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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
[X] EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 28, 1999 COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-12867
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
[ ] EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
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3COM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 94-2605794
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
5400 BAYFRONT PLAZA
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA 95052
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE (408) 326-5000
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE.
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS
REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934 DURING THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAT THE
REGISTRANT WAS REQUIRED TO FILE SUCH REPORTS), AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO
SUCH FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS. YES XX NO
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INDICATE BY CHECK MARK IF DISCLOSURE OF DELINQUENT FILERS PURSUANT TO ITEM
405 OF REGULATION S-K IS NOT CONTAINED HEREIN, AND WILL NOT BE CONTAINED, TO
THE BEST OF REGISTRANT'S KNOWLEDGE, IN DEFINITIVE PROXY OR INFORMATION
STATEMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN PART III OF THIS FORM 10-K OR ANY
AMENDMENT TO THIS FORM 10-K. [ X ]
THE AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK HELD BY
NON-AFFILIATES, BASED UPON THE CLOSING PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK ON JULY 26,
1999, AS REPORTED BY THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET, WAS APPROXIMATELY
$8,489,738,000. SHARES OF COMMON STOCK HELD BY EACH EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND
DIRECTOR AND BY EACH PERSON WHO OWNS 5% OR MORE OF THE OUTSTANDING COMMON
STOCK, BASED ON SCHEDULE 13G FILINGS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED SINCE SUCH PERSONS
MAY BE DEEMED AFFILIATES. THIS DETERMINATION OF AFFILIATE STATUS IS NOT
NECESSARILY A CONCLUSIVE DETERMINATION FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
AS OF JULY 26, 1999, 352,040,006 SHARES OF THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK WERE
OUTSTANDING.
THE REGISTRANT'S DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 23, 1999 IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN
PART III OF THIS FORM 10-K TO THE EXTENT STATED HEREIN.
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3COM CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MAY 28, 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I PAGE
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Item 1. Business....................................................................................1
Item 2. Properties..................................................................................8
Item 3. Legal Proceedings...........................................................................9
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........................................11
Executive Officers of 3Com Corporation .....................................................11
PART II
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Item 5. Market for 3Com Corporation's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters..................14
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.....................................................................15
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations............................................................................16
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk..................................33
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................................................34
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure...............................................................................62
PART III
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Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of 3Com Corporation........................................62
Item 11. Executive Compensation......................................................................62
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management..............................62
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..............................................62
PART IV
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Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K.............................62
Exhibit Index...............................................................................63
Signatures..................................................................................65
Financial Statement Schedule................................................................S-1
3Com, CoreBuilder, DynamicACCESS, EtherLink, Graffiti, NBX, NETBuilder,
OfficeConnect, Palm Computing, Parallel Tasking, SuperStack, Total Control,
Transcend, and U.S. Robotics are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation or
its subsidiaries. AirConnect, HomeConnect, Palm, Palm III, Palm IIIx, Palm V,
Palm VII, Palm OS, Palm.Net, PathBuilder, and x2 are trademarks of 3Com
Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other product and brand names may be
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
i
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements include those
concerning the following: expected price erosion; plans to make acquisitions
or strategic investments; expectations of progress toward the long-term
financial model; expectation of a shift to personal computer (PC) original
equipment manufacturer (OEM) distribution for certain products; future sales
from moderate growth and high growth/emerging markets; future financial
results; and expectations of Year 2000 readiness.
The forward-looking statements of 3Com Corporation are subject to risks and
uncertainties. Some of the factors that could cause future results to
materially differ from 3Com's recent results or those projected in the
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, management of the
transition of our sales base from mature to higher growth markets,
significant increases or decreases in demand for our products, increased
competition, lower prices and margins, failure to successfully develop and
market new products and technologies, competitors introducing superior
products, continued industry consolidation, failure to effectively manage
sales of our products through distributors, resellers and OEMs, failure to
secure supply of key component parts, loss of a significant customer,
instability and currency fluctuations in international markets, failure to
fulfill product orders in a timely and effective manner, product defects,
failure to secure intellectual property rights, results of litigation, and
failure to retain and recruit key employees. For a more detailed discussion
of certain risks associated with 3Com's business, see the "Business
Environment and Industry Trends" and "Company-Specific Trends and Risks"
sections of this Form 10-K. 3Com undertakes no obligation to update
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after
the date of this Form 10-K.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
3Com Corporation was founded on June 4, 1979. A pioneer in the computer
networking industry, we have evolved from a supplier of discrete networking
products to a leading provider of broad-based networking systems and services
that connect people and organizations to information across both local area
networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), including the Internet. Our
products include switches, hubs, remote access systems, routers, network
management software, network interface cards (NICs), modems and handheld
computers.
We believe the future direction of our industry is being driven primarily by
three trends that we believe will create significant new opportunities for us:
- - an increasing demand for information delivered through the Internet and
corporate intranets;
- - the need for information to be accessible wherever people are - at work, in
the home, while on the move - making technologies such as wireless access
more important; and
- - a shift of emphasis from parallel networks - separate data, voice and video
infrastructures running side by side - to converged networks that integrate
all communications onto a single data infrastructure.
To capitalize on these opportunities, our strategy is focused on the changing
networking needs of users. These include the need for simple, reliable
convergence-ready solutions that customize network access and service for
individuals. In addition, to improve the user's access to information through
the Internet or a corporate network, networking products must take into
account individual user's preferences, needs, and service requirements. We
believe that for networking to become pervasive and extend from the workplace
into other locations, networks and network access products must address these
requirements. 3Com will continue to advocate and implement network solutions
that address these needs.
We are also focused on incorporating intelligence into the network. For
convergence to be successfully implemented, equipment throughout the network
must be capable of performing in an intelligent fashion, routing network
traffic based on both pre-established priorities and the particular needs of
the individual network user. This intelligence must be concentrated at the
edge and access points of the network. For example, a network carrying voice,
video and data traffic must be able to distinguish between a telephone
handset and a desktop computer and deliver the appropriate form of
information to each.
