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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
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[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________ TO __________ .
COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-27877
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN OUR CHARTER)
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DELAWARE 95-3342408
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
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6085 STATE FARM DRIVE
ROHNERT PARK, CA 94928
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (707) 584-6820
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
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NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
TITLE OF CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED
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Common Stock, par value $0.01 Nasdaq National Market
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Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to files such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant was $1,519,189,555 as of March 14, 2000.
As of March 14, 2000, the registrant had 79,766,716 outstanding shares of
common stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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DOCUMENTS FORM 10-K REFERENCE
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Portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement for our upcoming
Annual Meeting of Stockholders............................ Items 10 - 13
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.................................................... 3
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.................................................. 11
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS........................................... 11
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS......... 12
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS......................................... 12
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA..................................... 12
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS................................... 14
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET
RISK........................................................ 27
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA................. 27
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.................................... 44
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.......... 44
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT.................................................. 44
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.............. 44
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM
8-K......................................................... 44
PART IV
EXHIBITS.............................................................. 44
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
The statements in this report that are forward-looking are based on current
expectations and beliefs and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially. For a discussion of the factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements, see "Risk Factors" and such other risks and uncertainties as set
forth below in this report or detailed in our other Securities and Exchange
Commission reports and filings.
OVERVIEW
We design and market broadband communications equipment that enables
telephone companies and other communications service providers to
cost-effectively deliver a full suite of voice, data and video services over the
existing copper telephone wire infrastructure. Service providers who deploy our
equipment can either offer voice, data and video services in a single product
offering or offer each service separately depending on subscriber demand and the
service provider's objectives. We believe that by installing our equipment,
telephone companies and other emerging communications service providers will be
able to capitalize on, and compete effectively in, the emerging market for
integrated voice, data and video services. Our products consist of equipment
located at the telephone company's central office, in the field and at the
subscriber's home or business.
We commenced operations in July 1994 and recorded our first sale in
September 1997. To date, we have sold our products primarily to regional Bell
operating companies through our direct sales force. From January 1998 until
November 1999, we operated through Next Level Communications L.P., which was
formed as the result of the transfer of all of the net assets, management and
workforce of a wholly owned subsidiary of General Instrument Corporation. In
November 1999, the business and assets of that partnership were merged into Next
Level Communications, Inc. as part of our recapitalization. In November 1999, we
completed an initial public offering of our common stock, raising approximately
$177.0 million in net proceeds. In January 2000, General Instrument was acquired
by Motorola, Inc., making us an indirect subsidiary of Motorola. As a result of
the transactions that occurred in connection with our recapitalization,
Motorola, through General Instrument, owns 64,103,724 shares of our common stock
constituting approximately 65% of our outstanding common stock on a fully
diluted basis. Spencer Trask and its affiliates own, including shares issuable
upon exercise of outstanding warrants, 14,343,431 shares of common stock in the
aggregate, constituting approximately 14% of our outstanding common stock on a
fully diluted basis.
Our equipment is designed to provide the following key benefits:
Flexible, Integrated Products. Our products are designed with the
flexibility to allow our customers to deliver voice, data and video services in
a single packaged offering or to offer them individually. This flexibility
allows telephone companies to immediately serve the varying needs of their
diverse end-user base, including residential, corporate and telecommuter
customers. As a result, telephone companies can generate significant incremental
revenue from their existing networks by using our system. By offering the
flexibility inherent in an integrated system, our products enable telephone
companies to effectively time their network equipment expenditures and rapidly
introduce new services as demand warrants.
Cost Effective Product Deployment. Our product design reduces the cost and
complexity often associated with deploying multiple services to end-users.
Because telephone companies often use separate equipment for each communications
service, they require multiple equipment purchases, installations, training
procedures, maintenance procedures and network management packages. In contrast,
our products deliver all services from a single system. By integrating many
traditionally separate functions, our products allow telephone companies to
incrementally add services by simply installing new modules into our existing
equipment, rather than purchasing entirely new infrastructure equipment.
Additionally, our products installed in the house or office deliver video and
data services from a single networked set-top box, thus eliminating the need for
set-top boxes or modems for different services or separately located TVs and
PCs. We believe our products provide cost savings, reduce trouble calls and ease
installation compared to other equipment that
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often consists of separate systems, each of which corresponds to one service and
which may not operate effectively together.
Complete Solution For Delivery of Voice, Data and Video. By supplying
equipment for the telephone company central office, the field and the
subscriber's home or office, we offer a single integrated system for the
delivery of voice, data and video services. With our products, telephone
companies initially deploying voice service can subsequently activate data
and/or video service with a simple addition and installation of equipment at the
subscriber's home or office. We believe the flexibility found in our products
cannot currently be accomplished by attempting to integrate multiple systems
from multiple vendors.
Reliable and Compatible Technology. Because our products provide multiple
services, including voice, they are engineered to comply with rigorous industry
standards for reliability and safety. We have also designed our products to
operate with existing telephone company switches and billing systems, thereby
minimizing the cost of using our products.
Security. We believe that our products produce greater security compared to
cable systems that are based on shared network design in which data is broadcast
to all users simultaneously. Security has always been important to individuals
and businesses in voice transmission and is becoming increasingly important as
e-commerce applications and video-on-demand services become more prevalent.
PRODUCTS
Our products include equipment located at a telephone company's central
office, in the field and at a subscriber's home or business.
Broadband Digital Terminal. The Broadband Digital Terminal is the central
element of our product suite, providing centralized access to both broadband and
narrowband networks and related voice, data and video services. The Broadband
Digital Terminal is typically located in a telephone company's central office,
or at a remote cabinet, building basement or hut where it connects with central
office equipment including voice and data switches and billing systems. On the
subscriber side, the Broadband Digital Terminal provides high-speed connections
to remote Universal Service Access Multiplexers or Broadband Network Units that
can support up to a maximum of 2,048 data or video subscribers, up to a maximum
of 6,144 telephone subscribers or combinations thereof. The Broadband Digital
Terminal has the capacity for broadband applications such as video-on-demand and
high definition television. Also, because the Broadband Digital Terminal
supports different remote terminals, changes to network layouts or transmission
media (copper or fiber) do not require different Broadband Digital Terminals.
Universal Service Access Multiplexer. We designed the Universal Service
Access Multiplexer to use existing copper wire to connect to a customer's home
or office. This product can be connected with fiber optic cable to the Broadband
Digital Terminal. Each Universal Service Access Multiplexer can support up to 32
video and/or data subscribers or up to 96 voice subscribers. By using modular
components, a single Universal Service Access Multiplexer enables multiple
voice, data and video services. The Universal Service Access Multiplexer can be
deployed in the telephone company's central office or remotely. Because the
Universal Service Access Multiplexer is flexible in terms of where it can be
located in the network, as well as the services it can support, its use can
reduce both the costs and the complexity of deploying new high-speed data and
video services.
Broadband Network Unit. The Broadband Network Unit is used with
installations where fiber optic cable is deployed up to a location relatively
close to the customer's home or office. The Broadband Network Unit supports
voice, data and video services, and can be mounted on a telephone pole, a
pedestal or a wall. The Broadband Network Unit provides voice, high-speed data
and video service for clusters of up to 24 video and/or data and up to 36 voice
subscribers. Our Broadband Network Unit is particularly suited to situations
where a new network is being built, or where existing copper wire is being
upgraded by the installation of fiber optic cable as the transmission medium for
residences or larger apartment buildings or offices. The advanced design and
environmentally secure housing of the Broadband Network Unit helps to reduce
in-field trouble calls.
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N(3) Residential Gateway. Our N(3) Residential Gateway product is a single
set-top box that delivers integrated data and video services. One N(3)
Residential Gateway enables multiple televisions and PCs to be served from the
same access line into the customer's home or office. Traditionally, the high
cost of customer home or office equipment for broadband services has been a
limiting factor in the deployment of broadband services to multiple televisions
or personal computers. Historically, a customer would have to obtain multiple
modems or set-top boxes to support services to multiple televisions or personal
computers. In contrast, our N(3) Residential Gateway simultaneously provides
three independent high quality video streams that can be distributed throughout
a home or office using standard coaxial cable. The primary video stream is also
available in common video and stereo surround sound formats. The N(3)
Residential Gateway also supports enhanced telephone services, such as an
indicator on the television that a message is waiting on the customer's
answering machine or service as well as on-screen caller ID. The data port in
our N(3) Residential Gateway supports high-speed connectivity to the Internet or
remote work-at-home access.
ETHERset. Our ETHERset is a data-only, desktop device that provides a
powerful, low-cost solution for delivering high-speed Internet or data services
to subscribers in residences, small businesses, branch offices and the like.
Individual or multiple PCs can be connected to a single ETHERset.
N(3) NIC. The N(3) NIC is a card, designed to fit into a PC that provides
the same functionality as our ETHERset.
Element Management Systems. Our products can be managed remotely by our
N(3) View-1 Element Management System and our N(3) View-2 Service Manager. The
View-1 Element Management System enables service providers to manage our
equipment and their other systems and products. The View-2 Service Manager
enables service providers to manage delivery of voice, data and video services
to their customers.
CUSTOMERS
We market and sell our products through our direct sales force to service
providers. From inception through December 31, 1999, approximately 76% of our
sales were to U S WEST and Bell Atlantic. We recently initiated customer
relationships in the local, independent and international telephone company
markets. As of December 31, 1999, we had 20 customers that had purchased at
least $100,000 of our products.
U S WEST: In August 1997, we entered into an agreement with U S WEST
through which U S WEST may purchase, without obligation to do so, up to 450,000
N(3) Residential Gateways and associated central office and field equipment, in
eight of the 14 states in which U S WEST currently operates over a five-year
period. We recorded our first sale to U S WEST in September 1997 for deployment
of video and data service to U S WEST's customers in Phoenix, Arizona. In
October 1998, U S WEST selected our product to provide voice applications in six
of the 14 states that U S WEST serves. Sales to U S WEST represented 67% of our
revenues in 1999 and 68% in 1998.
Bell Atlantic: In October 1996, we entered into an agreement with NYNEX
(now part of Bell Atlantic) through which Bell Atlantic may purchase, without
obligation to do so, equipment for up to 5,000,000 lines, consisting of
Broadband Network Units and associated equipment, throughout its service area
over a fifteen-year period. The primary application for these products is
rehabilitation of Bell Atlantic's existing network equipment from copper to
fiber. We recorded our first sale to Bell Atlantic in September 1997 for
deployment in the Boston area. Bell Atlantic is currently using our system to
serve customers in the New York City and Boston areas. Sales to Bell Atlantic
represented 9% of our revenues in fiscal 1999 and 20% in the year ended December
31, 1998.
Others: Our customers also include GTE, Hutchinson Telephone, Paul Bunyan
Rural Telephone, Chibardun Telephone and Northstar Telephone.
TECHNOLOGY
We believe the following key technologies have been instrumental in our
ability to provide what we believe is the world's only integrated, complete
solution for the delivery of integrated voice, data and video services over the
existing telephone copper wires.
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Advanced Application Specific Circuits Architecture. Applications Specific
Circuits are custom-designed silicon circuits that are optimized for a specific
task or set of tasks. These circuits are critical because they are
performance-optimized to minimize gate counts, packaging size, power dissipation
and cost. In addition, one of these circuits may be the only way to provide a
new or novel function that is not available in an off-the-shelf circuit. Our
engineers have substantial experience in the design of these circuits and have
developed a portfolio of over 15 of these circuits, which enables flexible
delivery of voice, data and video from a single system. We will continue to
pursue additional service and system level Application Specific Circuits as a
mechanism for protecting our intellectual property and to achieve ongoing cost
reductions.
System Design and Integration Expertise. We employ a team of experienced
system design and integration engineers in our research and development group.
These individuals provide research, design and development resources and ensure
that our products can be integrated by our customers. System integration by our
customers is required on our specific access products, equipment at the
consumer's home or business, and management systems, as well as the integration
of our products into our customers' networks. System integration expertise is
critical to the successful deployment of new advanced full service
telecommunications systems and services by our customers.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing Technology. Our system uses a technology
known as wavelength division multiplexing. This technology allows multiple
optical signals to be carried on the same optical fiber. In particular, this
technology is used to communicate two-way voice, data and video over a single
optical fiber. This enables our customers to save fiber costs and increase
bandwidth.
Software and Protocol Stacks. Most of the system software in our products
has been developed internally using modern design principles and processes.
Where appropriate, various third-party software packages have been integrated
into the access system. Some examples include the real time operating system and
various protocol stack software packages.
Standards-based Architecture. We support multiple industry standards to
minimize interoperability issues and leverage industry hardware and software
capabilities, and improve time to market. On the customer side of the network,
we are working with industry standards for asynchronous digital subscriber line
and very high-speed digital subscriber line standards to support various
equipment at the customer's home or business.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
As of March 14, 2000, we had 232 full time employees and 16 full time
contractors engaged in research and development. We believe that our future
success depends on our ability:
- to adapt to the rapidly changing telecommunications environment;
- to maintain our expertise in core technologies; and
- to continue meeting and anticipating the evolving needs of telephone
companies.
We continually review and evaluate technological changes affecting the
telecommunications market and invest substantially in applications-based
research and development. We are committed to an ongoing program of new product
development that combines internal development efforts with strategic
relationships and licensing or marketing arrangements relating to new products
and technologies from outside sources.
We have focused our research and development expenditures for the past
several years on creating a complete solution for the delivery of voice, data
and video services using the existing infrastructure of telephone companies. We
have also concentrated on developing the associated customer premises equipment,
including our N(3) Residential Gateway, and on developing our N(3) View-1
Element Management Systems. For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, research and development expenses were $48.5 million, $47.1 million and
$37.1 million. We believe that our extensive experience in designing and
implementing high-quality network components has enabled us to develop
integrated systems solutions. We seek to constantly improve our existing
products, including developing additional home and office products and higher
speed interfaces for our products.
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SALES AND MARKETING
We primarily market and sell our products through a direct sales force
located in North America that consisted of 92 people as of March 14, 2000. To
date, sales activities have been focused primarily on the regional Bell
operating companies and GTE. More recently, we have focused on emerging
opportunities within the local, independent and international telephone markets.
We are currently expanding our sales organization to focus on these emerging
customer opportunities. As of March 14, 2000, 15 sales people were focused
solely on sales to local telephone companies. Because of the potential
importance of our products to our customers' networks, we focus our selling
efforts at many levels within each customer's organization.
We have a variety of marketing programs and initiatives to support the sale
and distribution of our products. As of March 14, 2000, we had 19 full time
employees engaged in marketing activities focusing on reaching technical experts
within telephone companies and creating product awareness and credibility for
our systems among telephone companies. A key factor to building brand awareness
for our products is promoting the success of our customers deploying our
products. We seek to educate telephone companies regarding the benefits of
deploying broadband-ready equipment across a diverse subscriber base. We also
build our brand name through continued publicity and referral efforts in both
media and industry-centered activities, including editorial presence in various
trade magazines, press releases, public speaking opportunities, national and
regional trade show participation, advertising, Internet-based communication and
promotion, media sponsorships and participation in industry standards
activities.
