Filed Pursuant to Rule
424(b)(5)
File No. 333-76589
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(to Prospectus dated May 12, 1999)
VALENCE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
689,655 Shares
Common Stock
The 689,655 shares of Common Stock being offered are all being offered
by Valence. On August 26, 1999, the last reported sale price of the shares of
Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $4.56 per share. The Common Stock
is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "VLNC."
Investing in Valence common stock involves a high degree of risk. See
"Risk Factors" beginning on page S-4.
We are offering 689,655 shares of our common stock to an institutional
investor pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus. The common stock will be purchased at a negotiated purchase price of
$4.35 per share for a total purchase price of $3,000,000.
The shares of Valence common stock offered or sold under this prospectus
supplement and prospectus have not been approved by the SEC or any state
securities commission, nor have these organizations determined that this
prospectus supplement or prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation
to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus supplement is August 31, 1999.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
Valence Technology, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in March 1989
under the name Ultracell, Inc. We changed our name to Valence Technology,
Inc. in March 1992. Our executive offices are currently located at 301
Conestoga Way, Henderson, Nevada 89015 and the telephone number is (702)
558-1000.
THE OFFERING
Shares offered
We are offering all of the 689,655 shares being offered hereby.
Shares outstanding after this offering
Following this offering, there will be 28,418,397 shares of our common stock
outstanding based upon the number of shares outstanding on August 31, 1999. This
number does not include shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of
stock options and warrants currently outstanding or which may be granted under
our stock option plans, or upon the conversion of preferred stock outstanding.
Use of proceeds
For general corporate purposes, including:
- - acquiring raw materials and building inventory of finished goods;
- - financing capital expenditures; and
- - working capital.
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RISK FACTORS
AN INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMON STOCK INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. YOU
SHOULD NOT MAKE SUCH AN INVESTMENT IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD THE LOSS OF YOUR ENTIRE
INVESTMENT. IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
OR PROSPECTUS, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING FACTORS IN EVALUATING
VALENCE AND ITS BUSINESS BEFORE PURCHASING ANY SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
We Have An Immediate Need For Additional Capital which, if not obtained, would
cause us to reduce developmental efforts and impair our ability to commercialize
our products.
We have an immediate need for additional capital which, if not obtained, would
cause us to reduce developmental efforts and impair our ability to commercialize
our products. At March 28, 1999, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2,454,000
and available credit under a line of credit with a stockholder of $5,500,000. We
expect that our existing funds and available line, together with the interest
earned thereon, will be sufficient to fund our operations through the first
quarter of fiscal 2000. We anticipate that, after taking into account projected
revenues and receipt of funds from other sources, we will need to raise in
either a debt or equity financing a minimum of $25 million to fund planned
capital expenditures, research and product development, marketing and general
and administrative expenses and to pursue joint venture opportunities in fiscal
2000. Our cash requirements, however, may vary materially from those now planned
because of changes in our operations, including changes in OEM relationships or
market conditions. There can be no assurance that funds for these purposes,
whether from equity or debt financing agreements with strategic partners or
other sources, will be available on favorable terms, if at all. These factors
raise substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern. The
accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might
result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The effects of such adjustments, if
necessary, could be material.
We Are A Development Stage We are a development stage company and Company With
No Products cannot anticipate when, or if, we will ever Currently Available For
Sale have significant revenues from a product.
We have derived our revenues solely from a research and development contract
with Delphi Automotive Systems Group, which we completed in May 1998. We
presently have no products available for sale, although we have developed
working prototypes of our batteries. These factors raise substantial doubt about
our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not
include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty,
and such adjustments, if necessary, could be substantial.
Our Current Available Capital And Future Revenues, If Any, Will Not Be
Sufficient To Meet Our Future Operating Needs.
We have generally incurred operating losses since inception in 1989 and had an
accumulated deficit of $154,436,000 as of March 28, 1999, the end of our 1999
fiscal year. We cannot assure you that we will ever achieve or sustain
significant revenues or profitability in the future. We have negative working
capital and have sustained recurring losses related primarily to the development
and marketing of our products. We expect to incur significant losses in the
future as we continue our product development and marketing capabilities. We
will need to secure additional financing in order to continue operations past
1999 unless we begin to generate significant operating revenue. We
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will have to continue to devote a significant amount of management time to
obtaining financing.
We May Not Be Able To Obtain Additional Capital, In Which Case We Would Need To
Reduce Developmental Efforts And May Not Be Able To Commercialize Our
Products.
If we are unable to achieve profitability or we are unable to secure additional
financing on acceptable terms, we will be unable to continue to fund our
operations. We are actively pursuing capital grant advances from the Northern
Ireland Industrial Development Board, such advances are contingent on us
achieving cumulative revenues from the sale of batteries of $4 million. We may
not achieve such cumulative revenue over the short term, or at all.
Additionally, a lack of capital may require us to license to third parties
rights to commercialize products or technologies we might otherwise seek to
develop ourselves, and to scale back or eliminate our research and product
development programs. The unavailability of adequate funds would have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Conversion Of Preferred Stock And Sales Of Common Stock By CC Investments May
Depress The Price Of Our Common Stock And Substantially Dilute Your
Stock.
If CC Investments were to exercise all of the warrants it holds and convert all
of the shares of preferred stock it owns, as of June 11, 1999 it would have
acquired approximately 3,484,087 shares of our common stock. The number of
shares into which the preferred stock converts increases at 6% per year. If CC
Investments exercises the warrants or converts our preferred stock into shares
of common stock and sells the shares into the market, such sales could have a
negative effect on the market price of our common stock and will dilute your
holdings in our common stock. Additionally, dilution or the potential for
dilution could materially impair our ability to raise capital through the future
sale of equity securities.
