30, 1999, secured by restricted cash and short term investments.
NOTE 7. PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes is comprised of the following:
In addition to the provision (benefit) for taxes noted above, deferred taxes of $6.4 million, $8.3 million, and $0 million for the years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, are recorded as part of the equity in income of USC.
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) comprise the following:
The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount obtained by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to income before income taxes as follows:
Due to the uncertainty of the realization of the deferred tax assets, the Company has provided a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets at March 31, 1999. Upon recognition of the Company's deferred tax assets, approximately $0.3 million will be credited directly to equity as a result of previous exercises of non qualified stock options and disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options.
NOTE 8. STOCK OPTION PLANS
1992 STOCK OPTION PLAN
In April 1992, the Company adopted the 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") and reserved 5,625,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance to employees and consultants of the Company. The Board of Directors may terminate the Plan at any time at its discretion. On September 30, 1993, the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Plan was increased to 7,875,000 and on September 14, 1995, the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan was increased to 9,000,000. The Option Plan, which has a term of ten years, provides for incentive as well as nonqualified stock options.
Incentive stock options may not be granted at less than 100 percent of the estimated fair value, as determined by the Board of Directors, of the Company's Common Stock at the date of grant and the option term may not exceed 10 years. For holders of more than 10 percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of the Company's stock, options may not be granted at less than 110 percent of the estimated fair value of the Common Stock at the date of grant and the option term may not exceed five years.
DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
On September 30, 1993, the Company adopted its 1993 Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Plan"), under which 900,000 shares of Common Stock have been reserved for issuance. The Directors' Plan provides for the automatic grant to each non-employee director of the Company (but excluding persons on the Company's Board of Directors in November 1993) of an option to purchase 22,500 shares of Common Stock on the date of such director's election to the Company's Board of Directors. Thereafter, such director will receive an automatic annual grant of an option to purchase 11,250 shares of Common Stock on the date of each annual meeting of the Company's stockholders at which such director is re-elected. The maximum number of shares that may be issued to any one director under this plan is 90,000. Such options will vest ratably over four years from their respective dates of grant.
The following table summarizes grant and stock option activity under the Plan and the Directors' Plan for fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997.
As of March 31, 1999, options to purchase approximately 546,187 shares of Common stock were exercisable. Options granted vest over a period of four to five years.
The weighted average estimated fair value at the date of grant, as defined by SFAS 123, for options granted in fiscal 1999, 1998, and 1997 was $2.44, $4.90, and $2.44 per option, respectively. The estimated grant date fair value disclosed above was calculated using the Black-Scholes model. This model, as well as other currently accepted option valuation models, was developed to estimate the fair value of freely tradable, fully transferable options without vesting restrictions, which significantly differ from the Company's stock option awards. These models also require subjective assumptions, including future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, which greatly affect the calculated values. Significant option groups outstanding at March 31, 1999, and related weighted average exercise price and contractual life information are as follows:
The following assumptions are included in the estimated grant date fair value calculations for stock options:
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
In September 1996, the Company and its shareholders approved an Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP"), which allows eligible employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries to purchase shares of Common Stock through payroll deductions. The ESPP consists of a series of 12-month offering periods composed of two consecutive 6-month purchase periods. The purchase price per share is 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock at the date of commencement of the offering period or at the last day of the respective 6-month purchase period, whichever is lower. Purchases are limited to 10% of an eligible employee's compensation,
subject to a maximum annual employee contribution limited to a $25,000 fair market value. Of the 750,000 shares of Common Stock authorized under the ESPP, 171,676, 96,922 and 35,983 shares were issued during fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Compensation costs (included in pro forma net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share amounts) for the grant date fair value, as defined by SFAS 123, of the purchase rights granted under the ESPP were calculated using the Black-Scholes model. The following weighted average assumptions are included in the estimated grant date fair value calculations for rights to purchase stock under the ESPP:
The weighted average estimated grant date fair value, as defined by SFAS 123, or rights to purchase Common Stock under the ESPP granted in fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $2.55, $3.04 and $7.99 per share, respectively.
PRO FORMA NET INCOME (LOSS) AND NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Had the Company recorded compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value, as defined by SFAS 123, for awards granted under the Plan, the Directors' Plan and its ESPP, the Company's pro forma net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share for the years ended March 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, would have been as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
The pro forma effect on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share for fiscal 1999, 1998 and 1997 is not representative of the pro forma effect on net income (loss) in the future years because it does not take into consideration pro forma compensation expense related to grants prior to fiscal 1996.