MANUFACTURING
We seek to deliver our products on time and defect-free by capitalizing on
the experience and expertise of strategic contract manufacturers. Based on their
quality assurance and strengths in the volume manufacture of our products, we
have established our primary contract manufacturing relationships with SCI
Systems and CMC Industries. SCI Systems is responsible for manufacturing a
majority of our circuit board plug-in assemblies. CMC Industries, which was
recently acquired by ACT Manufacturing, is responsible for manufacturing our
N(3) Residential Gateway product. Using contract manufacturers allows us to
reduce the costly investment in manufacturing capital, achieve economies of
scale in purchasing selected components and reduce inventory warehousing.
We maintain only a limited in-house manufacturing capability for final
assembly, testing and integration of our products. Our internal manufacturing
expertise is focused on product design for testability, design for
manufacturability and the transfer of products from development to
manufacturing. Each contract manufacturer typically assembles an account team of
personnel representing all the essential functions to deliver products from
prototype through volume production. This team works with our design, test and
manufacturing engineers, and our quality, materials, logistics and program
management teams. All of our major contract manufacturers are certified under
international quality standards. Although our contract manufacturers manage
material procurement for the majority of the components that are incorporated in
our products, we continue to manage the evaluation and selection of certain key
components.
Our engineering team designs circuits and tests these designs using
computer simulations. When the fundamental design is stable, our outsourced
manufacturers make the circuits for testing. Upon completion of these tests,
vendors such as Oki Semiconductor, Broadcom, STMicroelectronics, VLSI (Philips)
and Motorola manufacture the circuit in volume. Warranty and repair support is
performed off-site by our contract manufacturers and by us at our Rohnert Park,
California facility.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT
We believe that successful long-term relations with our customers require a
service organization committed to customer satisfaction. As of March 14, 2000,
we had 24 technical support employees at our headquarters or in the field. To
date, revenues from customer service and support have been immaterial.
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We provide direct support by telephone or at a customer's office or other
location at any time. To monitor service activities, we maintain a customer call
tracking system. We also maintain a dial-up analog modem connection or an
Internet-based management interface to our equipment to assist with diagnostics.
COMPETITION
The market for providing equipment for local telecommunications networks is
extremely competitive. The principal competitive factors in this market include,
or are likely to include:
- product performance and price;
- features and reliability;
- technical support and service;
- relationships with phone companies and systems integrators;
- compliance with industry standards;
- compatibility with the products of other suppliers;
- sales and distribution capabilities;
- strength of brand name;
- long-term cost of ownership to communications providers; and
- general industry and economic conditions.
Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories
and greater name recognition and resources than we do. These competitors may
undertake more extensive marketing campaigns than we do. In addition, these
competitors may adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we do. Also, these
competitors may devote substantially more resources to developing new products
than we do. Many of our competitors have recently been acquired and now have
even greater resources to compete with us.
Our significant current and potential competitors include Advanced Fibre
Communications, Alcatel, Cisco Systems, Efficient Networks, Ericsson, Lucent
Technologies, Nokia, Nortel Networks, RELTEC Corporation (acquired by GEC
Marconi), Scientific Atlanta, Siemens and our largest stockholder, Motorola.
Some of these competitors have existing relationships with our current and
prospective customers, which could give them a competitive advantage over us as
a preferred provider. In addition, we anticipate that other large companies,
such as Matsushita Electric Industrial, which markets products under the
Panasonic brand name, Microsoft, Network Computer, Philips, Sony Corp.,
STMicroelectronics and Toshiba America, will likely introduce products that
compete with our N(3) Residential Gateway product in the future.
In addition, we are likely to face increasing competition from alternative
technologies. In particular, cable operators are currently deploying products
that deliver voice, high-speed data and video services over cable. Cable service
providers that offer these packaged services will give subscribers the
alternative of purchasing all communications services from a single service
provider. If these services are implemented successfully, they will compete
directly with the services offered by telephone companies using our products.
Consolidation in the telecommunications equipment industry may strengthen
our competitors' position in our market. Consolidation of our competitors has
occurred, and we expect it to continue to occur in the foreseeable future. For
example, Alcatel acquired DSC Communications, Lucent acquired Ascend
Communications, and GEC Marconi acquired RELTEC Corporation. Acquisitions such
as these further strengthen our competitors' financial, technical and marketing
resources and provide access to regional Bell operating company customers. As a
result, these competitors are able to devote greater resources to the
development, promotion, sale and support of their products. This consolidation
may allow some of our competitors to penetrate new markets that we have
targeted, such as the domestic local, independent and international telephone
markets. If our competitors are successful in these markets, we will be harmed.
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright and trademark laws, and on
trade secrets, confidentiality provisions and other contractual provisions to
protect our intellectual property. These measures afford only limited
protection. As of March 14, 2000, we had 15 issued patents in the United States
and 7 issued patents in foreign countries. We have 32 pending U.S. patent
applications and 95 pending international patent applications. We market our
products primarily under our own name and mark. We consider our trademarks to be
valuable assets. We rely on patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws
both to protect our proprietary technology and to protect us against claims from
others. We believe that we have direct intellectual property rights or rights
under cross-licensing arrangements covering substantially all of our material
technologies. Given the technological complexity of our systems and products,
however, we cannot assure that claims of infringement will not be asserted
against us or against our customers in connection with their use of our systems
and products, nor can we assure the outcome of any such claims.
SOURCES AND AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS
We contract for the manufacture of all of our products and have limited
in-house manufacturing capabilities. We rely primarily on two large contract
manufacturers: SCI Systems and ACT Manufacturing (formerly, CMC Industries). For
a detailed discussion of these relationships and the risks associated with our
dependence upon third-party manufacturers, see "Business -- Manufacturing" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis -- Risk Factors."
Some parts, components and equipment used in our products are obtained from
sole sources of supply. If our sole source suppliers or we fail to obtain
components in sufficient quantities when required, delivery of our products
could be delayed. Additional sole-sourced components may be incorporated into
our equipment in the future. We do not have any long term supply contracts to
ensure sources of supply. In addition, our suppliers may enter into exclusive
arrangements with our competitors, stop selling their products or components to
us at commercially reasonable prices or refuse to sell their products or
components to us at any price, which could harm our operating results.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Our research and development operations are subject to certain federal,
state, local and foreign environmental protection laws and regulations. These
laws and regulations relate to the use, handling, storage, discharge and
disposal of certain hazardous materials and wastes, the pre-treatment and
discharge of process waste waters and the control of process air pollutants. We
believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable
environmental regulations. If those laws and regulations become more stringent
over time, we may not be able to comply in a timely manner, or comply at all.
Compliance with new laws and regulations could create significant compliance
expenses, result in production suspension and delay, restrictions on expansion
at present locations and require the acquisition of costly equipment.
Non-compliance with laws and regulations could result in penalties and
suspension of operations.
REGULATION OF CUSTOMERS
Although our products are not now directly subject to significant
regulation by the FCC or any other federal or state communications regulatory
agency, our customers and their networks, into which our products are
incorporated, are subject to government regulation. Accordingly, the effects of
regulation on our customers may, in turn, harm us. FCC regulatory policies
affecting either the willingness or the ability of cable operators or telephone
companies to offer certain services, or the terms on which these companies offer
the services and conduct their businesses, may impede sales of our products.
Several FCC regulatory policies may affect the degree to which or way in
which incumbent local exchange carriers, which we refer to as incumbent
carriers, principally the regional Bell operating companies, can or choose to
make integrated voice, data and video offerings available. For example, the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires incumbent carriers to offer their
competitors cost-based access to certain parts of their networks to enable these
competitors to provide telecommunications services. In response to a decision
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by the Supreme Court overturning the FCC's rule identifying the specific network
elements that incumbent carriers must offer to their competitors, the FCC
recently announced that, except in limited circumstances, it will not require
incumbent carriers to offer their competitors access to the facilities and
equipment used to provide high-speed data services. However, the FCC has stated
that it will reexamine this decision every three years and judicial appeals of
the decision may follow. The 1996 Telecommunications Act also requires incumbent
carriers to offer for resale, at wholesale rates, any telecommunications
services that incumbent carriers offer to customers. The FCC has determined that
high-speed data services are "telecommunications services," and thus incumbent
carriers must offer high-speed data services for resale by competitors.
The uncertainties caused by pending regulatory proceedings or appeals could
cause potential customers to delay purchasing decisions. In addition, the
outcomes of the various regulatory proceedings may cause potential customers to
not deploy all of the services for which our products are designed or to delay
the widespread introduction of one or more of these services. Certain members of
Congress have also expressed an interest in reducing the regulation of incumbent
carriers' provision of video and high-speed data services, but again there is no
way to predict whether this legislation will be adopted.
The FCC also has proposed allowing incumbent carriers to offer high-speed
data and video services through a structurally separate subsidiary that is not
subject to the unbundling and resale requirements. Our equipment is designed to
allow carriers to provide video, high-speed data, and digital voice on an
integrated basis. If incumbent carriers choose to offer video or data services
through a separate affiliate, incumbent carriers may prefer vendors whose
equipment does not provide for integration of service offerings. A separate
affiliate may choose to purchase less sophisticated equipment because it might
not be able to utilize fully our equipment's integrated features. We will not
know for certain the FCC's position on the proposed separate affiliate
requirement until the FCC issues an order. In a separate proceeding, the FCC
recently released an order requiring two large incumbent carriers, SBC and
Ameritech, to provide high-speed data services through a separate subsidiary as
a condition to the FCC's approval of their merger. Under the terms of the order,
this condition terminates when the two incumbent carriers satisfy certain
requirements, but no sooner than 42 months after the merger's closing.
The FCC's rules prohibit incumbent carriers from providing voice or data
services along with customer premises equipment, such as our N(3) Residential
Gateway, as a package offering at a single price. The FCC also currently
prohibits certain carriers, including incumbent carriers, from offering enhanced
services. This would include, for example, Internet access services bundled with
local exchange voice services. These bundling restrictions may limit the ability
of incumbent carriers using our equipment to attract customers. The FCC is
considering amending or repealing these bundling restrictions, but we cannot
assure that rule changes will take place.
Distribution of our N(3) Residential Gateway could be adversely affected by
the FCC's "navigation devices" rules. Those rules require video program
distributors, including those who use our system to deliver video, to allow
set-top boxes and other navigation devices owned by customers or manufactured by
third parties to be connected to the video program distributor's system. The
rules require video program distributors to disclose technical details of their
interfaces so as to permit third parties to manufacture the navigation devices
and retail customers to connect them. We believe these rules are not readily
applicable to our system because our N(3) Residential Gateway is in many ways
different from a cable set-top box, and currently there is little likelihood of
an independent market for our N(3) Residential Gateway separate from our entire
system. However, if these rules could be applied to our N(3) Residential Gateway
or other parts of our system, our customers might be required to disclose
proprietary technical information including patented data about our technology,
to allow competing vendors to access the system.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 14, 2000, we had a total of 408 full-time employees and 24
full-time contractors. Of the total number of employees, 232 were in research
and development, 21 in marketing, 28 in operations, 71 in sales and sales
support and 56 in administration. Of the total number of contractors, 16 were in
research and development, 1 in marketing, 2 in operations, 4 in administration
and 1 in sales and sales support. Our
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employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreement with
respect to their employment, and we have never experienced an organized work
stoppage. Satisfactory relations have generally prevailed between our employees
and us. Our future success is heavily dependent upon our ability to hire and
retain qualified technical, marketing and management personnel. The competition
for personnel is intense, particularly for engineering personnel.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We own land and a building consisting of approximately 135,000 square feet
and lease approximately 65,000 square feet of administrative, research and
development, engineering and prototype/test facilities in Rohnert Park,
California. We also lease three sales offices, in Braintree, Massachusetts,
Phoenix, Arizona and Denver, Colorado. In addition, we lease an office for our
technology department in Parsippany, New Jersey. We believe our current
facilities are suitable and adequate and have sufficient productive capacity to
meet our current needs.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are currently not a party to any material legal proceeding.
In April 1995, DSC Communications and DSC Technologies filed an action
against us and our founders, who are former DSC employees, in the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of Texas alleging breach of contract,
usurpation of corporation opportunity and misappropriation of trade secrets. The
complaint alleged that certain telecommunications technology known as switched
digital video was misappropriated by the defendants. Following a March 1996
trial on the merits, the jury found against the defendants on all three
theories, and the court awarded DSC $136.7 million in damages based on future
lost profits. Following several post-trial proceedings and an appeal of a
federal district court's denial of injunctive relief, on February 28, 1997, the
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that DSC was not
entitled to permanent injunctive relief, since the lost profits damage award was
based on the assumption that we developed a competing switched digital video
system. Subsequently, we satisfied the judgment of the Texas litigation,
including interest, by paying DSC $141.0 million in November 1997.
In March 1998, DSC filed an action against Next Level Communications L.P.,
Spencer Trask Investors LLC, General Instrument and Spencer Trask & Co., Inc.,
the parent of the general partner, in the Superior Court of the State of
Delaware in and for New Castle County. In that action, DSC alleged that in
connection with the formation of Next Level Communications L.P. and the transfer
to it of the switched digital video technology, Next Level Communications L.P.
and Spencer Trask Investors LLC misappropriated DSC's trade secrets; that
General Instrument improperly disclosed trade secrets when it conveyed this
technology to the partnership; and that Spencer Trask & Co. conspired to
misappropriate DSC's trade secrets. The trade secrets at issue were the
same-switched digital video technology trade secrets at issue in the Texas
litigation. DSC sought actual damages for the defendants' purported unjust
enrichment, disgorgement of consideration, exemplary damages and attorney's
fees, all in unspecified amounts. In April 1998, the defendants filed an action
in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas,
requesting that the federal court preliminarily and permanently enjoin DSC from
prosecuting the Delaware action because by pursuing the action, DSC effectively
was trying to circumvent and relitigate the Texas action, in which we had paid
$141.0 million. In May 1998, the Texas court granted a preliminary injunction
preventing DSC from proceeding with the Delaware action. That injunction order
was appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In
June 1999, the Fifth Circuit affirmed the grant of the preliminary injunction.
On July 15, 1999, the Texas federal court granted the Delaware defendants'
motion for summary judgment and issued its final judgment, permanently enjoining
DSC from prosecuting and continuing the Delaware action.
In May 1998, actions by BroadBand Technologies, Inc. against General
Instrument and by Next Level Communications against BroadBand Technologies,
pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North
Carolina, were dismissed with prejudice. The action brought by BroadBand related
to fiber optic communications systems for delivering television signals and a
patent held by BroadBand. The
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action brought by Next Level Communications involved contentions that BroadBand
infringed two patents held by Next Level Communications relating to video
compression and signal processing and that BroadBand had violated antitrust
laws. These dismissals were entered pursuant to a settlement agreement under
which, among other things, Next Level Communications L.P. paid BroadBand
Technologies $5.0 million, which was expensed in 1998, and BroadBand
Technologies and Next Level Communications L.P. have entered into a perpetual
cross-license of patents applied for or issued currently or through May 2003.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the quarter
ended December 31, 1999.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
During 1999, we completed our initial public offering in which we sold
9,775,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $20.00 per share. Our common
stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market under the symbol
"NXTV." The following table sets forth the high and low prices or our common
stock for the periods indicated as reported on The Nasdaq National Market.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR HIGH LOW
---- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
2000 (through March 14, 2000).................. First quarter $161.250 $60.750
1999........................................... Fourth quarter $ 74.875 $47.875
</TABLE>
On March 14, 2000, the last reported sale price for our common stock on the
Nasdaq National Market was $159.437 per share. At March 14, 2000, the number of
record holders of our common stock was 64.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and
do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend
to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation
of our business.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the historical financial statements and notes included in this
report.
