BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC
10-Q, 1996-11-14
ELECTRONIC PARTS & EQUIPMENT, NEC
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                                                          No. pages 14
                                                          index exhibit pg. none


                                    FORM 10-Q

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549

         ( Mark one )
         [ X ]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
                           OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the quarterly period ended:    September 30, 1996
                                            ------------------

                                       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       0-21528

                                    Bell Microproducts Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         California                                           94-3057566
- ------------------------------------                        ---------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                             (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                             Identification No.)

1941 Ringwood Avenue, San Jose, California                     95131-1721
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                       (Zip Code)

(408) 451-9400
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former  name,  former  address and former  fiscal year,  if changed  since last
report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

         Yes      X        No                initial report, previously not
              ---------       ---------      required to file

Common Stock,  $.01 Par Value -- Number of Shares  Outstanding  at September 30,
1996: 8,390,083



                                                                               1


<PAGE>
<TABLE>

                             BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.
                               INDEX TO FORM 10-Q



                                                                                              Page
PART  I  -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                            Number
                                                                                             ------
<S>             <C>                                                                           <C>
      Item 1:   Financial Statements

                    Condensed Balance Sheets - September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995        3

                    Condensed Statements of Operations - Three months and nine months
                    ended September 30, 1996 and 1995                                          4

                    Condensed Statements of Cash Flows -  Nine months ended September
                    30, 1996 and 1995                                                          5

                    Notes to Condensed Financial Statements                                    6


      Item 2:   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                Condition and Results of Operations                                            7

PART II  -  OTHER INFORMATION


      Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports                                                         13

      Signature                                                                               14

</TABLE>
                                                                               2


<PAGE>

<TABLE>

PART I  -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1:  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                  Bell Microproducts Inc.
                                 Condensed Balance Sheets
                           (in thousands, except per share data)
                                        (unaudited)
<CAPTION>

                                                            September 30,     December 31,
                                                                1996            1995
                                                              --------         --------
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>     
ASSETS
Current assets:
     Cash                                                     $  2,911         $  2,489
     Accounts receivable, net                                   70,650           65,266
     Inventories                                                77,547           70,262
     Deferred and refundable income taxes                        3,035            3,418
     Prepaid expenses and other current assets                     977              841
                                                              --------         --------
                  Total current assets                         155,120          142,276
Property and equipment, net                                      8,866            7,861
Goodwill                                                         6,763            6,987
Other assets                                                       344              153
                                                              ========         ========
     Total assets                                             $171,093         $157,277
                                                              ========         ========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
     Notes payable, current portion                           $    147         $     15
     Accounts payable                                           57,040           31,596
     Other accrued liabilities                                   6,721            2,705
     Current portion of capitalized lease
        obligations                                              1,380            1,046
                                                              --------         --------
                  Total current liabilities                     65,288           35,362

Line of credit                                                  32,000           54,500
Notes payable, less current portion                                147              294
Capitalized lease obligations, less current portion              5,306            4,659
                                                              --------         --------
     Total liabilities                                         102,741           94,815
                                                              --------         --------

Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
     Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000 shares
       authorized; 8,390 and 8,323 issued and outstanding
                                                                51,184           50,841
     Retained earnings                                          17,168           11,621
                                                              --------         --------
         Total shareholders' equity                             68,352           62,462
                                                              --------         --------

     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity               $171,093         $157,277
                                                              ========         ========
<FN>
            See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                                                               3
<PAGE>

                                  Bell Microproducts Inc.
                            Condensed Statements of Operations
                           (in thousands, except per share data)
                                        (unaudited)


                                 Three months ended          Nine months ended
                               ---------------------       --------------------
                                9/30/96      9/30/95        9/30/96     9/30/95
                               --------     --------       --------    --------

Sales                          $118,018     $ 89,213       $347,094    $242,669
Cost of sales                   103,855       77,472        304,684     211,405
                               --------     --------       --------    --------
Gross profit                     14,163       11,741         42,410      31,264

Marketing, general and
   administrative expenses        9,896        7,177         30,173      20,459
                               --------     --------       --------    --------
Income from operations            4,267        4,564         12,237      10,805
Interest expense                   (767)        (921)        (2,672)     (2,343)
                               --------     --------       --------    --------
 Income before income taxes       3,500        3,643          9,565       8,462
Provision for income taxes       (1,470)      (1,548)        (4,018)     (3,612)
                               --------     --------       --------    --------

Net income                     $  2,030     $  2,095       $  5,547    $  4,850
                               ========     ========       ========    ========

Earnings per share             $    .24     $    .25       $    .65    $    .58
                               ========     ========       ========    ========

Weighted average common
   shares and equivalents         8,531        8,499          8,498       8,334
                               ========     ========       ========    ========


            See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.


