<PAGE> 1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 29, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number: 0-27016
ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
DELAWARE 74-2507960
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
5316 Highway 290 West, Suite 500
Austin, Texas 78735-8930
(512) 436-2000
(Address and Telephone Number of Principal Executive Offices)
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.
[X] Yes [ ] No
Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock,
as of October 1, 1997: $.001 par value, 23,563,001 shares.
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ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 1997
INDEX
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Page
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<S> <C>
Title Page .............................................................................................. 1
Index ................................................................................................... 2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 29,
1997 and March 31, 1997 ..................................................................... 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
Three and Six Months Ended September 29, 1997 and September 30, 1996......................... 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
Six Months Ended September 29, 1997 and September 30, 1996................................... 5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements ........................................ 6
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations ......................................................... 7
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings ..................................................................... 16
ITEM 2. Changes in Securities ................................................................. 16
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities ...................................................... 16
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security-Holders ................................... 17
ITEM 5. Other Information ..................................................................... 18
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ...................................................... 18
SIGNATURES ............................................................................................ 20
</TABLE>
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
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<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 29, MARCH 31,
1997 1997
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ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ...................................................... $ 3,936 $ 2,811
Trade accounts receivable, net allowance of $1,797 and $1,555, respectively .... 6,256 11,297
Receivable from Fujitsu ........................................................ 8,078 3,320
Inventory ...................................................................... 14,458 16,308
Prepaid expenses and other assets .............................................. 4,190 3,331
--------- ---------
Total current assets ................................................... 36,918 37,067
Property and equipment, net ...................................................... 14,951 17,752
--------- ---------
Total assets ..................................................................... $ 51,869 $ 54,819
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable ......................................................... $ 11,970 $ 19,194
Accrued liabilities ............................................................ 3,190 8,307
Payable to Fujitsu ............................................................. 8,989 4,043
Notes payable .................................................................. 56,000 43,500
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities .............................................. 80,149 75,044
Stockholders' deficit:
Common stock ................................................................... 23 23
Additional paid-in capital ..................................................... 82,575 82,564
Accumulated deficit ............................................................ (109,627) (101,561)
--------- ---------
(27,029) (18,974)
Less treasury stock ............................................................ (1,251) (1,251)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' deficit ............................................ (28,280) (20,225)
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit ...................................... $ 51,869 $ 54,819
========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
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<CAPTION>
THREE THREE SIX SIX
MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS MONTHS
ENDED ENDED ENDED ENDED
SEPTEMBER 29, SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 29, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales .............................. $ 11,472 $ 21,197 $ 23,285 $ 52,109
Cost of sales .......................... 10,063 14,096 21,238 30,826
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit ......................... 1,409 7,101 2,047 21,286
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating expenses:
Research and development, net ........ (152) 9,090 1,394 13,489
Selling, general and administrative .. 3,535 7,484 7,135 10,974
Amortization of goodwill ............. -- 272 -- 544
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses ......... 3,383 16,846 8,529 25,007
-------- -------- -------- --------
(Loss) from operations ........... (1,974) (9,745) (6,482) (3,724)
Interest income (expense), net ......... (933) -- (1,584) 107
-------- -------- -------- --------
(Loss) before income taxes ....... (2,907) (9,745) (8,066) (3,617)
Income tax (benefit) ................... -- (3,411) -- (1,266)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net (loss) ....................... $ (2,907) $ (6,334) $ (8,066) $ (2,351)
======== ======== ======== ========
Net (loss) applicable to
common shareholders .............. $ (2,907) $ (6,334) $ (8,066) $ (2,351)
======== ======== ======== ========
Net (loss) per share ................... $ (0.12) $ (0.27) $ (0.34) $ (0.10)
======== ======== ======== ========
Weighted average common and common
equivalent shares outstanding .... 23,547 23,418 23,542 23,331
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS SIX MONTHS
ENDED ENDED
SEPTEMBER 29, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1996
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Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) ................................................ $ (8,066) $ (2,351)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to
cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ........................... 2,822 3,286
Change in assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable ............................. 5,041 (2,278)
Receivable from Fujitsu ............................... (4,758) 789
Inventory ............................................. 1,850 (18,460)
Deferred tax asset .................................... -- (1,266)
Prepaid expenses ...................................... 539 (3,391)
Trade accounts payable ................................ (7,224) 9,697
Payable to Fujitsu .................................... 4,946 1,114
Accrued liabilities ................................... (5,117) (1,359)
-------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities ............... (9,967) (14,219)
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures ...................................... (1,419) (5,094)
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock .................... 11 136
Proceeds from borrowings on notes payable ................. 12,500 1,400
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities ............. 12,511 1,536
-------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .. 1,125 (17,777)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ............ 2,811 17,941
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period .................. $ 3,936 $ 164
======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
The financial statements of ROSS Technology, Inc. and subsidiary (the
"Company") included herein have been prepared without audit pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC")
and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments necessary, such
adjustments being of a normal recurring nature, to present fairly the financial
condition and the results of operations for such interim periods. Certain
information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been
condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however,
management believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading. It is suggested that these financial statements be
read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto
included in the Company's filing with the SEC on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1997. The results for interim periods are not necessarily
indicative of the results for the respective fiscal years.
(2) INVENTORIES
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<CAPTION>
September 29, March 31,
1997 1997
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Die bank $ 3,375 $ 4,496
Work-in-process 8,662 6,236
Finished goods 2,421 5,576
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$14,458 $16,308
======= =======
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Die bank inventory, consisting of silicon wafers and cut and tested die,
is comparable to raw material inventory in other manufacturing industries.
Work-in-process inventory includes work in process as well as the Company's
inventories of multi-die packages (MDPs) and components and sub-systems to be
incorporated into module, board and system products. Finished goods inventory
includes finished module, board and system products as well as MDPs and ASICs
offered for sale to OEM customers.
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(3) NOTES PAYABLE
In November 1996, the Company established a new credit facility (the "DKB
Facility") with The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Limited ("DKB"). The DKB Facility was
subsequently modified to a maximum $60 million unsecured line of credit. The
Company's majority stockholder, Fujitsu Limited ("Fujitsu"), provided a
guaranty to DKB with respect to $50 million of the DKB Facility. The interest
rate payable on the DKB Facility is at DKB's stated rate, which at September
29, 1997, was 6.3125%. As of September 29, 1997, the Company's outstanding
unpaid principal balance under the DKB Facility was $56 million.
(4) SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On September 30, 1997, the Company concluded a recapitalization
transaction with Fujitsu, whereby the Company issued 500,000 shares of a new
series B Convertible Preferred Stock to Fujitsu and Fujitsu paid $50 million on
behalf of the Company to DKB in partial payment of the Company's outstanding
indebtedness to DKB in satisfaction of Fujitsu's obligation pursuant to certain
loan guarantees provided by Fujitsu to DKB. Also, the unsecured line of credit
is to be reduced from $60 million to a maximum of $20 million and continues to
be guaranteed by Fujitsu.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements, within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect
to the financial condition, results of operations and business of ROSS
Technology, Inc. and its subsidiary (collectively, unless the context otherwise
requires, "ROSS", the "Company", or the "Registrant"). Such statements are
subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially and adversely from those set forth in the forward-looking
statements, including without limitation the availability of financial
resources adequate to the Company's short-, medium- and long-term needs, the
Company's dependence on the timely development, pre-production qualification,
manufacture, introduction and customer acceptance of new higher speed,
higher-margin products, the ability of the Company to successfully implement
its strategy of diversifying into the system products business, the various
effects on revenue, margins, inventories and operating expenses of
repositioning the Company's product lines and overall business, the effects of
building and maintaining product inventories in the Company's hands and in its
distribution channels, product return and credit risks with distributors,
resellers and other customers, the Company's dependence on distributors and
resellers for certain product sales to end-users, the impact on
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revenue, margins and inventories of rapidly changing technology, competition,
downward pricing pressures and allocations of product among different
distribution channels, the effects of routine price degradation over time in
each of the Company's product lines, varying customer demand for the Company's
products, supply and manufacturing constraints and costs, the Company's
dependence on outside suppliers for wafer fabrication and raw materials,
components and certain manufacturing services, changes in plans, programs or
expenses for research, development, sales or marketing, the Company's ability
to build and maintain adequate staff infrastructures in the areas of
microprocessor design, product engineering and development, sales and
marketing, finance, accounting and administration, supplier disputes, customer
warranty claims, general economic conditions, and the other risks and
uncertainties described from time to time in the Company's public announcements
and SEC filings, including without limitation the Company's Current, Quarterly,
and Annual Reports on Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K, respectively. The Company
cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive. The
Company does not undertake to update any written or oral forward-looking
statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.
The information contained in this Quarterly Report is not a complete
description of the Company's business or the risks associated with an
investment in the Company. More complete discussions can be found in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997,
as supplemented by the information contained in subsequent Quarterly Reports on
Forms 10-Q, the Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 30, 1997, and this
Quarterly Report.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales. Net sales in the three-month period ended September 29, 1997 of
the fiscal year ending March 30, 1998 ("fiscal 1998") decreased 45.9% to $11.5
million from $21.2 million in the corresponding period of the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1997 ("fiscal 1997"). This was due primarily to a significant decline
in sales to the Company's primary OEM microprocessor chip customers, including
Sun Microsystems, Inc. ("Sun"), historically the Company's largest customer,
reflecting movement by those customers to competitors' 64-bit products as
compared to the Company's 32-bit products. Similarly, upgrade and systems sales
also declined in the second quarter of fiscal 1998 as compared to the second
quarter of fiscal 1997. For similar reasons, net sales for the six months ended
September 29, 1997 decreased 55.3% to $23.3 million from $52.1 million in the
corresponding period of fiscal 1997. Upgrade sales during the first and second
quarters of fiscal 1997 were affected positively by the introduction of the
Company's 150 MHz upgrade product.