Possible Variable Conversion Of Series B Preferred Stock
After July 29, 1999, the Series B Preferred Stock may become convertible into
more shares than otherwise if our common stock trades at a price below $6.03 in
six out of ten consecutive trading days. For example, if on July 30, 1999 our
common stock in the previous ten trading days had been trading at or above
$6.03, the 7,500 shares of Series B Preferred Stock would be convertible into
approximately 1,289,000 shares of our common stock. If, however, on that date
the average of the lowest six closing bid prices of our common stock over the
previous ten trading days (referred in the table below as the "average price")
had been a lower price, then the Series B Preferred Stock would have converted
into a greater number of shares. The following table illustrates this effect:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares Into Which The
Average 7,500 Shares of Series B
Price Preferred Would Convert
<S> <C>
$6.03 1,288,966
$5.00 1,539,102
$4.00 1,923,878
$3.00 2,565,170
</TABLE>
The effect of this variable conversion rate, if it becomes applicable, will be
to depress further the market price of our
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common stock and to dilute further your holdings in our common stock.
We No Longer Have A Collaborative Partner To Assist Us In Development Of Our
Batteries, Which May Limit Our Ability To Develop And Commercialize Our
Products.
We have received substantially all our revenues to date from a research and
development agreement with Delphi Automotive Systems Group, which we completed
in May 1998. Although we have held discussions with original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) in the portable consumer electronics and telecommunications
markets about possible strategic relationships as a means to accelerate
introduction of our batteries into these markets, we cannot assure you that we
will be able to enter into any such alliances. We must rely on alliances for our
development, product design, volume purchase and manufacturing and marketing
expertise.
There is a risk that even if we could collaborate with a desirable partner, the
partnership may not be successful. The success of any strategic alliance is
dependent upon, among other things, the general business condition of the
partner, its commitment to the strategic alliance and the skills and experience
of its employees.
Because Our Batteries Are Only Sold When Incorporated Into Other Products, We
Will Need To Rely On Original Equipment Manufacturers To Commercialize Our
Products.
To be successful, our batteries must gain broad market acceptance. In addition,
our success will depend significantly on our ability to meet OEM customer
requirements by developing and introducing on a timely basis new products and
enhanced or modified versions of its existing products. OEMs often require
unique configurations or custom designs for battery systems which must be
developed and integrated in the OEM's product well before the product is
launched by the OEM. Thus, there is often substantial lead time between the
commencement of design efforts for a customized battery system and the
commencement of volume shipments of the battery system to the OEM (referred to
as the "design in time"). If we are unable to design, develop and introduce
products that meet OEMs' and other customers' exacting requirements on a timely
basis, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be
materially adversely affected. To determine the requirements of each specific
application, we will be dependent upon OEMs into whose products our batteries
will be incorporated. There is a risk that we will not receive adequate
assistance from OEMs to successfully commercialize our products. Furthermore,
there is a risk that the perceived safety risks associated with lithium, an
element used in our batteries, will impede acceptance of our batteries by OEMs
or end users.
We Do Not Yet Have The Sales Staff, Support Capabilities And Distribution
Channels To Distribute Our Products On A Commercial Scale.
To implement our strategy successfully, we will have to develop a sizeable sales
staff and product support capabilities, as well as third party and direct
distribution channels. We cannot assure you that we will be able to establish
sales and product support capabilities, or be successful in our sales and
marketing efforts.
We May Not Be Able To Cost-Effectively Manufacture Our Batteries.
To be successful, we must manufacture commercial, high-quality quantities of our
products at competitive costs. We have produced prototype products that we
believe have performance characteristics that are suitable for a broad market.
However, additional development will be required to enable us to consistently
produce battery systems with these characteristics.
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In addition, to achieve broad commercialization of our products, we will need to
reduce manufacturing costs of our battery systems. Our batteries may not be able
to be manufactured in commercial quantities to the performance specifications
demanded by customers. Even if our current research and development activities
result in the design of batteries with commercially desirable characteristics,
we will still have to be able to competitively manufacture these batteries. Our
current manufacturing technology must be further developed before we will be
able to manufacture our batteries in commercial quantities. Any failure to
achieve acceptable yields of commercial quality batteries in commercial
quantities, and thereby reduce unit manufacturing costs, could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We Are In The Early Stage Of Manufacturing, And If We Are Unable To Develop Our
Manufacturing Capability Costeffectively, We Will Be Unable to Generate
Profits.
To date, we have not manufactured batteries on a commercial scale. Until
recently, our batteries have been only manufactured on our pilot manufacturing
line, which is able to produce prototype cells in quantities sufficient to
enable customer sampling and testing and product development. Any failure to
achieve acceptable yields of commercial quality batteries in commercial
quantities, and thereby to reduce our unit manufacturing costs, could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition. We are currently in the early stages of transitioning production to
an automated high volume production line located in the manufacturing facility
Northern Ireland. The implementation of the new manufacturing facility,
including its customized manufacturing equipment, will continue to require
substantial engineering work and expenses and is subject to significant risks,
including risks of cost overruns and significant delays. In addition, in order
to rapidly scale up the manufacturing capacity, we will need to begin
fabrication of a second automated production line before completing full
qualification of the first line. In automating the manufacturing processes, we
have been and will continue to be dependent on a developer of automated
production lines, which has only limited experience in producing equipment for
the manufacture of batteries. A key determinant of our current and future
production capacity and profitability is the production yield of our
manufacturing process.
Need For Additional Capital To Develop Manufacturing
Capability.