1
Our principal competitive advantages include the depth and breadth of our
product lines, our volume manufacturing capability, brand recognition,
channels of distribution and our focus on making networking easier for users.
We believe 3Com's strong brand recognition in key markets such as NICs,
analog modems, handheld computing products, switches, hubs and remote access
concentrators is transferable to other product and technology markets, such
as home networking, wireless access products, broadband cable and digital
subscriber line (DSL) modems, and Internet appliances. Our low-cost
manufacturing, worldwide presence, strong indirect distribution channel and
comprehensive customer service and support capabilities allow us to extend
the reach, scope and performance of networking.
Since the early 1990s, 3Com has pursued a course of strategic acquisitions
and alliances to expand our technologies, product offerings and distribution
capabilities. In fiscal 1999, we acquired four companies and entered into a
joint venture to further our position in key markets and technologies:
- - The acquisition of EuPhonics, Inc. (EuPhonics) enabled us to integrate
high-quality sound capabilities in desktop and mobile modems and NICs to
leverage new communications technologies such as voice over Internet
protocol (VoIP) and streaming multimedia.
- - The acquisition of Smartcode Technologie SARL (Smartcode) added advanced
wireless communications capabilities to the Palm Computing-Registered
Trademark- platform to address the fast-growing market for mobile
information appliances such as cellular telephones, messaging devices,
data communicators and smart phones.
- - The acquisition of certain assets of ICS Networking, Inc. (ICS) added
silicon design technology and intellectual property that we can use to
significantly reduce development time and lower production costs of
semiconductor chips for a broad range of current and future products.
- - The acquisition of NBX Corporation (NBX) further accelerated our
development and deployment of converged network solutions, products and
services with Internet protocol (IP)-based telephony systems that integrate
voice and data communications over small business LANs and WANs.
- - 3Com entered into a joint venture named ADMtek, Inc. (ADMtek) to gain
access to specific silicon design technology and expertise.
During fiscal 1999, we expanded our strategic relationship with Siemens AG to
include a worldwide joint selling agreement in the large enterprise and
solutions provider markets. The strategic alliance may consider joint
development of voice-related enterprise and carrier solutions. In light of
the current strategic relationship, the two companies will not proceed with a
previously announced joint venture.
In fiscal 1999, we also formed a strategic alliance with Microsoft
Corporation to accelerate deployment of a new generation of converged
networks and solutions. Under this alliance, we are collaborating with
Microsoft to develop and market simple-to-use converged networking products
across a variety of markets for both business and personal use, including
co-developed and co-branded home networking products. The efforts will
further integrate the Microsoft Windows operating system within 3Com's
product lines, including managed network services for carriers.
INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION
3Com operates primarily in the networking industry. Our principal operating
segments within this industry are the following: Network Systems, Personal
Connectivity, and Handheld Computing.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
3Com offers a broad range of products, which are grouped into three general
categories: Network Systems Products, Personal Connectivity Products and
Handheld Computing products. We enhance the value of these products through
our Customer Service and Support offerings.
2
NETWORK SYSTEMS PRODUCTS
3Com's network systems products comprise the key components of a LAN and
provide access capabilities across a WAN. Our network systems products can be
categorized in the following areas:
- LAN Switches
- LAN Hubs
- Multiprotocol Routers and Tunnel Switches
- Access Routers and Remote Access Servers
- Multiservice Access Platforms (Remote Access Concentrators)
- LAN Telephony Products
- WAN Access Switches
- Network Management Products
LAN SWITCHES: In business environments where the network connects hundreds or
thousands of users, 3Com-Registered Trademark- switches create direct
connections to the server or desktop PC, enabling cost-effective, high-speed
links between multiple network segments. Switches also provide additional
bandwidth to help businesses maximize productivity and support growing
organizations. 3Com switches are available in either chassis (one box) or
stackable (i.e., additional capacity added with additional boxes) form
factors and support the industry's migration to higher speed switching
technologies such as Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet.
3Com offers a variety of switches for the requirements of any organization.
Our OfficeConnect-Registered Trademark- Ethernet/Fast Ethernet switches
combine simplicity of design, installation and operation with advanced
functionality and outstanding speed at a low cost. Our award-winning
SuperStack-Registered Trademark- II switches include multiple products, each
with appropriate port, media and connectivity specifications to meet the
needs of the network at the workgroup, data center or backbone level. To meet
the requirements of the enterprise LAN backbone for high-density
connectivity, scalable capacity, reliability and network control, we offer
the CoreBuilder-Registered Trademark- family of high-bandwidth multi service
switches.
LAN HUBS: Hubs act as concentrators of network traffic generated from the
desktop PC and define specific network segments, relaying the traffic either
within the workgroup or onto the network backbone. Unlike switches, each
desktop connected through a hub shares the total available bandwidth of the
hub with other users. Their relatively low cost per port, manageability and
ease of use make hubs a popular choice for workgroup connectivity in any
enterprise environment. Multiple hubs are frequently connected to a switch to
segment the network and improve overall performance.
3Com offers a full range of hubs for customers of all sizes. For the small
office or branch office, OfficeConnect Ethernet and Fast Ethernet hubs offer
simple, plug and play connectivity. Our SuperStack II hubs offer a range of
options for small, medium and large enterprises, including entry-level hubs
for small and medium-sized offices and flexible, mixed Ethernet, Fast
Ethernet, and Token Ring workgroup hubs and Gigabit Ethernet workgroup hubs
for small to large-sized LANs.
MULTIPROTOCOL ROUTERS AND TUNNEL SWITCHES: Routers are protocol-dependent
devices that connect sub-networks together. We offer a variety of backbone
and remote office routers that facilitate enterprise internetworking. For
remote offices, SuperStack II NETBuilder-Registered Trademark- and
OfficeConnect NETBuilder routers provide scalable, multi-protocol links to
remote branch offices of any size. For companies deploying extranets, we
offer product bundles, which include the SuperStack II NETBuilder routers and
bridges and the OfficeConnect NETBuilder routers; these bundles facilitate
the deployment of virtual private networks (VPNs). VPNs support large-scale
access for suppliers, partners, customers and branch offices at a substantial
cost savings over traditional WAN access because they bypass the public
switched telephone network (PSTN) and go over the Internet.