NOTE 9. 401(K) SALARY SAVINGS PLAN
Effective May 1992, the Company adopted the Salary Savings Plan (the "Savings Plan") pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), whereby eligible employees may contribute up to 15% of their earnings, not to exceed amounts allowed under the Code. Effective April 1999, the Company agreed to match up to 50% of the first 6% of the employee contribution to a maximum of $2 thousand annually per employee. The Company's matching contribution vests over five years.
NOTE 10. LEGAL MATTERS
In March 1996, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against the Company and certain of its officers and directors and others in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. (The complaint alleged that the Company, N.D. Reddy and C.N. Reddy also had liability under Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act.) The complaint, brought by an individual who claimed to have purchased 100 shares of the Company's common stock on November 2, 1995, was putatively brought on behalf of a class of persons who purchased the Company's common stock between July 11, 1995 and December 29, 1995. In April 1997, the Court dismissed the complaint, with leave to file an amended complaint. In June 1997, plaintiff filed an amended complaint against the Company and certain of its officers and directors alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act. In July 1997, The Company moved to dismiss the amended complaint. In March 1998, the court ruled in defendants' favor as to all claims but one, and dismissed all but one claim with prejudice. In April 1998, defendants requested reconsideration of the ruling as to the one claim not dismissed. In
June 1998, the parties stipulated to dismiss the remaining claim without prejudice, on the condition that in the event the dismissal with prejudice of the other claims is affirmed in its entirety, such remaining claim shall be deemed dismissed with prejudice. In June 1998, the court entered judgment dismissing the case pursuant to the parties' stipulation. The Company intends to continue to defend vigorously against any claims asserted against it, and believes it has meritorious defenses against the remaining asserted claim. Due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the potential losses, if any, that may be incurred in relation to this litigation.
In December 1996, Alliance Semiconductor International Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("ASIC") was served with a complaint alleging that ASIC has infringed two patents owned by AMD related to flash memory devices, and seeking injunctive relief and damages. In March 1997, the Company was added as a defendant. A trial date has been set by the Court for January 2000. Each defendant has denied the allegations of the complaint and asserted a counterclaim for declaration that each of the AMD Patents is invalid and not infringed by such defendant. The Company believes that the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company.
In July 1998, the Company learned that a default judgment may be entered against the Company in Canada, in the amount of approximately US$170 million, in a case filed in 1985 captioned Prabhakara Chowdary Balla and TritTek Research Ltd. v. Fitch Research Corporation, et al., British Columbia Supreme Court No. 85-2805 (Victoria Registry). The Company, which had previously not participated in the case, believes that it never was properly served with process in this action, and that the Canadian court lacks jurisdiction over the Company in this matter. In addition to jurisdictional and procedural arguments, the Company also believes it may have grounds to argue that the claims against the Company should be deemed discharged by the Company's bankruptcy in 1991. In February 1999, the court set aside the default judgment against the Company. In April 1999, the plaintiffs were granted leave by the Court to appeal this judgment.
