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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
[Fee Required]
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934 [No Fee Required]
For the transition period from _____________ to
__________________
Commission file number 0-25678
MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 06-1340090
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer identification number)
incorporation or organization)
8917 Fullbright Avenue 91311
Chatsworth, California (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Issuer's telephone number: (818) 773-9044; (818) 773-0906 (Fax)
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $0.0034 par value
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of
Regulation S-B is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will 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. [ ]
State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $88,815,000
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
computed by reference to the price at which the stock was sold, or the average
bid and asked prices of such stock, as of a specified date within the past 60
days.
$363,373,768 based on the closing sale price at March 26, 1997 as
reported by The Nasdaq National Market.
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
equity, as of the latest practicable date:
22,964,039 at April 4, 1997
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
None
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The Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements.
These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the
forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include,
but are not limited to, those discussed in the Section under Item 1 -
Description of Business - Risk Factors.
Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking
statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date of this Report.
The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking
statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Readers should also
carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files
from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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As used in this Report, "MRV" or the "Company" refers to MRV
Communications, Inc., its predecessor and its wholly-owned consolidated
subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise indicates. Any Speed to Any
Speed Ethernet, GigaHub, JavaMan, NBase, MegaStack, MegaSwitch, MegaSwitch II,
MegaVision, MRV Communications and West Hills LAN System are trademarks or trade
names of the Company. Trademarks of other companies are also used in this Report
and are the property of their respective owners.
PART I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
MRV is a leading manufacturer and marketer of high speed network
switching and fiber optic transmission systems which enhance the performance of
existing data- and telecommunications networks. The Company designs,
manufactures and sells two groups of products: (i) computer networking products,
primarily Ethernet LAN switches, hubs and related equipment and (ii) fiber optic
components for the transmission of voice, video and data across enterprise,
telecommunications and cable TV networks. The Company's advanced networking
solutions greatly enhance the functionality of LANs by reducing network
congestion while allowing end users to preserve their legacy investments in
pre-existing networks and providing cost-effective migration paths to next
generation technologies such as Gigabit Ethernet. The Company's fiber optic
components incorporate proprietary technology which delivers high performance
under demanding environmental conditions.
The Company offers a family of network, switching and related
products that enhance LAN performance and facilitate the migration to next
generation technologies such as Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet and
Asynchronous Transfer Mode ("ATM"). MRV's MegaSwitch family of switching
products range from complete switching systems to stackable switches which
upgrade performance of existing LANs by relieving congestion of overloaded
transmission speeds without requiring replacement of existing technologies. In
addition, the Company offers GigaHub, a multi-platform switchable hub, and
MegaStack, a LAN stackable hub, as well as a network management system and a
number of other products that support network connectivity.
The Company also offers a family of optical transmission components
and modules designed for transmission over fiber optic cable. These products
enable the transmission of voice, data, and video across fiber and are also
used in optical fiber test equipment. The Company's products include discrete
components, such as laser diodes and LEDs, and integrated components such as
transmitters, receivers and transceivers. The Company's components are used in
data networks, telecommunication transmission and access networks.
To position the Company for growth, management's strategy has been to
focus on rapidly developing markets in the communications arena, such as LAN
switching and access networks, and to concentrate on improving performance of
networks employing Ethernet protocols, thereby addressing the largest installed
base of network users. Management's strategy has also been to emphasize
development of innovative products that the Company may bring
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to market early and to capitalize on MRV's manufacturing expertise and ability
to combine proprietary fiber optic transmission and advanced switching
technologies to create high-speed, cost-effective networking solutions.
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 8917
Fullbright Avenue, Chatsworth, California 91311 and its telephone and fax
numbers are (818) 773-9044 and (818) 773-0906, respectively. The Company
maintains Web sites at "http://www.mrv.com" and "http://www.nbase.com."
Information contained on the Company's Web sites does not constitute part of
this Report.
COMPANY BACKGROUND
The Company was organized in July 1988 as MRV Technologies, Inc., a
California corporation and reincorporated in Delaware in April 1992, at which
time it changed its name to MRV Communications, Inc.
On May 1, 1995, the Company acquired certain assets and the
distribution business of Galcom Networking, Ltd. ("Galcom"), a network equipment
company located in Israel. The purchase price paid by the Company was
approximately $900,000 in cash and the assumption of approximately $1,800,000 in
liabilities and debt. In connection with the acquisition of assets from Galcom,
the Company issued to Galcom and certain of its employees five-year warrants to
purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares at prices ranging from $4.25 to $7.38
per share.
On June 29, 1995, the Company acquired certain assets and the
distribution business of Ace 400 Communications Ltd. ("Ace"), a network
equipment company also located in Israel. The purchase price paid by the Company
was approximately $4,316,000 comprised of $100,000 in cash, the assumption of
approximately $467,000 in liabilities and debt and the issuance of approximately
855,000 shares of Common Stock valued at approximately $3,910,000 and extended a
right to Ace to sell to the Company up to $400,000 of Ace's inventory. In
connection with the acquisition of assets from Ace, the Company issued to the
trustee and an employee of Ace five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of
330,000 shares of Common Stock at prices ranging from $4.57 to $4.67 per share.
The Galcom and Ace acquisitions provided the Company with experienced
personnel and technology for the Token Ring LAN, IBM Connectivity and
Multi-Platform Network Management IBM NetView and HP OpenView markets. Following
the acquisitions, the Company consolidated these operations in Israel with its
networking operations in the U.S.
On September 26, 1996, the Company completed an acquisition (the
"Fibronics Acquisition") from Elbit Ltd. ("Elbit") of certain of the assets and
selected liabilities of Elbit's wholly-owned subsidiary, Fibronics Ltd. and its
subsidiaries (collectively "Fibronics") related to Fibronics' computer
networking and telecommunications businesses (the "Fibronics Business") in
Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Israel. The
assets acquired included Fibronics' technology in progress and existing
technology, its marketing channels, its GigaHub family of computer networking
products and other rights. The purchase price for the Fibronics Business was
approximately $22,770,000, which was paid using a combination of cash and shares
of Common Stock of the Company. In connection with the 458,991 shares of Common
Stock originally delivered to Elbit as partial payment of the purchase price,
the Company made certain guarantees to Elbit regarding the minimum proceeds
Elbit would receive upon resale of the shares. The Company secured such
guarantees by delivering to Elbit (i) a letter of credit from a major bank in
the amount of approximately $4,301,000 and (ii) an additional 137,305 shares of
its Common Stock (the "Security Shares"). In March 1997, MRV and Elbit agreed
to amend their agreement (the "March 1997 Amendment") regarding the Common Stock
portion of the purchase price paid to Elbit for the Fibronics Business. First,
the Company repurchased 184,381 shares, paying Elbit $4,230,000 (approximately
$23.00 per share) (plus accrued interest thereon at 0.67% per month from January
1, 1997 through March 13, 1997). Second, with respect to the remaining 274,610
shares (the "Additional Shares"), the Company guaranteed that the Additional
Shares can be resold by Elbit for at least $6,300,000 (approximately $23.00 per
share), plus interest thereon at 0.67% per month from January 1, 1997 through
the date of Elbit's resale. To secure any shortfall, the Company delivered to
Elbit pending resale of the Additional Shares a letter of credit from a major
bank, expiring on June 15, 1997, in the amount of approximately $6,536,000.
Elbit has agreed to sell the Additional Shares in the open market at no less
than the prevailing bid price at the time of sale; provided, however, that in no
event shall sales of the Additional Shares be at less than $23.00 per share.
Elbit must pay to the Company any difference between the amount received upon
resale of the Additional Shares and $6,300,000
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(plus the accrued interest) and return any unsold Additional Shares to the
Company. As part of the March 1997 Amendment, Elbit also returned the Security
Shares to the Company. The Company used proceeds it received from a private
placement of $30,000,000 principal amount of Debentures completed in September
1996 to fund the cash portion of the purchase price of the Fibronics
Acquisition.
With the integration of the Fibronics Business, MRV believes it will
be able to enhance the development of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet
functions through the Fibronics GigaHub family of products, to offer a broader
range of networking products and to benefit from combined distribution channels
and sales in both the United States and Europe and greater product development
capability.
RISK FACTORS
The Company may from time to time make written or oral
forward-looking statements. Written forward-looking statements may appear in
documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases,
and in reports to shareholders. The Private Securities Reform Act of 1995
contains a safe harbor for forward-looking statements on which the Company
relies in making such disclosures. In connection with this "safe harbor" the
Company is hereby identifying important factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made
by or on behalf of the Company. Any such statement is qualified by reference to
the following cautionary statements:
Risks of Technological Change, Development Delays and Product
Defects. The Company is engaged in the design and development of devices for
the computer networking, telecommunications and fiber optic communication
industries. As with any new technologies, there is a substantial risk that the
marketplace may not accept the Company's new products. Market acceptance of the
Company's products will depend, in large part, upon the ability of the Company
to demonstrate performance and cost advantages and cost-effectiveness of its
products over competing products and the success of the sales efforts of the
Company and its customers. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to continue to market its technology successfully or that any of the
Company's current or future products will be accepted in the marketplace.
Moreover, the computer networking, telecommunications and fiber optic
communication industries are characterized by rapidly changing technology,
evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions, any of which
could render the Company's existing products obsolete. The Company's success
will depend upon its ability to enhance existing products and to introduce new
products to meet changing customer requirements and emerging industry standards.
The Company will be required to devote continued efforts and financial resources
to develop and enhance its existing products and conduct research to develop new
products. The development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex
and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation, as well as the
accurate anticipation of technological and market trends. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to identify, develop, manufacture,
market or support new or enhanced products successfully or on a timely basis,
that new Company products will gain market acceptance or that the Company will
be able to respond effectively to product announcements by competitors,
technological changes or emerging industry standards. Furthermore, from time to
time, the Company may announce new products or product enhancements,
capabilities or technologies that have the potential to replace or shorten the
life cycle of the Company's existing product offerings and that may cause
customers to defer purchasing existing Company products or cause customers to
return products to the Company.
Complex products, such as those offered by the Company, may contain
undetected software or hardware errors when first introduced or when new
versions are released. While the Company has not experienced such errors in the
past, the occurrence of such errors in the future could, and the inability to
correct such errors would, result in the delay or loss of market acceptance of
the Company's products, material warranty expense, diversion of engineering and
other resources from the Company's product development efforts and the loss of
credibility with the Company's customers, system integrators and end users, any
of which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition.
Potential Fluctuations in Operating Results. The Company's revenue
and operating results could fluctuate substantially from quarter to quarter and
from year to year. This could result from any one or a combination of factors
such as the cancellation or postponement of orders, the timing and amount of
significant orders from the Company's largest customers, the Company's success
in developing, introducing and shipping product enhancements and new products,
the product mix sold by the Company, adverse effects to the Company's financial
statements resulting from,
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or necessitated by, possible future acquisitions, new product introductions by
the Company's competitors, pricing actions by the Company or its competitors,
the timing of delivery and availability of components from suppliers, changes in
material costs and general economic conditions. Although the Company has not had
adverse fluctuations in results from continuing operations in the past, there
can be no assurance that these factors or others would not cause such
fluctuations in the future. The volume and timing of orders received during a
quarter are difficult to forecast. The Company's customers from time to time
encounter uncertain and changing demand for their products. Customers generally
order based on their forecasts. If demand falls below such forecasts or if
customers do not control inventories effectively, they may cancel or reschedule
shipments previously ordered from the Company. The Company's expense levels
during any particular period are based, in part, on expectations of future
sales. If sales in a particular quarter do not meet expectations, operating
results could be materially adversely affected. Further, there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to sustain its recent rate of growth
or continue profitable operations.
Competition. The markets for fiber optic components and network
switching products are intensely competitive and subject to frequent product
introductions with improved price/performance characteristics, rapid
technological change and the continual emergence of new industry standards. The
Company competes and will compete with numerous types of companies including
companies which have been established for many years and have considerably
greater financial, marketing, technical, human and other resources, as well as
greater name recognition and a larger installed customer base, than the Company.
This may give such competitors certain advantages, including the ability to
negotiate lower prices on raw materials and components than those available to
the Company. In addition, many of the Company's large competitors offer
customers broader product lines which provide more comprehensive solutions than
the Company currently offers. The Company expects that other companies will also
enter markets in which the Company competes. Increased competition could result
in significant price competition, reduced profit margins or loss of market
share. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete
successfully with existing or future competitors or that competitive pressures
faced by the Company will not materially and adversely affect the business,
operating results and financial condition of the Company.
Management of Growth. The Company has grown rapidly in recent years,
with revenues increasing from $2,400,000 for the year ended December 31, 1991,
to $17,500,000, $39,200,000 and $88,800,000 for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The Company's recent growth, both internally
and through the acquisitions it has made since January 1, 1995, has placed a
significant strain on the Company's financial and management personnel and
information systems and controls, and the Company must implement new and enhance
existing financial and management information systems and controls and must add
and train personnel to operate such systems effectively. While the strain placed
on the Company's personnel and systems has not had a material adverse effect on
the Company to date, there can be no assurance that a delay or failure to
implement new and enhance existing systems and controls will not have such an
effect in the future. The Company's recent growth through the acquisition of the
Fibronics Business discussed in "Risks Associated with Recent Acquisition and
Potential Future Acquisitions" below and its intention to continue to pursue its
growth strategy through efforts to increase sales of existing and new products
can be expected to place even greater pressure on the Company's existing
personnel and compound the need for increased personnel, expanded information
systems, and additional financial and administrative control procedures. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully manage
expanding operations.
Risks Associated with Recent Acquisition and Potential Future
Acquisitions. On September 26, 1996, the Company completed the Fibronics
Acquisition from Elbit, acquiring certain of the assets and selected liabilities
related to Fibronics' computer networking and telecommunications businesses in
Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Israel. The
assets acquired include Fibronics' technology in progress and existing
technology, its marketing channels, its GigaHub family of computer networking
products and other rights. The purchase price for the Fibronics Business was
approximately $22,770,000, which was paid using a combination of cash and Common
Stock of the Company. During the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, and the
period from January 1, 1996 through September 25, 1996 (the day the Fibronics
Business was acquired by the Company), the Fibronics Business reported net
revenues of $33,355,000, $35,003,000 and $19,481,000, respectively, and net
income (losses) of ($11,557,000), $79,000 and $(6,143,000), respectively.
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In connection with the Fibronics Acquisition, the Company incurred charges of
$17,795,000, $6,974,000 and $4,357,000 for purchased technology, restructuring,
and interest expenses related to financing, respectively. These charges caused
the Company to incur a net loss of $9,654,000 for the year ended December 31,
1996. The Company's ability to operate the Fibronics Business profitably will
depend upon its ability to integrate this business successfully, including (i)
integration of the products, technologies and personnel of the Fibronics
Business into the Company, (ii) management's ability to reduce operating costs
of the Fibronics Business and (iii) the continued market acceptance of the
products and technology acquired from Fibronics.
An important element of management's strategy is to review
acquisition prospects that would complement the Company's existing products,
augment its market coverage and distribution ability or enhance its
technological capabilities. While the Company has no current agreements or
negotiations underway with respect to any new acquisitions, the Company may
acquire additional businesses, products or technologies in the future. Future
acquisitions by the Company could result in charges similar to those incurred in
connection with the Fibronics Acquisition, potentially dilutive issuance of
equity securities, the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities and
amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets, any of
which could materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations and/or the price of the Company's Common
Stock. Acquisitions entail numerous risks, including the assimilation of the
acquired operations, technologies and products, diversion of management's
attention to other business concerns, risks of entering markets in which the
Company has no or limited prior experience and potential loss of key employees
of acquired organizations. Prior to the Fibronics Acquisition, management had
only limited experience in assimilating acquired organizations. There can be no
assurance as to the ability of the Company to successfully integrate the
products, technologies or personnel of any business that might be acquired in
the future, and the failure of the Company to do so could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
International Operations. International sales have become an
increasingly important segment of the Company's operations, with the
acquisitions of Galcom and Ace in 1995 and the Fibronics Business in 1996.
Approximately 19%, 45% and 53% of the Company's net revenues for the years ended
December 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, were from sales to customers in
foreign countries. The Company has offices in, and conducts a significant
portion of its operations in and from, Israel. MRV is, therefore, directly
influenced by the political and economic conditions affecting Israel. Any major
hostilities involving Israel, the interruption or curtailment of trade between
Israel and its trading partners or a substantial downturn in the economic or
financial condition of Israel could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's operations.
Sales to foreign customers are subject to government controls and
other risks associated with international sales, including difficulties in
obtaining export licenses, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, political
instability, trade restrictions and changes in duty rates. Although the Company
has not experienced any material difficulties in this regard to date, there can
be no assurance that it will not experience any such material difficulties in
the future. The Company's sales are currently denominated in U.S. dollars and to
date its business has not been significantly affected by currency fluctuations
or inflation. However, the Company conducts business in several different
countries and thus fluctuations in currency exchange rates could cause the
Company's products to become relatively more expensive in particular countries,
leading to a reduction in sales in that country. In addition, inflation in such
countries could increase the Company's expenses. To date, the Company has not
hedged against currency exchange risks. In the future, the Company may engage in
foreign currency denominated sales or pay material amounts of expenses in
foreign currencies and, in such event, may experience gains and losses due to
currency fluctuations. The Company's operating results could be adversely
affected by such fluctuations or as a result of inflation in particular
countries where material expenses are incurred. Moreover, the Company's
operating results could also be adversely affected by seasonality of
international sales, which are typically lower in Asia in the first calendar
quarter and in Europe in the third calendar quarter. These international factors
could have a material adverse effect on future sales of the Company's products
to international end-users and, consequently, the Company's business, operating
results and financial condition.
Manufacturing and Dependence on Suppliers and Third Party
Manufacturers . The Company uses internally developed Application Specific
Integrated Circuits ("ASICs"), which provide the functionality of multiple
integrated circuits in one chip, in the manufacture of its Local Area Network
("LAN") switching products. To develop ASICs
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successfully, the Company must transfer a code of instructions to a single mask
from which low cost duplicates can be made. Each iteration of a mask involves a
substantial up-front cost, which costs can adversely affect the Company's result
of operations and financial condition if errors or "bugs" occur following
multiple duplication of the masks. While the Company has not experienced
material expenses to date as a result of errors discovered in ASIC masks,
because of the complexity of the duplication process and the difficulty in
detecting errors, the Company could suffer a material adverse effect to its
operating results and financial condition if errors in developing ASICs were to
occur in the future. Moreover, the Company currently relies on a single foundry
to fabricate its ASICs and does not have a long-term supply contract with this
supplier, any other ASIC vendor or any other of its limited source vendors,
purchasing all of such components on a purchase order basis. While the Company
believes it would be able to obtain alternative sources of supply for the ASICs
or other key components, a change in ASIC or other suppliers of key components
could require a significant lead time and, therefore, could result in a delay in
product shipments. While the Company has not experienced delays in the receipt
of ASICs or other key components, any future difficulty in obtaining any of
these key components could result in delays or reductions in product shipments
which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition.
