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Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D. C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the securities
[X] exchange act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 1996 Commission File No. 0-12867
or
transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the securities
[ ] exchange act of 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
3Com Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California 94-2605794
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
5400 Bayfront Plaza
Santa Clara, California 95052
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (408) 764-5000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock,
no par value.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes XX No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock held by
nonaffiliates, based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on July 31,
1996, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market, was approximately
$6,152,000,000. Shares of Common Stock held by each executive officer and
director and by each person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding
Common Stock, based on Schedule 13G filings, have been excluded since such
persons may be deemed affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is
not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
As of July 31, 1996, 169,570,302 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock were
outstanding.
The Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on September 26, 1996 is incorporated by reference in
Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent stated herein.
3Com Corporation
Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended May 31, 1996
Table of Contents
Part I
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Item 1. Business
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Part II
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Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder
Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosure
Part III
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Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of 3Com
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Part IV
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Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on
Form 8-K
Exhibit Index
Signatures
Financial Statement Schedule
3Com, AccessBuilder, EtherLink, LANplex, LinkBuilder, LinkSwitch, NETBuilder,
NETBuilder II, ONcore, Parallel Tasking, Transcend, and TokenLink are registered
trademarks of 3Com Corporation. ATMLink, BRASICA, CELLplex, DynamicAccess,
FDDILink, OfficeConnect, ONline, SuperStack, and ZipChip are trademarks of 3Com
Corporation. Primary Access is a registered trademark of 3Com Primary Access.
Aperture is a trademark of 3Com Primary Access. All other trademarks belong
to their respective organizations.
PART I
ITEM 1. Business
3Com Corporation (referred to herein as 3Com, Registrant or the Company) was
founded on June 4, 1979 and pioneered the networking industry. Over the years,
3Com has evolved from a supplier of discrete networking products to a broad-
based supplier of local area network (LAN) and network access systems for the
large enterprise, small business, home and network service provider markets.
Today, 3Com is a multi-billion dollar company offering customers a broad range
of ISO 9000 compliant global data networking solutions that include routers,
hubs, remote access servers, switches and adapters for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet,
Token Ring, fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), Asynchronous Transfer
Mode (ATM) and other high speed networks. Additionally, the Company offers
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) adapters and internetworking
products for small businesses and home users, and integrated digital remote
access systems used by network service providers and telecommunications
carriers. 3Com's products are distributed and serviced worldwide through 3Com
and its partners: principally systems integrators, value-added resellers (VARs),
national resellers and dealers, distributors and original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs). Certain products, such as ISDN digital modems, PC Card
adapters and the Network Starter Kit, are also sold through electronics catalogs
and retailers.
3Com's name is derived from its focus on computer communication compatibility.
Since its inception, the Company has been a leader in defining, shaping and
promoting the growth of networking infrastructures that transmit data to all
parts of the world quickly and efficiently. The Company's commitment to its
customers goes beyond point-product excellence to making data networks funda-
mentally easier to design, install, maintain and evolve. The Company's
objective is to make the network invisible to the individual end-user as well
as flexible and unconstrained for the network manager.
During fiscal 1992 and 1993, 3Com focused on changing the direction of the
Company to be more global in the industry. The Company rebuilt its product
portfolio with the introduction of new adapter, hub and internetworking
platforms, expanded the training of its sales force to sell connectivity
systems and solutions, and expanded its global presence with new sales offices,
service centers, and "parts banks" worldwide. The acquisition of the data
networking products business of U.K.-based BICC Group, plc in fiscal 1992
strengthened the Company's position in the structured wiring hub market and
expanded the Company's position in Europe. In fiscal 1993, 3Com enhanced its
Token Ring technology base with the acquisition of Star-Tek, Inc., a
Massachusetts-based Token Ring hub manufacturer. Also in fiscal 1993, to
further meet increased demand for its network adapter products and to service
the growing European market, 3Com began full-scale operations at its 60,000
square foot manufacturing facility in Blanchardstown, Ireland.
In fiscal 1994, 3Com was the first networking company to introduce a new
architecture. This architecture focused on the true customer requirements for
scaling network performance and extending network reach. Combined with
Transcend(registered trademark) Network Management, which was introduced in
September 1993, this architecture, called High Performance Scaleable Networking
(HPSN) demonstrated the Company's ability to deliver complete connectivity
systems for the enterprise and beyond, and provided customers with a framework
for building and managing scaleable, high-performance networking infra-
structures. During fiscal 1994, the Company enhanced its product offerings
under HPSN with two strategic acquisitions. First, 3Com acquired Massachusetts-
based Synernetics, Inc. (Synernetics), 3Com's long-term development partner and
the revenue leader in the LAN switching market at that time. The switching
products of Synernetics are marketed under the LANplex(registered trademark)
name and include the LANplex 6000 backbone switch and the LANplex 2000 family
of departmental switches. Second, 3Com acquired Centrum Communications, Inc.
(Centrum) of San Jose, California, an innovator in remote access internetworking
technology. Centrum remote access servers for Ethernet and Token Ring networks
are marketed under the 3Com AccessBuilder(registered trademark) trademark.
Fiscal 1994 results included a $134.5 million pre-tax charge to operations for
the combined effect of purchased in-process technology related to the
acquisitions, and a wireless technology licensing agreement. Also during
fiscal 1994, the Company expanded its product offerings with new and enhanced
adapter, internetworking and stackable hub products, extended its worldwide
presence with sales offices in five additional countries, expanded its major
accounts salesforce and added new production lines at its manufacturing
facilities in both the U.S. and Ireland.
In fiscal 1995, there was accelerated customer migration toward higher
performance and geographically dispersed networks. The Company expanded its
product line to address this trend with high performance adapters, enhanced
remote access products, new LAN and ATM switches and higher density
internetworking platforms. In fiscal 1995, 3Com acquired substantially all
the assets of Israel-based NiceCom, Ltd., (NiceCom) an innovator in ATM
technology, and also acquired a company developing advanced network adapter
technology. Fiscal 1995 results included a $60.8 million pre-tax charge to
operations for the effect of purchased in-process technology related to the
acquisitions.
Also, in fiscal 1995, the Company capitalized on a substantial opportunity to
provide connectivity solutions beyond the enterprise market, to the small and
home office markets and to the commercial remote access market by completing
two additional acquisitions. These acquisitions were the first steps in
penetrating the small and home office networking markets, which provide dial-
up connectivity to users of on-line information services, value-added networks,
and transaction networks.
First, 3Com acquired its ISDN adapter development partner, New Jersey-based
AccessWorks Communications Inc., (AccessWorks) in a purchase transaction.
AccessWorks develops, manufactures, and markets ISDN transmission products.
Second, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Sonix
Communications, Ltd., (Sonix) a U.K.-based innovator in ISDN internetworking
technology, in a pooling-of-interests transaction valued at approximately $70
million on the date the acquisition was announced. Sonix manufactures and
markets a portfolio of network access products specifically designed for data
and voice. Sonix's low-cost ISDN bridge/routers provide connectivity among
small, dispersed workgroups and simple, high-performance, low-cost connectivity
between central sites and remote offices. A market leader in the U.K., Sonix
products are marketed throughout Europe and in the U.S. as part of the
AccessBuilder family of remote access products.
In fiscal 1996, the Company extended its market presence to network service
providers and carriers, and enhanced its enterprise-wide networking solutions
through three strategic acquisitions. First, in the first quarter of fiscal
1996, the Company acquired Primary Access Corporation (Primary Access) based
in San Diego, California, in a pooling-of-interests transaction valued at
approximately $170 million on the date the acquisition was announced. Primary
Access pioneered software-defined access to public telephone networks with its
digital Aperture(trademark) platform. Sold to interexchange carriers,
cellular and local carriers, as well as providers of on-line information
services, value added networks (VANs) and transaction networks, the Aperture
platform replaces fixed-function hardware devices such as channel banks,
modems, ISDN devices and remote access servers in central data processing
sites or points of presence (POPs). Customers of Primary Access include
CompuServe, AT&T, MCI, Sprint, regional Bell operating companies, more than
15 cellular carriers and leading banks and oil companies.
In the second quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company acquired Chipcom Corporation
(Chipcom), a provider of integrated multifunction hub and switching platforms,
in a pooling-of-interests transaction valued at approximately $775 million on
the date the acquisition was announced. Chipcom's principal product lines, the
ONline(trademark) hub and ONcore(registered trademark) multifunction switching
platforms, complement 3Com's focused-function switching, hub and routing
products and enhance 3Com's enterprise networking solutions. Additionally, IBM
resold Chipcom products under its own brand names. The IBM relationship has
continued and has been extended to include other 3Com products. The Company
further capitalized on its relationship with IBM by forming, together with Bay
Networks, the Network Interoperability Alliance. This alliance aligns the
architectural strategies of the three companies so customers are assured of
interoperability between products, and provides for the pursuit of common
networking standards that allow customers to simplify, standardize and enhance
the design of interoperable switched networks, and facilitates the migration
to interoperable VLANs. During fiscal 1995, Chipcom acquired Artel
Communications Corporation (Artel) and DSI ExpressNetworks, Inc. (DSI). Artel
designed and developed high-performance communication systems for the inter-
networking and video distribution markets. DSI developed and manufactured
intelligent hubs and related internetworking products.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company acquired AXON Networks, Inc.
(AXON), a technological leader in next generation remote network management and
monitoring (RMON2) and an OEM partner of embedded network management
capabilities for 3Com systems products. The acquisition was accounted for as
a purchase at an aggregate purchase price of $65.3 million, which included a
pre-tax charge of $52.4 million for purchased in-process technology that had not
yet reached technological feasibility. AXON provides client/server products
for enterprise traffic management, including network management applications
and network probes which enable central management and troubleshooting of
remote networks.
In recognition of the changing needs of large enterprise customers and the
growing importance of network management in evolving data network
infrastructures, the Company expanded and enhanced its architectural framework
to embrace three equally important dimensions: scaling network performance,
extending network reach, and managing network growth. The framework was named
Transcend Networking to reflect the integral role of the Company's network
management software, Transcend Network Management, and provides for the
migration to virtual local area networks (VLANs), which the Company believes
is the next phase of data network evolution.
Under Transcend Networking, the Company introduced a number of new and
enhanced products, including new stackable Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and
Ethernet-to-ATM switches for connecting workgroups to high-speed backbones,
LAN emulation capabilities for its CELLplex(trademark) family of ATM switches,
Fast Ethernet and Token Ring capabilities for its LANplex family of backbone
and departmental switches, and enhanced security capabilities for its
AccessBuilder family of remote access servers. The Company also rebranded its
remote access products under the AccessBuilder name and introduced the
AccessBuilder 7000 Access Concentrator, the industry's first high-density
LAN/WAN switch designed to provide remote access into corporate intranets.
For the small office, 3Com introduced the OfficeConnect(trademark) system of
"clippable" network components, the industry's first network system designed
specifically for the small office. For desktop and mobile connectivity, the
Company began shipping the industry's first LAN+modem PC Card adapter with v.34
(28.8 Kbps) connectivity, and enhanced Token Ring adapters based on 3Com
custom application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Additionally, 3Com's
industry-leading family of EtherLink(registered trademark) adapters were
enhanced with DynamicAccess(trademark) capabilities, which allow the adapter
to perform sophisticated network management functions and provide superior
multimedia support, transforming the network adapter from a passive connectivity
device to an active network component.
The Company believes that its principal competitive advantages lie in the
depth and breadth of its product lines, its ability to recognize and respond
to new trends in data networking, its focus on making all aspects of
networking easier for network managers and users, and a strong yet flexible
business infrastructure. 3Com has strong brand recognition in Ethernet
adapters, which it believes is transferable to other product and technology
areas and markets, such as stackable networking systems, LAN switching
and remote office and personal office internetworking platforms. Additionally,
the Company believes its low-cost manufacturing, worldwide presence, flexible
distribution strategy, and comprehensive service and support capabilities
allow the Company to take advantage of market trends that are extending the
reach, scope and performance of today's data networks.
INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
3Com operates in one industry segment as described above.
PRODUCTS
3Com Corporation is committed to making the complexities of networks invisible
to end users and to making networks easier to design, install, maintain and
evolve. As the cornerstone of this commitment, 3Com has developed Transcend
Networking, a unique framework that enables network managers to provide users
with more services at their expected response levels, at lower cost, with less
risk and with less effort.
Transcend Networking takes a "three-vectored" approach to evolving networks.
Each vector consists of a host of innovative architectures, networking
technologies, platforms and specific products. The three vectors include:
o Scaling the Performance of the Network: Switching and desktop connectivity
solutions which provide migration to increased LAN bandwidth/capacity
by meeting the distinct requirements of the core and boundary of the LAN;
o Extending the Reach of the Network: Wide area network (WAN) routing and
remote access solutions which provide remote workgroups and individual
users with connectivity to resources on corporate backbones by meeting
the specific requirements of central and remote sites and of mobile and
home users;
o Managing the Growth of the Network: Networking products with embedded,
scaleable management features and innovative distributed network
monitoring, analysis and management solutions.
Transcend Networking's Principles
3Com designs solutions by first developing platforms (e.g., types of routers,
switches, and remote access devices) that meet the distinct requirements of
each location in the network, then selecting/developing the networking
technologies (e.g., high-speed technologies, management features) to solve
location-dependent needs and finally, packaging the solution (e.g., stackable
or chassis form factor).
Transcend Networking's driving principles include:
o Technology and platform neutrality -- no biases toward any network type
(e.g., Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, FDDI, ATM) or kind of system (e.g.,
switch, router, stackable, chassis) in order to offer customers more
effective, economical and tailored solutions;
o Centralizing complexity and distributing simplicity -- installing the
more complex systems and network functions required at the network core
to take advantage of central processing, support facilities and economies
of scale, while distributing the simplest, easiest to maintain and least
expensive systems to the network boundary where users are connected to
the network;
o Standards-based, open multi-vendor architecture -- innovative solutions
based on industry standards to enable 3Com's systems to interoperate with
any other vendor's equipment;
o Investment protection with incremental evolution -- solutions that allow
customers to upgrade their networks to new functionality and higher
performance technologies as their needs evolve;
o Low total cost of ownership -- providing complete enterprise, multiplatform
solutions, combined with point-product excellence, which are optimized for
total price/performance and efficient, low cost operations management.
Within Transcend Networking, 3Com offers a complete breadth of products and
innovative technologies that scale network performance, extend network reach
and manage network growth for the enterprise market, as well as solutions for
small sites/small businesses, network service providers and individual mobile
or home users. 3Com's solutions include network systems products and network
adapters, which accounted for 57 percent and 39 percent of fiscal 1996 sales,
respectively.
Network Systems Products
LAN and ATM switching platforms: 3Com switches provide cost-effective, high-
speed links between multiple network segments, simplifying network design and
reducing network latency in client/server networks. Switches can also provide
direct links to either the desktop or server, providing dedicated capacity
to high-bandwidth users. The development of custom ASICs for switching is
central to the Company's switching strategy. Virtually all of 3Com's
internally developed switches are based on custom-designed ASICs, which the
Company believes will dramatically improve performance and reliability while
reducing costs. Switching ASICs developed by 3Com include the Intelligent
Switching Engine (ISE) chip for Ethernet-to-FDDI switching, the BRASICA(trade-
mark) chip for Ethernet and Fast Ethernet switching, the ZipChip(trademark) for
Ethernet-to-ATM switching and the Token Ring Switching Engine for Token Ring
switching. 3Com switches are available in either chassis or stackable formats
and are optimized to meet the specific need of the network core and its
boundaries.
High function switches: High function switches are designed to meet the
requirements of the network core (backbone) for high density connectivity,
scaleable capacity, reliability and network control, and to meet the migration
needs of the customer. In a collapsed backbone environment, high function
switches might act as a high-performance, high capacity switch connecting
multiple boundary switches or hubs, or both, depending on the network design
and bandwidth needs of the different network segments. 3Com's chassis
(modular) high function switches include:
o The CELLplex family of ATM switches for aggressive migration to cell-
switched network backbones. CELLplex switches include VLAN capabilities
for the creation of logical user groups and broadcast domains, as well as
integrated ATM forum LAN emulation for smooth Ethernet-to-ATM communica-
tions.
o The ONcore line of integrated, multifunction switches for highly integrated
migration from shared LANs to packet-switched and cell-switched backbones.
The ONcore platform supports a full range of LAN technologies, including
shared and switched Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI and ATM, as well as remote
access, routing and communication server functions.
o The LANplex family of LAN switches for migrating backbone router environ-
ments to packet-switched LANs. The LANplex family of LAN switches offers
high performance Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, FDDI and Token Ring switching
for data center and department applications.
Boundary switches: Boundary switches are designed to meet the requirements
of the LAN boundary to reduce network latency at the desktop by providing
increased bandwidth, and to provide simple, plug-and-play connectivity.
These switches can provide either a direct desktop or server connection, or
provide for greater network bandwidth by switching between Ethernet or Fast
Ethernet hubs and the network backbone. 3Com boundary switches are available
in either chassis or stackable format and provide for Ethernet-to-Ethernet,
Ethernet-to-Fast Ethernet, Ethernet-to-FDDI, and Ethernet-to-ATM connectivity.
The Company began shipping the LinkSwitch(registered trademark) family of
stackable boundary switches as part of the SuperStack(trademark) network system
in late fiscal 1995 and early fiscal 1996.