The establishment of our manufacturing facility and the development and
implementation of automated production lines will entail significant risks and
will require a substantial investment of our capital, including a significant
portion of the net proceeds of this offering. As part of our manufacturing
ramp-up, we will need to hire and train a substantial number of new
manufacturing workers. The availability of skilled and unskilled workers in
Northern Ireland, the site of our manufacturing facility, is limited due to a
relatively low unemployment rate. We may not successfully develop improved
processes, design required production equipment, enter into acceptable contracts
for the fabrication of such equipment, obtain timely delivery of such equipment,
implement multiple production lines or successfully operate the new facility. We
may not be able to
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successfully automate our production on a timely basis or at all, and such
automation may not result in greater manufacturing capacity or lower
manufacturing costs than our pilot production line. Customer relationships could
be damaged if we fail to begin volume manufacturing on a timely basis. Such
failure could cause lost opportunities and have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
We Are Experiencing Delays In Qualifying Our Manufacturing
Facilities.
We have been unable to meet our prior schedules regarding delivery,
installation, de-bugging and qualification of the Northern Ireland production
equipment, due to unforeseen problems. As most of the production equipment is
being specially manufactured for us, further unforeseen problems may develop and
cause further delay in our current schedules. We are improving and bringing many
of the manufacturing processes that we are implementing in this production
equipment up to date for the first time from our laboratory scale prototype
work. We may need to further refine the improved processes, which could cause
substantial delays in the qualification and use of this equipment. Furthermore,
if we are able to refine our process, we may not be able to produce the required
amount of qualification samples to potential customers.
From our discussions with potential customers, we expect that customers will
require an extensive qualification period once the customer receives its first
commercial product off a production line. The Company has recently begun to
supply commercial products to several customers but has not yet completed the
related product qualification.
We Are Dependent On Our Suppliers For Certain Key Raw Materials, And If They Do
Not Deliver These Raw Materials We May Not Be Able To Develop Or Manufacture Our
Batteries.
We are dependent on sole or limited source suppliers for certain key raw
materials used in our products. If these suppliers do not deliver these raw
materials and we are unable to find replacement suppliers, we will be unable to
develop and manufacture our batteries. We generally purchase sole or limited
source raw materials pursuant to purchase orders placed from time to time and
have no long-term contracts or other guaranteed supply arrangements with our
sole or limited source suppliers. Our suppliers may not be able to meet our
requirements relative to specifications and volumes for key raw materials and we
may not be able to locate alternative sources of supply. We may not be able to
purchase raw materials at an acceptable cost. In addition, the raw materials
which we utilize must be of a very high quality and we have at times in the past
experienced delays in product development due to the delivery of nonconforming
raw materials from our suppliers.
If Our Batteries Do Not Provide Significant Advantages Over Other Batteries, We
May Not Be Able To Market Our Batteries.
To achieve market acceptance, our batteries must offer significant price and/or
performance advantages over other current and potential alternative battery
technologies in a broad range of applications. Our rechargeable batteries may
not be able to achieve or sustain any such advantages. Even if our rechargeable
batteries provide meaningful price or performance advantages, there is a risk
our batteries may not be able to achieve or maintain market acceptance in any
potential market
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application. The success of our products also will depend upon the level of
market acceptance of OEMs' and other customers' end products which incorporate
our batteries, over which we have no control. If our rechargeable batteries do
not achieve and maintain significant price and/or performance advantages over
other technologies and achieve significant and sustained market acceptance, or
if customers' applications which incorporate our products do not achieve lasting
market acceptance, our business, results of operations and financial condition
could be materially adversely affected.
If we do manufacture our batteries in commercial quantities and they fail to
perform as expected, our reputation could be severely damaged, which would have
a material adverse effect on our ability to market our batteries even if the
defect were corrected.
Battery Technologies Are Rapidly Evolving, Which May Make Our Batteries
Obsolete.
The battery industry has experienced, and is expected to continue to experience,
rapid technological change. Various companies are seeking to enhance traditional
battery technologies, and other companies have recently introduced or are
developing rechargeable batteries based on emerging and potential technologies.
Competing technologies that outperform our batteries could be developed and
successfully introduced and as a result, there is a risk that our products may
not be able to compete effectively in our targeted market segments.
We Are Dependent On Our Senior Management, The Loss Of Any Of Whom May Impair
Our Ability To Conduct Our Business.
We are dependent on our senior management, the loss of any of whom may impair
our ability to conduct our business. We do not have written employment contracts
with any key employees and do not maintain key man life insurance policies with
respect to any of our employees. We believe that our future success will depend
in large part on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled technical,
managerial, and marketing personnel who are familiar with and experienced in the
battery industry. Competition for such personnel, in particular for product
development and product implementation personnel, is intense, and we compete in
the market for such personnel against numerous companies, including larger, more
established companies with significantly greater financial resources than us. We
have at times experienced difficulty in recruiting qualified personnel, and
there can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining
skilled personnel. Our inability to attract and retain other qualified employees
could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Political Instability In Northern Ireland May Delay Progress In Our Northern
Ireland Facility.
The current political instability in Northern Ireland, which to date has had no
negative impact on our manufacturing plant, could cause delays in completing our
manufacturing capability or in manufacturing our batteries. Such delays could
cause us to miss significant sales and marketing opportunities, as such delays
will force our potential customers to find other vendors to meet their needs.
Our Competitors May Develop Batteries Similar Or Superior To Ours Or Otherwise
Compete More Successfully Than We Do.
Competition in the battery industry is intense. The industry consists of major
domestic and international companies, most of which have financial, technical,
marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution and other resources substantially
greater than those
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that we have. Although we believe that our batteries will compete in most
segments of the rechargeable battery market, there is a risk that other
companies may develop batteries similar or superior to our batteries. In
addition, many of these companies have name recognition, established positions
in the market, and long standing relationships with OEMs and other customers.
While there is significant development work being done by these competitors on
various battery systems, we believe that much of this effort is focused on
achieving higher energy densities for low power applications such as portable
electronics. One or more new, higher power battery technologies could be
introduced which could be directly competitive with or be superior to our
technology. In addition, in the rechargeable battery market there are a variety
of competing technologies. The capabilities of many of these competing
technologies have improved over the past year, which has resulted in a customer
perception that our technology may not offer as many advantages as previously
anticipated.
