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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934.
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 1999
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 0-24758
MICRO LINEAR CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 94-2910085
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
2092 Concourse Drive 95131
San Jose, California (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive
offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (408) 433-5200
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.001 Par Value
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [ ]
The number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding net of
shares held in treasury as of April 30, 1999 was 10,949,699.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
<S> <C>
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 3
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets at March 31, 1999, and at December 31, 1998............ 4
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 5
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements......................................... 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations........ 9
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk................................... 15
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings............................................................................ 16
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................................................. 17
SIGNATURES................................................................................................ 18
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<TABLE>
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
MICRO LINEAR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C>
Three Months Ended March 31,
------------------------------------
1999 1998
-------------- -----------------
Net revenues........................................................... $10,906 $12,239
Cost of revenues....................................................... 5,651 5,611
-------------- -----------------
Gross profit........................................................ 5,255 6,628
-------------- -----------------
Operating expenses:
Research and development............................................ 3,500 3,239
Selling, general and administrative................................. 2,884 2,795
6,384 6,034
Income (loss) from operations....................................... (1,129) 594
Interest and other income, net......................................... 379 363
Interest expense....................................................... (63) (67)
-------------- -----------------
Income (loss) before taxes.......................................... (813) 890
Provision (benefit) for income taxes................................... (756) 320
-------------- -----------------
Net income (loss)................................................... $ (57) $ 570
============== =================
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic:
Net income (loss) per share......................................... $ (0.01) $ 0.05
============== =================
============== =================
Diluted:
Net income (loss) per share......................................... $ (0.01) $ 0.05
============== =================
Weighted average number of shares used in per share computation..... 10,974 12,224
============== =================
<FN>
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
</FN>
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<CAPTION>
MICRO LINEAR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
March 31, December 31,
1999 1998
--------------- ------------------
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents............................................................ $ 4,797 $ 6,393
Short-term investments............................................................... 23,383 22,937
Accounts receivable, net............................................................. 4,615 5,476
Inventories.......................................................................... 6,458 7,260
Other current assets................................................................. 5,778 5,670
--------------- ------------------
Total current assets.............................................................. 45,031 47,736
Property, plant and equipment, net..................................................... 20,807 21,140
Other assets........................................................................... 541 568
=============== ==================
Total assets................................................................. $ 66,379 $ 69,444
=============== ==================
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable...................................................................... $ 3,119 $ 3,030
Deferred income on shipments to distributors.......................................... 3,033 2,739
Other accrued liabilities............................................................. 2,125 4,075
Current portion of long-term debt..................................................... 2,746 2,791
-------------- ------------------
Total current liabilities........................................................... 11,023 12,635
Long-term debt........................................................................... -- --
-------------- ------------------
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock........................................................................ -- --
Common stock........................................................................... 14 14
Additional paid-in capital............................................................. 54,243 54,125
Retained earnings...................................................................... 21,332 21,389
Treasury stock..................................................................... (20,233) (18,719)
--------------- ------------------
Total stockholders' equity.......................................................... 55,356 56,809
=============== ==================
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..................................... $ 66,379 $ 69,444
=============== ==================
<FN>
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
</FN>
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<CAPTION>
MICRO LINEAR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended
------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
March 31, March 31,
1999 1998
--------------- --------------
Cash provided by operating activities......................................... $ 935 $ 5,942
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures....................................................... (745) (885)
Proceeds from sale of equipment............................................ 115 --
Purchases of short-term investments........................................ (10,320) (12,798)
Sales of short-term investments ........................................... 9,874 10,597
--------------- --------------
Net cash used in investing activities.................................... (1,076) (3,086)
Financing activities:
Principal payments on debt................................................. (45) (53)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock..................................... 104 388
Acquisition of treasury stock.............................................. (1,514) (1,011)
--------------- --------------
Net cash used in financing activities.................................... (1,455) (676)
--------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents....................... (1,596) 2,180
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period........................... 6,393 5,210
--------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period................................. $ 4,797 $ 7,390
=============== ==============
<FN>
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
MICRO LINEAR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1) Micro Linear Corporation (the "Company") designs, develops and markets high
performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits for a broad range
of applications within the communications, computer and industrial markets
for sale primarily in North America, Asia and Europe. The company operates
in a single industry segment.