The Company outsources the assembly, test and quality control of
material, components, subassemblies and systems relating to its networking
products to third party contract manufacturers. Though there are a large number
of contract manufacturers which the Company can use for its outsourcing, it has
elected to use a limited number of vendors for a significant portion of board
assembly requirements in order to foster consistency in quality of the products.
These independent third party manufacturers also provide these services to other
companies. Risks associated with the use of independent manufacturers include
unavailability of or delays in obtaining adequate supplies of products and
reduced control of manufacturing quality and production costs. If the Company's
contract manufacturers fail to deliver products in the future on a timely basis,
or at all, it could be difficult for the Company to obtain adequate supplies of
products from other sources in the near term. There can be no assurance that the
Company's third party manufacturers will provide adequate supplies of quality
products on a timely basis, or at all. While the Company could outsource with
other vendors, a change in vendors may require significant lead time and may
result in shipment delays and expenses. The inability to obtain such products on
a timely basis, the loss of a vendor or a change in the terms and conditions of
the outsourcing would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition.
The Company relies exclusively on its own production capability for
critical semiconductor lasers and light emitting diodes ("LEDs") used in its
products. Because the Company manufactures these and other key components of its
products at its own facility and such components are not readily available from
other sources, any interruption of the Company's manufacturing process could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. Furthermore, the
Company has a limited number of employees dedicated to the operation and
maintenance of its wafer fabrication equipment, the loss of any of whom could
result in the Company's inability to effectively operate and service such
equipment. Wafer fabrication is sensitive to many factors, including variations
and impurities in the raw materials, the fabrication process, performance of the
manufacturing equipment, defects in the masks used to print circuits on the
wafer and the level of contaminants in the manufacturing environment. There can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain acceptable production
yields and avoid product shipment delays. In the event adequate production
yields are not achieved, resulting in product shipment delays, the Company's
business, operating results and financial condition could be materially
adversely affected.
Lack of Patent Protection; Dependence on Proprietary
Technology. The Company holds no patents and only recently has filed patent
applications with respect to certain aspects of its technology. The Company
currently relies on unpatented proprietary know-how, which may be duplicated,
and employs various methods, including confidentiality agreements with
employees, to protect its proprietary know-how. Such methods may not afford
complete protection, however, and there can be no assurance that others will not
independently develop such know-how or obtain access to it or independently
develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to the
Company's technology. In the event that protective measures are not successful,
the Company's business, operating results and financial condition could be
materially and adversely affected. In addition, the laws of some foreign
countries do not protect the Company's proprietary rights to the same extent as
do the laws of the United States. There can be no assurance that any patents
will be issued as a result of the pending applications or any future patent
applications, or, if issued, would provide the Company with meaningful
protection from competition. In addition, there can be no assurance
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that any patents issued to the Company will not be challenged, invalidated or
circumvented. Since United States patent applications are maintained in secrecy
until patents issue and since the publication of inventions in technical or
patent literature tends to lag behind such inventions by several months, the
Company cannot be certain that it was the first creator of inventions covered by
pending patent applications, that it was the first to file patent applications
for such inventions or that the Company is not infringing on the patents of
others. Litigation may be necessary to enforce the Company's patents, if issued,
or other intellectual property rights, to protect the Company's trade secrets,
to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to
defend against claims of infringement. Such litigation could result in
substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations
regardless of the final outcome of such litigation. In the event that any of the
Company's products are found to infringe on the intellectual property rights of
third parties, the Company would be required to seek a license with respect to
such patented technology, or incur substantial costs to redesign the infringing
products. There can be no assurance that any such license would be available on
terms acceptable to the Company or at all, that any of the Company's products
could be redesigned on an economical basis or at all, or that any such
redesigned products would be competitive with the products of the Company's
competitors.
Dependence on Key Personnel. The Company is substantially dependent
upon a number of key employees, including Dr. Shlomo Margalit, its Chairman of
the Board of Directors and Chief Technical Officer, Dr. Zeev Rav-Noy, its Chief
Operating Officer, and Noam Lotan, its President and Chief Executive Officer.
The loss of the services of any one or more of these officers could have a
material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has entered into employment
agreements with each officer and owns and is the beneficiary of key man life
insurance policies in the amounts of $1,000,000 each on the lives of Drs.
Margalit and Rav-Noy and Mr. Lotan. There can be no assurance that the proceeds
from these policies will be sufficient to compensate the Company in the event of
the death of any of these individuals, and the policies do not cover the Company
in the event that any of them becomes disabled or is otherwise unable to render
services to the Company.
Attraction and Retention of Qualified Personnel. The Company's
ability to develop, manufacture and market its products and its ability to
compete with its current and future competitors depends, and will depend, in
large part, on its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Competition for qualified personnel in the networking and fiber optics
industries is intense, and the Company will be required to compete for such
personnel with companies having substantially greater financial and other
resources than the Company. If the Company should be unable to attract and
retain qualified personnel, the business of the Company could be materially
adversely affected. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
attract and retain qualified personnel.
Share Prices Have Been and May Continue to Be Highly Volatile. Over
the last several months, the market price of the Company's Common Stock has been
extremely volatile. The market price of the Common Stock is likely to continue
to be highly volatile and could be significantly affected by factors such as
actual or anticipated fluctuations in the Company's operating results,
announcement of technological innovations or new product introductions by the
Company or its competitors, changes of estimates of the Company's future
operating results by securities analysts, developments with respect to patents,
copyrights or proprietary rights, general market conditions and other factors.
In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced significant
price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices
for the common stocks of technology companies. These broad market fluctuations
may adversely affect the market price of the Company's Common Stock. In
addition, it is possible that in a future fiscal quarter, the Company's results
of operations will fail to meet the expectations of securities analysts or
investors and, in such event, the market price of the Company's Common Stock
would be materially adversely affected.
Possible Issuance of Preferred Stock; Anti-takeover Provisions. The
Company is authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par
value $.01 per share. The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series,
the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by the Board of
Directors without further action by stockholders. The terms of any such series
of preferred stock may include voting rights (including the right to vote as a
series on particular matters), preferences as to dividend, liquidation,
conversion and redemption rights and sinking fund provisions. No preferred stock
is currently outstanding, and the Company has no present plans for the issuance
thereof. The Company has agreed not to issue any shares of preferred stock until
December 7, 1997, without the prior written consent of H. J. Meyers & Co., Inc.
(the successor to Thomas James Associates, Inc. the Company's underwriter in its
initial public stock offering). The issuance of any such preferred stock could
materially adversely affect the rights
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of the holders of Common Stock, and therefore, reduce the value of the Common
Stock. In particular, specific rights granted to future holders of preferred
stock could be used to restrict the Company's ability to merge with, or sell its
assets to, a third party, thereby preserving control of the Company by the
present owners.
Forward-looking Statements. This Report contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking
statements may be deemed to include the Company's plans to develop and offer new
and enhanced networking and optical transmission products and its efforts to
expand its customer base. Such forward-looking statements may also be deemed to
include the Company's expectations concerning factors affecting the markets for
its products, the growth in those markets in general, the timing of new product
introductions by the Company and anticipated benefits from such product
introductions or technological developments. Such forward-looking statements
also may include the Company's expectations of benefits from the acquisition of
the Fibronics Business or its OEM or other arrangements with certain of its
customers. Actual results could differ from those projected in any
forward-looking statements for, among other things, the reasons detailed in the
other sections of this "Risk Factors" portion of this Report. The
forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Report and the
Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to
update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the
forward-looking statements.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
The global communications industry has undergone significant
transformation and growth since the mid-1980's as a result of increased demand
for communications services and applications, as well as advances in technology
and changes in network architectures and public policy. The client server
network architecture with its shared information and resources, the increased
power of conventional applications as well as the proliferation of graphic
intensive applications such as multimedia, Internet and intranets, have resulted
in a strong demand for bandwidth. This trend is expected to continue as
additional bandwidth intensive applications, such a video conferencing, are used
increasingly. Further, as a result of changes in communications regulations and
the adoption of common standards, enterprise networks, such as LANs and WANs,
and access networks, such as telecommunications and cable TV, are expected to
converge. The demand for high bandwidth applications, as well as the convergence
of data communications and telecommunications, has significantly increased the
requirement for networking and fiber optic equipment that increases the capacity
of networks through high speed and more efficient transmission technologies.
High-speed switching systems enhance the bandwidth of LANs so that a
greater number of users can utilize more complex applications without
experiencing network congestion. Fiber optic transmission components also
enhance the functionality of enterprise and access networks by enabling
high-speed transmission of voice, video and data across fiber optic cable.
Market research firms forecast strong growth in both of these sectors. In August
1996, an industry analyst estimated that the market for LAN switches will grow
from $1.7 billion in 1995 to $10.5 billion in 1999, a compounded annual growth
rate of 58%. In February 1996, KMI Corporation estimated that the worldwide
fiber optics market, including cables, connectors and transceivers, was $6.1
billion in 1995 and that it will grow to $12.3 billion by 1999, a compounded
annual growth rate of 19%. The Company believes that the growth of fiber optic
components will outpace that of the overall fiber optics industry.
LAN ENVIRONMENT
The most common LAN architecture, "shared-media" networking, cannot
effectively accommodate the market's requirements for high-speed networking.
Shared-media networks require computers to alternate communication over a single
LAN, thereby allowing a computer to send information only when other computers
are not doing so. As more computers are added to a single LAN, demand for access
to the network increases and, as a result, individual users experience slower
network response times and data transfer rates. Most of these networks operate
with the Ethernet protocol, which is significantly less expensive than the
closest competing technology, Token Ring.
There are two fundamentally different but complementary approaches to
alleviating network congestion. The first approach, referred to as
"segmentation," reduces the number of desktops connected to a single LAN
segment, which increases the available bandwidth per user. The segmentation of
users into smaller LANs alleviates network congestion by allowing fewer users to
share a given amount of capacity. The second approach is to increase the
capacity of
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networks through new high-speed transmission technologies and high bandwidth
fiber optic applications. LAN switching technology is an innovation that enables
both of these solutions. A switch is a device that partitions a network into
multiple segments which enables several simultaneous "conversations," thereby
reducing the traffic on each segment while allowing access to the entire
network. A switch also allows connection with different speeds, thereby
facilitating faster backbones and migration to faster technologies.
Enhanced LAN Performance through Segmentation and Switching. LAN
switching systems have emerged as the preferred method for segmenting networks
because these systems are implemented more easily, efficiently and cost-
effectively than hub architectures which once dominated the networking equipment
industry. In contrast to hubs, which indiscriminately forward data to all ports,
Ethernet switches only forward network traffic to the designated receiving port
or ports. Ethernet switches can also support different data rates on different
ports with some ports operating at 10 Mbps and others at substantially higher
speeds, thus enabling "Any Speed to Any Speed" Ethernet transmission. A major
driver to the growth in Ethernet switching is the large installed base. Between
60% to 70% of all LANs are currently based on Ethernet standards. As a result,
Ethernet switching offers fast and cost-effective upgrades without impacting
network performance or requiring infrastructure changes to existing cabling and
network adapters. Switching also allows LANs based on different architectures,
such as Ethernet and Token Ring, to be connected efficiently and allows these
systems to access servers and backbones which use a variety of high-speed
technologies, such as Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Distributed Data
Interface ("FDDI") and ATM.
Another important benefit of switches is their ability to combine
groups of computers into virtual LANs ("VLANs"). As a result, workgroups can be
set up according to business relationships rather than physical proximity.
Unlike hub and router systems, which require segment users to be physically
grouped together, VLANs simplify network administration as users relocate. VLANs
can also be used for controlling bandwidth and directing excess capacity to
workgroups and users as needed. Moreover, by confining traffic to desired
workgroups, VLANs improve network security.
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Enhanced LAN Performance Through High-speed Transmission Technologies
and Switching. While Ethernet switching is being used to increase the efficiency
of existing capacity, switching technology also incorporates high-speed
transmission technologies that increases a system's capacity. High-speed
technologies such as Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, FDDI and ATM increase
transmission speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps and from 100 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps (1
Gbp). Higher transmission speeds have helped to increase the demand for LAN
switches in two important ways. First, LAN switches create uplinks between slow
desktops and high-speed fiber backbones, which are necessary if data transfer is
to occur between devices that operate at different speeds. Second, as high-speed
file servers or fiber backbones are upgraded, the system's switches must be
upgraded as well.
Two alternative high-speed networking technologies, FDDI and ATM, are
used in networking backbones, but because of their high cost for end-users they
are rarely used to connect desktop computers within a LAN. Both FDDI and ATM
transmit data in unique formats which also make them difficult to incorporate
into pre-existing Ethernet LANs.
Fast Ethernet has emerged as a cost-effective, interoperable
technology that enables the integration of ATM and FDDI backbones with Ethernet
switches and provides a non-disruptive, tenfold increase in speed from 10 Mbps
to 100 Mbps. Furthermore, unlike FDDI and ATM, Fast Ethernet is based on fully
defined standards which use the same data format and core communication protocol
as Ethernet. This similarity permits easy integration with existing Ethernet
networks and allows organizations to retain the benefit of network
administrators who have been trained in the management of Ethernet networks.
Thus, migration from Ethernet to Fast Ethernet involves a simple change of
adapter cards and an upgrade of hubs and switches. In addition, implementation
of Fast Ethernet costs end users approximately $150, which is significantly less
expensive than FDDI or ATM implementation that generally costs more than $500
per NIC connection. As a result of these factors, in January 1996 an industry
analysis reported market estimates that Fast Ethernet revenues increased from $7
million in 1994 to $45 million in 1995 and that the market was expected to
approach $300 million during 1996.
Many industry experts believe that similar benefits will be offered
by the next generation of Ethernet technology, Gigabit Ethernet, which is
expected to provide raw data bandwidth of 1,000 Mbps while maintaining full
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compatibility with the installed base of Ethernet nodes. Management believes
that demand for Gigabit Ethernet is likely to grow as more LANs move to Fast
Ethernet, generating substantial traffic loads on backbone networks. Dataquest
has recently forecasted that the Gigabit Ethernet market will reach $2.9 billion
by 2000, at which time will become the dominant communications backbone
technology.
To promote the implementation of Gigabit Ethernet, the Gigabit
Ethernet Alliance ("GEA") was formed in May 1996. The Company is a member of the
GEA which includes Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Bay Networks, Inc., Cabletron
Systems, Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Compaq Computer Corporation, Digital
Equipment Corporation, Hewlett- Packard Company, Intel Corporation, Lucent
Technologies Inc., Sun Microsystems, Incorporated, U B Networks and 3Com
Corporation.
FIBER OPTIC ENVIRONMENT
Fiber optic transmission can generally carry more information at less
expense and with greater signal quality than copper wire. The higher the speed
of transmission, the greater the capacity and the larger the span of the
network, the more essential is fiber optic transmission. Fiber has long replaced
copper as the preferred technology for long distance communications and major
backbone telephony and data transmissions. Due to its advantages, fiber optic
technology is also increasingly used to enhance performance and capacity within
enterprise networks and access networks. As a result, the market for fiber optic
products continues to grow both domestically and internationally.
Demand for fiber optic transmission components is driven by four
factors: (i) fiber applications have expanded beyond traditional telephony
applications and are being deployed in enterprise network backbones to support
high-speed data communications; (ii) within access networks, fiber is rapidly
expanding downstream toward end-users as access networks deploy
Fiber-in-the-Loop and FTTC architectures to support services such as fast
Internet access and interactive video; (iii) the growth of cellular
communications and personal communications systems ("PCS") requires fiber to be
deployed both within and between cells; and (iv) the usage of fiber in short
distances increases the demand for components as more are used per mile of
fiber. As the size, number and complexity of these fiber networks increases,
management expects that the demand for fiber optic components will grow
significantly.
Fiber Optic Transmission in Data Communications. As higher speed
connections are implemented in LAN/WAN systems, fiber optic transmission becomes
an essential element in computer networks. From transmission speeds of 100 Mbps
and higher, and transmission distances of 100 meters and longer, fiber optic
transmission must be deployed. Virtually all high-speed transmission standards,
such as FDDI, ATM, Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, specify fiber optic media
as the most practical technology for transmission. The steady rise in high-speed
connections and the growth in the span of networks, including the need to
connect remote workgroups, are driving the deployment of fiber optic cable
throughout enterprise networks.
Fiber Optic Transmission in Access Networks. To meet end user's
increased demand for content, software and services, network operators must
acquire additional bandwidth by either enhancing their existing networks or
constructing new ones. Cable TV operators are increasingly seeking to provide
general telecommunication services, high-speed Internet access and
video-on-demand. As a result, they are now faced with the need to transmit
"upstream," from customer premises to the cable TV operator and to send
different signals to individual end-users. Similarly, local enterprise carriers
("LECs") are implementing new technological standards, such as Synchronous
Optical Network ("SONET") and fiber-intensive architectures such as FTTC to
enable High-speed Internet Access and the delivery of cable TV and ATM services
to the home. Management believes that deployment of and upgrades to these
systems will increase the demand for the Company's fiber optic components which
typically are better able to endure environmental factors such as rain, snow,
heat and wind cost-effectively. In addition, cellular and PCS communications
represent a fast emerging market for fiber optic networks, including their usage
in the backbone and landline portion of wireless networks.
PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY
MRV offers advanced solutions for network connectivity requirements
by providing high speed LAN switching and fiber optic transmission products
which serve the computer networking and the broadband sections of the
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communications industry. The Company designs and sells two groups of products:
(i) high-speed networking equipment, including LAN switches and (ii) fiber optic
transmission solutions for SONET, ATM, FDDI, Fast Ethernet, cable TV and
wireless infrastructure.
ENTERPRISE NETWORKING SOLUTIONS
The Company designs network switching systems that increase the
productivity and functionality of LANs. MRV offers its customers a family of
network, switching and related products that enhance LAN performance and
facilitate the migration to next generation technologies such as Fast Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet and ATM.
The MegaSwitch Product Family. The Company's MegaSwitch products are
a family of Fast Ethernet switches which are marketed under MRV's NBase trade
name. The MegaSwitch products range from complete switching systems to stackable
switches which upgrade performance of existing LANs by relieving congestion of
overloaded network segments, enable full duplex and flow control and provide an
easy, cost-effective migration to higher transmission speeds without requiring
replacement of existing infrastructure. The MegaSwitch I, which was first
introduced in 1995, is a family of three Fast Ethernet switches, which enhance
the bandwidth of the corporate backbone to support higher traffic levels. These
systems are scalable and are compatible with a wide range of existing network
protocols and technologies. The Company's MegaSwitch II products, introduced in
1996, are designed for corporate, campus and metropolitan deployment as a
cost-effective method of connecting existing networks with higher-speed
backbones and are based on "Any Speed to Any Speed" Ethernet switching,
including Gigabit Ethernet with access to ATM. Fast Ethernet, Gigabit and ATM
uplink modules incorporate InterSwitch VLAN capabilities. InterSwitch VLANs
enable the network administrator to define separate VLANs spanning multiple
switches in order to achieve optimal network performance and serve multiple
workgroups.