Gross Profit. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the quarter
ended September 29, 1997, decreased to 12.3% as compared with 33.5% of net
sales for the comparable period in fiscal 1997. This decrease is primarily
attributable to the Company's relatively high cost of production, which in turn
is primarily attributable to overhead distributed over fewer units in fiscal
1998 compared to the similar period in fiscal 1997, and the usual erosion in
price of the
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Company's products over their life cycles. In addition, gross profit was
adversely affected by the Company's lack of new, higher-margin microprocessor
and upgrade subsystem module products. Likewise, gross profit for the six
months ended September 29, 1997, decreased to 8.8% from 40.8% for the
corresponding period in fiscal 1997.
Research and Development Expense. Net research and development ("R&D")
expenses were (1.3) % of net sales for the quarter ended September 29, 1997,
compared with 42.9% of net sales for the comparable period in fiscal 1997. This
decrease was primarily attributable to reimbursement by Fujitsu of $4.6 million
in expenses relating to the Company's 64-bit Viper microprocessor development
project, pursuant to a Development Agreement between Fujitsu and the Company
(the "Viper Development Agreement"), as well as application of $1 million of
payments from Fujitsu against R&D expenses pursuant to an additional
development agreement between Fujitsu and the Company. To a lesser degree, this
decrease also reflects the lack of expenses in fiscal 1998 related to the
Company's fiscal 1997 entrance into the systems business. This decrease was
partially offset by increases due to the addition of new personnel and related
overhead and outside contractor expenses in the areas of new product design and
new product development related to the Company's Colorado 4 and Colorado 5
hyperSPARC(TM) and next generation Viper microprocessor designs. Reflecting the
same trends, R&D expenses for the six months ended September 29, 1997 decreased
to 6.0% from 25.9% in the corresponding period in fiscal 1997.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and
administrative ("SG&A") expenses were 30.8% of net sales for the quarter ended
September 29, 1997, compared with 35.3% of net sales for the comparable period
in fiscal 1997. Absolute SG&A expenses decreased $3.9 million in the quarter
ended September 29, 1997, from the comparable period in the prior year. This
decrease in SG&A expense is primarily attributable to a $3.4 million increase
in the allowance for doubtful accounts recorded in the second quarter of fiscal
1997. Similarly, absolute SG&A expenses decreased $3.8 million for the six
months ended September 29, 1997 as compared to the corresponding period in
fiscal 1997. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses for the six months
ended September 29, 1997, increased to 30.6% from 21.1%, reflecting an increase
in sales expense as the Company added a significant number of sales-related
personnel and related overhead, and the engagement of the Company's newly-hired
President and Chief Executive Officer.
Net Interest Expense. The Company incurred net interest expense of $1.6
million for the six months ended September 29, 1997, versus interest income of
$.1 million for the six months ended September 30, 1996, reflecting the costs
of the Company's $60 million credit facility with The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank,
Limited ("DKB"). See "Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Income Tax Benefit. The Company has established a 100% reserve against its
deferred income tax asset and will not record income tax expense or benefit
until such time as the Company achieves profitability.
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Future Operating Results. The Company's financial condition deteriorated
significantly during fiscal 1997, and at the end of the second quarter of
fiscal 1998, the Company was continuing to experience significant losses from
operations. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 1997, the Company made significant
changes to the senior management team to assess the Company's business and to
implement changes necessary to restore the Company to a sound financial
condition. The Company depends solely upon its majority stockholder, Fujitsu
Limited ("Fujitsu"), for additions to capital necessary to continue its
operations. On September 30, 1997, the Company concluded a recapitalization
transaction with Fujitsu whereby the Company issued 500,000 shares of a new
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock to Fujitsu and Fujitsu paid $50 million on
behalf of the Company to DKB in partial payment of the Company's outstanding
indebtedness to DKB in satisfaction of Fujitsu's obligation pursuant to certain
loan guarantees provided by Fujitsu to DKB. (Since the recapitalization
transaction occurred after the close of the fiscal quarter, it is not reflected
in the attached financial statements.) In connection with the recapitalization
transaction, Fujitsu agreed to provide, and has since provided, a guarantee for
a $20 million line of credit from DKB. $6 million of such line of credit has
been borrowed by the Company. As part of the recapitalization, the Company
agreed to the following provision, among others: "The Company acknowledges
that, based on the Business Plan through fiscal 1998, the funding provided
through the purchase of the Series B Preferred Stock and the availability of a
credit line of $20 million guaranteed by Buyer, should (assuming the Company's
timely receipt of $13.5 million in funding through payments contemplated to be
payable to the Company under the Viper Development Agreement between the
parties (dated June 25, 1997) [the "Viper Development Agreement"] or otherwise
provided to the Company by Buyer after the date hereof and prior to March 31,
1998) avoid any cash flow shortages through fiscal year 1998. Based on the
foregoing, Buyer and the Company agree that Buyer's obligations to the Company
under that certain Letter dated June 18, 1997 from Buyer to the Company shall
be fully satisfied and extinguished on and as of the Closing" (of the
recapitalization). (In the Letter dated June 18, 1997, Fujitsu stated that "In
accordance with our plan for ROSS Technology, we (Fujitsu) are ready to provide
the necessary funding through debt guarantees or other types of financing for
ROSS Technology not to incur cash flow shortages through April 1, 1998".) See
"Liquidity and Capital Resources."
During the quarter ended September 29, 1997, the Company failed to meet
certain of the milestones set forth in the Viper Development Agreement. Fujitsu
and the Company amended such Agreement to provide for later achievement dates
for these milestones. Given the overall risks inherent in complex developments
such as that undertaken by the Company pursuant to the Viper Development
Agreement, there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve future
milestones in a timely manner or that, if such milestones are not achieved,
Fujitsu will agree to waive or postpone them.
The Company's operating results have in the past and may in the future
vary due to a number of factors, including availability and market acceptance
of new or enhanced versions of the Company's products, the Company's success in
entering new markets, the timing and extent of product development costs,
changes in the mix of products sold and in the mix of sales by
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distribution channel, competitive pricing pressures, anticipated decreases in
unit average selling prices of the Company's products, availability and cost of
products (particularly silicon wafers) from the Company's suppliers,
fluctuations in manufacturing yields, the gain or loss of significant
customers, new product introductions by the Company or the Company's
competitors, the competitiveness of the SPARC architecture and the timing of
significant orders, order cancellations or rescheduling, all as more fully
described in the Company's SEC reports, including without limitation the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal 1997. Any unfavorable change in the foregoing or
other factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition.
The Company operates in an industry characterized by increasing
competition, rapidly changing technology, and increasingly aggressive pricing.
As a result, the Company's future operating results will depend to a
considerable extent on its ability to rapidly and continuously develop and
introduce new microprocessor technologies that offer its customers enhanced
performance at competitive prices. The development of new high-performance
computer products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of
innovation from the Company's designers and suppliers, as well as accurate
anticipation of customers' requirements and technological trends. The Company
is also increasingly dependent on the ability of its suppliers to design,
manufacture, and deliver advanced components required for the timely
introduction of new products. The failure of any of these suppliers to deliver
components on time or in sufficient quantities, or the failure of any of the
Company's designers to develop advanced innovative products on a timely basis,
could result in significant adverse impact on the Company's operating results.
Once a hardware product is developed, the Company must rapidly bring it to
volume manufacturing, a process that requires accurate forecasting of both
volumes and configurations, among other things, in order to achieve competitive
yields and costs. Upon introduction of new products, the Company must also
manage the transition from older, displaced products to minimize disruptions in
customer ordering patterns, reduce levels of existing product inventory, and
ensure that adequate supplies of new products can be delivered to meet customer
demand.
Historically, average selling prices for microprocessors in general, and
for the Company's products in the time period during which they have been
commercially available, have decreased over the life of each specific product.
Although the Company has recently announced price increases for several of its
products, it expects that the average selling prices of its products will
continue to be subject to significant downward pressure in the future. If the
Company is unable to introduce and gain market acceptance of new products with
higher average selling prices or reduce its costs sufficiently to offset
decreases in prices of existing products, the Company's gross profits and
operating results would be adversely affected. In addition, because the Company
is continuing to increase its operating expenses for new product development in
anticipation of increasing sales levels, the Company's business and operating
results would be adversely affected if such sales levels were not achieved.
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The Company intends to continue to emphasize its upgrade business, in
which the Company's modules and motherboards are used to provide enhanced
performance for existing systems. In addition the Company will focus on sales
to OEM customers, which incorporate the Company's products into their products.
The Company intends to continue to explore the systems business in selling
workstation and server components together with SPARCplug(TM) systems which
provide customers with a unique form factor solution to their systems
requirements.
The Company believes that continued development of its systems business
may provide additional engines for future revenues and profits. There can be no
assurance, however, that this business segment will be successful. The Company
anticipates that the gross profit margins of these systems product lines will
be lower than those it has historically experienced in the OEM microprocessor
chip and upgrade subsystem module businesses. Also, for sales of certain
products through distributors, the Company is able to recognize revenue from
such sales only upon resale to end-users.
As noted above, the Company has recently experienced lower than expected
demand for a number of its products, especially its lower speed microprocessor
chips and associated semiconductors and MBus modules, as well as routine price
degradation on older products. These trends are continuing and are expected to
continue for the foreseeable future.
In addition, operating results could be adversely affected by general
economic and other conditions affecting the timing of customer orders and
capital spending or a downturn in the markets for microprocessors or
high-performance computer workstations.
Sales to Sun, historically the Company's largest OEM customer, have varied
substantially on a year-to-year and quarter-to-quarter basis over the periods
since fiscal 1991 and have decreased substantially in recent fiscal quarters,
as Sun has transitioned its business predominantly to 64-bit microprocessor
products. As previously advised, the Company anticipates that sales to Sun will
continue to fluctuate significantly in the future. The Company continues to
pursue sales to Sun of its current and future microprocessor products, but
there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve any future design wins
with Sun.