2) The accompanying interim financial statements are unaudited and have been
prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles and contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring
adjustments) to fairly present the financial information included. While
the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the
information not misleading, it is suggested that these financial statements
be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1998. The results of operations for the interim
periods shown in this report are not necessarily indicative of results to
be expected for the fiscal year.
3) For financial reporting purposes, the Company's fiscal year ends on the
Sunday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 1998 ended on January 3, 1999.
The Company's fiscal quarters are 13 weeks in length. The first quarter of
1999 and 1998 ended on April 14, 1999 and March 29, 1998, respectively. For
presentation purposes, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed
financial statements refer to the quarters' calendar month end for
convenience. The Company exclusively uses the U.S. dollar as its functional
currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in
income as they occur. The effect of foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations was not significant. The Company does not use derivative
instruments. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
4) During the three months ended March 31, 1999, two customers accounted for
20% and 12% of total sales, respectively.
5) Supplemental Financial Information
Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
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<S> <C> <C>
March 31, December 31,
1999 1998
------------- -----------------
Raw materials.............................................. $ -- $ 314
Work-in-process............................................ 4,344 4,906
Finished goods............................................. 2,114 2,040
$6,458 $7,260
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):
March 31, December 31,
1999 1998
------------- -----------------
Land....................................................... $ 2,850 $ 2,850
Buildings and improvements................................. 9,905 9,904
Machinery and equipment.................................... 34,366 33,736
47,121 46,490
Accumulated depreciation and amortization.................. 26,314 25,350
Net property, plant and equipment.......................... $ 20,807 $21,140
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
6) Cash payments for income taxes and interest expense totaled $240,000 and
$63,000, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 1999.
7) The Company's provision for taxes on income is based on estimates of the
levels of income and certain deductions expected for the year, which may be
subject to change. The Company's effective tax rate for the first quarter
of 1999 was a benefit of 93%, compared to a provision of 36% for the same
period in 1998, which differs from the statutory income tax rate primarily
due to state income taxes and federal research credits. The reason for the
higher effective tax rate in the first quarter of 1999 is the greater
impact that the Federal R&D Tax Credit and California Investment Tax Credit
is expected to have on the 1999 tax provision.
8) From January 1996 through the end of the first quarter of 1999, the
Company's Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of an aggregate of
$20.3 million of the Company's Common Stock. Through March 31, 1999, the
Company had repurchased 2,696,900 shares for a total cost of $20.2 million.
As of April 30, 1999, the Company had authorization to repurchase up to an
additional $0.1 million of the Company's Common Stock.
9) In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company adopted the net income per share
calculation methodology prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 128 ("SFAS 128"). SFAS 128 requires presentation of basic and
diluted net income per share. Basic net income per share is computed by
dividing net income available to common stockholders (numerator) by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding (denominator) during
the period and excludes the dilutive effect of stock options. Diluted net
income per share gives effect to all dilutive potential common stock
outstanding during the period. In computing diluted net income per share,
the average stock price for the period is used in determining the number of
shares assumed to be purchased from exercise of stock options.
Following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the
basic and diluted income per share computations for the periods presented
below (in thousands except per share data):
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Three Months Ended March 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per- Per-
Loss Shares Share Income Shares Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amount (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
Basic Income (loss)
Per Share:
Net income (loss)
available
to common $(57) 10,974 $(0.01) $570 11,650 $0.05
stockholders
Effect of dilutive -- 574
securities:
Stock options
Diluted Income (loss)
Per Share:
Net income (loss)
available to common
stockholders assuming
dilution $(57) 10,974 $(0.01) $570 12,224 $0.05
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Options to purchase 439,662 shares of common stock were outstanding as of
March 31, 1999, but were not reflected in the computations of diluted
earnings per share because the Company recorded a net loss in the period
and to do so would have been anti-dilutive.