Hubs: Hubs act as concentrators of network traffic generated from the desktop
and define specific network segments, relaying the traffic either within the
workgroup or onto the network backbone. Unlike switches, each desktop
connected through a hub shares the total available bandwidth of the hub with
other users. Their relatively low cost per port, manageability and ease-of-use,
make hubs a popular choice for workgroup connectivity. Multiple hubs are
frequently connected to a switch, which acts as a "hub of a hub," to segment
the network and improve overall performance.
The Company designs, manufactures and markets a full range of Ethernet, Fast
Ethernet, Token Ring and FDDI hubs in either stackable or chassis-based
configurations. 3Com's stackable hubs, including the LinkBuilder(registered
trademark) FMS for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet and Token Ring networks, provide
users with a highly reliable, cost-effective solution for networking workgroups
in both the central site and remote office. 3Com's SuperStack II stackable
network solutions offer customers significant capabilities such as routing,
remote access, and network management. 3Com's chassis hubs, LinkBuilder MSH and
ONline, offer higher density and sophisticated network management capabilities,
making them ideal for growing departments and mid-size workgroups.
Enterprise internetworking platforms: Internetworking devices link multiproto-
col LANs within the building/campus environment and provide WAN connectivity
to link multiple remote locations and provide access to the Internet and other
remote network resources. 3Com offers a variety of internetworking solutions
that extend the reach of the network, each tailored to the specific needs of
the application.
Backbone and remote office routers. For central sites needing high-performance
bridge/routing and a choice of Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, ATM
and WAN connectivity, 3Com offers the high-density, multiprotocol NETBuilder
II(registered trademark) bridge/router. Available in a range of compatible
chassis with the ability to add additional processing power over time, the
NETBuilder II offers a high degree of scaleability to handle evolving LAN and
WAN integration requirements. The NETBuilder II also provides the central site
connection for NETBuilder(registered trademark) Remote Office routers running
Boundary Routing(registered trademark) software.
NETBuilder Remote Office routers, designed for the remote or branch office,
support Ethernet and Token Ring LANs, analog and ISDN lines, and System Network
Architecture (SNA) applications over 3Com's Boundary Routing system architec-
ture. Available in either standalone configurations or as part of the Super-
Stack network system, NETBuilder Remote Office routers simplify remote office
connectivity and offer extensive upgradability and flexibility as remote office
routing needs evolve.
Remote network access servers. Remote access servers provide central site
connectivity for mobile workers and telecommuters accessing Ethernet or Token
Ring networks from remote locations over public telephone lines. Available in
densities ranging from 4 to 16 ports, the AccessBuilder 2000 and AccessBuilder
4000 servers are suitable for small to mid-size corporate intranets. To
complete the connection at the remote site, 3Com offers the 3ComImpact
(trademark) ISDN digital modem.
Remote access concentrators: For network service providers with large dial-up
networks and for enterprises building large-scale corporate intranets, 3Com
offers the AccessBuilder 8000 and AccessBuilder 5000 network access
concentrators. The AccessBuilder 8000 server (formerly Aperture II) is a high-
density, software-defined platform capable of delivering network access to large
numbers of concurrent users over both digital (ISDN) and analog lines. It has
been installed by the world's leading online service companies, such as AT&T,
CompuServe, Sprint and Microsoft Network. The AccessBuilder 5000 server,
introduced in March 1996, is an integrated LAN/WAN switch designed to provide
network access into large-scale corporate intranets. Built around the ONcore
chassis, the AccessBuilder 5000 server supports Ethernet and Token Ring LANs
as well as up to 256 remote user ports.
Small Office systems: In February 1996, 3Com introduced the OfficeConnect
network system, a full range of hubs, servers and remote connectivity devices
for the small office. The industry's first complete networking system
designed from the outset to meet the needs of small remote sites and small
businesses, the OfficeConnect system offers a unique "clippable" design,
silent operation and a very small footprint. Leveraging its technological
strengths in the enterprise market, 3Com provides the hub and Internet-
optimized WAN access devices of the OfficeConnect system and partners with
third parties for additional components such as fax, print and CD-ROM servers.
Network management: In September 1993, 3Com introduced Transcend Network
Management, a family of network management applications that represents a
significant advance in simplified and logical management of LANs and WANs.
Using Transcend applications on the network management platform of their
choice, network administrators are able to create logical groups of hubs,
routers, servers and desktop devices, regardless of physical location, to
obtain correlated management information and control. To simplify network
administration, Transcend products also leverage administrative resources by
consolidating repetitive tasks, such as downloading router software, into a
single command.
In March 1996, when 3Com acquired AXON, a leader in the remote monitoring of
network traffic, the Company formed a separate network management division
chartered with coordinating development of enterprise-wide network management
applications, policies and systems.
Network Adapters
Network adapters, also known as network interface cards (NICs), are add-in
printed circuit boards that allow network servers, personal computers, laptop
computers and workstations to connect to the LAN. According to International
Data Corporation (IDC), a leading market research firm, 3Com is the leading
provider of Desktop Ethernet adapters with a 40 percent market share. According
to Dataquest, 3Com also leads the market in Ethernet LAN PC Card (formerly
PCMCIA) adapters with a 29 percent market share.
In fiscal 1993, 3Com began shipping its family of EtherLink(registered
trademark) III adapters with Parallel Tasking(registered trademark) technology,
based on a 3Com-designed custom ASIC. Parallel Tasking is an innovative
architecture that speeds data transfers by allowing separate tasks to be
performed in parallel, resulting in higher overall adapter efficiency and
performance than would otherwise be possible. The Company has applied for and
received patents on certain aspects of this technology. In fiscal 1994, 3Com
introduced Ethernet PC Card adapters for laptop and other portable computers,
further extending the EtherLink III family. 3Com's EtherLink III adapters
include 16-bit ISA, 32-bit EISA, MicroChannel and Combo adapters as well as the
PC Card adapter. All are designed around 3Com's custom ASIC, which results in
products that the Company believes are inherently more reliable, easier to
install and configure, and less expensive to manufacture.
In fiscal 1995, 3Com introduced a new, higher performance, lower cost version
of its popular 10 Mbps EtherLink III adapters and extended the technology to
include the new Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps Ethernet) standard. The Fast
EtherLink III family of network adapters are dual speed Ethernet adapters
capable of transmitting data at either 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps. The Company
believes the Fast EtherLink family of adapters provides network managers with
a smooth upgrade path to higher speed workgroup connectivity.
In fiscal 1996, 3Com began developing further advancements to its NIC technology
to meet the evolving needs of today's networks. Shortly after the close of the
fiscal year, the Company introduced EtherLink XL Ethernet and Fast Ethernet NICs
with DynamicAccess technology, which incorporates new features that facilitate
the migration to virtual networking and collaborative computing. DynamicAccess
allows the adapter to perform sophisticated network management and configuration
functions at the desktop and provides for superior multimedia support and
transforms the NIC from a passive connectivity device into an active network
component.
In addition to Ethernet and Fast Ethernet adapters, 3Com offers Token Ring,
FDDI and ATM adapters. Based on 3Com custom ASICs, the TokenLink(registered
trademark) II family of ISA, EISA and MicroChannel adapters are designed to work
seamlessly with IBM drivers and applications while offering enhanced
performance, installation and network management features. 3Com's FDDILink
(trademark) family of adapters connect devices to the network via copper wiring
and fiber at 100 Mbps. When combined with 3Com's FDDI Concentrator (hub),
FDDILink adapters offer workstation and high-end PC users a cost-effective
solution for high-bandwidth applications. 3Com's ATMLink(trademark) adapters
support ATM forum LAN emulation, allowing users to scale performance incremen-
tally, and are part of the Company's end-to-end ATM solution.
Other products
Other products accounted for four percent of fiscal 1996 sales and included
communication servers, which provide terminal-to-host connectivity for
terminals and workstations over the network, protocol software and worldwide
service and support programs.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
The Company's product development efforts are focused exclusively on its
strategic product lines: network systems products and network adapters. The
Company's ownership of core networking technologies creates opportunities to
leverage its engineering investments and develop more integrated products for
simpler, more innovative networking solutions for customers. The Company plans
to invest in emerging technologies for use in existing and future products, as
well as to improve and enhance existing products to extend their lifecycles,
reduce manufacturing costs and increase functionality. In addition to the
development of custom ASICs to improve performance, increase reliability and
reduce costs, the Company is investing in the following areas: network
management, Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps Ethernet), ATM and other high speed
networking technologies, wireless LAN communications, VLAN capabilities, ISDN
and other remote access technologies, enhanced connectivity in IBM environments,
and remote access for single and mobile users (including data-over-cable and
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line or ADSL technologies).
The industry in which 3Com competes is subject to rapid technological
developments, evolving industry standards, changes in customer requirements
and frequent new product introductions and enhancements. As a result, the
Company's success in part depends upon its ability, on a cost-effective and
timely basis, to continue to enhance its existing products and to develop and
introduce new products that take advantage of technological advances. The
Company will continue to make strategic acquisitions where appropriate. There
can be no assurance that 3Com will be able to successfully develop new
products to address new industry transmission standards and technological
changes or to respond to new product announcements by others or that such
products will achieve market acceptance.
MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS
3Com's customers are represented among the world's leading industries, including
finance, health care, manufacturing, government, education, and service
organizations. In fiscal 1994, the Company began targeting specific vertical
markets, including health care, education, finance and government, and has
recently started expanding its major accounts sales force. With the acquisi-
tion of Primary Access, 3Com gained important presence within the network
service provider markets.
Around the world, 3Com serves its customers through a variety of sales channels
including direct and indirect channels. Indirect channels include systems
integrators, VARs, distributors, national dealers and resellers, and OEMs.
The Company's multi-channel sales strategy encourages broad market coverage by
allowing 3Com sales personnel to create demand for the Company's products while
giving customers the flexibility to choose the most appropriate delivery
channels. In fiscal 1995, the Company began building an end-user sales force
to target large enterprise accounts and established a separate sales force to
market to telephone carriers and network service providers. 3Com has also
maintained and expanded Chipcom's relationships with large, single-tier
network integrators.
International Operations: 3Com distinguishes itself from many of its
competitors with its dedicated research and development, manufacturing, sales
and service organizations outside the United States. The Company maintains
sales offices in 32 countries, with new offices opened in fiscal 1996 in Eastern
Europe, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region. The Company primarily
markets its products internationally through subsidiaries, sales offices and
relationships with local distributors in Europe, Canada, Asia Pacific and
Latin America (see Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
relating to geographic area information).
Customer Service: Since global data networking infrastructures are becoming
increasingly complex, customers require vendors to help them manage and support
their networks as well as design and build them. Additionally, as customers'
networking purchases transition from point-product to connectivity systems, a
more solutions-oriented approach to service and support is required. The
Company recognized these trends early and has invested in a comprehensive world-
wide service and support organization capable of providing virtually
around-the-clock customer support regardless of geographic location. In fiscal
1996, the Company expanded its worldwide service and support capabilities to
offer true 7 day/24 hour support to its customers by doubling the post-sale
dedicated customer service engineers in North America, opening additional
support centers and providing toll-free support service in Latin America,
Europe and the Asia Pacific, as well as adding interactive Internet-based
customer support options.
Worldwide logistics include support and repair centers in the United States,
dedicated service organizations in Europe and Asia Pacific regions, "parts
banks" at more than 25 locations, and electronic bulletin boards throughout the
world. In addition to on-site training, the Company also provides computer-
based courses that allow customers to learn networking technologies at their
own pace in their own environments.
BACKLOG
3Com manufactures its products based upon its forecast of the demand of its
customers worldwide and maintains inventories of finished products in advance
of receiving firm orders from its customers. Orders are generally placed by
the customer on an as-needed basis and products are usually shipped within one
to four weeks after receipt of an order. Such orders generally may be canceled
or rescheduled by the customer without significant penalty. Accordingly, the
Company does not maintain a substantial backlog, and backlog as of any
particular date may not be indicative of 3Com's actual sales in any succeeding
period.
MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIERS
3Com's primary production activities are conducted at its Santa Clara,
California and Blanchardstown, Ireland facilities. Purchasing, mechanical
assembly, burn-in, testing, final assembly, and quality assurance functions
are performed at both of these facilities. The Company also procures certain
products and subassemblies through subcontractors. Over the past several
years, the Company has been investing in automating its manufacturing
capabilities, decreasing the costs and increasing the quality of both
manufacturing design and production. To meet increased demand for its global
data networking products, the Company added new automated production lines in
both its California and Ireland plants. In fiscal 1996, construction was
completed on a new 225,000 square feet manufacturing facility at its head-
quarters in Santa Clara, and the Ireland facility was expanded to 120,000
square feet. The new Santa Clara facility, which produces the EtherLink and
TokenLink families of network adapters and the SuperStack network system
components, tripled the existing manufacturing square footage in Santa Clara.
The Company is committed to being an environmentally conscious manufacturer,
and pioneered implementation of a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free semi-aqueous
cleaning process at its California plant with DuPont and Corpane Corporations.
The same process is used at the Ireland facility, and 3Com met its goal of
being CFC-free by the end of calendar year 1993.
Components purchased by the Company are generally available from multiple
suppliers. However, certain components may be available from sole sources.
The inability of 3Com to obtain certain components could require the Company
to redesign or delay shipments of several of its data networking products.
The Company has sought to establish close relationships with sole-source
suppliers and/or to build up inventory of such components; however, there can
be no assurance that production would not be interrupted due to the
unavailability of components. The Company believes that its inventory levels
of these components, combined with finished components held by 3Com's suppliers,
are adequate for its currently forecasted needs.
COMPETITION
Data networking is an emerging field within the information systems industry
encompassing both on-premises (e.g., desktop connectivity devices, internet-
working platforms, data network switching, and wiring hubs) and off-premises
(e.g., wide-area networking) technologies. The Company participates primarily
in designing, manufacturing and marketing on-premises equipment, and is
expanding its presence in the off-premises POP market. 3Com's competitors
typically compete in one or more segments of the on-premises sector of the data
networking market. These companies are using their resources and technical
expertise to improve and expand their product lines in an effort to gain market
share. Several competitors are extending their product offerings beyond a
single market segment and are pursuing strategies more closely resembling 3Com's
global data networking strategy. The industry recently has witnessed a wave of
merger, acquisition and strategic partnering activity as many of these
companies seek to provide broader networking solutions.
Network Systems Products: Competition in the network systems business, formerly
characterized by niche-based competitors focused on a single industry segment,
is shifting toward more broad-based suppliers offering multiple product lines.
This has been achieved through mergers and acquisitions, through joint marketing
agreements, and through internally developed products. This industry
consolidation, and the convergence of hub, switching and routing technologies
on single platforms, will likely continue, intensifying competition among a
small group of companies with broad product offerings. Principal competitors
in the network systems products market include Bay Networks, Cabletron and
Cisco Systems. Additionally, shifting market trends that place a greater
importance on switching and remote access have allowed small niche-product
companies such as Shiva and Xylan to grow their revenues and gain additional
market share.
Until very recently, the market for remote access concentrators, primarily POP
connectivity equipment, has been characterized by a large number of vendors
with many complementary hardware products. A traditional POP maintained by a
network service provider might include modems, channel banks, and packet
assembler/disassemblers (PADs) from a number of different suppliers. Integrated
remote access concentrators, such as 3Com's AccessBuilder 8000 server, replace
these multiple, single function hardware products with a single software-
defined platform capable of handling both digital and analog signals. 3Com,
through its Primary Access subsidiary, competes against various manufacturers
of the products mentioned above, as well as Ascend Communications, Cisco
Systems and U.S. Robotics who manufacture integrated remote access concentrators
that compete directly with the AccessBuilder 8000 server.
The market for ISDN digital modems is characterized by many small companies
in both the U.S. and Europe, and by a few well established electronics and
modem manufacturers, such as Ascend Communications, Motorola, and U.S. Robotics.
Additionally, Bay Networks and Cisco Systems have both acquired companies
capable of manufacturing ISDN connectivity devices. The market for ISDN is
currently very small, however, more companies may combine to achieve greater
market presence in the ISDN segment, and give rise to ISDN's increased
availability to individual users and small businesses.
Network Adapters: The market for network adapters is highly competitive, with
companies offering products that support a range of Ethernet, Fast Ethernet,
Token Ring and FDDI media. Principal competitors in the traditional adapter
market include Intel Corporation, IBM Corporation, Madge N.V., Olicom A/S,
Standard Microsystems Corporation and Xircom. The Company believes it competes
favorably in the data networking market by providing customers with a full
breadth of products based on leading technologies which, when combined under
the Transcend Networking framework, address central site and remote connectivity
needs for enterprise customers, and offer innovative solutions for small
offices, network service providers and individual users. Additionally, 3Com
believes that its products enjoy a reputation for both high quality and
reliability.
PATENTS, LICENSES AND RELATED MATTERS
The Company relies on U.S. and foreign patents, copyrights, trademarks and
trade secrets to establish and maintain proprietary rights in its technology
and products. 3Com has an active program to file applications for and obtain
patents in the United States and in selected foreign countries where a potential
market for the Company's products exists. The Company's general policy has
been to seek patent protection for those inventions and improvements likely to
be incorporated in its products or otherwise expected to be of value. The
Company has been issued 51 utility patents and four design patents in the U.S.,
and has been issued four foreign patents. Numerous other patent applications
are currently pending which relate to the Company's research and development.
There can be no assurance that any of these patents would be upheld as valid
if litigated. While the Company believes that its patents and applications
have value, it also believes that its competitive position depends primarily
on the innovative skills, technological expertise and management abilities of
its employees. 3Com has been granted licenses by others, including a fully paid,
perpetual, non-exclusive license to a patent held by Xerox covering a portion
of the Ethernet technology.