NOTE 11. ANTIDUMPING PROCEEDING (TAIWAN-MANUFACTURED SRAMS AND DRAMS)
In February 1997, Micron Technology, Inc. filed an antidumping petition with the United States International Trade Commission ("ITC") and United States Department of Commerce ("DOC"), alleging that static random access memories ("SRAMs") fabricated in Taiwan were being sold in the United States at less than fair value, and that the United States industry producing SRAMs was materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of SRAMs fabricated in Taiwan. After a final affirmative DOC determination of dumping and a final affirmative ITC determination of injury, DOC issued an antidumping duty order in April 1998. Under that order, the Company's imports into the United States on or after approximately April 16,1998 of SRAMs fabricated in Taiwan are subject to a cash deposit in the amount of 50.15% (the "Antidumping Margin") of the entered value of such SRAMs. (The Company posted a bond in the amount of 59.06% (the preliminary margin) with respect to its importation, between approximately October 1997 and April 1998, of SRAMs fabricated in Taiwan.) In May 1998, the Company and others filed an appeal in the United States Court of International Trade (the "CIT"), challenging the determination by the ITC that imports of Taiwan-fabricated SRAMs were causing material injury to the U.S. industry. The decision of the CIT can be further appealed to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Company cannot predict either the timing or the eventual results of the appeal. Until a final judgment is entered in the appeal, no final duties will be assessed on the Company's entries of SRAMs from Taiwan covered by the DOC antidumping duty order. If the appeal is successful, the antidumping order will be terminated and cash deposits will be refunded with interest. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the Company's entries of Taiwan-fabricated SRAMs from October 1, 1997 through March 31, 1999 will be liquidated at the deposit rate in effect at the time of entry. On subsequent entries of Taiwan-fabricated SRAMs, the Company will continue to make cash deposits in the amount of 50.15% of the entered value. In April 2000, the Company will have an opportunity to request a review of its sales of Taiwan-fabricated SRAMs from April 1, 1999 through March 31, 2000 (the "Review Period"). If it does so, the amount of antidumping duties, if any, owed on imports from April 1999 through March 2000 will remain undetermined until the conclusion of the review in early 2001. If the DOC found, based upon analysis of the Company's sales during the Review Period, that antidumping duties either should not be imposed or should be imposed at a lower rate than the Antidumping Margin, the difference between the cash deposits made by the Company, and the deposits that would have been made had the lower rate (or no rate, as the case may be) been in effect, would be returned to the Company, plus interest. If, on the other hand, the DOC found that higher margins were appropriate, the Company would have to pay difference between the cash deposits paid by the
Company and the deposits that would have been made had the higher rate been in effect. A material portion of the SRAMs designed and sold by the Company are fabricated in Taiwan, and the cash deposit requirement and possibility of assessment of antidumping duties could materially adversely affect the Company's ability to sell Taiwan-fabricated SRAMs in the United States and have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results and financial condition. At March 31, 1999, the Company had posted a bond secured by a letter of credit in the amount of approximately $1.7 million and made cash deposits in the amount of $1.7 million relating to the Company's importation of Taiwan-manufactured SRAMs.
In October 1998, Micron Technology, Inc. filed an antidumping petition with the DOC and the ITC, alleging that dynamic random access memories ("DRAMs") fabricated in Taiwan are being sold in the United States at less than fair value, and that the United States industry producing DRAMs is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of DRAMs fabricated in Taiwan. The petition requests the United States government to impose antidumping duties on imports into the United States of DRAMs fabricated in Taiwan. A material portion of the DRAMs designed and sold by the Company are fabricated in Taiwan. The Company received preliminary producer and importer questionnaires from the ITC, and submitted responses to such questionnaires in November 1998. In December 1998, the ITC preliminarily determined that there is a reasonable indication that the imports of the products under investigation are injuring the United States industry. The Company received a questionnaire from the DOC, and responded to such questionnaire in accordance with the established deadline. In January 1999, the DOC decided to limit the number of respondents investigated and notified Alliance that it would not be separately investigated. In May 1999 the DOC issued a preliminary affirmative determination of dumping. Under that determination, the Company's imports into the United States on or after May 28, 1999 of DRAMs fabricated in Taiwan are subject to an antidumping duty deposit in the amount of 16.65% (the preliminary "all others" rate) of the entered value of such DRAMs, an antidumping margin calculated by weight-averaging the antidumping margins of individually investigated respondent companies. The Company will post a bond to cover deposits on such entries. The DOC is currently scheduled to complete its investigation by late 1999. If the DOC final determination of dumping and the ITC final determination of injury are affirmative, the DOC will issue an antidumping duty order. Under any such order, the Company's imports of Taiwan-fabricated DRAMs into the United States on or after the date the order is published will be subject to a cash deposit in the amount of the final "all others" rate of the entered value of such DRAMs. If either agency's final determination is negative, the investigation will be terminated, the suspension of liquidation lifted, and the bond released. If an antidumping duty order is issued, in late 2000 the Company will have an opportunity to request a review of its sales of Taiwan-fabricated DRAMs from approximately May 1999 through November 2000 (the "Review Period"). If the Company makes such a request, the amount of antidumping duties, if any, owed on entries during the Review Period will remain undetermined until the conclusion of the review in late 2001, which would determine a Company-specific antidumping duty margin. If the DOC found, based upon analysis of the Company's sales during the Review Period, that antidumping duties either should not be imposed or should be imposed at a lower rate than the final "all others" rate determined in the original investigation, the difference between the cash deposits made by the Company, and the deposits that would have been made had the lower rate (or no rate, as the case may be) been in effect, would be returned to the Company, with interest. If, on the other hand, the DOC found a higher Company-specific rate, the Company would have to pay the difference between the cash deposits paid by the Company and the deposits that would have been made had the higher rate been in effect, with interest. (In either case, the Company also would be responsible to antidumping duties in the amount of the revised margin with respect to its imports covered by the bond.) A material portion of the DRAMs designed and sold by the Company are fabricated in Taiwan, and the cash deposit requirement and possibility of assessment of antidumping duties could materially adversely affect the Company's ability to sell Taiwan-fabricated DRAMs in the United States and have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results and financial condition.