10) In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee released
Statement of Position ("SOP") No. 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-up
Activities." SOP No. 98-5 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998 and requires companies to expense all costs incurred or
unamortized in connection with start-up activities. The adoption of this
SOP will not have any effect on the Company's results of operations as the
Company has expensed such start-up costs in prior years. In March 1998, the
Accounting Standard Executive Committee released Statement of Position
("SOP") No. 98-1 "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed
or Obtained for Internal Use". SOP No.98-1 is effective for financial
statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1998. Direct external
costs, directly related internal payroll and payroll-related cost and
interest expenses associated with the application development stage are
capitalizable. Upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if they meet
certain criteria. Training, maintenance, and data-conversion costs are
expensed. The adoption of this SOP will not have any significant effect on
the Company's results of operations.
11) A discussion of a certain pending legal proceeding is included in Item 1 of
Part II of the Company's Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
1999. The Company believes that the final outcome of such matters discussed
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated
financial position or results of operations. No assurance can be given,
however, that these matters will be resolved without the Company becoming
obligated to make payments or to pay other costs to the opposing party,
with the potential for having an adverse effect on the Company's financial
position or its results of operations.
<PAGE>
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of operations
This Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results could differ materially from
those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of the risk
related factors set forth below and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.
Results of Operations
Net Revenues
Net revenues were $10.9 million for the first quarter of 1999, a 11%
decrease over net revenues of $12.2 million for the first quarter of 1998 and a
10% decrease over net revenues of $12.0 million for the fourth quarter of 1998.
The decline in net revenues is the result of softness in business demand which
resulted in lower than expected turns orders thus negatively impacting overall
revenue levels for the first quarter. The Company expects continuing softness in
business demand in the second quarter of 1999.
The Company serves three principal markets: computer, communications and
industrial. Net revenues for the first quarter of 1999 compared to the first
quarter of 1998 decreased 33% in the communications market, increased 66% in the
computer market and increased 32% in the industrial market. Net revenues for
first quarter of 1999 compared to the fourth quarter of 1998 decreased 19%,
increased 16% and remained flat in the communications market, computer market
and industrial market, respectively.
The communications market includes the computer networking equipment
("networking") sub-market. Sales of products to the networking market
constitutes a substantial majority of the Company's net revenues. Net revenues
in the networking sub-market, in absolute dollars decreased 34% and 19% in the
first quarter of 1999 compared to the first quarter of 1998 and fourth quarter
of 1998, respectively. Networking net revenues were 49% of total net revenues
for the first quarter of 1999 compared to 65% and 54% of total net revenues for
the first and fourth quarters of 1998, respectively. The quarterly decline in
networking product revenues is principally attributable to lower shipments of
ethernet parts. The networking submarket is characterized by intense
competition, relatively short product life cycles and rapid technological
change. In addition, the networking sub-market has undergone a period of rapid
growth, price erosion and consolidation in recent years. Although the Company
has expanded its product mix and customer base, the Company expects its
dependency on sales to network equipment manufacturers to continue for the
immediate future. The Company's business and results of operations would be
materially and adversely affected in the event of a significant slowdown in the
computer networking equipment market.
International net revenues for the first quarter of 1999 totaled $4.7
million, or 43% of net revenues, compared to $5.2 million, or 42% of net
revenues, for the first quarter of 1998 and $5.2 million, or 43% of net
revenues, for the fourth quarter of 1998. The decrease in international revenues
in the first quarter of 1999, compared to the first and fourth quarters of 1998,
was due to the combination of lower direct product demand for the Company's
products in Asia and decreased Asia Pacific subcontract work for domestic
customers
Domestic distributor net revenues for the first quarter of 1999 were $2.9
million, or 27% of net revenues, compared to $2.6 million, or 21% of net
revenues, for the first quarter of 1998 and $2.9 million, or 24% of net
revenues, for the fourth quarter of 1998. The Company expects sales to domestic
distributors to increase in the future as a percentage of total net revenues due
to anticipated shifts in the sales channel mix. In this regard, several of the
Company's OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) customers have moved their
manufacturing operations to subcontractors and in turn are placing their orders
through distributors. The Company defers recognition of revenue derived from
sales to domestic distributors until such distributors resell the products to
their customers. Revenue is recognized by the Company upon shipment to
international representatives, but the gross margin on these shipments is
deferred until international distributors notify the Company of product sales to
end users.