ACCESS ROUTERS AND REMOTE ACCESS SERVERS: 3Com's access routers and remote
access servers leverage today's leading access technologies--dial-up 56
Kilobits per second (Kbps) V.90 and integrated services digital network
(ISDN) -- to give users the most cost-effective array of connectivity
choices. OfficeConnect remote access routers and SuperStack II remote access
servers offer high-performance remote access support in a stackable form
factor that provides scalable, economical remote access connectivity with
full functionality.
MULTISERVICE ACCESS PLATFORMS: These platforms bring the benefits of the
network to remote users, including telecommuters, Internet and on-line users,
corporate suppliers, and a host of other users that access the network from a
distance.
3
The Total Control-Registered Trademark- multiservice access platform is a
very high-density platform for carriers and enterprises that supports all
major analog and digital broadband technologies in a single chassis. Designed
for applications where network downtime must be minimized and remote user
performance maximized, the Total Control system offers hot-swappable modules,
dual redundant power supplies, standby modems, and a host of other
reliability features. Uses of this platform range from providing central site
or point of presence (POP) access to networks for Internet service providers,
on-line information services, interexchange carriers and corporations, to
transaction processing applications such as credit card verification.
Our Total Control VoIP solutions enable service providers to migrate
traditional PSTN voice traffic onto a highly scalable, redundant, and
resilient IP-telephony network. This carrier-class platform features a
three-tier architecture comprised of gateways, gatekeepers/signaling
controllers, and back-end servers for a fully fault-tolerant, industry
standards-based solution that enables carriers and service providers to
deliver new and enhanced services quickly and cost effectively.
LAN TELEPHONY PRODUCTS: 3Com LAN telephony products give businesses the
combination of simple, single-network economy and administration, and
powerful, standards-based feature sets that make network convergence a
reality. Our NBX-Registered Trademark- 100 communication system looks and
acts like a traditional business telephone system, yet it is an integrated,
Ethernet-based product that sends voice packets through the LAN or across the
WAN with excellent audio quality and the sturdy reliability of a
self-contained, non-PC-based unit.
WAN ACCESS SWITCHES: 3Com's PathBuilder-TM- family of WAN access switches
integrate diverse traffic onto a common wide area network, lowering costs and
facilitating the migration to converged networks. PathBuilder switches
implement high-density asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) edge applications,
including data, voice and video at the edge of the service provider's network
or at the core of the enterprise network.
NETWORK MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS: To augment our product offerings, we incorporate
innovative technology into a growing line of industry leading network
management applications which deliver complete, end-to-end management of 3Com
network systems for ease of configuration, efficient troubleshooting, and
superior performance. These products are marketed under the
Transcend-Registered Trademark- and DynamicACCESS-Registered Trademark- brand
names and include tools to monitor and manage network traffic performance and
security.
PERSONAL CONNECTIVITY PRODUCTS
3Com's range of personal connectivity products enable an individual user to
connect his or her computer to a LAN, such as a corporate network, or to the
Internet. These products include:
- Desktop Network Interface Cards (NICs)
- Desktop Modems
- PC Cards
DESKTOP NETWORK INTERFACE CARDS (NICS): NICs, also known as adapters, are
small printed circuit boards that allow network servers, personal computers,
and workstations to connect to the LAN. 3Com NICs provide complete solutions
for a full range of network applications and environments. We offer NICs for
Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Token Ring, fiber distributed data
interface (FDDI) and ATM connectivity, as well as with combined connectivity
to support the networking industry's migration from Ethernet to Fast Ethernet
to Gigabit Ethernet. We also offer chipsets with this functionality to PC
OEMs.
All 3Com NICs feature patented Parallel Tasking-Registered Trademark-
architecture, which improves network performance, and DynamicACCESS software,
which provides the NIC with intelligence to help optimize overall network
performance, management and control.
DESKTOP MODEMS: Modems provide access to the Internet, enterprise LANs and a
host of communications services including fax. Our modems support today's
leading access technologies, including 56 Kbps V.90, ISDN, DSL and
data-over-cable, to give users the most cost-effective array of connectivity
choices.
PC CARDS: Today, portable laptop computers have the processing power, storage
and displays that make them the primary computer for many users. For these
devices, 3Com offers PC Cards which provide connectivity specifically for
mobile computers. PC Cards are available in configurations for LAN access
(NICs), WAN access (modems) and combined LAN+WAN access (NIC and modem), as
well as for wireless and ISDN connectivity.
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HANDHELD COMPUTING PRODUCTS
3Com's handheld computing business consists of the Palm Computing line of
handheld devices, the Palm.Net-TM- service offering and the licensing of the
Palm Computing operating system. Palm-TM- devices work as companion products
to desktop and laptop computers, allowing information management both
remotely and on the desktop. Individuals use these devices to track a variety
of information from appointments and phone numbers to more specialized data,
such as patient records or construction specifications. In the enterprise
environment, these devices are used to enhance productivity. For example,
they allow mobile retrieval of critical data from corporate business
applications such as finance, manufacturing or sales automation systems. In
addition to the computing unit, Palm Computing products include a docking
cradle which is connected to the user's mobile or desktop computer to provide
automatic back-up and seamless synchronization of information between the
handheld device and the larger computer, thus ensuring that both systems have
the most current information. Palm products also include character
recognition software that allows users to add and edit information with a
stylus while away from the desktop computer keyboard.
Introduced on a trial basis in May 1999 and scheduled for national roll-out
in fiscal year 2000, the Palm VII-TM- handheld computer provides wireless
communications capabilities as well as personal information management
features. With its advanced wireless technology and integrated antenna, the
Palm VII product provides wireless access to the Internet through our
innovative "Web clipping" technology. Applications for the Palm VII have been
developed by leading Internet content providers such as ABC News, ESPN,
E*Trade, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo!, People Search, and many others. The
Palm VII device can also send and receive e-mail messages and, with the
appropriate applications and network configuration, can access data on
corporate intranets. 3Com delivers wireless Internet access service directly
to Palm VII product users for a monthly fee via the Palm.Net wireless
communication service.