The Company has registered 51 trademarks in the United States and has registered
20 trademarks in one or more of 43 foreign countries. Numerous applications
for registration of domestic and foreign trademarks are currently pending.
Many of 3Com's products are designed to include software or other intellectual
property licensed from third parties. The Company actively seeks to license
software that promotes the compatibility of its products with industry
standards, including standard protocols and architectures. The loss of rights
in software or other intellectual property licensed from a third party and
designed into a particular product might disrupt or delay 3Com's distribution
of that product. While it may be necessary in the future to seek or renew
licenses relating to various aspects of its products, the Company believes
that, based upon past experience and standard industry practice, such licenses
generally could be obtained on commercially reasonable terms.
EMPLOYEES
As of May 31, 1996, 3Com had 5,190 full-time employees, of whom 1,227 were
employed in engineering, 1,937 in sales, marketing and customer service, 1,309
in manufacturing, and 717 in finance and administration. None of 3Com's
employees is represented by a labor organization and the Company considers its
employee relations to be excellent.
ITEM 2. Properties
3Com's headquarters facility consists of a 495,000 square foot marketing,
administrative, manufacturing and research and development campus in Santa
Clara, California. The facility is leased from a limited partnership of which
a subsidiary of 3Com is a limited partner. The lease expires in January 2000
with options to renew for up to 15 years. 3Com also has an option to purchase
the facility.
During the first quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company signed a five-year lease
for 225,000 square feet (Phase I) of additional office and manufacturing space
to be built on land adjacent to its existing headquarters in Santa Clara. The
Company commenced occupancy of the facility in the first quarter of fiscal 1996,
and payments on the lease started in the second quarter of fiscal 1996. The
Company amended the lease agreement on February 1, 1996 to add 150,000 square
feet of office and manufacturing space and a parking garage (Phase II) to be
built on adjacent land. The amended lease expires in five years and provides
the Company with an option to purchase both Phase I and II properties or
arrange for the sale of the properties to a third party with a guaranteed
residual value of up to $57.8 million to the seller of the property. The
Company anticipates that it will commence occupancy of, and begin lease
payments on, the significant portion of the Phase II property in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1997.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company purchased a three
building, 120,000 square foot complex across from its Santa Clara headquarters
site. 3Com previously leased approximately 50,000 square feet of this complex
for its Customer Services Operations.
3Com leases approximately 50,000 square feet of office space across from its
Santa Clara headquarters site for its Personal Office Division and Western
Region Sales office. The facility was occupied in April 1996 and the lease
expires in August 1997. 3Com has two options to renew for 24 months and 36
months.
The Company's primary distribution facility consists of 113,000 square feet of
warehouse and distribution space in Santa Clara. The space was occupied in
November 1995 and the lease expires in December 2000. 3Com has an option to
renew for an additional three year period.
As a result of its acquisition of Chipcom, Inc., 3Com leases 163,000 square feet
of office, manufacturing and distribution space for its Integrated Systems
Division (formerly Chipcom) in Southborough, Massachusetts. The lease covers
two locations, and expires in July 1998 and January 1999, respectively. 3Com
also leases a former Chipcom facility consisting of 100,000 square feet of
office space in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The lease expires in December
1999.
3Com exercised its option to purchase 72 acres including a 150,000 square foot
office and manufacturing facility in Boxborough, Massachusetts in November 1996.
This facility was previously a leased facility which housed 3Com's Switching
and Star-Tek Divisions.
3Com leases several facilities in England including a 47,000 foot manufacturing
and research and development facility in Hemel-Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The
lease expires in December 1996. In May 1996, 3Com purchased a 10.5 acre site
including a 100,000 square foot facility for the consolidation and expansion of
the existing operations in Hemel-Hempstead.
The Company also leases 30,000 square feet of office space in Bourne End,
Buckinghamshire. The lease expires in December 1999. 3Com's European
headquarters consists of 17,000 square feet of office space in Marlow-on-Thames,
Buckinghamshire. The lease expires in December 2013. In August 1995, 3Com
established an 8,000 square foot European Technical Escalation Center for its
European Customer Service Operations in Utrecht, Holland.
In July 1992, 3Com Ireland, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3Com, completed,
occupied and began operations in its Blanchardstown, Ireland manufacturing
facility. In January 1996 the facility was expanded to 120,000 square feet.
The facility, including approximately 9.5 acres of land, is owned by 3Com
Ireland which also has an option to purchase an additional 3.5 acres of land
adjacent to the facility.
3Com also leases 20,000 square feet of office space in Herziliya, Israel,
which expires in June 1997. The Company has the option to expand the office
space to 65,000 square feet and renew the lease for a period of five years,
and anticipates that it will commence occupancy of, and begin lease payments on
the expanded lease in June 1997.
3Com also leases various sales and service offices throughout the United States,
Canada, Europe, Australia, Latin America, and Asia. All of 3Com's facilities
are well maintained and are adequate to conduct 3Com's current business.
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
On October 13, 1995, the Company acquired Chipcom, which had already been named
as a defendant in the litigation described below. On May 30, 1995, a complaint
was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
entitled Lucille Nappo, Marc Linsky, Constandine Machakos, and Mary Machakos v.
Chipcom Corp., John Robert Held, Robert Peter Badavas, Bruce L. Cohen, Menachem
E. Abraham, and Jerald G. Fishman. The named plaintiffs purport to represent
the class of persons who purchased Chipcom's common stock during the period
from and including February 8, 1995 through and including May 26, 1995. The
complaint alleged violations by the defendants of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of
the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and sought unspecified damages. On
June 7, 1995, a complaint alleging very similar claims was filed against the
same defendants in the same Court by Anthony Mallozzi. A third similar
complaint was filed against the same defendants in the same Court on June 8,
1995, by Daniel List. A fourth similar complaint was filed in the same Court
on June 16, 1995, entitled Sean J. Carney and Nicholas Giannantonio v. Chipcom
Corp., John Held, and Robert Badavas. A fifth similar complaint was filed in
the same Court on June 16, 1995, entitled Manuel C. DeSousa and Barbara J.
DeSousa v. Chipcom Corp., John Held, and Robert Badavas. The cases were
consolidated for pretrial purposes pursuant to an order entered by the Court on
June 15, 1995. The consolidated action is entitled In re: Chipcom Securities
Litigation, Civil Action No. 95-111114DPW. A Consolidated Complaint was
filed on September 13, 1995, and an Amended Consolidated Complaint was filed on
November 30, 1995.
The defendants' motion to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint was granted
without leave to amend on May 1, 1996. The dismissal covers all five cases.
The plaintiffs have appealed the order granting the dismissal.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table lists the names, ages and positions held with the
Registrant of all executive officers of the Registrant. There are no family
relationships between any director or executive officer and any other director
or executive officer of the Registrant. Executive officers serve at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.
Name Age Position
---- --- --------
Eric A. Benhamou 40 Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Debra J. Engel 44 Vice President, Corporate Services
Robert J. Finocchio, Jr. 45 Executive Vice President and General
Manager, Network Systems Operations
John H. Hart 50 Vice President and Chief
Technical Officer
Richard W. Joyce 40 Vice President, New Business
Operations
Alan J. Kessler 39 Vice President, Customer Service
Operations
William G. Marr 49 Executive Vice President, Worldwide
Sales
Christopher B. Paisley 43 Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
Janice M. Roberts 40 Vice President, Marketing
Douglas C. Spreng 52 Executive Vice President and General
Manager, Personal Connectivity Operations
Thomas L. Thomas 47 Vice President and Chief Information
Officer, Global Information Systems
Eric A. Benhamou has been the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer
since April 1990 and September 1990, respectively. Mr. Benhamou became Chairman
of the Board of Directors of the Company in July 1994. Mr. Benhamou served as
the Company's Chief Operating Officer from April 1990 through September 1990.
From October 1987 through April 1990, Mr. Benhamou held various general manage-
ment positions within the Company. Prior to that, Mr. Benhamou was one of the
founders of Bridge Communications, Inc., in September 1981, and held various
executive positions in that company in the fields of engineering and product
development, most recently as Vice President of Engineering, until that company
combined with 3Com in September 1987. Mr. Benhamou also serves as a director of
Cypress Semiconductor, Inc., Legato Systems, Inc. and Smart Valley, Inc.
Debra J. Engel has been Vice President, Corporate Services since March 1990.
From the time Ms. Engel joined the Company in November 1983 until March 1990,
she was Vice President, Human Resources. Prior to that, she was with Hewlett-
Packard Company for seven years, most recently as Corporate Staffing Manager at
Hewlett-Packard's Corporate Headquarters. Ms. Engel also serves as a director
of Aspect Telecommunications.
Robert J. Finocchio, Jr. has been Executive Vice President, Network Systems
Operations since June 1993. From January 1990 through May 1993, Mr. Finocchio
served as Executive Vice President, Field Operations. Mr. Finocchio joined the
Company in December 1988 as Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Services, a
position he held through January 1990. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Finocchio was with Rolm, Inc. for nine years, where he held various
executive positions in sales and service. Most recently he was Vice President
of Rolm Systems Marketing. Mr. Finocchio also serves as a director of Latitude
Communications and Sync Research.
John H. Hart has been Vice President and Chief Technical Officer since joining
the Company in September 1990. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hart worked
for Vitalink Communications Corporation for seven years, where he held various
executive positions in product engineering and development. Mr. Hart's final
position with Vitalink was Vice President of Network Products.
Richard W. Joyce became Vice President, New Business Operations in June 1995.
From June 1993 to June 1995, Mr. Joyce served as Vice President, Sales Europe
and Asia Pacific Rim (APR). From January 1990 to June 1995, Mr. Joyce served
as President, 3Com Europe Limited. Mr. Joyce joined the Company in November
1987 as Sales Manager of 3Com (UK) Limited, a position he held until September
1988. From September 1988 until January 1990, Mr. Joyce served as Managing
Director of 3Com (UK) Limited. Most recently prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Joyce held the position of Managing Director Europe for State Street
Trade Development Corporation from 1985 to 1987.
Alan J. Kessler became Vice President, Customer Service Operations in June 1995.
From June 1993 through June 1995, Mr. Kessler served as Vice President, Systems
Sales-North America. From May 1991 through May 1993, Mr. Kessler served as Vice
President and General Manager, Network Systems Division. From April 1990 until
May 1991, Mr. Kessler served as Vice President and General Manager, Distributed
Systems Division. Previously, he served as Product Marketing Manager of the
Distributed Systems Division from November 1988 through April 1990 and as
Product Line Manager from October 1985 through November 1988.
William G. Marr joined the Company as Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales
in June 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Marr was with Sun Microsystems,
Inc. for ten years, most recently as Vice President, North American and
Australian Field Operations.
Christopher B. Paisley has served as the Company's Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer since September 1985. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Paisley was Vice President, Finance of Ridge Computers from May 1982 to
September 1985. Previously, Mr. Paisley was employed by Hewlett-Packard Company
for five years in a variety of accounting and finance positions. Mr. Paisley
also serves as a director of Applied Digital Access, Inc.
Janice M. Roberts has been Vice President, Marketing since June 1992. From
February 1994 to June 1995, Ms. Roberts also served as General Manager,
Personal Office Division. From February 1992 until June 1992, Ms. Roberts was
Vice President and General Manager of the Premises Distribution Division. During
the period January 1989 to February 1992, Ms. Roberts served as Director of
BICC Technologies Limited and President of BICC Technologies, Inc. and BICC
Communications, Inc. She was also Chairman and Managing Director of BICC Data
Networks Limited. From December 1986 through January 1989, Ms. Roberts was
Manager of Sales and Marketing of STC Components Ltd.
located in Harlowe, United Kingdom.
Douglas C. Spreng was promoted to Executive Vice President, Personal
Connectivity Operations in July 1995. He joined the Company as Vice
President and General Manger of the Network Adapter Division in March 1992.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Spreng was President and Chief Operations
Officer of Domestic Automation Company, a private communications system start-
up company based in San Carlos, California. Previously, Mr. Spreng spent 23
years with Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) in a variety of key marketing,
manufacturing and general management positions, including General Manager of
HP's Commercial Systems Group. Most recently he served as General Manager of
HP's Manufacturing Applications Group. Mr. Spreng also serves as a director
of Contango and Com21.
Thomas L. Thomas has been Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Global
Information Systems since September 1995. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Thomas had been Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Dell
Computer Corporation from 1993 to 1995. Prior to that, Mr. Thomas served as
Vice President of Management Information Systems at Kraft General Foods from
1987 to 1993, and at Sara Lee Corporation from 1981 to 1987.
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters
Fiscal 1996 High Low Fiscal 1995 High Low
----------- ---- --- ----------- ---- ---
First Quarter $40 7/8 $30 7/16 First Quarter $17 9/32 $10 1/16
Second Quarter 53 5/8 38 3/8 Second Quarter 23 15 3/4
Third Quarter 51 7/8 35 1/2 Third Quarter 26 5/8 20 1/16
Fourth Quarter 52 36 1/8 Fourth Quarter 34 5/8 25 11/16
3Com Corporation common stock has been traded in the over-the-counter market
under the symbol COMS since the Company's initial public offering on March 21,
1984. The preceding table sets forth the high and low sales prices as reported
on the Nasdaq National Market during the last two years (adjusted to reflect a
2-for-1 stock split on August 25, 1995). As of May 31, 1996, the Company had
approximately 2,997 shareholders of record. 3Com has not paid and does not
anticipate it will pay cash dividends on its common stock.
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial information has been derived from the audited
Consolidated Financial Statements. The information set forth below is not
necessarily indicative of results of future operations, and should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial statements and related
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Years ended May 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except
per share and employee data) 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $2,327,101 $1,593,469 $1,011,533 $723,231 $482,416
Net income (loss) 177,854 144,559 (11,870) 45,047 7,983
Net income (loss)
per share:
Primary 1.01 0.85 (0.08) 0.31 0.06
Fully diluted 1.00 0.84 (0.08) 0.30 0.05
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $1,525,117 $1,074,810 $ 614,688 $458,869 $361,248
Working capital 825,190 570,691 307,017 244,767 187,278
Long-term obligations 115,492 116,221 4,642 4,833 13,220
Retained earnings 379,358 200,030 73,686 98,699 60,405
Shareholders' equity 978,805 633,724 414,122 323,307 247,100
Number of employees 5,190 4,048 3,019 2,514 2,370
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income for fiscal 1996 included a charge of approximately $69.0 million
($.28 per share) for merger-related costs, a charge of approximately $52.4
million ($.29 per share) for purchased in-process technology, and a charge of
approximately $1.0 million (approximately $.01 per share) for a litigation
settlement. Net income for fiscal 1995 included a charge of approximately
$68.7 million ($.25 per share) for purchased in-process technology, a charge of
approximately $11.2 million ($.06 per share) for merger-related costs and a
credit of $1.1 million ($.01 per share) for a reduction in accrued restructuring
costs. Net loss for fiscal 1994 included a charge of approximately $134.5
million ($.82 per share) for purchased in-process technology, a gain of $17.7
million ($.07 per share) on the sale of an investment and a tax benefit of
$1.2 million ($.01 per share) resulting from tax law changes. Net income for
fiscal 1993 included a charge of approximately $1.3 million ($.01 per share)
for non-recurring items. Net income for fiscal 1992 included a charge of
approximately $10.4 million ($.07 per share) for purchased in-process tech-
nology. See Notes 3 and 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information on the above transactions. Excluding the non-recurring
items noted above, pro forma net income and net income per share on a fully
diluted basis would have been as follows:
Years ended May 31,
(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data) 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro forma net income $280,033 $195,545 $103,713 $46,255 $17,083
Pro forma net income
per share $ 1.58 $ 1.14 $ 0.66 $ 0.31 $ 0.12
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
ACQUISITIONS
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996, 3Com Corporation (the Company)
enhanced its enterprise-wide networking solutions with two acquisitions. On
March 12, 1996, the Company acquired AXON Networks, Inc. (AXON), a technological
leader in remote network management and monitoring of data network traffic.
The purchase price consisted of cash, net of cash acquired, of approximately
$60.2 million, which was paid using funds from the Company's working capital,
and assumption of stock options with a fair value of approximately $3.7 million.
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the acquired
assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair market values at
the date of acquisition. The aggregate purchase price of $65.3 million,
including $1.4 million of costs directly attributable to the completion of the
acquisition, has been allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities
assumed. Approximately $52.4 million of the total purchase price represented
the value of in-process technology that had not yet reached technological
feasibility, had no alternative future use and was charged to the Company's
operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. The Company's consolidated
results of operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996 include the
operating results of AXON from the date of acquisition.
On October 13, 1995, the Company acquired Chipcom Corporation (Chipcom), a
provider of computer networking multifunction platforms, including hubs,
switching and network management products. The Company issued approximately
18.3 million shares of 3Com common stock in exchange for all the outstanding
common stock of Chipcom. The Company also assumed and exchanged all options
to purchase Chipcom common stock for options to purchase approximately 2.4
million shares of the Company's common stock. The acquisition was accounted
for as a pooling-of-interests, and all financial data of the Company prior to
the acquisition has been restated to include the historical information of
Chipcom. No significant adjustments were required to conform the accounting
policies of the Company and Chipcom. In connection with the acquisition of
Chipcom, acquisition-related costs of $69.0 million were charged to operations
in the second quarter of fiscal 1996. These charges consisted primarily of
expenses for the elimination of duplicate and discontinued products and
facilities, related severance costs and direct transaction costs (see Note 13
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
On June 9, 1995, 3Com extended its market presence to network service providers
and carriers with the acquisition of Primary Access Corporation (Primary
Access), a provider of integrated network access systems. The Company issued
approximately 4.6 million shares of 3Com common stock for all of the outstand-
ing stock of Primary Access, and assumed and exchanged all options and warrants
to purchase Primary Access stock for options and warrants to purchase
approximately 1.0 million shares of the Company's common stock. The acquisition
was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests, and all financial data of the
Company prior to the acquisition has been restated to include the historical
information of Primary Access. No significant adjustments were required to
conform the accounting policies of the Company and Primary Access.