The statement of operations data and balance sheet data for the periods
subsequent to August 31, 1995 reflect adjustments resulting from the application
of the purchase method of accounting in connection with our acquisition by
General Instrument in 1995. The financial information prior to August 31, 1995
is that of a predecessor company prior to its acquisition by General Instrument
and may not be comparable to the
12
<PAGE> 13
financial information for periods that began subsequent to August 31, 1995. The
results for the year ended December 31, 1999 are not necessarily indicative of
the operating results to be expected in the future.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 1,
JANUARY 1, 1995 1995 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
TO AUGUST 31, TO DECEMBER 31, -------------------------------------------
1995 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
---------------- --------------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
(PREDECESSOR) (IN THOUSANDS)
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
Equipment....................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 6,045 $ 39,243 $ 54,301
Software........................ -- -- -- 2,266 4,587 3,296
------- --------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Total revenues........... -- -- -- 8,311 43,830 57,597
------- --------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Cost of revenues:
Equipment....................... -- -- -- 10,954 43,172 51,265
Software........................ -- -- -- 306 261 292
------- --------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Total cost of revenues... -- -- -- 11,260 43,433 51,557
------- --------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Gross profit (loss)............... -- -- -- (2,949) 397 6,040
------- --------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Operating expenses:
Research and development........ 4,937 142,249 17,102 37,064 47,086 48,454
Selling, general and
administrative................ 1,646 1,016 15,850 26,414 26,248 30,511
Noncash compensation charge..... -- -- -- -- -- 128,284
Litigation...................... -- -- 141,000 -- 5,000 --
------- --------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Total operating
expenses............... 6,583 143,265 173,952 63,478 78,334 207,249
------- --------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Operating loss.................... (6,583) (143,265) (173,952) (66,427) (77,937) (201,209)
------- --------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Other income (expense), net....... -- -- 48 (2) 2,241 2,175
Interest expense.................. -- -- -- -- (6,035) (6,038)
------- --------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
Net loss.......................... $(6,583) $(143,265) $(173,904) $(66,429) $(81,731) $(205,072)
======= ========= ========= ======== ======== =========
Pro forma net loss per share...... -- -- $ (2.49) $ (0.95) $ (1.08) $ (2.78)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
------- --------- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents..................... $ 599 $ -- $ 377 $ 28,983 $128,752
Working capital (deficit)..................... (1,897) (143,001) (29,571) 38,564 147,948
Total assets.................................. 3,824 17,393 52,689 97,771 267,811
Long term obligations, net of current
portion..................................... -- -- -- 81,275 25,199
Total partners' deficit/stockholders' equity
(deficit)................................... $(2,566) $(172,029) $ (3,702) $(14,769) $206,228
</TABLE>
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The following table sets forth unaudited statement of operations data for
our eight most recent quarters ended December 31, 1999. This unaudited
information has been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial
statements and includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items
except for the noncash compensation charges in the three months ended December
31, 1999) that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the
financial information for the periods presented.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, JUNE 30,
1998 1998 1998 1998 1999 1999
--------- -------- ------------- ------------ --------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Equipment........................ $ 1,682 $ 2,372 $ 13,678 $ 21,511 $ 7,947 $ 8,482
Software......................... 1,057 1,496 923 1,111 830 931
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues.................... 2,739 3,868 14,601 22,622 8,777 9,413
Cost of revenues:
Equipment........................ 2,395 4,107 15,053 21,617 8,331 8,651
Software......................... 122 54 45 40 74 84
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total cost of revenues............ 2,517 4,161 15,098 21,657 8,405 8,735
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit (loss)............... 222 (293) (497) 965 372 678
Operating expenses:
Research and development......... 10,033 10,385 12,075 14,593 11,253 11,798
Selling, general and
administrative................. 7,021 8,379 4,506 6,342 6,791 7,593
Noncash compensation expense..... -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Litigation....................... 5,000 -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses.......... 22,054 18,764 16,581 20,935 18,044 19,391
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating loss.................... (21,832) (19,057) (17,078) (19,970) (17,672) (18,713)
Other income, net................. 867 710 526 138 108 464
Interest expense.................. (1,300) (1,509) (1,609) (1,617) (1,693) (1,691)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net loss.......................... $(22,265) $(19,856) $(18,161) $(21,449) $(19,257) $(19,940)
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
----------------------------
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1999
------------- ------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Equipment........................ $ 13,419 $ 24,453
Software......................... 821 714
-------- ---------
Total revenues.................... 14,240 25,167
Cost of revenues:
Equipment........................ 12,759 21,524
Software......................... 70 64
-------- ---------
Total cost of revenues............ 12,829 21,588
-------- ---------
Gross profit (loss)............... 1,411 3,579
Operating expenses:
Research and development......... 12,810 12,593
Selling, general and
administrative................. 7,836 8,291
Noncash compensation expense..... -- 128,284
-------- ---------
Litigation....................... -- --
-------- ---------
Total operating expenses.......... 20,646 149,168
-------- ---------
Operating loss.................... (19,235) (145,589)
Other income, net................. 281 1,322
Interest expense.................. (1,797) (857)
-------- ---------
Net loss.......................... $(20,751) $(145,124)
======== =========
</TABLE>
ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis along with selected
financial data, financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in
this report.
Some of the statements in the following discussion and elsewhere in this
Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements. These statements relate to
future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can
identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will,"
"should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict,"
"potential" or "continue" or the negative of such terms or other comparable
terminology. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties,
and other factors that may cause our or our industry's actual results, levels of
activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any
future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or
implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other
things, those listed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking
statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of
activity, performance, or achievements.
OVERVIEW
We design and market broadband communications equipment that enables
telephone companies and other communications service providers to
cost-effectively deliver a full suite of voice, data and video services over the
existing copper wire telephone infrastructure. We commenced operations in July
1994 and recorded our first sale in September 1997. To date, we have sold our
products primarily to regional Bell operating companies through our direct sales
force. From January 1998 until November 1999, we operated through Next Level
Communications L.P., which was formed as the result of the transfer of all of
the net assets, management and workforce of a wholly owned subsidiary of General
Instrument. In November 1999, the
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<PAGE> 15
business and assets of that partnership were merged into Next Level
Communications, Inc. as part of our recapitalization. In November 1999, we
completed our initial public offering of common stock, raising net proceeds of
approximately $177.0 million. In January 2000, General Instrument was acquired
by Motorola, Inc., making us an indirect subsidiary of Motorola.
From our inception through September 1997, our operating activities related
primarily to establishing a research and development organization, testing
prototype designs, designing circuits, commencing the staffing of marketing,
sales and field service and technical support organizations and establishing
manufacturing relationships. Since then, we have expanded our sales and
marketing and customer support activities. These activities include commencing
trials with our customers, expanding our customer base, developing customer
relationships, marketing our brand, hiring field service and customer support
personnel, developing new products and technologies and enhancing existing
products.
We generate our revenue primarily from sales of our equipment. A small
number of customers have accounted for a large part of our revenues to date, and
we expect this concentration to continue in the future. U S WEST accounted for
67% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1999 and 68% of total
revenues for the year ended December 31, 1998. Bell Atlantic accounted for 9% of
total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1999 and 20% of total revenues
for the year ended December 31, 1998. Our agreements with our largest customers
are cancelable by these customers on short notice and without penalty, and do
not obligate the customers to purchase any products. In addition, our
significant customer agreements generally contain fixed-price provisions. As a
result, our ability to generate a profit on these contracts depends upon our
ability to produce and market our products at costs lower than these fixed
prices.
The timing of our revenue is difficult to predict because of the length and
variability of the sales cycle for our products. Customers view the purchase of
our products as a significant and strategic decision. As a result, customers
typically undertake significant evaluation, testing and trial of our products
before deploying them. This evaluation process frequently results in a lengthy
sales cycle, typically ranging from six months to more than a year. While our
customers are evaluating our products and before they place an order, if at all,
we may incur substantial sales and marketing expenses and expend significant
management efforts.
Revenues. Our revenues consist primarily of sales of equipment and sales of
data communications software. We recognize equipment revenue upon shipment of
our products. Software revenue consists of sales to original equipment
manufacturers that supply communications software and hardware to distributors.
Software license revenue is recognized when a noncancelable license agreement
has been signed, delivery has occurred, the fees are fixed and determinable and
collection is probable. The portion of revenues from new software license
agreements that relate to our obligation to provide customer support are
deferred and recognized ratably over the maintenance period.
Cost of revenues. Cost of equipment revenue includes direct material and
labor, depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, warranty
expenses, license fees and manufacturing and service overhead. Cost of software
revenue primarily includes the cost of the media the software is shipped on
(usually CDs) and documentation costs.
Research and development. Research and development expense consists
principally of salaries and related personnel expenses, consultant fees,
prototype component expenses and development contracts related to the design,
development, testing and enhancement of our products. All research and
development costs are expensed as incurred.
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative
expense consists primarily of salaries and related expenses for personnel
engaged in direct marketing and field service support functions, executive,
accounting and administrative personnel, recruiting expenses, professional fees
and other general corporate expenses.
Litigation. The litigation expense incurred in 1996 was attributable to a
judgment in connection with litigation involving DSC Communications and was paid
in 1997. The litigation expense incurred in 1998 was attributable to the cost of
the settlement of the litigation with BroadBand Technologies. For a more
detailed description of these litigation matters, see "Legal Proceedings."
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<PAGE> 16
Acquisition. In September 1997, General Instrument acquired all of the
outstanding capital stock of Telenetworks for $7.0 million in cash, and
subsequently contributed the business to the Next Level partnership.
Approximately $6.9 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill. As a
result, we amortized approximately $1.0 million of goodwill during 1998 and will
continue to amortize the goodwill at a rate of approximately $1.0 million per
year for each of the next six years. In conjunction with the granting of
restricted common stock of General Instrument to Telenetworks employees, which
restrictions lapsed over a nine month period that ended May 31, 1998, we
recorded compensation expense of $3.9 million in 1998 and $3.1 million in 1997.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of 1999 to 1998
Revenues. Revenues in 1999 increased to $57.6 from $43.8 million in 1998.
The increase was primarily due to an increase in equipment sales. Total revenues
for 1999 included $54.3 million of equipment sales, compared to $39.2 million
for 1998. U S WEST accounted for $38.5 equipment revenue in 1999 as compared to
$29.9 in 1998. Bell Atlantic accounted for $5.4 million of equipment revenue in
1999 as compared to $8.6 million in 1998. Sales to Bell Atlantic decreased in
1999 due to the Bell Atlantic merger with NYNEX and their shift in focus from
network rehabilitation to the entry into the long distance market. As a result,
we expect sales to NYNEX to remain relatively comparable to 1999 sales in the
near term. We expect to continue to derive substantially all of our revenues
from sales of equipment to the regional Bell operating companies and local and
independent telephone companies for the foreseeable future. The growth in
equipment revenue in future periods will depend upon whether and how quickly our
existing customers roll out broadband services in their coverage areas and
whether and how quickly we obtain new customers.
Software revenue in 1999 decreased to $3.3 million in 1999 as compared to
$4.6 million in 1998. The decrease, however, was primarily due to a shift in
demand from 1999 to 1998. We expect demand for our software to remain relatively
flat in the near term because the market for these products is mature.
Cost of Revenues. Total cost of revenues increased to $51.6 million in 1999
from $43.4 million in 1998. As a percentage of sales, cost of revenues decreased
to 90% in 1999 from 99% in 1998. The increase in the cost of revenues was
attributable to an increase in equipment volume and consisted primarily of
materials and costs associated with increasing production at our contract
manufacturers. The decrease in costs as a percentage of sales was primarily the
result of higher unit volumes, leading to greater efficiencies, including lower
fixed costs per unit. We currently expect gross margin improvements as we
increase sales of our higher margin products, increase volume and continue
implementing cost reductions. Our software gross margins in each period were
comparable. In the future, cost of sales as a percent of sales may fluctuate due
to a wide variety of factors, including: the customer mix, the product mix, the
timing and size of orders which are received, the availability of adequate
supplies of key components and assemblies, our ability to introduce new products
and technologies on a timely basis, the timing of new product introductions or
announcements by us or our competitors, price competition and unit volume.
Research and development. Research and development expenses increased to
$48.5 million in 1999 from $47.1 million in 1998. The increase was primarily due
to an increase in research and development personnel. We believe that continued
investment in research and development is critical to attaining our strategic
product development and cost reduction objectives and, as a result, expect these
expenses to increase in absolute dollars. All of our research and development
costs are expensed as incurred.
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative
expenses were $30.5 million in 1999 compared to $26.2 million in 1998.
Approximately $3.9 million of compensation expense relating to the Telenetworks
acquisition is included in the amount for 1998. There was no Telenetworks
compensation expense during 1999. The increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses is due to the increase in scale of our operations
including additional personnel in the sales and marketing organizations,
promotional expenses and other administrative expenses. We expect selling,
general and administrative expenses to increase as we continue to add personnel
and incur additional costs as we increase the scale of our operations.
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<PAGE> 17
Noncash compensation expense. Substantially all of our employees have been
granted contingently exercisable stock options that became options to purchase
our common stock upon our recapitalization. As a result, noncash compensation
expense was recognized in November 1999 upon the completion of our initial
public offering, based on the difference between the exercise price of the
options and the initial public offering price of our common stock of $20.00 per
share. The noncash compensation expense related to these option grants was $96.9
million. In addition, at December 31, 1999, we recognized noncash compensation
expense of $31.4 million related to tandem stock options granted in January 1997
to some of our employees. The tandem stock option grant permits these employees
to exercise options for shares of either our or General Instrument's common
stock.
Litigation. Litigation expenses of $5.0 million for 1998 related to the
settlement cost of litigation with BroadBand Technologies. For a detailed
discussion of this litigation matter, see "Legal Proceedings."
Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense) consists primarily of
interest income. Interest income was $2.2 million, in 1999 and 1998.
Interest expense. Interest expense was $6.0 million in 1999 and 1998. The
interest expense in these periods was primarily attributable to interest on a
$75.0 million note and accrued interest thereon payable to General Instrument
that General Instrument contributed to us in exchange for shares of our common
stock immediately prior to our initial public offering. We expect interest
expense to decrease significantly in the near term.
Comparison of 1998 to 1997:
Revenues. Total revenues increased to $43.8 million in 1998 from $8.3
million in 1997. The increase is primarily due to the fact that we recorded our
first sale in September 1997 and, therefore, the operating results for 1997
reflect only four months of revenues. Sales in 1998 were comprised of $39.2
million of equipment sales and $4.6 million in software revenue, compared with
$6 million and $2.3 million for equipment and software sales respectively for
1997. U S WEST and Bell Atlantic (formerly NYNEX) accounted for substantially
all of our sales for the two years.