Product Name Application and Functionality
- ------------ -----------------------------
MegaSwitch II This cost-effective stackable switch is a 12 port, high
performance switch which provides an uplink to ATM and
Gigabit Ethernet backbones, supports Ethernet/Fast Ethernet
traffic by automatically configuring for 10 Mbps/100 Mbps,
provides for zero packet loss even at extended network
links of up to 110 km and incorporates VLAN capability.
This switch can be used as an upgrade for an existing
workgroup or as a fully configured enterprise switch.
MegaSwitch I These stackable switches, with up to 13 ports provide a
migration path to upgrade from a legacy 10 Mbps LAN to a
100 Mbps network. These switches provide segmentation of 10
Mbps shared LAN and higher speed server or backbone
connections enabling interconnection of workgroups or
high-speed workstations.
Hubs and Network Management. To implement network segments, the
Company offers GigaHub, a multi-platform switchable hub, and MegaStack, a
stackable hub; and, to enable management and control of its switching products
and hub products, MRV has developed and offers MegaVision.
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Product Name Application and Functionality
------------ -----------------------------
GigaHub This enterprise network solution for medium to large
corporate networks requiring both shared and switched
connectivity in a mixed protocol environment, provides a 12
Gbps modular enterprise switching hub, supporting Ethernet,
Fast Ethernet, FDDI, ATM and Token Ring, as well as voice
and point-to-point protocols, and allowing integration of
LAN distribution and switching in a single hub.
MegaStack This high-speed stackable hub system implements Ethernet
and Fast Ethernet LAN segments, provides performance for
mission-critical and bandwidth-intensive applications,
connects from 12 to 180 users, is stackable with fiber
optic connectivity to remote locations and offers
plug-and-play convenience and built-in auto-partitioning
for instant isolation of network failures.
MegaVision This full-featured network management system provides
affordable and comprehensive management and control of all
MegaSwitch and MegaStack products and automatically detects
and monitors any SNMP compliant devices. It operates on all
major NMS platforms including Windows 3.1, Windows 95,
Windows NT Client, Novell NMS, HP/Open View for Windows or
UNIX.
Related Networking Products. The Company also offers a number of
other products supporting network connectivity. Examples of such products are
summarized in the table below.
Products Description and Functionality
-------- -----------------------------
Fiber Optic These products consist of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet fiber
Transceivers and optic transceivers that enable campus or metropolitan
Converters deployment of Ethernet or Fast Ethernet networks through
fiber optic interconnection of LANs to a distance of over
100 km, and multimode to single mode fiber converters for
FDDI, ATM and SONET that extend the range of FDDI, ATM and
SONET via fiber.
Token Ring These products consist of multimedia Token Ring hubs with
fiber, coax, UTP and STP connectivity which extends the
distance between segments of Token Ring networks, and fiber
optic transceivers with multimode and single mode fiber,
which allow flexible implementation of IBM midrange and
mainframe terminal connectivity.
Midrange These products consist of Twinax Star panels, multiplexers
Connectivity and repeaters which allow flexible implementation of IBM
mid-range and mainframe terminal connectivity.
The Company's Recent Advance in Gigabit Ethernet. Gigabit Ethernet
aims to support the extension of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet standards to higher
speeds while insuring full interoperability with existing networks. The Company
recently developed an advance in Gigabit technology which it proposed to the
IEEE Gigabit Ethernet task force and which proposal was accepted in November
1996. The Company's proposal maximizes bandwidth utilization and doubles the
span of the network while also providing for delay sensitive applications such
as video. At the core of this technology is the ability to "save" one frame
during a collision event. This way, at least one frame transmitted will reach
its destination, thereby doubling throughput. The key advantages to the
Company's Gigabit Ethernet implementation include guaranteed bandwidth
utilization not influenced by collision, multimedia support and superior quality
of service.
Direct IP Switching. "Internet Protocol" ("IP") has become the
preferred network protocol for directing information across intranets. Because
of the rapid increase in high bandwidth intranet applications, current router
based IP rates have been unable to keep pace with network requirements. The
Company has developed, and introduced in the first quarter of 1997 as part of
its MegaSwitch product line, a series of DirectIP switching products that
provide the control and security of traditional routing with the performance of
switching. Furthermore, DirectIP switching allows full interoperability with
all standard based hubs, switches and NICs, thereby providing a cost-effective
solution to intranet router bottlenecks. In addition, management believes that
distributing the routing function over a number of DirectIP switches will
virtually eliminate the possibility that a single point of failure may occur in
any given network, thereby reducing operating costs.
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OPTICAL TRANSMISSION PRODUCTS
The Company offers a family of optical transmission components and
modules designed for transmission over fiber optic cable. These products address
transmission of voice, data and video across fiber and are also used in optical
fiber test equipment. The Company's products include discrete components, such
as laser diodes and LEDs and integrated components such as transmitters,
receivers and transceivers. The Company's components are used in data networks,
telecommunication transmission and access networks. Management believes that the
Company is benefitting from two major demand trends in this area: first, the
growth of the market, especially computer networking and the access networks, by
both LECs and cable TV providers; and second, as transmission speed and capacity
grow, a larger portion of all networks traffic is transmitted via fiber optic
versus copper wires.
Discrete Components. Discrete components include laser diodes and
LEDs. Every fiber optic communication system utilizes semiconductor laser diodes
or LEDs as its source of optical power. Laser diodes and LEDs are solid state
semiconductor devices that efficiently convert electronic signals into pulses of
light of high purity and brightness. The Company believes that its lasers and
LEDs, which can carry data over distances in excess of 20 km are among the most
powerful in their wavelength range in terms of optical power coupled into single
mode fiber.
Integrated Components. The Company's integrated components include an
LED and laser based transmitter/receiver product line, designed for computer
networking applications and the Company has recently introduced data link
products designed for SONET and ATM transmission standards. This product line
consists of products compatible with single mode fiber optic cable, which is
more suitable for long distance and high-speed transmission than multimode fiber
optic cable. As most currently available data link modules are designed for
multimode fiber optic cable, the Company has designed its products to be
adaptable, providing for easy conversion from a multimode type data link to a
single mode optical fiber.
Products for the Access Network. The Company has recently introduced
a line of products that addresses the rapidly growing deployment of the access
network. These products include fiber optic transmission by both LECs and cable
TV providers to address the increasing demand for telephony, Internet access and
interactive cable TV services.
The following is a brief description of these products.
FTTC: Telephone and High-speed Internet Access. Recently, the Company
started volume shipments of a new "Bi-directional" optical
transmission and reception module for two-way simultaneous
transmission of telephony and data over one fiber instead of the two
fibers normally used to transmit and receive information. This
product is integrated into the DISC system currently deployed by Bell
South in one of the largest FTTC projects in the United States.
Downstream Cable TV. The Company has recently engaged in new business
opportunities for linear lasers and receivers for cable TV and
believes its products are well positioned to serve this market. The
Company further believes that the upgrade of existing cable networks
and the deployment of fiber by the telephone companies to provide
cable TV delivery services is expected to increase the demand for the
Company's products.
Return Path Laser Transmitters. The Company's return path laser
transmitters send video, voice and data signals from the end user to
the cable TV operator. For interactive applications such as cable
modems and Fast Internet access, a cable network must have two-way
optical transmitters and receivers in place before those services can
be offered. Most of today's cable networks still have just a one-way
downstream path.
DFB Laser Module for Cable TV (Narrowcasting). The Company offers DFB
laser modules with high power and stable analog transmission which
enable cable TV operators to send different signals to individual end
users, a capability known as narrowcasting.
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PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
All of the Company's research and development projects are geared
toward technological advances with the goal of enabling the Company to introduce
innovative products early to market. New networking and fiber optic components
are constantly introduced to the market. This product introduction is driven by
a combination of rapidly evolving technology and standards, as well as changing
customer needs. MRV's research and product development strategy emphasizes
continuing evaluation of emerging trends and technical challenges in order to
identify new markets and product opportunities. The Company believes that its
success is due in part to its ability to maintain sophisticated technology
research programs while simultaneously focusing on practical applications to its
customers' strategic needs.
In order to meet its customers' price and performance demands, MRV
has focused on developing custom ASICs to implement its core switching
technologies. The Company spends significant resources to maintain and extend
its comprehensive ASIC design and test expertise. All custom ASICs are developed
internally using third party state-of-the-art design tools and the Company's
proprietary methodologies. The Company's ASIC expertise in conjunction with its
innovative product architectures and firmware enable the Company to develop
products characterized by high performance, reliability and low cost.
From its product development programs the Company expects to
introduce a number of new products within the next 12 months. One new product is
JavaMan, a platform independent, Internet-ready Network Management System
("NMS") which the Company created to expand the reach of MegaVision over the
Internet. All necessary software is expected to reside on MegaSwitch II,
pre-configured prior to customer delivery. JavaMan's use of existing Web
standards provides remote manageability in both Internet and intranet
environments
The Company also has a number of other new networking product
development programs underway, including Gigabit Ethernet switching and ATM
uplink modules. These products are being developed in response to current
technological trends and end user demands for greater bandwidth and product
flexibility. The Company is in the process of consolidating Fibronics' research
and development projects with its own programs. Among initial projects, the
Company is focusing on the integration of the GigaHub with MegaSwitch II
technology, including Gigabit Ethernet. The Company has recently announced a
GigaFrame product strategy for 1997, the architecture for which will consist of
a Gigabit Ethernet Switch, a GigaHub enterprise switch, MegaSwitch II and two
new low cost 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps stackable switches.
New products under development in the area of fiber optics include
transmission products for cellular and personal communication systems which
allow transmission over fiber optic cable between sites. The Company is also
developing fiberoptic components that will improve the system performance for
cable TV transmission. MRV also has research and development projects underway
seeking to enhance various of its fiber optic transmission products and is
participating in Bell South's FTTC project.
There can be no assurance that the technologies and applications
under development by the Company will be successfully developed, or, if they are
successfully developed, that they will be successfully marketed and sold to the
Company's existing and potential customers.
At December 31, 1996, the Company had 54 employees dedicated to
research and product development. Research and development expenditures totaled
approximately $2,100,000, $4,000,000 and $8,201,000 for years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
CUSTOMERS
The Company has sold its products worldwide to over 500 diverse
customers a wide range of industries, primarily; data communications,
telecommunications and cable TV. The Company anticipates that these customers
will continue to purchase its products in the foreseeable future. No customer
accounted for more than 10% of the Company's revenues in 1994, 1995 or 1996.
Current customers include:
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NETWORK SWITCHING
-----------------
COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
------------------------- -------------------
- AMP Incorporated - Ealing (Borough of London)
- Data General Corporation - Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Fujitsu Ltd. (Japan) - MITI (Japan)
- International Business - National Security Administration
Machines Corporation - Police Department of
- Intel Corporation Berlin/Potsdam
- Matsushita (Germany) - Social Security Administration
- U B Networks - US Coast Guard
BANKING, FINANCE AND INSURANCE DIVERSIFIED AND OTHER
------------------------------ ---------------------
- Bankhaus Rinderknecht (Zurich) - Bayer AG
- GE Capital - The Walt Disney Co.
- NationsBank - Eastman Kodak
- Trans America Corporation - Tele-Communications, Inc.
FIBER OPTIC COMPONENTS
----------------------
DATA COMMUNICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATIONS
-------------------- ------------------
- Bay Networks, Inc. - Asea Brown Boveri
- Canoga Perkins - Broadband Network Inc.
- Cisco Systems, Inc. - Crosscom
- Connectware - Lucent Technologies Inc.
- Network Systems Corporation - Photon Technology (China)
- Nortel - Reltec
- Optical Data Systems - Transcom
VIDEO AND VOICE COMMUNICATIONS INSTRUMENTATION
------------------------------ ---------------
- Augat Communication Products Inc. - EXFO
- C-Cor - GN Nettest
- General Instrument - Kingfisher International
- Optelecom, Inc. - Noyes Fiber Systems
- Tektronix - 3M
MARKETING
The Company markets and sells its products under the NBase
Communications, NBase Switch Communications, MRV Communications and West Hills
LAN System brand names. Each product line has a dedicated sales and marketing
organization. The Company employs various methods, such as public relations,
advertising, and trade shows to build awareness of its products. Public
relations activities are conducted both internally and through relationships
with outside agencies. Major public relation activities are focused around new
product introductions, corporate partnerships and other events of interest to
the market. The Company supplements its public relations through media
advertising programs and attendance at various trade shows throughout the year,
both in the United States and internationally.
The Company also establishes working relationships with trade
analysts, testing facilities and high visibility corporate accounts. Since the
results obtained by these organizations can often influence customers' purchase
decisions, a positive response from these organizations regarding the Company's
technology is important to product acceptance and purchase. Other activities
include attendance at technology seminars, preparation of competitive analyzes,
sales training, publication of technical and educational articles, maintenance
of a Web site and direct mailing of company literature. The Company also
believes that its participation in high-profile interactive projects such as
Bell South's FTTC project significantly enhances its reputation and name
recognition among existing and potential customers.
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SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
The Company continually seeks to expand its distribution capability
to capitalize on its technological expertise and production capacity and to
augment and increase distribution channels to accelerate its growth. Products
are sold through VARs, systems integrators, distributors, manufacturer's
representatives and OEM customers. The Company's sales and distribution
divisions are organized along four primary lines: OEM sales and partnerships;
VARs and systems integrators; manufacturer's representatives; and domestic and
international distributors.
Direct Sales. The Company employs a worldwide direct sales force
primarily to sell its products to large OEM accounts and to a lesser extent to
end users of the Fibronics product line. MRV believes that a direct sales force
can best serve large customers by allowing salespeople to develop strong,
lasting relationships which can effectively meet the customers' needs. The
direct sales staff is located across the United States, Europe and Israel. The
integration of the Fibronics Business has more than doubled the Company's sales
force immediately preceding the acquisition.
Each of the Company's OEM partners resells the products under its own
name. The Company believes that the OEM partnerships enhance its ability to sell
its products in significant quantities to large organizations. Since these OEM
partners provide their own technical and sales support to their customers, the
Company is able to focus on other sales channels. The Company customarily enters
into contracts with OEM customers to establish the terms and conditions of sales
made pursuant to orders from OEMs. These OEMs incorporate the Company's product
into systems or sub-systems, which are then sold to end users via various
distribution channels. The Company has established OEM relationships in
connection with its switching equipment with leading communications and
networking companies including U B Networks, Fujitsu and Intel. The Company's
fiber optic components are sold only to OEMs.
To complement its direct sales effort the Company utilizes the
following indirect sales channels:
Domestic and International Distributors. The Company works with
distributors domestically and internationally and has recently begun selling
products through Tech Data. Geographic exclusivity is normally not awarded
unless the distributor has exceptional performance. Distributors must
successfully complete the Company's training programs and provide system
installation, technical support, sales support and follow-on service to local
customers. Generally, distributors have agreements with a one year term subject
to automatic renewal unless otherwise canceled by either party. In certain cases
with major distributors, the agreements are terminable on 30 days' notice. The
Company uses stocking distributors, which purchase the Company's product and
stock it in their warehouse for immediate delivery, and non-stocking
distributors, which purchase the Company's product after the receipt of an
order. Internationally, the Company sells through approximately 80 distributors
in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Canada and Latin America.
Value-Added Resellers. MRV uses a select group of VARs in the U.S.
which are generally selected for their ability to offer the Company's products
in combination with related products and services, such as system design,
integration and support. Such specialization allows the Company to penetrate
targeted vertical markets such as telecommunications and cable TV. Generally,
the Company uses a two-tier distribution system to reach a broader range of
customers, however VARs may purchase the product directly from the Company if
the volume warrants a direct relationship.
Manufacturers' Representatives. To supplement the Company's direct
sales efforts, manufacturer's representatives are assigned by territory in the
U.S. and work exclusively on commission.
Customer Support and Service. The Company is committed to providing
strong technical support to its customers. MRV operates a customer service
group, and provides support through its engineering group, sales staff,
distributors, OEMs and VARs. Customer support personnel are currently located at
the Company's offices in California, Maryland and Israel.
International Sales. International sales accounted for approximately
19%, 45% and 53% of the Company's net revenues in 1994, 1995 and 1996
respectively.
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MANUFACTURING
The Company has developed proprietary ASICs to implement high level
component integration in its networking product development process. To develop
ASICs successfully, the Company must transfer a code of instructions to a single
mask from which low cost duplicates can be made. Each iteration of a mask
involves a substantial up-front cost, which costs can adversely affect the
Company's result of operations and financial condition if errors or "bugs" occur
following multiple duplication of the masks. While the Company has not
experienced material expenses to date as a result of errors discovered in ASIC
masks, because of the complexity of the duplication process and the difficulty
in detecting errors, the Company could suffer a material adverse effect to its
operating results and financial condition if errors in developing ASICs were to
occur in the future. Moreover, the Company currently relies on a single foundry
to fabricate its ASICs and does not have long-term supply contract with this
supplier, any other ASIC vendor or any other of its limited source vendors,
purchasing all of such components on a purchase order basis. While the Company
believes it would be able to obtain alternative sources of supply for the ASICs
or other key components, a change in ASIC or other key suppliers of key
components could require a significant lead time and, therefore, could result in
a delay in product shipments. While the Company has not experienced delays in
the receipt of ASICs or other key components, any future difficulty in obtaining
any of these key components could result in delays or reductions in product
shipments which, in turn, could have material adverse effect on the Company's
business, operating results business and financial condition.
The Company outsources the assembly, test and quality control of its
computer networking products to third party contract manufacturers, thereby
allowing it to react quickly to market demand, to avoid the significant capital
investment required to establish and maintain manufacturing and assembly
facilities and to concentrate its resources on product design and development.
Final assembly, burn-in, final testing and pack-out are performed by the Company
to maintain quality control. The Company's manufacturing team is experienced in
advanced manufacturing and testing, in engineering, in ongoing
reliability/quality assurance and in managing third party contract
manufacturer's capacity, quality standards and manufacturing process. Although
there are a large number of contract manufacturers which the Company can use for
its outsourcing, MRV has elected to use one vendor for a significant portion of
its board assembly requirements in order to foster consistency in quality of the
products. This independent third party manufacturer also provides these services
to other companies. Risks associated with the use of independent manufacturers
include unavailability of or delays in obtaining adequate supplies of products
and reduced control of manufacturing quality and production costs. If the
Company's contract manufacturer fails to deliver products in the future on a
timely basis, or at all, it would be extremely difficult for the Company to
obtain adequate supplies of products from other sources on short notice. There
can be no assurance that the Company's third party manufacturer will provide
adequate supplies of quality products on a timely basis, or at all. The Company
can outsource with another vendor or vendors; however, such a change in vendors
may require significant time and result in shipment delays and expenses. The
inability to obtain such products on a timely basis, the loss of such vendor or
a change in the terms and conditions of the outsourcing would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial
condition.