                                                                               4



<PAGE>
<TABLE>


                                         Bell Microproducts Inc.
                                   Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
                               (Increase/(decrease) in cash, in thousands)
                                               (unaudited)
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Nine months ended September 30,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             1996                1995
                                                                           --------            --------
<S>                                                                        <C>                 <C>     
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income                                                                 $  5,547            $  4,850
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
  cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
         Depreciation and amortization                                        1,903               1,127
         Change in deferred and refundable income taxes                         383                --
         Changes in assets and liabilities:
              Accounts receivable                                            (5,384)            (10,498)
              Inventories                                                    (7,285)              1,471
              Prepaid expenses                                                 (136)               (456)
              Other assets                                                     (191)                 92
              Accounts payable                                               25,444             (14,410)
              Other accrued liabilities                                       4,016               1,791
                                                                           --------            --------

                Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities          24,297             (16,033)
                                                                           --------            --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment                                          (403)               (784)
                                                                           --------            --------

                Net cash used in investing activities                          (403)               (784)
                                                                           --------            --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings/(repayments) under line of credit agreement                  (22,500)             22,200
Repayments under term loan                                                     --                (5,000)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock                                          343                 757
Principal payments on long term liabilities                                  (1,315)               (770)
                                                                           --------            --------

                Net cash provided by (used in) financing  activities        (23,472)             17,187
                                                                           --------            --------

Net increase in cash                                                            422                 370
Cash at beginning of period                                                   2,489               1,402
                                                                           --------            --------

Cash at end of period                                                      $  2,911            $  1,772
                                                                           ========            ========

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
    Cash paid during the period for:
         Interest                                                          $  2,601            $  2,161
         Income taxes                                                      $  2,146            $  2,604
    Obligations incurred under capital leases                              $  2,280            $  4,224
    Common Stock issued on conversion of Note Payable                          --              $    772

<FN>
            See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                                                               5
<PAGE>


NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation:

         The condensed financial  statements  presented in this Quarterly Report
are unaudited.  It is management's  opinion that all adjustments,  consisting of
normal  recurring  items,  have been included for a fair basis of  presentation.
This  Quarterly  Report on Form  10-Q  should  be read in  conjunction  with the
Company's 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The operating  results for the period
ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily  indicative of the results that may
be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996.


Note 2 - Inventories:

         A summary of inventories follows (in thousands):

                                              September 30,      December 31,
                                                 1996                1995
                                              -------------     -------------
         Purchased components and materials
                                                  $65,668          $64,998
         Work-in-process                           11,879            5,264
                                              -------------     -------------

         Total                                    $77,547          $70,262
                                              =============     =============

Note 3 - Property and equipment:

         A summary of property and equipment follows (in thousands):

                                              September 30,       December 31,
                                                  1996                1995
                                              -------------     -------------
         Manufacturing and test
           equipment                            $   8,959          $ 7,452
         Warehouse equipment                          176              134
         Furniture and fixtures                     1,116              941
         Computer and other
           equipment                                2,645            1,695
                                              -------------     -------------
                                                   12,896           10,222
         Accumulated depreciation                  (4,030)          (2,361)
                                              -------------     -------------

         Total                                  $   8,866          $ 7,861
                                              =============     =============



                                                                               6

<PAGE>


Note 4 - Line of Credit

         On June 25, 1996, the Company  entered into an amendment to the Amended
and Restated Syndicated Credit Agreement arranged by Sumitomo Bank of California
("Sumitomo  Bank") as Agent.  The amendment  increased the Company's $70 million
revolving  line of credit to $80 million and extended  the maturity  date to May
31, 1998. The syndicate  includes  Sumitomo Bank of California,  Union Bank, The
First National Bank of Boston, Comerica Bank - California and The Sumitomo Bank,
Limited.  At the Company's option,  the borrowings under the line of credit will
bear  interest at Sumitomo  Bank's  prime rate or the  adjusted  LIBOR rate plus
1.625%.  The  revolving  line of credit  requires  the  Company to meet  certain
financial  tests  and  to  comply  with  certain  other   covenants,   including
restrictions  on  incurrence  of  debt  and  liens,   restrictions  on  mergers,
acquisitions,  asset  dispositions,  declaration  of dividends,  repurchases  of
stock,  making investments and profitability.  The Company is in compliance with
its bank covenants,  however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be
in compliance in the future. Obligations of the Company under the revolving line
of credit are secured by substantially all of the Company's assets.