Cost of Revenues. Total cost of revenues increased to $43.4 million in 1998
from $11.3 million in 1997. The increase in cost of revenues in 1998 was
primarily the result of materials cost and costs associated with increasing
production at our contract manufacturers as a result of increased equipment
sales volume.
Research and development. Research and development expenses increased to
$47.1 million in 1998 from $37.1 million in 1997. The increase in 1998 was
primarily the result of increased personnel, increased component purchases and
spending on third party testing, development of the Residential Gateway product,
and the completion of our products for voice applications.
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative
expenses were $26.2 million in 1998, compared to $26.4 million in 1997. The
decrease in 1998 reflects the reduction in legal expenses associated with the
DSC Communications litigation that was partially offset by costs associated with
the increased selling efforts resulting from the commencement of the commercial
sales of our products in September 1997, as well as expansion into new markets.
These costs include recruiting, travel, tradeshows, print advertising, public
relations and other promotional expenses.
Litigation. Litigation expense of $5.0 million in 1998 related to the
settlement cost of litigation with BroadBand Technologies.
Other income, net. Other income of $2.2 million in 1998 was due to interest
income on cash and cash equivalents. Other income, net was not significant in
1997.
Interest expense. Interest expense was $6.0 million in 1998 due almost
entirely to interest on the $75.0 million note and accrued interest thereon
payable to General Instrument. There was no interest expense in 1997.
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<PAGE> 18
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We have financed our operations primarily through cash contributions and
borrowings from General Instrument and our initial public offering of common
stock in November 1999. We will not receive additional funding from General
Instrument, which was acquired by Motorola, Inc. in January 2000.
Net cash used in operating activities was $56.5 million in 1999, $66.6
million in 1998, and $208.5 million in 1997. In each case, the use of cash in
operating activities was primarily due to our net losses, partially offset by
$128.3 million in noncash compensation charges in 1999. Net cash used in
operating activities of $66.6 million in 1998 was primarily due to a net loss of
$81.7 million. Net cash used in operating activities of $208.5 million in 1997
was due to a net loss of $66.4 million, payments of litigation expenses of
$141.0 million and an increase in inventories.
Net cash used in investing activities of $78.7 million in 1999, $9.3
million in 1998, and $9.8 million in 1997 was primarily attributable to capital
expenditures to support our engineering and testing activities. Net cash used in
1999 also included purchases of $45.2 million of marketable securities with the
proceeds from our initial public offering. As we increase the scope of our
operations, we expect that our capital expenditures will increase.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $235.0 million in 1999,
$104.6 million in 1998 and $218.7 million in 1997. Net cash provided by
financing in 1999 included $177.0 million net proceeds from our initial public
offering, $34.0 million contributed by General Instrument and borrowings of
$24.9 million which were repaid in February 2000. Net cash provided by financing
activities of $104.6 million in 1998 consisted of a $75.0 million loan from
General Instrument, a $19.6 million capital contribution from General Instrument
and a $10.0 million capital contribution from the general partner. Net cash
provided by financing activities of $218.7 million in 1997 consisted of
contributions from General Instrument.
At December 31, 1999, we had $128.8 million of cash and cash equivalents,
and $147.9 million of working capital. We anticipate that we will increase our
capital expenditures and lease commitments consistent with anticipated growth in
operations, infrastructure and personnel. We may establish sales offices and
lease additional space, which will require us to commit to additional lease
obligations, purchase equipment and install leasehold improvements.
We have commitments with suppliers to purchase a total of approximately
$35.4 million of components through 2002.
In January 1998, we borrowed $75.0 million from General Instrument pursuant
to an 8% note due in 2005. General Instrument contributed this note, including
accrued interest thereon, to us in exchange for 4,377,633 shares of common stock
immediately prior to our initial public offering. In December, 1999, we entered
into a revolving bank line of credit under which we had the ability to borrow up
to the lesser of $50 million or the value of pledged collateral. At December 31,
1999, the balance outstanding was $24.9 million; the line was secured by $30.2
million of marketable securities. In February, 2000, we paid all outstanding
principal and interest and terminated the line of credit.
We expect to experience significant growth in our operating expenses for
the foreseeable future. As a result, we anticipate that operating expenses, as
well as planned capital expenditures, will constitute a material use of our cash
resources. In addition, we may use cash resources to fund acquisitions or
investments in complementary businesses, technologies or product lines. As we
increase the scope of our operations, we expect that our capital expenditures
will increase. We believe that our cash on hand will be sufficient to meet our
working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12
months. However, it may still be necessary to obtain additional equity or debt
financing either during or after the next 12 months if we are not able to
generate sufficient cash from operating activities to meet our capital
expenditure and working capital needs. In the event additional financing is
required, we may not be able to raise it on acceptable terms, or at all.
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Recently Issued Accounting Standard
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities." This statement requires companies to record derivatives
on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair value. Gains or
losses resulting from changes in the values of those derivatives would be
accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and whether it qualifies
for hedge accounting. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, as
amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 137, will be
effective for our fiscal year ending December 31, 2001. We are currently
evaluating what impact, if any, SFAS No. 133 may have on our financial
statements.
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below.
WE HAVE INCURRED NET LOSSES AND NEGATIVE CASH FLOW FOR OUR ENTIRE HISTORY, WE
EXPECT TO INCUR FUTURE LOSSES AND NEGATIVE CASH FLOW, AND WE MAY NEVER ACHIEVE
PROFITABILITY
We incurred net losses of $205.1 million in 1999, $81.7 million in 1998,
and $66.4 million in 1997. Our ability to achieve profitability on a continuing
basis will depend on the successful design, development, testing, introduction,
marketing and broad commercial distribution of our broadband equipment products.
We expect to continue to incur significant product development, sales and
marketing, and administrative expenses. In addition, we depend in part on cost
reductions to improve gross profit margins because the fixed-price nature of
most of our long-term customer agreements prevents us from increasing prices. As
a result, we will need to generate significant revenues and improve gross profit
margins to achieve and maintain profitability. We may not be successful in
reducing our costs or in selling our products in sufficient volumes to realize
cost benefits from our manufacturers. We cannot be certain that we can achieve
sufficient revenues or gross profit margin improvements to achieve
profitability.
OUR LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO EVALUATE OUR
BUSINESS AND PROSPECTS
We recorded our first sale in September 1997. As a result, we have only a
limited operating history upon which you may evaluate our business and
prospects. You should consider our prospects in light of the heightened risks
and unexpected expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in
an early stage of development. These risks, expenses and difficulties, which are
described further below, apply particularly to us because the market for
equipment for delivering voice, data and video services is new and rapidly
evolving. Due to our limited operating history, it will be difficult for you to
evaluate whether we will successfully address these risks.
WE EXPECT OUR QUARTERLY REVENUES AND OPERATING RESULTS TO FLUCTUATE, AND THESE
FLUCTUATIONS MAY MAKE OUR STOCK PRICE VOLATILE
Our quarterly revenues and operating results have fluctuated in the past
and are likely to fluctuate significantly in the future. As a result, we believe
that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results may not be
meaningful. Fluctuations in our quarterly revenues or operating results may
cause volatility in the price of our stock. It is likely that in some future
quarter our operating results may be below the expectations of public market
analysts and investors, which may cause the price of our stock to fall. Factors
likely to cause variations in our quarterly revenues and operating results
include:
- delays or cancellations of any orders by U S WEST, which accounted for
approximately 67% of our revenues in 1999, or by any other customer
accounting for a significant portion of our revenues;
- variations in the timing, mix and size of orders and shipments of our
products throughout the quarter or year;
- new product introductions by us or by our competitors;
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- the timing of upgrades of telephone companies' infrastructure;
- variations in capital spending budgets of telephone companies; and
- increased expenses, whether related to sales and marketing, product
development or administration.
The amount and timing of our operating expenses generally will vary from
quarter to quarter depending on the level of actual and anticipated business
activity. Because most of our operating expenses are fixed in the short term, we
may not be able to quickly reduce spending if our revenues are lower than we had
projected and our results of operations could be harmed.
BECAUSE OUR SALES CYCLE IS LENGTHY AND VARIABLE, THE TIMING OF OUR REVENUE IS
DIFFICULT TO PREDICT, AND WE MAY INCUR SALES AND MARKETING EXPENSES WITH NO
GUARANTEE OF A FUTURE SALE
Customers view the purchase of our products as a significant and strategic
decision. As a result, customers typically undertake significant evaluation,
testing and trial of our products before deployment. This evaluation process
frequently results in a lengthy sales cycle, typically ranging from six months
to more than a year. Before a customer places an order, we may incur substantial
sales and marketing expenses and expend significant management efforts. In
addition, product purchases are frequently subject to unexpected administrative,
processing and other delays on the part of our customers. This is particularly
true for customers for whom our products represent a very small percentage of
their overall purchasing activities. As a result, sales forecasted from a
specific customer for a particular quarter may not be realized in that quarter
and this could result in lower than expected revenues.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT FINANCING TO FUND OUR BUSINESS AND, AS A
RESULT, WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GROW AND COMPETE EFFECTIVELY
We may need to raise additional funds if our estimates of revenues or
capital requirements change or prove inaccurate. If we cannot raise these funds,
we may not be able to grow our business. We may need additional capital if we
need to respond to unforeseen technological or marketing hurdles or if we desire
to take advantage of unanticipated opportunities. In addition, we expect to
review potential acquisitions that would complement our existing product
offerings or enhance our technical capabilities that could require potentially
significant amounts of capital. Funds may not be available at the time or times
needed on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If adequate funds are not
available, or are not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to take
advantage of market opportunities, to develop new products or to otherwise
respond to competitive pressures effectively.
OUR CUSTOMER BASE OF TELEPHONE COMPANIES IS EXTREMELY CONCENTRATED AND THE LOSS
OF OR REDUCTION IN BUSINESS FROM EVEN ONE OF OUR CUSTOMERS COULD CAUSE OUR SALES
TO FALL SIGNIFICANTLY
A small number of customers have accounted for a large part of our revenues
to date. We expect this concentration to continue in the future. If we lose one
of our significant customers, our revenues could be significantly affected. U S
WEST accounted for 67% of total revenues in 1999 and 68% of total revenues in
1998. Bell Atlantic accounted for 9% of total revenues in 1999 and 20% of total
revenues in 1998. Our agreements with our customers are cancelable by these
customers on short notice, without penalty, do not obligate the customers to
purchase any products and are not exclusive. Accordingly, we may lose revenue
from our significant customers at any time.
A SIGNIFICANT MARKET FOR OUR PRODUCTS MAY NOT DEVELOP IF TELEPHONE COMPANIES DO
NOT SUCCESSFULLY DEPLOY BROADBAND SERVICES SUCH AS HIGH-SPEED DATA AND VIDEO
Telephone companies have just recently begun offering high-speed data
services, and most telephone companies have not offered video services at all.
Unless telephone companies make the strategic decision to enter the market for
providing broadband services, a significant market for our products may not
develop. Sales of our products depend on the increased use and widespread
adoption of broadband services and the ability of our customers to market and
sell broadband services, including video services, to their customers.
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Certain critical issues concerning use of broadband services are unresolved and
will likely affect their use. These issues include security, reliability, speed
and volume, cost, government regulation and the ability to operate with existing
and new equipment.
Even if telephone companies decide to deploy broadband services, this
deployment may not be successful. Our customers have delayed deployments in the
past and may delay deployments in the future. Factors that could cause telephone
companies not to deploy, to delay deployment of, or to fail to deploy
successfully the services for which our products are designed include the
following:
- industry consolidation;
- regulatory uncertainties and delays affecting telephone companies;
- varying quality of telephone companies' network infrastructure and cost
of infrastructure upgrades and maintenance;
- inexperience of telephone companies in obtaining access to video
programming content from third party providers;
- inexperience of telephone companies in providing broadband services and
the lack of sufficient technical expertise and personnel to install
products and implement services effectively;
- uncertain subscriber demand for broadband services; and
- inability of telephone companies to predict return on their investment in
broadband capable infrastructure and equipment.
Unless our products are successfully deployed and marketed by telephone
companies, we will not be able to achieve our business objectives and increase
our revenues.
CONSOLIDATION AMONG TELEPHONE COMPANIES MAY REDUCE OUR SALES
Consolidation in the telecommunications industry may cause delays in the
purchase of our products and cause a reexamination of strategic and purchasing
decisions by our customers. In addition, we may lose relationships with key
personnel within a customer's organization due to budget cuts, layoffs, or other
disruptions following a consolidation. For example, U S WEST, which has
announced a pending merger with Qwest, and Bell Atlantic, which has announced a
pending merger with GTE, are our two largest customers. Any of these factors
relating to consolidation could impair our ability to generate revenues.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND RELATED UNCERTAINTY COULD CAUSE OUR
CUSTOMERS TO DELAY THE PURCHASE OF OUR PRODUCTS
The FCC is in the process of developing new rules that could force
telephone companies, such as the regional Bell operating companies, to offer
their competitors cost-based access to some elements of their networks,
including facilities and equipment used to provide high-speed data and video
services. These telephone companies may not wish to make expenditures for
infrastructure and equipment required to provide broadband services if they will
be forced to allow competitors access to this infrastructure and equipment. The
FCC recently announced that, except in limited circumstances, it will not
require incumbent carriers to offer their competitors access to the facilities
and equipment used to provide high-speed data services, but the full text of the
FCC's decision was just recently released and the details of the FCC's
implementation are not yet known. Thus, some uncertainty still remains as to
what the exact rule will be and how it will apply in any given circumstance.
Accordingly, the uncertainties caused by these regulatory proceedings may cause
these telephone companies to delay purchasing decisions at least until the
proceedings and any related judicial appeals are completed. The outcomes of
these regulatory proceedings, as well as other FCC regulation, may cause these
telephone companies not to deploy services for which our products are designed
or to further delay deployment. Additionally, telephone companies' deployment of
broadband services may be slowed down or stopped because of the need for
telephone companies to obtain permits from city, state or federal authorities to
implement infrastructure for products such as ours. Any delay in deployment of
products by our customers
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could harm our sales. For a more detailed description of these and other
regulatory matters that may affect our business, see "Business -- Regulation of
Customers."
OUR CUSTOMERS AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS WILL NOT PURCHASE OUR PRODUCTS IF THEY DO
NOT HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY TO USE OUR PRODUCTS
The copper wire infrastructures over which telephone companies may deliver
voice, data and video services using our products vary in quality and
reliability. As a result, some of these telephone companies may not be able to
deliver a full set of voice, data and video services to their customers, despite
their intention to do so, and this could harm our sales. Even after installation
of our products, we remain highly dependent on telephone companies to continue
to maintain their infrastructure so that our products will operate at a
consistently high performance level. Infrastructure upgrades and maintenance may
be costly, and telephone companies may not have the necessary financial
resources. This may be particularly true for our smaller customers and potential
customers such as independent telephone companies and domestic local telephone
companies. If our current and potential customers' infrastructure is inadequate,
we may not be able to generate anticipated revenues from them.