Gross Margin
Gross margin is affected by the volume of product sales, price, product
mix, manufacturing utilization, product yields and the mix of sales to OEM's and
to distributors. Gross margin has been and will continue to be periodically
affected by expenses incurred in connection with start-up and installation of
new process technologies at outside manufacturing foundries.
The Company's gross margin was 48% in the first quarter of 1999, compared
to 54% in the first quarter of 1998 and 52% in the fourth quarter of 1998. Gross
margin was lower in the first quarter of 1999 compared to the first quarter of
1998 primarily due to slightly lower production output levels and higher
manufacturing costs. The decrease in gross margin for the first quarter of 1999
compared to the fourth quarter of 1998 is primarily due to an unfavorable shift
in the product mix.
The Company's gross margin is adversely impacted by the costs associated
with installing new processes at its foundries. Although the Company has
recently been able to mitigate the adverse impact on gross margin associated
with new wafer manufacturing process costs by relying upon process technologies
existing at its outside wafer foundries, there can be no assurance that the
Company will not be required to incur significant expenses in the future to
develop, or obtain access to, advanced process technologies and to transfer and
install such technologies at one or more of its foundries, which could have a
material adverse effect on gross margin in the future.
The Company currently purchases its wafers from three wafer suppliers. A
substantial majority of the Company's wafer supply is obtained from two wafer
suppliers. The Company's products are assembled and packaged by four vendors.
Any delays or interruptions due to such factors as inadequate capacity or
unavailable raw materials in the Company's wafer suppliers or assembly vendors
could materially and adversely affect product shipments. The Company purchases
nearly all of its BiCMOS wafers from two wafer foundries, the majority of which
are supplied by one wafer foundry in Taiwan. Although both wafer foundries are
qualified to supply the Company with BiCMOS wafers, the Company's short-term
BiCMOS wafer supply could be materially and adversely affected if the wafer
foundry in Taiwan is unable to meet the Company's wafer supply requirements.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses include payroll and other costs
associated with the definition, design and development of standard and
semi-standard products, tile arrays and standard cells. In addition, research
and development expenses include test development and prototype assembly costs
associated with new product development. The Company also expenses the cost of
prototype wafers and new production mask sets related to new products as
research and development costs until products based on new designs are fully
characterized by the Company and are demonstrated to support published data
sheets and satisfy reliability tests. Research and development expenses such as
mask and silicon costs that are related to the development of new products can
fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the product design
process. The Company believes that the development and introduction of new
products is critical to its future success.
Research and development expenses were $3.5 million for the first quarter
of 1999, or 32% of net revenues, compared to $3.2 million, or 26% of net
revenues, for the first quarter of 1998 and $2.9 million, or 24% of net
revenues, for the fourth quarter of 1998. The increase in research and
development in absolute dollars in the first quarter of 1999 compared to the
first quarter of 1998 is primarily attributable to higher prototype product
costs, new product mask costs and the addition of personnel associated with the
Company's new design center in Scotland. The increase in research and
development expenses in absolute dollars for the first quarter of 1999 compared
to the fourth quarter of 1998 is due to increased mask costs and the addition of
personnel associated with the Company's new development center in Scotland.
During the first quarter of 1999, the Company announced the establishment of a
new development center in Scotland. Staffing at this site consists of six
designers and will increase to seven later in 1999. Staffing at the Company's
development center in England totals nine, and selective headcount additions are
expected in 1999. Research and development costs for the second quarter of 1999
are expected to decline slightly due to lower mask charges and proto-type
product costs. The Company believes that the timely development and introduction
of new products is critical to its future success.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.9 million for the
first quarter of 1999, or 26% of net revenues, compared to $2.8 million, or 23%
of net revenues, in the first quarter of 1998 and $3.6 million, or 30% of net
revenues, in the fourth quarter of 1998. The first quarter of 1999 expenses
compared to the first quarter of 1998 remained relatively flat, with increased
payroll costs being offset by a lower professional fees and databook expenses.
The substantial decrease from the fourth quarter of 1998 is due mainly to a
one-time severance charge of $0.7 million recorded in the prior quarter and is
associated with the retirement of the prior Chief Executive Officer as well as
decreased databook sheet costs. The Company expects selling, general and
administrative expense to generally fluctuate as a percentage of revenue with
revenue in the future.