ITEM 2:  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Three months ended  September 30, 1996 compared to three months ended  September
30, 1995

         Sales were $118.0  million for the quarter  ended  September  30, 1996,
which  represented an increase of $28.8 million,  or 32.3% over the same quarter
in 1995.  Substantially all of the increase in sales was attributable to greater
unit sales within existing product lines, and increased sales volume through the
Company's manufacturing division (Quadrus). Semiconductor sales decreased in the
third  quarter of 1996  compared to the same  quarter in 1995  primarily  due to
price declines in memory products and the  discontinuation  of the  distribution
agreement with Hitachi America Ltd.  Computer  product sales  (principally  disk
drives) increased  substantially in the third quarter of 1996 due to higher unit
sales  as  a  result  of  an  increased   demand  for  mass  storage   products.
Manufacturing  sales increased in the third quarter of 1996 compared to the same
quarter in 1995 as a result of increased  sales to new and  existing  customers,
enabled by increased  manufacturing  equipment utilization and capacity. For the
quarter  ended  September  30,  1996,  Quantum,  one  of the  Company's  largest
suppliers,  provided products which represented 38.4% of the Company's sales, as
compared to 27.8% in the same quarter in 1995.  The loss of Quantum or any other
significant  supplier  would have a material,  adverse  effect on the  Company's
results of operations.

         The  Company's  gross  profit  for the third  quarter of 1996 was $14.1
million, which was $2.4 million, or 20.6% higher than the third quarter of 1995.
As a percentage  of sales,  gross margin was 12.0% in the third  quarter of 1996
compared to 13.2% in the same quarter of 1995.  The decrease in gross margin was
primarily attributable to a greater proportion of computer products sales, which
contribute lower margins.  Gross margins may fluctuate  quarterly due to the mix
of products sold to customers.

         Marketing,  general  and  administrative  expenses  increased  to  $9.9
million in the third  quarter of 1996 from $7.2 million in the third  quarter of
1995,  which  represented  a growth of  37.9%.  The  increase  in  expenses  was
primarily  attributable to the Company's  continuing  effort to expand its sales
and marketing  organization and additional  operating expenses related to growth
in the manufacturing division. Due to increased sales volume and changing market
conditions,  the Company also  increased  its  provision  for doubtful  accounts
during the third quarter of 1996.

         Interest  expense was $767,000 in the third quarter of 1996 as compared
to $921,000 in the third quarter of 1995.  The decrease in interest  expense was
primarily due to decreased bank borrowings.

         Net income was  $2,030,000  in the third  quarter of 1996,  compared to
$2,095,000  in the same period last year.  The decrease was  primarily  due to a
lower gross margin percentage of sales, increased operating expenses,  partially
offset by sales growth and decreased interest expense.

                                                                               7
<PAGE>

Nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to nine months ended September 30,
1995

         Sales were $347.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
which  represented an increase of $104.4 million,  or 43.0% over the same period
in 1995.  Substantially all of the increase in sales was attributable to greater
unit sales within  existing  product lines,  increased  sales volume through the
Company's manufacturing division (Quadrus),  and expansion of the customer base.
Semiconductor sales decreased slightly in the first nine months of 1996 compared
to the first  nine  months of 1995  primarily  due to price  declines  in memory
products and the  discontinuation  of the  distribution  agreement  with Hitachi
America  Ltd.  Computer  product  sales   (principally  disk  drives)  increased
substantially in the first nine months of 1996 compared to the first nine months
of 1995. The increased sales were due primarily to higher unit sales as a result
of an  increased  demand for mass  storage  products.  Manufacturing  sales also
increased  substantially  in the  first  nine  months  of  1996 as a  result  of
increased   sales  to  new  and   existing   customers,   enabled  by  increased
manufacturing equipment capacity.

         The Company's  gross profit for the first nine months of 1996 was $42.4
million,  an increase of $11.1  million,  or 35.7% over the first nine months of
1995.  Gross margin was 12.2% in the first nine months of 1996 compared to 12.9%
in the first nine months of 1995. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due
to a greater  proportion  of computer  product  sales,  which  contribute  lower
margins.

         Marketing,  general  and  administrative  expenses  increased  to $30.2
million  in the first nine  months of 1996 from $20.5  million in the first nine
months of 1995, a 47.5% increase.  As a percentage of sales,  expenses were 8.7%
in the first nine months of 1996  compared to 8.4% in the same period last year.
The increase in expenses was attributable to the Company's  continuing effort to
expand  its sales  and  marketing  organizations,  and to  additional  operating
expenses related to growth in the manufacturing division. Due to increased sales
volume and changing market conditions,  the Company also increased its provision
for doubtful accounts during the first nine months of 1996.