Note 12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On May 18, 1998, the Company provided loans to two of its officers and a director aggregating $1,735,000. The loans to officers were used for the payment of taxes resulting from the gain on the exercise of non-qualified stock options. The loan to a director was used for the exercise of stock options. Under these loans, both principal and accrued interest are due on December 31, 1999 and interest is accrued at rates ranging from 5.50% to 5.58% per annum. As of March 31, 1999, $1,735,000 was outstanding under these loans with accrued interest of $80,000.
Note 13. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The following illustrates revenues by geographic locations. Revenues are attributed to countries based on the customer's location.
Note 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
USC SHARE DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION
In April 1999, USC issued 46 million shares to the Company by way of dividend distribution. A distribution was also made to certain other entities and employees resulting in the Company's ownership interest in USC declining from approximately 15.1% to 14.8%.
ACQUISITION OF MAVERICK NETWORKS BY BROADCOM CORPORATION
On May 31, 1999, Maverick Networks (an entity in which the Company had a 28% interest in) completed a transaction with Broadcom Corporation, resulting in the Company selling its ownership interest in Maverick Networks in exchange for 538,961 shares of Broadcom's Class B common stock. Based on Broadcom's closing share price on the date of sale, the Company will record a gain in the first quarter of fiscal 2000 of approximately $52 million, before taxes. Subsequent to the transaction date, the Company's investment in Broadcom Corporation will be accounted for as "available for sale" securities in accordance with FAS 115. The Company will be able to sell up to 90% of the Broadcom shares after the date upon which 30 days of combined results of Broadcom Corporation and Maverick Networks have been publicly reported. According to the Company's agreement with Broadcom, 10% or 53,896 shares of Broadcom stock will be held in escrow for six months to potentially compensate Broadcom for losses, if any, Broadcom may incur if Maverick breaches the merger agreement or misrepresented information in the transaction.
NEW FACILITIES LEASE
In June 1999, the Company signed a seven year lease for a new 56,000 square foot corporate headquarters located in Santa Clara, California. Under the terms of the lease, the Company is required to pay property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Future minimum lease payments under this lease are as follows:
UMC ANNOUNCEMENT
In June 1999, UMC announced plans to merge four semiconductor wafer foundry units, USC, USIC, United Integrated Circuit Corporation and UTEK Semiconductor Corporation, into UMC, a publicly-traded company in Taiwan. According to the proposed terms of the merger, Alliance will receive 247.7 million shares of UMC stock for its 247.7 million shares or 14.76% ownership of USC and approximately 35.6 million shares of UMC stock for its 48.1 million shares or 3.2% ownership of USIC. UMC has indicated that they expect to have approximately 8.8 billion shares outstanding as of the closing date of the merger. The merger is subject to shareholders and government approval and is expected to close before the end of 1999. The UMC shares received by Alliance are expected to be subject to a six-month "lock-up" or no trade period before the shares become freely tradable in Taiwan.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors of Alliance Semiconductor Corporation:
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report dated April 26, 1999, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K also included an audit of the Financial Statement Schedule listed in Item 14(a)(1)(I) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, this Financial Statement Schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
San Jose, California April 26, 1999
Financial Statements of United Semiconductor Corporation for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997.
UNITED SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
[IMAGE OMMITED] PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS [LOGO] 2/F No. 11 Innovation Rd., 1 Science-Based Industrial Park Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China Tel:(03) 578-0205 Fax:(03) 577-7985
January 22, 1999 (99)B.L36P4065
To the Board of Directors of United Semiconductor Corporation
We have examined the accompanying balance sheets of United Semiconductor Corporation as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related statements of income, of changes in stockholders' equity and of cash flows for the years then ended. Our examinations were made in accordance with the "Rules Governing the Certification of Financial Statements by Certified Public Accountants" and generally accepted auditing standards and accordingly included such tests of the accounting records and such other auditing procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.