In fiscal 1995, the Company acquired Sonix Communications, Ltd. (Sonix), a
provider of ISDN connectivity solutions in the United Kingdom, and Chipcom
acquired Artel Communications Corporation (Artel), a provider of high
performance communication systems for the internetworking and video distribution
markets. The Company issued an aggregate of approximately 3.6 million shares
of common stock in exchange for all the outstanding stock of the acquired
companies. Both acquisitions were accounted for as poolings-of-interests.
Also in fiscal 1995, the Company acquired NiceCom, Ltd. (NiceCom), an
innovator of ATM technology, and Chipcom acquired DSI ExpressNetworks, Inc.
(DSI), a developer of intelligent hubs and internetworking products. Both
acquisitions were accounted for as purchases. Fiscal 1995 results included a
$68.7 million pre-tax charge to operations for the effect of purchased in-
process technology related to fiscal 1995 purchase transactions.
In fiscal 1994, the Company acquired Synernetics, Inc. (Synernetics), a market
leader in LAN switching products, and Centrum Communications, Inc. (Centrum),
an innovator of remote access products. Both acquisitions were accounted for
as purchases. The Company also entered into a technology licensing agreement
with Pacific Monolithics, Inc., a developer of wireless communications (see
Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Fiscal 1994 results
included a $134.5 million pretax charge to operations for the combined effect
of purchased in-process technology related to the acquisitions and the license
agreement.
See Notes 3 and 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information on the above business combinations.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Fiscal 1996 sales increased 46 percent to $2.3 billion from $1.6 billion in
fiscal 1995. This compares to a 58 percent increase in sales in fiscal 1995
from fiscal 1994 sales of $1.0 billion. The Company believes that the increase
in fiscal 1996 and 1995 sales is due to several factors, including continued
strength in the data networking market as customers migrate to new technologies
such as LAN switching and Fast Ethernet, increases in worldwide personal
computer sales, rapid growth in sales outside the U.S., and the continuous
expansion of 3Com's product offerings and its ability to deliver complete data
networking solutions for different connectivity environments.
Sales of network systems products (i.e., internetworking platforms, remote
access servers, hubs and switching products) in fiscal 1996 represented 57
percent of total sales and increased 55 percent from fiscal 1995. This followed
a 73 percent increase in systems sales in fiscal 1995 from fiscal 1994. Sales
of systems products in fiscal years 1995 and 1994 represented 53 percent and
49 percent of total sales, respectively. The increase in fiscal 1996 network
systems product sales was led primarily by the LinkBuilder FMS II stackable
hub, the LANplex and LinkSwitch families of switching products, the Access-
Builder 8000 integrated network access system and the ONcore intelligent
switching system. The increase in network systems products was partially
offset by declines in sales of certain product lines acquired from Chipcom.
The increase in fiscal 1995 network systems product sales was led primarily by
the aforementioned LinkBuilder FMS II stackable hub and the LANplex family of
switching products as well as the NETBuilder Remote Office internetworking
system and Chipcom's ONline family of intelligent switching systems.
Sales of network adapters in fiscal 1996 represented 39 percent of total sales
and increased 35 percent from fiscal 1995. This followed a 45 percent sales
increase in network adapters in fiscal 1995 from fiscal 1994. Sales of network
adapters in fiscal years 1995 and 1994 represented 43 percent and 46 percent of
total sales, respectively. The increase in fiscal 1996 network adapter sales
represented a significant increase in unit volume, primarily the result of
increased sales of the EtherLink III network adapter and the EtherLink PC
Card adapter and the introduction of the Fast EtherLink PCI adapter. The
trend toward decreasing average selling prices in all adapter products
continued in fiscal 1996, but was mostly offset by the increased mix of Fast
Ethernet and PC Card products, which carry higher average selling prices. The
increase in fiscal 1995 network adapter sales represented an increase in unit
volume partially offset by continuation of the industry-wide trend toward
decreasing average selling prices, particularly in the Token Ring market. The
increase in unit volume primarily resulted from sales of the EtherLink III
network adapter, but was also favorably impacted by sales of the EtherLink PC
Card adapter.
Sales of other products (primarily terminal servers and customer service)
represented four percent of total sales in fiscal 1996 and 1995. These sales
increased 42 percent from fiscal 1995, although they continued to represent a
small percentage of the Company's total sales, as expected.
Sales outside of the United States comprised 53 percent of total sales in fiscal
1996, compared to 52 percent in fiscal 1995 and 49 percent in fiscal 1994. In
fiscal 1996, international and U.S. sales increased 48 percent and 44 percent,
respectively, from fiscal 1995. In fiscal 1995, international and U.S. sales
increased 66 percent and 49 percent, respectively, from fiscal 1994. The
Company believes that the increase in international sales was a result of strong
growth in the Asia Pacific region, the breadth of the Company's product
offerings, its continued global expansion through the opening of new sales
offices in Asia, Latin America and Europe, and the expansion of worldwide
service and support programs. The Company's operations were not significantly
impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in fiscal years
1996, 1995 and 1994.
Cost of sales as a percentage of sales was 47.1 percent in fiscal 1996,
compared to 46.3 percent in fiscal 1995 and 48.0 percent in fiscal 1994. The
0.8 percentage point reduction in gross margin in fiscal 1996 resulted
primarily from a higher mix of certain lower margin adapter and network access
system products and increased provisions for obsolete and excess inventory,
which taken separately would have reduced gross margin by 2.2 percentage
points. Factors causing the decline in gross margin were partially offset by
a favorable shipment mix toward the Company's switching products and reductions
in adapter product material costs, which taken separately would have improved
gross margin by 1.4 percentage points. The improvement in gross margin in
fiscal 1995 resulted primarily from a favorable shipment mix of the Company's
switching products, reductions in adapter product material costs and lower
provisions for obsolete and excess inventory, which taken separately would
have improved gross margins by 1.7 percentage points.
Total operating expenses in fiscal 1996 were $928.6 million, compared to $630.9
million in fiscal 1995 and $502.5 million in fiscal 1994. Excluding the
acquisition-related charge of $69.0 million related to the acquisition of
Chipcom, the charge of $52.4 million for purchased in-process technology
associated with the acquisition of AXON (see Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements) and a charge of $1.0 million for a settlement of
litigation, total operating expenses in fiscal 1996 would have been $806.3
million, or 34.6 percent of sales. Excluding the charge of $68.7 million for
purchased in-process technology and a non-recurring charge of $10.1 million,
which consisted of approximately $11.2 million in merger transaction costs
associated with the acquisitions of Artel, Primary Access and Sonix and a
credit of $1.1 million for the reduction in accrued costs relating to the
fiscal 1991 restructuring, total operating expenses in fiscal 1995 would have
been $552.1 million, or 34.6 percent of sales. Excluding the charge of $134.5
million for purchased in-process technology resulting from the acquisitions of
Synernetics and Centrum and the technology licensing agreement, total operating
expenses in fiscal 1994 would have been $368.0 million, or 36.4 percent of
sales.
SUMMARY OF OPERATING EXPENSES
Fiscal 1996 Fiscal 1995 Fiscal 1994
Percent Percent Percent
of of of
(Dollars in thousands) Amount Sales Amount Sales Amount Sales
---------------------------------------------------
Sales and marketing $475,769 20.4% $319,310 20.0% $217,197 21.5%
Research and development 233,107 10.0 166,327 10.4 101,085 10.0
General and administrative 97,395 4.2 66,462 4.2 49,733 4.9
Non-recurring charges:
Purchased in-process
technology 52,353 2.2 68,696 4.3 134,481 13.3
Acquisition-related charges
and other 69,950 3.0 10,125 0.6 - -
-------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Total operating expenses $928,574 39.9% $630,920 39.6% $502,496 49.7%
======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
Total operating expenses
excluding non-recurring
charges $806,271 34.6% $552,099 34.6% $368,015 36.4%
======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
Sales and marketing expenses in fiscal 1996 increased $156.5 million or 49
percent from fiscal 1995. The increase in such expenses reflected increased
selling costs related to the 46 percent increase in sales volume, higher costs
associated with marketing promotions and sales support programs, and a year-
over-year increase in sales and marketing personnel of 35 percent. The
Company believes the increase in sales and marketing expenses is also a direct
result of the Chipcom acquisition. Sales and marketing expenses in fiscal 1995
increased $102.1 million or 47 percent from fiscal 1994. The increase in such
expenses reflected increased selling costs related to the 58 percent increase
in sales volume, the cost of introducing and promoting the Company's new and
existing products, and a year-over-year increase in sales and marketing
personnel of 32 percent. As a percentage of sales, sales and marketing expenses
were 20.4 percent in fiscal 1996, compared to 20.0 percent in fiscal 1995 and
21.5 percent in fiscal 1994.
Research and development expenses in fiscal 1996 increased $66.8 million or
40 percent from the prior year, compared to a fiscal 1995 increase of $65.2
million or 65 percent from fiscal 1994. The increase in research and
development expenses was primarily attributable to the cost of developing new
products, including the Company's expansion into new technologies and markets.
Full time research and development personnel increased 27 percent and 35 percent
in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. The increase in research and
development expenses is consistent with the Company's continued commitment to
develop and introduce high quality, innovative products. As a percentage of
sales, research and development expenses were 10.0 percent in fiscal 1996,
compared to 10.4 percent in fiscal 1995 and 10.0 percent in fiscal 1994.
The Company believes the timely introduction of new technologies and products
is crucial to its success, and plans to continue to make acquisitions to
accelerate time to market where appropriate. Most of the in-process research
and development projects acquired in connection with businesses purchased by
the Company prior to fiscal 1996 have been completed. Development work
associated with projects still in process is proceeding as expected. Such
development activities primarily include the development of products with
remote monitoring functionality for the enterprise market. The costs for the
projects in process are primarily labor costs for design, prototype development
and testing. As of May 31, 1996, the Company estimates that an aggregate of
approximately $7 to $13 million dollars will be expensed over the next 18 to
24 months in connection with completion of such acquired research and
development projects. The Company anticipates future research and development
spending, including costs remaining for the completion of these purchased in-
process research and development projects, will not significantly differ from
the historical trend of research and development expenses as a percent of sales.
General and administrative expenses in fiscal 1996 increased $30.9 million or
47 percent from the prior year, compared to a fiscal 1995 increase of $16.7
million or 34 percent from fiscal 1994. The increase in general and
administrative expenses reflects the worldwide expansion of the Company's
infrastructure through internal growth and acquisitions. As a percentage of
sales, such expenses remained flat at 4.2 percent in fiscal 1996 and 1995, and
decreased from 4.9 percent in fiscal 1994.
Other income (net) was $6.8 million in fiscal 1996, compared to $4.9 million
in fiscal 1995 and $4.0 million in fiscal 1994. These amounts consist primarily
of interest income, which has increased $9.3 million and $7.2 million in fiscal
1996 and 1995, respectively, due primarily to larger cash and investment
balances and higher interest rates. Partially offsetting this increase in
other income was the issuance of $110.0 million of convertible subordinated
notes in the second quarter of fiscal 1995, which in addition to increasing
cash balances, contributed to increases in interest expense of $5.5 million and
$6.5 million in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Non-operating income was favorably impacted during fiscal 1994 as the Company
realized a nonrecurring gain of $17.7 million from the sale of the Company's
investment in Madge N.V.
The Company's effective income tax rate was 42 percent in fiscal 1996.
Excluding the purchased in-process technology charge, which was not tax
deductible, and the nondeductible portion of the merger costs associated with
the Chipcom acquisition, the effective tax rate would have been 35 percent.
The Company's effective income tax rate was 37 percent in fiscal 1995.
Excluding the merger costs associated with the Sonix and Primary Access
acquisitions, which were not tax deductible, the effective tax rate would have
been 36 percent. In fiscal 1994, 3Com provided $57.1 million for income taxes
on income before income taxes of $45.2 million because a significant portion of
the purchased in-process technology charges were not tax deductible. In
addition, the income tax rate in fiscal 1994 reflected the recognition of a
net benefit of $1.2 million, which resulted from retroactive changes to the
Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. Excluding the effect of the non-recurring
items in fiscal 1994, the effective tax rate would have been 35 percent.
Net income for fiscal 1996 was $177.9 million, or $1.00 per share, compared to
net income of $144.6 million, or $0.84 per share for fiscal 1995 and a net loss
for fiscal 1994 of $11.9 million, or $0.08 per share. Net income for fiscal
1996 included the aforementioned acquisition-related charge of $69.0 million,
the $52.4 million charge for purchased in-process technology and the $1.0
million charge for a litigation settlement. Excluding these charges, the
Company would have realized net income of $280.0 million, or $1.58 per share
for fiscal 1996. Net income for fiscal 1995 included the aforementioned $68.7
million charge for purchased in-process technology, the $11.2 million charge
for merger costs and the $1.1 million credit for the reduction in the
restructuring reserve. Excluding these charges and gains, the Company would
have realized net income of $195.5 million, or $1.14 per share for fiscal 1995.
Net income for fiscal 1994 included the aforementioned $134.5 million charge
for purchased in-process technology, the $17.7 million gain from the sale of
an investment and the $1.2 million tax benefit. Excluding these charges and
gains, the Company would have realized net income of $103.7 million, or $0.66
per share for fiscal 1994. Net income per share for fiscal 1995 and net loss
per share for fiscal 1994 have been restated to reflect the two-for-one stock
split on August 25, 1995.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND RISK FACTORS
The Company's future operating results may be affected by various trends and
factors which the Company must successfully manage in order to achieve
favorable operating results. In addition, there are trends and factors beyond
the Company's control which affect its operations. In accordance with the
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the
cautionary statements set forth below identify important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking
statements which may be contained in this report. Such trends and factors
include, but are not limited to, adverse changes in general economic conditions
or conditions in the specific markets for the Company's products, governmental
regulation or intervention affecting communications or data networking,
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and other factors, including those
listed below. The Company participates in a highly volatile and rapidly growing
industry which is characterized by vigorous competition for market share.
This could result in aggressive pricing practices, growing competition both
from start-up companies and from well-capitalized computer systems and
communications companies, and rapid technological development carried out
amidst uncertainty over adoption of industry standards and protection of
proprietary intellectual property rights. The Company's ability to compete
in this environment depends upon a number of competitive and market factors and
is subject to the risks set forth in this report. The market for the Company's
products is characterized by rapidly changing technology. The Company's success
depends, in substantial part, on the timely and successful introduction of new
products. An unexpected change in one or more of the technologies affecting
data networking or in market demand for products based on a particular
technology could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating
results if the Company does not respond timely and effectively to such changes.
The Company is engaged in research and development activities in certain
emerging LAN and WAN highspeed technologies, such as ATM, ISDN, Fast Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet and data-over-cable. As the industry standardizes on high
- -speed technologies, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to respond promptly and cost-effectively to compete in the marketplace.
Some key components of the Company's products are currently available only from
single sources. There can be no assurance that in the future the Company's
suppliers will be able to meet the Company's demand for components in a timely
and cost-effective manner. The Company's operating results and customer
relationships could be adversely affected by either an increase in prices for,
or an interruption or reduction in supply of, any key components.
The Company distributes a significant portion of its products through third
party distributors and resellers. Due to the consolidation in the distribution
and reseller channels and the Company's increased volume of sales into these
channels, the Company has experienced an increased concentration of credit
risk. While the Company continuously monitors and manages this risk, financial
difficulties on the part of one or more of the Company's resellers may have a
material adverse effect on the Company. Likewise, the Company's expansion into
certain emerging geographic markets, characterized by economic and political
instability and currency fluctuations, may subject the Company's resellers to
financial difficulties which may have an adverse impact on the Company.
The Company will continue to invest during fiscal 1997 in expanding its sales,
marketing, service, logistics and manufacturing operations worldwide. The
achievement of continued sales and earnings growth will depend upon the success-
ful implementation of several projects, including the continued expansion of
the Company's direct sales force and the establishment of a new manufacturing
and distribution facility in the Asia Pacific region.
Acquisitions of complementary businesses and technologies, including
technologies and products under development, are an active part of the Company's
overall business strategy. Certain of the Company's major competitors have
also been engaged in merger and acquisition transactions. Such consolidations
by competitors are likely to create entities with increased market share,
customer base, technology and marketing expertise, sales force size, or
proprietary technology in segments in which the Company competes, which may
adversely affect the Company's ability to compete in such segments.
In fiscal 1996, the Company consummated acquisitions of AXON, Chipcom and
Primary Access. There can be no assurance that products, technologies,
distribution channels, key personnel and businesses of acquired companies will
be effectively assimilated into the Company's business or product offerings,
or that such integration will not adversely affect the Company's business,
financial condition or results of operations. The difficulties of such
integration may be increased by the size and number of such acquisitions and
the requirements of coordinating geographically separated organizations.