         Interest  expense was $2.7  million in the first nine months of 1996 as
compared to $2.3  million in the same period in 1995.  The  increase in interest
expense  is  primarily  related  to  the  increase  in  capital  leases  in  the
manufacturing  division and increased borrowings on the Company's revolving line
of credit.

         Net income grew to $5,547,000 in the first nine months of 1996 compared
to  $4,850,000  in the same period of 1995.  The increase  was due  primarily to
sales   growth,   partially   reduced  by  increased   marketing,   general  and
administrative expenses and interest expense.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         The  Company has funded its working  capital  requirements  principally
through  borrowings  under bank lines of credit and sales of equity  securities.
Working  capital  requirements  have  included  the  financing  of  increases in
inventory and accounts receivable resulting from sales growth.

         On June 25, 1996,  the Company  increased its revolving  line of credit
from $70 million to $80 million to provide working  capital for the Company.  At
the Company's option, the borrowings under the line of credit will bear interest
at  Sumitomo  Bank's  prime rate or the  adjusted  LIBOR rate plus  1.625%.  The
revolving  line of credit  has a final  payment  due date of May 31,  1998.  The
revolving line of credit  requires the Company to meet certain  financial  tests
and to comply with certain other covenants, including restrictions on incurrence
of debt and liens,  restrictions on mergers,  acquisitions,  asset dispositions,
declaration  of  dividends,   repurchases  of  stock,   making  investments  and
profitability.  The Company is in compliance with its bank  covenants,  however,
there can be no assurance  that the Company will be in compliance in the future.
Obligations  of the Company  under the  revolving  line of credit are secured by
substantially  all of the Company's  assets.  The Company intends to utilize its
revolving  line of credit  to fund  future  working  capital  requirements.  The

                                                                               8

<PAGE>

Company evaluates  potential  acquisitions from time to time and may utilize its
line of credit to acquire  complementary  businesses,  provided consent from its
banks is obtained.

         The Company's  inventories  as of September 30, 1996 increased to $77.5
million from $70.3 million as of December 31, 1995  primarily as a result of the
company's need to support anticipated future sales requirements and the addition
of new product lines. The Company's  accounts payable increased to $57.0 million
as of September 30, 1996 from $31.6  million as of December 31, 1995,  primarily
due to the  Company's  efforts to negotiate  more  favorable  payment terms with
certain  suppliers as well as timing  issues  related to inventory  receipts and
payments.  The  Company's  future  cash  requirements  will  depend on  numerous
factors,  including the rate of growth of its sales.  The Company  believes that
its working capital,  including its existing credit facility, will be sufficient
to meet the Company's short term capital requirements.  However, the Company may
seek additional debt or equity financing to fund continued growth.

RISK FACTORS

         In evaluating  the Company's  business,  prospective  investors  should
carefully  consider  the  following  risk  factors  in  addition  to  the  other
information set forth herein or incorporated herein by reference. 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 factors set forth below and
in the documents  incorporated by reference herein.  Forward looking  statements
are indicated by an asterisk immediately following the relevant statement.

Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results and Effect on Liquidity

         The Company's quarterly operating results have in the past and could in
the future fluctuate  substantially.  The Company's expense levels are based, in
part, on expectations  of future sales. If sales in a particular  quarter do not
meet  expectations,  operating  results  could be  adversely  affected.  Factors
affecting quarterly operating results include the timing of delivery of products
from  suppliers,  the  product mix sold by the  Company,  the percent of revenue
derived  from  distribution  versus  contract  manufacturing,  managing  Company
inventory  in both  the  contract  manufacturing  ("Quadrus")  division  and the
distribution  division,  availability of products from suppliers,  management of
growth, the Company's ability to collect accounts receivable, price decreases on
inventory that is not price protected and price competition for products sold by
the Company,  including the Company's  ability to sell  inventory at anticipated
prices.  Due in part to supplier  rebate  programs  and  increased  sales by the
Company near the end of each  quarter,  a  significant  portion of the Company's
gross profit has  historically  been earned by the Company in the third month of
each quarter.  Failure to receive products from its suppliers in a timely manner
or the discontinuance of rebate programs could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's results of operations in a particular quarter. In addition,  price
competition  for the products sold by the Company is intense and could result in
gross  margin  declines,  which  could have an adverse  effect on the  Company's
results of operations.  In various quarters in the past, the Company's operating
results have been  affected by these  factors.  In  particular,  during the last
quarter of 1995, a sharp  decline in DRAM prices and a general  softening in the
semiconductor  market and an increase in the  Company's  allowance  for doubtful
accounts had a material  adverse effect on the Company's  results of operations,
causing the Company to report a quarterly  net loss of $848,000.  As a result of
this quarterly loss, the Company was out of compliance with one of its covenants
in its revolving line of credit  agreement.  The Company  received a waiver from
its banks regarding this noncompliance.  However, there can be no assurance that
the Company will be in compliance with its bank covenants in the future.  If the
Company does not remain in compliance  with the covenants in its revolving  line
of credit agreement and is unable to obtain a waiver of  noncompliance  from its
banks,  the Company's  business,  financial  condition and results of operations
would be materially  adversely  affected.  There can be no assurance that any of
the foregoing  factors will not  materially  adversely  affect future  operating
results.