The Company relies exclusively on its own production capability for
critical semiconductor lasers and LEDs used in its products. The Company's
optical transmission production process involves (i) a wafer processing facility
for semiconductor laser diode and LED chip manufacturing under stringent and
accurate procedures using state-of-the-art wafer fabrication technology, (ii)
high precision electronic and mechanical assembly, and (iii) final assembly and
testing. Relevant assembly processes include die attach, wirebond, substrate
attachment and fiber coupling. The Company also conducts tests throughout its
manufacturing process using commercially available and in-house built testing
systems that incorporate proprietary procedures. The Company performs final
product tests on all of its products prior to shipment to customers. Many of the
key processes used in the Company's products are proprietary; and, therefore,
many of the key components of the Company's products are designed and produced
internally. Because the Company manufactures these and other key components of
its products at its own facility and such components are not readily available
from other sources, any interruption of the Company's manufacturing process
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. Furthermore,
the Company has a limited number of employees dedicated to the operation and
maintenance of its wafer fabrication equipment, the loss of any of whom could
result in the Company's inability to effectively operate and service such
equipment. Wafer fabrication is sensitive to a wide variety of factors,
including variations and impurities in the raw materials, difficulties in the
fabrication process, performance
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of the manufacturing equipment, defects in the masks used to print circuits on
the wafer and the level of contaminants in the manufacturing environment. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain acceptable
production yields and avoid product shipment delays. In the event adequate
production yields are not achieved resulting in product shipment delays, the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations could be
materially adversely affected. The Company believes that it has sufficient
manufacturing capacity for growth in the coming years.
The Company is subject to a variety of federal, state, and local
governmental laws and regulations related to the storage, use, emission,
discharge, and disposal of toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals used
in the manufacturing process. There can be no assurance that environmental laws
and regulations will not result in the need for additional capital equipment or
other requirements. Further, such laws and regulations could restrict the
Company's ability to expand its operations. Any failure by the Company to obtain
required permits for, control of use of, or adequately restrict the discharge,
emission or release of, hazardous substances under present or future laws and
regulations could subject the Company to substantial liability or could cause
its manufacturing operations to be suspended. Such liability or suspension of
manufacturing operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
operating results. To date such laws and regulations have not had a material
adverse effect on the Company's operating results.
COMPETITION
The communications equipment and component industry is intensely
competitive. The Company competes directly with a number of established and
emerging computer, communications and networking device companies. Direct
competitors in network switching include Bay Networks, Inc., Cabletron Systems,
Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Digital Equipment Corporation, FORE Systems, Inc.,
Hewlett-Packard Company, International Business Machines Corporation and 3Com
Corporation. In addition, direct competitors in fiber optic transmission
products include AMP Incorporated, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard Company, Lucent
Technologies Inc., Mitsubishi, NEC Electronics Inc., Ortel Corporation, Phillips
Semiconductors and Siemens Components, Inc. Many of the Company's competitors
have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution and
other resources and larger installed customer bases than the Company. Several of
these competitors have recently introduced or announced their intentions to
introduce new competitive products. Many of the larger companies with which the
Company competes offer customers a broader product line which provides a more
comprehensive networking solution than the Company's products. The ability to
act as a single source vendor and provide a customer with an enterprise-wide
networking solution has increasingly become an important competitive factor. In
addition, there are a number of early stage companies which are developing Fast
Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet switching and alternative solutions. If developed
successfully, these solutions could be higher in performance or more
cost-effective than the Company's products.
Moreover, there are also several alternative network technologies.
For example, in the local access market, the Company's products compete with
telephone network technology known as "ADSL." In this technology, digital
signals are transmitted through existing telephone lines from the central office
to the home. The Company also expects that competitive pricing pressures could
result in price declines for the Company's and its competitors' products. Such
increased competition could result in reduced margins and loss of market share
which would materially and adversely affect the Company's business, operating
results and financial condition.
The networking industry has become increasingly concentrated in
recent years as a result of consolidation. This consolidation is likely to
permit the Company's competitors to devote significantly greater resources to
the development and marketing of new competitive products and the marketing of
existing competitive products to their larger installed bases. The Company
expects that competition will increase substantially as a result of these and
other industry consolidations and alliances, as well as the emergence of new
competitors.
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
To date, the Company has relied principally upon copyrights and trade
secrets to protect its proprietary technology. The Company generally enters into
confidentiality agreements with its employees and key suppliers and otherwise
seeks to limit access to and distribution of the source code to its software and
other proprietary information. There can be no assurance that such steps will be
adequate to prevent misappropriation of the Company's technology or that a third
party will not independently develop technology similar or superior to the
Company's technology. The Company has patent applications pending. There can
be no assurance that patents will be issued with respect to the
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pending applications or that, if issued, such patents will be upheld as valid or
will prevent the development of competitive products. In addition, the laws of
some foreign countries may not permit the protection of the Company's
proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.
There has been substantial industry litigation regarding intellectual
property rights involving technology companies. In the future, litigation may be
necessary to protect trade secrets and other intellectual property rights owned
by the Company, to enforce any patents issued to the Company, to defend the
Company against claimed infringement of the rights of others and to determine
the scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others. Any such litigation
could be costly and a diversion of management's attention, which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and
financial condition. An adverse determination in such litigation could further
result in the loss of the Company's proprietary rights, subject the Company to
significant liabilities, require the Company to seek licenses from third parties
or prevent the Company from manufacturing or selling its products, any of which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating
results and financial condition. The Company typically has agreed to indemnify
its customers and key suppliers for liability incurred in connection with the
infringement of a third party's intellectual property rights. While to date the
Company has not received any communications alleging that the Company's products
infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, there can be no
assurance that the Company will not be subject to such claims in the future.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had 352 full-time employees,
including six executive officers, 153 in production, 105 in marketing and sales,
54 in research and development and 34 in general administration. None of the
Company's employees are represented by a union or governed by a collective
bargaining agreement, and the Company believes its relationship with its
employees is good.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's principal administrative, sales and marketing, research
and development and manufacturing facility is located in Chatsworth, California.
The facility covers approximately 17,700 square feet and is leased from an
unaffiliated third party at an annual base rent of approximately $106,000 (plus
local taxes) for a lease term expiring in March 1999. In addition, the Company
leases space in two buildings near its primary facility in Chatsworth,
consisting of approximately 5,000 square feet and approximately 12,800 square
feet from unaffiliated third parties at annual base rentals of approximately
$43,000 and $91,000 (plus local taxes), respectively. Both of these lease terms
also expire in March 1999.
The Company also leases space in German Town, Maryland for its sales
office and warehouses. This facility covers approximately 4,800 square feet and
is leased from an unaffiliated third party at an annual base rent of
approximately $35,000 per year (plus local taxes) for a lease term expiring
August 2000.
The Company's administrative, sales and marketing, research and
development and manufacturing operations in Israel are located in Yokneam,
Israel in facilities that cover approximately 23,400 square feet, are leased for
total annual base rents of approximately $206,000 for a lease term expiring in
January 2002.
The Company leases approximately 5,200 square feet of space from an
unaffiliated third party in Basingstoke, England which it uses for sales,
marketing and warehousing. The premises are leased for total annual base rents
of approximately $75,000 for a lease term expiring in August 1999.
The Company leases approximately 1,600 square feet of space from an
unaffiliated third party in Frankfurt, Germany, which it uses for sales,
marketing and warehousing. The premises are leased for total annual base rents
of approximately $221,000 for a lease term expiring in August 1999.
The Company also occupies space under a capital lease with an
unaffiliated third party in Milan, Italy which it uses for sales offices and
warehousing. Annual payments under the lease are approximately $220,000 and the
lease runs through March 2004.
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The Company believes that its present facilities are sufficient to
meet its current needs and that adequate additional space will be available for
lease when required.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In July 1996, R. Douglas Sherrod, a former employee of the Company
who was terminated in August 1994, filed an action in Superior Court of Los
Angeles County, California against the Company and three of its executive
officers and directors, Mr. Noam Lotan, Dr. Shlomo Margalit and Dr. Zeev
Rav-Noy. The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages in unspecified
amounts, together with attorneys fees and costs of suit, for alleged wrongful
termination, breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation and fraud. The
bases of the complaint are Mr. Sherrod's claims that he was terminated
supposedly in retaliation for having informed the Company of its alleged use of
proprietary information of a third party and claimed that he insisted that such
information be destroyed; that he was purportedly induced by the defendants to
join the Company by the entry into a stock option agreement which the Company
allegedly had no intention of performing; and that the Company allegedly
breached the stock option agreement. Management believes that the complaint is
without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and has been included
in the Nasdaq National Market since February 28, 1994 under the symbol "MRVC."
The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices of the
Common Stock for the periods indicated as reported by The Nasdaq National Market
(as adjusted for the 3-for-2 stock split effected May 20, 1996 and the 2-for-1
stock split effected July 29, 1996).
1995: HIGH LOW
----- ---- ---
First Quarter .................................. $ 4.92 $ 3.59
Second Quarter.................................. $ 4.46 $ 3.63
Third Quarter................................... $ 7.13 $ 4.25
Fourth Quarter.................................. $ 8.46 $ 5.50
1996
----
First Quarter................................... $ 17.67 $ 8.42
Second Quarter.................................. $ 37.13 $ 15.63
Third Quarter................................... $ 27.94 $ 15.00
Fourth Quarter ................................. $ 24.88 $ 17.00
At April 4, 1997 the Company had 250 stockholders of record, as
indicated on the records of the Company's transfer agent who held, management
believes, for approximately 13,350 beneficial holders.
The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on the Common
Stock since its inception. The Company currently intends to retain all of its
earnings, if any, for use in the operation and expansion of its business and
does not intend to pay any cash dividends to its stockholders in the foreseeable
future.
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Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During August and September 1996, the Company sold an aggregate of
$30 million principal amount 5% convertible subordinated debentures due August
6, 1999 (the "Debentures") and warrants to purchase up to 600,000 shares of
Common Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $26.67 per share for three
years to a total of 14 investors in a private financing, receiving proceeds
aggregating $30 million. The Debentures were convertible into Common Stock of
the Company at any time at the option of the holders at a discount from the
market price of the Common Stock at the time of conversion that decreased over
the life of the Debentures until it reached a floor. Through December 31, 1996,
$12,675,000 principal amount of Debentures and $178,000 of accrued interest had
been converted into approximately 812,000 shares of Common Stock.
On September 26, 1996, as part of the purchase price connection with
the acquisition from Elbit of the Fibronics Business, the Company issued
458,991 shares of Common Stock of Elbit.
On November 26, 1996, the Company completed a private placement of
200,000 shares of Common Stock to Intel Corporation ("Intel") for $4,000,000
($20.00 per share). As part of the private placement, the Company issued to
Intel three-year warrants to purchase up to 500,000 additional shares of Common
Stock at $20.00 per share. Of such warrants, warrants to purchase 200,000 shares
of Common Stock are exercisable under certain conditions.
The above-described sales of securities were not effected through
any broker-dealer, and no underwriting discounts or commissions were paid in
connection with such sales. Exemption from registration requirements is claimed
under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") in reliance on Section
4(2) of the Securities Act, Regulation D promulgated thereunder or Section
3(a)(9) of the Securities Act. No brokers' commissions or fees were paid in
connection with any of the foregoing transactions. The recipients of securities
in each such transaction represented their intention to acquire the securities
for investment only and not with a view to, or for sale in connection with, any
distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the certificates
evidencing the securities in such transactions. All recipients had adequate
access to information about the Company. No consideration or other remuneration
was paid or given, and no solicitation was made, in connection with the
conversion of the Debentures.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected statement of operations data for the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996 and the balance sheet data as of
December 31, 1995 and 1996 are derived from the financial statements and notes
thereto included elsewhere herein audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as set forth in their report also incorporated by reference
herein. The selected statement of operations data for the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1993 and the balance sheet data as of December 31,
1992, 1993 and 1994 were derived from audited financial statements of the
Company not included herein. The following data should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, including
the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Report.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues, net .................................................. $ 4,422 $ 7,426 $17,526 $39,202 $88,815
Cost of goods sold ............................................. 2,280 3,936 10,328 22,608 51,478
Research and development expenses .............................. 589 1,103 2,144 4,044 8,201
Selling, general and administrative expenses ................... 631 1,259 2,615 6,799 14,025
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income before non-recurring charges(1)................ 922 1,128 2,439 5,751 15,111
Purchased technology in progress(1) ............................ - - - 6,211 17,795
Restructuring costs(1) ......................................... - - - 1,465 6,974
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income (loss) ........................................ 922 1,128 2,439 (1,925) (9,658)
Other income (expense) ......................................... (122) 198 162 654 153
Interest expense related to convertibles debentures
and acquisition ............................................. - - - - (4,357)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes,
minority interests and extraordinary items .................. 800 1,326 2,601 (1,271) (13,862)
Provision (credit) for income taxes ............................ 282 487 983 2 (4,404)
Minority interests ............................................. - - - - 196
Extraordinary item-debt restructuring .......................... 42 - - - --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss) .............................................. $ 560 $ 839 $ 1,618 $(1,273) $(9,654)
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Net income (loss) per share ................................... $ 0.08 $ 0.07 $ 0.13 $(0.07) $(0.49)
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
outstanding(2) .............................................. 7,636 12,050 12,567 18,377 19,739
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
At December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(In thousands)
Working capital ................................................ $ 3,773 $ 3,514 $ 11,303 $ 22,019 $ 56,973
Total assets ................................................... 6,389 7,328 16,667 33,307 96,943
Total liabilities .............................................. 1,437 1,537 3,761 8,049 43,790
Long-term debt, net of current portion ........................ 34 - - 271 18,892
Stockholders' equity (deficit) ................................. 4,952 5,791 12,906 25,258 52,301
- -----------
(1) Non-recurring charges consist of purchased technology in progress
and restructuring charges incurred as a result of the Ace and Galcom
acquisitions in 1995 and the Fibronics Acquisition in 1996 as well as
interest expense related to the Fibronics Acquisition in 1996.
Purchased technology in progress for the year ended December 31, 1995
was $6,211,000. The purchased technology is for R&D projects in
progress at the time of acquisition of assets from Ace and Galcom.
Restructuring costs during the year ended December 31, 1995 were
$1,465,000 and are associated with a plan adopted by the Company in
1995 calling for the merger of the newly acquired subsidiaries and
the Company's LAN product division. The plan also called for the
closure of some facilities, termination of redundant employees and
cancellation of representation agreements. Excluding the
non-recurring charges, net of their tax effects, net income would
have increased to $4,345,000 ($0.22 per share) for the year ended
December 31, 1995. Purchased technology in progress for the year
ended December 31, 1996 was $17,795,000 and was in conjunction with
the
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acquisition of assets from subsidiaries of Elbit. Restructuring costs
during the year ended December 31, 1996 were $6,974,000 and are
associated with a plan adopted by the Company on September 30, 1996
calling for the reduction of workforce, closing of certain
facilities, retraining of certain employees and elimination of
particular product lines due to this acquisition. Interest expense
related to acquisition for the year ended December 31, 1996 was
$4,357,000 and was connected with the private placement of
$30,000,000 principal amount of Debentures, proceeds from which the
Company used to finance the cash portion of the purchase price for
the Fibronics Business. Excluding the non-recurring charges, net of
their tax effects, net income would have been $10,555,000 or $0.46
per Share for the year ended December 31, 1996.
(2) Fully diluted earnings per share information differs from primary
earnings per share information for the year ended December 31, 1994.
The number of shares included 147,480 common share equivalents
resulting from outstanding warrants.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain
factors, including those set forth in the following and elsewhere in this
Report. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this
Report.
GENERAL
Since its inception in 1988, the Company has manufactured and
marketed semiconductor optical transmission products for the fiber optics
communications industry. In 1993, the Company expanded its product line to
include products incorporating Ethernet switching technology that improved
network throughput and enhanced efficiency of LANs and introduced its first
switch marketed under the NBase trademark in the fourth quarter of 1993. During
1994, the Company expanded commercial shipments of its LAN switching products.
In 1995, the Company augmented its networking products with the acquisitions of
certain assets of Galcom and Ace, which resulted in charges of $6,211,000 and
$1,465,000 for purchased technology in progress and restructuring, respectively.
Net revenues from sales of networking products and semiconductor optical
transmission products were 60% and 40%, respectively, during the year ended
December 31, 1995 and approximately 69% and 31%, respectively, during the year
ended December 31, 1996.
In September 1996, the Company completed the Fibronics Acquisition,
acquiring assets related to Fibronics' computer networking and
telecommunications businesses in Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom,
the Netherlands and Israel. The assets acquired included Fibronics' technology
in progress and existing technology, its marketing channels, its GigaHub family
of computer networking products and other rights. This acquisition also resulted
in charges in the amount $17,795,000 and $6,974,000 for purchased technology in
progress and restructuring, respectively.
In September 1996, the Company completed a private placement of an
aggregate of $30,000,000 principal amount of 5% convertible subordinated
debentures due August 6, 1999 (the "Debentures"). Proceeds from this private
placement were used to purchase the Fibronics Business. The Debentures were
convertible into Common Stock of the Company at any time at the option of the
holders at a discount from the market price of the Common Stock at the time of
conversion that decreased over the life of the Debentures until it reached a
floor. At a meeting of the Emerging Issues Task Force held on March 13, 1997,
the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") announced its
position on the accounting treatment for the issuance of convertible preferred
stock and debt securities with a beneficial conversion feature such as that
contained in the Debentures. As announced, the SEC requires that a beneficial
conversion feature attached to instruments such as the Debentures that are
convertible into equity be recognized and measured by allocating a portion of
the proceeds equal to the intrinsic value of that feature to additional paid-in
capital and charging it to interest expense. As a result of this position, the
Company added a non-recurring, non-cash charge to its results of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1996 related to the issuance of the Debentures in
the amount of $4,357,000. The Company also plans to report additional
non-recurring charges over the quarters ending March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997
totaling approximately $250,000, more than $200,000 of which will be reported in
the quarter ending March 31, 1997. The Company will not need to report future
charges relating to the issuance of the Debentures beyond the second quarter of
1997 as the outstanding principal and accrued interest were paid in full at
April 4, 1997 through conversion into Common Stock. See "Liquidity and Capital
Resources" below.
The Company's international sales are not concentrated in any
specific country. The estimated operating profit from international sales for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and 1993 were $8,009,000,
$2,646,000, and $466,000, respectively. The amounts for the years ended December
31, 1996 and 1995 are before non-recurring charges. At December 31, 1995 and
1996, 16% and 14% of the Company's assets were located in the Middle East and at
December 31, 1996, 17% of the Company's assets were located in the European
Community. Except for such assets, there were no significant assets located in
geographic regions outside of the U.S. at December 31, 1995 or 1996. In years
prior to 1995, substantially all the assets were located in the U.S.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, statement
of operations data of the Company expressed as a percentage of revenues (except
for revenue growth rates).