IF COMPETING TECHNOLOGIES THAT OFFER ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO OUR PRODUCTS
ACHIEVE WIDESPREAD ACCEPTANCE, THE DEMAND FOR OUR PRODUCTS MAY NOT DEVELOP
Technologies that compete with our system include other
telecommunications-related wireline technologies, cable-based technologies,
fixed wireless technologies and satellite technologies. If these alternative
technologies are chosen by our existing and potential customers, our business,
financial condition and results of operations could be harmed. In particular,
cable operators are currently deploying products that will be capable of
delivering voice, high-speed data and video services over cable, including
products from Motorola, our principal stockholder. Our technology may not be
able to compete effectively against these technologies on price, performance or
reliability.
Our customers or potential customers that also offer cable-based services
may choose to purchase cable-based technologies. Cable service providers that
offer not only data and video but also telephony over cable systems will give
subscribers the alternative of purchasing all communications services from a
single communications service provider, allowing the potential for more
favorable pricing and a single point of contact for bill payment and customer
service. If these services are implemented successfully over cable connections,
they will compete directly with the services offered by telephone companies
using our products. In addition, several telephone companies have commenced the
marketing of video services over direct broadcast satellite while continuing to
provide voice and data services over their existing copper wire infrastructure.
If any of these services are accepted by consumers, the demand for our products
may not develop and our ability to generate revenue will be harmed.
WE FACE INTENSE COMPETITION IN PROVIDING EQUIPMENT FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS
NETWORKS FROM LARGER AND MORE WELL-ESTABLISHED COMPANIES, AND WE MAY NOT BE ABLE
TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY WITH THESE COMPANIES
Many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating
histories, greater name recognition and significantly greater financial,
technical, marketing and distribution resources than we do. These competitors
may undertake more extensive marketing campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing
policies and devote substantially more resources to developing new products than
we are able to, which could result in the loss of current and potential
customers.
Our significant current and potential competitors include Advanced Fibre
Communications, Alcatel, Cisco Systems, Efficient Networks, Ericsson, Lucent
Technologies, Nokia, Nortel Networks, RELTEC (acquired by GEC Marconi),
Scientific Atlanta, Siemens and our largest stockholder, General Instrument
(which has recently been acquired by Motorola), as well as emerging companies
that are developing new technologies. Some of these competitors have existing
relationships with our current and prospective customers. In addition, we
anticipate that other large companies, such as Matsushita Electric Industrial
(which markets products under the Panasonic brand name), Microsoft, Network
Computer, Philips, Sony,
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STMicroelectronics and Toshiba America, will likely introduce products that
compete with our N(3) Residential Gateway product in the future. Our customer
base may be attracted by the name and resources of these large, well-known
companies and may prefer to purchase products from them instead of us.
CONSOLIDATION OF OUR COMPETITORS MAY CAUSE US TO LOSE CUSTOMERS AND NEGATIVELY
AFFECT OUR SALES
Consolidation in the telecommunications equipment industry may strengthen
our competitors' position in our market, cause us to lose customers and hurt our
sales. For example, Alcatel acquired DSC Communications, Lucent recently
acquired Ascend Communications and GEC Marconi acquired RELTEC. Acquisitions
such as these may strengthen our competitors' financial, technical and marketing
resources and provide access to regional Bell operating companies and other
potential customers. Consolidation may also allow some of our competitors to
penetrate new markets that we have targeted, such as domestic local, independent
and international telephone companies. This consolidation may affect our ability
to increase revenues.
IF WE DO NOT RESPOND QUICKLY TO CHANGING CUSTOMER NEEDS AND FREQUENT NEW PRODUCT
INTRODUCTIONS BY OUR COMPETITORS, OUR PRODUCTS MAY BECOME OBSOLETE
Our position in existing markets or potential markets could be eroded
rapidly by product advances. The life cycles of our products are difficult to
estimate. Our growth and future financial performance will depend in part upon
our ability to enhance existing products and develop and introduce new products
that keep pace with:
- the increasing use of the Internet;
- the growth in remote access by telecommuters;
- the increasingly diverse distribution sources for high quality digital
video; and
- other industry and technological trends.
We expect that our product development efforts will continue to require
substantial investments. We may not have sufficient resources to make the
necessary investments. If we fail to timely and cost-effectively develop new
products that respond to new technologies and customer needs, the demand for our
products may fall and we could lose revenues.
OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CERTAIN KEY PERSONNEL ARE CRITICAL TO OUR BUSINESS
AND THE LOSS OF THEIR SERVICES COULD DISRUPT OUR OPERATIONS AND OUR CUSTOMER
RELATIONSHIPS
None of our executive officers or key employees is bound by an employment
agreement. Many of these employees have a significant amount of options to
purchase our common stock. Many of these options are currently vested and some
of our key employees may leave us once they have exercised their options. In
addition, our engineering and product development teams are critical in
developing our products and have developed important relationships with our
regional Bell operating company customers and their technical staffs. The loss
of any of these key personnel could harm our operations and customer
relationships.
COMPETITION FOR QUALIFIED PERSONNEL IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY
IS INTENSE, AND IF WE ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL IN ATTRACTING AND RETAINING THESE
PERSONNEL, OUR ABILITY TO GROW OUR BUSINESS MAY BE HARMED
Competition for qualified personnel in the telecommunications equipment
industry, specifically in the Rohnert Park, California area, is intense, and we
may not be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel. Failure to
attract qualified personnel could harm the growth of our business.
We are actively searching for research and development engineers and sales
and marketing personnel who are in short supply. Competitors and others have in
the past and may in the future attempt to recruit our employees. In addition,
companies in the telecommunications industry whose employees accept positions
with competitors frequently claim that the competitors have engaged in unfair
hiring practices. We may receive such notices in the future as we seek to hire
qualified personnel and such notices may result in material litigation and
related disruption to our operations.
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OUR OPERATIONS AND CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS MAY BECOME STRAINED DUE TO RAPID
EXPANSION
We have expanded our operations rapidly since inception. We intend to
continue to expand in the foreseeable future to pursue existing and potential
market opportunities both inside and outside the United States. This rapid
growth places a significant demand on management and operational resources. Our
management, personnel, systems, procedures, controls and customer service may be
inadequate to support our future operations. To manage expansion effectively, we
must implement and improve our operational systems, procedures, controls and
customer service on a timely basis. We expect significant strain on our order
and fulfillment process and our quality control systems if significant expansion
of business activity occurs. If we are unable to properly manage this growth,
our operating results, reputation and customer relationships could be harmed. As
a result, our stock price could fall.
OUR LIMITED ABILITY TO PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MAY AFFECT OUR ABILITY
TO COMPETE, AND WE COULD LOSE CUSTOMERS
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright and trademark laws, and on
trade secrets and confidentiality provisions and other contractual provisions to
protect our intellectual property. There is no guarantee that these safeguards
will protect our intellectual property and other valuable confidential
information. If our methods of protecting our intellectual property in the
United States or abroad are not adequate, our competitors may copy our
technology or independently develop similar technologies and we could lose
customers. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect our
proprietary rights as fully as do the laws of the United States. If we fail to
adequately protect our intellectual property, it would be easier for our
competitors to sell competing products, which could harm our business.
THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS REGARDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS COULD CAUSE US TO
STOP SELLING OUR PRODUCTS, LICENSE ADDITIONAL TECHNOLOGY OR PAY MONETARY DAMAGES
From time to time, third parties, including our competitors and customers,
have asserted patent, copyright and other intellectual property rights to
technologies that are important to us. We expect that we will increasingly be
subject to infringement claims as the number of products and competitors in our
market grows and the functionality of products overlaps, and our products may
currently infringe on one or more United States or international patents. The
results of any litigation are inherently uncertain. In the event of an adverse
result in any litigation with third parties that could arise in the future, we
could be required:
- to pay substantial damages, including paying treble damages if we are
held to have willfully infringed;
- to halt the manufacture, use and sale of infringing products;
- to expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology;
and/or
- to obtain licenses to the infringing technology.
Licenses may not be available from any third party that asserts
intellectual property claims against us, on commercially reasonable terms, or at
all. In addition, litigation frequently involves substantial expenditures and
can require significant management attention, even if we ultimately prevail. In
addition, we indemnify our customers for patent infringement claims, and we may
be required to obtain licenses on their behalf, which could subject us to
significant additional costs.
WE DEPEND ON THIRD-PARTY MANUFACTURERS AND ANY DISRUPTION IN THEIR MANUFACTURE
OF OUR PRODUCTS WOULD HARM OUR OPERATING RESULTS
We contract for the manufacture of all of our products and have limited
in-house manufacturing capabilities. We rely primarily on two large contract
manufacturers: SCI Systems and CMC Industries. The efficient operation of our
business will depend, in large part, on our ability to have these and other
companies manufacture our products timely, cost-effectively and in sufficient
volumes while maintaining consistent quality. As our business grows, these
manufacturers may not have the capacity to keep up with the increased
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demand. Any manufacturing disruption could impair our ability to fulfill orders
and could cause us to lose customers.
WE HAVE NO LONG-TERM CONTRACTS WITH OUR MANUFACTURERS, AND WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO
DELIVER OUR PRODUCTS ON TIME IF ANY OF THESE MANUFACTURERS STOP MAKING OUR
PRODUCTS
We have no long-term contracts or arrangements with any of our contract
manufacturers that guarantee product availability, the continuation of
particular payment terms or the extension of credit limits. If our manufacturers
are unable or unwilling to continue manufacturing our products in required
volumes, we will have to identify acceptable alternative manufacturers, which
could take in excess of three months. For example, Flextronics International,
previously designated to be the sole manufacturer of our ETHERset product,
discontinued its relationship with us due to lack of order volume. It is
possible that a source may not be available to us when needed or be in a
position to satisfy our production requirements at acceptable prices and on a
timely basis. If we cannot find alternative sources for the manufacture of our
products, we will not be able to meet existing demand. As a result, we may lose
existing customers, and our ability to gain new customers may be significantly
constrained.
OUR INABILITY TO PRODUCE SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES OF OUR PRODUCTS BECAUSE OF OUR
DEPENDENCE ON COMPONENTS FROM KEY SOLE SUPPLIERS COULD RESULT IN DELAYS IN THE
DELIVERY OF OUR PRODUCTS AND COULD HARM OUR REVENUES
Some parts, components and equipment used in our products are obtained from
sole sources of supply. If our sole source suppliers or we fail to obtain
components in sufficient quantities when required, delivery of our products
could be delayed resulting in decreased revenues. Additional sole-sourced
components may be incorporated into our equipment in the future. We do not have
any long term supply contracts to ensure sources of supply. In addition, our
suppliers may enter into exclusive arrangements with our competitors, stop
selling their products or components to us at commercially reasonable prices or
refuse to sell their products or components to us at any price, which could harm
our operating results.
THE OCCURRENCE OF ANY DEFECTS, ERRORS, OR FAILURES IN OUR PRODUCTS COULD RESULT
IN DELAYS IN INSTALLATION, PRODUCT RETURNS AND OTHER LOSSES TO US OR TO OUR
CUSTOMERS OR END-USERS
Our products are complex and may contain undetected defects, errors or
failures. These problems have occurred in our products in the past and
additional errors may occur in our products in the future and could result in
the loss of or delay in market acceptance of our products. In addition, we have
limited experience with commercial deployment and we expect additional defects,
errors and failures as our business expands from trials to commercial deployment
at certain customers. We will have limited experience with the problems that
could arise with any new products that we introduce. Further, our customer
agreements generally include a longer warranty for defects than our
manufacturing agreements. These defects could result in a loss of sales and
additional costs as well as damage to our reputation and the loss of our
customers.
WE DO NOT HAVE SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS AND MAY HAVE
UNEXPECTED COSTS AND DIFFICULTIES IN DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL REVENUES
We plan to extend the marketing and sales of our products internationally.
International operations are generally subject to inherent risks and challenges
that could harm our operating results, including:
- unexpected changes in telecommunications regulatory requirements;
- limited number of telephone companies operating internationally;
- expenses associated with developing and customizing our products for
foreign countries;
- tariffs, quotas and other import restrictions on telecommunications
equipment;
- longer sales cycles for our products; and
- compliance with international standards that differ from domestic
standards.
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To the extent that we generate international sales in the future, any
negative effects on our international business could harm our business,
operating results and financial condition as a whole. In particular, fluctuating
exchange rates may contribute to fluctuations in our results of operations.
MOTOROLA MAY EXERCISE SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE OVER OUR BUSINESS AND AFFAIRS, AND
OUR STOCKHOLDER VOTES AND, FOR ITS OWN REASONS, COULD PREVENT TRANSACTIONS WHICH
OUR OTHER STOCKHOLDERS MAY VIEW AS FAVORABLE
Motorola, through its ownership of General Instrument, beneficially owns
approximately 80% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Motorola will
be able to exercise significant influence over all matters relating to our
business and affairs, including approval of significant corporate transactions,
which could delay or prevent someone from acquiring or merging with us and could
prevent you from receiving a premium for your shares.
We do not know whether Motorola's plans for our business and affairs will
be different than our existing plans and whether any changes that may be
implemented under Motorola's control will be beneficial or detrimental to our
other stockholders.
OUR PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDER MAY HAVE INTERESTS THAT CONFLICT WITH THE BEST
INTERESTS OF OUR OTHER STOCKHOLDERS AND US AND MAY CAUSE US TO FORGO
OPPORTUNITIES OR TAKE ACTIONS THAT DISPROPORTIONATELY BENEFIT OUR PRINCIPAL
STOCKHOLDER
It is possible that General Instrument or Motorola could be in a position
involving a conflict of interest with us. In addition, individuals who are
officers or directors of both our principal stockholder and us may have
fiduciary duties to both companies. For example, a conflict may arise if our
principal stockholder were to engage in activities or pursue corporate
opportunities that may overlap with our business. These conflicts could harm our
business and, as a result, could cause our stock price to fall. Our certificate
of incorporation contains provisions intended to protect our principal
stockholder and these individuals in these situations. These provisions would
limit your legal remedies.
APPROXIMATELY 70 MILLION, OR 88% OF OUR TOTAL OUTSTANDING SHARES, ARE RESTRICTED
FROM IMMEDIATE RESALE BUT MAY BE SOLD INTO THE MARKET IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THIS
COULD CAUSE THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK TO DROP SIGNIFICANTLY
As of March 14, we had 79,766,716 shares of common stock outstanding.
Motorola, through General Instrument, owns 64,103,724 shares of our common stock
and Spencer Trask owns 5,863,329 shares of our common stock and its affiliates
hold warrants to purchase an additional 8,480,102 shares of our common stock. If
Motorola, Spencer Trask or any of our other stockholders sell substantial
amounts of common stock, including shares issued upon exercise of outstanding
options and warrants, in the public market, the market price of the common stock
could fall. In addition, any distribution of shares of our common stock by
Motorola to its stockholders could also have an adverse effect on the market
price.