Interest and Other Income and Interest Expense
Interest and other income was $0.4 million for first quarters of 1999 and
1998 and $0.5 million for the fourth quarter of 1998. The first quarter of 1999
remained flat in relation to the first quarter of 1998, and declined slightly
from prior quarter due to lower cash balances. Interest expense was
insignificant for the first quarter of 1999 and the first and fourth quarters of
1998.
Provision for Income Taxes
The Company's provision for taxes on income is based on estimates of the
levels of income and certain deductions expected for the year, which may be
subject to change. The Company's effective tax rate for the first quarter of
1999 was a benefit of 93%, compared to a provision of 36% for the same period in
1998, which differs from the statutory income tax rate primarily due to state
income taxes and federal research credits. The reason for the higher effective
tax rate in the first quarter of 1999 is the greater impact that the Federal R&D
Tax Credit and California Investment Tax Credit is expected to have on the 1999
tax provision.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since 1992, the Company has financed its operations and capital
requirements principally through cash flow from operations and the proceeds from
its initial public offering in October 1994. Operations provided $0.9 million of
net cash during the first quarter of 1999, a decrease of $5.0 million over the
first quarter of 1998. The decrease in the first quarter of 1999 compared to the
first quarter of 1998 is primarily due to lower net income (loss) and decreased
accrued liabilities partially offset by lower inventory and accounts receivable
balances.
Cash used in investing activities for the first quarter of 1999 is
attributable to capital expenditures of $0.7 million and the net purchase of
short-term investments of $0.4 million.
Financing activities for the first quarter of 1999 consist primarily of the
repurchase of the Company's common stock for $1.5 million. From January 1996
through the first quarter of 1999, the Board of Directors approved the
repurchase of an aggregate of $20.3 million of the Company's common stock in
stock repurchase programs. Through March 31, 1999, the Company has repurchased
2,696,900 shares at an aggregate cost of $20.2 million.
Working capital amounted to $34.0 million as of March 31, 1999 compared to
$35.1 million as of December 31, 1998. Working capital at March 31, 1999
includes cash and cash equivalents of $4.8 million and short-term investments of
$23.4 million.
The Company anticipates that its existing cash resources and cash generated
from operations will fund necessary purchases of capital equipment and provide
adequate working capital for at least the next twelve months. The Company's
liquidity is affected by many factors, including, among others, the extent to
which the Company pursues additional wafer fabrication capacity from existing
foundry suppliers or new suppliers, capital expenditures, and the level of the
Company's product development efforts, and other factors related to the
uncertainties of the industry and global economies. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that events in the future will not require the Company to seek
additional capital sooner or, if so required, that such capital will be
available on terms acceptable to the Company.
Other Factors Affecting Future Operating Results
The Company's quarterly and annual operating results are affected by a wide
variety of factors that could materially and adversely affect revenues and
profitability, including the Company's access to advanced process technologies,
the timing and extent of process development costs, the Company's ability to
introduce new products on a timely basis, the volume and timing of orders
received, market acceptance of the Company's and its customers' products, the
timing of new product announcements and introductions by the Company or its
competitors, changes in the mix of products sold, the timing and extent of
research and development expenses, the availability and cost of wafers from
outside foundries, fluctuations in manufacturing yields, competitive pricing
pressures and cyclical semiconductor industry conditions. A majority of the
Company's net revenues are derived from sales of a limited number of products.
Historically, average selling prices in the semiconductor industry have
decreased over the life of any particular product. Competitive pricing pressures
are expected to continue in the future, especially in the communications market,
which includes the networking sub-market, and may have a material adverse effect
on the Company's gross margin. The Company's business is characterized by
short-term orders and shipment schedules, and customer orders typically can be
canceled or rescheduled without significant penalty to the customer. Due to the
absence of substantial noncancellable backlog, the Company typically plans its
production and inventory levels based on internal forecasts of customer demand,
which are highly unpredictable and can fluctuate substantially. In addition, the
Company is limited in its ability to reduce costs quickly in response to any
revenue shortfalls. As a result of the foregoing or other factors, there can be
no assurance that the Company will not experience material fluctuations in
future operating results on a quarterly or annual basis which would materially
and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
The markets for the Company's products are characterized by rapid
technological change and frequent new product introductions. To remain
competitive, the Company must develop or obtain access to advanced semiconductor
process technologies in order to reduce die size, increase die performance and
functional complexity, and improve yields. Semiconductor design and process
methodologies are subject to rapid technological change, requiring large
expenditures for research and development. If the Company is unable to develop
or obtain access to advanced wafer processing technologies as they become
needed, or is unable to define, design, develop and introduce competitive new
products on a timely basis, its future operating results will be materially and
adversely affected. In addition, if the Company is unable to transfer and
install such new process technologies to one or more of its foundries in a
timely manner, its business and results of operations could be materially and
adversely affected.