The entire family of Palm handheld computers are based on the Palm Computing
operating system (OS), which is supported by over 17,000 independent software
developers producing a variety of applications, utilities and games for the
handheld products. We also license the Palm OS(TM) software to manufacturers
and developers of other handheld devices such as personal digital assistants,
bar code scanners, cellular phones and other communication devices.
NEW PRODUCTS
In fiscal 1999, we announced or delivered several new products and
enhancements to refresh our traditional product lines and to enter new
markets. These include:
NETWORK SYSTEMS PRODUCTS
- ATM, cell-based and Gigabit Ethernet, packet-based versions of our
CoreBuilder 9000 LAN core chassis switch
- VPN solutions, which incorporate our PathBuilder and NETBuilder
tunneling products and Total Control hub access products
- Total Control IP telephony system for carriers, based on a three-tier
architecture consisting of gatekeepers, back-end servers and gateways
- Total Control multi-access platform to support wireless access to
corporate VPNs for service providers running code division multiple
access (CDMA)-based data networks; as well as 64 Kbps wireless data
access speeds to service providers and their mobile subscribers
- NBX 100 Communications System for LAN telephony, combining voice and data
networks into one system
- Total Control cable modem termination system (CMTS) and network
management software for multi-service operators to use in
deploying bi-directional cable Internet access systems
- PathBuilder S400 WAN convergence switch, an all-in-one WAN system that
integrates VPNs, voice/data convergence and multi-protocol routing
- PathBuilder 200 voice access switch for adding voice to existing Frame
Relay and IP-based wide area data networks
5
PERSONAL CONNECTIVITY PRODUCTS
- U.S. Robotics-Registered Trademark- cable modem CMX, certified by
CableLabs for Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS)
standards
- DSL internal and external modems marketed under the 3Com, HomeConnect-TM-
and OfficeConnect brands
- HomeConnect portable digital PC camera
- LAN connectivity products including a Mini PC card for notebook computers
and the EtherLink-Registered Trademark- 10/100 PCI NIC that offloads key
networking tasks from Windows 2000 to the NIC's integrated processor
- AirConnect-TM- 11 Megabits per second (Mbps) wireless LANs for mobile
access to corporate networks from anywhere in the enterprise
HANDHELD COMPUTING PRODUCTS
- Four handheld computers including the Palm III-TM-, Palm IIIx-TM-,
Palm V-TM-, and wireless Palm VII devices
- The Palm.Net wireless communications services for Palm VII device
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT
3Com offers comprehensive worldwide service and support across all 3Com
product lines. Our customer services include design, installation and
maintenance on-site, by phone or across the Internet. Additionally, we
provide a wide variety of training services, including on-site training and
computer-based courses that allow customers to learn networking technologies
at their own pace. We also offer 3Com Knowledgebase, a web-based
customer-specific support system that gives customers and partners
up-to-the-minute technical information and networking solutions. All of our
Web services are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, simplifying
the management of multiple network locations across several time zones. This
on-line support system allows customers to specify exactly what they need,
communicate directly with technical support and receive information directly
at the desktop. We support our customers internationally from more than 140
different locations, including eight technical call centers communicating
with customers in more than 15 languages.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
3Com's research and development expenditures in fiscal years 1999, 1998 and
1997 were $635.8 million, $581.6 million and $502.5 million, respectively.
Our research and development expenditures span efforts to create new types of
products and classes of service as well as to expand and improve our current
product lines.
More recently, we are focusing a higher percentage of our research and
development investments in the following high-growth or emerging areas:
- Handheld Computing
- IP and LAN Telephony (VoIP and LAN Telephony)
- Broadband Access (primarily data-over-cable and DSL)
- Wireless Access
- Home Networking
We have a strong history of incorporating proprietary application specific
integrated circuits (ASICs) into our products to provide key functions, cost
efficiency and the capacity for future upgrades. Customers can benefit from
new technologies and enhanced capabilities through inexpensive, simple
software upgrades rather than expensive, disruptive hardware replacements. In
addition, ASICs facilitate higher density platforms - critical in certain
applications, such as high-speed Layer 3 switching - and are less costly to
manufacture. We incorporate ASIC technology into many of our products,
including NICs, switches, hubs, routers and remote access equipment. For
example, our recent acquisition of certain assets of ICS provides us with
silicon design technology and intellectual property that we can use to
significantly reduce development time and lower production costs of
semiconductor chips for our broad range of current and future products.
6
MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS
Our customers range from individual consumers of personal electronics to
large global corporations to communications services providers of all forms
and sizes. Business enterprise customers include companies in a wide variety
of industries, including finance, health care, manufacturing,
telecommunications, government, education, and retail.
Around the world, we serve our customers through both direct and indirect
sales channels. Our primary method of distribution is the indirect channel,
which includes systems integrators, value-added resellers (VARs), national
resellers and dealers, distributors, OEMs, and PC OEMs. 3Com fosters these
relationships with incentive and training programs that have earned special
recognition within the industry. Certain products, such as analog and
broadband modems, NICs, handheld computers, hubs and low-end switches are
also sold through electronics catalogs and retailers. Palm handheld computing
products are also sold on-line to customers through the Internet.
Our strong indirect channel presence enables customers to purchase 3Com
solutions through their preferred supplier. Our retail and reseller
distribution channels provide ready access to the wide array of 3Com products
and solutions on a worldwide basis. We also work directly with end users in
the large enterprise and carrier markets to establish long-term customer
relationships.
Our sales strategy encourages broad market coverage by allowing our sales
personnel to create demand for 3Com's products while giving customers the
flexibility to choose the most appropriate delivery channels. For the year
ended May 28, 1999, Ingram Micro Inc. and Tech Data Corporation accounted for
17 percent and 12 percent of our total sales, respectively. For the years
ended May 31, 1998 and 1997, Ingram Micro accounted for 14 percent and 13
percent of our total sales, respectively.
