<PAGE> 1
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 18, 1999
REGISTRATION NO. 333-67203
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 2
TO
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------------------------
CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DELAWARE 94-2885898
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
3901 NORTH FIRST STREET
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95134-1599
(408) 943-2600
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
T.J. RODGERS
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
3901 NORTH FIRST STREET
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95134-1599
(408) 943-2600
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
COPIES TO:
JOHN A. FORE, ESQ.
WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
650 PAGE MILL ROAD
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304
(650) 493-9300
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
- ---------------
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities
Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration
statement for the same offering. [ ]
- ---------------
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEES
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES PROPOSED MAXIMUM REGISTRATION
TO BE REGISTERED OFFERING PRICE(1)(2) FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value....................... -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $0.01 par value.......................... -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt Securities........................................ -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total......................................... $300,000,000 $83,400(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Or (i) if any Debt Securities are issued at an original issue discount, such
greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate initial offering
price equal to the amount to be registered or (ii) if any Debt Securities
are issued with a principal amount denominated in a foreign currency or
composite currency, such principal amount as shall result in an aggregate
initial offering price equivalent thereto in United States dollars at the
time of initial offering.
(2) These figures are estimates made solely for the purpose of calculating the
registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o). Exclusive of accrued interest, if
any, on the Debt Securities.
(3) Registration fee previously paid.
------------------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 18, 1999
PROSPECTUS
CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
-------------------------
$300,000,000
-------------------------
BY THIS PROSPECTUS, WE MAY OFFER --
COMMON STOCK
PREFERRED STOCK
DEBT SECURITIES
-------------------------
SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 3 FOR INFORMATION YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE
BUYING THE SECURITIES.
-------------------------
We will provide specific terms of these securities in supplements to this
prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before
you invest.
-------------------------
This prospectus may not be used to offer and sell securities unless
accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
-------------------------
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-------------------------
This prospectus is dated , 1999
<PAGE> 3
SUMMARY
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission utilizing a "shelf"
registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, over the next two years,
sell any combination of securities described in this prospectus in one or more
offerings up to a total dollar amount of $300,000,000. This prospectus provides
you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell
securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific
information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also
add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read
both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional
information described below under the heading "Where You Can Find More
Information."
OFFICES AND PLACE OF INCORPORATION
Cypress Semiconductor Corporation is an international supplier of
high-performance integrated circuits with worldwide headquarters in San Jose. We
commenced operations in 1982 and were incorporated in California in December
1982. In February 1987, we were reincorporated in Delaware. Our principal
executive offices are located at 3901 North First Street, San Jose, California
95134. Our telephone number is (408) 943-2600. Our Internet address is
http://www.cypress.com.
THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER
We may offer up to $300,000,000 of any of the following securities: debt
securities, preferred stock and common stock. The prospectus supplement will
describe the specific amounts, prices and terms of these securities.
Debt Securities
We may offer unsecured general obligations in the form of either senior or
subordinated debt. Senior debt includes our notes, debt and guarantees, which
are for money borrowed and not subordinated. Subordinated debt, designated at
the time it is issued, is entitled to interest and principal payments after the
senior debt payments.
The senior and subordinated debt will be issued under separate indentures
between us and State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A., as
trustee. We have summarized the general features of the debt from the
indentures. We encourage you to read the indentures, which are exhibits to our
registration statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-67203), and the documents
listed below under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."
Preferred Stock
We may issue preferred stock in one or more series and will determine the
dividend, voting, and conversion rights, and other provisions at the time of
sale.
Common Stock
Common stock holders are entitled to receive dividends declared by the
Board of Directors, subject to rights of preferred stock holders. Currently, we
do not pay a dividend. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per
share. The holders of common stock have no preemptive rights or cumulative
voting rights.
2
<PAGE> 4
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risks described below before
participating in this offering. The risks and uncertainties described below are
not the only ones Cypress faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not
presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our
business operations.
If any of the following risks actually occur, our business financial
condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected, the
trading price of our common stock could decline, and you might lose all or part
of your investment.
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. We use words such as "anticipate," "believes," "expects,"
"future," "intends" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking
statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which apply only as of the date of this prospectus. Our actual
results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking
statements for many reasons, including the risks described below and elsewhere
in this prospectus.
CYPRESS' FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS ARE UNUSUALLY LIKELY TO FLUCTUATE AND
THEREFORE MAY FAIL TO MEET EXPECTATIONS.
Cypress' operating results have varied widely in the past, and may continue
to fluctuate in the future. In addition, our operating results may not follow
any past trends. Our future operating results will depend on many factors and
may fluctuate and fail to meet the expectations of the company or others for a
variety of reasons set forth in these Risk Factors. Any downward fluctuation or
failure to meet expectations will likely adversely affect the value of your
investment in our stock. The factors we believe make our results more likely to
fluctuate, and difficult to predict, than results of a typical, non-technology
company our size and age, and which are therefore most likely to produce
departure from expectations, include:
- the intense competitive pricing pressure to which our products are
subject, which can lead to rapid and unexpected declines in average
selling prices;
- the complexity of our manufacturing processes and the sensitivity of our
production costs to declines in manufacturing yields, which make yield
problems both possible and costly when they occur;
- the need for constant, rapid new product introductions which present an
ongoing design and manufacturing challenge significantly impacted by even
relatively minor errors, and which may never achieve expected market
demand.
As a result of these or other factors we could fail to achieve our expectations
as to future revenues, gross profit and income from operations. Also, the
performance of the semiconductor industry as a whole is characterized by
cyclical swings in revenue and profitability and these swings may adversely
impact Cypress.
Since we recognize revenues from sales to our domestic distributors only
when these distributors make a sale to customers, we are highly dependent on the
accuracy of their resale estimates. The occurrence of inaccurate estimates also
contributes to the difficulty in predicting our quarterly revenue and results of
operations, particularly in the last month of the quarter.
CYPRESS FACES PERIODS OF INDUSTRY-WIDE SEMICONDUCTOR OVERSUPPLY WHICH HARM ITS
RESULTS.
The semiconductor industry has historically been characterized by wide
fluctuations in the demand for, and supply of, its products, and these
fluctuations have helped produce many occasions when supply and demand for the
industry's products are not in balance. In the past, our operating results have
been adversely affected by these industry-wide fluctuations in the demand for
semiconductors, which have resulted in under-utilization of our manufacturing
capacity. In some cases, industry downturns with these characteristics have
lasted more than a year. If these cycles continue, they will materially and
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
3
<PAGE> 5
CYPRESS' FINANCIAL RESULTS COULD BE ADVERSELY IMPACTED IF THE MARKETS IN WHICH
IT SELLS ITS PRODUCTS DO NOT GROW.
Cypress' continued success depends in large part on the continued growth of
various electronics industries that use our semiconductors, including the
following industries:
- data communications and telecommunications equipment;
- computers and computer related peripherals;
- automotive electronics;
- industrial controls; and
- customer electronics equipment and military equipment.
A significant portion of our products are incorporated into data
communications and telecommunication end-products. Any decline in the demand for
networking applications, mass storage, telecommunications, cellular base
stations, cellular handsets and other personal communication devices which
incorporate our products could adversely affect our business, financial
condition and operating results. In addition, certain of our products, including
Universal Serial Bus micro-controllers, high frequency clocks and static RAMs,
are incorporated into computer and computer-related products, which have
historically experienced significant fluctuations in demand. In addition, we may
be materially and adversely affected by slower growth in the other markets in
which we sell our products.
CYPRESS IS AFFECTED BY A GENERAL PATTERN OF PRODUCT PRICE DECLINE AND
FLUCTUATIONS WHICH CAN ADVERSELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS.
Even in the absence of an industry downturn, the average selling prices of
our products historically have decreased during the products' lives, and we
expect this trend to continue. In order to offset these average selling price
decreases, we attempt to manufacture the products more cheaply, to generate
greater unit demand to reduce fixed costs per unit and to introduce new, higher
priced products that incorporate advanced features. If our efforts to achieve
these cost reductions, increased unit demand or new product introductions are
not successful or do not occur in a timely manner, or if our newly introduced
products do not gain market acceptance, our business, financial condition and
results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
In addition to following the general pattern of decreasing average prices
referenced above, the selling prices for certain products, particularly
commodity static RAM products, fluctuate significantly with real and perceived
changes in the balance of supply and demand for these products. Growth in
worldwide supply of static RAMs in recent periods resulted in a decrease in
average selling prices for our products. In the event we are unable to decrease
per unit manufacturing costs faster than the rate at which average selling
prices continue to decline, our business, financial condition and results of
operations will be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we expect our
competitors to invest in new manufacturing capacity and achieve significant
manufacturing yield improvements in the future. These developments could
dramatically increase worldwide supply of static RAM products and associated
downward pressure on pricing.