There can be no assurance that any acquired products, technologies or
businesses will contribute at anticipated levels to the Company's sales or
earnings, that the sales and earnings from acquired businesses will not be
adversely affected by the integration process or other general factors. The
acquisition of Chipcom is the largest acquisition the Company has undertaken,
and the factors identified above are therefore more significant to the Company's
business following the Chipcom acquisition than for prior transactions. There
can be no assurance that the Company will continue to be able to identify and
consummate suitable acquisition transactions in the future.
The Company's business is characterized by the continuous introduction of new
products and the management of the transition of those products from prior
generations of technology or product platforms. In each product transition
cycle, the Company faces the challenge of managing the inventory of its older
products, including materials, work-in-process, and products held by resellers.
If 3Com is not successful in managing these transitions, there could be an
adverse impact on the financial results of the Company.
The Company's products are covered by product warranties and the Company may
be subject to contractual commitments concerning product features or
performance. If unexpected circumstances arise such that the product does not
perform as intended and the Company is not successful in resolving product
quality or performance issues, there could be an adverse impact on sales and
earnings.
The market price of the Company's common stock has been, and may continue to be,
extremely volatile. Factors such as new product announcements by the Company
or its competitors, quarterly fluctuations in the Company's operating results,
challenges associated with integration of businesses and general conditions in
the data networking market may have a significant impact on the market price of
the Company's common stock. These conditions, as well as factors which
generally affect the market for stocks of high technology companies, could
cause the price of the Company's stock to fluctuate substantially over short
periods.
Notwithstanding the Company's increased geographical diversification, the
Company's corporate headquarters and a large portion of its research and
development activities and other critical business operations are located near
major earthquake faults. The Company's business, financial condition and
operating results could be materially adversely affected in the event of a
major earthquake.
Because of the foregoing factors, as well as other factors affecting the
Company's operating results, past trends and performance should not be
presumed by investors to be an accurate indicator of future results or trends.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash, cash equivalents and temporary cash investments at May 31, 1996 were
$499.3 million, increasing $113.8 million from May 31, 1995. At the end of
fiscal 1995 and 1994, cash, cash equivalents and temporary cash investments
were $385.6 million and $202.3 million, respectively.
The Company spent approximately $60.2 million in net cash for the AXON
acquisition during fiscal 1996, which was paid from existing cash balances
(see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). Also in fiscal
1996, the Company acquired Chipcom. As a result of the acquisition, the
Company recorded acquisition-related charges totaling $69.0 million. Total
expected cash expenditures relating to the acquisition-related charges are
$24.7 million, of which $13.5 million was disbursed prior to May 31, 1996 and
the remaining $11.2 million is expected to be paid within the next twelve
months (See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996, net cash generated from operating
activities was $310.3 million. Trade receivables at May 31, 1996 increased
$113.9 million from May 31, 1995, due primarily to an increase in sales. Days
sales outstanding in receivables was 49 days at the end of fiscal 1996,
compared to 46 days at May 31, 1995. Inventory levels at May 31, 1996
increased $58.3 million from the prior fiscal year-end, net of a $27.1 million
provision in the acquisition charge for duplicate and discontinued Chipcom
products. Inventory turnover remained constant at 5.4 turns at May 31, 1996
and May 31, 1995.
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996, the Company made $180.0 million in
capital expenditures. Major capital expenditures included upgrades of desktop
systems, upgrades and additions to product manufacturing lines and facilities
in Santa Clara and Ireland and purchases of, and furnishings and improvements
to, new facilities in the U.K., Santa Clara and the Boston area. As of May 31,
1996, 3Com had outstanding approximately $22 million in capital expenditure
commitments primarily associated with the expansion and refurbishment of
facilities and manufacturing product lines.
As of May 31, 1996, 3Com was authorized by its Board of Directors to repurchase
up to an additional 5.5 million shares of its common stock in the open market.
During the year ended May 31, 1996, the Company received cash of $71.1 million
from the sale of its common stock to employees through its employee stock
purchase and option plans.
During the first quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company signed a five-year lease
for 225,000 square feet (Phase I) of office and manufacturing space to be built
on land adjacent to its existing headquarters in Santa Clara. The Company
commenced occupancy of the facility in the first quarter of fiscal 1996, and
payments on the lease started in the second quarter of fiscal 1996. The Company
amended the lease agreement on February 1, 1996 to add 150,000 square feet of
office and manufacturing space and a parking garage (Phase II) to be built on
adjacent land. The amended lease expires in five years and provides the
Company with an option to purchase both Phase I and II properties or arrange
for the sale of the properties to a third party with a guaranteed residual
value of up to $57.8 million to the seller of the property. The Company
anticipates that it will commence occupancy of, and begin lease payments on,
the significant portion of the Phase II property in the fourth quarter of fiscal
1997.
3Com has a $40 million revolving bank credit agreement which expires
December 31, 1996. As of May 31, 1996, no amount was outstanding under the
credit agreement and 3Com was in compliance with all financial ratio and
minimum net worth requirements.
Based on current plans and business conditions, the Company believes that its
existing cash and equivalents, temporary cash investments, cash to be generated
from operations and the available revolving credit agreement will be sufficient
to satisfy anticipated operating cash requirements through fiscal 1997.
EFFECTS OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." This
statement requires that the Company review for impairment of long-lived assets,
certain identifiable intangibles, and goodwill related to those assets whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. SFAS 121 will be effective for the Company's
fiscal year beginning June 1, 1996. The Company does not expect that the
adoption of this statement will have a material impact on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
The FASB also issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."
The Company is required to adopt SFAS 123 for the fiscal year beginning
June 1, 1996. This statement establishes accounting and disclosure requirements
using a fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee
compensation plans. Under SFAS 123 the Company may either adopt the new fair
value based accounting method or continue the intrinsic value based method and
provide pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the
accounting provisions of this statement had been adopted. The Company plans
to adopt only the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123; therefore such adoption
will have no effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule
Financial Statements:
Independent Auditors' Reports:
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP
Report of Price Waterhouse LLP
Report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended May 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994
Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 1996 and 1995
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended
May 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended May 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
All other schedules are omitted, because they are not required, are not
applicable, or the information is included in the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto.
Independent Auditors' Report
- ----------------------------
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of 3Com Corporation:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of 3Com Corporation and its
subsidiaries as of May 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended May 31, 1996. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits. The
consolidated financial statements give retroactive effect to the fiscal 1996
mergers of 3Com Corporation with Chipcom Corporation and Primary Access
Corporation, which have been accounted for as poolings-of-interests as
described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements. We did not
audit the consolidated balance sheet of Chipcom Corporation as of December 31,
1994, which reflects total assets of $221,853,000 and is combined with 3Com
Corporation's consolidated balance sheet as of May 31, 1995, or the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows of
Chipcom Corporation for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, which are
combined with 3Com Corporation's statements for the years ended May 31, 1995
and 1994 or of Primary Access Corporation for the fifty-three weeks ended
October 3, 1993 which are combined with 3Com Corporation's statements for the
year ended May 31, 1994, and reflect combined revenues of $267,776,000 and
$184,538,000, respectively, and net income of $18,560,000 and $16,824,000,
respectively, for fiscal years 1995 and 1994. Those statements were audited
by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion,
insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Chipcom Corporation and
Primary Access Corporation for fiscal years 1995 and 1994, is based solely on
the reports of such other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of the
other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion,
based on our audits and the reports of the other auditors, the consolidated
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of 3Com Corporation and its subsidiaries at
May 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 1996 in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
- -------------------------
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Jose, California
June 24, 1996
Report of Independent Accountants
- ---------------------------------
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Chipcom Corporation
In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheet and related consolidated
statements of income, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows of Chipcom
Corporation and its subsidiaries (not presented separately herein) present
fairly, in all material respects, their financial position at December 31,
1994, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
two years in the period ended December 31, 1994, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted
our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstate-
ment. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above. We have not audited
the consolidated financial statements of Chipcom Corporation for any period
subsequent to December 31, 1994.
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
- ------------------------
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 7, 1995
Independent Auditors' Report
- ----------------------------
The Board of Directors
Primary Access Corporation:
We have audited the statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash
flows of Primary Access Corporation for the fifty-three weeks ended October 3,
1993 (not presented herein). These financial statements are the responsi-
bility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Primary
Access Corporation for the fifty-three weeks ended October 3, 1993 in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
San Diego, California
November 5, 1993
Consolidated Statements of Operations
- -------------------------------------
Years Ended May 31,
-------------------
(In thousands, except per share data) 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Sales $2,327,101 $1,593,469 $1,011,533
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of sales 1,096,846 738,093 485,540
Sales and marketing 475,769 319,310 217,197
Research and development 233,107 166,327 101,085
General and administrative 97,395 66,462 49,733
Purchased in-process technology 52,353 68,696 134,481
Acquisition-related charges and other 69,950 10,125 -
---------- ---------- ----------
Total 2,025,420 1,369,013 988,036
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income 301,681 224,456 23,497
Other income--net 6,788 4,895 3,978
Gain on sale of investment - - 17,746
---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes 308,469 229,351 45,221
Income tax provision 130,615 84,792 57,091
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) $ 177,854 $ 144,559 $ (11,870)
========== ========== ==========
Net income (loss) per common and equivalent share:
Primary $1.01 $0.85 $(0.08)
Fully diluted $1.00 $0.84 $(0.08)
Common and equivalent shares used in
computing per share amount:
Primary 176,517 169,443 145,139
Fully diluted 176,972 171,079 145,139
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
- ---------------------------
Years Ended May 31,
-------------------
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995
---- ----
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 216,759 $ 159,908
Temporary cash investments 282,578 225,660
Trade receivables, less allowance for
doubtful accounts ($26,921 and $20,022
in 1996 and 1995, respectively) 359,182 245,258
Inventories 241,018 182,759
Deferred income taxes 79,259 55,273
Other 60,915 26,698
---------- ----------
Total current assets 1,239,711 895,556
Property and equipment--net 246,652 144,944
Other assets 38,754 34,310
---------- ----------
Total $1,525,117 $1,074,810
========== ==========
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 120,211 $ 118,377
Accrued and other liabilities 211,620 150,076
Income taxes payable 82,690 56,412
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 414,521 324,865
Long-term debt 110,000 110,000
Other long-term obligations 5,492 6,221
Deferred income taxes 16,299 -
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, no par value,
3,000,000 shares authorized;
none outstanding - -
Common stock, no par value,
400,000,000 shares authorized;
shares outstanding: 1996--
168,799,586; 1995--160,911,572 597,452 435,922
Unamortized restricted stock grants (4,487) (2,037)
Retained earnings 379,358 200,030
Unrealized net gain (loss) on
available-for-sale securities 7,159 (22)
Accumulated translation adjustments (677) (169)
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 978,805 633,724
---------- ----------
Total $1,525,117 $1,074,810
========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
- -----------------------------------------------
Unamortized Unrealized
Restricted Gain (Loss) on
Common Stock Stock Grants Available Accumulated
------------ and Notes Retained for-sale Translation
(In thousands) Shares Amount Receivable Earnings Securities Adjustments Total
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances,
June 1, 1993
as previously
reported 127,690 $166,998 $ (5) $ 95,310 $ - $ 142 $262,445
Restatement
for pooling
of interests-
Chipcom 14,635 57,473 3,389 60,862
------- -------- -------- -------- ------- ------- --------
As restated 142,325 224,471 (5) 98,699 - 142 323,307
Common stock
issued 11,763 71,767 (255) 71,512
Repurchase of
common stock (2,800) (3,501) (13,143) (16,644)
Tax benefit from
employee stock
transactions 27,117 27,117
Amortization
of restricted
stock grants 53 53
Stock options
assumed in
connection with
acquisitions 21,089 21,089
Accumulated
translation
adjustments (447) (447)
Repayment of note
receivable 5 5
Net loss (11,870) (11,870)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Balances,
May 31, 1994 151,288 340,943 (202) 73,686 - (305) 414,122
Common stock
issued under
stock plans and
for business
acquisitions 8,494 44,364 (2,128) 42,236
Repurchase of
common stock (1,570) (2,674) (16,916) (19,590)
Tax benefit from
employee stock
transactions 45,794 45,794
Amortization of
restricted
stock grants 293 293
Stock options
assumed in
connection with
acquisitions 6,508 6,508
Adjustment to
conform pooled
entity-Sonix 2,416 844 (2,079) (69) (1,304)
Adjustment to
conform fiscal
year of pooled
entity-Primary
Access 284 143 780 923
Unrealized loss
on available-
for-sale
securities (22) (22)
Accumulated
translation
adjustments 205 205
Net income 144,559 144,559
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- --------
Balances,
May 31, 1995 160,912 435,922 (2,037) 200,030 (22) (169) 633,724
Common stock
issued under
stock plans 7,619 74,648 (3,502) 71,146
Repurchase of
common stock (23) (52) (923) (975)
Tax benefit from
employee stock
transactions 79,774 79,774
Amortization of
restricted
stock grants 1,052 1,052
Stock options
assumed in
connection with
acquisitions 3,671 3,671
Adjustment to
conform fiscal
year of pooled
entity-Chipcom 292 3,489 2,397 151 6,037
Unrealized gain
on available-for-
sale securities 7,030 7,030
Accumulated
translation
adjustments (508) (508)
Net income 177,854 177,854
------- ------- ------- -------- ------- ------ --------
Balances,
May 31, 1996 168,800 $597,452 $(4,487) $379,358 $ 7,159 $ (677) $978,805
======= ======== ======= ======== ======= ======= ========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
- -------------------------------------
Years Ended May 31,
-------------------
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $177,854 $144,559 $ (11,870)
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 90,969 57,687 37,391
Gain on sale of investment - - (17,746)
Deferred income taxes (7,474) (27,980) (11,653)
Purchased in-process technology 52,353 68,696 134,481
Adjustment to conform fiscal year
of pooled entity (3,048) 3,013 -
Non-cash acquisition-related costs 44,320 - -
Non-cash restructuring costs - (1,100) -
Changes in assets and liabilities
net of effects of acquisitions:
Trade receivables (124,753) (87,348) (43,606)
Inventories (71,852) (81,738) (8,002)
Other current assets (21,088) (13,667) 5,182
Accounts payable 11,636 48,754 13,192
Accrued and other liabilities 57,707 44,934 6,157
Income taxes payable 103,719 82,429 36,655
-------- ------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities 310,343 238,239 140,181
-------- ------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment (179,982) (100,706) (50,928)
Purchase of temporary cash investments (301,960) (246,313) (136,900)
Proceeds from temporary cash
investments 231,904 140,377 114,337
Businesses acquired in purchase
transactions (60,246) (70,174) (98,128)
Proceeds from sale of investment - - 18,066
Other--net (9,874) (1,378) (3,473)
-------- -------- ---------
Net cash used for investing activities (320,158) (278,194) (157,026)
-------- -------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common stock issued under stock plans 71,146 38,556 71,513
Repurchase of common stock (975) (19,590) (16,644)
Net proceeds from issuance of debt - 107,330 -
Repayments of notes payable and capital
lease obligations (2,997) (7,263) (2,724)
Other--net (508) 205 (490)
-------- -------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities 66,666 119,238 51,655
-------- -------- ---------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 56,851 79,283 34,810
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 159,908 80,625 45,815
-------- -------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $216,759 $159,908 $80,625
======== ======== =========
Other cash flow information:
Interest paid $ 12,961 $ 5,903 $ 570
Income taxes paid 34,921 33,272 30,623
Non-cash investing and financing
activities--
Tax benefit from employee
stock option transactions 79,774 45,794 27,117
Fair value of stock issued
and options assumed in
business acquisitions 3,671 10,188 21,089
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In connection with the purchase acquisition of AXON in fiscal 1996 (see Note 3),
the Company paid cash, net of cash acquired, of $60.2 million, and recorded the
fair value of options assumed of $3.7 million. Excluding the $52.4 million of
purchased in-process technology charged to operations, the fair value of assets
acquired was $3.7 million and liabilities assumed were $3.5 million.
In connection with the purchase acquisitions in fiscal 1995 (see Note 3), the
Company paid cash, net of cash acquired, of $55.9 million, and recorded the
fair value of stock issued and options assumed of $3.7 million and $6.5 million,
respectively. Excluding the $68.7 million of purchased in-process technology
charged to operations, the fair value of assets acquired was $23.8 million, and
liabilities assumed were $17.8 million. In connection with the acquisition of
Centrum in fiscal 1994 (see Note 3), the Company made a final payment in cash
of $14.3 million in fiscal 1995.
In connection with the acquisitions in fiscal 1994 (see Note 3), the Company
paid cash, net of cash acquired, of $98.1 million plus $14.3 million payable
in fiscal 1995, and recorded the fair value of options assumed of $21.1 million.
Excluding the $132.1 million of purchased in-process technology charged to
operations, the fair value of assets acquired was $35.6 million, and liabilities
assumed were $11.3 million.
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- ------------------------------------------
Note 1: Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of business. Founded in 1979, 3Com Corporation pioneered the data
networking industry and is committed to providing customers global access to
information. Today, 3Com offers a broad range of global data networking
connectivity solutions which include routers, hubs, remote access servers,
switches, adapters and network management for Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, ATM
and other high-speed data networks. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California,
3Com has worldwide research and development, manufacturing, marketing, sales
and support capabilities.
Basis of presentation. The Company acquired Primary Access Corporation (Primary
Access) on June 9, 1995 and Chipcom Corporation (Chipcom) on October 13, 1995.