                                                                               9
<PAGE>

Dependence on Suppliers

         The Company  relies on a limited number of suppliers for products which
represent a significant  portion of its sales.  For the quarter ended  September
30, 1996,  sales of Quantum products  represented  38.4% of the Company's sales,
and for the  quarter  ended  September  30,  1995,  sales  of  Quantum  products
represented 27.8% of the Company's sales. The Company's  distribution  agreement
with  Quantum is  cancelable  upon 90 days'  notice.  In the past,  distribution
arrangements with significant suppliers have been terminated and there can be no
assurance  that,  in the  future,  one or  more  of  the  Company's  significant
distributor  relationships  will not be  terminated.  The loss of Quantum or any
significant  supplier  could have a  material  adverse  effect on the  Company's
results of  operations.  As the Company enters into  distribution  relationships
with new suppliers,  other  competitive  suppliers may choose to terminate their
distribution  arrangements  with the Company with minimal  notice.  In the first
quarter of 1996,  Hitachi America Ltd. did not renew its distribution  agreement
with the Company.  This supplier  accounted for  approximately  $1.7 million and
$297,000 of the Company's sales and gross profit  respectively,  for the quarter
ended  December 31, 1995. To the extent that the Company is unable to enter into
or maintain  distribution  arrangements with leading suppliers of components and
computer products, the Company's sales and operating results could be materially
adversely affected.

         The Company has entered into agreements  with most of its  distribution
suppliers which generally  provide the Company with price protection and limited
inventory  rotation rights.  There can be no assurance that such agreements will
not be canceled,  or that price protection and inventory  rotation policies will
provide complete protection or will not be changed in the future. If the Company
were to  purchase  significant  amounts of products on terms that do not include
effective price protection or inventory  rotation rights, it would bear the risk
of obsolescence  and price  fluctuation for those  products.  In particular,  in
February 1996 the Company  reported fourth quarter 1995 charges of $2.5 million,
net of tax, of which  approximately $1.6 million related to inventory  valuation
issues of  certain  DRAM  products  and  approximately  $900,000  related  to an
increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts. These products were not subject
to the price  protection and inventory  rotation rights  normally  applicable to
components  purchased from the Company's franchised  suppliers.  There can be no
assurance that the Company will not have to take additional  charges to earnings
in the future due to  inventory  valuation  issues,  which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

Dependence on the Personal Computer Industry

         Many of the products the Company sells are used in the  manufacture  or
configuration of personal  computers.  These products are characterized by rapid
technological  change,  short product life cycles and intense  competition.  The
personal computer  industry has experienced  significant unit volume growth over
the  past  three  years,  which  has in turn  increased  demand  for many of the
products  distributed by the Company. Any slowdown in the growth of the personal
computer industry, or growth at less than expected rates, could adversely affect
the Company's ability to continue its recent revenue growth.  In addition,  many
of the Company's  customers in the personal computer industry are subject to the
risks of  significant  shifts in demand and severe  price  pressures,  which may
increase  the  risk  that  the  Company  may  not be able  to  collect  accounts
receivable  owed by some of its customers.  In particular,  one of the Company's
customers filed for bankruptcy,  which was the principal  reason for the Company
to increase its allowance for doubtful accounts by approximately  $900,000,  net
of tax,  in the fourth  quarter of 1995.  To the extent the Company is unable to
collect its accounts  receivable,  the Company's  results of operations  will be
adversely affected.