CYPRESS MAY BE UNABLE TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT ITS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS,
AND MAY FACE SIGNIFICANT EXPENSES AS A RESULT OF ONGOING, OR FUTURE, LITIGATION.
Protection of intellectual property rights is crucial to Cypress, since
that is how we keep others from copying the innovations which are central to our
existing and future products. At times, we and other companies in our industry
use litigation as a tool to protect our intellectual property rights, and in
fact the semiconductor industry has experienced a substantial amount of
litigation over patent and other intellectual property rights. So although we
are not currently, we may become involved in litigation to enforce our patents
or other intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets and
know-how, to determine the validity or scope of the proprietary rights of
others, or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. In addition,
Cypress is now and may again become involved in litigation relating to alleged
infringement by us of others'
4
<PAGE> 6
patents or other intellectual property rights. This kind of litigation is
frequently expensive to both the winning party and the losing party and takes up
large amounts of management's time and attention, and, in the event we are the
losing party, could force us to pay substantial damages and/or royalties, or
result in prohibiting us from using essential technologies. For these and other
reasons, this kind of litigation could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. From time to time we
have received, and we may receive in the future, communications alleging that
our products or technology processes may infringe on product or process
technology rights held by others. Although we would defend ourselves vigorously
in any litigation matters, because the outcome of litigation can be very
difficult to predict and an unfavorable outcome can be quite expensive, if the
outcome of any litigation is unfavorable, we may be required to pay damages and
other expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operation. Also, although we may seek to obtain a
license under a third party's intellectual property rights in order to bring an
end to certain claims or actions asserted against us, we may not be able to
obtain such a license on reasonable terms or at all.
We have entered into technology license agreements with third parties which
give those parties the right to use patents and other technology developed by
us, and which give us the right to use patents and other technology developed by
them. Some of these license agreements involve payment of royalties and some
involve access to technology used in our operations. We anticipate that we will
continue to enter into this kind of licensing arrangements in the future;
however, it is possible that licenses we want will not be available to us on
commercially reasonable terms. If we lose existing licenses to key technology,
or are unable to enter into new licenses which we deem important, it could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Because it is critical to our success that we are able to prevent
competitors from copying our innovations, we intend to continue to seek patent,
trade secret and mask work protection for our semiconductor manufacturing
technologies. To that end, we have obtained certain patents and patent licenses
and intend to continue to seek patents on our inventions and manufacturing
processes, as appropriate. The process of seeking patent protection can be long
and expensive, and we cannot be certain that any currently pending or future
applications will actually result in issued patents, or that, even if patents
are issued, they will be of sufficient scope or strength to provide meaningful
protection or any commercial advantage to us. More specifically, any patents we
currently hold or later receive may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented.
Furthermore, others may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our
technology or design around the patents we own. We also rely on trade secret
protection for our technology, in part through confidentiality agreements with
our employees, consultants and third parties. However, employees may breach
these agreements, and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach. In any
case, others may come to know about or determine our trade secrets through a
variety of methods. In addition, the laws of certain territories in which we
develop, manufacture or sell our products may not protect our intellectual
property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.
CYPRESS' FINANCIAL RESULTS COULD BE ADVERSELY IMPACTED IF IT FAILS TO DEVELOP,
INTRODUCE AND SELL NEW PRODUCTS OR FAILS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT NEW
MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES.
Like many semiconductor companies, which frequently operate in a highly
competitive, quickly changing environment marked by rapid obsolescence of
existing products, Cypress' future success depends on its ability to develop and
introduce new products which customers choose to buy. In the last three recent
years we have introduced an average of 131 new products a year, and these
products have been an important source of revenue for us. If we fail to compete
and introduce new product designs in a timely manner or are unable to
manufacture products according to the requirements of these designs (discussed
more below), or if our customers do not successfully introduce new systems or
products incorporating ours, or market demand for our new products does not
exist as anticipated, our business, financial condition and results of
operations could be adversely affected.
For Cypress and many other semiconductor companies, introduction of new
products is a major manufacturing challenge. The new products the market
requires tend to be increasingly complex, incorporating more functions and
operating at greater speed than prior products. Increasing complexity generally
requires smaller features on a chip. This makes manufacturing new generations of
products substantially more
5
<PAGE> 7
difficult than prior products. Ultimately, whether we can successfully introduce
these and other new products depends on our ability to develop and implement new
ways of manufacturing semiconductors. If we are unable to design, develop,
manufacture, market and sell new products successfully, our business, financial
condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
INTERRUPTIONS IN THE AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS OR PROBLEMS IN THE
PERFORMANCE OF OTHER COMPANIES CYPRESS HIRES TO PERFORM CERTAIN MANUFACTURING
TASKS CAN ADVERSELY IMPACT CYPRESS' FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE.
Cypress' semiconductor manufacturing operations require raw materials that
must meet exacting standards. We generally have available more than one source
of these materials, but there are only a limited number of suppliers capable of
delivering certain raw materials that meet our standards. If we need to use
other companies as suppliers, we would need them to go through a qualification
process. In addition, the raw materials we need for our business could get
harder to obtain as worldwide use of semiconductors increases. Although we have
faced shortages from time to time in the past and on occasion our suppliers have
told us they need more time than expected to fill our orders, to date we have
not experienced any significant interruption in operations as a result of
difficulties in obtaining raw materials for our manufacturing operations.
However, interruption of any raw material source could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A high percentage of our products are assembled, packaged and tested at our
manufacturing facility located in the Philippines. We rely on independent
subcontractors to assemble, package and test the balance of our products. This
reliance involves certain risks, since we have reduced control over
manufacturing quality and delivery schedules, whether these companies have
adequate capacity to meet our needs and whether or not they discontinue or
phase-out assembly processes we rely on. We cannot be certain that these
subcontractors will continue to assemble, package and test products for us, and
it might be difficult for us to find alternatives if they do not do so.
THE COMPLEX, ESSENTIAL NATURE OF CYPRESS' MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES MAKE THE
COMPANY HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS AND THESE PROBLEMS CAN HAVE
SUBSTANTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACT WHEN THEY OCCUR.
Making semiconductors is a highly complex and precise process, requiring
production in a tightly controlled, clean environment. Even very small
impurities in our manufacturing materials, difficulties in the wafer fabrication
process, defects in the masks used to print circuits on a wafer or other factors
can cause a substantial percentage of wafers to be rejected or numerous chips on
each wafer to be nonfunctional. We may experience problems in achieving an
acceptable success rate in the manufacture of wafers, and the likelihood of
facing such difficulties is higher in connection with the transition to new
manufacturing methods. The interruption of wafer fabrication or the failure to
achieve acceptable manufacturing yields at any of our facilities would have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations. We may also experience manufacturing problems in our assembly and
test operations and in the introduction of new packaging materials.
CYPRESS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO USE ALL OF ITS EXISTING OR FUTURE MANUFACTURING
CAPACITY, WHICH CAN NEGATIVELY IMPACT ITS BUSINESS.
Cypress has spent, and expects to continue spending, large amounts of money
to upgrade and increase its wafer fabrication, assembly and test manufacturing
capability and capacity. If we end up not needing this capacity and capability
for any of a variety of reasons, including inadequate demand or a significant
shift in mix of product orders making our existing capacity and capability
inadequate or in excess of actual needs, our fixed costs per semiconductor
produced will increase, which will adversely affect us. In addition, if the need
for more advanced technologies requires accelerated conversion to technologies
capable of manufacturing semiconductors having smaller features, or using larger
wafers, we are likely to face higher operating expenses and the need to
write-off capital equipment made obsolete by the technology conversion, which
could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
6
<PAGE> 8
CYPRESS' OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL RESULTS COULD BE SEVERELY HARMED BY CERTAIN
NATURAL DISASTERS.
Cypress' headquarters and some manufacturing facilities are located near
major earthquake faults. If a major earthquake or other natural disaster occurs,
we could suffer damages that could materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
CYPRESS' BUSINESS, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION WILL BE
ADVERSELY IMPACTED IF IT FAILS TO COMPETE IN ITS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY AND
MARKETS.
The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive. This intense
competition results in a difficult operating environment for most companies in
the industry, including Cypress, marked by erosion of product sale prices over
the lives of each product, rapid technological change, limited product life
cycles and strong domestic and foreign competition in many markets. If we are
not able to compete successfully in this environment, our business, operating
results and financial condition will be adversely affected. A primary cause of
this highly competitive environment is the strengths or our competitors; the
industry consists of major domestic and international semiconductor companies,
many of which have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing,
distribution and other resources than we do. Cypress faces competition from
other domestic and foreign high performance integrated circuit manufacturers,
many of which have advanced technological capabilities and have increased their
participation in markets which are important to us. Our ability to compete
successfully in a rapidly evolving high performance end of the semiconductor
technology spectrum depends on many factors, including:
- our success in developing new products and manufacturing technologies;
- the quality and price of our products;
- the diversity of our product line;
- the cost effectiveness of our design, development, manufacturing and
marketing efforts;
- the pace at which customers incorporate our products into their systems,
and
- the number and nature of our competitors and general economic conditions.