Although the Company is taking specific actions to improve gross profit
margins, it is anticipated that gross profit will continue to remain under
pressure for the foreseeable future due to a variety of factors, including
continued industry-wide pricing pressures, relatively low unit volumes
processed by the Company's test and assembly facilities, and the inability to
purchase raw materials in sufficient volume to obtain favorable pricing from
vendors.
R&D expenses are expected to increase, reflecting pre-production
qualification of the Colorado 5 hyperSPARC microprocessor and new product
design and development related to the Viper generation of microprocessors that
the Company expects to introduce in 1999. The Company expects that the level of
SG&A expenses will vary depending upon the overall sales
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effort undertaken and the Company's distribution strategies. Although R&D and
SG&A expenses can be reduced over time if the Company's revenues are less than
anticipated, the Company believes that it is building an infrastructure that is
critical to the Company's future success and represents a long-term investment
in the Company's future. Therefore, as in the recent past, the Company may
decide to undertake such expenses even if the result would be an increase in
such categories of expense as a percentage of net sales in a given fiscal
quarter or for a fiscal year as a whole.
The Company expects interest expense to be substantially lower on a
quarterly basis for the foreseeable future (as compared to recent prior
quarters) as a result of the Company's recapitalization. See "Liquidity and
Capital Resources."
The Company has lost a number of executives, engineers and other employees
due to voluntary resignations. The loss of executives and other key employees
has negatively affected the overall quality and depth of the Company's staff
infrastructure and its management and accounting controls. The Company is
seeking to remedy these shortcomings as a priority matter through new hiring
and the use of consultants and outside contractors. However, the impaired
infrastructure and controls may have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, results of operations and financial condition. The Company has
recently filled key management positions, including a Chief Executive Officer
and President, a Chief Financial Officer, a Vice President of Sales and other
key positions in sales, product engineering, finance and accounting. However,
given the Company's recent performance and financial condition, and the
availability of other attractive employment opportunities in the Austin area,
hiring staff remains difficult.
Although no decisions have been made, the Company anticipates that it may
need to implement additional incentive compensation programs in order to
attract and retain key employees and to motivate employees.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company experienced negative cash flows during the six months ended
September 29, 1997 and had negative working capital and stockholders' equity at
the end of that period. The Company is dependent on its parent company,
Fujitsu, for its capital requirements. In November 1996 the Company established
a "New Credit Facility" with DKB for a maximum principal amount of $25 million;
in February 1997 such New Credit Facility was increased to a maximum of $50
million. The New Credit Facility expires on March 31, 1998, and is guaranteed
by Fujitsu. In September 1997, a separate $10 million "Additional Credit
Facility" was established with DKB. This Additional Credit Facility expired on
September 30, 1997. At September 29, 1997, the principal amount outstanding
under both credit facilities was $56.0 million, with $50 million due on
December 31, 1997 and $6 million due on September 30, 1997. On September 30,
1997, the Company concluded a recapitalization transaction with Fujitsu,
whereby the Company issued 500,000 shares of a new Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock to Fujitsu and Fujitsu paid $50 million on behalf of the
Company to DKB in partial
-13-
<PAGE> 14
payment of the Company's outstanding indebtedness to DKB in satisfaction of
Fujitsu's obligation pursuant to certain loan guarantees provided by Fujitsu to
DKB. (Since the recapitalization transaction occurred after the close of the
fiscal quarter, it is not reflected in the attached financial statements.) In
connection with the recapitalization transaction, Fujitsu agreed to provide,
and has since provided, a guarantee for a new credit facility with DKB for a
maximum principal amount of $20 million. $6 million of such line of credit has
been borrowed by the Company. Accordingly, the Company believes that it will
have adequate capital for its business through April 1, 1998, but remains
dependent upon meeting the milestones requisite to receiving the periodic R&D
reimbursements contained in the Viper Development Agreement. Nevertheless,
there can be no assurance that the Company will not experience negative cash
flow from operations and the Company may in the future be required to seek
additional external sources of financing for its operating needs. There can be
no assurance that additional capital, including capital from bank borrowings,
will be available on terms favorable to the Company, if at all, or that Fujitsu
would be willing to provide additional loan guarantees, equity infusions or
other financial assistance to the Company in the future. To the extent that
additional capital is raised through the sale of additional equity or
convertible debt securities, the issuance of such securities would likely
result in substantial dilution to the Company's then existing stockholders. In
view of its position as the Company's controlling stockholder, Fujitsu's
concurrence is necessary for the issuance of any additional debt or equity
financing by the Company. The Company's failure to obtain sufficient additional
financing could make it impossible for it to continue operations, force the
Company to seek protection under Federal bankruptcy law and/or affect the
Company's listing on the Nasdaq National Market (see "Item 5, Other
Information").
The Company's principal source of liquidity as of September 29, 1997,
consisted of $3.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $4 million of
borrowing availability under its DKB credit facility. As of September 29, 1997,
the Company had negative working capital of $43.2 million, an accumulated
deficit of $109.6 million, and a stockholders' deficit of $28.3 million.
During fiscal 1997 and during the first six months of fiscal 1998, the
Company extended payment terms with many suppliers in order to increase the
availability of on-hand cash. As a result, the Company experienced difficulty
in procuring inventory and subcontract manufacturing services from some
suppliers. Although relations with some suppliers have improved, there can be
no assurance that the Company's various suppliers will continue to ship
supplies to the Company or that if they will ship supplies to the Company, that
the associated purchase terms will be favorable to the Company.
During the first six months of fiscal 1998, operating activities used cash
of $9.9 million, compared with using $14.2 million of cash during the
corresponding period in fiscal 1997. This improvement is due primarily to a
decrease in inventory of $.5 million as compared to an $18.5 million inventory
growth during the same period in fiscal 1997.
Cash generated by financing activities increased by $11 million in the
first quarter of fiscal 1998 due to borrowings under the New Credit Facility
from DKB.
-14-
<PAGE> 15
The Company's payment terms with Fujitsu for purchases of silicon wafers
and MDPs are longer than those generally available from other suppliers.
Although the Company believes that such payment terms will not change in the
near future, there can be no assurance that Fujitsu will continue to extend
such favorable payment terms to the Company. Shorter payment terms would
increase the Company's cash requirements.
The Company intends to incur additional capital expenditures of
approximately $6 million during the next 12 months, principally for computer
hardware and software, lab equipment and general office equipment and
furnishings.
Because the Company must order raw materials, silicon wafers and
components and build finished goods inventory substantially in advance of
product shipments, there is continued risk that the Company will forecast
quantity and product mix incorrectly and, therefore, produce excess or
insufficient inventories. Because the markets for the Company's microprocessor,
module and system products are subject to rapid technological and price
changes, inventory may be subject to rapid obsolescence. The inventory risk is
heightened because the Company's customers usually place orders with short lead
times. If the Company forecasts incorrectly and produces insufficient inventory
of particular products, the Company may face order cancellations from or loss
of customers, who may seek to satisfy their needs from other suppliers. In
general, the Company's customers may change delivery schedules or cancel orders
without penalty. To the extent that the Company produces excess or insufficient
inventories of particular products, or inventory becomes obsolete, the
Company's results of operations and financial condition could be materially and
adversely affected.
Based on the Company's current operating plan, including continued
payments from Fujitsu pursuant to the Viper Development Agreement that are
contingent upon the Company attaining the development milestones defined in
such agreement, the Company believes that its cash requirements will be met
through April 1, 1998. Beyond that time, the Company may require additional
equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital,
including capital from bank borrowings, will be available on terms favorable to
the Company, if at all. Moreover, the Company's cash requirements may vary
materially from those now planned because of changes in the Company's business
or capital expenditure plans, product plans or technology roadmap, changes in
the Company's level of product and manufacturing integration, results of
research and development, relationships with suppliers and customers, changes
in the focus and direction of the Company's research and development programs,
competitive and technological advances, the level of working capital required
to sustain planned growth, operating results (including the extent and duration
of operating losses), facilities, employment matters, and other factors.
-15-
<PAGE> 16
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material new developments with respect to previously-reported
litigation. In addition, the Company is involved in routine litigation arising
in the ordinary course of business, and, while the results of the proceedings
cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the final outcome
of such proceedings will not be material. .
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES
On September 30, 1997, the Company issued 500,000 shares of a new Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock to Fujitsu. The aggregate liquidation preference of
these shares is $50,000,000. The Series B Convertible Preferred Stock ranks
senior to the Company's common stock as to liquidation preference and pari
passu as to dividends. Other terms and conditions of the Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock are set forth in a Current Report on Form 8-K dated September
30, 1997 and the exhibits incorporated therein.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
-16-
<PAGE> 17
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS
The following matterS were submitted to a vote of the Company's
stockholders during the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on August
11, 1997 and approved by the votes shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1. Election of Directors Votes Cast For Authority Withheld
<S> <C> <C>
Fred T. May 20,548,301 7,860
Ryusuke Hoshikawa 20,548,611 7,860
William J. Raduchel 20,548,611 7,860
Masahiro Saida 20,548,611 7,860
Jack W. Simpson, Sr. 20,548,611 7,860
Yasushi Tajiri 20,548,611 7,860
Edward F. Thompson 20,548,611 7,860
Seiichi Yoshikawa 20,548,611 7,860
2. Approval of Amendment and Votes Cast
Restatement of the Company's
Stock Option and Restricted Stock For Against Abstentions
Purchase Plan 2.0: 16,414,990 391,185 3,801,737
</TABLE>
-17-
<PAGE> 18
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
As previously reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K dated September
30, 1997, on that date the Company concluded a recapitalization transaction
with Fujitsu whereby the Company issued 500,000 shares of a new Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock to Fujitsu and Fujitsu paid $50 million on behalf
of the Company to DKB in partial payment of the Company's outstanding
indebtedness to DKB in satisfaction of Fujitsu's obligation pursuant to certain
loan guarantees provided by Fujitsu to DKB. The Company also paid approximately
$.9 million of accrued interest outstanding on the $50 million of indebtedness.