In our opinion, the financial statements examined by us present fairly the financial position of United Semiconductor Corporation as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
/S/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS
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UNITED SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
(EXPRESSED IN NEW TAIWAN THOUSAND DOLLARS)
1. HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION
United Semiconductor Corporation was incorporated as a company limited by shares on October 6, 1995 and commenced its operations in June, 1996. As of December 31, 1998, the paid-in capital is $13,367,809. The Company's major business activities are as follows:
a. Semiconductor and semiconductor device foundry;
b. Providing the mask tooling, package, burn-in, and testing services for the above-mentioned products; and
c. Research and development for the technology of wafer fabrication.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Translation of foreign currency transactions
The accounts of the Company are maintained in New Taiwan dollars. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into New Taiwan dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing on the transaction dates. Receivables, other monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into New Taiwan dollars at the rates of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date. Exchange gains or losses are included in the current year's results.
Cash equivalents
Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments, which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and with maturity dates that do not present significant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates.
Marketable securities
Marketable securities are recorded at cost when acquired. The carrying amount of the marketable securities portfolio is stated at the lower of its aggregate cost or market value at the balance sheet date. The market value for listed equity securities or close-ended funds are determined by the average closing prices occurred during the last month of the fiscal year. The market value for open-ended funds are determined by their equity per unit at balance sheet date.
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Inventories
Inventories, except raw materials stated at actual, are stated at standard cost which is adjusted to actual cost based on weighted average method at month end. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value at the year end. An allowance for loss on obsolescence and decline in market value is provided when necessary.
Long-term investments
A. If the investee company is listed and the Company owns less than 20% of the outstanding shares and has no significant influence on operational decisions of the listed company, such investment is accounted for by the lower of cost or market value method. The unrealized loss resulting from the decline in market value of such investment is deducted from stockholders' equity. The Company's investment in a company which is not listed is accounted for under the cost method.
B. Investment income or loss from investments in both listed and unlisted companies is accounted for under equity method provided that the Company owns over 20% of the outstanding shares or has significant influence on operational decisions of the listed and unlisted companies.
C. For long-term investments in which the Company owns more than 50% of the subsidiary, consolidated financial statements are prepared, if the total assets and the operating income of the subsidiary are less than 10% of the respective nonconsolidated total assets and income of the Company, the subsidiary's financial statements are not consolidated and instead are accounted for using the equity method. Irrespective of the above test, when the total combined assets or operating income of all such nonconsolidated subsidiaries constitute more than 30% of the Company's nonconsolidated total assets or income, then each individual subsidiary with total assets or operating income greater than 3% of the Company's respective nonconsolidated total assets and income is included in the consolidation.
D. In evaluation of overseas long-term investment, the cumulative translation adjustment derived form the investee's foreign currency financial statements is treated as adjusted item of the Company's stockholders' equity account.
Property, plant and equipment
A. Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Interest incurred on loans used to finance the construction of property and plant is capitalized and depreciated accordingly.
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B. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method using the assets' economic service lives. When the economic service lives are completed, fixed assets which are still in use are depreciated based on the residual value. The service lives of the fixed assets are five to ten years.
C. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expenses as incurred. Significant renewals and improvements are treated as capital expenditures and are depreciated accordingly.
Intangible assets
A. Technology knowhow was provided by a major shareholder as part of paid-in capital. The asset is amortized over five years on the straight-line method starting from the date of operation.
B. Royalties are stated at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the contract period.
Deferred charges
Deferred charges are stated at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the following years: software - 3 years; organization cost - 5 years.
Retirement plan
A. The Company has a non-contributory and funded defined benefit retirement plan covering all its regular employees.
B. The net pension cost is computed based on an actuarial valuation in accordance with the provision of FASB No. 18 of the R.O.C., which requires consideration of cost components such as service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of net obligation at transition.
Income tax
Income tax is provided based on accounting income after adjusting for permanent differences. The provision for income tax includes deferred tax resulting from items reported in different periods for tax and financial reporting purposes and from investment tax credits. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax asset to the extent that it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will not be realized. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are further classified into current or noncurrent items and are presented in the financial statements as net balance. Over or under provision of prior years' income tax liabilities are included in the current year's income tax expense.