We believe we currently compete effectively in the above areas to the
extent they are within our control; however, given the pace at which events
change in the industry, our current abilities are not a guarantee of future
success.
CYPRESS MUST BUILD SEMICONDUCTORS BASED ON ITS FORECASTS OF DEMAND, AND CAN END
UP WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF UNSOLD PRODUCT IF ITS FORECASTS ARE WRONG.
Cypress must order materials and build semiconductors based on its existing
orders (which may be cancelled under many circumstances) and to a greater extent
on its internal forecasts. As a result, we are very dependent on our forecasts
to predict what we think we will be able to sell. Because our markets are
volatile and subject to rapid technology and price changes, our forecasts may be
wrong, and we may make too many or too few of certain products. Also, our
customers frequently place orders requesting product delivery almost immediately
after the order is made, which makes forecasting customer demand all the more
difficult. The above factors also make it difficult to forecast quarterly
operating results. If we are unable to predict accurately the appropriate amount
of product required to meet customer demand, our business, financial condition
and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
CYPRESS MUST SPEND HEAVILY ON EQUIPMENT TO STAY COMPETITIVE, AND WILL BE
ADVERSELY IMPACTED IF IT IS UNABLE TO SECURE FINANCING FOR SUCH INVESTMENTS.
Semiconductor manufacturers generally must spend heavily on equipment to
maintain or increase manufacturing capacity and capability in order to remain
competitive. In particular, Cypress expects to spend in excess of $100 million
on equipment in 1999 and anticipates significant continuing capital expenditures
in subsequent years. In the past, we have reinvested a substantial portion of
our cash flow from operations in
7
<PAGE> 9
capacity expansion and improvement programs. However, our cash flows from
operations depend primarily on average selling prices, which have been
declining, and the per unit cost of our products. If we are unable to decrease
costs for our products at a rate at least as fast as the rate of decline in
selling prices for such products, we may not be able to generate enough cash
flow from operations to maintain or increase manufacturing capability and
capacity as necessary. In that case we would need to seek financing from
external sources to satisfy our needs for manufacturing equipment and, if cash
flow from operations declines too much, for operational cash needs as well.
However, such financing may not be available on terms which are satisfactory to
us, in which case our business, financial condition and results of operations
will be adversely impacted.
CYPRESS COMPETES WITH OTHERS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN KEY PERSONNEL, AND ANY LOSS
OF, OR INABILITY TO ATTRACT, SUCH PERSONNEL WOULD HURT THE COMPANY.
To a greater degree than most non-technology companies, Cypress depends on
the efforts and abilities of certain key management and technical personnel. Our
future success will depend in part upon our ability retain these personnel, and
to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel, particularly product
design engineers. We compete for such personnel with other companies, academic
institutions, government entities and other organizations. Competition for
personnel such as these is intense throughout the technology industry and we may
not be successful in hiring or retaining new or existing qualified personnel. If
we lose existing qualified personnel or are unable to hire new qualified
personnel as needed, our business, financial condition and results of operations
could be adversely affected.
CYPRESS FACES ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS AND UNCERTAINTIES ASSOCIATED WITH
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS THAT COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT IT.
International sales represented 39% of our revenues in 1998 and 36% in
1997. Our offshore assembly and test operations, as well as our international
sales, face risks frequently associated with foreign operations, including
- currency exchange fluctuations,
- political instability,
- changes in local economic conditions,
- the devaluation of local currencies,
- import and export controls, and
- changes in tax laws, tariffs and freight rates.
To the extent any such risks materialize, our business, financial condition
and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
CYPRESS MUST COMPLY WITH MANY DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS, WHICH CAN BE
EXPENSIVE.
Cypress must comply with many different federal, state and local
governmental regulations related to the storage, use, discharge and disposal of
toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals used in its manufacturing
process. This compliance can be expensive. In addition, over the last several
years, the public has paid a great deal of attention to the potentially negative
environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing operations. This attention
and other factors may lead to changes in environmental regulations which could
force us to purchase additional equipment or comply with other potentially
costly requirements. If we fail to control the use of, or to adequately restrict
the discharge of, hazardous substances under present or future regulations, we
could face substantial liability or suspension of our manufacturing operations,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
8
<PAGE> 10
CYPRESS DEPENDS ON THIRD PARTIES TO TRANSPORT ITS PRODUCTS AND COULD BE HARMED
IF THESE PARTIES EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS.
Cypress relies on independent carriers and freight forwarders to move its
products between manufacturing plants and to its customers. Cypress has limited
control over these parties; however, any transport or delivery problems because
of their errors, or because of unforeseen interruptions in their activities due
to factors such as strikes, political instability, natural disasters and
accidents, could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial
conditions and results of operations and ultimately impact our relationship with
our customers.
CYPRESS' OPERATIONS AND PRODUCTS MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN THE YEAR 2000
WHICH COULD SIGNIFICANTLY HARM ITS BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS.
In less than a year, most companies will face a potentially serious problem
because many software applications, operational systems and equipment with
embedded chips or processors may not properly recognize or accurately process
calendar dates beginning in the year 2000, due to the prevalent use of two
digits to represent the year in these systems and equipment.
Like many other companies, the year 2000 issue poses a risk for Cypress.
The year 2000 problem could affect our computers, software and other equipment
we use and operate. This could result in system failures causing disruptions in
operations, including among other things, interruptions in manufacturing, design
and process development operations; temporary disruptions in processing business
transactions; and disruptions in other normal business operations.
Cypress has taken company-wide actions to assess the nature and extent of
work required to prepare its products, systems, equipment and infrastructure for
January 1, 2000. In addition, we have engaged in the process of evaluating our
key suppliers and customers to determine the extent to which our operations are
vulnerable based upon third parties' failure to address their own year 2000
issues. These activities represent our ongoing efforts to address the year 2000
problem that we commenced with the implementation of a year 2000-compliant
accounting software system in 1997.
Cypress' president and executive staff have assumed the responsibility of
managing the impact of the year 2000 problem on all aspects of our operations,
including programs for identification, inventory taking, risk assessment and
cost estimates of problems associates with the year 2000; the plans, remediation
effort and testing methodology to correct those problems; and the development of
contingency plans if some of the corrective actions fail to correct the problem
or do not get implemented in a timely manner. These activities, in varying
phases, are currently in process.
It is our objective to ensure that our internal business (MIS) systems are
compliant by March 1999 and that the rest of our systems, equipment and
infrastructure are compliant by June 1999. Our efforts over the past three
months have shifted in focus from inventory taking and assessment to
remediation, testing, and contingency planning activities. All mission critical
systems, equipment, and infrastructure elements are being tested for year 2000
readiness by June 1999. We have also begun contingency planning efforts,
considering Cypress' entire supply chain and external infrastructure, to ensure
plans will be in place to address any unforeseen year 2000 failures.
Through 1998, Cypress has incurred little cost in addressing the year 2000
problem. In 1999 we expect to incur between two and three million dollars of
expense and capital outlays for remediation, testing and contingency planning
efforts.
In the event year 2000 issues relating to key customers and suppliers are
not successfully resolved, based on information available to us at present, we
believe that the most reasonably likely worst case scenario is a temporary
disruption in infrastructure service, particularly power and telecommunications,
which could adversely impact supplier deliveries or customer shipments. If
severe disruptions occur in these areas and are not corrected in a timely
manner, a revenue or profit shortfall may result in fiscal year 2000.
Cypress year 2000 contingency planning efforts are guided by three elements
and specifically expressed in our Year 2000 Mission: (1) Cypress serves its
customers continuously, (2) Cypress maintains continuous
9
<PAGE> 11
employment, and (3) Cypress increases shareholder value relative to its
competitors. The executive staff of Cypress is directly responsible for
developing and approving Cypress' Year 2000 contingency planning efforts, and
the team is led by the CEO. The operating assumption that external
infrastructure may be down for up to 2 - 4 weeks has been used in order to
create a suitable framework for contingency planning efforts, and as a result,
Cypress expects to have plans in place to address any unforeseen year 2000
failures. Our contingency planning efforts will continue through June 1999, at
which time these activities will be documented and implemented accordingly. A
number of business responses are being actively considered and all should be
viewed as likely for some segment of our customer/supplier base:
- developing second/alternate source suppliers for critical raw materials
and subcontract operations,
- work-in-process inventory "build ahead" in Cypress wafer fab locations,
- finished goods inventory "build ahead" in Cypress/subcontractor assembly
locations,
- increased consignment inventory programs for strategic customers (up to 3
months on customer premises),
- higher year-end 1999 stocking levels for primary Cypress distributors,
- partial/full company shutdown for up to 14 days,
- facility "safe state" plans, including plans to preserve equipment and
the controlled environment of manufacturing facilities (i.e., temperature
and humidity controls) for a period of 2 weeks using self-generated power
in the event of infrastructure shutdown, and
- early payment/collection as well as delayed payment/collection for
Cypress suppliers, customers and employees.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission, in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You may read
and copy our reports, proxy statements and other information filed by us at the
public reference facilities of the Commission in Washington, D.C., New York, New
York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information about the public reference rooms. Our reports, proxy
statements and other information filed with the Commission are available to the
public over the Internet at the Commission's World Wide Web site at
http://www.sec.gov.