In connection with the recapitalization transaction, Fujitsu agreed to
facilitate (through a guarantee, which has since been provided) a line of
credit for the Company from DKB up to a maximum of $20 million. As of October
28, 1997, the Company had borrowed $6 million against such line of credit.
Reference is hereby made to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated
September 30, 1997 for details of the foregoing transactions.
As disclosed on the Form 10-Q dated August 12, 1997, on July 14,
1997, the Company received notification from the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
("Nasdaq") that the Company did not comply with the net tangible asset
requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq National Market. Consequently,
Nasdaq requested that the Company provide it with plans for complying with the
net tangible asset requirement ($4 million in the Company's case). In the event
that the Company could not meet the net tangible asset requirement, the
Company's common stock was subject to delisting from the Nasdaq National
Market. Upon concluding the recapitalization on September 30, 1997, as of that
date, the Company met the net tangible asset requirement. Accordingly, per the
letter dated October 8, 1997, Nasdaq formally notified the Company that it was
found to be in compliance with all requirements necessary for continued listing
on the Nasdaq National Market.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits
Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
3.2 Restated Bylaws of the Company
3.3 Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock of the Company*
-18-
<PAGE> 19
10.1 Stock Purchase Agreement between Fujitsu Limited and
the Company dated as of September 30, 1997*
10.2 Agreement for Reimbursement of Wafer Payments
between the Company and Fujitsu Limited dated as of
September 30, 1997*
10.3 Agreement between Fujitsu Limited and the Company
dated as of September 29, 1997 relating to the Viper
Development Agreement dated June 25, 1997**
10.4 Letter of Guaranty dated October 29, 1997 from
Fujitsu Limited to The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Ltd.,
New York Branch.
27 Financial Data Schedule
- -----------------
* Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated September 30, 1997
** Certain portions of this Exhibit have been omitted
and filed separately under an application for
confidential treatment
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed by the Company on September 22, 1997
reporting the Company's mailing to its stockholders relating to the letter of
intent entered into by the Company and Fujitsu with regard to the proposed
recapitalization of the Company.
-19-
<PAGE> 20
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.,
a Delaware corporation
Date: November 3, 1997 /s/ F. S. (KIT) WEBSTER III
---------------------------
F. S. (KIT) WEBSTER III
Chief Financial Officer
-20-
<PAGE> 21
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description
------- -----------
<S> <C>
3.2 Restated Bylaws of the Company
3.3 Certificate of Designation of Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock of the Company*
10.1 Stock Purchase Agreement between Fujitsu Limited and
the Company dated as of September 30, 1997*
10.2 Agreement for Reimbursement of Wafer Payments
between the Company and Fujitsu Limited dated as of
September 30, 1997*
10.3 Agreement between Fujitsu Limited and the Company
dated as of September 29, 1997 relating to the Viper
Development Agreement dated June 25, 1997**
10.4 Letter of Guaranty dated October 29, 1997 from
Fujitsu Limited to The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Ltd.,
New York Branch.
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- -----------------
* Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated September 30, 1997
** Certain portions of this Exhibit have been omitted
and filed separately under an application for
confidential treatment
<PAGE> 1
BYLAWS
OF
ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
AMENDED AS OF
AUGUST 11, 1997
<PAGE> 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
ARTICLE I CORPORATE OFFICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 OTHER OFFICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ARTICLE II MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.1 PLACE OF MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.2 ANNUAL MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.3 SPECIAL MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.4 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.5 MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE; AFFIDAVIT OF NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.6 QUORUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.7 ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.8 VOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.9 WAIVER OF NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.10 STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING . . . . . 4
2.11 RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDER NOTICE; VOTING; GIVING CONSENTS . . . 5
2.12 PROXIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.13 LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.14 BUSINESS CONDUCTED AT, AND STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR, MEETINGS
OF THE STOCKHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
ARTICLE III DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.1 POWERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 NUMBER OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
</TABLE>
-i-
<PAGE> 3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
3.3 ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS . . . . . 8
3.4 RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.5 PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.6 FIRST MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.7 REGULAR MEETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.8 SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.9 QUORUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.10 WAIVER OF NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.11 ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.12 BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING . . . . . . . . 11
3.13 FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.14 APPROVAL OF LOANS TO OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.15 REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
ARTICLE IV COMMITTEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1 COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.2 COMMITTEE MINUTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.3 MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ARTICLE V OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.1 OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.2 ELECTION OF OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.3 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.4 REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.5 VACANCIES IN OFFICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.6 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
5.7 PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
</TABLE>
-ii-
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
5.8 VICE PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.9 SECRETARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.10 CONTROLLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.11 ASSISTANT SECRETARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.12 ASSISTANT CONTROLLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.13 AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ARTICLE VI INDEMNITY AND DIRECTORS' LIABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.1 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.2 RIGHT OF CLAIMANT TO BRING SUIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6.3 NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.4 DIRECTORS' LIABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
6.5 INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
6.6 INSURANCE AND TRUST FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ARTICLE VII RECORDS AND REPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.1 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF RECORDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.2 INSPECTION BY DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
7.3 ANNUAL STATEMENT TO STOCKHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
7.4 REPRESENTATION OF SHARES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS . . . . . . . . . 21
ARTICLE VIII GENERAL MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.1 CHECKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
8.2 EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS . . . . . . . . 21
8.3 STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.4 SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
8.5 LOST CERTIFICATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
</TABLE>
-iii-
<PAGE> 5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
8.6 CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
8.7 DIVIDENDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
8.8 FISCAL YEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
8.9 SEAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
8.10 TRANSFER OF STOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
8.11 STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
8.12 REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ARTICLE X DISSOLUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ARTICLE XI CUSTODIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
11.1 APPOINTMENT OF A CUSTODIAN IN CERTAIN CASES . . . . . . . . . . . 26
11.2 DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
</TABLE>
-iv-
<PAGE> 6
Amended as of
August 11, 1997
BYLAWS
OF
ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
ARTICLE I
CORPORATE OFFICES
1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE
The registered office of the corporation shall be in the City of
Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware. The name of the
registered agent of the corporation at such location is the Corporation Trust
Company.
1.2 OTHER OFFICES
The board of directors may at any time establish other offices at any
place or places where the corporation is qualified to do business.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
2.1 PLACE OF MEETINGS
Meetings of stockholders shall be held at any place, within or outside
the State of Delaware, designated by the board of directors. In the absence of
any such designation, stockholders' meetings shall be held at the registered
office of the corporation.
2.2 ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held each year on a date
and at a time designated by the board of directors. In the absence of such
designation, the annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on the second
Tuesday of August in each year at 10:00 a.m. However, if such day falls on a
legal holiday, then the meeting shall be held at the same time and place on the
next succeeding full business day. At the meeting, directors shall be elected
and any other proper business may be transacted.
-1-
<PAGE> 7
2.3 SPECIAL MEETING
A special meeting of the stockholders may be called at any time by the
board of directors, or by the chairman of the board, or by the president, or by
one or more stockholders holding shares in the aggregate entitled to cast not
less than a majority of the votes at that meeting.
If a special meeting is called by any person or persons other than the
board of directors or the president or the chairman of the board, then the
request shall be in writing, specifying the time of such meeting and the
general nature of the business proposed to be transacted, and shall be
delivered personally or sent by registered mail or by telegraphic or other
facsimile transmission to the chairman of the board, the president, any vice
president or the secretary of the corporation. The officer receiving the
request shall cause notice to be promptly given to the stockholders entitled to
vote, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2.4 and 2.5 of these
bylaws, that a meeting will be held at the time requested by the person or
persons calling the meeting, so long as that time is not less than thirty-five
(35) nor more than sixty (60) days after the receipt of the request. If the
notice is not given within twenty (20) days after receipt of the request, then
the person or persons requesting the meeting may give the notice. Nothing
contained in this paragraph of this Section 2.3 shall be construed as limiting,
fixing or affecting the time when a meeting of stockholders called by action of
the board of directors may be held.
2.4 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
All notices of meetings with stockholders shall be in writing and
shall be sent or otherwise given in accordance with Section 2.5 of these bylaws
not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the
meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting. The notice shall
specify the place, date, and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special
meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.
2.5 MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE; AFFIDAVIT OF NOTICE
Written notice of any meeting of stockholders, if mailed, is given
when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the
stockholder at his address as it appears on the records of the corporation. An
affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary or of the transfer agent
of the corporation that the notice has been given shall, in the absence of
fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
-2-
<PAGE> 8
2.6 QUORUM
The holders of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding and
entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of
business except as otherwise provided by statute or by the certificate of
incorporation. If, however, such quorum is not present or represented at any
meeting of the stockholders, then the stockholders entitled to vote thereat,
present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the
meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the
meeting, until a quorum is present or represented. At such adjourned meeting
at which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be transacted
that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.
2.7 ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE
When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, unless these
bylaws otherwise require, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if
the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the
adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting the corporation may transact
any business that might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the
adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a
new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned
meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the
meeting.
2.8 VOTING
The stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall
be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.11 of these
bylaws, subject to the provisions of Sections 217 and 218 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law ("DGCL") (relating to voting rights of fiduciaries,
pledgors and joint owners of stock and to voting trusts and other voting
agreements).
Except as provided in the following paragraph or as may be otherwise
provided in the certificate of incorporation, each stockholder shall have one
vote for every share of stock entitled to vote which is registered in his name
on the record date for the meeting. Except as provided below, all elections
shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, and except as otherwise
required by law or the certificate of incorporation, all other matters shall be
determined by a majority of the votes cast.