Both acquisitions were accounted for as poolings-of-interests. All financial
data of the Company has been restated to include the historical financial
information of Primary Access and Chipcom.
Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies
Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements. The preparation
of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
Principles of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of 3Com Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All
significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in
consolidation.
Cash equivalents are highly liquid debt investments acquired with a maturity
of three months or less.
Temporary cash investments consist of short-term investments acquired with
maturities exceeding three months. While the Company's intent is to hold debt
securities to maturity, consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities," the Company has classified all securities as available-for-
sale, as the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity to
implement management strategies. Such securities are reported at fair value
with unrealized gains or losses excluded from earnings and reported as a
separate component of shareholders' equity, net of applicable taxes.
Concentration of credit risk and major customer. Financial instruments which
potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist
principally of investments and trade receivables. The Company invests in
instruments with an investment credit rating of AA and better. The Company
also places its investments for safekeeping with high-credit-quality financial
institutions, and by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to any one
financial institution.
Due to the consolidation in the distribution and reseller channels and the
Company's increased volume of sales into these channels, the Company has
experienced an increased concentration of credit risk, and, as a result, may
maintain individually significant receivable balances with such distributors.
While the Company continuously monitors and manages this risk, financial
difficulties on the part of one or more of the Company's resellers may have a
material adverse effect on the Company. The Company did not have any customers
which individually accounted for more than 10 percent of total sales or trade
receivables in fiscal years 1996, 1995 and 1994.
Inventories are stated at the lower of standard cost(which approximates first-
in, first-out cost) or market.
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Equipment under capital leases is
stated at the lower of fair market value or the present value of the minimum
lease payments at the inception of the lease.
Depreciation and amortization are computed over the shorter of the estimated
useful lives, lease terms, or terms of license agreements of the respective
assets, on a straight-line basis - generally 2-7 years, except for buildings
which are over 25 years.
Purchased technology is included in other assets and is amortized over 4 years.
Revenue recognition. The Company recognizes revenue when the product has been
shipped, no material vendor or post-contract support obligations remain
outstanding, except as provided by a separate service agreement, and collection
of the resulting receivable is probable. The Company accrues related product
return reserves, warranty and royalty expenses at the time of sale. Service
and subscription revenue is recognized over the contract term. The Company
extends limited product return and price protection rights to certain
distributors and resellers. Such rights are generally limited to a certain
percentage of sales over a three-month period. Historically, actual amounts
recorded for product returns and price protection have not varied significantly
from estimated amounts. The Company warrants products for periods ranging from
90 days to life, depending upon the product.
Foreign currency translations. For foreign operations with the local currency
as the functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at year-end
exchange rates, and statements of operations are translated at the average
exchange rates during the year. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency
translation are accumulated as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
For foreign operations with the U.S. dollar as the functional currency, assets
and liabilities are translated at the year-end exchange rates except for
inventories, prepaid expenses, and property and equipment, which are translated
at historical exchange rates. Statements of operations are translated at the
average exchange rates during the year except for those expenses related to
balance sheet amounts that are translated using historical exchange rates.
Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency translation are included in
other income - net in the statements of operations and were not significant for
any of the years presented.
Net income (loss) per common and equivalent share is computed using the weighted
average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding and the
dilutive effects of stock options, using the treasury stock method. The effect
of the assumed conversion of the 10.25% convertible subordinated notes was
antidilutive for the periods presented.
The Company's common stock was split two-for-one on August 25, 1995 for share-
holders of record on August 4, 1995. All applicable share and per share data
has been restated to give effect to this stock split.
Effects of recent accounting pronouncements. The Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) has issued SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-
Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." This statement
requires that the Company review for impairment of long-lived assets, certain
identifiable intangibles, and goodwill related to those assets whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may
not be recoverable. SFAS 121 will be effective for the Company's fiscal year
beginning June 1, 1996. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this
statement will have a material impact on the Company's financial position or
results of operations.
The FASB also issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."
The Company is required to adopt SFAS 123 for the fiscal year beginning June 1,
1996. This statement establishes accounting and disclosure requirements using a
fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation
plans. Under SFAS 123, the Company may either adopt the new fair value based
accounting method or continue the intrinsic value based method and provide
pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the accounting
provisions of this statement had been adopted. The Company plans to adopt only
the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123; therefore, such adoption will have no
effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to
conform to the current year presentation.
Note 3: Business Combinations
Unless otherwise stated, for acquisitions accounted for under the pooling-of-
interests method, all financial data of the Company has been restated to
include the historical financial data of these acquired companies. For
acquisitions accounted for as purchases, the Company's consolidated results of
operations include the operating results of the acquired companies from their
acquisition dates. Acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their
estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition, and the aggregate purchase
price plus costs directly attributable to the completion of acquisitions have
been allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired. No significant
adjustments were required to conform the accounting policies of the acquired
companies.
For the Year Ended May 31, 1996. On June 9, 1995, the Company acquired Primary
Access by issuing approximately 4.6 million shares of its common stock for all
of the outstanding stock of Primary Access. The Company also assumed and
exchanged all options and warrants to purchase Primary Access stock for options
and warrants to purchase approximately 1.0 million shares of the Company's
common stock. The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.
Primary Access develops, manufactures and markets network access systems.
Primary Access maintained its financial records on a 52-53 week fiscal year
ending nearest to September 30. The restated consolidated statements of
operations and cash flows for the year ended May 31, 1994 includes the
statements of operations and cash flows of Primary Access for the year
ended October 3, 1993. The results of operations of Primary Access for the
eight-month period ended May 31, 1994 reflected revenues of $14.6 million and
net income of $780,000, which has been reported as an increase to the Company's
fiscal 1995 retained earnings. Financial information as of May 31, 1996 and
1995, and for the years then ended, reflects the Company's and Primary Access'
operations for those periods.
On October 13, 1995, the Company acquired Chipcom by issuing approximately
18.3 million shares of its common stock in exchange for all the outstanding
common stock of Chipcom. The Company also assumed and exchanged all options to
purchase Chipcom common stock for options to purchase approximately 2.4 million
shares of the Company's common stock. The acquisition was accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests. Chipcom designs, manufactures and distributes computer
networking multifunction platforms. Chipcom maintained its financial records
on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending nearest to December 31. The May 31, 1995
restated consolidated balance sheet includes the balance sheet of Chipcom as
of December 31, 1994. The restated consolidated statements of operations and
cash flows for the years ended May 31, 1995 and 1994 include the statements of
operations and cash flows of Chipcom for the years ended December 31, 1994 and
December 25, 1993, respectively. The results of operations of Chipcom for the
five month period ended May 31, 1995 reflected revenues of $118.1 million and
net income of $2.4 million, and has been reported as an increase to the
Company's fiscal 1996 retained earnings. Financial information as of May 31,
1996 and for the year then ended reflects the Company's and Chipcom's operations
for that period.
The following table shows the effect on the results of operations as restated
for the periods prior to the combinations with Primary Access and Chipcom.
Quarter ended Year ended Year ended
(Dollars in thousands) Aug. 31, 1995 May 31, 1995 May 31, 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales:
3Com $430,354 $1,295,311 $ 826,995
Chipcom 66,935 267,776 160,486
Primary Access - 30,382 24,052
-------- ---------- ----------
Combined $497,289 $1,593,469 $1,011,533
======== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss):
3Com $ 59,421 $ 125,706 $ (28,694)
Chipcom (2,000) 18,560 12,346
Primary Access - 293 4,478
-------- ---------- ----------
Combined $ 57,421 $ 144,559 $ (11,870)
======== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
On March 12, 1996, the Company acquired substantially all the assets and
assumed substantially all the liabilities of AXON Networks, Inc. (AXON). The
purchase price consisted of cash, net of cash acquired, of approximately
$60.2 million, which was paid using funds from the Company's working capital,
and assumption of stock options with a fair value of approximately $3.7 million.
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. The aggregate purchase price
of $65.3 million, which includes $1.4 million of costs directly attributable
to the completion of the acquisition, has been allocated to the assets and
liabilities acquired. Approximately $52.4 million of the total purchase price
represented the value of in-process technology that had not yet reached
technological feasibility and had no alternative future use and was charged
to the Company's operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. AXON
develops, manufactures and markets remote network management and data network
traffic management products.
The Company's consolidated results of operations include the operating results
of AXON from the acquisition date. Pro forma results of operations of 3Com and
AXON for the periods prior to the acquisition are not presented as the amounts
would not significantly differ from the Company's historical results.
For the Year Ended May 31, 1995. On October 18, 1994, the Company acquired
substantially all the assets and assumed substantially all the liabilities of
NiceCom, Ltd. (NiceCom), and assumed all outstanding NiceCom stock options.
The purchase price consisted of cash, net of cash acquired, of approximately
$48.0 million which was paid using funds from the Company's working capital
and the issuance of 186,324 shares of common stock of the Company, with a fair
value of $3.7 million. In addition, the Company assumed stock options with a
fair value of $5.7 million and incurred direct transaction costs of
approximately $2.0 million. NiceCom is engaged in the development of
asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switches and an Ethernet-to-ATM solution to
provide a migration path from existing Ethernet LANs to ATM networking.
On October 14, 1994, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares and
assumed all outstanding stock options of a company engaged in the development
of network adapter technology. The purchase price consisted of approximately
$2.3 million in cash plus the assumption of stock options with a fair value of
approximately $400,000. The purchase price was paid using funds from the
Company's working capital.
The acquisitions were accounted for as purchases. The aggregate purchase price
of $61.6 million, plus $2.0 million of costs directly attributable to the
completion of the acquisitions, has been allocated to the assets and liabilities
acquired. Approximately $60.8 million of the total purchase price represented
the value of in-process technology that had not yet reached technological
feasibility and had no alternative future use and was charged to the Company's
operations in the second quarter of fiscal 1995.
On February 28, 1995, the Company acquired AccessWorks Communications, a
company involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing Integrated Services
Digital Network (ISDN) transmission products. The acquisition was accounted
for as a purchase. The purchase price and costs directly attributable to the
completion of the acquisition were not significant.
On May 1, 1995, the Company acquired Sonix Communications Limited (Sonix) by
issuing approximately 2.4 million shares of common stock for all of the
outstanding stock of Sonix. The acquisition was accounted for as a pooling-of-
interests. All financial data of the Company for fiscal 1995 has been
restated to include the operating results of Sonix. As the historical
operations of Sonix were not significant to any year presented, the Company's
financial statements for years prior to fiscal 1995 have not been restated.
The financial effect of the results of operations of Sonix prior to fiscal 1995
have been accounted for as a $2.1 million charge against retained earnings in
fiscal 1995. Sonix develops, manufactures and markets a range of networking
connectivity solutions using ISDN technology.
In the Company's first quarter of fiscal 1995, Chipcom acquired Artel
Communications Corporation (Artel) by issuing approximately 1.2 million shares
of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding common stock of Artel.
The merger was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. Artel designs,
manufactures and markets high-performance communication systems for the
internet-working and video distribution markets.
In the Company's third quarter of fiscal 1995, Chipcom acquired all of the out-
standing common stock of DSI ExpressNetworks, Inc. (DSI). Cash paid, including
transaction costs, was approximately $4.4 million. Chipcom acquired assets
with a fair value of $19.5 million and assumed liabilities of $15.2 million.
The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. Approximately $7.9 million
of the total purchase price represented the value of in-process technology
that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no alternative
future use and was charged to the Company's operations in fiscal 1995. DSI is
engaged in the development of intelligent hubs and related internetworking
products.
For the Year Ended May 31, 1994. On January 14, 1994, the Company acquired
all of the outstanding shares of Synernetics, Inc. (Synernetics) and assumed
all outstanding Synernetics stock options. The purchase price consisted of
approximately $104.0 million, plus stock options with a fair value of $3.3
million. A substantial portion of the purchase price was paid using funds
from the Company's working capital. Synernetics is engaged in the development,
manufacturing and marketing of LAN switching products.
On February 2, 1994, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Centrum Communications, Inc. (Centrum) and assumed all outstanding Centrum
stock options. The purchase price consisted of approximately $36.0 million,
of which $16.0 million was paid in cash at the time of the acquisition and
$14.3 million was paid in cash in August 1994 pursuant to the acquisition
agreement. The remainder was associated with the fair value of the assumed
stock options. Centrum is engaged in the development, manufacturing and
marketing of remote access products and technology.
The acquisitions were accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the acquired
assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values at the dates
of acquisition. The aggregate purchase price of $143.3 million, plus $13.1
million of costs directly attributable to the completion of the acquisitions,
has been allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired. Approximately
$132.1 million of the total purchase price represented in-process technology
that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no alternative
future use and was charged to the Company's operations.
Note 4: Investments
Available-for-sale securities consist of:
May 31, 1996
--------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
(Dollars in thousands) Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
--------- ----------- ---------- ----------
State and municipal securities $152,998 $ 135 $ (296) $152,837
Corporate debt securities 79,299 11 (107) 79,203
U.S. Government and agency
securities 50,910 11 (383) 50,538
-------- -------- ------- --------
Temporary cash investments 283,207 157 (786) 282,578
Corporate equity securities 3,010 12,609 - 15,619
-------- -------- ------- --------
Total $286,217 $ 12,766 $ (786) $298,197
======== ======== ======= ========
Corporate equity securities are included in other current assets.
May 31, 1995
--------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
(Dollars in thousands) Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
--------------------------------------------
State and municipal securities $148,153 $ 214 $ (228) $148,139
Corporate debt securities 49,773 76 - 49,849
U.S. Government and agency
securities 27,633 39 - 27,672
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total $225,559 $ 329 $ (228) $225,660
======== ======== ======= ========
Realized gains or losses on sales of available-for-sale securities for the years
ended May 31, 1996 and 1995 were not significant. The cost of securities sold
is based on the specific identification method.
The contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities at May 31,1996
are as follows:
Amortized Estimated
(Dollars in thousands) Cost Fair Value
--------- ----------
Within one year $171,071 $170,896
Over one year to two years 112,136 111,682
-------- --------
Temporary cash investments $283,207 $282,578
======== ========
Note 5: Inventories
Inventories at May 31 consist of:
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995
-------- --------
Finished goods $132,363 $104,535
Work-in-process 22,310 31,102
Raw materials 86,345 47,122
-------- --------
Total $241,018 $182,759
======== ========
Note 6: Property and Equipment
Property and equipment at May 31 consists of:
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995
-------- --------
Land $ 15,257 $ 1,303
Buildings 35,226 7,365
Machinery and equipment 325,262 222,320
Furniture and fixtures 35,475 22,999
Leasehold improvements 30,218 20,270
Construction in progress 29,514 16,787
-------- --------
Total 470,952 291,044
Accumulated depreciation and
amortization (224,300) (146,100)
-------- --------
Property and equipment - net $246,652 $144,944
======== ========
Note 7: Accrued and Other Liabilities
Accrued and other liabilities at May 31 consist of:
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995
-------- --------
Accrued payroll and related expenses $ 49,761 $ 46,613
Accrued product warranty 30,574 22,756
Accrued cooperative advertising 20,300 12,773
Other accrued liabilities 110,985 67,934
-------- --------
Accrued and other liabilities $211,620 $150,076
======== ========
Note 8: Borrowing Arrangements and Commitments
During the first quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company signed a five-year lease
for 225,000 square feet (Phase I) of office and manufacturing space to be built
on land adjacent to its existing headquarters in Santa Clara. The Company
commenced occupancy of the facility in the first quarter of fiscal 1996, and
payments on the lease started in the second quarter of fiscal 1996. The
Company amended the lease agreement on February 1, 1996 to add 150,000 square
feet of office and manufacturing space and a parking garage (Phase II) to be
built on adjacent land. The amended lease expires in five years and provides
the Company with an option to purchase both Phase I and II properties or
arrange for the sale of the properties to a third party with a guaranteed
residual value of up to $57.8 million to the seller of the property. The
Company anticipates that it will commence occupancy of, and begin lease
payments on, the significant portion of the Phase II property in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1997. Future minimum lease payments are included in the
table below.
As of May 31, 1996, the Company had approximately $22 million in capital
expenditure commitments, primarily associated with the expansion and refurbish-
ment of facilities and product manufacturing lines.
The Company has a $40 million revolving bank credit agreement which expires on
December 31, 1996. Under the agreement, the Company may select among various
interest rate options, including borrowing at the bank's prime rate. The
agreement requires that the Company maintain certain financial ratios and
minimum net worth. At May 31, 1996, all such requirements were met and there
were no outstanding borrowings under the agreement. The Company has no
restrictions on paying cash dividends on its common stock.
In November 1994, the Company completed a private placement of $110 million
aggregate principal amount of convertible subordinated notes under Rule 144A
of the Securities Act of 1933. The notes mature in 2001. Interest is payable
semi-annually at 10.25% per annum. The notes are convertible at the option of
the note holders into the Company's common stock at an initial conversion price
of $34.563 per share. Beginning in November 1997, the notes become redeemable
at the option of the Company at an initial redemption price of 102.929% of the
principal amount. The Company has reserved 3,182,640 shares of common stock
for the conversion of these notes.
3Com Development Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of 3Com, is a limited
partner in a lease/joint venture arrangement to acquire and develop the
Company's corporate offices in Santa Clara, which were initially occupied in
the first quarter of fiscal 1991. Future minimum lease payments are included
in the table below.
The Company leases its facilities and certain equipment under operating leases.
Leases expire at various dates from 1996 to 2013 and certain facility leases
have renewal options with rentals based upon changes in the Consumer Price
Index or the fair market rental value of the property.