The Commission allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we
filed with them, which means that we can disclose important information by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later
with the Commission will automatically update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made
by us with the Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act until our offering is complete:
- Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 1997
(as amended on Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on April 16, 1998),
- Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 30, 1998 (as
amended on Forms 10-Q/A filed with the Commission on December 2, 1998),
June 29, 1998 (as amended on Forms 10-Q/A filed with the Commission on
December 2, 1998), and September 28, 1998 (as amended on Forms 10-Q/A
filed with the Commission on December 2, 1998),
- Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 29, 1998 (as amended on Form
8-K/A filed with the Commission on February 3, 1998), March 16, 1998,
November 23, 1998, and February 12, 1999, and
- The description of our common stock contained in Form 8-A filed with the
Commission on May 12, 1986, and any amendment or report filed for the
purpose of updating such description.
10
<PAGE> 12
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address:
Chief Financial Officer
Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
3901 North First Street
San Jose, California 95134
(408) 943-2600
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or
provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized
anyone else to provide you with different information. We are not making an
offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You
should not assume the information in this prospectus or any prospectus
supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those
documents.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the net proceeds
from the sale of securities will be used for general corporate purposes,
including capital expenditures and to meet working capital needs. We expect from
time to time to evaluate the acquisition of businesses, products and
technologies for which a portion of the net proceeds may be used. Currently,
however, we do not have any understandings, commitments or agreements with
respect to any material acquisitions for which a portion of the net proceeds may
be used. Pending such uses, we will invest the net proceeds in interest-bearing
securities.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated is
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
FISCAL YEAR -----------------------------
-------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER 29, SEPTEMBER 28,
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
---- ----- ----- ---- ---- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed
charges.................. 8.7x 14.4x 19.7x 9.3x 2.8x 4.2x(1) --(2)
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The calculation for the nine month period ended September 29, 1997 includes
a $1.6 million write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the
March 1997 redemption of the 1994 convertible subordinated notes. Excluding
this write-off, the earnings to fixed charges ratio would have been 4.9x for
the nine month period ended September 29, 1997.
(2) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $121.9 million.
These computations include us and our consolidated subsidiaries, and 50% or
less equity companies. For these ratios, "earnings" is determined by adding
"total fixed charges" (excluding interest capitalized), income taxes, minority
common stockholders' equity in net income and amortization of interest
capitalized to income from continuing operations after eliminating equity in
undistributed earnings and adding back losses of companies in which at least 20%
but less than 50% equity is owned. For this purpose, "total fixed charges"
consists of (1) interest on all indebtedness and amortization of debt discount
and expense, (2) interest capitalized and (3) an interest factor attributable to
rentals.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
The debt securities will either be our senior debt ("Senior Debt
Securities") or our subordinated debt ("Subordinated Debt Securities"). The debt
securities will be issued under one or more separate indentures between us and
State Street Bank and Trust Company of California, N.A. (the "trustee"). Senior
Debt Securities will be issued under a "Senior Indenture" and Subordinated Debt
Securities will be issued under a "Subordinated Indenture." Together, the Senior
Indenture and Subordinated Indenture are called "Indentures."
11
<PAGE> 13
The prospectus, together with its prospectus supplement, will describe all
the material terms of a particular series of debt securities. The following
summary of certain provisions of the Indentures is not complete. You should look
at the applicable Indenture that is filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement. In the summary below, we have included references to section and
article numbers of the Indentures so that you may easily refer to such
provisions. In this description of the debt securities, the words "Cypress,"
"we," "us" or "our" refer only to Cypress Semiconductor Corporation and not to
any of our subsidiaries.
GENERAL
Debt securities may be issued in separate series without limitation as to
aggregate principal amount. We may specify a maximum aggregate principal amount
for the debt securities of any series. This provision is set forth in section
301 of the applicable Indenture.
Senior Debt Securities will be unsecured and unsubordinated obligations and
will rank on a parity with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness,
unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement.
Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated in right of payment to
the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of Cypress, including any
outstanding Senior Debt Securities. See "Subordination" and the prospectus
supplement.
We are not limited as to the amount of debt securities that we may issue
under the Indentures. The Indentures do not contain financial or similar
restrictive covenants. In addition, the Indentures do not provide protection to
holders of debt securities against a sudden or dramatic decline in credit
quality. For example, there would be no protection from a takeover,
recapitalization, special dividend or other restructuring involving Cypress.
The prospectus supplement will set forth the following terms:
- whether the debt securities are senior or subordinated,
- the offering price,
- the title,
- any limit on the aggregate principal amount,
- the person who shall be entitled to receive interest, if other than the
record holder on the record date,
- the date the principal will be payable,
- the interest rate, if any, the date from which interest will accrue, the
interest payment dates and the regular record dates,
- the place for payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest,
- the period, price and terms and conditions for redemption at the option
of Cypress,
- our obligation, if any, to redeem or purchase debt securities pursuant to
any sinking fund or similar provision or at the option of the holder, and
the period, price and terms and conditions for redemption or purchase,
- the denominations of debt securities, if other than denominations of
$1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000,
- if applicable, the method for determining how principal, premium, if any,
or interest will be calculated by reference to an index or formula,
- if other than U.S. currency, the currency or currency units in which the
principal, premium or interest will be payable,
- if, at our election or the option of the holder, the principal, premium,
if any, or interest is payable in one or more currencies or currency
units other than those in which debt securities are stated to be payable,
12
<PAGE> 14
the currency or currency units in which payment of any such amount as to
which such election is made will be payable, the periods, the terms and
conditions upon which election shall be made and the amount payable,
- if other than the entire principal amount, the portion of the principal
amount that will be payable upon acceleration of Stated Maturity,
- if the principal amount payable at Stated Maturity will not be
determinable as of any date prior to Stated Maturity, the amount which
will be deemed to be the principal amount as of any such date for any
purpose,
- if applicable, that the debt securities are defeasible under the
Indentures as described under "Defeasance and Covenant
Defeasance -- Defeasance and Discharge" or "Defeasance and Covenant
Defeasance -- Defeasance of Certain Covenants,"
- if applicable, the terms of any right to convert debt securities into, or
exchange debt securities for, shares of our common stock or other
securities or property,
- whether the debt securities will be issuable in the form of a Global
Security and, if so, the depositary and the form of any legend on the
Global Security,
- in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities, whether the subordination
provisions described below under "Subordination" will apply or whether
different subordination provisions will apply,
- any addition to or change in the Events of Default and any change in the
right of the trustee or the holders to declare the principal amount due
and payable,
- any addition to or change in the Indenture covenants described under
"Restrictive Covenants,"
- any other terms of such debt securities not inconsistent with the
relevant Indenture.
These provisions are set forth in section 301 of the applicable Indenture.
Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated
principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate which, at the time
of issuance, is below market rates.
CONVERSION
Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for common stock,
preferred stock or other securities or property as set forth in the prospectus
supplement. The prospectus supplement will specify whether, among other things,
the conversion is mandatory or at the option of the holder, as well as other
terms and conditions of conversion.
SUBORDINATION
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the following
provisions will apply to the Subordinated Debt Securities.
The indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Debt Securities is
subordinated to the extent provided in the Subordinated Indenture to the prior
payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness, including any Senior Debt
Securities.
Upon any distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding-up,
liquidation or reorganization, or in bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or
similar proceedings, payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
on the Subordinated Debt Securities is to be subordinated to the extent provided
in the Subordinated Indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full
in cash of all Senior Indebtedness.
In the event of any acceleration of the Subordinated Debt Securities
because of an Event of Default, the holders of any Senior Indebtedness then
outstanding would be entitled to payment in full in cash of all obligations in
respect to such Senior Indebtedness before the holders of Subordinated Debt
Securities are entitled to receive any payment or other distribution. We are
required to promptly notify holders of Senior
13
<PAGE> 15
Indebtedness if payment of Subordinated Debt Securities is accelerated because
of an Event of Default. These provisions are set forth in section 1502 of the
Subordinated Indenture.
We also may not make any payment upon or redemption of or purchase or
otherwise acquire the Subordinated Debt Securities if:
- a default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, interest,
rent or other obligations, in respect of Designated Senior Indebtedness
occurs and is continuing beyond any applicable period of grace, or
- any other default occurs and is continuing with respect to Designated
Senior Indebtedness, as defined, that permits holders of the Designated
Senior Indebtedness as to which such default relates to accelerate its
maturity and the trustee receives a notice of such default (a "Payment
Blockage Notice") from us or any other person permitted to give such
notice under the Subordinated Indenture.