3. EFFECT OF CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES None.
4. CONTENTS OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTS
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(1) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
December 31 --------------------------- 1998 1997 ---------- ---------- Cash: Cash on hand $ 2,355 $ 1,817 Demand accounts 387,694 58,655 Checking accounts 169,402 16,607 Time deposits 6,054,016 5,342,348 ---------- ---------- 6,613,467 5,419,427
Cash equivalents: Bonds with repurchase agreement 903,440 49,800 ---------- ---------- $7,516,907 $5,469,227 ========== ==========
(2) MARKETABLE SECURITIES
December 31 --------------------------- 1998 1997 ---------- ---------- Mutual funds $ 199,040 $ 251,393 Listed equity securities stocks 2,939,353 2,939,353 ---------- ---------- $3,138,393 $3,190,746 ========== ==========
(3) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - NET December 31 ------------------------ 1998 1997 --------- --------- Accounts receivable -- third parties $ 863,417 $ 959,159 Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts (20,982) (21,839) Allowance for sales returns and discounts (64,036) -- --------- --------- $ 778,399 $ 937,320 ========= =========
(4) INVENTORIES December 31 ------------------------ 1997 1998 --------- --------- Raw materials, supplies and spare parts $ 88,653 $ 226,426 Work in process 445,414 315,274 Finished goods 171,737 58,189 --------- --------- 705,804 599,889
Less: Allowance for loss on obsolescence (40,460) (88,403) --------- --------- $ 665,344 $ 511,486 ========= =========
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Interest expense amounting to $118,745 and $24,321 were capitalized in 1998 and 1997, respectively.
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(7) SHORT-TERM LOANS
December 31 --------------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------- ------------- Unsecured loans $ 781,944 $ 1,911,632 ============= ============= Annual interest rates 0.73% - 8.22% 1.25% - 7.66% ============= =============
(8) LONG-TERM LOANS
December 31 ------------------------------------- 1998 1997 ------------- ------------- Long-term loans $ 8,613,047 $ 5,847,269 Less: Current portion (1,571,458) (656,744) ------------- ------------- $ 7,041,589 $ 5,190,525 ============= ============= Annual interest rates 1.25% - 7.60% 1.31% - 7.20% ============= =============
(9) RETIREMENT PLAN
A. All of the regular employees of the Company are covered by the pension plan. Under the plan, the Company contributes an amount equal to 2% of total wages on a monthly basis to the pension fund deposited in the Central Trust of China. Pension benefits are generally based on service years (two points per year for service years 15 years and below and one point per year for service years over 15 years). Each employee is limited up to 45 points. During 1998 and 1997, the Company recognized pension cost amounting to $22,262 and $17,793, respectively. The balances of the Company's employees' retirement fund in Central Trust of China was $18,068 and $9,270 at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
B. Based on actuarial assumptions for the years of 1998 and 1997, both the discount rate and expected rate of return on plan asset are 6.25% and 6.5%, respectively and the rates of compensation increase are both 8%. The unrecognized net obligation at transition is amortized equally over 15 years. The funded status of pension plan is listed as follows:
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December 31 ---------------------- 1998 1997 -------- -------- Vested benefit obligation $ -- $ -- Non-vested benefit obligation (11,417) (4,947) -------- -------- Accumulated benefit obligation (11,417) (4,947) Effect on projected salary increase (57,082) (25,388) -------- -------- Projected benefit obligation (68,499) (30,335) Market-related value of plan assets 18,068 8,638 -------- -------- Projected benefit obligation exceeds plan asset (50,431) (21,697) Unrecognized net obligation at transition 260 281 Unrecognized pension gain or loss 26,647 11,360 -------- -------- Accrued pension liability $(23,524) $(10,056) ======== ========
(10) COMMON STOCK
A. As of December 31, 1998, the Company's authorized capital was $23,000,000, representing 2,300,000 thousand shares, with par value of NT$10. The total issued and outstanding capital at December 31, 1998 and 1997 were $13,367,809 and $10,000,000, respectively.
B. Based on the resolution of the shareholders' meeting on May 26, 1998, the Company issued new shares of 336,781 thousand shares from the capitalization of retained earnings of $3,000,000 and employees' bonus of $367,809. The Company has completed the amendment procedures for registration.