Future operating lease commitments are as follows:
Fiscal year (Dollars in thousands)
- --------------------------------------------------
1997 $ 31,556
1998 26,517
1999 22,262
2000 18,885
2001 11,544
Thereafter 7,004
--------
Total $117,768
========
Rent expense was $28.2 million, $19.9 million, and $15.6 million for fiscal
1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
Note 9: Common Stock
The Company's common stock was split two-for-one on August 25, 1995 for share-
holders of record on August 4, 1995. All applicable share and per share data
has been restated to give effect to this stock split.
Shareholder Rights Plan. In September 1989, the Company's Board of Directors
approved an amendment and restatement of the stock purchase rights plan and
declared a dividend distribution of one common stock purchase right for each
outstanding share of its common stock. The Company's Board of Directors
approved an amendment and restatement of the rights plan in December 1994.
The rights become exercisable based on certain limited conditions related to
acquisitions of stock, tender offers and certain business combination
transactions of the Company. In the event one of the limited conditions is
triggered, each right entitles the registered holder to purchase for $250 a
number of shares of 3Com common stock (or any acquiring company) with a fair
market value of $500. The rights are redeemable at the Company's option for
$.01 per right and expire on December 13, 2004.
Stock Option Plans. The Company has stock option plans under which employees
and directors may be granted options to purchase common stock. Options are
generally granted at not less than the fair market value at grant date, vest
over a four-year period, and expire ten years after the grant date. A summary
of option transactions under the plans follows:
Years ended May 31,
(In thousands
except price per share) 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Number of option shares:
Granted and assumed 6,912 8,164 10,349
Exercised (6,661) (6,932) (7,900)
Canceled (1,489) (1,271) (998)
------ ------ ------
Outstanding at end of year 26,289 27,527 27,566
-------------------------------------
Option price per share:
Granted and assumed $4.65-51.63 $0.02-46.93 $0.22-51.29
Exercised 0.02-46.13 0.22-33.33 0.22-19.42
Canceled 0.02-51.00 0.37-51.29 0.23-19.42
----------- ----------- -----------
Outstanding at end of year $0.02-51.63 $0.02-46.93 $0.22-51.29
In connection with the fiscal 1996 acquisitions discussed in Note 3, the
Company assumed certain outstanding options to purchase common stock of the
acquired companies and exchanged them for options to acquire 3.4 million shares
of the Company's common stock at exercise prices of $0.24 to $43.52 per share.
The Company also assumed certain outstanding warrants to purchase common stock
of Primary Access and exchanged them for warrants to acquire 54,000 shares of
the Company's common stock at exercise prices of $2.26 to $4.89. All warrants
were exercised during fiscal 1996.
On July 13, 1995, the Board of Directors authorized the increase of shares
available for future grant under the 1994 Stock Option Plan by 3.7 million
shares. At May 31, 1996, options to purchase 12.8 million shares were
exercisable, 8.1 million shares were available for future grants, and 34.4
million shares were reserved for issuance under the stock option plans.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Company has an employee stock purchase plan,
under which eligible employees may authorize payroll deductions of up to 10
percent of their compensation (as defined) to purchase common stock at a price
not less than 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value as of the
beginning or the end of the offering period. On September 28, 1995, the
shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to increase the share reserve
under the employee stock purchase plan by 6.0 million shares. At May 31, 1996,
6.1 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under this plan.
Restricted Stock Plan. The Company has a restricted stock plan, under which
shares of common stock are reserved for issuance at no cost to key employees.
Compensation expense, equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant,
is recognized as the granted shares vest over a one-to-four year period. On
September 28, 1995, the shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to
increase the share reserve under the restricted stock plan by 500,000 shares.
At May 31, 1996, 703,000 shares were reserved for future issuance.
Stock Repurchase Program. The Board of Directors has authorized the Company
to repurchase up to 30.0 million shares of common stock. Under this
authorization, 24.5 million shares have been repurchased and the Company may
repurchase up to an additional 5.5 million shares of common stock.
Note 10: Foreign Exchange Contracts
Intercompany balances and balance sheet exposures. The Company does not use
derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. The
Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain balance
sheet exposures and intercompany balances against future movements in foreign
exchange rates. Gains and losses on the foreign exchange contracts are included
in other income - net, which offset foreign exchange gains or losses from
revaluation of foreign currency-denominated balance sheet items and intercompany
balances. The contracts require the Company to exchange foreign currencies
for U.S. dollars or vice versa, and generally mature in one month, unless
otherwise noted below.
At May 31, 1996, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts
of $24.1 million, which have remaining maturities of one month. In addition,
the Company entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to minimize
fluctuation in the expected U.S. dollar cost to purchase manufacturing
equipment due to movements in the Japanese Yen-to-U.S. dollar exchange rate.
At May 31, 1996, the outstanding foreign exchange contracts related to the
manufacturing equipment were $5.6 million. The contracts require the Company
to exchange U.S. dollars for Japanese Yen and have remaining maturities from
three to four months. Gains and losses on the forward contracts, if significant,
are included in construction in progress.
The Company also entered into a foreign exchange forward contract to minimize
fluctuations in the expected U.S. dollar cost to purchase and refurbish a UK
facility due to movements in the British Pound Sterling (GBP). The forward
contract matured in May 1996 to coincide with the purchase of the facility.
At May 31, 1996, the Company held the equivalent of $10.7 million in cash in
GBP as a hedge against commitments to refurbish the facility. Gains and losses
on this hedge, if significant, are included in construction in progress.
At May 31, 1995, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts
of $16.7 million, excluding the foreign exchange contract related to an Irish
manufacturing facility for $10.1 million, which was subsequently completed
during fiscal 1996.
Note 11: Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosure
The following summary disclosures are made in accordance with the provisions of
SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments," which
requires the disclosure of fair value information about both on- and off-
balance sheet financial instruments where it is practicable to estimate the
value. Fair value is defined in SFAS 107 as the amount at which an instrument
could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, rather
than in a forced or liquidation sale, which is not the Company's intent.
Because SFAS 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial
instruments from its disclosure requirements, any aggregation of the fair value
amounts presented would not represent the underlying value of the Company.
May 31, 1996 May 31, 1995
-------------------- --------------------
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
(Dollars in thousands) Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value
------------------------------------------
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $216,759 $216,759 $159,908 $159,908
Temporary cash investments 282,578 282,578 225,660 225,660
Corporate equity securities 15,619 15,619 - -
Liabilities:
Convertible subordinated notes $110,000 $182,463 $110,000 $138,050
Commitments:
Foreign exchange contracts $ 29,752 $ 29,711 $ 26,796 $ 26,782
The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values
of financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets
for cash and cash equivalents approximate their estimated fair values.
Temporary cash investments, corporate equity securities, convertible sub-
ordinated notes, and foreign exchange contracts. The fair value of temporary
cash investments, corporate equity securities, convertible subordinated notes,
and foreign exchange contracts are based on quoted market prices.
Note 12: License
In fiscal 1994, the Company licensed certain in-process wireless technology
from Pacific Monolithics, Inc. This technology was still under development
and, accordingly, $2.4 million of the $2.5 million cost of obtaining this
license represented in-process technology and was charged to operations in
fiscal 1994.
Note 13: Acquisition-related charges and other
Acquisition-related charges for the year ended May 31, 1996 consisted of
acquisition costs of $69.0 million related to the acquisition of Chipcom (see
Note 3) and approximately $1.0 million for a settlement of litigation. The
$69.0 million charge includes $60.8 million of exit expenses and $8.2 million
of direct transaction costs (consisting primarily of investment banking and
other professional fees). Exit expenses include approximately $37.8 million
of costs of eliminating duplicate and discontinued products, $5.1 million of
severance and related costs for approximately 80 employees primarily associated
with duplicate or discontinued product lines, field sales and administrative
functions, $4.3 million of costs of eliminating duplicate facilities and $13.6
million of other acquisition-related costs. Total expected cash expenditures
relating to the acquisition-related charges are $24.7 million, of which $13.5
million was disbursed prior to May 31, 1996 and the remaining $11.2 million is
expected to be paid within the next twelve months.
Acquisition-related charges for the year ended May 31, 1995 consists of direct
transaction costs of $11.2 million related to 3Com's acquisitions of Sonix and
Primary Access, and Chipcom's acquisition of Artel (see Note 3). Offsetting
the acquisition-related charges in fiscal 1995 was a $1.1 million reduction in
accrued costs associated with the fiscal 1991 restructuring based on revised
estimates of future costs.
Note 14: Other Income - Net
Other income - net consists of: Years ended May 31,
-------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Interest income $21,636 $12,338 $ 5,177
Interest expense (12,611) (7,144) (635)
Other (2,237) (299) (564)
------- ------- -------
Total $ 6,788 $ 4,895 $ 3,978
------- ------- -------
Note 15: Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of: Years ended May 31,
-------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Current:
Federal $ 67,645 $ 69,113 $ 39,676
State 22,957 22,112 9,743
Foreign 46,163 23,380 17,622
-------- -------- --------
Total current 136,765 114,605 67,041
-------- -------- --------
Deferred:
Federal (3,195) (22,333) (10,673)
State (3,449) (7,790) (330)
Foreign 494 310 1,053
-------- -------- --------
Total deferred (6,150) (29,813) (9,950)
-------- -------- --------
Total $130,615 $ 84,792 $ 57,091
======== ======== ========
The components of the net deferred tax assets at May 31, consist of:
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995
---- ----
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves not recognized for tax purposes $ 65,537 $ 40,855
Net operating loss carryforwards 24,229 21,987
Amortization and depreciation 20,418 24,801
Other 17,494 19,439
Valuation allowance (27,491) (27,982)
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets 100,187 79,100
-------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unremitted earnings (32,406) (12,828)
Net unrealized gain on
available-for-sale
securities (4,821) (123)
Other - (1,279)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax assets $ 62,960 $ 64,870
======== ========
The valuation allowance relates primarily to the remaining portion of acquired
net operating losses as the Company believes that, due to various limitations,
it is more likely than not that such benefits will not be realized. The
allowance also relates to certain expenses, the realization of which is not
assured on future state income tax returns. The valuation allowance decreased
$491,000 in fiscal 1996, and increased $15.8 million and $1.8 million in 1995
and 1994, respectively.
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the
federal statutory income tax rate to income before taxes as follows:
Years ended May 31,
-------------------
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Tax computed at federal statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal effect 4.1 4.1 3.7
Foreign sales corporation (0.7) (1.1) (3.1)
Tax exempt investment income (0.6) (0.9) (3.2)
Benefit of net operating loss carryforwards - - (4.0)
Provision for combined foreign and U.S.
taxes on certain foreign income at rates
less than U.S. rates (4.6) (3.5) (2.4)
Non-deductible book losses - - 1.5
Research tax credits (0.1) (1.5) (4.4)
Non-deductible purchased in-process
technology 7.6 3.1 105.0
Effect of tax law changes - - (2.8)
Other 1.6 1.8 0.9
---- ---- -----
Total 42.3% 37.0% 126.2%
==== ==== =====
Income before income taxes for the years ended May 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994
includes income of $241.1 million, $131.2 million and $58.2 million,
respectively from the Company's foreign subsidiaries. The Company has not
provided for federal income taxes on approximately $107.3 million of
undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries in countries in which the
statutory tax rates are less than the U.S. rates. The Company intends to
reinvest in subsidiary operations indefinitely. If such undistributed earnings
were to be remitted, the related tax liability would be approximately $29.8
million.
Note 16: Geographic Area Information
The Company operates in a single industry segment: the design, manufacture,
marketing, and support of data networking systems. The Company's foreign
operations consist primarily of central distribution and order administration,
manufacturing and research and development facilities in Western Europe, and
sales, marketing and customer service activities conducted through sales
subsidiaries throughout the world.
Sales, operating income and identifiable assets, classified by the major
geographic areas in which the Company operates, are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Revenues from unaffiliated
customers:
United States operations $1,104,350 $ 767,484 $ 513,759
Export sales from United States
operations 456,906 302,670 173,742
European operations 764,992 523,151 324,032
Other 853 164 -
---------- ---------- ----------
Total $2,327,101 $1,593,469 $1,011,533
========== ========== ==========
Transfers from geographic areas
(eliminated in consolidation):
United States operations $ 241,680 $ 144,862 $ 112,418
European operations 107,295 123,360 52,595
Other 15,465 439 -
---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 364,440 $ 268,661 $ 165,013
========== ========== ==========
Operating income (loss):
United States operations $ 103,020 $ 105,305 $ (35,794)
European operations 247,399 143,349 63,306
Other 21,185 (2,351) 587
Eliminations (69,923) (21,847) (4,602)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total $ 301,681 $ 224,456 $ 23,497
========== ========== ==========
Identifiable assets:
United States operations $1,091,091 $ 874,607
European operations 441,668 239,947
Other 32,015 10,895
Eliminations (39,657) (50,639)
---------- ----------
Total $1,525,117 $1,074,810
========== ==========
Operating income (loss) for the United States operations for the years ended
May 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 included charges of approximately $52.4 million,
$68.7 million and $134.5 million, respectively, for purchased in-process
technology resulting from the Company's acquisitions in those years (see Note
3). In connection with the acquisition of Chipcom, approximately $63.0 million
of acquisition-related costs was charged to the United States operations in
fiscal 1996 (see Note 13). Transfers between geographic areas are accounted
for at prices representative of unaffiliated party transactions.
Note 17: Litigation
On October 13, 1995, the Company acquired Chipcom, which had already been named
as a defendant in the litigation described below. On May 30, 1995, a complaint
was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
entitled Lucille Nappo, Marc Linsky, Constandine Machakos, and Mary Machakos v.
Chipcom Corp., John Robert Held, Robert Peter Badavas, Bruce L. Cohen, Menachem
E. Abraham, and Jerald G. Fishman. The named plaintiffs purport to represent
the class of persons who purchased Chipcom's common stock during the period from
and including February 8, 1995 through and including May 26, 1995. The com-
plaint alleged violations by the defendants of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and sought unspecified damages. On June 7,
1995, a complaint alleging very similar claims was filed against the same
defendants in the same Court by Anthony Mallozzi. A third similar complaint
was filed against the same defendants in the same Court on June 8, 1995, by
Daniel List. A fourth similar complaint was filed in the same Court on June 16,
1995, entitled Sean J. Carney and Nicholas Giannantonio v. Chipcom Corp., John
Held, and Robert Badavas. A fifth similar complaint was filed in the same
Court on June 16, 1995, entitled Manuel C. DeSousa and Barbara J. DeSousa v.
Chipcom Corp., John Held, and Robert Badavas. The cases were consolidated for
pretrial purposes pursuant to an order entered by the Court on June 15, 1995.
The consolidated action is entitled In re: Chipcom Securities Litigation,
Civil Action No. 95-111114DPW. A Consolidated Complaint was filed on Sep-
tember 13, 1995, and an Amended Consolidated Complaint was filed on November 30,
1995.
The defendants' motion to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint was granted
without leave to amend on May 1, 1996. The dismissal covers all five cases.
The plaintiffs have appealed the order granting the dismissal.
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
Fiscal 1996 Quarters Ended Fiscal 1995 Quarters Ended
--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------
May 31 Feb 29 Nov 30 Aug 31 May 31 Feb 28 Nov 30 Aug 31
1996 1996 1995 1995 1995 1995 1994 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands
except per share data)
Sales $660,266 $606,002 $563,544 $497,289 $476,256 $425,759 $376,771 $314,683
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross margin 350,508 321,183 296,825 261,739 256,855 228,833 201,725 167,963
Gross margin % 53.1% 53.0% 52.7% 52.6% 53.9% 53.7% 53.5% 53.4%
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income 71,711 113,010 29,921 87,039 87,122 75,738 12,098 49,498
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income 29,498 74,590 16,345 57,421 54,153 48,504 9,257 32,645
Net income % 4.5% 12.3% 2.9% 11.5% 11.4% 11.4% 2.5% 10.4%
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Fully diluted net
income per share $ 0.16 $ 0.42 $ 0.09 $ 0.33 $ 0.31 $ 0.28 $ 0.05 $ 0.20
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income for the quarter ended May 31, 1996 included a charge of approximately
$52.4 million ($.29 per share) for purchased in-process technology and a charge
of approximately $1.0 million (approximately $.01 per share) for a litigation
settlement. Net income for the quarter ended November 30, 1995 included a
charge of approximately $69.0 million ($.28 per share) for merger-related costs.
Net income for the quarter ended May 31, 1995 included a charge of approximately
$6.1 million ($.04 per share) for merger-related costs. Net income for the
quarter ended February 28, 1995 included a charge of approximately $7.9 million
($.03 per share) for purchased in-process technology. Net income for the
quarter ended November 30, 1994 included a charge of approximately $60.8 million
($.23 per share) for purchased in-process technology and a credit of $1.1
million ($.01 per share) for a reduction in accrued restructuring costs. Net
income for the quarter ended August 31, 1994 included a charge of approximately
$5.1 million ($.02 per share) for merger-related costs. See Notes 3 and 13 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the above
transactions. Excluding the non-recurring items noted above, pro forma net
income and net income per share on a fully diluted basis would have been as
follows:
Fiscal 1996 Quarters Ended Fiscal 1995 Quarters Ended
--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------
May 31 Feb 29 Nov 30 Aug 31 May 31 Feb 28 Nov 30 Aug 31
1996 1996 1995 1995 1995 1995 1994 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)
Pro forma net
income $82,469 $74,590 $65,553 $57,421 $60,253 $53,481 $45,937 $35,874
Pro forma net
income
per share $ 0.46 $ 0.42 $ 0.37 $ 0.33 $ 0.35 $ 0.31 $ 0.27 $ 0.22
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of 3Com
The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to identification
of directors is incorporated by reference to the information contained in the
section captioned "Election of Directors" in 3Com's definitive Proxy Statement
for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held September 26, 1996 (the
"Proxy Statement"), a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission before the meeting date. For information with respect to
the executive officers of the Registrant, see "Executive Officers of the
Registrant" at the end of Part I of this report.