We may and shall resume payments on the Subordinated Debt Securities:
- in the case of a payment default, upon the date on which such default is
cured or waived or ceases to exist, and
- in the case of a nonpayment default, the earlier of the date on which
such nonpayment default is cured or waived or ceases to exist or 179 days
after the date on which the applicable Payment Blockage Notice is
received. No new period of payment blockage may be commenced pursuant to
a Payment Blockage Notice unless and until 365 days have elapsed since
the initial effectiveness of the immediately prior Payment Blockage
Notice.
No nonpayment default that existed or was continuing on the date of
delivery of any Payment Blockage Notice to the trustee, unless such default was
waived, cured or otherwise ceased to exist and thereafter subsequently
reoccurred, shall be, or be made, the basis for a subsequent Payment Blockage
Notice. These provisions are set forth in section 1504 of the Subordinated
Indenture.
By reason of the subordination provisions described above, in the event of
our bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization, holders of Senior Indebtedness
may receive more, ratably, and holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities may
receive less, ratably, than the other creditors of Cypress. Such subordination
will not prevent the occurrence of any Event of Default under the Subordinated
Indenture.
We may further describe the provisions, if any, applicable to the
subordination of a particular series of Subordinated Debt Securities in the
prospectus supplement.
We are not limited or prohibited from incurring additional Senior
Indebtedness under the Subordinated Indenture. Senior Debt Securities, if and
when issued, will constitute Senior Indebtedness.
Definitions of Senior Indebtedness, Indebtedness and Designated Senior
Indebtedness
"Senior Indebtedness" means the principal of, premium, if any, interest,
including all interest accruing subsequent to the commencement of any bankruptcy
or similar proceeding, whether or not a claim for post-petition interest is
allowable as a claim in any such proceeding, and rent payable on or in
connection with, and all fees, costs, expenses and other amounts accrued or due
on or in connection with, Indebtedness of Cypress, whether outstanding on the
date of the Subordinated Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed,
guaranteed or in effect guaranteed by Cypress, including all deferrals, renewals
extensions or refundings of, or amendments, modifications or supplements to, the
foregoing, unless in the case of any particular Indebtedness the instrument
creating or evidencing the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof expressly
provides that such Indebtedness shall not be senior in right of payment to the
Subordinated Debt Securities or expressly provides that such Indebtedness is
"pari passu" or "junior" to the Subordinated Debt Securities.
Senior Indebtedness does not include:
- any Indebtedness of Cypress to any subsidiary of Cypress, and
- our 6% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2002.
14
<PAGE> 16
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, and without duplication:
(1) all indebtedness, obligations and other liabilities, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person for borrowed money, including obligations of
such Person (a) in respect of overdrafts, foreign exchange contracts,
currency exchange agreements, interest rate protection agreements, and
any loans or advances from banks, whether or not evidenced by notes or
similar instruments, or (b) evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or
similar instruments, whether or not the recourse of the lender is to
the whole of the assets of such Person or to only a portion thereof,
other than any account payable or other accrued current liability or
obligation incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection
with the obtaining of materials or services,
(2) all reimbursement obligations and other liabilities, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bank
guarantees or bankers' acceptances,
(3) all obligations and liabilities, contingent or otherwise, in respect of
leases of such Person required, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, to be accounted for as capitalized lease
obligations on the balance sheet of such Person, or under other leases
for facilities equipment or related assets, whether or not capitalized,
entered into or leased for financing purposes, as determined by
Cypress, and all obligations and other liabilities, contingent or
otherwise, or under any lease or related document, including a purchase
agreement, in connection with the lease of real property or
improvements thereon which provides that such Person is contractually
obligated to purchase or cause a third party to purchase the leased
property and thereby guarantee a minimum residual value of leased
property to the lessor and the obligations of such Person under such
lease or related document to purchase or to cause a third party to
purchase such leased property,
(4) all obligations of such Person, contingent or otherwise, with respect
to an interest rate, currency or other swap, cap, floor or collar
agreement, hedge agreement, forward contract, or other similar
instrument or agreement or foreign currency hedge, exchange, purchase
or similar instrument or agreement,
(5) all direct or indirect guaranties or similar agreements by such Person
in respect of, and obligations or liabilities, contingent or otherwise,
of such Person to purchase or otherwise acquire or otherwise assure a
creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness, obligations or
liabilities of another Person of the kind described in clauses (1)
through (4),
(6) any indebtedness or other obligations described in clauses (1) through
(4) secured by any mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance existing
on property which is owned or held by such Person, regardless of
whether the indebtedness or other obligation secured thereby shall have
been assumed by such Person, and
(7) any and all deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of, or
amendments, modifications or supplements to, any indebtedness,
obligation or liability of the kind described in clauses (1) through
(6).
"Designated Senior Indebtedness" means our obligations under any particular
Senior Indebtedness in which the instrument creating or evidencing the same or
the assumption or guarantee thereof, or related agreements or documents to which
we are a party, expressly provides that such Senior Indebtedness shall be
"Designated Senior Indebtedness" for purposes of the Subordinated Debenture,
provided that such instrument, agreement or other document may place limitations
and conditions on the right of such Senior Indebtedness to exercise the rights
of Designated Senior Indebtedness.
FORM, EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER
The debt securities will be issuable only in fully registered form, without
coupons. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, debt
securities will be issued only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
of $1,000. These provisions are set forth in section 302 of the applicable
Indenture.
15
<PAGE> 17
At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the Indentures and the
limitations applicable to Global Securities, debt securities of each series will
be exchangeable for other debt securities of the same series of any authorized
denomination and aggregate principal amount. These provisions are set forth in
section 305 of the applicable Indenture.
Subject to the terms of the Indentures and the limitations applicable to
Global Securities, debt securities may be presented for exchange as provided
above or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with a duly executed
form of transfer, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of
any transfer agent designated by us. No service charge will be imposed for any
registration of transfer or exchange of debt securities, but we may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
payable as a result of the transfer or exchange. Such transfer or exchange will
be effected upon the security registrar or such transfer agent being satisfied
with the documents of title and identity of the person making the request.
We have initially appointed the trustee as security registrar. Any transfer
agent, in addition to the security registrar, initially designated by us will be
named in the prospectus supplement. These provisions are set forth in section
305 of the applicable Indenture.
If the debt securities of any series are to be redeemed in part, we will
not be required to:
- issue, register the transfer of or exchange any debt security of that
series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days
before the day of mailing of a notice of redemption and ending at the
close of business on the day of such mailing, or
- register the transfer or exchange of any debt security of that series
selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed
portion being redeemed in part.
These provisions are set forth in section 305 of the applicable Indenture.
GLOBAL SECURITIES
Some or all of the debt securities of any series may be represented, in
whole or in part, by one or more global securities, which will have an aggregate
principal amount equal to that of the represented debt securities (a "Global
Security"). Each Global Security will:
- be registered in the name of a depositary or nominee thereof identified
in the prospectus supplement,
- be deposited with the depositary or nominee, and
- bear a legend regarding the restrictions on exchanges and registration of
transfer referred to below.
No Global Security may be exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities
registered, and no transfer of a Global Security in whole or in part may be
registered, in the name of any Person other than the depositary for such Global
Security or any nominee of the depositary unless:
- the depositary has notified us that it is unwilling or unable to continue
as depositary for such Global Security or has ceased to be qualified to
act as such as required by the Indentures,
- there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with
respect to the debt securities represented by such Global Security, or
- there shall exist such circumstances, if any, in addition to or instead
of those described above as may be described in the prospectus
supplement.
All securities issued in exchange for a Global Security or any portion of a
Global Security will be registered in such names as the depositary may direct.
These provisions are set forth in sections 204 and 305 of the applicable
Indenture.
As long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered holder of a
Global Security, the depositary or nominee will be considered the sole owner and
holder of such Global Security and the debt securities
16
<PAGE> 18
represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the debt securities
and the Indentures. Except in the limited circumstances referred to above,
owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security:
- will not be entitled to have the Global Security or any debt securities
represented by the Global Security registered in their names,
- will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
certificated debt securities in exchange for the Global Security, and
- will not be considered to be the owners or holders of such Global
Security or any debt securities represented by the Global Security.
All payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on a Global
Security will be made to the depositary or its nominee as the holder of such
Global Security. Some jurisdictions have laws that require that certain
purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive
form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a
Global Security.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be limited to
institutions that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee
("participants") and to persons that may hold beneficial interests through
participants. The depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and
transfer system, the respective principal amounts of debt securities represented
by the Global Security to the accounts of its participants.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be shown on and
effected through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to
participants' interests, or any such participant, with respect to interests of
Persons held by such participants on their behalf.