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
We market our products globally, primarily through subsidiaries, sales
offices and relationships with OEMs and distributors with local presence in
all significant global markets. Outside the U.S., we have significant
research and development groups in the UK, Ireland, France and Israel. We
have manufacturing facilities in Ireland and Singapore. We maintain sales
offices in 49 countries outside the U.S.
BACKLOG
3Com manufactures its products based upon its forecast of worldwide customer
demand and builds finished products in advance of receiving firm orders from
its customers. Orders are generally placed by the customer on an as-needed
basis and products are usually shipped within one to four weeks after receipt
of an order. Orders generally may be canceled or rescheduled by the customer
without significant penalty. Accordingly, we do not maintain a substantial
backlog, and backlog as of any particular date is not indicative of 3Com's
future sales.
MANUFACTURING
We use a combination of in-house manufacturing and independent contract
manufacturers to produce our products. 3Com operates manufacturing facilities
in Santa Clara, California; Mount Prospect and Rolling Meadows, Illinois;
Marlborough, Massachusetts; Salt Lake City, Utah; Blanchardstown, Ireland;
and Changi, Republic of Singapore. Purchasing, mechanical assembly, burn-in,
testing, final assembly, and quality assurance functions are performed at all
of these facilities.
COMPETITION
3Com's competitors range from large telecommunications equipment companies
and well-capitalized computer systems and communications companies, to
start-up companies focused on certain niches of the networking market.
7
The network systems market is characterized by a few broad-based suppliers
offering multiple product lines as well as several companies with specialized
product offerings. Principal competitors in the network systems market
include Alcatel, Cisco Systems, Intel, Lucent Technologies, Motorola, Nortel
Networks and Siemens.
Competitors in the personal connectivity market include Boca Research,
Conexant Systems (formerly Rockwell), D-Link, Diamond Multimedia, Intel,
Lucent Technologies and Xircom. In addition, 3Com expects increasing
competition from companies, including Intel, who could potentially
incorporate networking, communications, and other computer processing
functions onto a single chip. In the emerging broadband cable and DSL modem
market, 3Com's competitors include Alcatel, Cisco Systems, Com21, General
Instruments, Motorola, Nortel Networks, RCA, and Sony Corporation.
In the handheld computing market, our competition includes both device
manufacturers and companies that license competing operating systems to those
manufacturers. Competitive device manufacturers in this market include Casio,
Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Olivetti, Phillips, Psion and Sharp. Competitors who
license their operating system to hardware manufacturers of handheld
computers include Microsoft Corporation and Symbian (the joint venture of
Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia and Psion).
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND RELATED MATTERS
The quality of 3Com's innovation is reflected in a substantial portfolio of
patents covering a wide variety of networking technologies. This ownership of
core networking technologies creates opportunities to leverage our
engineering investments and develop more integrated products for simpler,
more powerful and more innovative networking solutions for customers.
3Com relies on U.S. and foreign patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade
secrets, to establish and maintain proprietary rights in our technology and
products. We have an active program to file applications for and obtain
patents in the U.S. and in selected foreign countries where a potential
market for our products exists. Our general policy has been to seek patent
protection for those inventions and improvements likely to be incorporated in
our products or that we otherwise expect to be valuable. As of May 28, 1999,
we had 228 U.S. patents (including 214 utility patents and 14 design patents)
and 60 foreign patents. During fiscal 1999, 3Com filed 429 patent
applications in the U.S. Numerous patent applications are currently pending
in the U.S. and other countries that relate to our research and development.
3Com also has patent cross license agreements with other companies.
3Com has registered 98 trademarks in the U.S. and has registered 64
trademarks in one or more of 75 foreign countries. Numerous applications for
registration of domestic and foreign trademarks are currently pending.
EMPLOYEES
As of May 28, 1999, 3Com had 13,027 full time employees, of whom 3,184 were
employed in engineering, 4,141 in sales, marketing and customer service,
3,465 in manufacturing and 2,237 in finance and administration. Our employees
are not represented by a labor organization, and we consider our employee
relations to be satisfactory.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
3Com operates in a number of locations worldwide. In fiscal 1999, we had
several significant real estate activities.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, we leased a new 540,000 square foot
office complex in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The new campus consolidates
general administration, research and development and manufacturing operations
formerly conducted in five separate facilities. The site will support
expansion of approximately 660,000 square feet to accommodate future growth.
The lease expires in August 2002, with an option to extend the lease term for
two successive periods of five years each. We have an option to purchase the
property for $86.0 million, or at the end of the lease arrange for the sale
of the property to a third party with 3Com retaining an obligation to the
owner for the difference between the sale price and $86.0 million, subject to
certain provisions of the lease.
8
During the third quarter of fiscal 1999, we leased three additional buildings
totaling approximately 300,000 square feet at our Santa Clara, California
headquarters site. The lease expires in August 2002, with an option to extend
the lease term for two successive periods of five years each. We have an
option to purchase the property for $83.6 million, or at the end of the lease
arrange for the sale of the property to a third party with 3Com retaining an
obligation to the owner for the difference between the sale price and $83.6
million, subject to certain provisions of the lease.
During the second quarter of fiscal 1999, we recognized a gain of $4.2
million following the resolution of certain contingencies associated with the
sale of a 33 acre parcel near 3Com's Santa Clara headquarters in fiscal 1998.
This was in addition to a gain of $15.8 million recognized during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1998. 3Com retained an adjacent 39-acre parcel of land for
future development of potentially 1.6 million square feet.
We completed the expansion of our Rolling Meadows, Illinois facility during
the first quarter of fiscal 1999 and consolidated the operations of several
Chicago area sites into this 510,000 square foot building. We purchased this
40 acre site for $38.3 million in fiscal 1998. This site can support future
development of up to 1.1 million additional square feet.