Under federal securities laws, the shares beneficially owned by Motorola
and Spencer Trask, unless registered under the Securities Act, generally may be
resold in the public market only following a one-year holding period that will
begin to run upon the completion of our recapitalization and subject to volume
and manner of sale limitations. Motorola and Spencer Trask and its affiliates
will be entitled to registration rights pursuant to which they may require that
we register their shares under the Securities Act. In addition, each of Motorola
and Spencer Trask and its affiliates has entered into a lockup agreement with
the underwriters pursuant to which they have agreed generally not to transfer or
dispose of shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock
for a period of 180 days after the date of the prospectus related to our initial
public offering. However, these lockups may be waived by Credit Suisse First
Boston Corporation.
In addition, as of March 14, 2000, there were outstanding options to
purchase 8,334,763 shares of our common stock. The holders of options to
purchase 3,074,794 shares of our common stock have entered into 365-day lockup
agreements with the underwriters, and the holders of the remaining options have
entered into 180-day lockup agreements. Subject to vesting provisions and, in
the case of our affiliates, volume and manner of sale restrictions, the shares
of common stock issuable upon the exercise of our outstanding employee options
26
<PAGE> 27
will be eligible for sale into the public market at various times after the
expiration of the applicable lockup period. The lockups may be waived by Credit
Suisse First Boston Corporation.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our exposure to market risk is limited to interest rate fluctuation. We do
not engage in any hedging activities and we do not use derivatives or equity
investments for cash investment purposes. The marketable securities portfolio is
classified as available for sale and recorded at fair value on the balance
sheet. Our portfolio consists solely of Corporate Bonds, Commercial Paper and
Government Securities, and therefore, our market risk is deemed relatively low.
At December 31, 1999, we had utilized $24.9 million of our $50 million line of
credit, all of which was paid off in February, 2000.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report................................ 28
Statements of Operations -- Years ended December 31, 1999,
1998, 1997................................................ 29
Balance Sheets -- December 31, 1999 and 1998................ 30
Statements of Stockholders' Equity/Partners'
Deficit -- Years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, 1997...... 31
Statements of Cash Flows -- Years ended December 31, 1999,
1998, 1997................................................ 32
Notes to Financial Statements............................... 33
</TABLE>
27
<PAGE> 28
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Next Level Communications, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Next Level
Communications, Inc. (formerly Next Level Communications L.P.) as of December
31, 1999 and 1998 and the related statements of operations, stockholders'
equity/partners' deficit and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1999. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Next Level Communications, Inc. as of
December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
San Francisco, California
February 11, 2000
28
<PAGE> 29
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998, 1997
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Equipment......................................... $ 54,301 $ 39,243 $ 6,045
Software.......................................... 3,296 4,587 2,266
----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenues............................ 57,597 43,830 8,311
----------- ----------- -----------
COST OF REVENUES:
Equipment......................................... 51,265 43,172 10,954
Software.......................................... 292 261 306
----------- ----------- -----------
Total cost of revenues.................... 51,557 43,433 11,260
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross Profit (Loss)................................. 6,040 397 (2,949)
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Research and development.......................... 48,454 47,086 37,064
Selling, general and administrative............... 30,511 26,248 26,414
Litigation........................................ -- 5,000 --
Noncash compensation charge....................... 128,284 -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses.................. 207,249 78,334 63,478
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating Loss...................................... (201,209) (77,937) (66,427)
Other Income (Expense), Net......................... 2,175 2,241 (2)
Interest Expense.................................... (6,038) (6,035) --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net Loss............................................ $ (205,072) $ (81,731) $ (66,429)
=========== =========== ===========
Pro Forma Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share...... $ (2.78) $ (1.08) $ (0.95)
=========== =========== ===========
Shares Used to Compute Pro Forma Basic and Diluted
Net Loss Per Share................................ 71,597,834 69,967,053 69,967,053
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
29
<PAGE> 30
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 128,752 $ 28,983
Marketable securities..................................... 14,971 --
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$1,337 and $490, respectively.......................... 13,879 11,068
Other receivables......................................... 1,435 5,023
Inventories............................................... 22,553 20,670
Receivable from General Instrument........................ 950 3,350
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................. 1,792 735
--------- --------
Total current assets.............................. 184,332 69,829
Restricted marketable securities............................ 30,151 --
Property and equipment, net................................. 48,263 21,558
Intangibles less accumulated amortization of $3,141 and
$1,940, respectively...................................... 5,065 6,266
Other assets................................................ -- 118
--------- --------
Total Assets...................................... $ 267,811 $ 97,771
========= ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY/PARTNERS' DEFICIT
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 13,261 $ 16,467
Other accrued liabilities................................. 11,375 10,697
Deferred revenue.......................................... 11,148 3,705
Current portion of capital lease obligations.............. 600 396
--------- --------
Total current liabilities......................... 36,384 31,265
--------- --------
Long-term debt.............................................. 24,853 --
--------- --------
Long-term capital lease obligations......................... 346 335
--------- --------
Note payable to General Instrument.......................... -- 80,940
--------- --------
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders' Equity/Partners' Deficit:
Partners' deficit......................................... -- (14,769)
Common stock -- $.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized,
79,752 shares issued and outstanding................... 754 --
Additional paid-in capital................................ 412,930 --
Accumulated deficit....................................... (205,072) --
Unearned compensation..................................... (2,384) --
--------- --------
Total stockholders' equity/partners' deficit...... 206,228 (14,769)
--------- --------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders'
Equity/Partners' Deficit........................ $ 267,811 $ 97,771
========= ========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
30
<PAGE> 31
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY/PARTNERS' DEFICIT
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GENERAL LIMITED
PARTNER PARTNER COMMON STOCK ADDITIONAL
CAPITAL CAPITAL ----------------- PAID-IN DEFERRED ACCUMULATED
(DEFICIT) (DEFICIT) SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL COMPENSATION DEFICIT TOTAL
--------- --------- ------ -------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1997........ $ -- $ -- -- $141,845 $ (661) $ -- $(317,149) $(175,965)
Contribution of capital....... -- -- -- 238,031 -- -- -- 238,031
Amortization of unearned
compensation................ -- -- -- -- 661 -- -- 661
Net loss...................... -- -- -- -- -- -- (66,429) (66,429)
------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997...... -- -- -- 379,876 -- -- (383,578) (3,702)
Conversion of predecessor
corporation into
partnership................. -- (3,702) -- (379,876) -- -- 383,578 --
Partner capital
contributions............... 10,000 60,664 -- -- -- -- -- 70,664
Net loss...................... (8,990) (72,741) -- -- -- -- -- (81,731)
------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998...... 1,010 (15,779) -- -- -- -- -- (14,769)
Partner capital
contributions............... -- 34,000 -- -- -- -- -- 34,000
Recapitalization:
Conversion of note payable
into common stock......... -- -- 4,338 43 86,710 -- -- 86,753
Conversion of general
partner interest into
common stock.............. (1,010) -- 5,863 59 951 -- -- --
Conversion of limited
partner interest into
common stock.............. -- (18,221) 55,366 554 17,667 -- -- --
Dividend to General
Instrument................ -- -- 4,400 -- -- -- -- --
Initial public offering
proceeds.................... -- -- 9,775 98 176,918 -- -- 177,016
Issuance of common stock under
stock option plan........... -- -- 10 -- 16 -- -- 16
Stock-based compensation...... -- -- -- -- 130,668 (2,384) -- 128,284
Net loss...................... -- -- -- -- -- -- (205,072) (205,072)
------- -------- ------ -------- -------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1999...... $ -- $ -- 79,752 $ 754 $412,930 $(2,384) $(205,072) $ 206,228
======= ======== ====== ======== ======== ======= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
31
<PAGE> 32
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.................................................. $(205,072) $(81,731) $ (66,429)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Noncash compensation charge............................. 128,284 -- --
Depreciation and amortization........................... 8,857 10,733 8,324
Loss on disposal of assets.............................. 338 1,162 385
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables..................................... (2,811) (6,323) (3,486)
Inventories........................................... (1,883) (7,286) (11,341)
Other current and noncurrent assets................... 4,993 (4,683) (2,797)
Bank overdraft........................................ -- (785) (1,068)
Accrued interest payable to General Instrument........ 5,813 5,940 --
Accounts payable...................................... (3,206) 7,926 6,552
Accrued liabilities and deferred revenue.............. 8,120 8,414 (138,667)
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities.............. (56,567) (66,633) (208,527)
--------- -------- ---------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment....................... (33,585) (9,612) (9,882)
Proceeds from notes receivable............................ 56 264 110
Purchase of marketable securities......................... (45,121) -- --
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities.............. (78,650) (9,348) (9,772)
--------- -------- ---------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Initial public offering proceeds, net..................... 177,016 -- --
Issuance of common stock.................................. 16 -- --
Proceeds from borrowings.................................. 24,853 75,000 --
Repayment of capital lease obligations.................... (899) -- --
Limited Partner capital contribution...................... 34,000 19,587 141,000
General Partner capital contribution...................... -- 10,000 --
Net increase in payable to General Instrument............. -- -- 77,676
--------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities.......... 234,986 104,587 218,676
--------- -------- ---------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents........ 99,769 28,606 377
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period.............. 28,983 377 --
--------- -------- ---------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period.................... $ 128,752 $ 28,983 $ 377
========= ======== =========
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net assets acquired from contribution of Telenetworks..... $ -- $ -- $ 14,224
Equipment acquired under capital leases................... 899 930 --
Conversion of note payable to General Instrument into
common stock............................................ 86,753 41,077 82,807
Conversion of stockholders' net deficit into partnership
deficit................................................. -- (3,702) --
Conversion of general partner interest into common
stock................................................... 1,010 -- --
Conversion of limited partner interest into common
stock................................................... 18,221 -- --
Common stock dividend (see Note 1)........................ -- -- --
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
32
<PAGE> 33
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
1. ORGANIZATION AND RECAPITALIZATION
Next Level Communications, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading provider of
broadband communications systems that enable telephone companies and other
emerging communications service providers to cost effectively deliver voice,
data and video services over the existing copper wire telephone infrastructure.
Next Level Communications ("NLC" or the "Limited Partner") was incorporated
as a California corporation on June 22, 1994 and commenced operations in July
1994. In September 1995, NLC was acquired by General Instrument Corporation
("General Instrument").
In January 1998, NLC transferred its net assets, management and workforce
to a newly formed limited partnership, Next Level Communications L.P. (the
"Partnership"), in exchange for an 89% limited partnership interest. The
Partnership recorded the net assets transferred at their historical cost. At the
same time, Spencer Trask (the "General Partner") acquired an 11% general partner
interest in the Partnership in exchange for a $10.0 million cash contribution.
On August 24, 1999 the Partnership formed the Company as a wholly owned
subsidiary. On October 14, 1999 management of NLC effected a 1-for-3 reverse
stock split . All share amounts in the accompanying financial statements have
been restated to give effect to the reverse stock split.
On November 9, 1999, the Company issued 9,775,000 shares of common stock at
$20.00 per share for net proceeds of $177,016,000 in an initial public offering
(the "Offering"). Prior to the completion of the Offering, the following
recapitalization transactions (the "Recapitalization") occurred:
- The note payable and accrued interest to General Instrument of $86.8
million was converted into 4,337,633 shares of the Company's common
stock.
- The Partnership and NLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of General Instrument)
were merged into the Company. As part of this merger, the General Partner
received 5,863,329 shares of the Company's common stock and General
Instrument received 55,366,091 shares of the Company's common stock in
exchange for their respective partnership interests.
- The Company issued a common stock dividend of 4,400,000 shares to General
Instrument to reflect the additional value, $88 million, that will be
received by the Company upon exercise of the warrants described below. In
accordance with the Partnership agreement. NLC was entitled to receive
the $88.0 million exercise price. As a result of the Recapitalization,
such amount will be received by the Company, should these warrants be
exercised. Accordingly, General Instrument received $88.0 million of
common stock (4,400,000 shares) because it would have received that
amount under the Partnership agreement.
- The General Partner's option and the Partnership agreement to acquire up
to 11% of NLC upon an initial public offering was converted into warrants
to acquire 8,480,102 shares of the Company's common stock at $10.38 per
share.
- Options granted to employees of the Partnership to purchase shares of NLC
were converted on a one-for-one basis into options to purchase a total of
6,964,904 shares of the Company's common stock.
The Recapitalization was accounted for at historical cost. The accompanying
financial statements represent those of the Company from November 10, 1999,
those of the Partnership from January 1, 1998 to November 9, 1999, and those of
NLC for 1997. In January 2000, General Instrument was acquired by Motorola, Inc.
33
<PAGE> 34
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Use of Estimates -- The preparation of the accompanying financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 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 revenue and
expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition -- The Company recognizes revenue from equipment sales
when the product has been shipped. Sales contracts do not permit the right of
return of product by the customer. Amounts received in excess of revenue
recognized are recorded as deferred revenue. As of December 31, 1999 and 1998,
deferred revenue primarily relates to advance payments received on equipment
sales.
Software license revenues are recognized when software revenue recognition
criteria have been met, pursuant to Statement of Position ("SOP") 97-2, Software
Revenue Recognition. Under SOP 97-2, license revenue is recognized when a
noncancelable license agreement has been signed, delivery has occurred, the fees
are fixed and determinable and collection is probable. The portion of revenues
from new license agreements which relate to the Company's obligations to provide
customer support are deferred, based upon the price charged for customer support
when it is sold separately, and recognized ratably over the maintenance period.
Product Warranty -- The Company provides for the estimated costs to fulfill
customer warranty obligations upon the recognition of the related equipment
revenue. Actual warranty costs incurred are charged against the accrual when
paid.
Cash Equivalents -- The Company considers all highly liquid debt
instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to
be cash equivalents.
Marketable Securities -- The Company classifies its investments as
"available-for-sale" securities based on their intended use. Gains and losses on
sales of investments are determined on a specific identification basis. At
December 31, 1999, marketable securities consisted of corporate bonds and
government agency securities. The difference between carrying value and fair
value representing unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded as a
component of stockholders' equity as accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss). As of December 31, 1999, there were no significant differences between
the fair market value and the underlying cost of these investments.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in,
first-out basis, or market.
Property and Equipment -- Property and equipment are stated at cost.
Provisions for depreciation are based on estimated useful lives of the assets
using the straight-line method. Useful lives range from the shorter of five to
ten years or the lease term for leasehold improvements and two to seven years
for machinery and equipment.
Intangible Assets -- Intangible assets consist principally of goodwill,
which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over seven years. Management
continually reassesses the appropriateness of both the carrying value and
remaining life of the intangible assets by assessing recoverability based on
forecasted operating cash flows, on an undiscounted basis. Management believes
that the carrying value and remaining lives of these assets are appropriate.
Long-Lived Assets -- Whenever events indicate that the carrying values of
long-lived assets or identifiable intangibles may not be recoverable, the
Company evaluates the carrying values of such assets using future undiscounted
cash flows. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less
than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company will recognize an impairment
loss equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying value of such
asset.
34
<PAGE> 35
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
Other Income (Expense), Net -- Other income (expense), net consists
primarily of interest income.
Income taxes -- Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and
liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes.