                                                                              10
<PAGE>


Cyclical Nature of the Semiconductor and Disk Drive Industries

         Semiconductors  and disk drives have represented a significant  portion
of the Company's  sales and the Company  believes they will continue to do so in
future  periods.*  Both the  semiconductor  and the disk drive  industries  have
historically  been  characterized  by  fluctuations in product supply and demand
and,  consequently,  severe fluctuations in price. In the event of excess supply
of disk drives or  semiconductors,  the Company's gross margins may be adversely
affected. In the event of a shortage of supply of disk drives or semiconductors,
the  Company's  results  of  operations  will  depend on the  amount of  product
allocated  to the  Company  by its  suppliers  and the  timely  receipt  of such
allocations. Additionally, technological change in the semiconductor industry in
the past has caused prices to decrease,  sometimes affecting the Company's gross
margins.  Other  technological  changes that affect the demand for and prices of
the products  distributed by the Company may further effect the Company's  gross
margins.

Management of Growth

         The Company has grown  rapidly in recent years,  with sales  increasing
from $34  million  in 1991 to $346  million  in 1995.  The  Company  intends  to
continue to pursue its growth strategy through  increasing sales of existing and
new  product  offerings,  as  well  as  through  acquisitions.   This  strategy,
particularly  as evidenced by the Vantage  acquisition,  will require  increased
personnel,   expanded   information   systems  and   additional   financial  and
administrative  control  procedures.  There can be no assurance that the Company
will be  able  to  attract  and  retain  qualified  personnel,  further  develop
accounting and control  systems or  successfully  manage  expanding  operations,
including  an  increasing  number of supplier  and  customer  relationships  and
geographically dispersed locations.  Further, there can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to sustain its recent rate of growth.

Competition

         The semiconductor and computer products distribution industry is highly
competitive.  The Company  generally  competes  for both  supplier  and customer
relationships  with  numerous  local,   regional  and  national  authorized  and
unauthorized distributors, and for customer relationships with semiconductor and
computer product manufacturers,  including some of its own suppliers.  Many such
competitors are larger,  more  established and have greater name recognition and
financial  and  other  resources  than  the  Company.  Price  is  a  substantial
competitive  factor in both the semiconductor  and disk drive industries.  There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete  successfully  with
existing or new competitors  and failure to do so would have a material  adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations.

         The contract manufacturing industry is highly competitive.  The Company
competes  against  numerous  domestic and offshore  manufacturers.  Many of such
competitors are larger,  more  established and have greater name recognition and
financial and other  resources  than the Company.  The  Company's  manufacturing
operations have achieved  profitability,  however there can be no assurance that
such operations will continue to be profitable.  Further, although manufacturing
sales levels  increased in 1995 and in the first nine months of 1996 as compared
to  prior  years,  due  to  the  highly   competitive  nature  of  the  contract
manufacturing  industry  there can be no assurance that this trend will continue
or that higher  sales  levels will in fact  result in  increased  profitability.
Additionally,  the Company's contract  manufacturing  division is dependent on a
relatively  limited customer base. Any significant  rescheduling or cancellation
of orders  from these  customers,  or loss of  customers,  could have a material
adverse  effect  on the  results  of  operations  of  such  division  and on the
profitability of the Company.


                                                                              11

<PAGE>


Dependence on Key Personnel

         The  Company's  success  depends  to  a  significant  extent  upon  the
continued  contributions  of its key  employees,  particularly,  W. Donald Bell,
President,  Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. The loss of other
key  employees  could also have a material  adverse  impact on the Company.  The
Company's  future  success  will depend in part upon its  continuing  ability to
attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Competition for such employees is
intense and there can be no  assurance  that the Company will be  successful  in
attracting  and retaining such  personnel.  Failure to attract and retain highly
qualified  personnel  could  have a  material  adverse  effect on the  Company's
results of operations.

Possible Volatility of Stock Price

         The market price of the  Company's  Common Stock is likely to be highly
volatile and could be subject to wide  fluctuations  in response to such factors
as, among others,  variations in the Company's  anticipated or actual results of
operations  and market  conditions  (which  may be  unrelated  to the  Company's
operating performance).

                                                                              12

<PAGE>


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports

    (a)   Exhibits:

          27.  Financial Data Schedule for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.

          99.  Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

    (b)   Reports on Form 8-K:
          None


                                                                              13

<PAGE>



Signature

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.

Dated:   November 14, 1996


                    BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.