(11) RETAINED EARNINGS
A. According to the Company's Articles of Incorporation, current year's earnings, if any, shall be distributed in the following order:
(1) paying all taxes and dues;
(2) covering prior years' operating losses, if any;
(3) setting aside 10% of the remaining amount, after deducting (1) and (2), as legal reserve;
(4) allocating not over 10% of the par value of common stocks as interest of capital to common stockholders;
(5) allocating 1% of the remaining amount, after deducting (1), (2), (3) and (4) above from the current year's earnings, as directors' and supervisor's renumeration;
(6) allocating not below 10% of the remaining amount, after deducting (1), (2), (3) and (4) above from the current year's earnings, as employees' bonus; and
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(7) distributing the remaining amount in accordance with the resolution of the board of directors and stockholders.
(12) INCOME TAX
A. Income tax receivable at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was derived as follows:
1998 1997 -------- -------- Income tax expense (benefit) $ 69,803 $(84,057) Net effect of the change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities (54,187) 89,634 Adjustment of prior year's income tax expense (3,101) -- Withholding income tax (34,994) (51,259) Tax on interest which is subject to separate withholding income tax (1,744) (242) -------- -------- Income tax receivable (shown in other current assets) $(24,223) $(45,924) ======== ========
B. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 were as follows
December 31 --------------------------- 1998 1997 ----------- ----------- Deferred income tax assets -- current $ 43,335 $ 228,270 Deferred income tax liabilities -- current (4,271) -- ----------- ----------- 39,064 228,270 ----------- ----------- Deferred income tax assets -- noncurrent 1,526,536 1,262,960 Deferred income tax liabilities -- noncurrent (470,012) (611,435)
Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets -- noncurrent (818,403) (548,423) ----------- ----------- 238,121 103,102 ----------- ----------- $ 277,185 $ 331,372 =========== ===========
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D. The Company's income tax return for 1996 has been assessed and approved by the Tax Authority.
E. Pursuant to the "Statute For The Establishment and Administration of Science-Based Industrial Park", the Company was granted several periods of tax holidays with respect to income derived from approved investments. The tax holidays will be expired on December, 2001.
F. As of December 31, 1998, the unused investment tax credits amounting to $1,499,500 resulting from the acquisition of equipment and expenditures on research and development will expire on December 31, 2002.
G. As of December 31, 1998, the Company's deductible credit account balance for shareholders' income tax is $36,733. The ending balance of unappropriated earnings amounting to $4,022,045, of which $3,748,549 came from the year of 1998 and $273,496 came from and before the years of 1997. The estimated ratio of deductible tax credit for the appropriation of 1998's earnings is 0.33%.
(13) EARNINGS PER SHARE
1998 1997 ----------- ----------- Net income $ 3,748,549 $ 4,030,215 =========== =========== Weighted average outstanding common stock (Expressed in thousand shares) 1,336,781 1,000,000 =========== =========== Retroactively adjusted weighted average outstanding common stock (Expressed in thousand shares) 1,336,781 1,336,781 =========== =========== Earnings per share (Expressed in New Taiwan dollars) $ 2.80 $ 4.03 =========== =========== Retroactively adjusted weighted average earnings per share $ 2.80 $ 3.01 =========== ===========
5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION
(1) Names and Relationships of Related Parties
Name of the related parties The relationship with the Company --------------------------- --------------------------------- United Microelectronics Co., Ltd. (UMC) The major investor of the Company United Integrated Circuits Corporation Common board chairman United Silicon Incorporated Common board chairman Utek Semiconductor Inc. Common board chairman AMIC Technology, Incorporated The affiliate of UMC Faraday Technology Corporation Common major investor NOVATEK Microelectronics Corp. Common major investor Integrated Technology Express Common major investor MediaTek Incorporation Common major investor Industrial Bank of Taiwan The Company is the promoter Chiao Tung Bank The Company's chairman is a board member of the Bank S3 Inc. A director of the Company S3 International Ltd. 100% investee of S3 Inc. ALLIANCE Semiconductor Corp. (Alliance) A director of the Company UMC-USA The investee of the Company
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(2) Significant Related Party Transactions
a. Sales
1998 1997 ------------------------- ------------------------- Percentage Percentage Amount of net sales Amount of net sales ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ United Microelectronics Co., Ltd. $1,562,443 13% $2,503,897 26% United Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd. 229,583 2% 302,866 3% S3 International Ltd. 1,456,778 12% -- -- Alliance 271,453 2% -- -- Others 108,098 1% 425,071 4% ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- $3,628,355 30% $3,231,834 33% ========== ========== ========== ==========
The above sales are dealt with in the ordinary course of business similar to those with other companies. The actual collection period is appoximately two months.