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to
the information contained in the section captioned "Executive Compensation and
Other Matters" in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference
to the information contained in the section captioned "General Information" in
the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference
to the information contained in the section captioned "Compensation Committee
Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the Proxy Statement.
PART IV
ITEM 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) (1) Financial Statements--See Index to Consolidated Financial
Statements and Financial Statement Schedule of this
Form 10-K.
(2) Financial Statement Schedule--See Index to Consolidated
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule
of this Form 10-K.
(3) Exhibits--See Exhibit Index of this Form 10-K.
(b) The Registrant did not file or amend any reports on Form 8-K during
the last quarter of the fiscal year ended May 31, 1996.
(c) See Exhibit Index of this Form 10-K.
(d) See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedule of this Form 10-K.
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description
------ -----------
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Exhibit 19.1 to
Form 10-Q) (6)
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Articles
of Incorporation (Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-K) (15)
3.3 Bylaws, as amended and restated (Exhibit 4.2 to Form S-8) (10)
3.4 Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Articles
of Incorporation (Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-8) (23)
4.1 Reference is made to Exhibit 3.1 (Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-K) (15)
4.2 Indenture Agreement between 3Com Corporation and The First
National Bank of Boston for the private placement of convertible
subordinated notes dated as of November 1, 1994 (Exhibit 5.2 to
Form 8-K) (18)
4.3 Placement Agreement for the private placement of convertible
subordinated notes dated November 8, 1994 (Exhibit 5.1 to
Form 8-K) (18)
4.4 Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated December 31, 1994
(Exhibit 10.27 to Form 10-Q) (19)
10.1 1983 Stock Option Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K)
(7)*
10.2 Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option Plan (4)*
10.3 License Agreement dated March 19, 1981 (1)
10.4 First Amended and Restated 1984 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
as amended (Exhibit 19.1 to Form 10-Q) (8)*
10.5 Second Amended and Restated 1984 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(Exhibit 10.5 to Form 10-Q)(24)*
10.6 License Agreement dated as of June 1, 1986 (Exhibit 10.16 to
Form 10-K) (3)
10.7 3Com Corporation Director Stock Option Plan, as amended
(Exhibit 19.3 to Form 10-Q) (8)*
10.8 Amended 3Com Corporation Director Stock Option Plan (Exhibit
10.8 to Form 10-Q)(24)*
10.9 Bridge Communications, Inc. 1983 Stock Option Plan, as amended
(Exhibit 4.7 to Form S-8) (2)*
10.10 3Com Headquarters Lease dated December 1, 1988, as amended
(Exhibit 10.14 to Form 10-K) (7)
10.11 Ground Lease dated July 5, 1989 (Exhibit 10.19 to Form 10-K)
(5)
10.12 Sublease Agreement dated February 9, 1989 (Exhibit 10.20 to
Form 10-K) (5)
10.13 Credit Agreement dated April 21, 1993 (Exhibit 10.11 to Form
10-K) (9)
10.14 Amendment to Credit Agreement (Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-Q) (14)
10.15 Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (Exhibit 10.21 to Form
10-Q) (14)
10.16 3Com Corporation Restricted Stock Plan dated July 9, 1991
(Exhibit 19.2 to Form 10-Q) (8)*
10.17 Amended 3Com Corporation Restricted Stock Plan (Exhibit 10.17
to Form 10-Q)(24)*
10.18 Form of Escrow and Indemnification Agreement for Directors and
Officers (Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-Q) (11)
10.19 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated December 16, 1993
among 3Com Corporation, 3Sub Corporation and Synernetics,
Inc. (Exhibit 7.1 to Form 8-K) (12)
10.20 Side Agreement Regarding Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
dated January 14, 1993 among 3Com Corporation, 3Sub Corporation
and Synernetics, Inc. (Exhibit 7.2 to Form 8-K) (12)
10.21 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated January 18, 1994
(Exhibit 7.2 to Form 8-K) (13)
10.22 Indemnification and Escrow Agreement dated February 2, 1994
(Exhibit 7.3 to Form 8-K) (13)
10.23 1994 Stock Option Plan (Exhibit 10.22 to Form 10-K) (15)*
10.24 Lease Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation, as Landlord,
and 3Com Corporation, as Tenant, effective as of July 14, 1994
(Exhibit 10.23 to Form 10-Q) (16)
10.25 Second amendment to Lease Agreement between BNP Leasing
Corporation, as Landlord, and 3Com Corporation, as Tenant,
dated February 1, 1996 (25)
10.26 Purchase Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation and 3Com
Corporation, dated July 14, 1994 (Exhibit 10.24 to Form 10-Q)
(16)
10.27 First amendment to Purchase Agreement between BNP Leasing
Corporation and 3Com Corporation, dated February 1, 1996 (27)
10.28 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 18, 1994 among 3Com
Corporation, NiceCom, Ltd., and Nice Systems, Ltd. (Exhibit
7.1 to Form 8-K) (17)
10.29 First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement dated October 17,
1994 among 3Com Corporation, NiceCom, Ltd., and Nice Systems,
Ltd. (Exhibit 7.2 to Form 8-K) (17)
10.30 Acquisition and Exchange Agreement dated March 22, 1995 among
3Com Corporation and Shareholders of Sonix Communications
Limited (Exhibit 7.1 to Form 8-K) (20)
10.31 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated March 21, 1995, by
and among 3Com Corporation, Anuinui Acquisition Corporation and
Primary Access Corporation (Appendix A to prospectus included
in Form S-4) (21)
10.32 Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated
May 30, 1995 by and among 3Com Corporation, Anuinui Acquisition
Corporation and Primary Access Corporation (Appendix A-1 to
prospectus included in Form S-4) (21)
10.33 Escrow Agreement, dated June 9, 1995 by and among 3Com
Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston and Tench Coxe,
Kathryn C. Gould and William R. Stensrud as Shareholders'
Agents (Exhibit 10.27 to Form S-4) (21)
10.34 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of July 26, 1995 among
3Com Corporation, Chipcom Acquisition Corporation and Chipcom
Corporation (Exhibit 2.1 to Form S-4) (22)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1 Deloitte & Touche LLP Consent and Report on Schedule
23.2 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP
23.3 Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement
Schedule
23.4 Independent Auditor's Report on Schedule and Consent
27. Financial Data Schedule
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 filed January 25, 1984 (File No. 2-89045)
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed October 13, 1987
(File No. 33-17848)
(3) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit or the
Exhibit identified in parentheses previously filed as an
Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K filed August 29, 1987 (File
No. 0-12867)
(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 31, 1987
(File No. 33-16850)
(5) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit or the
Exhibit identified in parentheses previously filed as an
Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K filed on August 28, 1989
(File No. 0-12867)
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhihit to Registrant's Form
10-Q filed on January 2, 1991 (File No. 0-12867)
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
10-K filed on August 27, 1991 (File No. 0-12867)
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
10-Q filed January 10, 1992 (File No. 0-12867)
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
10-K filed on August 27, 1993 (File No. 0-12867)
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on November 24, 1993
(File No. 33-72158)
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
10-Q filed on January 14, 1994 (File No. 0-12867)
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
8-K filed on January 31, 1994 (File No. 0-12867)
(13) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
8-K filed on February 11, 1994 (File No. 0-12867)
(14) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
10-Q filed on April 13, 1994 (File No. 0-12867)
(15) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
10-K filed on August 31, 1994 (File No. 0-12867)
(16) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
10-Q filed on October 16, 1994 (File No. 0-12867)
(17) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
8-K filed on November 1, 1994 (File No. 0-12867)
(18) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
8-K filed on November 16, 1994 (File No. 0-12867)
(19) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
10-Q filed on January 13, 1995 (File No. 0-12867)
(20) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form
8-K filed on May 16, 1995 (File No. 0-12867)
(21) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit or other item
identified in parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to or
included in Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4,
originally filed on March 23, 1995 (File No. 33-58203)
(22) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-4, originally filed on
August 31, 1995 (File No. 33-62297)
(23) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed on October 19, 1995
(File No. 33-63547)
(24) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form 10-Q, filed on January 15, 1996
(File No. 0-12867)
(25) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in
parentheses previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form 10-Q, filed on April 12, 1996
(File No. 0-12867)
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 26th day of
August, 1996.
3Com Corporation
(Registrant)
By /s/ Eric A. Benhamou
______________________________
Eric A. Benhamou
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 26th day of August, 1996.
Signature Title
--------- -----
/s/ Eric A. Benhamou Chairman of the Board,
--------------------------- President and
(Eric A. Benhamou) Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Christopher B. Paisley Vice President, Finance and
--------------------------- Chief Financial Officer
(Christopher B. Paisley) (Financial and
Accounting Officer)
/s/ James L. Barksdale Director
---------------------------
(James L. Barksdale)
/s/ Gordon A. Campbell Director
---------------------------
(Gordon A. Campbell)
/s/ David W. Dorman Director
---------------------------
(David W. Dorman)
/s/ Jean-Louis Gassee Director
---------------------------
(Jean-Louis Gassee)
/s/ Stephen C. Johnson Director
---------------------------
(Stephen C. Johnson)
/s/ Philip C. Kantz Director
---------------------------
(Philip C. Kantz)
/s/ William F. Zuendt Director
---------------------------
(William F. Zuendt)
SCHEDULE II
3Com Corporation
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
For the Years Ended May 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996
(Dollars in thousands)
Additions Reclassifications
Balance at charged to and charges Pooled Balance at
beginning costs and to other Business end of
Description of period expenses accounts Deductions Net period
- ----------- --------- -------- -------- ---------- --- ------
Year ended May 31, 1994:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts $ 7,821 $ 5,176 $ 168 (5) $ 1,035 (3) - $12,130
Product return reserve 4,654 3,234 - 1,949 - 5,939
Accrued product warranty 11,518 13,162 863 (5) 10,527 - 15,016
Restructuring reserves:
Inventory reserve 1,699 - - 774 - 925
Property and equipment
reserve 93 - - - - 93
Accrued restructuring
costs 4,057 - - 1,321 - 2,736
------- ------- ------ ------- ------- -------
Total restructuring
reserves 5,849 - - 2,095 - 3,754
------- ------- ------ ------- ------- -------
Year ended May 31, 1995:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts $12,130 $ 7,113 $1,214 (5) $ 409 (3) $ (26) (1) $20,022
Product return reserve 5,939 13,306 430 (5) 7,682 - 11,993
Accrued product warranty 15,016 23,014 185 (5) 15,674 215 (1) 22,756
Restructuring reserves:
Inventory reserve 925 - - 925 - -
Property and equipment
reserve 93 (93) (4) - - - -
Accrued restructuring
costs 2,736 (1,007) (4) - 1,729 - -
------- ------- ------ ------- ------- -------
Total restructuring
reserves 3,754 (1,100) - 2,654 - -
------- ------- ------ ------- ------- -------
Year ended May 31, 1996:
Allowance for doubtful
accounts $20,022 $11,638 $ 10 (5) $ 4,016 (3) $ (733) (2) $26,921
Product return reserve 11,993 51,485 - 41,260 (2,957) (2) 19,261
Accrued product warranty 22,756 36,086 40 (5) 28,491 183 (2) 30,574
Acquisition-related
reserves:
Inventory reserve - 27,057 - 12,433 - 14,624
Property and equipment
reserve - 9,451 - 1,593 - 7,858
Non-current asset reserve - 7,812 - 7,812 - -
Accrued acquisition-related
costs - 24,680 - 13,477 - 11,203
------- ------- ------ ------- ------- -------
Total acquisition-related
reserves $ - $69,000 $ - $35,315 $ - $33,685
------- ------- ------ ------- ------- -------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Pooled business - net represents activity of Primary Access for the
period for October 1, 1995 through May 31, 1995 (see Note 3 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements).
(2) Pooled business - net represents activity of Chipcom for the period for
January 1, 1995 through May 31, 1995 (see Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements).
(3) Accounts written off - net of recoveries.
(4) Reduction in restructuring reserves based on current estimates of future
costs.
(5) Adjustments relating to purchased businesses.
EXHIBIT 21.1
3COM CORPORATION SUBSIDIARIES
3Com Asia Limited (Hong Kong)
3Com Benelux B.V. (The Netherlands)
3Com Canada Inc. (Toronto)
3Com Credit Corporation (California, U.S.A.)
3Com do Brasil Servicos Ltda. (Brazil)
3Com de Chile S.A. (Chile)
3Com de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico)
3Com Development Corporation (California, U.S.A.)
3Com Engineering Limited (United Kingdom)
3Com Europe Limited (United Kingdom)
3Com Far East Limited (Cayman Islands)
3Com GmbH (Germany)
3Com Holdings Limited (Cayman Islands)
3Com International, Inc. (Delaware, U.S.A.)
3Com Ireland (Cayman Islands)
3Com Ireland Technologies Limited (Ireland)
3Com Israel Limited (Israel)
3Com Limited (United Kingdom)
3Com Japan K.K. (Japan)
3Com Korea Limited (Korea)
3Com Mediteraneo S.r.l. (Italy)
3Com Network Management Ltd. (Israel)
3Com Nordic AB (Sweden)
3Com Primary Access Corporation (California, U.S.A.)
3Com S.A. (France)
3Com Sonix Limited (United Kingdom)
3Com Technologies Limited (Cayman Islands)
3Com U.K. Holdings Limited (United Kingdom)
3Com (U.K.) Limited (United Kingdom)
3Com World Trade, Inc. (U.S. Virgin Islands)
EXHIBIT 23.1
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP CONSENT AND REPORT ON SCHEDULE
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements Nos.
2-92053, 33-2171, 33-17848 (Post-Effective Amendment No. 1), 33-33803, 33-33807,
33-39323, 33-36911, 33-45176, 33-45231, 33-45233, 33-56952, 33-58708, 33-72158,
033-55265 (Post-Effective Amendment No.l), 033-60379, and 033-63547 of 3Com
Corporation on Form S-8 of our report dated June 24, 1996, appearing in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K of 3Com Corporation for the year ended May 31, 1996.
Our audits of the financial statements referred to in our aforementioned
report also included the financial statement schedule of 3Com Corporation,
listed in Item 14. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on
our audits. The financial statement schedule gives retroactive effect to the
fiscal 1996 mergers of 3Com Corporation with Chipcom Corporation and Primary
Access Corporation, which have been accounted for as poolings-of-interest. We
did not audit the information in such financial statement schedule relating to
Chipcom Corporation for the two years in the period ended December 31, 1994,
which information is included in 3Com Corporation's schedule for the years ended
May 31, 1995 and 1994, or relating to Primary Access Corporation for the fifty
- -three weeks ended October 3, 1993, which information is included in 3Com
Corporation's schedule for the year ended May 31, 1994. Such information was
audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our
opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Chipcom Corporation
and Primary Access Corporation for fiscal 1995 and 1994, is based solely on the
reports of other auditors. In our opinion, based on our audits and the
reports of other auditors, such financial statement schedule, when considered
in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly
in all material respects the information set forth therein.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
- -------------------------
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Jose, California
August 22, 1996
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 2-92053, 33-2171, 33-17848 (Post-Effective Amend-
ment No. 1), 33-33803, 33-33807, 33-39323, 33-36911, 33-45176, 33-45231,
33-45233, 33-56952, 33-58708, 33-72158, and 33-55265 (Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1), 33-60379 and 33-63547) of 3Com Corporation of our report dated
February 7,1995 relating to the financial statements of Chipcom Corporation and
of our report on the Finanacial Statement Schedule, which reports are included
as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
- ------------------------
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
August 22, 1996
EXHIBIT 23.3
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
To the Board of Directors of Chipcom Corporation
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Chipcom Corporation
referred to in our report dated February 7, 1995 (which report is included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the Financial State-
ment Schedule (not presented separately herein) listed in Item 14(a) of the
Form 10-K of Chipcom Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1994. In our
opinion, this Financial Statement Schedule presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the
related consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Price Waterhouse, LLP
- -------------------------
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 7, 1995
EXHIBIT 23.4
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON SCHEDULE AND CONSENT
To the Board of Directors of Primary Access Corporation:
The audit referred to in our report dated November 5, 1993, included the
related financial statement schedule as of October 3, 1993, and for the
fifty-three weeks ended October 3, 1993. This financial statement schedule
is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibiility is
to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our audit.
In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation
to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all
material respects the information set forth therein.
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements
(Nos. 2-92053, 33-2171, 33-17848, 33-33803, 33-33807, 33-39323, 33-36911,
33-45176, 33-45231, 33-45233, 33-56952, 33-58708, 33-72158, 33-55265, 033-60379
and 033-63547) on Form S-8 of 3Com Corporation of our report dated November 5,
1993, relating to the statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash
flows of Primary Access Corporation for the fifty-three weeks ended October 3,
1993 and of our report on financial statement schedule, which reports appear
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of 3Com Corporation for the year ended
May 31, 1996.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
-------------------------
San Diego California
August 22, 1996