                    By:      Remo E. Canessa
                       --------------------------------------
                    Remo E. Canessa, Vice President,
                    Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Controller and Secretary
                    (Principal Financial Officer and Accounting Officer)


                                                                              14



<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS   
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                                 JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                   SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                           2,911
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   74,773
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,123
<INVENTORY>                                     77,547
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               155,120
<PP&E>                                          12,896
<DEPRECIATION>                                   4,030
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 171,093
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           65,288
<BONDS>                                         37,453
<COMMON>                                            84
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                      68,268
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   171,093
<SALES>                                        118,018
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               118,018
<CGS>                                          103,855
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  103,855
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 8,787
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,109
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 767
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  3,500
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,470
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              2,030
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     2,030
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .24
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .24
        


</TABLE>

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                               SECOND AMENDMENT TO
                  SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

         THIS SECOND  AMENDMENT TO SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT  AGREEMENT
(this  "Amendment"),  dated as of September  30, 1996,  is entered into by and
among:

                  (1)  BELL   MICROPRODUCTS   INC.,  a  California   corporation
         ("Borrower");

                  (2) Each of the financial institutions listed in Schedule I to
         the Credit Agreement referred to in Recital A below (collectively,  the
         "Banks"); and

                  (3)  SUMITOMO  BANK  OF  CALIFORNIA,   a  California   banking
         corporation, as agent for the Banks (in such capacity, "Agent").

                                   RECITALS

         A.  Borrower,  the Banks and Agent are parties to a Second  Amended and
Restated  Credit  Agreement dated as of May 23, 1995, as amended by that certain
First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June
25, 1996 (the "Credit Agreement").

         B.  Borrower  has  requested  the Banks  and Agent to amend the  Credit
Agreement in certain respects.

         C. The Banks and Agent are  willing  so to amend the  Credit  Agreement
upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth below.

                                    AGREEMENT

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the above recitals and for other
good and  valuable  consideration,  the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby
acknowledged, Borrower, the Banks and Agent hereby agree as follows:

         1. Definitions, Interpretation. All capitalized terms defined above and
elsewhere  in  this  Amendment  shall  be used  herein  as  so  defined.  Unless
otherwise defined herein, all other capitalized terms used herein shall have the
respective meanings given to those terms in the Credit Agreement,  as amended by
this Amendment.  The rules of construction  set forth in Section I of the Credit
Aqreement shall, to the extent not inconsistent with



<PAGE>




the terms of this Amendment, apply to this Amendment and are hereby incorporated
by reference.

         2. Amendments to Credit Agreement.  Subject to the conditions set forth
in paragraph 4 below, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

                  (a) Clause  (i) of Subparagraph 5.02 (m) is amended to read in
         its entirety as follows:

                           (i) Its Quick Ratio  to be less than 0.50  to 1.00 at
                  any time;

                  (b) Clause (iv) of  Subparagraph  5.02.(m)  is amended to read
         in its entirety as follows:

                           (iv) Its Leverage  Ratio to  be  greater than 2.50 to
                  1.00 at any time;

         3.  Representations  and Warranties.  Borrower  hereby  represents  and
warrants to Agent and the Banks that,  on the date of this  Amendment  and after
giving effect to the amendments set forth in paragraph 2  above on the Amendment
Effective  Date (as  defined  below),  the  following  are and shall be true and
correct on each such date:

                  (a) The  representations and warranties set forth in Paragraph
         4.01 of the  Credit  Agreement  are true and  correct  in all  material
         respects;

                  (b) No  Event  of  Default  or  Default  has  occurred  and is
         continuing; and

                  (c) Each of the Credit Documents is in full force and effect.

         4. Amendment  Effective  Date.  The amendments  effected by paragraph 2
above shall become  effective on September  30, 1996 (the  "Amendment  Effective
Date"),  subject to receipt by the Banks and Agent on or prior to the  Amendment
Effective Date of the following,  each in form and substance satisfactory to the
Banks, Agent and their respective counsel:

                  (a) This  Amendment  duly executed by Borrower,  each Bank and
         Agent;

                  (b) A  Certificate  of the  Secretary of  Borrower,  dated the
         Amendment  Effective  Date,  certifying  that  (i) the  Certificate  of
         Incorporation and Bylaws of Borrower, in the form delivered to Agent on
         the  Effective  Date,  are in full  force and  effect and have not been
         amended,  supplemented,  revoked or  repealed  since such date and (ii)
         that attached thereto are true and correct copies of resolutions duly

                                        2


<PAGE>




         adopted by the Board of Directors of Borrower and continuing in effect,
         which authorize the execution,  delivery and performance by Borrower of
         this Amendment and the  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated
         hereby; and

                  (c) Such other  evidence  as Agent or any Bank may  reasonably
         request  to   establish   the   accuracy   and   completeness   of  the
         representations  and warranties  and the compliance  with the terms and
         conditions contained in this Amendment and the other Credit Documents.