Year ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
----- ----- -----
Revenues, net ...................................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Revenue growth rate from prior period .............................. 136.0 124.0 126.6
Cost of goods sold ................................................. 58.9 57.7 58.0
----- ----- -----
Gross profit ....................................................... 41.1 42.3 42.0
Operating expenses:
Research and development expenses ............................... 12.2 10.3 9.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses .................... 14.9 17.3 15.8
----- ----- -----
Operating income before non-recurring charges ...................... 13.9 14.7 17.0
Purchased technology in progress ................................ - 15.8 20.0
Restructuring costs ............................................. - 3.7 7.9
----- ----- -----
Operating income ................................................... 13.9 (4.9) (10.9)
Other income (expense), net ........................................ 0.9 1.7 --
Interest expense related to convertible debentures
and acquisitions ................................................ -- -- (4.9)
----- ----- -----
Income (loss) before taxes ......................................... 14.8 (3.2) (15.8)
===== ===== =====
Pro forma financial data (excluding non-recurring charges):
Operating income ............................................... - 14.6 17.0
Income (loss) before taxes ..................................... - 16.3 17.2
Years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995
Revenues. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996 were
$88,815,000 compared to $39,202,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995, an
increase of 126%. Revenues from sales of networking products and optical
transmission products were 69% and 31%, respectively, of total revenues during
the year ended December 31, 1996 as compared to 60% and 40%, respectively, of
total revenues during the year ended December 31,1995. The changes represented
increases of $38,140,000 or 162% and $11,473,000 or 73% in revenues from
networking products and optical transmission products, respectively, for the
year ended December 31, 1996. Total revenues increased as a result of strong
demand for LAN connectivity and fiber optic products. Revenues from networking
products increased primarily due to sales of the MegaSwitch II product line and
revenues from optical transmission products increased primarily as a result of
volume shipments, beginning in the third quarter of 1996, of a new bidirectional
optical transmission and reception module for Fiber-to-the-Curb ("FTTC")
applications and sales to the cable TV industry. International sales accounted
for approximately 53% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996 as
compared to approximately 45% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995.
International sales, as a percentage of total revenues, increased because of
increased concentration of sales and marketing efforts overseas and
acquisitions. While the Company has achieved significant revenue growth in
previous periods, there can be no assurance that the Company will sustain such
growth.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1996 was
$37,337,000 as compared to $16,594,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995. The
changes represented an increase of $20,743,000 or 125% for the year ended
December 31, 1996. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues was approximately
42% for both the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996.
Research and Development. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995, research and development expenses ("R&D") expenses were $8,201,000 and
$4,044,000, respectively, which represented approximately 9.2% of revenues for
1996 and 10.3% for 1995. R&D expenses increased primarily due to additions in
engineering personnel and the commencement of new R&D projects. Research and
development expenses were lower as a percentage of revenues in 1996 primarily
because certain of the Company's R&D programs in Israel were partially funded by
the Chief Scientist of Israel and R&D expenses were spread over a larger revenue
base. The Company continues to devote significant resources to its R&D efforts.
During 1995 and 1996, the
25
26
Company's R&D activities were focused on expanding its family of networking
switching products and extending its fiber optic expertise into new product
areas.
Selling, General and Administrative. For the year ended December 31,
1996, selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased to
$14,025,000 from $6,799,000 in 1995. The increase in SG&A expenses is due
primarily to increased marketing expenses, including those associated with
additions to personnel. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expenses decreased from
17.3% to 15.8% for the years ended December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996,
respectively. The decrease as a percentage of sales in the year ended December
31, 1996 resulted because increases experienced in the year ended December 31,
1995 from the opening of additional offices were not incurred in 1996.
Purchased Technology in Progress and Restructuring Costs. Purchased
technology in progress for the year ended December 31, 1996 was $17,795,000. The
purchased technology in 1996 was for R&D projects of Fibronics in progress at
the time of the Fibronics Acquisition on September 26, 1996. Restructuring costs
during the year ended December 31, 1996 were $6,974,000. The restructuring in
1996 was associated with a plan adopted by the Company on September 30, 1996, in
conjunction with the Fibronics Acquisition, calling for the reduction of
workforce, closing of certain facilities, retraining of certain employees and
elimination of particular product lines. Purchased technology in progress for
the year ended December 31,1995 was $6,211,000. The purchased technology is for
R&D projects in progress at the time of acquisition of assets from Galcom and
Ace. Restructuring costs during the year ended December 31, 1995 were
$1,465,000. The restructuring in 1995 was associated with a plan adopted by the
Company on June 30, 1995 calling for the merger of new subsidiaries acquired in
the Ace and Galcom acquisitions in 1995 and the Company's LAN products division.
The plan also called for the closure of some facilities, termination of
redundant employees and cancellation of representation agreements.
Interest Expense Related to Convertible Debentures and Acquisition.
To give effect to the accounting treatment announced by the staff of the SEC at
the March 13, 1997 meeting of the Emerging Issues Task Force relevant to the
Company's issuance of the Debentures having "beneficial conversion" features,
the value of the fixed discount has been reflected in the 1996 financial
statements as additional interest expense and such fixed discount has been
accreted through the first possible conversion date of the respective issuance.
Net Loss. Net loss increased from a loss of $1,273,000 during the
year ended December 31, 1995 to a loss of $9,654,000 for the year ended December
31, 1996. The increase in net loss in 1996 was due to the Fibronics Acquisition,
which included charges for purchased technology in progress, restructuring costs
and interest expense related to the convertible debentures and acquisition. Net
income for the year ended December 31 1996 would have been $10,555,000,
excluding $20,209,000 of charges, net of tax effects, associated with the
Fibronics Acquisition. Net income for the year ended December 31, 1995 would
have been $4,345,000, excluding $5,618,000 of charges, net of tax effects,
associated with the acquisitions of Galcom and Ace. Excluding, these
non-recurring charges, net income increased by $6,210,000 or 143% for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
Years Ended December 31, 1995 and 1994
Revenues. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995 were
$39,202,000, as compared to $17,526,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994.
Revenues from sales of networking products and optical transmission products
were 60% and 40%, respectively, of total revenues during the year ended December
31, 1995 as compared to 36% and 64%, respectively, of total revenues during the
year ended December 31, 1994. The changes represented an increase of $21,676,000
or 124% of total revenues and $17,144,000 or 271% and $4,532,000 or 40% in
revenues from networking products and optical transmission products,
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1995. Total revenues increased as
a result of greater marketing efforts and greater market acceptance of the
Company's products, both domestically and internationally. The sales and
marketing resources obtained in the acquisition of assets from Ace and Galcom
during the year ended December 31, 1995 also contributed additional revenues.
Revenues from networking products increased primarily due to the introduction of
new products, additional marketing and sales efforts and expansion of the
networking industry and revenues from optical transmission products increased
primarily as a result of additional sales and marketing efforts. International
sales accounted for approximately 45% of revenues for the year ended December
31, 1995 as compared to 19% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1994.
International sales, as a percentage of total revenues, increased because of
greater marketing efforts in overseas markets and a larger number of sales
personnel in those markets obtained in the acquisition of the Galcom assets.
Gross Profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1995 was
$16,594,000 as compared to $7,198,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994, an
increase of $9,396,000 or 131% for the year ended December 31, 1995. The
increase in gross profit was primarily due to increased sales. Gross profit as a
percentage of revenues for the years ended 1994 and 1995 was 41% and 42%
respectively.
26
27
Research and Development. R&D expenses for the years ended December
31, 1994 and 1995, were $2,144,000 and $4,044,000 which represented 12% and 10%
of revenues, respectively. The percentage decrease in R&D spending was
attributable to the increased revenues. The Company intends to continue
development of its networking and fiber optic products, and to invest in the
research and development of other new products. Management believes that the
ability of the Company to develop and commercialize new products is a key
competitive factor.
Selling, General and Administrative. SG&A expenses for the year ended
December 31, 1995 increased to $6,799,000 from $2,615,000. As a percentage of
revenues, SG&A increased from 15% to 17% for the year ended December 31, 1994
and December 31, 1995, respectively. The increase in SG&A expenses was due
primarily to additional personnel and overhead costs as a result of the
acquisitions of the Galcom and Ace assets and increased marketing and personnel
costs.
Purchased Technology in Progress and Restructuring Costs. In
connection with the Company's acquisition of certain assets of Galcom and Ace,
it acquired incomplete R&D projects that will be included in its ongoing R&D
activities. For those projects that will have no alternative future use to the
Company and where technological feasibility had not yet been established, the
Company allocated $6,211,000 of the purchase price to technology in progress and
recorded the expense during the year ended December 31, 1995.
In connection with the Company's integration of the acquired
companies during the year ended December 31, 1995 the Company recorded
$1,465,000 as restructuring costs, which primarily related to the closing of
several Company facilities, a reduction of its workforce and the settlement of
distribution agreements which were terminated early.
The total purchase price, including related costs, for the Ace and
Galcom assets were approximately $4,812,000 and $2,885,000, respectively. The
value of the ongoing operations with existing sales of Ace and Galcom that were
acquired by the Company were believed by management to be inconsequential
because their sales were in rapid decline. The decline was the result of the
increasing obsolescence of the older products which were being sold. Of the
combined total purchase price, including related costs, of $7,697,000
approximately $6,211,000 was allocated to the purchased technology in process.
Subsequent to the acquisition of the technologies in development, it was
determined by the Company that these technologies would not be commercially
viable because of the preemptive success of an alternative technology that was
also in process at the Company at the time of the acquisition. The effect on
operations of the acquisitions of Galcom and Ace was that they initially
necessitated a restructuring of the Company's operations so as to integrate all
LAN product activities throughout the organization. The restructuring, which
involved workforce reductions at all levels, as well as office and plant
closures, was essentially completed according to plan during the first part of
1996. During 1995, there were no adverse effects on the Company's liquidity or
capital resources as a result of the acquisitions and the Company does not
anticipate any such effects, as a result of the acquisitions, in future periods.
Immediately after the acquisition of the businesses, the Company
initiated a restructuring plan that called for a merger of the two operations
into one subsidiary and an assumption by the surviving entity of certain
international and U.S. operations previously managed directly by the Company.
This included, for example, sales by the subsidiary of the Company's LAN
products into some of the sale channels developed by the Company prior to the
acquisitions. Since the operating plans of the Company did not distinguish these
operations from those of the businesses acquired, it is not practicable to
quantify their impact. The product lines of the businesses acquired are aimed at
computer connecting for the IBM AS400 and mainframe environment. The Company's
LAN products are aimed at the personal computer connectivity environment.
Net Income. Net income decreased from $1,618,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1994 to a net loss of $1,273,000 for the year ended December 31,
1995. The decrease in net income is principally due to non-recurring charges
during the year ended December 31, 1995 of $7,676,000 for the cost of purchased
technology in progress acquired in the Ace and Galcom acquisitions and costs
associated with the adoption of a restructuring plan. Excluding the
non-recurring charges, net of their tax effects, net income would have increased
to $4,345,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995. The increase of 169% over
the same period in 1994 is primarily due to substantially increased sales.
27
28
Selected Quarterly Financial Data
The following table sets forth certain selected operating data for
the quarters indicated. This information has been derived from the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of the Company which in the opinion of
management contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments)
necessary for a fair presentation of such information. These operating results
are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period and results may
fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in the future.
(Amounts in thousands)
1994 1995 1996
---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Revenues, net............ $2,759 $3,846 $4,731 $6,190 $6,737 $8,310 $11,135 $13,020 $15,529 $19,586 $22,664 $31,036
Gross profit............. 1,269 1,570 1,802 2,557 2,477 3,475 4,826 5,816 6,540 8,175 9,382 13,240
Operating income before
non-recurring charges... 408 499 589 943 858 1,221 1,645 2,027 2,720 3,224 3,558 5,609
Operating income (loss).. 408 499 589 943 858 (6,455) 1,645 2,027 2,720 3,224 (21,211) 5,609
Net income (loss)........ 292 349 402 575 705 (4,707) 1,155 1,574 1,879 2,283 (15,504) 1,688
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
In October 1994, the Company received proceeds of approximately
$5,497,000 from the issuance of 3,439,430 shares of Common Stock, upon exercise
of the same number of warrants that had been issued in the Company's initial
public offering of December 1992. In January 1995, MRV received net proceeds of
approximately $9,355,000 from the public offering of 2,700,000 shares of Common
Stock.
Net cash used in operating activities were $6,198,000 and $2,087,000
for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. For the year ended
December 31, 1995, the funds were used for increased inventories and receivables
as a result of increased revenues. In 1995, the cash provided by financing
activities resulted primarily from the issuance of 2,700,000 shares of Common
Stock at $4.00 per share less offering costs and the issuance of 819,972 shares
in connection with the purchase of assets from Ace-North Hills. The majority of
cash used in investing activities in 1995 was for the purchase of investments
and the majority of cash provided by investing activities in the same period was
from the redemption of short-term investments. For the year ended December 31,
1994, the cash provided by financing activities were the result of the exercise
of IPO Warrants. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended
December 31, 1995 was $5,565,000 which resulted primarily from the restriction
of the Company's cash as security against letters of credit issued by a bank on
behalf of the Company.
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31,
1996 was $148,000 and $6,198,000 for same period in 1995. The funds were used
primarily for increased inventories and receivables as a result of increased
revenues. Net cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1996 were $9,669,000 and $38,882,000. respectively. In 1995, the
cash provided by financing activities resulted primarily from the issuance of
2,700,000 shares of Common Stock at $4.00 per share less offering costs and the
issuance of 819,972 shares in connection with the purchase of assets from
Ace-North Hills. The majority of cash used in investing activities in 1995 was
for the purchase of investments and the majority of cash provided by investing
activities in the same period was from the redemption of short-term investments.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 1995 was
$5,565,000 which resulted primarily from the restriction of the Company's cash
as security against letters of credit issued by a bank on behalf of the Company.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 1996 was
$26,047,000. Cash provided by financing activities in 1996 was primarily from
the private placement of $30,000,000 principal amount of Debentures relating to
the Fibronics Acquisition and proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock. The
majority of cash used for investing activities during 1996 was for the purchase
of the Fibronics Business and net purchases of investments.
Accounts receivable were $24,296,000 at December 31, 1996 as compared
to $10,780,000 at December 31, 1995. The increase in accounts receivable was
primarily attributable to the increase in overall sales.
28
29
Royalties are payable by Galcom, Ace and Fibronics to the Office of
the Chief Scientist of Israel ("OCS") at rates of approximately 2% to 3% on
proceeds from the sale of products arising from the research and development
activities for which OCS has provided grants. The total amount of royalties may
not exceed the amount of the grants. The Company does not expect that revenues
from royalty bearing products will result in material royalty payment
obligations in the future.
In September 1996, the Company completed a private placement of
$30,000,000 principal amount of Debentures. The Debentures were convertible into
Common Stock at a discount from the market price at the time of conversion. At
April 4, 1997, principal and accrued interest on the Debentures had been paid in
full through their conversion into a total of 1,816,159 shares of Common Stock
at an average conversion rate of $16.77 per share. As part of the private
placement, the Company also issued to the investors three-year warrants to
purchase an aggregate of up to 600,000 shares of Common Stock a weighted average
exercise price of $26.67 per share.
In September 1996, the Company completed the Fibronics Acquisition
from Elbit. The purchase price for the Fibronics Business was approximately
$22,770,000, which was paid using a combination of cash and shares of Common
Stock of the Company. Cash in the amount of $12,240,000 was paid at the time of
sale and the balance was paid by the delivery of 458,991 shares of Common Stock
of the Company. The cash was provided from a portion of the proceeds of the
private placement of Debentures. In connection with the 458,991 shares of Common
Stock that were originally delivered to Elbit as partial payment of the purchase
price, the Company made certain guarantees to Elbit regarding the minimum
proceeds Elbit would receive upon resale of the shares. The Company secured such
guarantees by delivering to Elbit (i) a letter of credit from a major bank in
the amount of approximately $4,301,000 and (ii) an additional 137,305 shares of
its Common Stock (the "Security Shares"). In March 1997, MRV and Elbit agreed to
amend their agreement (the "March 1997 Amendment") regarding the Common Stock
portion of the purchase price paid to Elbit for the Fibronics Business. First,
the Company repurchased 184,381 shares, paying Elbit $4,230,000 (approximately
$23.00 per share) (plus accrued interest thereon at 0.67% per month from January
1, 1997 through March 13, 1997). Second, with respect to the remaining 274,610
shares (the "Additional Shares"), the Company guaranteed that the Additional
Shares can be resold by Elbit for at least $6,300,000 (approximately $23.00 per
share), plus interest thereon at 0.67% per month from January 1, 1997 through
the date of Elbit's resale. To secure any shortfall, the Company delivered to
Elbit pending resale of the Additional Shares a letter of credit from a major
bank, expiring on June 15, 1997, in the amount of approximately $6,536,000.
Elbit has agreed to sell the Additional Shares in the open market at no less
than the prevailing bid price at the time of sale; provided, however, that in no
event shall sales of the Additional Shares be at less than $23.00 per share.
Elbit must pay to the Company any difference between the amount received upon
resale of the Additional Shares and $6,300,000 (plus the accrued interest) and
return any unsold Additional Shares to the Company. As part of the March 1997
Amendment, Elbit also returned the Security Shares to the Company.
In November 1996, the Company completed a private placement of
200,000 shares of Common Stock to Intel Corporation ("Intel") for $4,000,000
($20.00 per share). As part of the private placement, the Company issued to
Intel three-year warrants to purchase up to an additional 500,000 shares of
Common Stock at $20.00 per share. Of such warrants, warrants to purchase 200,000
shares of Common Stock are exercisable under certain conditions.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES
The Company believes that the relatively moderate rate of inflation
in the United States over the past few years has not had a significant impact on
the Company's sales or operating results or on the prices of raw materials.
However, in view of the Company's recent expansion of operations in Israel which
has experienced substantial inflation, there can be no assurance that inflation
in Israel will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's operating
results in the future.
The Company's sales are currently denominated in U.S. dollars and to
date its business has not been significantly affected by currency fluctuations
or inflation. However, the Company conducts business in several different
countries and thus fluctuations in currency exchange rates could cause the
Company's products to become relatively more expensive in particular countries,
leading to a reduction in sales in that country. In addition, inflation in such
countries could increase the Company's expenses. To date, the Company has not
hedged against currency exchange risks. In the future, the Company may engage in
foreign currency denominated sales or pay material amounts of expenses in
foreign currencies and, in such event, may experience gains and losses due to
currency fluctuations. The Company's operating results could be adversely
affected by such fluctuations or as a result of inflation in particular
countries where material expenses are incurred.
POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company does not provide post-retirement benefits affected by
SFAS 106.
29
30
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements filed as part of this Report are the following:
Page
Report of Independent Public Accountants F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996
Assets F-3
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three F-7 and
years in the period ended December 31, 1996 F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9
F-1
31
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To MRV Communications, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MRV
COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December
31, 1995 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1996. 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 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 provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of MRV Communications, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 7, 1997
F-2
32
MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31,
1995 1996
-------- --------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,951 $ 14,641
Restricted cash 6,272 --
Short-term investments 1,000 17,659
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of
$825 in 1995 and $2,468 in 1996 10,780 24,296
Inventories 8,382 18,238
Deferred income tax asset 804 2,660
Other current assets 608 4,377
-------- --------
Total current assets 29,797 81,871
-------- --------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:
Building -- 1,464
Machinery and equipment 1,655 3,941
Furniture and fixtures 66 286
Computer hardware and software 795 1,513
Leasehold improvements 102 533
-------- --------
2,618 7,737
Less--Accumulated depreciation and
amortization (558) (1,489)
-------- --------
2,060 6,248
-------- --------
OTHER ASSETS:
Deferred income tax asset 925 6,036
Goodwill, net of accumulated
amortization of $42 in 1995
and $210 in 1996 525 2,788
-------- --------
1,450 8,824
-------- --------
$ 33,307 $ 96,943
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.