All voting, including on the election of directors but
excepting where otherwise provided herein or required by law or the certificate
of incorporation, may be by a voice
-3-
<PAGE> 9
vote; provided, however, that upon demand therefor by a stockholder entitled to
vote or such stockholder's proxy, a stock vote shall be taken. Every stock
vote shall be taken by ballots, each of which shall state the name of the
stockholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under
the procedure established for the meeting. Every vote taken by ballots shall
be counted by an inspector or inspectors appointed by the chairman of the
meeting.
2.9 WAIVER OF NOTICE
Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the
DGCL or of the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, a written waiver
thereof, signed by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the
time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a
person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except
when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the
beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the
meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be
transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the
stockholders need be specified in any written waiver of notice unless so
required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.
2.10 STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING
Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, any
action required by this chapter to be taken at any annual or special meeting of
stockholders of a corporation, or any action that may be taken at any annual or
special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without
prior notice, and without a vote if a consent in writing, setting forth the
action so taken, is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less
than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take
such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were
present and voted.
Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting
by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who
have not consented in writing. If the action which is consented to is such as
would have required the filing of a certificate under any section of the DGCL
if such action had been voted on by stockholders at a meeting thereof, then the
certificate filed under such section shall state, in lieu of any statement
required by such section concerning any vote of stockholders, that written
notice and written consent have been given as provided in Section 228 of the
DGCL.
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2.11 RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDER NOTICE; VOTING; GIVING CONSENTS
In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled
to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment
thereof, or entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without
a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution
or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of
any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other
lawful action, the board of directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which
shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date
of such meeting, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other action.
If the board of directors does not so fix a record date:
(i) The record date for determining stockholders entitled
to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of
business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if
notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on
which the meeting is held.
(ii) The record date for determining stockholders entitled
to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no
prior action by the board of directors is necessary, shall be the day on which
the first written consent is expressed.
(iii) The record date for determining stockholders for any
other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the board
of directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.
A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to
vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the
meeting; provided, however, that the board of directors may fix a new record
date for the adjourned meeting.
2.12 PROXIES
Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to
express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may
authorize another person or persons to act for him by a written proxy, signed
by the stockholder and filed with the secretary of the corporation, but no such
proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless
the proxy provides for a longer period. A proxy shall be deemed signed if the
stockholder's name is placed on the proxy (whether by manual signature,
typewriting, telegraphic transmission or otherwise)
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by the stockholder or the stockholder's attorney-in-fact. The revocability of
a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the
provisions of Section 212(c) of the DGCL.
2.13 LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE
The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of a corporation shall
prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders,
a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged
in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the
number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall
be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the
meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days
prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to
be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if
not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall
also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole
time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.
2.14 BUSINESS CONDUCTED AT, AND STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR, MEETINGS OF
THE STOCKHOLDERS
(a) At any annual or special meeting of the stockholders,
only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought
before the meeting. To be properly brought before a stockholders' annual or
special meeting, business must be (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or
any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the board of directors;
(ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of
the board of directors; or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting
by a stockholder. In addition to any other applicable requirements, and
subject to any limitations on business which may be proposed or transacted at
such meeting, for business to be properly brought before an annual or special
meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof
in writing to the secretary of the corporation. To be timely with respect to
an annual meeting, a stockholder's notice must be received at the principal
executive office of the corporation not less than sixty (60) days nor more than
one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the date of such annual meeting;
provided, however, that in event that the first public disclosure (whether by
mailing of a notice to stockholders or to an exchange on which the stock of the
corporation is listed, by press release or otherwise) of the date of the annual
meeting is made less than seventy (70) days prior to the date of the meeting,
notice by the stockholder will be timely received not later than the close of
business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such public
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disclosure was first made. To be timely with respect to a special meeting, a
stockholder's notice must be received at the principal executive office of the
corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day
following the day on which the first public disclosure (whether by mailing of a
notice to stockholders or to an exchange on which the stock of the corporation
is listed, by press release or otherwise) of the date of the special meeting is
made.
(b) A stockholder's notice to the Secretary shall set
forth, as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual or
special meeting: (i) a reasonably detailed description of any proposal to be
made at such meeting; (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the
corporation's stock register, of the stockholder proposing such business; (iii)
the class and number of shares of capital stock of the corporation which are
beneficially owned by the stockholder; (iv) any material interest of the
stockholder in such business; and (v) such other information relating to the
stockholder or the proposal as is required to be disclosed under the rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission governing the solicitation of proxies
whether or not such proxies are in fact solicited by the stockholder.
Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be
conducted at an annual or special stockholders' meeting except in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.14; provided, however, that
nothing in this Section 2.14 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any
stockholder of any business properly brought before the annual or special
meeting in accordance with said procedures. The chairman of an annual or
special meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the
meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance
with the provisions of this Section 2.14, and if he should so determine, any
such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
3.1 POWERS
Subject to the provisions of the DGCL and any limitations in the
certificate of incorporation or these bylaws relating to action required to be
approved by the stockholders or by the outstanding shares, the business and
affairs of the corporation shall be managed and all corporate powers shall be
exercised by or under the direction of the board of directors.
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3.2 NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
The number of directors of the corporation shall be not less than
three (3) nor more than nine (9). The exact number of directors shall be eight
(8) until changed, within the limits specified above, by a bylaw amending this
Section 3.2, duly adopted by the board of directors or by the stockholders.
The indefinite number of directors may be changed, or a definite number may be
fixed without provision for an indefinite number, by a duly adopted amendment
to the certificate of incorporation or by an amendment to this bylaw duly
adopted by the vote or written consent of the holders of a majority of the
stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.
No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the
effect of removing any director before that director's term of office expires.
3.3 ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS
Except as provided in Section 3.4 of these bylaws, directors shall be
elected at each annual meeting of stockholders to hold office until the next
annual meeting. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the
certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, wherein other qualifications for
directors may be prescribed. Each director, including a director elected to
fill a vacancy, shall hold office until his successor is elected and qualified
or until his earlier resignation or removal.
3.4 RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES
Any director may resign at any time upon written notice to the
corporation. When one or more directors so resigns and the resignation is
effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office,
including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or
vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or
resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold
office as provided in this section in the filling of other vacancies.
Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these
bylaws, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase
in the authorized number of directors elected by all of the stockholders having
the right to vote as a single class may be filled by a majority of the
directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining
director. If at any time, by reason of death or resignation or other cause,
the corporation should have no directors in office, then any officer or any
stockholder or an executor, administrator, trustee or guardian
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of a stockholder, or other fiduciary entrusted with like responsibility for the
person or estate of a stockholder, may call a special meeting of stockholders
in accordance with the provisions of the certificate of incorporation or these
bylaws, or may apply to the Court of Chancery for a decree summarily ordering
an election as provided in Section 211 of the DGCL.
If, at the time of filling any vacancy or any newly created
directorship, the directors then in office constitute less than a majority of
the whole board (as constituted immediately prior to any such increase), then
the Court of Chancery may, upon application of any stockholder or stockholders
holding at least ten (10) percent of the total number of the shares at the time
outstanding having the right to vote for such directors, summarily order an
election to be held to fill any such vacancies or newly created directorships,
or to replace the directors chosen by the directors then in office as
aforesaid, which election shall be governed by the provisions of Section 211 of
the DGCL as far as applicable.
3.5 PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE
The board of directors of the corporation may hold meetings, both
regular and special, either within or outside the State of Delaware.
Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or
these bylaws, members of the board of directors, or any committee designated by
the board of directors, may participate in a meeting of the board of directors,
or any committee, by means of conference telephone or similar communications
equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear
each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in
person at the meeting.
3.6 FIRST MEETINGS
The first meeting of each newly-elected board of directors shall be
held immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders and no notice of
such meeting need be given to the newly-elected directors in order legally to
constitute the meeting, provided a quorum shall be present.
3.7 REGULAR MEETINGS
Regular meetings of the board of directors may be held without notice
at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the
board.
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3.8 SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE
Special meetings of the board of directors for any purpose or purposes
may be called at any time by the chairman of the board, the president, any vice
president, the secretary or any two (2) directors.
Notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be delivered
personally (by hand, messenger, courier or otherwise) or by telephone,
telegram, cable, facsimile, electronic mail or other reliable form of
electronic delivery or sent by first-class mail, charges prepaid, addressed to
each director at that director's address as it is shown on the records of the
corporation. If the notice is mailed, it shall be deposited in the United
States Mail at least ten (10) days before the time of the holding of the
meeting. If the notice is delivered personally or by telephone, telegram,
cable, facsimile, electronic mail or other form of electronic delivery, it
shall be so delivered at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time of the
holding of the meeting and shall be deemed delivered and received on the date
on which it is officially recorded as delivered by return receipt or equivalent
or otherwise on the date of delivery or transmission if delivered personally or
by telephone, telegram, cable, facsimile, electronic mail or other form of
electronic delivery. Any oral notice given personally or by telephone may be
communicated either to the director or to a person at the office of the
director who the person giving the notice has reason to believe will promptly
communicate it to the director. The notice need not specify the purpose or, if
the meeting is to be held at the principal executive office of the corporation,
the place, of the meeting. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof,
any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting.
3.9 QUORUM
At all meetings of the board of directors, a majority of the
authorized number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at
which there is a quorum shall be the act of the board of directors, except as
may be otherwise specifically provided by statute or by the certificate of
incorporation. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the board of
directors, then the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time
to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum
is present.
3.10 WAIVER OF NOTICE
Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the
DGCL or of the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, a written waiver
thereof, signed by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the
time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a
person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except
when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the
beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the
meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be
transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the
directors, or members of a committee of directors, need be specified in any
written waiver of
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notice unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.
3.11 ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE
If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the board of directors,
then the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time,
without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is
present.
3.12 BOARD ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING
Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or
these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of
the board of directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a
meeting if all members of the board or committee, as the case may be, consent
thereto in writing and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of
proceedings of the board or committee.