The Company's market diversification and product development activities
have placed, and could continue to place, a significant strain on the Company's
limited personnel and other resources. The Company's ability to manage any
future growth effectively will require it to integrate its new employees into
its overall operations, to continue to improve its operational, financial and
management systems and to attract, train, motivate and manage its employees
successfully. If the Company's management is unable to manage growth
effectively, the Company's business and results of operations could be
materially and adversely affected.
The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid technological change,
cyclical market patterns, significant price erosion, periods of over-capacity
and production shortages, variations in manufacturing costs and yields and
significant expenditures for capital equipment and product development. The
industry has from time to time experienced depressed business conditions. The
Company may experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in future
operating results due to general semiconductor industry conditions or other
factors.
Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure
The "Year 2000 issue" arises because most computer systems and programs
were designed to handle only a two-digit year, not a four-digit year. When the
Year 2000 begins, these computers may interpret "00" as the year 1900 and could
either stop processing date-related computations or could process them
incorrectly. The Company has implemented, for all of its information systems, a
year 2000 date conversion project to address all necessary code changes, testing
and implementation and accordingly does not anticipate any internal Year 2000
issues from its own information systems, databases or programs. The Company has
also implemented a Year 2000 date conversion project to address machinery,
equipment and other items used in the operations of the Company.
The Company has a comprehensive Year 2000 project designed to identify and
assess the risks associated with its information systems, products, operations
and infrastructure, and suppliers that are not Year 2000 compliant, and to
develop, implement, and test remediation and contingency plans to mitigate these
risks. The project comprises four phases: (1) identification of risks, (2)
assessment of risks, (3) development of remediation and contingency plans, and
(4) implementation and testing. In addition, the Company provides its customers
with information on the Year 2000 project and the progress made towards Year
2000 compliance.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS. The company's current enterprise information system
has been remediated and was fully tested in May 1998 and determined to be Year
2000 compliant.
The required changes to the Company's information systems and items used in
the operations of the Company are expected to be completed by the end of
September 1999.
Based on the current status of the assessments and remediation plans made
to date, the Company expects total Year 2000 related external costs pertaining
to its information systems to be between $20,000 and $30,000. Of such amount,
approximately $10,000 has been spent to date. None of the Company's other
information technology projects have been deferred as a result of the Company's
Year 2000 compliance efforts.
PRODUCTS. The Company has assessed the capabilities of all of its products
sold to customers. Based on the assessments made to date, none of the Company's
products are affected by Year 2000 issues.
OPERATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE. Machinery and equipment and other items used
in the operations and facilities of the Company have been inventoried and are
currently being assessed for Year 2000 compliance. The assessment to date has
not yielded any major areas of concern. The assessment process was completed in
September 1998. In June 1998, the Company started to develop remediation plans.
Based on the assessments and remediation plans made to date, the Company expects
Year 2000 related external costs pertaining to its operations and infrastructure
to range between $20,000 and $30,000.
SUPPLIERS. The Company continues to evaluate its supplier base to determine
whether Year 2000 issues affecting suppliers will adversely impact the company's
operations. The Company has recently completed an assessment of its key
suppliers. Although the Company does not anticipate any business disruptions
based on the assurances made by these suppliers, the Company will continue to
assess and monitor key suppliers through the year 2000 transition period.
CUSTOMERS. The Company established a Global Year 2000 Desk at its
headquarters in California to handle all customer requests for compliance and
survey information, and for other general information related to the Company's
Year 2000 programs.