b. Purchases
1998 1997 --------------------- -------------------- Percentage Percentage of net of net Amount purchases Amount purchases -------- --------- -------- --------- United Microelectronics Co., Ltd. $ 69,942 3% $ 15,912 2% United Silicon Incorporated 17,115 1% -- -- United Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd. 19,060 1% -- -- -------- -------- -------- -------- $106,117 5% $ 15,912 2% ======== ======== ======== ========
The above purchases are dealt with in the ordinary course of business similar to those with other companies and are payable after two months from the date of transaction entries.
c. Notes receivable
1998 1997 ------------------- ------------------- Percentage Percentage of notes of notes Amount receivable Amount receivable ------ ---------- ------ ---------- United Microelectronics Co., Ltd. $ -- -- $ 781 100% AMIC Technology Incorporated 6,736 79% -- -- Faraday Technology Corporation 812 10% -- -- Integrated Technology Express 804 9% -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ 8,352 98% $ 781 100% ====== ====== ====== ======
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e. Notes payable
1998 1997 ---------------- ------------------- Percentage Percentage of notes of notes Amount payable Amount payable ------ ------- ------ ------- United Microelectronics Co., Ltd. $ -- -- $25,992 21% ====== == ======= =======
f. Accounts payable
1998 1997 ------------------- ------------------- Percentage Percentage of accounts of accounts Amount payable Amount payable ------ ------- ------ ------- United Microelectronics Co., Ltd. $20,776 4% $ 9,428 2% United Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd. 1,281 -- 12,057 2% United Silicon Incorporated 1,577 1% -- -- ------- ------- ------- ------- $23,634 5% $21,485 4% ======= ======= ======= =======
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g. Accrued expenses
1998 1997 -------------------- -------------------- Percentage Percentage of accrued of accrued Amount expenses Amount expenses -------- -------- -------- -------- United Microelectronics Co., Ltd. $190,761 24% $ 77,387 13% Others 197 -- -- -- -------- -------- -------- -------- $190,958 24% $ 77,387 13% ======== ======== ======== ========
h. Property transaction
1998: None.
1997: The Company sold one set of machinery and equipment to United Integrated Circuit Co., Ltd. for $9,180. The gain on the transaction was $40.
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7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
a. The Company's unused letters of credit for import of machinery were approximately USD25,510 thousand dollars, JPY3,516,992 thousand dollars, and DEMl20 thousand dollars at December 31, 1998.
b. The Company has signed several contracts for the purchase of equipment amounting to USD1,204,098 thousand dollars, TPY91,153,936 thousand dollars, and DEM703 thousand dollars. As of December 31, 1998, the amount of unrecorded outstanding obligations under these contracts are USD1,101,281 thousand dollars, JPY77,117,921 thousand dollars, and DEM120 thousand dollars.
c. On September 24, 1997, the Department of Commerce (DOC) of the United States of America (USA) made a preliminary determination that Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) manufactured in Taiwan are being sold at less than fair market value, i.e. dumped prices. In March, 1998, the DOC issued its final determination, setting the duty rate at 41.75% for "all others" not named as direct participants in the investigation (such as customers who used the Company to fabricate SRAM). Management believes that this final ruling of the case will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position because the volume of SRAM products exported by the Company to the USA is not significant.
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d. On December 7, 1998, the International Trade Commission (ITC) of the USA issued a statement to the DOC that there was a reasonable indication that the U.S. industry is suffering a material injury as a result of Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), which are manufactured in Taiwan and being sold at less than fair market value in the USA. Based on the precedent set in the SRAM investigation described above, the Company expects that foundry customers who were not participants in the investigation will also be subject to the "all other" rate with respect to DRAM. Management believes that the final outcome of the investigation will not have a material adverse effect to the Company's financial position because the Company's volume of export sales of DRAM to the USA is not significant.
e. A number of third parties hold patents in the area of semiconductor processing, and some have notified the Company demanding that the Company obtain a license for various semiconductor fabrication techniques and circuit designs. The third parties involved include Texas Instruments, EMI, Intel, Chou H. Li, NEC, and Sanyo. Management has indicated a willingness to obtain licenses wherever required and necessary to continue its business.
8. COMPARATIVE FIGURES RECLASSIFICATION
Certain accounts in the 1997 financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the presentation adopted for the 1998 financial statements.
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