There Is A Risk That Our Pending Patent Applications Will Not Result In Issued
Patents And That Any Of Our Issued Patents Will Not Afford Protection Against A
Competitor.
Our ability to compete successfully will depend on whether we can protect our
proprietary technology and manufacturing processes. We rely on a combination of
patent and trade secret protection, non-disclosure agreements and
cross-licensing agreements. Nevertheless, such measures may not be adequate or
safeguard the proprietary technology underlying our batteries. In addition,
employees, consultants and others who participate in the development of our
products may breach their non-disclosure agreements with us, and we may not have
adequate remedies for any such breach. Moreover, notwithstanding our efforts to
protect our intellectual property, our competitors may be able to develop
products that are equal or superior to our products without infringing on any of
our intellectual property rights. In addition, we may not be able to effectively
protect our intellectual property rights in certain countries. If existing or
future patents containing broad claims are upheld by the courts, the holders of
such patents could require companies to obtain licenses. If we are found to be
infringing third party patents, there is a risk that we may not be able to
obtain licenses to such products on reasonable terms, or at all. Our failure to
protect our proprietary technology may materially adversely affect our financial
condition and results of operations.
Patent applications in the United States are maintained in secrecy until patents
issue, and since publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent
literature tends to lag behind actual discoveries by several months, we cannot
be certain that we were the first creator of inventions covered by pending
patent applications or the first to file patent applications on such inventions.
Therefore, our pending patent applications may not result in issued patents and
any of our issued patents may not afford protection against a competitor.
Our Batteries Contain Potentially Dangerous Material, Which Could Expose Us To
Liability.
Battery technologies vary in relative safety as a result of their differing
chemical compositions. Most battery technologies incorporate a liquid that, if
leaked, may be dangerous. In addition, in the event of a short circuit or other
physical damage to the battery, the liquid may be free to flow to the reaction
site
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and produce a continuous chemical reaction. This reaction may result in excess
heat or a gas release and, if not properly released, may be explosive. We have
designed our batteries to avoid this risk, but if we are unsuccessful, we could
be exposed to product liability litigation.
Our products will incorporate potentially dangerous materials, including lithium
ions. While these materials are less reactive than other potentially dangerous
materials found in other types of batteries such as metallic lithium, which is
known in its metallic form to cause explosions and fires if not properly
handled, it is possible that these materials will require special handling. It
is possible that safety problems may develop in the future. We are aware that if
the amounts of active materials in our batteries are not properly balanced and
the charge/discharge system is not properly managed, a dangerous situation may
result. Other battery manufacturers using technology similar to ours include
special safety circuitry within the battery to prevent such a condition. We
expect that our customers will have to use such circuitry.
We Have Not Completed Safety Testing Our Batteries And Will Not Be Able To
Commercially Sell Our Batteries Until We Successfully Complete The Safety
Tests.
We have done extensive internal safety testing of our battery technology and
believe the inherent technology will make our batteries as safe or safer than
batteries using other technology. However, although we intend to submit our
battery technology for external testing by the Underwriters Laboratory ("UL")
and other external testing facilities, we have not yet done so and accordingly
we have not received a recognized approval rating regarding whether our battery
will be as safe or safer than batteries using other technology. As part of our
safety testing program, prototype batteries of various sizes, designs and
chemical formulations are subject to abuse testing, where the battery is
subjected to conditions outside the expected normal operating conditions of the
battery. While some prototype batteries have survived these tests, others have
vented gases containing vaporized solvents and have caught fire. Such results
were generally expected, and until we have completed testing we cannot make a
valid determination as to the conditions in which the battery must be operated.
Additionally, each new battery design requires new safety testing. Therefore,
safety problems may develop with respect to our battery technology that would
prevent commercial introduction.
Safety Risks In Our Facilities Could Create Delays
We incorporate safety policies designed to minimize safety risks in our
research and development activities and will do so in our manufacturing
processes. There is a risk, however, that an accident in our facilities
will occur. Any accident, whether with the use of a battery or in our
operations, could result in significant delays or claims for damages
resulting from injuries, which would adversely affect our operations and
financial condition.
The Strict Regulatory Environment In Which We Operate May Delay Shipments And
Impose Additional Costs On Us.
Prior to the commercial introduction of our batteries into a number of markets,
we may need to seek approval of our products by one or more of the organizations
engaged in testing product safety and/or agencies regulating transportation.
There is a risk that such agencies would not permit our batteries to be
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shipped or used by the general public, and that changes in regulations, or in
their enforcement, will impose costly requirements or otherwise impede the
transport of lithium. If we are able to obtain such approvals, they could
require significant time and resources from our technical staff and delays in
shipments and, if redesign were necessary, could result in further delays in the
introduction of our products. Because of the risks generally associated with the
use of lithium, we expect rigorous enforcement.
Federal, state and local regulations impose various environmental and health and
safety controls on the storage, use and disposal of certain chemicals and metals
used in the manufacture of lithium polymer batteries. Although we believe our
activities conform to current environmental regulations, there is a risk that
changes in such environmental regulations will impose costly equipment or other
requirements. Any failure by us to adequately control the discharge of hazardous
wastes could also subject us to future liabilities.
We Are Involved In Lawsuits Which Could Negatively Impact Our Business.
We are subject to litigation arising from time to time in the course of our
business. We currently have three substantial lawsuits in which we are involved.