GENERAL AND RISK FACTORS. Although the Company expects that the Year 2000
project will be completed in a timely manner to prevent any significant
disruptions of business, unforeseen risks and delays may cause disruption in
manufacturing, order processing and distribution services or lead to additional
costs. The Company believes that its greatest potential risks for Year 2000
issues are associated with its information systems and systems embedded in its
operations and infrastructure, for which the Company is continuing to review and
evaluate the need of contingency planning that may be required.
Internal costs incurred for the Year 2000 project are being tracked; they
principally consist of payroll and related costs. The Company does not currently
expect the total costs to be material, and it expects to be able to fund the
total costs through operating cash flows. However, the Company has not yet
completed all of its assessments, developed remediation or contingency plans for
all problems, or completely implemented or tested its remediation plans.
As the Year 2000 project continues, the Company may discover additional
Year 2000 problems; may not be able to develop, implement, or test remediation
or contingency plans; or may find that the costs of these activities exceed
current expectations and become material. In many cases, the Company is relying
on assurances from suppliers that new and upgraded information systems and other
products will be Year 2000 compliant. The Company plans to test certain
third-party products, but cannot be sure that its tests will be adequate or
that, if problems are identified, they will be addressed by the supplier in a
timely and satisfactory way.
Because the Company uses a variety of information systems and has
additional systems embedded in its operations and infrastructure, the Company
cannot be sure that all of its systems will work together in a Year
2000-compliant fashion. Furthermore, the Company cannot be sure that it will not
suffer business interruptions, either because of its own Year 2000 problems or
those of its customers or suppliers whose Year 2000 problems may make it
difficult or impossible for them to fulfill their commitments to the Company. If
the Company fails to satisfactorily resolve Year 2000 issues in a timely manner,
it could be exposed to claims by third parties.
The Company is evaluating the various types of contingency plans such as
procedures for dealing with disruptions of internal business systems, plans for
factory shutdowns and identification of alternative material vendors in the
event of Year 2000 related disruption in supply. Contingency evaluation and
planning will continue through 1999, and will depend heavily on the results of
the remediation and testing of critical systems. The Company cannot assure that
any contingency plans in effect at the time of a system failure will adequately
address the immediate or long term effects of a failure, or that such a failure
would not have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial results
in spite of prudent planning.
The Company could be adversely impacted by Year 2000 issues faced by major
distributors, suppliers, customers, vendors and financial service organizations
with which the Company interacts. The Company is continuing to evaluate Year
2000-related risks and corrective actions. At this time, the Year 2000
compliance expense and related potential effect of the Company's earnings are
estimated to be insignificant. However, the risks associated with the Year 2000
problem are pervasive and complex, can be difficult to identify and to address,
and can result in material adverse consequences to the Company. Even if the
Company, in a timely manner, completes all of its assessments, identifies and
tests remediation plans believed to be adequate, and develops contingency plans
believed to be adequate, some problems may not be identified or corrected in
time to prevent material adverse consequences to the Company.
<PAGE>
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
The Company's investment portfolio consisted of U.S. government obligations
and commercial paper typically with maturities of less than 12 months. These
securities are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value if market
interest rates increase. The Company has the ability to hold its fixed income
investments until maturity and, therefore, the Company would not expect to
recognize such an adverse impact in income or cash flows.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
The Company has international sales and research and development facilities
and is, therefore, subject to foreign currency rate exposure. The Company's
foreign currency risks are mitigated principally by maintaining only minimal
foreign currency balances. To date, the exposure to the Company related to
exchange rate volatility has not been significant. However, there can be no
assurance that there will not be a material impact in the future.
For further discussion of risk factors, refer to the Company's filing on
Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In December 1995, Pioneer Magnetics, Inc. ("Pioneer") filed a complaint in
the Federal District Court for the Central District of California alleging that
certain of the Company's integrated circuits violate a Pioneer patent. Pioneer
is seeking monetary damages and an injunction against such alleged patent
violation. The Company has denied any infringement and filed a counter-claim
seeking invalidity of the patent. The court held a patent claim construction
hearing on November 9, 1998. The court subsequently issued a claim construction
opinion that is favorable to Micro Linear. The court also required additional
briefing from Pioneer which is currently in progress. The court has not set a
trial date or a discovery cutoff date.