F-3
33
MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
DECEMBER 31,
1995 1996
------- --------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of capital
lease obligations $ 33 $ 119
Accounts payable 4,342 11,328
Accrued liabilities 1,766 6,389
Accrued restructuring costs 422 3,549
Customer deposit -- 1,500
Income taxes payable 1,215 2,013
------- --------
Total current liabilities 7,778 24,898
------- --------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Convertible debentures -- 17,325
Capital lease obligations, net of
current portion 34 1,035
Other long-term liabilities 237 532
------- --------
Total long-term liabilities 271 18,892
------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)
MINORITY INTEREST -- 852
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value:
Authorized - 1,000 shares;
no shares issued or outstanding -- --
Common stock, $0.0034 par value:
Authorized - 40,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - 19,049
shares in 1995 and 21,745
in 1996 63 72
Capital in excess of par value 23,491 60,164
Retained earnings (deficit) 1,704 (7,950)
Cumulative translation adjustments -- 15
------- --------
25,258 52,301
------- --------
$33,307 $ 96,943
======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.
F-4
34
MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1994 1995 1996
-------- -------- --------
REVENUES, net: $ 17,526 $ 39,202 $ 88,815
-------- -------- --------
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of goods sold 10,328 22,608 51,478
Research and development expenses 2,144 4,044 8,201
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 2,615 6,799 14,025
Purchased technology in
progress -- 6,211 17,795
Restructuring costs -- 1,465 6,974
-------- -------- --------
15,087 41,127 98,473
-------- -------- --------
Operating income (loss) 2,439 (1,925) (9,658)
-------- -------- --------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense related to
convertible debentures
and acquisition -- -- (4,357)
Minority interest -- -- (196)
Interest income 210 641 702
Interest expense -- (102) (743)
Other (48) 115 194
-------- -------- --------
162 654 (4,400)
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before provision
(benefit) for income taxes 2,601 (1,271) (14,058)
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES 983 2 (4,404)
-------- -------- --------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 1,618 $ (1,273) $ (9,654)
======== ======== ========
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
INFORMATION:
Primary earnings (loss) per
common share $ .13 $ (.07) $ (.49)
======== ======== ========
Fully diluted earnings (loss)
per common share $ .13 $ (.07) $ (.49)
======== ======== ========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF
COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Primary 12,567 18,377 19,739
======== ======== ========
Fully diluted 12,714 18,377 19,739
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-5
35
MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
COMMON STOCK CAPITAL IN RETAINED CUMULATIVE
----------------- EXCESS OF EARNINGS TRANSLATION
SHARES AMOUNT PAR VALUE (DEFICIT) ADJUSTMENTS TOTAL
------ ------ ---------- --------- ----------- --------
BALANCE,
December 31, 1993 11,771 $39 $ 4,393 $ 1,359 $ $ 5,791
Exercise of stock
warrants 3,440 12 5,485 -- -- 5,497
Net income -- -- -- 1,618 -- 1,618
------ --- ------- ------- --- --------
BALANCE,
December 31, 1994 15,211 51 9,878 2,977 -- 12,906
Issuance of common
stock in connection
with the secondary
public offering 2,700 9 9,346 -- -- 9,355
Issuance of common
stock in connection
with the acquisition
of ACE 400
Communications, Ltd. 855 2 3,908 -- -- 3,910
Exercise of stock
warrants and options 283 1 359 -- -- 360
Net loss -- -- -- (1,273) -- (1,273)
------ --- ------- ------- --- --------
BALANCE,
December 31, 1995 19,049 63 23,491 1,704 -- 25,258
Issuance of common
stock in connection
with the acquisition
of Fibronics Ltd. 459 2 10,528 -- -- 10,530
Shares held by trustee
relating to Fibronics
acquisition 137 -- -- -- -- --
Conversion of
debentures 812 2 12,851 -- -- 12,853
Exercise of stock
warrants and options 1,088 4 4,938 -- -- 4,942
Issuance of common
stock for cash 200 1 3,999 -- -- 4,000
Interest expense related
to convertible debentures
and acquisition
(see Note 4) -- -- 4,357 -- -- 4,357
Translation adjustments - -- -- -- -- 15 15
Net loss -- -- -- (9,654) -- (9,654)
------ --- ------- ------- --- --------
BALANCE,
December 31, 1996 21,745 $72 $60,164 $(7,950) $15 $ 52,301
====== === ======= ======= === ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-6
36
MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ 1,618 $ (1,273) $ (9,654)
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash used in
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 97 305 943
Provision for losses on accounts
receivable 270 525 1,643
(Gain) loss on sale of property and
equipment -- (6) 192
Realized (gain) loss on investment 48 -- (180)
Purchased technology in progress -- 5,691 17,795
Interest related to convertible
debentures and acquisition -- -- 4,357
Amortization of premium (discount)
on U.S. Treasury notes 8 8 --
Minority interests' share of income -- -- 196
Changes in assets and
liabilities, net of effects
from acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable (3,417) (6,859) (10,937)
Inventories (2,077) (5,397) (5,697)
Deferred income taxes (282) (1,357) (6,839)
Other assets (618) 166 (3,031)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable 1,584 1,457 1,912
Accrued liabilities and
restructuring 266 154 6,623
Income taxes payable 421 425 798
Customer deposits (18) (15) 1,500
Accrued severance pay -- (19) 231
Deferred rent 13 (3) --
------- -------- --------
Net cash used in operating
activities (2,087) (6,198) (148)
------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (410) (1,035) (2,593)
Proceeds from the sale of property
and equipment -- 14 --
Purchases of investments (1,000) (22,013) (45,612)
Proceeds from sale of investments 1,676 24,741 29,133
Restricted cash -- (6,272) 6,272
Cash used in acquisitions, net of
cash received -- (1,000) (13,247)
------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by
(used in) investing
activities 266 (5,565) (26,047)
------- -------- --------
F-7
37
- 2 -
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996
------- ------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of
common stock 5,497 9,715 8,942
Proceeds from the issuance of
debentures -- -- 30,000
Principal payments on notes payable (42) -- --
Principal payments on capital
lease obligations -- (78) (60)
Loans receivable from officers 37 32 --
------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by
financing activities 5,492 9,669 38,882
------- ------- --------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES
ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS -- -- 3
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 3,671 (2,094) 12,690
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
beginning of year 374 4,045 1,951
------- ------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
end of year $ 4,045 $ 1,951 $ 14,641
======= ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-8
38
MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
1. BACKGROUND
MRV Communications, Inc. (the Company) designs, manufactures, markets and
sells high speed network switching and fiber optic transmission systems which
enhance the performance of existing data and telecommunications networks. The
Company sells two groups of products: (1) computer networking products,
primarily Ethernet local area network (LAN) switches, hubs and related
equipment, and (2) fiber optic components for the transmission of voice, video
and data across enterprise telecommunications and cable TV networks. The
Company's networking solutions enhance the functionality of LAN's by reducing
network congestion while allowing end users to preserve their investments in
pre-existing networks and providing cost-effective migration paths to next
generation technologies such as Gigabit Ethernet. The Company markets and
sells its products both domestically and internationally.
In May 1996, the Company acquired 50 percent of the outstanding stock of a
company located in Italy and in September 1996, the Company acquired certain
assets and the distribution business of a company located in Israel (see Note
3). The results of operations of the acquired businesses since the acquisition
dates have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The following summarized unaudited pro forma financial information for the year
ended December 31, 1996 assumes the acquisitions occurred on January 1, 1996 (in
thousands, except for per share data):
Revenues, net $111,000
Net income 1,294
Earnings per common share $ .07
========
Pro forma net income and earnings per common share amounts do not include
the purchased technology in progress costs, net of their tax effects, included
in the accompanying 1996 Statement of Operations.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, NBase Communications, Inc., NBase
Communications, Ltd. (Nbase Ltd.), NBase Europe GmbH (Nbase Europe) and NBase
Fibronics, Ltd. (Fibronics), and its 50 percent-owned subsidiary, EDSLAN SRL
(EDS). All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been
eliminated.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
The financial statements of NBase Ltd. and Fibronics have been prepared in
U.S. dollars as the currency of the primary economic environment in which the
operations of these companies are conducted is the U.S. dollar. Thus, the
functional currency of these companies is the U.S. dollar.
F-9
39
Transactions and balances originally denominated in U.S. dollars are
presented at their original amounts. Transactions and balances in other
currencies are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards NO. 52, and are included in determining net
income or loss.
The financial statements of NBase Europe and EDS have been prepared in the
companies' local currencies and have been translated into U.S. dollars. The
functional currency for these companies is their local currency.
Assets and liabilities are translated from the local currencies into U.S.
dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues,
expenses and cash flows are translated at weighted average exchange rates for
the period to approximate translation at the exchange rates prevailing at the
dates those elements are recognized in the financial statements. Translation
adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency
financial statements into U.S. dollars are not included in determining net
income or loss but are accumulated and reported as a separate component of
stockholders' equity in the accompanying consolidated December 31, 1996 balance
sheet.
USE OF ESTIMATES
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.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN
The Company accounts for its stock based compensation plan (see Note 8)
under the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25. The Company has elected to follow
the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
(SFAS 123), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", beginning January 1, 1995
for employee awards. See Note 8 for disclosure of pro forma loss and loss per
common share amounts for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 as required
by SFAS 123. The Company has adopted SFAS 123 for all non-employee awards
beginning January 1, 1996.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue upon shipment of products.
The Company's three largest customers together accounted for approximately
13 percent, 14 percent and 12 percent of the Company's revenues in 1994, 1995
and 1996, respectively. There were no customers with a receivable balance
greater than 10 percent of total receivables at December 31, 1995 and 1996.
Sales to countries outside the United States approximated 19 percent, 45
percent and 53 percent of the Company's revenues in 1994, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. See Note 9 for sales by geographic areas.
PURCHASED TECHNOLOGY IN PROGRESS AND RESTRUCTURING COSTS
In connection with the Company's acquisitions (see Note 3), the Company
acquired incomplete research and development (R&D) projects that will be
included in the current R&D activities of the Company. For projects that will
have no alternative future use to the Company and where technological
feasibility had not yet been established, the Company allocated $6,211,000 and
$17,795,000 to technology in progress and recorded the expense during the years
ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
F-10
40
Also in connection with the Company's acquisitions, during the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company recorded $1,465,000 and $6,974,000 as
restructuring costs, respectively, which primarily related to the closing of
several Company facilities, a reduction of its workforce, elimination of product
lines and the settlement of distribution agreements. The reduction of the
workforce in 1995 related to 63 employees, of which six were upper management
personnel. The reduction of the workforce in 1996 related to 95 employees, of
which seven were upper management personnel.
The following summarizes the major restructuring costs for 1995 and 1996 (in
thousands):
1995 1996
------ ------
Accrued termination benefits $ 221 $1,574
Accrued legal and consulting 201 244
Accrued for closing of facilities -- 521
Accrued for settlement of distribution
agreements -- 394
Accrued for elimination of product lines -- 268
Other -- 548
------ ------
Total accrued costs 422 3,549
------ ------
Closing of facilities 179 278
Settlement of distribution agreements 205 306
Termination benefits 427 1,525
Legal and consulting -- 157
Elimination of product lines -- 482
Other costs 232 677
------ ------
Total cash paid 1,043 3,425
------ ------
$1,465 $6,974
====== ======
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original
maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
RESTRICTED CASH BALANCES
At December 31, 1995, cash balances included restricted deposits with a
bank amounting to $6,272,000, which were given as a security against letters of
credit issued by the bank on behalf of the Company (see Note 7). At December 31,
1996, the letters of credit were secured by a portion of the Company's
short-term investments (see below).
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
The Company accounts for its investments under the provisions of Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments
in Debt and Equity Securities."
At December 31, 1995 and 1996, short-term investments consisted of U.S.
Treasury notes. As defined by the standard, the Company has classified its
investments in these debt securities as "held-to-maturity" investments and all
investments are recorded at their amortized cost basis, which approximated their
fair value at December 31, 1996. All investments mature by October 1997.
As noted above, $6,388,000 of the U.S. Treasury notes have been pledged as
security against letters of credit issued by a bank on behalf of the Company
(see Note 7).
F-11
41
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or
market and consist of material, labor and overhead.
Inventories consisted of the following as of December 31, 1995 and 1996
(in thousands):
1995 1996
------ -------
Raw materials $4,750 $ 8,295
Work-in-process 2,035 3,975
Finished goods 1,597 5,968
------ -------
$8,382 $18,238
====== =======
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Maintenance and repairs are
charged to expense as incurred, while significant replacements and betterments
are capitalized.
Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method
based upon the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Useful lives range
from three to thirty-three years.
GOODWILL
The Goodwill resulted from the Company's acquisitions during 1995 and
1996. It is amortized on a straight-line basis over 8 years.
CUSTOMER DEPOSIT
The customer deposit at December 31, 1996 represents an advance payment
from a company. The payment has been deferred until the related revenue is
earned in 1997.
WARRANTY
The Company warrants its products against defects in materials and
workmanship for one to three year periods. The estimated cost of warranty
obligations is recognized at the time of revenue recognition.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash paid for income taxes was $834,000 in 1994, $932,000 in 1995 and
$1,620,000 in 1996. There was no cash paid for interest in 1994. Cash paid for
interest was $102,000 in 1995 and $150,000 in 1996.
During 1996, the Company acquired property and equipment with a cost of
$1,147,000 through a capital lease agreement. Also in 1996, $12,675,000
principal amount of debentures and $178,000 of accrued interest was converted
into approximately 812,000 shares of common stock. During 1995, the Company
purchased property and equipment with a cost of $100,000 through a capital lease
agreement. These non-cash transactions are excluded from the 1995 and 1996
Statements of Cash Flows.
The 1995 Statement of Cash Flows includes an amount of $5,691,000 that
represents the fair value of consideration given and net liabilities assumed for
the Company's acquisitions that was allocated to purchased technology in
progress. This amount differs from the amount shown on the 1995 Statement of
Operations by $520,000, which represents legal, consulting and other costs which
were allocated to purchased technology in progress on the Statement of
Operations (see Note 3).
F-12
42
COMMON STOCK SPLITS
On May 20, 1996, the Company effected a 3 for 2 stock split of its common
stock, and on July 29, 1996, the Company effected a 2 for 1 stock split of its
common stock. All share amounts set forth in these consolidated financial
statements have been retroactively restated to give effect to these stock
splits.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of
shares of common stock and common stock equivalents (dilutive stock warrants,
stock options and convertible debentures) outstanding during the related periods
(adjusted retroactively for the common stock splits described in Note 2). The
weighted average number of common stock equivalent shares includes shares
issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock warrants and options, less the
number of shares assumed purchased with the proceeds available from such
exercise. The effect of dilutive common share equivalents is not included in the
loss per common share calculations for 1995 and 1996. Fully diluted earnings per
share differs from primary earnings per share in 1994.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' amounts to
conform to the current year presentation.
3. ACQUISITIONS AND RESTRUCTURING
On May 1, 1995, the Company acquired certain assets and the distribution
business of Galcom Networking, Ltd. (Galcom), a network equipment company
located in Israel. The purchase price paid by the Company was approximately
$900,000 in cash and the assumption of approximately $1,800,000 in liabilities
and debt.
On June 29, 1995, the Company acquired certain assets and the distribution
business of ACE 400 Communications, Ltd. (ACE), a network equipment company
located in Israel. The purchase price paid by the Company was $100,000 in cash,
the assumption of approximately $467,000 in liabilities and debt, the issuance
of 855,000 shares of the Company's common stock (valued at $3,910,000), and
extended a right to ACE to sell to the Company up to $400,000 of ACE's
inventory.
Subsequent to the acquisition dates, the Company consolidated operations
in Israel and formed a new subsidiary in Israel named NBase Communications, Ltd.
Each of the businesses acquired also owned a subsidiary in the United States.
These operations were also consolidated and the Company formed a new subsidiary
in the United States named NBase Communications, Inc.
In May 1996, the Company purchased 50 percent of the outstanding stock of
EDSLAN SRL, an Italian networking company. The purchase price paid by the
Company was approximately $1,050,000. The purchase agreement calls for the
Company to receive 80 percent of EDS' profits or losses from the date of
acquisition.
On September 26, 1996, the Company acquired certain assets and the
distribution business of Fibronics, Ltd., a computer networking and
telecommunications company located primarily in Israel and Germany. On the date
of acquisition, Fibronics, Ltd. was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit, Ltd.
(Elbit). The purchase price paid by the Company was $22,770,000, of which
$12,240,000 was paid in cash and $10,530,000 was paid through the delivery of
approximately 459,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
F-13
43
The Company has guaranteed Elbit that it will realize at least $10,530,000
from the shares of common stock, plus interest thereon at 0.67% per month from
January 1, 1997 until such shares are resold. The Company secured the guarantee
with a letter of credit from a major bank in the amount of approximately
$4,300,000 (see Note 7) and by issuing to a trustee an additional 137,000 shares
of common stock. After January 14, 1997, Elbit can, under certain circumstances,
elect to cause the Company to repurchase up to approximately 275,000 shares for
$6,300,000, plus interest thereon at 0.67% per month from January 1, 1997
through the date of purchase. In March 1997, the agreement was amended (see Note
10).
Subsequent to the acquisition date, the Company formed a new subsidiary in
Israel named NBase Fibronics, Ltd. and a new subsidiary in Germany named NBase
Europe GmbH.
All acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, and accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to assets acquired
and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values, as follows (in
thousands):
1995 1996
------- --------
Inventory $ 319 $ 3,574
Accounts receivable -- 2,686
Property and equipment 600 1,793
Other assets -- 315
Current liabilities and debt (2,267) (3,962)
------- --------
Net assets acquired or
liabilities assumed (1,348) 4,406
Cash paid for legal, consulting and
other costs (395) (450)
Accrued legal, consulting and others
costs (125) (365)
Common stock issued to sellers (3,910) (10,530)
Cash paid to sellers (1,000) (13,287)
------- --------
Paid or accrued (5,430) (24,632)
Allocated to purchased
technology in progress 6,211 17,795
------- --------
Goodwill $ 567 $ 2,431
======= ========
In connection with the acquisition of certain assets from Galcom, the
Company issued warrants to Galcom to purchase 225,000 shares of common stock at
prices ranging from $4.92 to $7.38 per share. The Company also issued warrants
to purchase 75,000 common shares to former employees of Galcom at prices ranging
from $4.25 to $4.75 per share, warrants to purchase 990,000 common shares at
prices ranging from $4.25 to $4.75 per share to existing employees and
consultants, warrants to purchase 45,000 common shares at $4.25 per share to an
outside consultant, and warrants to purchase 36,000 common shares at $4.25 per
share to a company for design services performed. All of these warrants are
exercisable over a five year period.
In connection with the acquisition of certain assets from ACE, the Company
issued warrants to the trustee of ACE to purchase 300,000 common shares at $4.57
per share, and issued warrants to purchase 30,000 shares at $4.67 per share to
an ACE employee. All of these warrants are exercisable over a five year period.