The first is a class action lawsuit by a class of persons who purchased our
common stock between May 7, 1992 and August 10, 1994 alleging our violation of
federal securities laws and seeking unspecified damages. The second involves a
claim by a manufacturer of one of our pieces of manufacturing equipment that we
owe it approximately $1,900,000, and in which we have filed a counterclaim
against the manufacturer seeking damages to be determined at trial. The third is
a contract claim we instituted against several parties, in which one party filed
a counterclaim against us claiming damages of approximately $900,000 based on
breach of a contract, and which is presently stayed pending settlement
discussions. Although we believe that we have meritorious defenses to these
suits, if any of them is resolved unfavorably to us it could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition.
The Failure Of Our Key Suppliers And Customers To Be Year 2000 Compliant Could
Negatively Impact Our Business.
We use a number of computer software programs and operating systems in our
internal operations, including applications used in financial business systems
and various administration functions. To the extent that these software
applications contain source code that is unable to appropriately interpret the
upcoming calendar year "2000," some level of modification or even possible
replacement of such source code or applications will be necessary. Given the
current information, we currently do not anticipate that such "Year 2000" costs
will have a material impact upon us. We have requested information regarding
"Year 2000" compliance from suppliers and providers of all of our mission
critical software systems and have obtained some responses. Based on the
information we currently have, all mission critical systems appear to be "Year
2000" compliant. We are currently contacting major vendors and customers to
obtain "Year 2000" compliance certificates. The failure of any of our key
suppliers or customers to be "Year 2000" compliant could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of
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operations.
A Large Portion Of Our Stock Is Owned By Our Directors And Officers, Which
Allows Them To Exercise Significant Control Over Our Affairs...
As of July 29, 1999, our officers, directors and their affiliates as a group
beneficially owned approximately 22.8% of the outstanding common stock. As a
result, these stockholders will be able to exercise significant control over all
matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and
approval or disapproval of significant corporate transactions.
Our Corporate Documents May Prevent a Takeover Of Valence, Which Could Limit The
Ability Of Stockholders To Receive A Premium Price For Their Shares...........
Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of
undesignated preferred stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences and
privileges of those shares without any further vote or action by the
stockholders. The rights of the holders of our capital stock are subject to the
rights of the holders of the Series A and Series B Preferred Stock and will be
subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any
preferred stock that may be issued in the future. While we have no present
intention to issue any additional shares of preferred stock, such issuance,
while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions
and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult
for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock. In
addition, we are subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits us from engaging in a
"business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three
years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested
stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner.
The application of Section 203 also could have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change of control of Valence Technology, Inc.
If The Issuance Of Our Preferred Stock Was In Violation Of Nasdaq's Listing
Maintenance Requirements, Or We Otherwise Fail To Continue To Meet Nasdaq's
Listing Maintenance Requirements, Nasdaq May Delist Our Common
Stock.
In late January 1999, Nasdaq released its guidance on "future priced securities"
and the necessity of the issuer to comply with Nasdaq's listing maintenance
requirements in issuing these securities. We believe that the issuances of our
Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock do not violate these
criteria, and that we are in compliance with Nasdaq's listing maintenance
criteria. However, in the event that Nasdaq were to determine that the issuance
of our Series A Preferred Stock and/or Series B Preferred Stock was in violation
of the Nasdaq listing maintenance requirements, or if we are otherwise unable to
continue to meet Nasdaq's listing maintenance requirements, Nasdaq may delist
us. Such delisting could have a material adverse effect on the price of our
common stock and on the levels of liquidity currently available to our
stockholders. We may not be able to satisfy these requirements on an ongoing
basis.
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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The discussion in this prospectus supplement and in the prospectus
contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Those
statements include words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "intend,"
and similar expressions which we have used to identify these statements as
forward-looking statements. These statements appear throughout this prospectus
supplement and prospectus and are statements regarding our intent, belief, or
current expectations, primarily with respect to the operations of Valence or
related industry developments. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking
statements do not guarantee future performance and involve risks and
uncertainties, and that actual results could differ materially from those
discussed here, including under "Risk Factors," and in the documents
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and in the prospectus.
DIVIDEND POLICY
Valence has not paid any cash dividends since its inception and does not
anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The terms of our
Series A preferred stock and Series B preferred stock prohibits the payment of
cash dividends without the prior consent of the holder.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to us from this offering will be $2,955,000. We plan to
use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including:
- acquiring raw materials and building inventory of finished goods;
- financing capital expenditures; and
- working capital.
Pending use of the net proceeds for any of these purposes, we may invest
the net proceeds in short-term investment grade instruments, interest-bearing
bank accounts, certificates of deposit, money market securities, U.S. government
securities or mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by federal agencies.
S-13
<PAGE>
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
Since May 7, 1992, our common stock has been traded on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol "VLNC." A summary of the high and low closing sales
prices during each quarter for our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1998 HIGH LOW
- ------------------------------------------------ ------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
Quarter ended June 29, 1997 $10 $5-3/4
Quarter ended September 28, 1997 9-1/8 6-7/8
Quarter ended December 28, 1997 9 4-1/4
Quarter ended March 29, 1998 6-1/2 4-1/4
FISCAL 1999
Quarter ended June 28, 1998 6-1/8 4-21/32
Quarter ended September 27, 1998 5-3/4 3-7/16
Quarter ended December 27, 1998 10-7/8 4-1/8
Quarter ending March 28, 1999 8-9/16 6-1/8
FISCAL 2000
Quarter ending June 27, 1999 8-7/16 6-1/2
</TABLE>
On August 26, 1999, the last reported sales price of our common shares on
the Nasdaq National Market was $4.56 per share.
As of August 26, 1999 and before the issuance of shares pursuant to this
prospectus supplement, we have 27,728,742 shares of common stock outstanding.
The approximate number of record holders of our common stock as of July
29, 1999, was 708.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are selling the shares being offered hereby directly to one investor.
In connection with this sale, we are paying a finders fee to Caldwell Capital
Corp. in the amount of $45,000. Caldwell Capital Corp. may be deemed to be an
underwriter as defined in the Securities Act of 1933, and such finders fee
received by them from us may be treated as underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act.