3.13 FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or
these bylaws, the board of directors shall have the authority to fix the
compensation of directors. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any,
of attendance at each meeting of the board of directors and may be paid a fixed
sum for attendance at each meeting of the board of directors or any committee
thereof and a stated salary as director. No such payment shall preclude any
director from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving
compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be
allowed like compensation for serving on any such committee and for attending
committee meetings.
3.14 APPROVAL OF LOANS TO OFFICERS
The corporation may lend money to, or guarantee any obligation of, or
otherwise assist any officer or other employee of the corporation or of its
subsidiary, including any officer or employee who is a director of the
corporation or its subsidiary, whenever, in the judgment of the directors, such
loan, guaranty or assistance may reasonably be expected to benefit the
corporation. The loan, guaranty or other assistance may be with or without
interest and may be unsecured, or secured in such manner as the board of
directors shall approve, including, without limitation, a pledge of shares of
stock of the corporation. Nothing in this section contained shall be deemed to
deny, limit or restrict the powers of guaranty or warranty of the corporation
at common law or under any statute.
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3.15 REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Unless otherwise restricted by statute, by the certificate of
incorporation or by these bylaws, any director or the entire board of directors
may be removed, with or without cause, by the holders of a majority of the
shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors.
No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the
effect of removing any director prior to the expiration of such director's term
of office.
ARTICLE IV
COMMITTEES
4.1 COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS
The board of directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the
whole board, designate one or more committees, with each committee to consist
of one or more of the directors of the corporation. The board may designate
one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace
any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the
absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members
thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not
he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the
board of directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or
disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the
resolution of the board of directors or in the bylaws of the corporation, shall
have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the board of directors in
the management of the business and affairs of the corporation, and may
authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers that may
require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority to (i)
amend the certificate of incorporation (except that a committee may, to the
extent authorized in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance
of shares of stock adopted by the board of directors as provided in Section
151(a) of the DGCL, fix any of the preferences or rights of such shares
relating to dividends, redemption, dissolution, any distribution of assets of
the corporation or the conversion into, or the exchange of such shares for,
shares of any other class or classes or any other series of the same or any
other class or classes of stock of the corporation), (ii) adopt an agreement of
merger or consolidation under Sections 251 or 252 of the DGCL, (iii) recommend
to the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of
the corporation's property and assets, (iv) recommend to the stockholders a
dissolution of the corporation or a revocation of a
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dissolution, or (v) amend the bylaws of the corporation; and, unless the board
resolution establishing the committee, the bylaws or the certificate of
incorporation expressly so provide, no such committee shall have the power or
authority to declare a dividend, to authorize the issuance of stock, or to
adopt a certificate of ownership and merger pursuant to Section 253 of the
DGCL.
4.2 COMMITTEE MINUTES
Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report
the same to the board of directors when required.
4.3 MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES
Meetings and actions of committees shall be governed by, and held and
taken in accordance with, the provisions of Article III of these bylaws,
Section 3.5 (place of meetings and meetings by telephone), Section 3.7 (regular
meetings), Section 3.8 (special meetings and notice), Section 3.9 (quorum),
Section 3.10 (waiver of notice), Section 3.11 (adjournment and notice of
adjournment), and Section 3.12 (action without a meeting), with such changes in
the context of those bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee and
its members for the board of directors and its members; provided, however, that
the time of regular meetings of committees may also be called by resolution of
the board of directors and that notice of special meetings of committees shall
also be given to all alternate members, who shall have the right to attend all
meetings of the committee. The board of directors may adopt rules for the
government of any committee not inconsistent with the provisions of these
bylaws.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
5.1 OFFICERS
The officers of the corporation shall be a president, one or more vice
presidents, a secretary, and a controller. The corporation may also have, at
the discretion of the board of directors, a chairman of the board, one or more
assistant vice presidents, assistant secretaries, assistant controllers, and
any such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions
of Section 5.3 of these bylaws. Any number of offices may be held by the same
person.
5.2 ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The officers of the corporation, except such officers as may be
appointed in accordance with the provisions of
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Section 5.3 or 5.5 of these bylaws, shall be chosen by the board of directors,
subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment.
5.3 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS
The board of directors may appoint, or empower the president to
appoint, such other officers and agents as the business of the corporation may
require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority,
and perform such duties as are provided in these bylaws or as the board of
directors may from time to time determine.
5.4 REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS
Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of
employment, any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by an
affirmative vote of the majority of the board of directors at any regular or
special meeting of the board or, except in the case of an officer chosen by the
board of directors, by any officer upon whom such power of removal may be
conferred by the board of directors.
Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the
corporation. Any resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of
that notice or at any later time specified in that notice; and, unless
otherwise specified in that notice, the acceptance of the resignation shall not
be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation is without prejudice to the
rights, if any, of the corporation under any contract to which the officer is a
party.
5.5 VACANCIES IN OFFICES
Any vacancy occurring in any office of the corporation shall be filled
by the board of directors.
5.6 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
The chairman of the board, if such an officer be elected, shall, if
present, preside at meetings of the board of directors and exercise and perform
such other powers and duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the
board of directors or as may be prescribed by these bylaws. If there is no
president, then the chairman of the board shall also be the chief executive
officer of the corporation and shall have the powers and duties prescribed in
Section 5.7 of these bylaws.
5.7 PRESIDENT
Subject to such supervisory powers, if any, as may be given by the
board of directors to the chairman of the board, if there be such an officer,
the president shall be the chief
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executive officer of the corporation and shall, subject to the control of the
board of directors, have general supervision, direction, and control of the
business and the officers of the corporation. He shall preside at all meetings
of the stockholders and, in the absence or nonexistence of a chairman of the
board, at all meetings of the board of directors. He shall have the general
powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of president of a
corporation and shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by
the board of directors or these bylaws.
5.8 VICE PRESIDENT
In the absence or disability of the president, the vice presidents, if
any, in order of their rank as fixed by the board of directors or, if not
ranked, a vice president designated by the board of directors, shall perform
all the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers
of, and be subject to all the restrictions upon, the president. The vice
presidents shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from
time to time may be prescribed for them respectively by the board of directors,
these bylaws, the president or the chairman of the board.
5.9 SECRETARY
The secretary shall keep or cause to be kept, at the principal
executive office of the corporation or such other place as the board of
directors may direct, a book of minutes of all meetings and actions of
directors, committees of directors, and stockholders. The minutes shall show
the time and place of each meeting, whether regular or special (and, if
special, how authorized and the notice given), the names of those present at
directors' meetings or committee meetings, the number of shares present or
represented at stockholders' meetings, and the proceedings thereof.
The secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal
executive office of the corporation or at the office of the corporation's
transfer agent or registrar, as determined by resolution of the board of
directors, a share register, or a duplicate share register, showing the names
of all stockholders and their addresses, the number and classes of shares held
by each, the number and date of certificates evidencing such shares, and the
number and date of cancellation of every certificate surrendered for
cancellation.
The secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings
of the stockholders and of the board of directors required to be given by law
or by these bylaws. He shall keep the seal of the corporation, if one be
adopted, in safe custody and shall have such other powers and perform such
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other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or by these bylaws.
5.10 CONTROLLER
The controller shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and
maintained, adequate and correct books and records of accounts of the
properties and business transactions of the corporation, including accounts of
its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital,
retained earnings, and shares. The books of account shall at all reasonable
times be open to inspection by any director.
The controller shall deposit all money and other valuables in the name
and to the credit of the corporation with such depositaries as may be
designated by the board of directors. He shall disburse the funds of the
corporation as may be ordered by the board of directors, shall render to the
president and directors, whenever they request it, an account of all of his
transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation,
and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be
prescribed by the board of directors or these bylaws.
5.11 ASSISTANT SECRETARY
The assistant secretary, or, if there is more than one, the assistant
secretaries in the order determined by the stockholders or board of directors
(or if there be no such determination, then in the order of their election)
shall, in the absence of the secretary or in the event of his or her inability
or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary
and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of
directors or the stockholders may from time to time prescribe.
5.12 ASSISTANT CONTROLLER
The assistant controller, or, if there is more than one, the assistant
controllers, in the order determined by the stockholders or board of directors
(or if there be no such determination, then in the order of their election),
shall, in the absence of the controller or in the event of his or her inability
or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the controller
and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of
directors or the stockholders may from time to time prescribe.
5.13 AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS
In addition to the foregoing authority and duties, all officers of the
corporation shall respectively have such authority and perform such duties in
the management of the
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business of the corporation as may be designated from time to time by the board
of directors or the stockholders.
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNITY AND DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
6.1 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Provisions regarding the indemnification of the corporation's
officers, directors and employees also are contained in the corporation's
certificate of incorporation. The corporation shall, to the maximum extent and
in the manner permitted by the DGCL, indemnify each of its directors and
officers against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines,
settlements, and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection
with any proceeding, arising by reason of the fact that such person is or was
an agent of the corporation. For purposes of this Section 6.1, a "director" or
"officer" of the corporation includes any person (i) who is or was a director
or officer of the corporation, (ii) who is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, or (iii) who was a director or officer of a
corporation which was a predecessor corporation of the corporation or of
another enterprise at the request of such predecessor corporation. Such
director or officer shall have the right to be paid by the corporation for
expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final
disposition; provided, however, that, if the DGCL (or other applicable law)
requires, the payment of such expenses in advance of the final disposition of
any such proceeding shall be made only upon receipt by the corporation of an
undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay all amounts so
advanced if it should be determined ultimately that he or she is not entitled
to be indemnified under this Section or otherwise.