Payments, transfers, exchanges and other matters relating to beneficial
interests in a Global Security will be subject to various depositary policies
and procedures. The depositary policies and procedures may change from time to
time. Neither Cypress nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability
for the depositary's or any participant's records with respect to beneficial
interests in a Global Security, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any
records relating to such beneficial interests.
PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, payment of
interest on a debt security on any interest payment date will be made to the
person in whose name the debt security, or one or more Predecessor Debt
Securities, is registered at the close of business on the regular record date.
This provision is set forth in section 307 of the applicable Indenture.
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, principal,
premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities of a particular series will
be payable at the office of such paying agent or paying agents as we may
designate for such purpose from time to time. However, at our option, we may pay
interest by mailing a check to the record holder.
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the Corporate
Trust Office of the trustee will be designated as our sole paying agent. Any
other paying agents initially designated by us for the debt securities of a
particular series will be named in the prospectus supplement. We may at any time
designate additional paying agents or rescind the designation of any paying
agent or approve a change in the office through which any paying agent acts.
However, we will be required to maintain a paying agent in each place of payment
for the debt securities of a particular series. These provisions are set forth
in section 1002 of the applicable Indenture.
All moneys paid by us to a paying agent for the payment of the principal,
premium, if any, or interest on any debt security which remain unclaimed (1) for
a period ending the earlier of 10 business days prior to the date such money
would be turned over to the State, or (2) at the end of two years after such
principal, premium or interest has become due and payable, will be repaid to us,
and thereafter, the holder of such debt security may look only to us for
payment. These provisions are set forth in section 1003 of the applicable
Indenture.
17
<PAGE> 19
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
We may not consolidate with or merge into any other Person, in a
transaction in which we are not the surviving corporation, or convey, transfer
or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, any Person
(a "Successor Person"), unless:
- the Successor Person, if any, is a corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, trust or other entity organized and existing under
the laws of the United States, or any state of the United States, and
assumes Cypress's obligations on the debt securities and under the
Indentures,
- immediately after giving effect to the transaction, and treating any
indebtedness which becomes an obligation of Cypress or any subsidiary as
a result of the transaction as having been incurred by it at the time of
the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or
lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have
occurred and be continuing, and
- certain other conditions are met.
These provisions are set forth in section 801 of the applicable Indenture.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Each of the following will constitute an Event of Default, unless the
prospectus supplement makes the event inapplicable to a particular series of
debt securities:
(1) failure to pay principal of or any premium on any debt security of that
series when due, whether or not such payment is prohibited by the
subordination provisions of the Subordinated Indenture,
(2) failure to pay any interest on any debt securities of that series when
due, continued for 30 days, whether or not such payment is prohibited by
the subordination provisions of the Subordinated Indenture,
(3) failure to deposit any sinking fund payment, when due, in respect of
any debt security of that series, whether or not such deposit is
prohibited by the subordination provisions of the Subordinated
Indenture,
(4) failure of Cypress to perform any other covenant required of us in the
Indenture, other than a covenant included in the Indentures solely for
the benefit of a series other than that series, continued for 60 days
after written notice has been given by the trustee, or the holders of at
least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of
that series, as provided in the Indentures,
(5) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect
to Cypress, and
(6) any other Event of Default specified in the prospectus supplement.
These provisions are set forth in section 501 of the applicable Indenture.
If an Event of Default, other than an Event of Default described in clause
(5) above, shall occur and be continuing, either the trustee or the holders of
at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that
series may declare the principal amount of the debt securities of that series to
be due and payable immediately.
If an Event of Default described in clause (5) above shall occur, the
principal amount of all the debt securities of that series will automatically
become immediately due and payable. Any payment by us on the Subordinated Debt
Securities following any such acceleration will be subject to the subordination
provisions described above. See "Subordination" above.
After any such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on
acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul such acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment
of accelerated principal, or other specified amount, have been cured or waived.
These provisions are set forth in
18
<PAGE> 20
section 502 of the applicable Indenture. For information as to waiver of
defaults, see "Modification and Waiver."
Subject to the trustee's duties in the case of an Event of Default, the
trustee will not be obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers at the
request of the holders, unless the holders shall have offered to the trustee
reasonable indemnity. This provision is set forth in section 603 of the
applicable Indenture. Subject to the trustee's indemnification, the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any
series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the trustee with respect to that series. These provisions
are set forth in section 512 of the applicable Indenture.
No holder of a debt security of any series will have any right to institute
any proceeding under the Indentures, or for the appointment of a receiver or a
trustee, or for any other remedy under the Indenture unless:
- such holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a
continuing Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of that
series,
- the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series have made a written request, and
such holder or holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee to
institute such proceeding as trustee, and
- the trustee has failed to institute such proceeding, and has not received
from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of that series a direction inconsistent with such
request within 60 days after such notice, request and offer.
These provisions are set forth in section 507 of the applicable Indenture.
However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of
a debt security for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or any
premium or interest on such debt security on or after the applicable due date
specified in such debt security. These provisions are set forth in section 508
of the applicable Indenture.
We are required to furnish to the trustee, on an annual basis, a statement
by our officers as to whether or not Cypress, to the officer's knowledge, is in
default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and
conditions of the Indenture. If so, such statement shall specify all such known
defaults. These provisions are set forth in section 1004 of the applicable
Indenture.
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
Cypress and the trustee may make modifications and amendments to the
Indentures with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected by the modification
or amendment.
However, neither Cypress nor the trustee may make any modification or
amendment without the consent of the holder of each Outstanding Security of that
series who is affected by the modification or amendment if such modification or
amendment would do any of the following:
- change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of
principal of or interest on, any debt security,
- reduce the principal amount of, or any premium or interest on, any debt
security,
- reduce the amount of principal of an Original Issue Discount Security or
any other debt security payable upon acceleration of the Maturity of the
debt security,
- change the place or currency of payment of principal of, or any premium
or interest on, any debt security,
19
<PAGE> 21
- impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on
or with respect to any debt security,
- in the case of Subordinated Debt Securities, modify the subordination
provisions in a manner materially adverse to the holders of the
Subordinated Debt Securities,
- in the case of debt securities that are convertible into Securities or
other securities of Cypress, adversely affect the right of holders to
convert any of the debt securities other than as provided in or under the
Indentures,
- reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Securities of
any series, the consent of whose holders is required for modification or
amendment of the Indentures,
- reduce the percentage in principal amount of Outstanding Securities of
any series necessary for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of
the Indentures or for waiver of certain defaults, or
- modify such provisions with respect to modification and waiver.
These provisions are set forth in section 902 of the applicable Indenture.
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding
Securities of any series may waive, on behalf of the holders of all debt
securities of that series, compliance by us with respect to certain restrictive
provisions of the Indentures. These provisions are set forth in section 1010 of
the Senior Indenture and section 1008 of the Subordinated Indenture.
The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities of any series may, on behalf of all holders of debt
securities of that series, waive any past default under the Indenture with
respect to debt securities of that Series, except a default:
- in the payment of principal of or premium or interest on any debt
security of that series, or
- in respect of a covenant or provision of the Indenture which cannot be
amended without the consent of the holder of each Outstanding Security of
the series who is affected.
These provisions are set forth in section 513 of the applicable Indenture.
In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of the
Outstanding Securities have given or taken any direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other action under the Indenture as of any date, each Indenture will
set forth the following:
- the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that will be
deemed to be Outstanding will be the amount of the principal that would be
due and payable as of such date upon acceleration of the Maturity to such
date,
- if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity
of a debt security is not determinable, for example, because it is based
on an index, the principal amount of such debt security deemed to be
Outstanding as of such date will be an amount determined as set forth in
the Indenture, and
- the principal amount of a debt security denominated in one or more
foreign currencies or currency units that will be deemed to be Outstanding
will be the U.S. dollar equivalent.
These provisions are set forth in section 101 of the applicable Indenture.
DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
At our option, we may elect in the prospectus supplement to have the
provisions of section 1302, relating to defeasance and discharge of
indebtedness, or section 1303, relating to defeasance of certain restrictive
covenants, applied to the debt securities of any series. These provisions are
set forth in section 1301 of the applicable Indenture.
20
<PAGE> 22
Defeasance and Discharge
Upon our option, if any, to have section 1302 applied to any debt
securities, the provisions of Article 15 of the Subordinated Indenture relating
to subordination will cease to be effective and, with respect to any debt
securities, we will be discharged from all of our obligations, except those
obligations specified in the following sentence, upon the deposit in trust of
money or U.S. Government Obligations that will provide money in an amount
sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on such debt
securities.
We will, however, continue to be required to:
- exchange or register the transfer of debt securities,
- replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities,
- maintain paying agencies,
- hold moneys for payment in trust, and
- effect conversion.