We estimate that the total expenses of the offering, including all
offerings under the prospectus but excluding underwriting discounts and
commissions, if any, will be approximately $68,900. Proportionally, such amount,
plus the finders fee, relates to approximately $50,000 for the shares offered
by this prospectus supplement.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus
has been passed upon for Valence by Cooley Godward LLP, Palo Alto, California.
S-14
<PAGE>
EXPERTS
The consolidated balance sheets as of March 28, 1999 and March 29, 1998
and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit),
and cash flows for the period from March 3, 1989 (date of inception) to March
28, 1999 and for each of the years ending March 28, 1999, March 29, 1998 and
March 30, 1997 incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been
incorporated in reliance on the report, which includes an explanatory paragraph
regarding Valence's ability to continue as a going concern, of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The balance sheet as of March 28, 1999, and the statements of operations
and accumulated deficit and cash flows for the year ended March 28, 1999, and
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been incorporated in reliance
on the report, which includes an explanatory paragraph regarding Hanil Valence
Co., Ltd.'s ability to continue as a going concern, of Samil Accounting
Corporation, independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
S-15
<PAGE>
No dealer, sales person or other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations not contained in this prospectus
supplement or prospectus, and, if given or made, such other information or
representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by Valence.
This prospectus supplement or prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell,
or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security other than the notes or
conversion shares offered by this prospectus supplement and prospectus, nor does
it constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the
notes or conversion shares to anyone in any jurisdiction where, or to any person
to whom, it would be unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Neither the
delivery of this prospectus supplement or prospectus nor any sale made under
this prospectus supplement and prospectus shall under any circumstances, create
an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Valence since the
date of this prospectus supplement or imply that information contained in this
prospectus supplement and prospectus is correct as of any time subsequent to its
date.
--------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
<S> <C>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY.............................................S-2
RISK FACTORS..............................................................S-3
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS..........................S-13
DIVIDEND POLICY..........................................................S-13
USE OF PROCEEDS..........................................................S-13
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK..............................................S-14
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.....................................................S-14
LEGAL MATTERS............................................................S-14
EXPERTS..................................................................S-15
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
VALENCE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
BY THIS PROSPECTUS, WE MAY OFFER UP TO $50,000,000 OF OUR
COMMON STOCK
PREFERRED STOCK
WARRANTS
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"VLNC." On May 10, 1999 the closing sale price of a share of our common stock,
as reported on the Nasdaq National Market, was $7.09.
The securities offered or sold under this prospectus have not been
approved by the SEC or any state securities commission, nor have these
organizations determined that this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
---------------------------
We will provide the specific terms of the securities offered in a
supplement to this Prospectus. You should read this Prospectus and the
supplements carefully before you invest.
---------------------------
This investment involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors" in the
supplement to this prospectus.
---------------------------
We may offer the securities directly or through underwriters, agents or
dealers. The supplement will describe the terms of that plan of distribution.
"Plan of Distribution" below also provides more Information on this topic.
The date of this prospectus is May 12, 1999.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
About this Prospectus...................................2
Where You Can Get More Information......................2
About Valence...........................................4
Risk Factors............................................5
Use of Proceeds.........................................5
General Description of Securities.......................5
Description of Preferred Stock..........................5
Description of Common Stock.............................6
Description of Warrants.................................7
Plan of Distribution....................................8
Legal Matters...........................................9
Experts.................................................9
</TABLE>
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
SEC utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf process, we may
from time to time offer up to $50,000,000 in the aggregate of (a) shares of
common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Valence, (b) shares of preferred
stock, $0.001 par value per share, of Valence, in one or more series, (c)
warrants to purchase shares of common stock or preferred stock or (d) any
combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units consisting of one
or more of the foregoing, each at prices and on terms to be determined at the
time of sale. The common stock, preferred stock and warrants are collectively
referred to herein as "securities." The securities offered pursuant to this
prospectus may be issued in one or more series of issuances and the aggregate
offering price of the securities will not exceed $50,000,000 (or its equivalent
(based on the applicable exchange rate at the time of the sale) in one or more
foreign currencies, currency units or composite currencies as shall be
designated by Valence).
Each time we offer these securities, we will provide a prospectus
supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that
offering.
The registration statement that contains this prospectus (including
exhibits to the registration statement) contains additional information about
our company and the securities offered under this prospectus. The registration
statement can be read at the SEC web site or at the SEC offices mentioned under
the heading "Where You Can Get More Information." This prospectus may not be
used to consummate sales of Securities unless accompanied by a prospectus
supplement.
WHERE YOU CAN GET MORE INFORMATION
We are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly and current reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy these
reports, proxy statements and other information at the SEC's public reference
rooms in Washington, DC, New York, NY and Chicago, IL. You can request copies of
these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost.
Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation
of the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available at the SEC's
web site at "http://www.sec.gov." In addition, you can read and copy our SEC
filings at the office of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. at
1735 "K" Street, Washington, DC 20006.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file
with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with
the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate
by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we will make with
the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934:
- - Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 29, 1998, filed June
29, 1998;
- - Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 27, 1998 and filed August 4, 1998;
Page 2
<PAGE>
- - Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 1998,
filed August 11, 1998;
- - Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the fiscal quarter ended September 27,
1998, filed November 12, 1998;
- - Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 18, 1998 and filed December 21,
1998;
- - Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the fiscal quarter ended December 27,
1998, filed February 10, 1999;
- - Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A, for the fiscal quarter ended September 27,
1998, filed February 24, 1999; and
- - Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 5, 1999 and filed May 5, 1999; and
- - The description of the common stock contained in Valence's Registration
Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing,
telephoning or e-mailing us at the following address:
Valence Technology, Inc., 301 Conestoga Way, Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 558-1000 http://www.valence-tech.com
This prospectus is part of a Registration Statement we filed with the SEC.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in
this prospectus and the Registration Statement. We have not authorized anyone
else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the
information in this prospectus or any supplement is accurate as of any date
other than the date on the front of those documents.