6.2 RIGHT OF CLAIMANT TO BRING SUIT
If a claim under Section 6.1 is not paid in full by the corporation
within ninety (90) days after a written claim has been received by the
corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the
corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim, together with interest
thereon, and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall also be
entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim, including reasonable
attorneys' fees incurred in connection therewith. It shall be a defense to any
such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses
incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where
the required undertaking, if any is required, has been tendered to the
corporation) that the
-17-
<PAGE> 23
claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under
the DGCL (or other applicable law) for the corporation to indemnify the
claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall
be on the corporation. Neither the failure of the corporation (or of its full
board of directors, its directors who are not parties to the proceeding with
respect to which indemnification is claimed, its stockholders, or independent
legal counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such
action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances
because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the
DGCL (or other applicable law), nor an actual determination by any such person
or persons that such claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct,
shall be a defense to such action or create a presumption that the claimant has
not met the applicable standard of conduct.
6.3 NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS
The rights conferred by this Article shall not be exclusive of any
other right which any director, officer, representative, employee or other
agent may have or hereafter acquire under the DGCL or any other statute, or any
provision contained in the corporation's certificate of incorporation or in
these bylaws, or any agreement, or pursuant to a vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors, or otherwise.
6.4 DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
No director of the corporation shall be personally liable to the
corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of
fiduciary duty by such a director as a director. Notwithstanding the foregoing
sentence, a director shall be liable to the extent provided by applicable law
(i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) pursuant to Section
174 of the DGCL or (iv) for any transaction from which such director derived an
improper personal benefit. No amendment to or repeal of this Article VI shall
apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any
director of the corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of
such director occurring prior to such amendment or repeal. If the DGCL is
amended hereafter to further eliminate or limit the personal liability of
directors, the liability of a director of this corporation shall be limited or
eliminated to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as amended.
-18-
<PAGE> 24
6.5 INDEMNIFICATION OF OTHERS
The corporation shall have the power, to the extent and in the manner
permitted by the DGCL, to indemnify each of its employees and agents (other
than directors and officers) against expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with any proceeding, arising by reason of the fact that
such person is or was an agent of the corporation. For purposes of this
Section 6.5, an "employee" or "agent" of the corporation (other than a director
or officer) includes any person (i) who is or was an employee or agent of the
corporation, (ii) who is or was serving at the request of the corporation as an
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, or (iii) who was an employee or agent of a corporation which
was a predecessor corporation of the corporation or of another enterprise at
the request of such predecessor corporation.
6.6 INSURANCE AND TRUST FUND
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by
statute:
(a) the corporation may purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee
or agent of the corporation, or is serving at the request of the corporation as
a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted
against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his
status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to
indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of law; and
(b) the corporation may create a trust fund,
grant a security interest and/or use other means (including, without
limitation, letters of credit, surety bonds and/or other similar arrangements),
as well as enter into contracts providing indemnification to the fullest extent
permitted by law and including as part thereof provisions with respect to any
or all of the foregoing, to ensure the payment of such amount as may become
necessary to effect indemnification as provided therein, or elsewhere.
-19-
<PAGE> 25
ARTICLE VII
RECORDS AND REPORTS
7.1 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF RECORDS
The corporation shall, either at its principal executive office or at
such place or places as designated by the board of directors, keep a record of
its stockholders listing their names and addresses and the number and class of
shares held by each stockholder, a copy of these bylaws as amended to date,
accounting books, and other records.
Any stockholder of record, in person or by attorney or other agent,
shall, upon written demand under oath stating the purpose thereof, have the
right during the usual hours for business to inspect for any proper purpose the
corporation's stock ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and
records and to make copies or extracts therefrom. A proper purpose shall mean
a purpose reasonably related to such person's interest as a stockholder. In
every instance where an attorney or other agent is the person who seeks the
right to inspection, the demand under oath shall be accompanied by a power of
attorney or such other writing that authorizes the attorney or other agent to
so act on behalf of the stockholder. The demand under oath shall be directed
to the corporation at its registered office in Delaware or at its principal
place of business.
The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of a corporation shall
prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders,
a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged
in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the
number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall
be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the
meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days
prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to
be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if
not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall
also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole
time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.
7.2 INSPECTION BY DIRECTORS
Any director shall have the right to examine the corporation's stock
ledger, a list of its stockholders, and its other books and records for a
purpose reasonably related to his position as a director. The Court of
Chancery is hereby vested with the exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether
a director is entitled to the inspection sought. The
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<PAGE> 26
Court may summarily order the corporation to permit the director to inspect any
and all books and records, the stock ledger, and the stock list and to make
copies or extracts therefrom. The Court may, in its discretion, prescribe any
limitations or conditions with reference to the inspection, or award such other
and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper.
7.3 ANNUAL STATEMENT TO STOCKHOLDERS
The board of directors shall present at each annual meeting, and at
any special meeting of the stockholders when called for by vote of the
stockholders, a full and clear statement of the business and condition of the
corporation.
7.4 REPRESENTATION OF SHARES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS
The chairman of the board, the president, any vice president, the
treasurer, the secretary or assistant secretary of this corporation, or any
other person authorized by the board of directors or the president or a vice
president, is authorized to vote, represent, and exercise on behalf of this
corporation all rights incident to any and all shares of any other corporation
or corporations standing in the name of this corporation. The authority
granted herein may be exercised either by such person directly or by any other
person authorized to do so by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by such
person having the authority.
ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL MATTERS
8.1 CHECKS
From time to time, the board of directors shall determine by
resolution which person or persons may sign or endorse all checks, drafts,
other orders for payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness
that are issued in the name of or payable to the corporation, and only the
persons so authorized shall sign or endorse those instruments.
8.2 EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS
The board of directors, except as otherwise provided in these bylaws,
may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any
contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the
corporation; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Unless so authorized or ratified by the board of directors or within the agency
power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or
authority to bind the corporation by any contract or engagement or to
-21-
<PAGE> 27
pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.
8.3 STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES
The shares of a corporation shall be represented by certificates,
provided that the board of directors of the corporation may provide by
resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of
its stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply
to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to
the corporation. Notwithstanding the adoption of such a resolution by the
board of directors, every holder of stock represented by certificates and upon
request every holder of uncertificated shares shall be entitled to have a
certificate signed by, or in the name of the corporation by the chairman or
vice-chairman of the board of directors, or the president or vice-president,
and by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, or the secretary or an
assistant secretary of such corporation representing the number of shares
registered in certificate form. Any or all of the signatures on the
certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or
registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a
certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before
such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same
effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of
issue.
The corporation may issue the whole or any part of its shares as
partly paid and subject to call for the remainder of the consideration to be
paid therefor. Upon the face or back of each stock certificate issued to
represent any such partly paid shares, upon the books and records of the
corporation in the case of uncertificated partly paid shares, the total amount
of the consideration to be paid therefor and the amount paid thereon shall be
stated. Upon the declaration of any dividend on fully paid shares, the
corporation shall declare a dividend upon partly paid shares of the same class,
but only upon the basis of the percentage of the consideration actually paid
thereon.
8.4 SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES
If the corporation is authorized to issue more than one class of stock
or more than one series of any class, then the powers, the designations, the
preferences, and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights
of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or
summarized on the face or back of the certificate that the corporation shall
issue to represent such class or series of stock; provided, however, that,
except as otherwise provided in Section 202 of the DGCL, in lieu of the
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<PAGE> 28
foregoing requirements there may be set forth on the face or back of the
certificate that the corporation shall issue to represent such class or series
of stock a statement that the corporation will furnish without charge to each
stockholder who so requests the powers, the designations, the preferences, and
the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of
stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of
such preferences and/or rights.
8.5 LOST CERTIFICATES
Except as provided in this Section 8.5, no new certificates for shares
shall be issued to replace a previously issued certificate unless the latter is
surrendered to the corporation and cancelled at the same time. The corporation
may issue a new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares in the place of
any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, and the corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or
destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to give the corporation a
bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it
on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or
the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.
8.6 CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS
Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules
of construction, and definitions in the DGCL shall govern the construction of
these bylaws. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular
number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the
term "person" includes both a corporation and a natural person.
8.7 DIVIDENDS
The directors of the corporation, subject to any restrictions
contained in the certificate of incorporation, may declare and pay dividends
upon the shares of its capital stock pursuant to the DGCL. Dividends may be
paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the corporation's capital stock.
The directors of the corporation may set apart out of any of the funds
of the corporation available for dividends a reserve or reserves for any proper
purpose and may abolish any such reserve. Such purposes shall include but not
be limited to equalizing dividends, repairing or maintaining any property of
the corporation, and meeting contingencies.
-23-
<PAGE> 29
8.8 FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the
board of directors and may be changed by the board of directors.
8.9 SEAL
The corporation shall have power to have a corporate seal, which may
be altered by the board of directors, and the corporation may use the same by
causing it or a facsimile thereof, to be impressed or affixed or in any other
manner reproduced.
8.10 TRANSFER OF STOCK
Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the
corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper
evidence of succession, assignation or authority to transfer, it shall be the
duty of the corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled
thereto, cancel the old certificate, and record the transaction in its books.
8.11 STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS
The corporation shall have power to enter into and perform any
agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes of stock
of the corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the
corporation of any one or more classes owned by such stockholders in any manner
not prohibited by the DGCL.
8.12 REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS
The corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of
a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends
and to vote as such owner, shall be entitled to hold liable for calls and
assessments the person registered on its books as the owner of shares, and
shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in
such share or shares on the part of another person, whether or not it shall
have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws
of Delaware.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
The original or other bylaws of the corporation may be adopted,
amended or repealed by the stockholders entitled to vote; provided, however,
that the corporation may, in its
-24-
<PAGE> 30
certificate of incorporation, confer the power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws
upon the directors. The fact that such power has been so conferred upon the
directors shall not divest the stockholders of the power, nor limit their power
to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws.
ARTICLE X
DISSOLUTION
If it should be deemed advisable in the judgment of the board of
directors of the corporation that the corporation should be dissolved, the
board, after the adoption of a resolution to that effect by a majority of the
whole board at any meeting called for that purpose, shall cause notice to be
mailed to each stockholder entitled to vote thereon of the adoption of the
resolution and of a meeting of stockholders to take action upon the resolution.