Pro Forma Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share -- Pro forma basic net loss
per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Pro forma diluted
net loss per common share was the same as pro forma basic net loss per common
share for all periods presented since the effect of any potentially dilutive
securities is excluded as they are anti-dilutive because of the Company's
losses.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments -- The carrying amounts of cash and
cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair
value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of
long-term debt is based upon current interest rates for debt instruments with
comparable maturities and characteristics.
Comprehensive Income (Loss) -- Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, requires that all items
recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be
reported in an annual financial statement that is displayed with the same
prominence as other annual financial statements. There were no items of other
comprehensive income (loss) and therefore, comprehensive loss was the same as
net loss for all periods presented.
Segment Reporting -- SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information establishes standards for the reporting of
information about operating segments, including related disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas and major customers, and requires
selected information about operating segments in interim financial statements.
The Company operates in only one reportable segment and one geographic area and
therefore additional information is not required to be presented. For the year
ended December 31, 1999, revenues attributable to the Company's two largest
customers were 67% and 9%, respectively, of total revenues. In 1998 these same
customers accounted for 68% and 20%, respectively, of total revenues. In 1997
these same customers accounted for 17% and 55%, respectively, of total revenues.
Certain Significant Risks and Uncertainties -- Two customers comprised
substantially all of the Company's revenue from equipment sales in 1999, 1998
and 1997. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, 76% and 84%, respectively, of the
Company's trade accounts receivable were derived from these two customers. The
loss of either of these customers or any substantial reduction in orders by
either of these customers could have a material adverse affect on the Company's
operating results. Additionally, the Company relies on certain contract
manufacturers to perform substantially all of its manufacturing activities. The
inability of its contract manufacturers to fulfill their obligations to the
Company could adversely impact future results.
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and
generally does not require collateral from its customers. The Company maintains
allowances for potential losses, and has not incurred any significant losses to
date. Allowance for doubtful accounts activity consisted of (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE AT ADDITIONS BALANCE AT
BEGINNING CHARGED END
OF PERIOD TO EXPENSE DEDUCTIONS OF PERIOD
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended December 31:
1997.................................. $ -- $170 $ -- $ 170
1998.................................. 170 320 -- 490
1999.................................. 490 896 (49) 1,337
</TABLE>
35
<PAGE> 36
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
New Accounting Pronouncement -- SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, is effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2000. SFAS No. 133 requires that all derivative
instruments be measured at fair value and recognized in the balance sheet as
either assets or liabilities. The Company is currently evaluating what impact,
if any, SFAS No. 133 may have on its financial statements.
3. ACQUISITION OF TELENETWORKS
In September 1997, General Instrument acquired all of the outstanding
capital stock of Telenetworks, a specialized data protocol communications
software company. The purchase price was approximately $7.0 million in cash. The
acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and,
accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their
estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The $6.9 million excess of
the purchase price over the net identifiable assets acquired was allocated to
goodwill. In January 1998, in conjunction with the formation of the Partnership,
the Limited Partner contributed the assets and liabilities of Telenetworks to
the Partnership at its cost. For financial statement purposes, Telenetworks'
assets, liabilities and results of operations have been included in the
accompanying financial statements since September 1, 1997.
In conjunction with the acquisition in September 1997, General Instrument
granted approximately 358,000 shares of restricted common stock of General
Instrument valued at $7.0 million in total to certain Telenetworks employees.
The restricted shares were valued at the quoted market price of $19.56 per share
of General Instrument's common stock at the date of grant. The restrictions on
the common stock of General Instrument lapsed over a 270-day period which ended
on May 31, 1998. Since this common stock was payable based solely on the
continued employment of the individuals, prepaid compensation of $7.0 million
was recorded and amortized to compensation expense over the life of the
restrictions. Compensation expense of $3.9 million and $3.1 million was recorded
in 1998 and 1997.
In June 1998, the Partnership issued approximately $2.9 million in loans to
former Telenetworks employees due to certain tax liabilities associated with the
restricted stock, $2.5 million of which was outstanding at December 31, 1998 and
recorded in other receivables. The loans were collateralized by the common stock
of General Instrument. These loans matured and were repaid in full in 1999.
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories at December 31 consist of (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials............................................... $ 8,175 $ 7,203
Work-in-process............................................. 1,542 1,157
Finished goods.............................................. 12,836 12,310
------- -------
Total............................................. $22,553 $20,670
======= =======
</TABLE>
36
<PAGE> 37
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment at December 31 consist of (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Land........................................................ $ 1,889 $ --
Building.................................................... 22,906 --
Machinery and equipment..................................... 35,938 28,315
Leasehold improvements...................................... 5,930 4,457
-------- --------
Total............................................. 66,663 32,772
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.............. (18,400) (11,214)
-------- --------
Property and equipment -- net............................... $ 48,263 $ 21,558
======== ========
</TABLE>
Machinery and equipment includes assets acquired under capital leases of
$1,801,000 and $930,000 and related accumulated depreciation and amortization of
$858,000 and $208,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
6. OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Other accrued liabilities at December 31 consist of (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued payroll and related expenses........................ $ 4,764 $ 4,767
Warranty reserve............................................ 2,841 2,095
Other accrued expenses...................................... 3,770 3,835
------- -------
Total............................................. $11,375 $10,697
======= =======
</TABLE>
7. LONG-TERM DEBT
In December 1999, the Company entered into a revolving bank line of credit
("Line") under which the Company may borrow up to the lesser of $50 million or
the value of pledged collateral. At December 31, 1999, the balance outstanding
was $24,853,000. Interest on the Line is at IBOR plus .7% (8.5% at December 31,
1999). The Line's maturity was October 1, 2001. On February 11, 2000, the
Company paid all outstanding principal and interest and terminated the Line. The
Line was secured by $30,151,000 of marketable securities held by a custodian.
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS WITH GENERAL INSTRUMENT
In January 1998, in conjunction with the formation of the Partnership,
General Instrument advanced $75.0 million to the Partnership in exchange for a
note (the "Note") bearing interest at a rate of 8%. The Note provided for the
deferral of scheduled interest payments under certain circumstances. At December
31, 1998, the Partnership owed General Instrument $80.9 million under this Note,
including accrued interest of $5.9 million. The fair value of the Note, computed
based upon current interest rates for debt instruments with comparable
maturities and characteristics, as at December 31, 1998 was approximately $62.5
million. In conjunction with the Recapitalization (see Note 1) in November 1999,
the outstanding principal and interest was converted into 4,337,633 shares of
the Company's common stock.
At December 31, 1997 NLC had a payable to General Instrument of $41.1
million representing net advances to it during 1997. This amount was contributed
to the Partnership in 1998. During 1998, an additional $19.6 million was
contributed to the Partnership by the Limited Partner. In 1999, the Limited
37
<PAGE> 38
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
Partner provided an additional $34.0 million of capital contributions and
increased its Partnership interest to 90.4%.
In 1997, General Instrument allocated the cost of certain corporate general
and administrative services and shared services (primarily certain legal and
other costs related to the litigation discussed in Note 12) to NLC. Such
allocations were based upon General Instrument's estimates of the incremental
costs of providing such services. Management believes that the method used by
General Instrument to determine the allocated expenses was reasonable. The
allocated expenses were $1.0 million in 1997. It is not practicable to determine
the actual costs that would have been incurred if NLC operated on a stand-alone
basis; accordingly such allocations may not necessarily be indicative of the
level of expenses which would have been incurred had it been operating as a
separate stand-alone entity for the year ended December 31, 1997. Since January
1, 1998, all costs to operate on a stand-alone basis were incurred by the
Partnership or the Company and have been reflected in the accompanying financial
statements. Accordingly, no costs were allocated to the Partnership or the
Company during such periods.
In connection with the tandem stock option grant described in Note 9, the
Company remits to taxing authorities taxes withheld by GI for stock options
exercised by NLC employees. The amounts due from GI for withholding taxes at
December 31, 1999 and 1998 were $950,000 and $3,350,000, respectively.
9. STOCK OPTION PLANS AND NONCASH COMPENSATION CHARGES
NLC STOCK OPTION PLANS
Certain employees of the Partnership were granted contingently exercisable
stock options (included in the table which follows) in NLC which vest over a
period of two to three years and which expire in ten years. Such options were
exercisable only in the event of an IPO or a change in control of NLC (the
"Event").
In addition, in January 1997, as part of a tandem stock option grant,
certain employees of NLC were granted options at $1.11 per share for a total of
1.9 million shares of common stock of NLC, or options at $15.75 per share for a
total of 1.5 million shares of General Instrument common stock (the "GI
Options"). Under the terms of the grant, the exercise of options on either NLC
or General Instrument common stock results in the cancellation of options in the
other company's common stock at a ratio of approximately 1.4 shares of NLC
common stock to 1 share of General Instrument common stock. The NLC options were
exercisable only upon an Event. The options have a ten-year life and vest over
three years. If the GI options are more likely to be exercised no compensation
expense will be recognized. If it becomes more likely that the NLC options will
be exercised, compensation expense will be recognized at such time.
NONCASH COMPENSATION CHARGES
In November 1999, in conjunction with the Recapitalization (see Note 1),
the outstanding options granted under the NLC stock plan were converted into
options to purchase 6,964,904 shares of the Company's common stock with
equivalent terms and exercise prices. As a result of the Offering, compensation
expense of $96,864,000 was recognized in the fourth quarter of 1999 related to
the contingently exercisable stock options. The compensation expense was
determined based on the difference between the exercise price of the vested
portion of such options and the initial offering price for the Company's common
stock. At December 31, 1999, it was determined the NLC options granted as a
tandem stock grant were more likely to be exercised than the related GI options.
As a result, the Company recorded $31,420,000 in compensation expense related to
the tandem stock grant. The compensation expense was calculated based on the
difference between the exercise price of the vested portion of the NLC options
and the initial offering price of the Company's common stock. At December 31,
1999, the Company had unearned compensation of $2,384,000 in connection with the
unvested portion of options originally granted under the NLC Stock Plan. The
Company will recognize such
38
<PAGE> 39
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
compensation expense of $2,384,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2000, as a
result of the Motorola acquisition of General Instrument.
1999 Stock Plan
The Company adopted its 1999 Stock Plan effective October 1, 1999. Options
to purchase 5,299,594 shares of common stock were granted under the 1999 Stock
Plan and were outstanding at December 31, 1999. These options have an exercise
price equal to $11.00 per share, will vest with respect to 25% of the shares
after 12 months of service and the remaining 75% in equal monthly installments
over the next 36 months of service and expire in 10 years. No future awards
under the 1999 Stock Plan will be made.
1999 Equity Incentive Plan
On October 10, 1999, the Company adopted the 1999 Equity Incentive Plan
under which 4,000,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance. The
Company has granted 2,696,500 shares as of December 31, 1999. The exercise price
is equal to the fair market value of common stock on the option grant date with
25% vesting after 12 months of service and the remaining 75% vesting in equal
monthly installments over the next 36 months of service. Options expire not
later than 10 years after the date of grant.
The following table summarizes activity relating to the NLC Stock Plan
(including those granted as part of the tandem stock option grant) and the 1999
Stock Plan and 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plans"):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED AVERAGE
SHARES EXERCISE PRICE
-------------- ----------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996........................... -- $ --
Granted................................................ 6,914 0.98
------
Balance at December 31, 1997 (none exercisable)........ 6,914 0.98
Granted................................................ 179 5.74
Canceled............................................... (4) 1.11
------
Balance at December 31, 1998 (none exercisable)........ 7,089 1.10
Granted (weighted average fair value of $14.98)........ 8,109 29.29
Canceled............................................... (281) 1.28
Exercised.............................................. (10) 1.61
------
Balance at December 31, 1999 (6,799 exercisable
shares).............................................. 14,907 $16.43
======
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information about options granted under the
Plans and outstanding at December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OUTSTANDING AT EXERCISABLE
------------------------------------------ -------------------------
NUMBER WEIGHTED WEIGHTED NUMBER WEIGHTED
OUTSTANDING AT AVERAGE AVERAGE EXERCISABLE AT AVERAGE
EXERCISE DECEMBER 31, REMAINING LIFE EXERCISE DECEMBER 31, EXERCISE
PRICES 1999 (IN YEARS) PRICE 1999 PRICE
- --------------- -------------- -------------- -------- -------------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 0.84 - $ 1.53 6,640 7.2 $ 0.98 6,631 $0.98
$ 6.18 - $ 9.66 274 8.9 7.61 168 7.29
$11.00 5,296 9.7 11.00 -- --
$63.50 - $66.25 2,697 10.0 66.00 -- --
------ -----
$ 0.84 - $66.25 14,907 8.8 $16.43 6,799 $1.13
====== =====
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE> 40
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On October 10, 1999, the Company adopted the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan (the "Purchase Plan") under which 1,000,000 shares of common stock were
reserved for issuance. All employees are eligible to participate. Eligible
employees may begin participating in the 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan at
the start of any offering period each of which lasts 24 months. Overlapping
offering periods start on May 1 and November 1 of each year. However, the first
offering period was started on the effective date of the Offering and will end
on October 31, 2001. In 1999, no shares of common stock were issued under the
Purchase Plan.
Additional Stock Plan Information
The Company accounts for its stock-based awards using the intrinsic value
method in accordance with APB No. 25.
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, requires the
disclosure of pro forma net loss and net loss per share had the Company adopted
the fair value method. Under SFAS No. 123, the fair value of stock-based awards
to employees is calculated through the use of option pricing models which were
developed to estimate the fair value of freely tradable, fully transferable
options without vesting restrictions. Such options differ significantly from the
Company' stock-based awards. These models require subjective assumptions,
including future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, which
greatly affect the calculated values. The Company's calculations for options
granted after the offering were made using the Black-Scholes option pricing
model.
The estimated fair value of an option grant is based, in part, on the
estimated term of the option. Prior to the Company's Offering, NLC options
granted under the NLC Stock Plan were not exercisable. As a result, it is not
practicable to determine the expected term of NLC options and therefore it is
not possible to estimate the fair value of such options. As a result, disclosure
of the estimated grant date fair value of such NLC options and the related pro
forma compensation expense for 1997 and 1998 is not possible.
The assumptions and pro forma net loss disclosed below for 1997 relate to
the GI options granted during 1997 which was calculated using the following
assumptions: weighted average fair value of $5.70, expected life, 4 years; risk
free interest rate, 6.4%; volatility, 35%; and no dividends during expected
term.
The following assumptions were used in the estimated fair value
calculations of 1999 stock option grants:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Expected dividend yield..................................... 0%
Expected stock price volatility............................. 70.0%
Risk fee interest rate...................................... 5.9%
Expected term (years)....................................... 4.8
</TABLE>
Under SFAS No. 123, had the Company recorded compensation expense based on
the estimated grant date fair value for awards based on grants under the Plans
and the tandem stock grant, net loss and net loss per share would have changed.