3Com's primary locations include the following:
Location Sq. Ft. Owned/Leased Primary Use
-------- ------- ------------ -----------
United States - 1,352,000 Leased Corporate headquarters, office, customer service,
San Francisco research and development, manufacturing,
Bay Area (1) distribution and computer center
120,000 Owned Office and customer service
United States - 1,149,000 Owned Office, research and development, customer service
Chicago Area and manufacturing
443,000 Owned Property vacant; held for sale
United States - 615,000 Leased Office, research and development, customer service,
Boston Area manufacturing and distribution
United States - 341,000 Owned Office, research and development and manufacturing
Salt Lake City
Asia Pacific - 333,000 Leased Office, manufacturing and distribution
Singapore
Europe - 307,000 Owned Office, research and development and manufacturing
Ireland
Europe - 230,000 Owned Office, research and development and customer
UK service
60,000 Leased Office
(1) 3Com also owns approximately 39 acres of land in the San Francisco
Bay Area for future development.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are a party to lawsuits in the normal course of our business. Litigation
in general, and intellectual property and securities litigation in
particular, can be expensive and disruptive to normal business operations.
Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict.
We believe that we have defenses in each of the cases set forth below and are
vigorously contesting each of these matters. An unfavorable resolution of one
or more of the following lawsuits could adversely affect our business,
results of operations or financial condition.
9
SECURITIES LITIGATION
On March 24 and May 5, 1997, securities class action lawsuits, captioned
HIRSCH V. 3COM CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. CV764977 (HIRSCH), and
KRAVITZ V. 3COM CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. CV765962 (KRAVITZ),
respectively, were filed against 3Com and certain of its officers and
directors in the California Superior Court, Santa Clara County. The
complaints allege violations of Sections 25400 and 25500 of the California
Corporations Code and seek unspecified damages on behalf of a purported class
of purchasers of 3Com common stock during the period from September 24, 1996
through February 10, 1997. The actions are in discovery. No trial date has
been set.
On February 10, 1998, a securities class action, captioned EUREDJIAN V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. C-98-00508CRB (EUREDJIAN), was filed
against 3Com and several of its present and former officers and directors in
United States District Court for the Northern District of California
asserting the same class period and factual allegations as the HIRSCH and
KRAVITZ actions. The complaint alleges violations of the federal securities
laws, specifically Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, and seeks unspecified damages. The plaintiffs have filed an amended
complaint. 3Com has filed an answer to the amended complaint. No trial date
has been set.
In December 1997, a securities class action, captioned REIVER V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. C-97-21083JW (REIVER), was filed in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Several
similar actions have been consolidated into this action, including FLORIDA
STATE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION AND TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF LOUISIANA V.
3COM CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. C-98-1355. On August 17, 1998, the
plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint which alleges violations of
the federal securities laws, specifically Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and which seeks unspecified damages on
behalf of a purported class of purchasers of 3Com common stock during the
period from April 23, 1997 through November 5, 1997. In July 1999, the court
dismissed the complaint and granted the plaintiffs the right to file an
amended complaint.
In October 1998, a securities class action lawsuit, captioned ADLER V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. CV777368 (ADLER), was filed against
3Com and certain of its officers and directors in the California Superior
Court, Santa Clara County, asserting the same class period and factual
allegations as the REIVER action. The complaint alleges violations of
Sections 25400 and 25500 of the California Corporations Code and seeks
unspecified damages. The action is in discovery. No trial date has been set.
In January 1998, two purported shareholder complaints relating to 3Com's June
1997 merger with U.S. Robotics, captioned STANLEY GROSSMAN V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. CV771335, and JASON V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. CV771713, were filed in California
Superior Court, Santa Clara County. The actions alleged that 3Com, several of
its officers and directors, and several former U.S. Robotics officers
violated Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 by making alleged
misrepresentations and omissions in a May 8, 1997 registration statement. The
complaints sought damages in an unspecified amount on behalf of a purported
class of persons who received 3Com stock during the merger pursuant to the
registration statement. On September 25, 1998, the Delaware Chancery Court
issued an injunction preventing the plaintiffs from proceeding with these
actions, finding that the plaintiffs' claims are barred by a settlement in a
prior action. On March 15, 1999, the Delaware Chancery Court issued an order
denying a motion by the plaintiffs to set aside the settlement in the prior
action. Pursuant to these rulings, these actions have been dismissed by the
California court.
In February 1998, a shareholder derivative action purportedly on behalf of
3Com, captioned, WASSERMAN V. BENHAMOU, ET AL., Civil Action No. 16200-NC,
was filed in Delaware Chancery Court. The complaint alleged that 3Com's
directors breached their fiduciary duties to 3Com by engaging in alleged
wrongful conduct from mid-1996 through November 1997, including the conduct
complained of in the securities litigation described above. 3Com was named
solely as a nominal defendant, against whom the plaintiff sought no recovery.
This action has been dismissed by the court.
In October 1998, two shareholder derivative actions purportedly on behalf of
3Com, captioned SHAEV V. BARKSDALE, ET AL., Civil Action No. 16721-NC, and
BLUM V. BARKSDALE, ET AL., Civil Action No. 16733-NC, were filed in Delaware
Chancery Court. The complaints allege that 3Com's directors breached their
fiduciary duties to 3Com through the issuance of and disclosures concerning
director stock options. 3Com is named solely as a nominal defendant, against
whom the plaintiffs seek no recovery. 3Com and the individual defendants have
filed a motion to dismiss these actions.