F-14
44
4. CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
In September 1996, the Company completed a private placement of
$30,000,000 principal amount of convertible debentures. The proceeds from the
private placement were primarily used to finance the Company's 1996 acquisition
of certain assets from Fibronics, Ltd. (see Note 3). The debentures bear
interest at 5 percent per annum, payable semi-annually, and are convertible into
common stock at any time at the option of the holders. A discount from the
market price at the time of conversion applies beginning 90 days after the first
issuance of debentures. The Company can force conversion under certain
circumstances and after certain dates, and the debentures will automatically
convert into common stock at maturity if not previously converted. The
conversion price is a specified percentage of the prevailing market price of the
Company's common stock on the conversion date, which is defined in the debenture
agreement as the average of the closing bid price of a share of the Company's
stock for the five trading days immediately preceding the conversion date. The
conversion price is 85.5 percent of the applicable market price if the
debentures are converted during the 30 days beginning December 6, 1996. The
conversion price decreases by an additional one percent each 30 days after
January 4, 1997 until it reaches a floor of 77.5 percent.
To give effect to the accounting treatment announced by the staff of the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") at the March 13, 1997 meeting of the
Emerging Issues Task Force relevant to the Company's convertible subordinated
debenture issuance having "beneficial conversion" features, the value of the
fixed discount has been reflected in the 1996 financial statements as additional
interest expense and such fixed discount has been accreted through the first
possible conversion date of the respective issuance.
As part of the private placement, the Company also issued to the holders
three-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 600,000 shares of common
stock at an exercise price of $26.67 per share. The fair value of the warrants
($852,000) has been recorded as an increase to stockholders' equity and will be
amortized as additional interest expense over the life of the debentures.
The financial position and results of operations presented in the
financial statements for the unaudited quarter ended September 30, 1996
have been restated to give effect to the additional interest expense.
As of December 31, 1996, $12,675,000 principal amount of debentures, and
$178,000 of accrued interest, had been converted into approximately 812,000
shares of common stock at an average conversion rate of $15.83 per share. At
December 31, 1996, there was a $17,325,000 principal amount of debentures
outstanding and $297,000 of interest was owed to the holders relating to the
debentures. This accrued interest is included in "accrued liabilities" on the
accompanying December 31, 1996 consolidated balance sheet. In 1996, $4,357,000
was recorded as additional interest expense and as an increase to Stockholders'
Equity relating to the "beneficial conversion" feature and the fair value of
the warrants.
5. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS
SECONDARY PUBLIC OFFERING
In January 1995, the Company completed a secondary public offering of its
common stock. The Company sold 2,700,000 shares at a price of $4.00 per share.
The gross and net proceeds of the offering were $10,800,000 and $9,355,000,
respectively. In connection with the offering, the Company sold to the
representatives of the underwriters three-year warrants to purchase 300,000
shares of common stock at $5.60 per share. The warrants may be exercised
beginning in January 1996 and expire in January 1999.
F-15
45
SALE OF COMMON STOCK
In November 1996, the Company completed a private placement of 200,000
shares of common stock with a corporation for $4,000,000 ($20.00 per share). As
part of the private placement, the Company issued to the corporation three-year
warrants to purchase up to an additional 500,000 shares of common stock at
$20.00 per share. Of such warrants, warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of
common stock are exercisable only under certain circumstances.
COMMON STOCK PURCHASE WARRANTS
A summary of warrant activities for 1994, 1995 and 1996 is as follows
(number of shares in thousands):
Number Exercise
of Shares Prices
---------- ---------------
Balance, December 31, 1993 3,712 $ .27 to 1.71
Issued -- --
Exercised (3,439) 1.67 to 1.71
Redeemed (5) 1.67
---------- ---------------
Balance, December 31, 1994 268 .27 to 1.71
Issued 2,100 4.25 to 7.38
Exercised (236) .27 to 1.67
Redeemed -- --
---------- ---------------
Balance, December 31, 1995 2,132 .27 to 7.38
Issued 2,106 8.42 to 26.65
Exercised (776) .27 to 8.42
Redeemed -- --
---------- ---------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 3,462 $ .27 to 26.65
========== ===============
At December 31, 1996, warrants to purchase approximately 3,462,000 shares
were outstanding, of which 500 were exercisable at $.27 per share.
6. INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS 109).
Under SFAS 109, deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed
based on temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax
bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal income tax rate in
effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred
income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the deferred income
tax assets or liabilities from period to period.
F-16
46
The components of the net deferred income tax asset at December 31, 1995
and 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
1995 1996
------- -------
Allowance for bad debts $ 298 $ 777
Inventory reserve 141 280
Warranty reserve 80 160
Accrued restructuring costs 213 1,147
State income taxes 84 296
Other, net (12) --
------- -------
Current portion 804 2,660
Purchased technology in progress 1,350 6,998
Valuation reserve (425) (962)
------- -------
925 6,036
------- -------
$ 1,729 $ 8,696
======= =======
A full reserve has not been recorded against the asset due to the
probability of its recovery. The reserve that has been recorded reflects the
Company's estimate of the amount that may not be realized.
The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996 is as follows (in thousands):
1994 1995 1996
------- ------- -------
Current - Federal $ 1,051 $ 1,112 $ 1,692
- State 214 247 324
- Foreign -- -- 547
------- ------- -------
1,265 1,359 2,563
------- ------- -------
Deferred - Federal (252) (333) (5,694)
- State (30) (99) (1,022)
- Foreign -- (925) (251)
------- ------- -------
(282) (1,357) (6,967)
------- ------- -------
Provision (benefit)for
income taxes $ 983 $ 2 $(4,404)
======= ======= =======
F-17
47
Differences between the provision (benefit) for income taxes and income
taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate based on U.S. pre-tax income for
the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
1994 1995 1996
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent
------ ------- ------ ------- ------ -------
Income tax
provision
(benefit)
at statutory
federal rate $ 884 34.0% $ 889 34.0% $(4,780) (34.0)%
State and
local income
taxes, net
of federal
income tax
effect 159 6.1 160 6.1 563 4.0
Non-deductible
interest expense -- -- -- -- 1,542 11.0
Research and
development
credit (138) (5.3) (173) (6.7) (374) (2.7)
Effect of
foreign net
operating loss
carryforwards -- -- (925) (35.4) -- --
Foreign taxes at
rates less than
domestic taxes -- -- -- -- (1,925) (13.7)
Change in
valuation reserve -- -- -- -- 537 3.8
Other items,
net 78 3.0 51 2.0 33 .3
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -----
$ 983 37.8% $ 2 --% $(4,404) (31.3)%
====== ====== ====== ====== ======= =====
In 1995, NBase Ltd. qualified for a program under which it will be
eligible for a tax exemption on its income for a period of ten years from the
beginning of the benefits period. The Company estimates the benefit period will
begin in 1997 or 1998.
The Company does not provide U.S. federal income taxes on the
undistributed earnings of its foreign operations. The Company's policy is to
leave the income permanently invested in the country of origin. Such amounts
will only be distributed to the United States to the extent any federal income
tax can be fully offset by foreign tax credits.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEASE COMMITMENTS
The Company leases its primary facilities in Chatsworth, California from
unaffiliated third parties at an annual combined base rent of approximately
$240,000 through March 1999. The Company also leases sales office and warehouse
space in Maryland, Israel, England, Germany and Italy at a combined annual base
rent of approximately $757,000, with lease terms expiring from August 1999
through March 2004.
F-18
48
The Company leases all of its facilities and certain equipment under
noncancelable capital and operating leases. Minimum future obligations under
such agreements at December 31, 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
Capital Operating
Leases Leases
------- ---------
1997 $ 233 $ 994
1998 213 772
1999 213 420
2000 213 299
2001 205 104
Thereafter 531 285
------- ---------
1,608 $ 2,874
=========
Less--Amount
representing interest (454)
-------
1,154
Less--Current portion (119)
-------
$ 1,035
=======
Rent expense under noncancelable operating lease agreements for the years
ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 was $115,000, $405,000 and $684,000,
respectively.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In March 1992, the Company entered into three-year employment agreements
with three key officers of the Company, which in November 1994 were extended to
March 1998. The agreements specify annual salaries of $100,000 to $110,000 for
each of the officers, plus annual bonuses to be determined by the Board of
Directors.
ROYALTY COMMITMENT
As part of the purchase agreements of the Israeli companies referred to in
Note 3, the selling companies' commitments to pay royalties to the State of
Israel were assigned to the Company. The commitments arose in consequence of the
participation of the Israeli Government in product development through the
payment of grants.
The royalties are payable at a rate of between 1.5 percent and 5.0 percent
of the sales proceeds of the products developed up to 150 percent of the amount
of the grants received. The balance of the commitment for royalties at December
31, 1996 amounted to approximately $29,000,000.
LETTER OF CREDIT
During 1995, the Company, in connection with its acquisitions in Israel
(see Note 3), entered into a stand-by letter of credit (LOC) arrangement with a
bank in the amount of $4,935,000. As of December 31, 1996, the amount of the LOC
was reduced to $750,000. The arrangement expires in 1997. During 1996, the
Company entered into an LOC arrangement with a bank in the amount of
approximately $4,300,000 in connection with the Company's acquisition of
Fibronics. This LOC arrangement also expires in 1997.
F-19
49
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The Company has agreements with several financial institutions to sell its
receivables with recourse. In the event of a customer's default, the Company
must repurchase the receivable. At December 31, 1996, the Company is
contingently liable in the amount of $4,473,497 relating to such receivables
sold with recourse. The following is detail of losses resulting from default for
1996 (in thousands):
Receivables transferred to financial institutions $14,037
Receivables returned uncollected 1,981
Receivables subsequently collected by the Company 1,963
Receivables to be collected at December 31, 1996 18
LITIGATION
In July 1996, a former employee of the Company filed an action against the
Company and three of its executive officers. The complaint seeks compensatory
and punitive damages in unspecified amounts for alleged wrongful termination,
breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation and fraud. Management believes
that the complaint is without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.
In the opinion of management, the lawsuit will not result in a material loss
to the Company.
8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLAN
In March 1992, the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Company
adopted a stock option plan (the Plan) that provides for the granting of options
to purchase up to 1,950,000 shares of common stock, consisting of both incentive
stock options and non-qualified options. Incentive stock options are issuable
only to employees of the Company and may not be granted at an exercise price
less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date the option is
granted. Non-qualified stock options may be issued to non-employee directors,
consultants and others, as well as to employees, with an exercise price
established by the Board of Directors. All incentive stock options granted as of
December 31, 1996 have been granted at prices equal to the fair market value of
the common stock on the grant date, and all options granted expire five or ten
years from the date of grant. All of the incentive stock options granted become
exercisable beginning one year from the date of grant in equal installments over
a three year period, while the non-qualified options become fully exercisable
beginning six months from the date of the grant. There were no options granted
prior to December 31, 1993.
The Company accounts for this plan and stock warrants issued to employees
under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation cost has been recognized.
Had compensation cost for this plan and the stock warrants been determined
consistent with SFAS 123, the Company's net loss and loss per common share
amounts would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts (net loss
amounts are in thousands):
1995 1996
------- -------
Net Loss: As Reported $(1,273) $(9,654)
Pro Forma (2,066) (11,254)
Loss Per Common
Share: As Reported $ (0.07) $ (0.49)
Pro Forma (0.11) (0.57)
Because the SFAS 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options
granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation cost may
not be representative of that to be expected in future years.
F-20
50
A summary of the status of the Company's outstanding stock options at
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and changes during the years then ended is
presented in the table and narrative below (shares are in thousands):
1994 1995 1996
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
Wtd. Avg. Wtd. Avg. Wtd. Avg.
Shares Ex. Price Shares Ex. Price Shares Ex. Price
------ --------- ------ --------- ------ ---------
Outstanding at beginning
of year -- $ -- 391 $ 2.10 1,156 $ 3.59
Granted 512 2.00 812 4.07 672 12.45
Exercised -- -- (47) 2.11 (312) 3.28
Forfeited (121) 1.57 -- -- (41) 5.72
----- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Outstanding at end of year 391 $ 2.10 1,156 $ 3.59 1,475 $ 6.02
----- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Exercisable at end of year -- $ -- 84 $ 2.10 172 $ 3.05
----- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Weighted average fair value
of options granted n/a $ 1.74 $ 4.28
------ ------
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant
using an option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions
used for grants in 1996: risk-free interest rates of 6.5 percent; no expected
dividend yield; expected lives of 4 to 5 years; no expected volatility.
9. FOREIGN OPERATIONS
The Company operates principally in four geographic areas: the United
States, the European Community, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East. The
following is a summary of information by areas as of and for the year ended
December 31, 1996 (in thousands):
United European Middle Pacific All other
States Community East Rim Areas Total
------- --------- -------- ------- --------- --------
Sales to unaffiliated
customers $41,712 $34,256 $ 4,593 $6,401 $1,853 $ 88,815
Income (loss) from
operations 6,396 1,602 (17,656) -- -- (9,658)
Identifiable assets 67,014 16,192 13,737 -- -- 96,943
Intercompany sales between geographic areas, which have been eliminated
from sales to unaffiliated customers and which are accounted for as arms length
transactions were as follows (in thousands):
From the Middle East to the United States $4,050
From the United States to the Middle East 981
From the Middle East to the European Community 2,720
From the United States to the European Community 1,157
10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
Subsequent to December 31, 1996, $17,325,000 principal amount of
debentures, and approximately $283,000 of accrued interest, were converted into
approximately 1,004,000 shares of common stock at an average conversion rate of
$17.53 per share. Currently, there are no principal amount of debentures
outstanding.
F-21
51
FIBRONICS ACQUISITION
In March 1997, the Company and Elbit agreed to amend their agreement
regarding the common stock portion of the purchase price paid to Elbit for the
distribution business of Fibronics, Ltd. (see Note 3). First, the Company
repurchased approximately 184,000 shares, paying Elbit $4,230,000 (approximately
$23.00 per share) (plus accrued interest thereon at 0.67% per month from January
1, 1997 through March 13, 1997). Second, with respect to the remaining 275,000
shares (the "Additional Shares"), the Company guaranteed that the Additional
Shares can be resold by Elbit for at least $6,300,000 (approximately $23.00 per
share), plus interest thereon at 0.67% per month from January 1, 1997 through
the date of Elbit's resale. To secure any shortfall, the Company delivered to
Elbit pending resale of the Additional Shares a letter of credit from a major
bank, expiring on June 15, 1997, in the amount of approximately $6,536,000.
Elbit has agreed to sell the Additional Shares in the open market at no less
than the prevailing bid price at the time of sale; provided, however, that in no
event shall sales of the Additional Shares be at less than $23.00 per share.
Elbit must pay to the Company any difference between the amount received upon
resale of the Additional Shares and $6,300,000 (plus the accrued interest) and
return any unsold Additional Shares to the Company. As part of the amended
agreement, Elbit also returned the 137,000 shares to the Company.
401(K) PLAN
In February 1997, the Company established a 401(k) savings plan (the
Plan) under which all eligible employees may participate. The Plan calls for
the Company to make matching contributions to all eligible employees.
F-22
52
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The current executive officers and directors of the Company are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
Noam Lotan(1) 45 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Shlomo Margalit(1) 55 Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Technical Officer and
Secretary
Zeev Rav-Noy(1) 49 Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer and Director
Edmund Glazer 36 Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial
Officer
Khalid (Ken) Ahmad 44 Vice President of Marketing and Sales
Ofer Iny 28 Vice President of Engineering
Leonard Mautner(2)(3) 79 Director
Milton Rosenberg(2)(3) 74 Director
- ------------------
(1) Member of the Executive Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee.
Noam Lotan has been the President, Chief Executive Officer and a
Director of the Company since May 1990 and became Chief Financial Officer of the
Company in October 1993, in which position he served until June 1995. From March
1987 to January 1990, Mr. Lotan served as Managing Director of Fibronics (UK)
Ltd., the United Kingdom subsidiary of Fibronics International Inc.
("Fibronics"), a manufacturer of fiber optic communication networks. The Company
purchased the Fibronics Business in September 1996. From January 1985 to March
1987, Mr. Lotan served as a Director of European Operations for Fibronics. Prior
to such time, Mr. Lotan held a variety of sales and marketing positions with
Fibronics and Hewlett-Packard. Mr. Lotan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Electrical Engineering from the Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology,
and a Masters degree in Business Administration from INSEAD (the European
Institute of Business Administration, Fontainebleau, France).
Dr. Shlomo Margalit, a co-founder of the Company, has been Chairman
of the Board of Directors and Chief Technical Officer since the Company's
inception in July 1988. From May 1985 to July 1988, Dr. Margalit served as a
founder and Vice President of Research and Development for LaserCom, Inc.
("LaserCom"), a manufacturer of semiconductor lasers. From 1982 to 1985, Dr.
Margalit served as a Senior Research Associate at the California Institute of
Technology ("Caltech"), and from 1976 to 1982, a Visiting Associate at Caltech.
From 1972 to 1982, Dr. Margalit served as a faculty member and Associate
Professor at the Technion. During his tenure at the Technion, Dr. Margalit was
awarded the "Israel Defense" prize for his work in developing infrared detectors
for heat guided missiles and the David Ben Aharon Award for Novel Applied
Research. Dr. Margalit holds a Bachelor of Science degree, a Masters degree and
a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Technion.
Dr. Zeev Rav-Noy, a co-founder of the Company, has been its Chief
Operating Officer and a Director of the Company since inception and served as
its President until May 1990. From May 1985 to July 1988, Dr. Rav-Noy co-founded
and served as Vice President of Operations of LaserCom and, from 1982 to 1985,
served as a research fellow at Caltech. From 1979 to 1982 Dr. Rav-Noy served as
a consultant to a number of companies, including Tadiran Electronic Industries,
Inc., an Israeli telecommunication, military, and consumer electronics
conglomerate, and the Yeda Research and Development Co. Ltd., a technology
exploitation and application company affiliated with the Weizman Institute in
Israel. Dr. Rav-Noy holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters degree in
physics from Tel Aviv University and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from the Weizman
Institute in Israel.
Edmund Glazer was appointed Vice President of Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial Officer in June 1995. He has been with the
Company since October 1994 serving as Operations Manager. In 1993 and 1994, Mr.
30
53
Glazer served as a consultant providing document imaging and information systems
to clients. From 1986 to 1993, Mr. Glazer served as Vice President of Finance at
Concord Electrical Supply, a distributor of electrical and electronic products.
From 1984 to 1986, Mr. Glazer worked as a certified public accountant at the
accounting firm of Singer, Lewak Greenbaum & Goldstein. From 1981 to 1984, Mr.
Glazer worked as an auditor at the accounting firm of Weber, Lipshie & Co. In
1983, Mr. Glazer qualified as a Certified Public Accountant from the State of
California. Mr. Glazer holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business
Administration from the University of Southern California.