At the meeting a vote shall be taken for and against the proposed
dissolution. If a majority of the outstanding stock of the corporation
entitled to vote thereon votes for the proposed dissolution, then a certificate
stating that the dissolution has been authorized in accordance with the
provisions of Section 275 of the DGCL and setting forth the names and
residences of the directors and officers shall be executed, acknowledged, and
filed and shall become effective in accordance with Section 103 of the DGCL.
Upon such certificate's becoming effective in accordance with Section 103 of
the DGCL, the corporation shall be dissolved.
Whenever all the stockholders entitled to vote on a dissolution
consent in writing, either in person or by duly authorized attorney, to a
dissolution, no meeting of directors or stockholders shall be necessary. The
consent shall be filed and shall become effective in accordance with Section
103 of the DGCL. Upon such consent's becoming effective in accordance with
Section 103 of the DGCL, the corporation shall be dissolved. If the consent is
signed by an attorney, then the original power of attorney or a photocopy
thereof will be attached to and filed with the consent. The consent filed with
the Secretary of State shall have attached to it the affidavit of the secretary
or some other officer of the corporation stating that the consent has been
signed by or on behalf of all the stockholders entitled to vote on a
dissolution; in addition, there shall be attached to the consent a
certification by the secretary or some other officer of the corporation setting
forth the names and residences of the directors and officers of the
corporation.
-25-
<PAGE> 31
ARTICLE XI
CUSTODIAN
11.1 APPOINTMENT OF A CUSTODIAN IN CERTAIN CASES
The Court of Chancery, upon application of any stockholder, may
appoint one or more persons to be custodians and, if the corporation is
insolvent, to be receivers, of and for the corporation when:
(i) at any meeting held for the election of directors the
stockholders are so divided that they have failed to elect successors to
directors whose terms have expired or would have expired upon qualification of
their successors; or
(ii) the business of the corporation is suffering or is threatened
with irreparable injury because the directors are so divided respecting the
management of the affairs of the corporation that the required vote for action
by the board of directors cannot be obtained and the stockholders are unable to
terminate this division; or
(iii) the corporation has abandoned its business and has failed within
a reasonable time to take steps to dissolve, liquidate or distribute its
assets.
11.2 DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN
The custodian shall have all the powers and title of a receiver
appointed under Section 291 of the DGCL, but the authority of the custodian
shall be to continue the business of the corporation and not to liquidate its
affairs and distribute its assets, except when the Court of Chancery otherwise
orders and except in cases arising under Sections 226(a)(3) or 352(a)(2) of the
DGCL.
-26-
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.3
ALL SECTIONS MARKED WITH TWO ASTERISKS (**) REFLECT PORTIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN
REDACTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION BY
ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC. AS PART OF A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT.
AGREEMENT
This agreement ("Agreement"), dated as of September 29, 1997, is
entered into by and between FUJITSU LIMITED, a Japanese Corporation
("Fujitsu"), and ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").
RECITALS
A. Fujitsu and the Company are parties to a Development
Agreement, dated as of June 25, 1997 (the "Development Agreement"), pursuant to
which the Company has agreed to develop a microprocessor known as the Viper
(the "Viper"). Defined terms used herein without definition have the
respective meanings set forth in the Development Agreement.
B. Pursuant to the Development Agreement, the Company has agreed
to deliver to Fujitsu certain Deliverables on the schedule attached to the
Development Agreement as Exhibit A, including, without limitation, to deliver
to Fujitsu certain Architectural Specifications consistent with Milestone #2 of
Exhibit B of the Development Agreement (the "Architectural Specifications") on
June 30, 1997.
C. The Company timely delivered to Fujitsu the Architectural
Specifications but the Architectural Specifications were not in full conformity
with Milestone #2 of Exhibit B of the Development Agreement. Nonetheless, and
in full satisfaction of the Company's obligations with respect to Milestone #2
and Deliverable #2 of Exhibit B of the Development Agreement, Fujitsu is
willing to accept the non-conforming architectural specifications attached
hereto as Appendix 1 (the "Alternate Deliverable"), provided that the Company
agrees that (1) such acceptance will not affect the Company's continuing
obligations to develop Viper in accordance with the Specifications, and
otherwise on the terms and conditions, set forth in the Development Agreement,
and (2) Milestone #3 of Exhibit B (Chip RTL Model) of the Development Agreement
be amended and restated as attached hereto as Appendix 2, all as set forth in
this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy
of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Delivery and Acceptance of Alternate Deliverable. The Company
hereby delivers the Alternate Deliverable to Fujitsu for acceptance. Subject
to and upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Fujitsu hereby accepts
the Alternate Deliverable in full satisfaction of the Company's obligations
with respect to Milestone #2 and Deliverable #2 of Exhibit B of the Development
Agreement.
2. Limited Nature of Acceptance. The acceptance of the Alternate
Deliverable by Fujitsu shall not be deemed to modify in any respect the
performance specifications set forth in the Development Agreement (without
limitation, **) or the obligations of the Company under the Development
Agreement.
3. Amendment of Milestone #3 (CHIP RTL MODEL). Milestone #3 of
Exhibit B to the Development Agreement (pages 4/22, 5/22 and 6/22) is hereby
amended and restated in its entirety as attached hereto as Appendix 2.
<PAGE> 2
4. Payment Terms. Fujitsu will make payment to the Company of
the amount specified in the Development Agreement for Deliverable #2 as soon as
is reasonably practicable. The Company confirms that the total amount of such
payment is $4,600,000 and that no other amounts are due or payable by Fujitsu
to the Company at the present time under the Agreement. Fujitsu agrees that
such payment shall be deemed fully earned upon the effectiveness of this
Agreement and shall be non-refundable.
5. Representations and Warranties. Each party hereby represents
and warrants to the other that the execution and delivery by such party of this
Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate and other action
and do not and will not require any consent or approval of, notice to or action
by, any person (including any governmental agency) in order to be effective and
enforceable. The Development Agreement, as amended by this Agreement,
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such party, enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms, without defense or counterclaim.
6. Reservation of Rights. The Company acknowledges and agrees
that neither Fujitsu's forbearance in exercising its rights in connection with
the delivery of the Alternate Deliverable nor the execution by Fujitsu of this
Agreement shall be deemed (i) to create a course of dealing or otherwise
obligate Fujitsu to forbear or execute a similar agreement under the same or
similar circumstances in the future, or (ii) to waive, relinquish or impair any
right of Fujitsu to future performance by the Company of the Development
Agreement strictly in accordance with its terms.
7. Miscellaneous.
(a) Except as herein expressly amended, all terms and
conditions of the Development Agreement are and shall remain in full force and
effect. All references to the Development Agreement shall henceforth refer to
the Development Agreement as amended hereby.
(b) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns. No third
party beneficiaries are intended in connection with this Agreement.
(c) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the law of the State of California (without regard to
principles of conflicts of laws).
(d) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall
constitute but one and the same instrument.
2
<PAGE> 3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the date first above written.
ROSS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
By: /s/ JACK W. SIMPSON
-------------------------------------------
Title: President and CEO
---------------------------------------
FUJITSU LIMITED
By: /s/ YASHIRO YOSHIOKA
-------------------------------------------
Title: Group President, Computer Systems Group
---------------------------------------
3
<PAGE> 4
Appendix 1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
**
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10.4
[FUJITSU LETTERHEAD]
The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Ltd.
New York Branch
One World Trade Center, Suite 4911
New York, New York 10048
OCTOBER 29, 1997
LETTER OF GUARANTY
Dear Sirs,
In consideration of your making loan of up to the amount of US$ 20,000,000.00
(in words: U.S. Dollars twenty million only) to ROSS Technology, Inc.
(hereinafter called the "Company"), having its principal office in Austin,
Texas and subsidiary of FUJITSU LIMITED, organized under the laws of Japan and
having its principal office at B-1, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku. Tokyo 100,
Japan, under a certain loan facility (hereinafter called the "Loan Facility")
between you and the Company, we hereby irrevocably guarantee the full and
punctual payment by the Company of its indebtedness pursuant to the terms of
the Loan Facility, provided that in no event will our obligations and
liabilities hereunder exceed US$ 20,000,000.00.
The term "Indebtedness" as used in this Guaranty means all outstanding
obligations and liabilities of the Company arising out of or in connection with
the loans made under the Loan Facility, whether principal, interest or
expenses, to be paid by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Loan Facility.
If and to the extent the Company fails to make a full and punctual payment
pursuant to the terms of the Loan Facility, we will, within the reasonable time
of the receipt of your demand, pay you the Indebtedness subject to the
limitation set forth in the first sentence of this Guaranty.
We hereby waive notice of acceptance of the Guaranty, and any right to require
you to proceed against the Company.
<PAGE> 2
The issuance of this Guarantee will supersede and terminate the Guarantee
issued on November 18, 1996 and February 20, 1997.
This Guaranty will be a continuing one and will terminate on March 31, 1998,
but such termination will not release us from our obligations and liabilities
hereunder existing on and as of the date of such termination.
This Guaranty will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of
Japan.
Yours sincerely,
/s/ [Japanese characters] [OFFICIAL SEAL]
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 1997 AND THE CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 29, 1997
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> APR-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> SEP-29-1997
<CASH> 3,936
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 6,256
<ALLOWANCES> 1,797
<INVENTORY> 14,458
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 36,918
<PP&E> 14,951
<DEPRECIATION> 13,888
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 51,869
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 80,149
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 23
<OTHER-SE> (28,303)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 51,869
<SALES> 23,285
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 23,285
<CGS> 21,238
<TOTAL-COSTS> 21,238
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 8,529
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 1,584
<INCOME-PRETAX> (8,066)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (8,066)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (8,066)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.12)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.12)
</TABLE>