10
On May 11, 1999, a securities class action, captioned GAYLINN V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. C-99-2185 MMC (GAYLINN), was filed
against 3Com and several of its present and former officers and directors in
United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Soon
thereafter, a number of additional complaints were filed in the Northern
District of California containing factual allegations similar to that in
GAYLINN. The GAYLINN complaint alleges violations of the federal securities
laws, specifically Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, and seeks unspecified damages on behalf of a purported class of
purchasers of 3Com common stock during the period from September 22, 1998
through March 2, 1999. The actions are in the process of being consolidated.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION
On April 28, 1997, Xerox Corporation filed suit against U.S. Robotics
Corporation and U.S. Robotics Access Corp. in the United States District
Court for the Western District of New York. The case is now captioned:
XEROX CORPORATION V. U.S. ROBOTICS CORPORATION, U.S. ROBOTICS ACCESS CORP.,
PALM COMPUTING, INC. AND 3COM CORPORATION, Civil Action No. 97-CV-6182T. The
complaint alleges willful infringement of a United States patent relating to
computerized interpretation of handwriting. The complaint further seeks for
unspecified damages and injunctive relief. Xerox has asserted that
Graffiti-Registered Trademark- software and certain products of Palm
Computing, Inc. infringe the patent. On June 25, 1999, the Court stayed the
action pending reexamination of the patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office.
CONSUMER LITIGATION
A consumer class action pending against 3Com and U.S. Robotics in the
California Superior Court, Marin County, BENDALL, ET AL. V. U.S. ROBOTICS
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. 170441, arising out of the purchase of
x2-TM- products and products upgradeable to x2 technology, was coordinated
with a previously filed individual action in the California Superior Court,
San Francisco County, INTERVENTION INC. V. U.S. ROBOTICS CORPORATION, Civil
Action No. 984352. The Coordination Proceeding (Case number CV769903) is
pending in the California Superior Court, Santa Clara County. Two consumer
class action lawsuits pending against 3Com and U.S. Robotics in Cook County,
Illinois arising out of the same facts as those alleged in the California
cases are stayed, LIPPMAN, ET AL. V. 3COM, Civil Action No. 97 CH 09773, AND
MICHAELS, ET AL. V. U.S. ROBOTICS ACCESS CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action
No. 97 CH 14417. On July 27, 1999, the Santa Clara County Superior Court
granted final approval of a settlement agreement in the California
Coordination Proceeding. The cost of this settlement was immaterial to our
consolidated financial statements. The BENDALL and INTERVENTION actions were
dismissed with prejudice on July 27, 1999. Under the terms of the
Coordination Proceeding settlement agreement, the plaintiffs in the LIPPMAN
and MICHAELS actions are to voluntarily dismiss their cases on or before
August 26, 1999.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF 3COM CORPORATION
The following table lists the names, ages and positions held by all executive
officers of 3Com. There are no family relationships between any director or
executive officer and any other director or executive officer of 3Com.
Executive officers serve at the discretion of the board of directors.
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
Eric A. Benhamou 43 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Bruce L. Claflin 47 President and Chief Operating Officer
Irfan Ali 35 Senior Vice President and General Manager, Carrier Systems
Group
Ralph B. Godfrey 59 Senior Vice President, e-Commerce
Jef Graham 43 Senior Vice President and General Manager, Personal Connectivity
Business Unit
John H. Hart 53 Senior Vice President, Chief Technical Officer
11
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
Randy R. Heffner 49 Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Operations
Richard W. Joyce 43 Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales
Alan J. Kessler 41 President, Palm Computing
Edgar Masri 41 Senior Vice President and General Manager,
Network Systems Business Unit
John McClelland 54 Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Operations
Mark D. Michael 48 Senior Vice President-Legal and Government Relations, General
Counsel and Secretary
Eileen Nelson 52 Senior Vice President, Corporate Services
Christopher B. Paisley 47 Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
Janice M. Roberts 43 Senior Vice President, Marketing
and Business Development
Steve Rowley 40 Senior Vice President, Americas Sales
David H. Starr 47 Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Eric A. Benhamou has been our Chief Executive Officer since September 1990
and served as our President from April 1990 through August 1998. Mr. Benhamou
became our Chairman of the board of directors in July 1994. Mr. Benhamou
served as our Chief Operating Officer from April 1990 through September 1990.
From October 1987 through April 1990, Mr. Benhamou held various general
management positions within 3Com. Mr. Benhamou serves as Chairman of the
board of directors of Cypress Semiconductor, Inc. and as a director of Legato
Systems, Inc. Mr. Benhamou is a member of President Clinton's Information
Technology Advisory Council.
Bruce L. Claflin has been our President and Chief Operating Officer since
August 1998. Prior to joining 3Com, Mr. Claflin worked for Digital Equipment
Corporation ("DEC") from October 1995 to June 1998. From July 1997 to June
1998, he was Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sales and Marketing
at DEC and prior to that he served as Vice President and General Manager of
DEC's Personal Computer Business Unit from October 1995 to June 1997. From
April 1973 to October 1995, Mr. Claflin held a number of senior management
and executive positions at International Business Machines Corporation
("IBM").
Irfan Ali has been the Senior Vice President and General Manager of our
Carrier Systems Group since March 1999. From October 1997 to March 1999 he
was Vice President, Worldwide Marketing of our Carrier Systems. Prior to
joining 3Com, Mr. Ali worked for Newbridge Networks, Inc., where he was Vice
President, Marketing from July 1995 to October 1997 and Assistant Vice
President, Fast Packet Networks from July 1993 to June 1995. Prior to working
at Newbridge Networks, Inc., Mr. Ali was Senior Manager, Market Development
for Strategic Technology at Northern Telecom, Inc. from July 1991 to July
1993. From August 1987 to July 1991, Mr. Ali was a Senior Member of the
Scientific Staff at Bell-Northern Research.
Ralph B. Godfrey has been our Senior Vice President, e-Commerce since June
1999. From June 1998 to June 1999 he was Senior Vice President of Sales for
the Americas. From June 1997 to June 1998, Mr. Godfrey was Senior Vice
President, Client Access Products, Americas Sales. Mr. Godfrey was Senior
Vice President, Global Channel Sales from August 1996 to May 1997. From June
1993 to July 1996, Mr. Godfrey was Vice President, Channel Sales - North
America. Mr. Godfrey joined 3Com in June 1990 as Vice President, U.S. Sales,
a position he held through May 1993. Mr. Godfrey serves as a director of
Rockford Corporation.