Khalid (Ken) Ahmad has been employed as Vice President of Marketing
and Sales since July 1990 and an Executive Officer since May 1992. From April
1990 to July 1990, Mr. Ahmad served as a consultant to the Company. From January
1990 to March 1990, Mr. Ahmad served as a consultant to Welwyn Microcircuits, a
British manufacturer, providing market research information on fiber optic
technology. From October 1988 to November 1989, Mr. Ahmad served as marketing
manager and regional sales manager for STC Components, a manufacturer of optical
transmission components. From 1985 to 1988, he served as marketing operations
manager for PCO, Inc. a manufacturer of optical transmission devices and data
links. From 1977 to 1985, Mr. Ahmad also held a variety of marketing and sales
management positions with Canoga Data Systems, a data communications equipment
manufacturer, and Deutsch Company, an aerospace manufacturer. Mr. Ahmad holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from California State University at San
Bernardino.
Ofer Iny has been Vice President of Engineering of the Company since
May 1994. From January 1993 to May 1994, he served as a consultant to the
Company. From September 1991 to January 1993, Mr. Iny was a researcher at Jet
Propulsion Laboratory, Microgravity and Microwave Group. From May 1990 to March
1992, Mr. Iny held the position of Senior Engineer at Whittaker Electronic
Systems, a manufacturer. Mr. Iny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics
from California State University, Northridge, and a Masters degree in Physics
from University of California, Los Angeles ("UCLA").
Leonard Mautner has served as an advisor to the Company since its
inception and was elected a Director in March 1992. Mr. Mautner is President of
Leonard Mautner Associates, a management consulting company, which he founded in
1973, and in addition, from 1982 to 1988, served as a visiting lecturer at the
Anderson School of Management of UCLA. Mr. Mautner is also a Director of two
mutual funds, the First Pacific Advisors Perennial Fund and the First Pacific
Advisors Paramount Fund. From 1969 to 1979, Mr. Mautner was a General Partner of
Goodman & Mautner, Ltd., a venture capital partnership, and President of Goodman
& Mautner, Inc., the partnership's investment manager. Mr. Mautner holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology.
Milton Rosenberg has been an advisor to the Company since its
inception and was elected a Director in March 1992. He is President of M. R.
Associates, an investment and consulting company, which he founded in 1978. For
the past 15 years, Mr. Rosenberg has been a director of Bell Industries, a New
York Stock Exchange company engaged in the distribution of electronics
components. Mr. Rosenberg has been a consultant to high technology companies for
over 20 years. Mr. Rosenberg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical
Engineering from Drexel University and did graduate course work in Electrical
Engineering at Princeton University.
Each director is elected for a period of one year at the Company's
annual meeting of stockholders and serves until the next annual meeting and
until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Officers are elected by, and
serve at the discretion of, the Board of Directors, subject to relevant
employment agreements. None of the Directors of the Company are related by
blood, marriage or adoption to any of the Company's Directors or executive
officers.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company.
Directors, executive officers and 10% or greater shareholders are required by
the SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a)
forms they file.
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54
The Company believes, based solely on a review of the copies of such
reports furnished to the Company, that each report required of the Company's
executive officers, directors and 10% or greater shareholders was duly and
timely filed during the year ended December 31, 1996.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the
Company receive cash compensation of $800 per month and $500 for each Board of
Directors' meeting attended, while serving as Directors.
The following table sets forth a summary of all compensation paid by
the Company to its Chief Executive Officer and for each of its other executive
officers whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 (the "Named
Executive Officers") during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996:
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
--------------------------------------------- ---------------
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS (#)
-------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Noam Lotan 1996 $100,000 $ 0 30,000
President and Chief Executive Officer 1995 $100,000 $ 0 0
1994 $100,000 $ 0 0
Shlomo Margalit 1996 $110,000 $ 0 0
Chairman of the Board of Directors, 1995 $110,000 $ 0 0
Chief Technical Officer and Secretary 1994 $110,000 $ 0 0
Zeev Rav-Noy 1996 $110,000 $60,000
Chief Operating Officer 1995 $110,000 $60,000 0
1994 $110,000 $60,000 0
Ken Ahmad 1996 $ 90,000 $32,420 0
Vice President of Marketing and Sales 1995 $ 90,000 $24,750 150,000
1994 $ 90,000 $30,000 0
Drs. Margalit and Rav-Noy do not hold any options to purchase Common
Stock of the Company and none were granted to any of them during 1996. The
following table provides certain information regarding stock option grants made
to Messrs. Lotan and Ahmad during 1996:
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Potential Realizable Value at
Assumed Annual Rates of
Stock Price Appreciation for
Option Term(1)
----------------------------------
Number of Percent of Total
Securities Options
Underlying Granted to Exercise
Options Employees in Price Expiration
Name Granted(#) 1996 ($/Sh) (3) Date 5% 10%
---- ---------- ---- ---------- ---- -- ---
Noam Lotan 30,000 4.5% 8.42 1/10/2002 $2,924,576 $3,773,193
- -----------
(1) The dollar amounts under these columns are the result of calculations
assuming the price of Common Stock on the date of the grant of the
option increases at the hypothetical 5% and 10% rates set by the
Securities and Exchange Commission and therefore are not intended to
forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of the Company's stock
price.
(2) Options are exercisable in equal annual increments of 1/3 beginning
on the anniversary of the grant date.
32
55
(3) The exercise price per share of the options granted represented the
fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant.
No options were exercised by Mr. Lotan, Dr. Margalit, Dr. Rav-Noy or
Mr. Ahmad during 1996. The following table provides certain information
concerning unexercised options at December 31, 1996:
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
NUMBER OF SHARES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1996 (1)
------------------ ---------------------
Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
Noam Lotan 10,000 20,000 $133,300 $266,600
Ken Ahmad 100,000 50,000 $1,812,000 $906,000
- -----------
(1) Based on the difference between $21.75 per share (the last sale price
of the Common Stock on December 31, 1996 as reported on The Nasdaq
National Market) and the respective per share exercise price.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In March 1992, the Company entered into three-year employment
agreements with Mr. Lotan, Dr. Margalit and Dr. Rav-Noy, which in November 1994
were extended to March 1998. Pursuant to the agreements, Mr. Lotan serves as
President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company, Dr. Margalit
serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Technical Officer and
Secretary, and Dr. Rav-Noy serves as a Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer and a
Director. Mr. Lotan, Dr. Margalit and Dr. Rav-Noy receive base annual salaries
of $100,000, $110,000 and $110,000, respectively, and each is entitled to
receive a bonus determined and payable at the discretion of the Board of
Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board.
Recommendations with respect to bonus levels are based on achievement of
specified goals, such as new product introductions, profitability levels,
revenue goals, market expansion and other criteria as established by the
Compensation Committee.
Each officer also receives employee benefits, such as vacation, sick
pay and insurance, in accordance with the Company's policies which are
applicable to all employees. The Company has obtained, and is the beneficiary
of, key man life insurance policies in the amount of $1,000,000 on the lives of
each of Drs. Margalit and Rav-Noy and Mr. Lotan. All benefits under these
policies will be payable to the Company upon the death of an insured. In
November 1994, each of Mr. Lotan and Drs. Margalit and Rav-Noy agreed to extend
the terms of their respective employment agreement until March 1998.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
On March 27, 1992, the Board of Directors and stockholders of the
Company adopted the Plan, which provides for the grant to employees, officers,
directors and consultants of options to purchase up to 900,000 shares of Common
Stock, consisting of both "incentive stock options" within the meaning of
Section 422 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and non-qualified options. Incentive stock options are issuable only to
employees of the Company, while non-qualified options may be issued to
non-employee directors, consultants and others, as well as to employees of the
Company. The Board increased the Plan by 900,000 shares in February 1995, which
was approved by stockholders in June 1995 and in May 1996 increased the Plan by
150,000 shares, which was approved by stockholders in July 1996.
Under the Plan, the Compensation Committee has the authority to
determine the persons to whom options will be granted, the number of shares to
be covered by each option, whether the options granted are intended to be
incentive stock options, the duration and rate of exercise of each option, the
option price per share, the manner of exercise and the time, manner and form of
payment upon exercise of an option.
33
56
The exercise price per share of Common Stock subject to incentive
stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on
the date the option is granted. The exercise price per share of Common Stock
subject to non-qualified options will be established by the Board of Directors.
The aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date the option is
granted) of the Common Stock that any employee may purchase in any calendar year
pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options may not exceed $100,000. No
person who owns, directly or indirectly, at the time of the granting of an
incentive stock option to him, more than 10% of the total combined voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company shall be eligible to receive any
incentive stock options under the Plan unless the exercise price is at least
110% of grant. Non-qualified options are not subject to this limitation.
No incentive stock option may be transferred by an optionee other
than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and, during the lifetime of
an optionee, the option will be exercisable only by the optionee. In the event
of termination of employment other than by death or disability, the optionee
will have three months after such termination or until the expiration of such
option, whichever occurs first, to exercise the option. Upon termination of
employment of an optionee by reason of death or permanent total disability,
options remain exercisable for one year thereafter or until the expiration of
such option, whichever occurs first, to the extent they were exercisable on the
date of such termination. No similar limitation applies to non-qualified
options.
Stock options under the Plan must be granted within 10 years from the
effective date of the Plan. Incentive stock options granted under the Plan
cannot be exercised more than 10 years from the date of grant, except that
incentive stock options issued to 10% or greater stockholders are limited to
five year terms. All options granted under the Plan provide for the payment of
the exercise price in cash or by delivery to the Company of shares of Common
Stock already owned by the optionee having a fair market value equal to the
exercise price of the options being exercised, or by a combination of such
methods of payment. Therefore, an optionee may be able to tender shares of
Common Stock to purchase additional shares of Common Stock and may theoretically
exercise all of his stock options without making any additional cash investment.
Any unexercised options that expire or that terminate upon an
employee's ceasing to be employed with the Company become available once again
for issuance. At April 4, 1997, options for approximately 1,518,000 shares were
outstanding under the Plan and approximately 74,000 were reserved thereunder for
options available for future grant.
LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation includes a provision that
eliminates or limits the personal financial liability of the Company's
directors, except in situations where there has been a breach of the director's
duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, acts or omissions not in
good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law, liability under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
("Section 174") relative to unlawful payment of dividends, stock purchases or
redemptions, or any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. Furthermore, Section 174 eliminates monetary liability for
gross negligence in exercising the duty of due care related to the directors'
fiduciary duties under state corporate law, however, such section does not
eliminate monetary liability of directors under the federal Securities laws. In
addition, the Company's Bylaws include provisions to indemnify its officers and
directors and other persons against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement in connection with threatened, pending or completed suits or
proceedings against such persons by reason of serving or having served as
officers, directors or in other capacities, except that in relation to matters
with respect to which such persons shall be determined to be liable for
misconduct or negligence in the performance of their duties, the Company's
Bylaws provide for indemnification only to the extent that the Company
determines that such person acted in good faith and in a manner not opposed to
the best interests of the Company. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers
or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the
Company has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against the public policy as expressed in the
Act and is therefore unenforceable.
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57
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of April 4, 1997, of (i) each
person known by the Company to own beneficially 5% or more of the Common Stock,
(ii) each current director of the Company, (iii) each of the Named Executive
Officers , and (iv) all current directors and executive officers as a group.
COMMON STOCK
-----------------------------------
NAME AND ADDRESS(1) OF BENEFICIAL
OWNER(2) OR IDENTITY OF GROUP NUMBER PERCENT
- ----------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------
Shlomo Margalit 2,048,930 9.5%
Zeev Rav-Noy 1,976,930 9.1%
Noam Lotan(3) 975,937 4.5%
Ken Ahmad (4) 294,464 1.4%
Leonard Mautner 61,850 *
1434 Sixth Street, Suite 10
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Milton Rosenberg (5) 52,710 *
10975 Torreyana Road, Suite 304
San Diego, CA 92121
All executive officers and directors 5,469,821 25.1%
as a group (8 persons)(6)
- ----------
* Less than 1%
(1) Except as otherwise set forth in the table, the address of each of
the person listed is c/o MRV Communications, Inc., 8917 Fullbright
Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311.
(2) Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
shares of Common Stock that an individual or group has a right to
acquire within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options or
warrants are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing
the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but are not
deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of any other person shown in the table.
(3) Includes 10,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options exercisable
within 60 days from March 25, 1997.
(4) Includes 100,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options
exercisable within 60 days from March 25, 1997.
(5) Includes 24,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options exercisable
within 60 days from March 25, 1997.
(6) Includes 193,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options
exercisable within 60 days from March 25, 1997.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Not applicable.
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PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) The financial statements filed as part of this Report are
referred to in Item 8 of this Report.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
The information required by the applicable financial statement
schedules has been disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and notes
thereto and, accordingly, the schedules have been omitted.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
The Company filed reports on Form 8-K and 8-K/A with the Commission
on October 10, 1996 and December 9, 1996, respectively. The Company's Report on
Form 8-K (the "8-K") reported Items 2 and 7 and contained the following
financial statements:
Fibronics Ltd. Group, Combined Financial Statements, as of December 31,
1995, including:
Independent Auditors' Report
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1995
and 1994
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1995
and 1994 Notes to the Combined Financial Statements
The Company's Report on Form 8-K/A supplemented the 8-K and contained
the following financial statements of Fibronics Ltd Group:
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993
Notes to the Combined Financial Statements
Unaudited Combined Balance Sheet at September 25, 1996
Unaudited Statement of Operations Nine Months ended September
30, 1996
Unaudited Statement of Cash Flows Nine Months ended September
30, 1996
Notes to Unaudited Combined Financial Statements
and the following Pro Forma Financial Information
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations for the year
ended December 31, 1995
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations for the Nine
Months ended September 30, 1996(c) Exhibits.
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The following exhibits are filed as part of this Report:
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- ------------
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between MRV Technologies, Inc.
(a California corporation) and MRV Technologies, Inc. (a Delaware
corporation), as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2a
filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 33-48003)).
2.2 Certificate of Merger by and between MRV Technologies, Inc. (a
California corporation) and MRV Technologies, Inc. (a Delaware
corporation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2b filed as
part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-48003)).
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3a filed as part of Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)).
3.2 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation filed
with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 20, 1996.
3.3 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation filed
with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 29, 1996.
3.4 Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3b filed as part of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-48003)).
10.1 Form of Underwriter's Warrant issued to Hampshire Securities
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4f filed as part of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-86516)).
10.2 Lease for premises at 8917 Fullbright Avenue, Chatsworth, CA dated
August 5, 1991 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10a filed as
part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-48003)).
10.3 Lease for premises at 8943 Fullbright Avenue, Chatsworth, CA dated
March 3, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10a(1) filed
as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 33-48003)).
10.4 Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Noam Lotan dated
March 23, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(1) filed
as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 33-48003)).
10.5 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and
Noam Lotan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(1)1 filed as
part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-48003)).
10.6 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and
Noam Lotan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(1)2 filed as
part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-48003)).
10.7 Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Zeev Rav-Noy dated
March 23, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(2) filed
as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 33-48003)).
10.8 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and
Zeev Rav-Noy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(2) filed as
part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-48003)).
10.9 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and
Zeev Rav-Noy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(2) filed as
part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-48003)).
10.10 Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Shlomo Margalit
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(3) filed as part of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-48003)).
10.11 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and
Shlomo Margalit (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(3)1
filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 33-48003)).
10.12 Form of Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company
and Shlomo Margalit (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(3)2
filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 33-48003)).
10.13 Employment Letter between the Company and Khalid (Ken) Ahmad dated
August 8, 1990 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(4) filed
as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 33-48003)).
10.14 Form of Warrant issued in connection with Bridge Financing and to
certain consultants (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10c(2)
filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(File No. 33-48003)).
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60
10.15 License Agreement between the Company and Laser Precision
Corporation dated December 13, 1990 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 101(1) filed as part of Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)).
10.16 Form of Distributor Agreement (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10m filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)).
10.17 Form of Sales Representative Agreement (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10n filed as part of Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)).
10.18 Form of Warrant issued to Managerial Resources, Inc. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10o filed as part of Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003))
10.19 Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Assets of ACE dated June 29,
1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1 & 2.1a of
Registrant's Report on Form 8-K (0-23452) dated June 29, 1995,
with respect to the ACE Acquisition).
10.20 Agreement for Purchase of Galcom Assets dated March 21, 1995
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1 and 2.1a of
Registrant's Report on Form 8-K (0-23452) dated May 1, 1995, with
respect to the Galcom Acquisition).
10.21 MRV Communications Inc. Incentive Plan for Grant of Warrants to
Employees Subsidiaries.
10.22 Asset Purchase Agreement dated September 26, 1996 between the
Company, Elbit Ltd and certain of its Fibronics subsidiaries
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1 of Registrant's
Report on Form 8-K (0-23452), dated October 9, 1996 with respect
to the Fibronics Acquisition).
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61
10.22.1 First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 13, 1997
between Elbit Ltd. and Registrant.
10.23 Standard Industrial/Commercial Single-Tenant Lease dated
October 8, 1996 between the Company and Nordhoff Development
relating to the premises located at 20415 Nordhoff Street,
Chatsworth, California.
10.24 Form of Debenture (aggregating $30,000,000 principal amount)
issued in private placement completed in September 1996.
10.25 Form of Warrants (aggregating 600,000) issued in private placement
completed in September 1996.
10.26 Form of Registration Rights Agreement entered into with investors
in private placement completed in September 1996.
10.27 Common Stock Purchase Agreement dated November 26, 1996 between
the Company and Intel Corporation.
10.28 Investor Agreement dated November 26, 1996 between the Company and
Intel Corporation.
10.29 Warrant to Purchase 300,000 shares of Common Stock in favor of
Intel Corporation.
10.30 Warrant to Purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock in favor of
Intel Corporation.
10.31 Warrant to Purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock in favor of
Intel Corporation.
11 Statement regarding computation of per share earnings (not
required due to Registrant's net loss for the year covered by this
report).
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to incorporation of Report on
Financial Statements into Company's Form S-8 (File No. 33- 96458)
and Form S-3 (File No. 333-17537).
25 Power of Attorney (contained on Signature Page).
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62
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (the "Exchange Act"), the Registrant caused this Report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chatsworth,
State of California, on April 14, 1997
MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
By: /s/ NOAM LOTAN
------------------------------------
Noam Lotan, President and
Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes an appoints Noam Lotan, Zeev Rav-Noy and Edmund
Glazer, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents,
with full power of substitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign any
and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with
all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith,
as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of
them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.
Names Title Date
----- ----- ----
/s/ NOAM LOTAN
- --------------------------------- President, Chief Executive Officer (Principal
Noam Lotan Executive Officer), and a Director April 14, 1997
/s/ ZEEV RAV-NOY
- --------------------------------- Chief Operating Officer,
Zeev Rav-Noy Treasurer, and a Director April 14, 1997
/s/ SHLOMO MARGALIT Chairman of the Board, Chief Technical
- --------------------------------- Officer, Secretary, and a Director
Shlomo Margalit April 14, 1997
/s/ EDMUND GLAZER Vice President of Finance and
- --------------------------------- Administration, Chief Financial Officer
Edmund Glazer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) April 14, 1997
/s/ LEONARD MAUTNER
- ---------------------------------
Leonard Mautner Director April 14, 1997
/s/ MILTON ROSENBERG
- ---------------------------------
Milton Rosenberg Director April 14, 1997
40