         5.  Effect of this  Amendment.   On and after the  Amendment  Effective
Date, each reference in the Credit  Agreement and the other Credit  Documents to
the Credit Agreement shall mean the Credit  Agreement as amended hereby.  Except
as  specifically  amended above,  (a) the Credit  Agreement and the other Credit
Documents  shall  remain in full force and effect  and are hereby  ratified  and
confirmed and (b) the execution,  delivery and  effectiveness  of this Amendment
shall  not,  except as  expressly  provided  herein,  operate as a waiver of any
right,  power,  or remedy of the Banks or Agent,  nor constitute a waiver of any
provision of the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document.

         6.       Miscellaneous.

                  (a) Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in any number
         of identical  counterparts,  any set of which signed by all the parties
         hereto shall be deemed to constitute a complete,  executed original for
         all purposes.

                  (b) Headings.  Headings in this Amendment are for  convenience
         of reference only and are not part of the substance hereof.

                  (c)  Governing  Law. This  Amendment  shall be governed by and
         construed  in  accordance  with  the laws of the  State  of  California
         without reference to conflicts of law rules.

                                       3

<PAGE>



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  Borrower, the Agent and the Banks have caused this
Amendment to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

BORROWER:                        BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.

                                 By:      /s/ W. DONALD BELL
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:  W. Donald Bell
                                     Title: President, CEO and Chairman of the
                                            Board


AGENT:                     .     SUMITOMO BANK OF CALIFORNIA,
                                 As Agent


                                 By:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:


                                 By:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:


BANKS:                           SUMITOMO BANK OF CALIFORNIA,
                                 As a Bank


                                 By:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:


                                 By:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:

                                       4

<PAGE>





         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  Borrower, the Agent and the Banks have caused this
Amendment to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

BORROWER:                        BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.

                                 By:  /s/ REMO CANESSA
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:  Remo Caness
                                     Title: Vice President of Finance


AGENT:                     .     SUMITOMO BANK OF CALIFORNIA,
                                 As Agent


                                 By:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:


                                 By:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:


BANKS:                           SUMITOMO BANK OF CALIFORNIA,
                                 As a Bank


                                 By:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:


                                 By:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:

                                       4

<PAGE>



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  Borrower, the Agent and the Banks have caused this
Amendment to be executed as of the day and year first above written.

BORROWER:                        BELL MICROPRODUCTS INC.

                                 By:
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:
                                     Title:


AGENT:                     .     SUMITOMO BANK OF CALIFORNIA,
                                 As Agent


                                 By:   /s/  S.C. BELLICINI
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:  S.C. Bellicini
                                     Title: Vice President


                                 By:   /s/  F. CLARK WARDEN
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:  F. Clark Warden
                                     Title: Sr. Vice President


BANKS:                           SUMITOMO BANK OF .CALIFORNIA,
                                 As a Bank


                                 By:   /s/  S.C. BELLICINI
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:  S.C. Bellicini
                                     Title: Vice President


                                 By:  /s/   F. CLARK WARDEN
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                     Name:  F. Clark Warden
                                     Title: Sr. Vice President

                                       4

<PAGE>



                         UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
                         As a Bank


                         By:   /s/  FRANK B. GWYNN
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:  Frank B. Gwynn
                             Title: Regional Manager


                         By:   /s/  KELLY D. TAKAHASHI
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:  Kelly D. Takahashi
                             Title: Vice President


                         THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:

                         COMERICA BANK CALIFORNIA, 
                         As a Bank


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:

                         THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED, 
                         As a Bank


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                                       5
<PAGE>



                         UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
                         As a Bank


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                         THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,


                         By:   /s/  LEE A MERKLE
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:  Lee A. Merkle
                             Title: Vice President

                         COMERICA BANK CALIFORNIA, 
                         As a Bank


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:

                         THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED, 
                         As a Bank


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                                       5
<PAGE>



                         UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
                         As a Bank


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                         THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:

                         COMERICA BANK CALIFORNIA, 
                         As a Bank


                         By:   /s/  SCOTT T. SMITH
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:  Scott T. Smith
                             Title: Assistant Vice President

                         THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED, 
                         As a Bank


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                                       5
<PAGE>



                         UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
                         As a Bank


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:


                         THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON,


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:

                         COMERICA BANK CALIFORNIA, 
                         As a Bank


                         By: 
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:
                             Title:

                         THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED, 
                         As a Bank


                         By:   /s/  J. WILLIAM BLOORE
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:  J. William Bloore
                             Title: Assistant Vice President


                         By:   /s/  CAROLE A. DALEY
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                             Name:  Carole A. Daley
                             Title: Vice President


                                       5


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