Page 3
<PAGE>
ABOUT VALENCE
Our Business
We are engaged in research and development to produce advanced
rechargeable batteries based upon specialized technologies, which are referred
to in the industry as lithium ion and polymer technologies. Our objective is to
become a leading provider of rechargeable batteries. In July 1995, we announced
that we obtained a license to a related specialized battery technology from Bell
Communications Research, Inc. Since that time, we have been working to integrate
the Bell Communications technology with our own lithium polymer battery
technology. At the same time, we have continued the redesign and modifications
to our manufacturing equipment in Northern Ireland to support the potential
future commercial introduction of this new battery design.
The Market for Our Batteries
Widespread use of a variety of portable consumer electronics such as
portable computers, cellular telephones, camcorders and handheld power tools, as
well as continued demand from conventional applications such as automobiles,
have resulted in large markets for rechargeable batteries. These new and
conventional applications are placing growing demands on existing battery
technologies to deliver increasing amounts of electricity through smaller and
lighter batteries. In some cases, current battery capabilities are a major
limitation to the introduction of enhanced electronic products.
Our Stage of Development
We are a development stage company whose primary activities to date have
been:
- acquiring and developing technology;
- implementing a production line;
- manufacturing limited quantities of prototype batteries;
- recruiting personnel; and
- obtaining capital.
However, our current research prototype batteries meet some of the
exacting specifications demanded by the marketplace. Except for insubstantial
revenues from limited sales of prototype lithium polymer batteries, we presently
have no products available for sale. Prior to commencing volume production, we
do not expect to receive any significant revenues from the sale of our products.
To achieve profitable operations, we must successfully develop, manufacture and
market our products. There is a risk that we will not develop or manufacture our
products at an acceptable cost or with appropriate performance characteristics,
and that we will not be able to successfully market such products or that such
products will not achieve market acceptance. See "Risk Factors."
Page 4
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should
carefully consider the information contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in
the applicable supplement to this prospectus before investing in our securities.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the
net proceeds from the sale of securities offered hereby will be used for general
corporate purposes. We expect from time to time to evaluate the acquisition of
products, businesses 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.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
We may offer under this prospectus shares of common stock, shares of
preferred stock, warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock or any
combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units consisting of one
or more securities. The aggregate offering price of securities offered by us
under this prospectus will not exceed $50,000,000. If securities are offered as
units, the terms of the units will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
Certain of the securities to be offered hereby involve a high degree of risk.
Such risks will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such
security.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
General
Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended,
authorize the board of directors of Valence, without further shareholder action,
to provide for the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in
one or more series, and to fix the designations, terms, and relative rights and
preferences, including the dividend rate, voting rights, conversion rights,
redemption and sinking fund provisions and liquidation values of each of these
series. We may amend from time to time our restated certificate to increase the
number of authorized shares of preferred stock. Any amendment like this would
require the approval of the holders of a majority of the common stock, without a
vote of the holders of preferred stock or any series thereof unless a vote of
any such holder is required pursuant to the restated certificate or certificates
of designations establishing a series of preferred stock. As of the date of this
prospectus, we have 15,000 shares of preferred stock outstanding, 7,500 shares
of which are Series A Preferred Stock and 7,500 shares of which are Series B
Preferred Stock.
The particular terms of any series of preferred stock being offered by us
under this shelf registration will be described in the prospectus supplement
relating to that series of preferred stock. Those terms may include:
- the title and liquidation preference per share of the preferred stock
and the number of shares offered;
- the purchase price of the preferred stock;
- the dividend rate (or method of calculation), the dates on which
dividends will be paid and the date from which dividends will begin to
accumulate;
- any redemption or sinking fund provisions of the preferred stock;
- any conversion provisions of the preferred stock;
- the voting rights, if any, of the preferred stock; and
- any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and
other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of
the preferred stock.
Page 5
<PAGE>
If the terms of any series of preferred stock being offered differ from
the terms set forth in this prospectus, those terms will also be disclosed in
the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. The
summary in this prospectus is not complete. You should refer to our restated
certificate establishing a particular series of preferred stock, which will be
filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware and the SEC in connection with the
offering of the preferred stock.
The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.
The preferred stock will bear no dividends.
Dividend Rights
The preferred stock will be preferred over the common stock as to payment
of dividends. Before any dividends or distributions (other than dividends or
distributions payable in common stock) on the common stock shall be declared and
set apart for payment or paid, the holders of shares of each series of preferred
stock will be entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by the
board of directors of Valence. We will pay those dividends either in cash,
shares of common stock or preferred stock or otherwise, at the rate and on the
date or dates set forth in the prospectus supplement. With respect to each
series of preferred stock, the dividends on each share of the series will be
cumulative from the date of issue of the share unless some other date is set
forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. Accruals of dividends
will not bear interest.
Rights Upon Liquidation
The preferred stock will be preferred over the common stock as to assets
so that the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to be
paid, upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up
and before any distribution is made to the holders of common stock, the amount
set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, in this case the
holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any other or further payment
unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If upon any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up our net assets are insufficient to permit
the payment in full of the respective amounts to which the holders of all
outstanding preferred stock are entitled, our entire remaining net assets and
funds legally available for distribution to the preferred stock shall be
distributed ratably among such shares in proportion to the ratio that the
liquidation preference payable on each such share bears to the aggregate
liquidation preference payable on all such shares.
Redemption
All shares of any series of preferred stock will be redeemable to the
extent set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. All shares
of any series of preferred stock will be convertible into shares of common stock
or into shares of any other series of preferred stock to the extent set forth in
the applicable prospectus supplement.