The amounts below represent the pro forma amounts for 1999, 1998 and 1997 (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net loss as reported.............................. $(205,072) $(81,731) $(66,429)
Pro forma net loss, as adjusted................... $(213,108) $(84,494) $(69,190)
Pro forma diluted loss per share.................. $ (2.78) $ (1.08) $ (0.95)
Pro forma diluted loss per share, as adjusted..... $ (2.98) $ (1.21) $ (0.99)
</TABLE>
40
<PAGE> 41
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Prior to the Offering, employees who met certain eligibility requirements
were able to participate in the General Instrument 401(k) Plan. Employees could
contribute up to 10% of their annual compensation, subject to the legal maximum.
The Company contributed an amount equal to 50% of the first 6% of the employee's
salary that the employee contributes. The Company's expense related to the
General Instrument 401(k) Plan was $589,000, $513,000 and $409,000 in 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively. In January 2000, the Company adopted the NLC Plan to
which employees could contribute up to 12% of salary subject to the legal
maximum. The Company contributes an amount equal to 100% of the first 5% of the
employees' contribution.
Additionally, prior to the Offering, employees were eligible to participate
in the General Instrument Pension Plan. The Company expensed $232,000, $419,000
and $229,000 related to these plans for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively. Subsequent to the completion of the Offering,
participants in the General Instrument Pension Plan who have an accrued benefit
of less than $5,000 will be removed from the Plan and will have their accrued
benefits distributed to them. Participants with accrued benefits exceeding
$5,000 are not eligible for distribution from the Plan as their accrued benefits
are payable as an annuity at retirement.
11. CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
The Company leases certain equipment under capital leases. Leases expire at
various dates from 2000 to 2001 and all contain purchase options.
Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 1999 are as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Years ending December 31:
2000...................................................... $ 684
2001...................................................... 366
------
Total............................................. 1,050
Less amounts representing interest.......................... (104)
------
Present value of net minimum lease payments................. $ 946
======
</TABLE>
12. INCOME TAXES
No income tax benefit has been recorded through December 31, 1999 because
of the net operating losses incurred and full valuation allowance provided. A
valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some
portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company established
a 100% valuation allowance at December 31, 1999 due to the uncertainty of
realizing future tax benefits from its net operating loss carryforwards and
other deferred tax assets.
As of December 31, 1999, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards
of approximately $10,900,000 for federal and $5,500,000 for state tax purposes.
In addition, as of December 31, 1999, the Company has research and development
credit carryforwards of approximately $319,000 for federal and $246,000 for
state tax purposes. It is uncertain whether the Company will be able to utilize
the net operating losses incurred during the period November 9, 1999 through
December 31, 1999, due to the acquisition of General Instrument by Motorola.
For the period January 1, 1998 through November 9, 1999, the Company was a
limited partnership entity. For federal and state tax purposes, limited
partnership entities pass all items of income and expense through to the
respective partners of the entity. Consequently, all items of income and expense
attributable to the period in which the Company was a limited partnership were
allocated directly to the respective partners.
41
<PAGE> 42
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases its facilities and certain equipment under operating
leases. Leases expire at various dates from 2000 to 2006 and certain facilities
leases have renewal options.
During 1998 the Company entered into an operating lease for one of its
buildings which expires in 2004. General Instrument had provided a residual
value guarantee to the lessor of approximately 82% of the total building cost at
inception. On December 30, 1999, the Company exercised its purchase option, and
paid $24.9 million to acquire the land and building. Rent expense recorded under
the lease was $1.4 million in 1999 and $0.8 million in 1998.
Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 1999 are as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Years ending December 31:
2000...................................................... $1,593
2001...................................................... 961
2002...................................................... 779
2003...................................................... 594
2004...................................................... 578
Thereafter................................................ 1,156
------
Total............................................. $5,661
======
</TABLE>
Rent expense was $4.3 million in 1999, $3.8 million in 1998, and $1.1
million in the 1997.
The Company has a commitment with a supplier to purchase approximately $1.5
million of components in the 12 months following the release of certain products
for sale and approximately $4.3 million in the subsequent 12 months. In
addition, the Company has a commitment to purchase $2.4 million of components
prior to September 2002 with a minimum purchase of $0.5 million each 12-month
period following the release of the certain products for sale. The Company has a
commitment to two other suppliers to purchase approximately $9.0 million and
$14.4 million of components prior to December 2000 and 2001, respectively. The
Company has commitments to purchase components of approximately $3.8 million
with three suppliers as of December 31, 1999.
In May 1998, actions by BroadBand Technologies, Inc. against General
Instrument and by Next Level Communications against BroadBand Technologies,
pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North
Carolina, were dismissed with prejudice. The action brought by BroadBand related
to fiber optic communications systems for delivering television signals and a
patent held by BroadBand. The action brought by Next Level Communications
involved contentions that BroadBand infringed two patents held by Next Level
Communications relating to video compression and signal processing and that
BroadBand had violated antitrust laws. These dismissals were entered pursuant to
a settlement agreement under which, among other things, Next Level
Communications, Inc. paid BroadBand Technologies $5.0 million, which was
expensed in 1998, and BroadBand Technologies and Next Level Communications, Inc.
have entered into a perpetual cross-license of patents applied for or issued
currently or through May 2003.
In April 1995, DSC Communications Corporation and DSC Technologies
Corporation (collectively, "DSC") brought suit against NLC and the founders of
NLC. In June 1996, a final judgement against NLC and the individual defendants
was entered in favor of DSC, and an expense for the expected final award of
$141.0 million was recorded. General Instrument paid the $141.0 million
judgement in 1997 as required by the 1995 agreement for the acquisition of NLC;
accordingly, the $141.0 million has been shown as a capital contribution in
1997.
42
<PAGE> 43
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
On March 5, 1998, an action entitled DSC Communications Corporation and DSC
Technologies Corporation v. Next Level Communications, Inc., Spencer Trask
Investors LLC, General Instrument Corporation and Spencer Trask & Co., Inc. was
filed in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware in and for New Castle
County (the "Delaware Action"). In that action, DSC alleged that in connection
with the formation of the Partnership and the transfer of the switched digital
video technology, the Partnership and Spencer Trask Investors LLC
misappropriated DSC's trade secrets; that General Instrument improperly
disclosed trade secrets when it conveyed such technology to the Partnership; and
that Spencer Trask conspired to misappropriate DSC's trade secrets. The
plaintiffs sought actual damages for the defendants' purported unjust
enrichment, disgorgement of consideration, exemplary damages and attorney's
fees, all in unspecified amounts. In April 1998, General Instrument and the
other defendants filed an action in the United District Court for the Eastern
District of Texas, requesting that the federal court preliminarily and
permanently enjoin DSC from prosecuting the Delaware Action because by pursuing
such action, DSC effectively was trying to circumvent and relitigate the Texas
federal court's November 1997 judgment in a previous lawsuit involving DSC. On
May 14, 1998, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
granted a preliminary injunction preventing DSC from proceeding with the
Delaware Action. On July 6, 1998, the defendants filed a motion for summary
judgement with the Texas Court requesting a permanent injunction preventing DSC
from proceeding with this litigation. In June 1999 the United States Court of
Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the judgment of the Texas court. On July
15, 1999, the Texas federal court granted the Delaware defendants' motion for
summary judgement and issued its final judgement permanently enjoining DSC from
prosecuting and continuing the Delaware action.
14. PRO FORMA NET LOSS PER SHARE
Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per share, is computed by dividing the
pro forma net loss by the pro forma shares outstanding for the period giving
effect to the Recapitalization as if it had occurred on January 1, 1997. Pro
forma basic and diluted net loss per share give effect to the contribution of
the note and accrued interest thereon payable to General Instrument and the
related elimination of interest expense of $5.8 million and $5.9 million in 1999
and 1998, respectively.
The following is a reconciliation of the components of the basic and
diluted net loss per share (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
--------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net loss.................................................. $(205,072) $(81,731) $(66,429)
Less: Interest expense for converted GI note payable...... 5,813 5,940 --
--------- -------- --------
Proforma net loss, basic and diluted...................... $(199,259) $(75,791) $(66,429)
========= ======== ========
Pro forma weighted average shares outstanding............. 71,598 69,967 69,967
========= ======== ========
Pro forma net loss per share, basic and diluted........... $ (2.78) $ (1.08) $ (0.95)
========= ======== ========
</TABLE>
For the above-mentioned periods, the Company had securities outstanding
which could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future, but were
excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share in the periods
presented as their effect would have been antidilutive. Such outstanding
securities consist of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------ ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Warrants granted to general partner......................... 8,480 8,480 8,480
Outstanding employee stock options.......................... 14,907 -- --
------ ----- -----
Total....................................................... 23,387 8,480 8,480
====== ===== =====
</TABLE>
43
<PAGE> 44
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Information concerning this item will be in our definitive proxy statement
to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for our 2000 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information concerning this item will be in our definitive proxy statement
to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for our 2000 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information concerning this item will be in our definitive proxy statement
to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for our 2000 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information concerning this item will be in our definitive proxy statement
to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for our 2000 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by
reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES
The Financial Statements which are filed with this Form 10-K are set forth
in the Index to Financial Statements at page 27, which immediately precedes such
financial statements. No schedules are required under the applicable
instructions or are inapplicable and have therefore been omitted.
EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are, as indicated below, either filed herewith or
have previously been filed with the SEC and are referred to and incorporated
herein by reference to such filings.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT
------- -------
<C> <S>
2.1 Form of Merger Agreement among General Instrument
Corporation, Spencer Trask Investors LLC, Next Level
Communications, Next Level Communications L.P. and us, which
was filed as exhibit 2.1 to our registration statement on
Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by
reference herein.
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which was filed as
exhibit 3.1 to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file
no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
3.2 Bylaws, which were filed as exhibit 3.2 to our registration
statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is
incorporated by reference herein.
</TABLE>
44
<PAGE> 45
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT
------- -------
<C> <S>
4.1 Form of Registration Rights Agreement among General
Instrument Corporation, Spencer Trask Investors LLC and us,
which was filed as exhibit 4.2 to our registration statement
on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by
reference herein.
10.1 Form of Indemnification Agreement for our directors and
officers, which was filed as exhibit 10.1 to our
registration statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and
is incorporated by reference herein.
10.2 Form of Corporate and Intercompany Agreement between General
Instrument Corporation and us, which was filed as exhibit
10.2 to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file no.
333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
10.3 * 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, which was filed as exhibit 10.3
to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file no.
333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
10.4 * 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which was filed as
exhibit 10.4 to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file
no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
10.5 Patent and Technical Information Cross-License Agreement,
which was filed as exhibit 10.5 to our registration
statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is
incorporated by reference herein.
10.6 ** Agreement between U S WEST Communications, Inc. and us,
which was filed as exhibit 10.8 to our registration
statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is
incorporated by reference herein.
10.7 ** Agreement among Telesector Resources group, Inc., General
Instrument Corporation and us, which was filed as exhibit
10.9 to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file no.
333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
10.8 ** Agreement between SCI Technology, Inc. and us, which was
filed as exhibit 10.10 to our registration statement on Form
S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by reference
herein.
10.9 ** Agreement between CMC Mississippi, Inc. and us, which was
filed as exhibit 10.11 to our registration statement on Form
S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by reference
herein.
10.10 * 1999 Stock Plan, which was filed as exhibit 10.12 to our
registration statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and
is incorporated by reference herein.
10.11 Form of Warrant, which was filed as exhibit 10.13 to our
registration statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and
is incorporated by reference herein.
23.1 *** Independent Auditors' Consent
27.1 *** Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Confidential treatment has been granted as to certain portions of these
exhibits.
*** Filed herewith.
45
<PAGE> 46
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.
NEXT LEVEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Date: March 24, 2000 By: /s/ PETER W. KEELER
------------------------------------
Peter W. Keeler
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<C> <C> <S>
/s/ PETER W. KEELER Chairman of the Board, March 24, 2000
- --------------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer and
Peter W. Keeler President (Principal
Executive Officer)
/s/ JAMES T. WANDREY Senior Vice President, March 24, 2000
- --------------------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer, and
James T. Wandrey Treasurer (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
Director
- ---------------------------------------------
Randall Battat
/s/ LYNN FORESTER Director March 24, 2000
- ---------------------------------------------
Lynn Forester
/s/ FERDINAND C. KUZNIK Director March 24, 2000
- ---------------------------------------------
Ferdinand C. Kuznik
/s/ PAUL S. LATCHFORD Director March 24, 2000
- ---------------------------------------------
Paul S. Latchford
/s/ JOHN MCCARTNEY Director March 24, 2000
- ---------------------------------------------
John McCartney
/s/ DENNIS RHEAULT Director March 24, 2000
- ---------------------------------------------
Dennis Rheault
/s/ RICK SEVERNS Director March 24, 2000
- ---------------------------------------------
Rick Severns
/s/ RICHARD C. SMITH Director March 24, 2000
- ---------------------------------------------
Richard C. Smith
</TABLE>
46
<PAGE> 47
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT
------- -------
<C> <S>
2.1 Form of Merger Agreement among General Instrument
Corporation, Spencer Trask Investors LLC, Next Level
Communications, Next Level Communications L.P. and us, which
was filed as exhibit 2.1 to our registration statement on
Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by
reference herein.
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which was filed as
exhibit 3.1 to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file
no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
3.2 Bylaws, which were filed as exhibit 3.2 to our registration
statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is
incorporated by reference herein.
4.1 Form of Registration Rights Agreement among General
Instrument Corporation, Spencer Trask Investors LLC and us,
which was filed as exhibit 4.2 to our registration statement
on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by
reference herein.
10.1 Form of Indemnification Agreement for our directors and
officers, which was filed as exhibit 10.1 to our
registration statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and
is incorporated by reference herein.
10.2 Form of Corporate and Intercompany Agreement between General
Instrument Corporation and us, which was filed as exhibit
10.2 to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file no.
333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
10.3 * 1999 Equity Incentive Plan, which was filed as exhibit 10.3
to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file no.
333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
10.4 * 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which was filed as
exhibit 10.4 to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file
no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
10.5 Patent and Technical Information Cross-License Agreement,
which was filed as exhibit 10.5 to our registration
statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is
incorporated by reference herein.
10.6 ** Agreement between U S WEST Communications, Inc. and us,
which was filed as exhibit 10.8 to our registration
statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is
incorporated by reference herein.
10.7 ** Agreement among Telesector Resources group, Inc., General
Instrument Corporation and us, which was filed as exhibit
10.9 to our registration statement on Form S-1 (file no.
333-85999) and is incorporated by reference herein.
10.8 ** Agreement between SCI Technology, Inc. and us, which was
filed as exhibit 10.10 to our registration statement on Form
S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by reference
herein.
10.9 ** Agreement between CMC Mississippi, Inc. and us, which was
filed as exhibit 10.11 to our registration statement on Form
S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and is incorporated by reference
herein.
10.10 * 1999 Stock Plan, which was filed as exhibit 10.12 to our
registration statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and
is incorporated by reference herein.
10.11 Form of Warrant, which was filed as exhibit 10.13 to our
registration statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-85999) and
is incorporated by reference herein.
23.1 *** Independent Auditors' Consent
27.1 *** Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Confidential treatment has been granted as to certain portions of these
exhibits.
*** Filed herewith.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No.
333 of NextLevel Communications, Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated February
11, 2000, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of NextLevel
Communications, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1999.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Francisco, California
March 28, 2000
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