Such defeasance or discharge may occur only if:
- we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that
we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States
Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or
- there has been a change in tax law,
in either case to the effect that holders will not recognize gain or loss
for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and
discharge and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the
same manner, and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit,
defeasance and discharge were not to occur. These provisions are set forth in
sections 1302 and 1304 of the applicable Indenture.
Defeasance of Certain Covenants
Upon our option, if any, to have section 1303 applied to any debt
securities, we may omit to comply with certain restrictive covenants, including
those described in the prospectus supplement. In such case, the occurrence of
certain Events of Default described in clause (4) above with respect to such
restrictive covenants under "Events of Default" and in the prospectus
supplement, will be deemed not to result in an Event of Default and, in the case
of the Subordinated Indenture, the provisions of Article 15 relating to
subordination will cease to be effective with respect to any Subordinated Debt
Securities. In order to exercise such option, we will be required to deposit, in
trust for the benefit of the holders of such debt securities, money or U.S.
Government Obligations which will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay
the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities.
We will also be required, among other things, to deliver to the trustee an
opinion of counsel that holders will not recognize gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance of certain
obligations, and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in
the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such
deposit and defeasance were not to occur.
In the event we exercised this option and the debt securities were declared
due and payable because of an Event of Default, the amount of deposited money
and U.S. Government Obligations in trust would be sufficient to pay amounts due
on the debt securities at the time of their respective Stated Maturities, but
may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities upon any
acceleration resulting from such Event of Default. In such case, we would remain
liable for such payments. These provisions are set forth in sections 1303 and
1304 of the applicable Indenture.
21
<PAGE> 23
We may, at our option, satisfy and discharge each of the Indentures, except
for certain of our obligations and the trustee's obligations, including, among
others the obligations to apply money held in trust when:
- either (1) all debt securities previously authenticated and delivered,
other than those that were destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been
replaced or paid, and for which money has been deposited in trust or
segregated and held in trust by us and thereafter repaid to us or
discharged from the trust, have been delivered to the trustee for
cancellation or discharge from the trust, or (2) all such debt securities
not previously delivered to the trustee for cancellation
(a) have become due and payable;
(b) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one
year; or
(c) are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements
satisfactory to the trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the
trustee in our name and at our expense, and we have deposited or caused to
be deposited an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire
indebtedness on debt securities not previously delivered to the trustee for
cancellation, for principal and any premium and interest to the date of
such deposit, in the case of debt securities which have become due and
payable, or to the Stated Maturity or redemption date, as the case may be,
- we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable by us, and
- we have delivered to the trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion
of counsel to the effect that all conditions precedent relating to the
satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.
NOTICES
Notices to holders will be given by mail to the addresses of the holders in
the security register. This provision is set forth in sections 101 and 106 of
the applicable Indenture.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the law of the State of New York, without giving effect to
such state's conflicts of law principles. This provision is set forth in section
112 of the applicable Indenture.
REGARDING THE TRUSTEE
The Indentures contain certain limitations on the right of the trustee,
should it become a creditor of Cypress, to obtain payment of claims in certain
cases or to realize for its own account on certain property received in respect
of any such claim as security or otherwise. These provisions are set forth in
section 613 of the applicable Indenture.
The trustee is permitted to engage in certain other transactions. However,
if the trustee acquires any conflicting interest and there is a default under
the Securities of any series for which the trustee serves as trustee, the
trustee must eliminate such conflict or resign. These provisions are set forth
in section 608 of the applicable Indenture.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Our authorized capital stock consists of 255,000,000 shares. Those shares
consist of (1) 250,000,000 shares designated as common stock, $.01 par value,
and (2) 5,000,000 shares designated as preferred stock, $.01 par value. The only
equity securities currently outstanding are shares of common stock. As of
September 28, 1998, there were approximately 86.0 million shares of common stock
issued and outstanding.
22
<PAGE> 24
COMMON STOCK
Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends declared by the
Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends,
subject to the rights of holders of preferred stock. Currently, we are not
paying a dividend. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per
share. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our business, the
holders of common stock are entitled to share equally in all assets available
for distribution after payment of all liabilities and provision for liquidation
preference of shares of preferred stock then outstanding. The holders of common
stock have no preemptive rights and no rights to convert their common stock into
any other securities. There are also no redemption or sinking fund provisions
applicable to the common stock.
All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"CY." The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Boston Equiserve
Limited Partnership.
PREFERRED STOCK
The following description of preferred stock and the description of the
terms of a particular series of preferred stock that will be set forth in the
related prospectus supplement are not complete. These descriptions are qualified
in their entirety by reference to the certificate of designation relating to
that series. The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the
preferred stock of each series will be fixed by the certificate of designation
relating to that series. The related prospectus supplement will also contain a
description of certain United States federal income tax consequences relating to
the purchase and ownership of the series of preferred stock that is described in
the prospectus supplement.
As of September 28, 1998, there were no shares of preferred stock
outstanding. The Board of Directors has the authority, without further action by
the stockholders, to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or
more series, and to fix or designate, under our certificate of designation, the
following terms of the preferred stock:
- designations, powers, preferences, and privileges,
- relative participating, optional or special rights, and
- qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights,
conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation
preferences.
Any or all of these rights may be greater than the rights of the holders of
common stock.
The Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, may authorize and
issue preferred stock with voting, conversion or other rights that could
negatively affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of common
stock. The terms of the preferred stock that might be issued could conceivably
prohibit us from:
- consummating a merger,
- reorganizing,
- selling substantially all of our assets,
- liquidating, or
- engaging in other extraordinary corporate transactions without
stockholder approval.
Preferred stock could therefore be issued quickly with terms calculated to
delay, defer or prevent a change in control of Cypress or make it more difficult
to remove our management. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may have
the effect of decreasing the market price of the common stock.
23
<PAGE> 25
The prospectus supplement will specify:
- the maximum number of shares,
- the designation of the shares,
- the annual dividend rate, if any, whether the dividend rate is fixed or
variable, the date dividends will accrue, the dividend payment dates, and
whether dividends will be cumulative,
- the price and the terms and conditions for redemption, if any, including
redemption at our option or at the option of the holders, including the
time period for redemption, and any accumulated dividends or premiums,
- the liquidation preference, if any, and any accumulated dividends upon
the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs,
- any sinking fund or similar provision, and, if so, the terms and
provisions relating to the purpose and operation of the fund,
- the terms and conditions, if any, for conversion or exchange of shares of
any other class or classes of our capital stock or any series of any
other class or classes, or of any other series of the same class, or any
other securities or assets, including the price or the rate of conversion
or exchange and the method, if any, of adjustment,
- the voting rights, and
- any or all other preferences and relative, participating, optional or
other special rights, privileges or qualifications, limitations or
restrictions.
Preferred stock will be fully paid and nonassessable upon issuance. The
preferred stock or any series of preferred stock may be represented, in whole or
in part, by one or more global certificates, which will have an aggregate
principal amount equal to that of the preferred stock represented by the global
certificate (a "Global Certificate").
Each Global Certificate will:
- be registered in the name of a depositary or a nominee of the depositary
identified in the prospectus supplement,
- be deposited with such depositary or nominee or a custodian for the
depositary, and
- will bear a legend regarding the restrictions on exchanges and
registration of transfer, and any other matters as may be provided for
under the certificate of designation.
SECTION 203 OF DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
We are a Delaware corporation subject to Section 203 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits
a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination"
transaction with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after
the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless, with certain
exceptions, the business combination or the transaction in which the person
became an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner, as
described below.
The Section 203 restrictions do not apply if:
(1) the business combination or transaction is approved by our Board of
Directors before the date the interested stockholder obtained such
status,
(2) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder
obtaining such status, the stockholder owned at least 85% of the shares
of stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the
"voting stock") that are outstanding at the time the transaction
commenced. The 85% calculation does not include those shares (a) owned
by directors who are also officers of the target
24
<PAGE> 26
corporation, and (b) held by employee stock plans that do not permit
employees to decide confidentially whether to accept a tender or
exchange offer, or
(3) on or after the date the interested stockholder obtained such status,
the business combination is approved by our Board of Directors and at a
stockholder meeting by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the
outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested
stockholder.
Generally, a "business combination" includes a merger, asset sale, or other
transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder.
Generally, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates
and associates, owns, or within three years prior to the determination of
interested stockholder status did own, 15% or more of a corporation's voting
stock. Section 203 may prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in
control attempts with respect to Cypress. As a result, Section 203 may
discourage attempts to acquire us even though such transaction may offer our
stockholders the opportunity to sell their stock at a price above the prevailing
market price.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the Securities separately or together:
- through one or more underwriters or dealers for public offering and sale,
- directly to investors, or
- through agents.
We may distribute the Securities from time to time in one or more
transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time:
- at market prices prevailing at the times of sale,
- at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or
- at negotiated prices.