On February 24, 1997, a former employee of Micro Linear filed a complaint
in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, alleging breach of
contract and employment discrimination. On June 5, 1997, the case was dismissed
and the parties agreed to submit the dispute to arbitration. As of April 27,
1999, no arbitration date had been scheduled. The Company denies all liability
and intends to vigorously defend its actions in the arbitration.
On September 4, 1998, NetVantage, Inc. ("NetVantage") filed a complaint
relating to the Compan's sale of part ML6692 to NetVantage through the
Company's distributor, Insight Electronics, in the Superior Court of California,
County of Los Angeles, alleging causes of action for: (1) breach of contract,
(2) breach of express warranty, (3) breach of implied warranty of
merchantability, (4) breach of implied warranty of fitness, (5) intentional
misrepresentation, (6) negligent misrepresentation, (7) negligence, and (8)
breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. NetVantage seeks
compensatory damages of no less than $6.0 million, additional compensatory
damages according to proof, attorneys' fees and costs, plus interest. On
February 12, 1999, NetVantage filed a first amended complaint in which
NetVantage withdrew its causes of action for intentional misrepresentation and
negligent misrepresentation but realleging the remaining causes of action of the
original complaint. On February 26, 1999, the Company filed an answer to
NetVantage's complaint denying the causes of action and asserting numerous
affirmative defenses. On the same day, Insight Electronics filed its answer and
also filed a cross-complaint against NetVantage, alleging causes of action for:
(1) breach of express contract, (2) breach of implied contract, (3) open
account, and (4) quantum valebant, seeking compensatory damages in excess of
$41,400, attorneys' fee and costs, plus interest. Since the filing of the action
no discovery has been taken or served. On March 8, 1999, the Superior Court of
Los Angeles issued an order to show cause against NetVantage for failure to
prosecute case, with a hearing set for April 22, 1999. At that hearing, a trial
date was set for October 12, 1999.
On December 16, 1998, Accton Technology Corporation ("Accton") filed a
complaint relating to the Company's sale of part ML6692 to Accton, against the
Company in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, alleging
causes of action for: (1) breach of contract, (2) breach of express warranty,
(3) breach of implied warranty of merchantability, (4) breach of implied
warranty of fitness for particular purpose, (5) fraud and deceit-concealment,
(6) negligent misrepresentation, (7) negligent interference with economic
advantage, and (8) declaratory relief to establish the right to implied
contractual indemnity. Accton seeks compensatory damages in excess of $7.0
million, exemplary damages according to proof, attorneys' fees and costs, and
prejudgment and postjudgment interest. On February 10, 1999, the company filed a
demurrer attacking the legal sufficiency of Accton's first, fifth and sixth
causes of action and moving to strike certain paragraphs of the complaint. On
April 20, 1999, the same day scheduled for the hearing on the demurrer, Accton
filed its Amended Complaint, which rendered the demurrer moot. Accton's Amended
Complaint alleges essentially the same claims as its original Complaint, but
pleads the breach of contract and fraud and deceit claims with somewhat more
specificity, as well as alleging additional factual information. The company
anticipates filing a demurrer to Accton's Amended Complaint, and has scheduled a
hearing on the demurrer for July 8, 1999. A discovery hearing was set for May 7,
1999 on the Company's motion for protective order and Accton's motion to compel
and for sanctions. The Company's motion for protective order was granted by the
Court, as was Accton's motion to compel. Accton's request for sanctions was
denied. Complying with the protective order as entered on May 7, 1999, the
Company produced documents responsive to Accton's document request. Depositions
are currently scheduled to begin in late May. The Company served Accton with
discovery in early May and expects to receive responses by mid-June.
Although the Company believes that the resolution of these actions will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results
of operations, there can be no assurance that such actions will be resolved in
the Company's favor or that an unfavorable resolution would not materially
adversely effect the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
From time to time, the Company has received, and in the future it may
receive, correspondence from certain vendors, distributors, customers or
end-users of its products regarding disputes with respect to contract rights,
product performance or other matters that occur in the ordinary course of
business. There can be no assurance that any of such disputes will not
eventually result in litigation or other actions involving the Company or as to
the outcome of such disputes.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MICRO LINEAR CORPORATION
Date: May 18, 1999 By: /s/ J. Philip Russell
-------------------------
J. Philip Russell
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
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