Voting Rights
Except as indicated in the prospectus supplement, the holders of preferred
stock shall have no voting power whatsoever except as provided by law.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
As of the date of this prospectus, we are authorized to issue up to
50,000,000 shares of common stock of which 7,000,000 shares are reserved solely
for the purpose of effecting the conversion of the preferred stock. As of May
10, 1999, we had 26,736,292 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and
had reserved 8,250,000 additional shares of common stock for issuance under our
various stock and compensation incentive plans.
Page 6
<PAGE>
Dividends
The holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when, as and
if declared by the board of directors of Valence, out of funds legally available
for their payment.
Voting Rights
The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
Rights Upon Liquidation
In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share equally in any
of our assets available for distribution after the payment in full of all debts
and distributions and after the holders of all series of outstanding preferred
stock have received their liquidation preferences in full.
Miscellaneous
The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
The holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive or redemption rights.
Shares of common stock are not convertible into shares of any other class of
capital stock. Boston EquiServe is the transfer agent and registrar for our
common stock.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants for the purchase of preferred stock or common stock.
Warrants may be issued independently or together with preferred stock or common
stock and may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each
series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be
entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The
warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and
will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with
any registered holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants. This
summary of some provisions of the warrants is not complete. You should refer to
the warrant agreement, including the forms of warrant certificate representing
the warrants, relating to the specific warrants being offered for the complete
terms of the warrant agreement and the warrants. That warrant agreement,
together with the terms of warrant certificate and warrants, will be filed with
the SEC in connection with the offering of the specific warrants.
The particular terms of any issue of warrants will be described in the
prospectus supplement relating to the issue. Those terms may include:
- the designation, number of shares, stated value and terms (including,
without limitation, liquidation, dividend, conversion and voting
rights) of the series of preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of
warrants to purchase shares of preferred stock and the price at which
such number of shares of preferred stock of such series may be
purchased upon such exercise;
- the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of
warrants to purchase shares of common stock and the price at which
such number of shares of common stock may be purchased upon such
exercise;
- the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and
the date on which the right will expire;
- United States Federal income tax consequences applicable to the
warrants; and
- any other terms of the warrants.
Page 7
<PAGE>
Warrants for the purchase of preferred stock and common stock will be
offered and exercisable for U.S. dollars only. Warrants will be issued in
registered form only. The exercise price for warrants will be subject to
adjustment in accordance with the applicable prospectus supplement.
Each warrant will entitle its holder to purchase the number of shares of
preferred stock or common stock at the exercise price set forth in, or
calculable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement. The exercise
price may be adjusted upon the occurrence of certain events as set forth in the
prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date,
unexercised warrants will become void. We will specify the place or places
where, and the manner in which, warrants may be exercised in the applicable
prospectus supplement.
Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase preferred stock or
common stock, holders of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders
of the preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise, including the
right to vote or to receive any payments of dividends on the preferred stock or
common stock purchasable upon exercise.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the securities through underwriters, agents or dealers or
directly to purchasers. A prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of each
specific offering, including the name or names of any underwriters or agents,
the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us from such sales, any
delayed delivery arrangements, any underwriting discounts and other items
constituting underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering price and
any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. Any
initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
If underwriters are used in the sale, the securities will be acquired by
the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in
one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public
offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The
securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates
represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more
firms acting as underwriters. The underwriter or underwriters with respect to a
particular underwritten offering and, if an underwriting syndicate is used, the
managing underwriter or underwriters will be set forth on the cover of such
prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement,
the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities if any are
purchased.
During and after an offering through underwriters, the underwriters may
purchase and sell the securities in the open market. These transactions may
include overallotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover
syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. The
underwriters also may impose a penalty bid, under which selling concessions
allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the securities they
sell for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if the syndicate
repurchases the securities in stabilizing or covering transactions. These
activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the
securities then offered, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise
prevail in the open market, and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
We may sell the securities directly or through agents we designate from
time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities covered
by this prospectus will be named, and any commissions payable by us to an agent
will be set forth, in a prospectus supplement relating thereto. Unless otherwise
indicated in a prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best
efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
If dealers are used in any of the sales of securities covered by this
prospectus, we will sell those securities to dealers as principals. The dealers
may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices the dealers
determine at the time of resale. The names of the dealers and the terms of the
transactions will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others
who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act
with respect to any sale thereof. The terms of any such sales will be described
in a prospectus supplement.
If so indicated in a prospectus supplement, we will authorize agents,
underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to
purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the
prospectus
Page 8
<PAGE>
supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for
payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. These contracts will be
subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the
prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of
such contracts.
Agents, dealers and underwriters may be entitled under agreements entered
into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect
to payments which such agents, dealers or underwriters may be required to make
in respect thereof. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage
in transactions with, or perform services on our behalf.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of any securities offered by this prospectus or any
supplement will be passed upon for Valence by Cooley Godward LLP, Palo Alto,
California.
EXPERTS
The consolidated balance sheets as of March 29, 1998 and March 30, 1997
and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit),
and cash flows for the period from March 3, 1989 (date of inception) to March
29, 1998 and for each of the years ending March 29, 1998, March 30, 1997 and
March 31, 1996 incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been
incorporated in the reliance on the report, which includes an explanatory
paragraph regarding Valence's ability to continue as a going concern, of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of
that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The balance sheet as of March 31, 1998, and the statements of operations
and accumulated deficit and cash flows for the year ended March 31, 1998, and
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been incorporated in the
reliance on the report, which includes an explanatory paragraph regarding Hanil
Valence Co., Ltd.'s ability to continue as a going concern, of Samil Accounting
Corporation, independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
Page 9