We will describe the method of distribution of the Securities in the
prospectus supplement.
Underwriters, dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from us or our purchasers, as their agents
in connection with the sale of Securities. These underwriters, dealers or agents
may be considered to be underwriters under the Securities Act. As a result,
discounts, commissions, or profits on resale received by the underwriters,
dealers or agents may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions. In
the prospectus supplement we will identify any such underwriter, dealer or
agent, and describe any compensation received by them from us. Any initial
public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled to indemnification by us
against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act, or to contribution with respect to payments made by the underwriters,
dealers or agents, under agreements between us and the underwriters, dealers and
agents.
We may grant underwriters who participate in the distribution of Securities
an option to purchase additional Securities to cover over-allotments, if any, in
connection with the distribution.
All debt securities will be new issues of securities with no established
trading market. Underwriters involved in the public offering and sale of debt
securities may make a market in the debt securities. However, they are not
obligated to make a market and may discontinue market making activity at any
time. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for
any debt securities.
Underwriters or agents and their associates may be customers of, engage in
transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.
25
<PAGE> 27
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the issuance of Cypress' Securities offered by this
prospectus will be passed upon for Cypress by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati,
Professional Corporation, Palo Alto, California.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by
reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
29, 1997 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
26
<PAGE> 28
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The aggregate estimated (other than the registration fee) expenses to be
paid by the registrant in connection with this offering are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee......... $ 83,400
Trustee's fees and expenses................................. 25,000
Accounting fees and expenses................................ 75,000
Legal fees and expenses..................................... 200,000
Printing and engraving...................................... 100,000
Blue sky fees and expenses.................................. 15,000
Transfer agent fees and expenses............................ 15,000
Rating agencies' fees....................................... 75,000
Miscellaneous............................................... 36,600
--------
Total............................................. $625,000
========
</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Certificate of Incorporation
Article 11 of our certificate of incorporation provides that, to the
fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, as the same now exists or may
hereafter be amended, a director shall not be personally liable to the
corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
duty as a director. Delaware law provides that directors of a corporation will
not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary
duties as directors, except for liability:
- for any breach of their duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders,
- for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law,
- for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or
redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law, or
- for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit.
Bylaws
Article VI of our bylaws provides that we:
(1) will indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative,
other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason
of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the corporation,
or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or
officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, and
II-1
<PAGE> 29
(2) may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or contemplated action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative,
other than an action by or in the right of the corporation:
- by reason of the fact that he is or was an employee or agent of the
corporation, or
- is or was serving at the request of the corporation as an employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys' fees,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or
proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding,
had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
The bylaws provide that the termination of any action, suit or proceeding by
judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or
its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did
not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interest of the corporation, and, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct
was unlawful.
Article VI of our bylaws also provides that we:
(1) will indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by
or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor
by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as
a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, and
(2) may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by
or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor:
- by reason of the fact that he is or was an employee or agent of the
corporation, or
- is or was serving at the request of the corporation as an employee or
agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise against expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually
and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or
settlement of such action or suit, if he acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation. However, no indemnification will be made
in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall
have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to
the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which
such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that,
despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the
circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably
entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of
Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
The bylaws further provide that, to the extent that a director or officer
of the corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of
any action, suit or proceeding referred to above, or in defense of any claim,
issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses, including
attorneys' fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith
and to the extent that an employee or agent of the corporation has been
successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter
therein, he may be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys' fees,
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.
Our bylaws also permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer,
director, employee or other agent for any liability arising out of his or her
actions in such capacity, regardless of whether the bylaws would permit
indemnification. We currently maintain liability insurance for our officers and
directors.
II-2
<PAGE> 30
We have entered into agreements to indemnify our directors and officers, in
addition to the indemnification provided for in our certificate of incorporation
and bylaws. These agreements, among other things, indemnify our directors and
officers for certain expenses, including attorney's fees, judgments, fines and
settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding,
including any action by or in the right of Cypress, arising out of such person's
services as a director or officer of Cypress, any subsidiary of Cypress or any
other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at the request
of Cypress.
The form(s) of proposed underwriting agreement(s) to be filed as (an)
Exhibit(s) to this registration statement or incorporated by reference in this
registration statement may include provisions regarding the indemnification of
our officers and directors by the several underwriters.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference
herein:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT TITLE
- ------- -------------
<C> <S>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement (Common Stock).*
1.2 Form of Underwriting Agreement (Convertible Securities).*
1.3 Form of Underwriting Agreement (Debt Securities).*
1.4 Form of Underwriting Agreement (Preferred Stock).*
3.1 (i) Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.(1)
(ii) Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended.(2)
(iii) Bylaws, as amended.(1)
4.1 Form of Senior Indenture.*
4.2 Form of Subordinated Indenture.*
4.3 Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.1).*
4.4 Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit
4.2).*
4.5 Specimen of stock certificate of Cypress Semiconductor
Corporation's Common Stock.(1)
5.1 Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional
Corporation.*
12.1 Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.**
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent
Accountants.
23.2 Consent of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional
Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1).*
23.3 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
24.1 Power of Attorney of certain directors and officers of
Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (see page II-5 of initial
filing of this Form S-3).**
25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee for Senior
Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.*
25.2 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee for
Subordinated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939.*
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* To be filed by amendment or by a report on Form 8-K pursuant to section 601
of Regulation S-K.
** Previously filed.
(1) Incorporated by reference to our registration statement on Form S-1 (No.
33-12153) which became effective on March 4, 1987.
(2) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 28, 1992.
II-3
<PAGE> 31
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement in order to:
(a) include any prospectus required by Section 10(a) (3) of the
Securities Act,
(b) reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement, or the most recent
post-effective amendment of the registration statement which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in
the information set forth in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of
securities offered, if the total dollar value of securities offered
would not exceed that which was registered, and any deviation from
the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be
reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement, and
(c) include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement
or any material change to such information in the registration
statement.
Provided, however, that clauses (a) and (b) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
such clauses is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to
the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)
of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section
13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by
reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or
otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities, other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding, is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the
information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
II-4
<PAGE> 32
contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to
Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be
deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was
declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-5
<PAGE> 33
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration
statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on February 18,
1999.
CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
By: /s/ T. J. RODGERS
------------------------------------
T. J. Rodgers
President and Chief Executive
Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration
statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME TITLE DATE
---- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ T. J. RODGERS President and Chief February 18, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------- Executive Officer
T. J. Rodgers
/s/ EMMANUEL HERNANDEZ Chief Financial Officer, February 18, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------- Vice President, Finance and
Emmanuel Hernandez Administration (Principal
Financial and Accounting
Officer)
* Chairman of the Board of February 18, 1999
- -------------------------------------------------------- Directors
Eric A. Benhamou
* Director February 18, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
Fred B. Bialek
* Director February 18, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
John C. Lewis
* Director February 18, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------
Alan F. Shugart
</TABLE>
*By: /s/ EMMANUEL HERNANDEZ
---------------------------------
Emmanuel Hernandez,
Attorney-in-Fact
II-6
<PAGE> 34
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT TITLE
- ------- -------------
<S> <C>
1.1 Form of Underwriting Agreement (Common Stock).*
1.2 Form of Underwriting Agreement (Convertible Securities).*
1.3 Form of Underwriting Agreement (Debt Securities).*
1.4 Form of Underwriting Agreement (Preferred Stock).*
3.1 (i) Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.(1)
(ii) Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended.(2)
(iii) Bylaws, as amended.(1)
4.1 Form of Senior Indenture.*
4.2 Form of Subordinated Indenture.*
4.3 Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.1).*
4.4 Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit
4.2).*
4.5 Specimen of stock certificate of Cypress Semiconductor
Corporation's Common Stock.(1)
5.1 Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional
Corporation.*
12.1 Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.**
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent
Accountants.
23.2 Consent of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional
Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1).*
23.3 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
24.1 Power of Attorney of certain directors and officers of
Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (see page II-5 of initial
filing of this Form S-3).**
25.1 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee for Senior
Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.*
25.2 Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee for
Subordinated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939.*
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* To be filed by amendment or by a report on Form 8-K pursuant to Section 601
of Regulation S-K.
** Previously filed.
(1) Incorporated by reference to our registration statement on Form S-1 (No.
33-12153) which became effective on March 4, 1987.
(2) Incorporated by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 28, 1992.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated
January 20, 1998, except as to Note 9, which is of March 6, 1998, appearing on
page 42 of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 29, 1997. We also consent to the reference to us under
the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
San Jose, California
February 17, 1999
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the use of our reports dated September 12, 1998, with respect
to the consolidated financial statement of IC Works, Inc., included in the
Current Report on Form 8-K, of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation, dated February
12, 1999 and incorporated by reference in this Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Cypress
Semiconductor Corporation.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Jose, California
February 16, 1999