12
Jef Graham has been our Senior Vice President and General Manager of our
Personal Connectivity Business Unit since April 1999. Mr. Graham joined 3Com
in August 1995 as Vice President and General Manager of the Mobile
Communications Division. Prior to joining 3Com, he was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Trident Systems, Inc. from May 1993 to July 1995. From
July 1978 to April 1993, Mr. Graham held various general management, sales
and marketing positions around the world for Hewlett-Packard Company.
John H. Hart has been our Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer
since August 1996. From the time Mr. Hart joined 3Com in September 1990 until
July 1996, he was Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. Prior to
joining 3Com, Mr. Hart worked for Vitalink Communications Corporation from
June 1983 to August 1990, where his most recent position was Vice President
of Network Products.
Randy R. Heffner has been our Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Operations
since June 1997. From July 1992 through May 1997, Mr. Heffner was the Vice
President of Manufacturing for our Personal Connectivity Operations. Prior to
joining 3Com, Mr. Heffner worked for NeXT Computer, Inc. as Vice President of
Manufacturing from March 1987 to January 1992. Mr. Heffner worked for
Hewlett-Packard Company from August 1974 to February 1987 in a variety of
materials management and production control positions.
Richard W. Joyce has been our Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales since
June 1998. Previously, Mr. Joyce had been Senior Vice President, Remote
Access Products Division since June 1997. Mr. Joyce was Senior Vice
President, New Business Operations from August 1996 to June 1997. From June
1995 through July 1996, Mr. Joyce was Vice President, New Business
Operations. From June 1993 to June 1995, Mr. Joyce served as Vice President,
Sales Europe and Asia Pacific Rim. From January 1990 to June 1995, Mr. Joyce
served as President, 3Com Europe Limited.
Alan J. Kessler has been President of our Palm Computing subsidiary since
July 1999. From June 1998 to June 1999, Mr. Kessler served as our Senior
Vice President, Global Customer Service. From June 1997 to June 1998, Mr.
Kessler was Senior Vice President, Enterprise Systems Business Unit, Global
Sales and Service. From August 1996 to May 1997, Mr. Kessler was Senior Vice
President of our Global Systems Sales and Services. From June 1995 to July
1996, Mr. Kessler served as Vice President, Customer Service Operations.
From June 1993 to June 1995, Mr. Kessler served as Vice President, Systems
Sales - North America. From May 1991 through May 1993, Mr. Kessler served as
Vice President and General Manager, Network Systems Division. Mr. Kessler
joined 3Com in October 1985.
Edgar Masri has been our Senior Vice President and General Manager, Network
Systems Business Unit since June 1998. From September 1995 to May 1998, Mr.
Masri served as Vice President and General Manager, Premises Distribution
Division. Mr. Masri was Director of Marketing, Premises Distribution Division
from July 1992 to September 1995 prior to becoming General Manager. He has
held several marketing director positions for 3Com product lines and
management roles in the fields of business development, engineering and
project management. Mr. Masri joined 3Com in December 1985.
John McClelland has been our Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Operations
since April 1999. Prior to joining 3Com, Mr. McClelland was Chief Industrial
Officer for the Philips Consumer Electronics division of Philips
International, B.V. from November 1998 to March 1999. Mr. McClelland was
Vice President of Manufacturing and Distribution at DEC from February 1995 to
October 1998. From October 1968 to January 1995, Mr. McClelland held various
management positions at IBM. Most recently at IBM, he held the position of
V.P. Manufacturing and Distribution, IBM PC Co. from April 1994 to January
1995.
Mark D. Michael has been our Senior Vice President-Legal and Government
Relations, General Counsel, and Secretary since May 1999. Mr. Michael served
as Senior Vice President, Legal, General Counsel and Secretary from September
1997 to April 1999. Mr. Michael joined 3Com in 1984 as Counsel, was named
Assistant Secretary in 1985, and General Counsel in 1986. In 1989, Mr.
Michael was named Corporate Secretary, and became a Vice President in 1991.
Prior to joining 3Com, Mr. Michael was engaged in the private practice of law
with law firms in Honolulu, Hawaii from 1977 to 1981 and in San Francisco,
California from 1981 to 1984.
Eileen Nelson has been our Senior Vice President, Corporate Services since
July 1998. From April 1997 to July 1998, Ms. Nelson served as our Vice
President, Enterprise Systems, Human Resources. From 1988 to April 1997, Ms.
Nelson held various Human Resources director level roles at 3Com. Prior to
joining 3Com, Ms. Nelson served as Director, Human Resources for Tandon
Corporation from 1985 to 1988. From 1983 to 1985, Ms. Nelson was the Vice
President, Human Resources and Administration at Davong Systems.
13
Christopher B. Paisley has been our Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer since August 1996. From the time Mr. Paisley joined 3Com
in 1985 until July 1996, he was Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial
Officer. From 1982 to 1985, Mr. Paisley was Vice President of Finance of
Ridge Computers. From 1977 to 1982, Mr. Paisley held a variety of finance
and accounting positions at Hewlett-Packard Company. Mr. Paisley serves as a
director of Applied Digital Access, Inc.
Janice M. Roberts has been our Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business
Development since August 1996. From June 1997 to March 1999, Ms. Roberts was
also responsible for the Palm Computing Business Unit and New Business
Initiatives. From June 1992 through July 1996, Ms. Roberts was Vice
President, Marketing. From February 1994 to June 1995, Ms. Roberts also
served as General Manager, Personal Office Division. From February 1992
until June 1992, Ms. Roberts was Vice President and General Manager, Premises
Distribution Division. During the period January 1989 to February 1992, Ms.
Roberts served as Director of BICC Technologies Limited and President of BICC
Technologies, Inc. and BICC Communications, Inc. She was also Chairman and
Managing Director of BICC Data Networks Limited.
Steve Rowley has been our Senior Vice President, Americas Sales since June
1999. Mr. Rowley served as Vice President, 3Com Europe from April 1998 to
June 1999. From June 1997 to April 1998, Mr. Rowley served as Vice
President, 3Com European Enterprise Systems. From May 1996 to June 1997, Mr.
Rowley served as Vice President of Europe Sales. Before joining 3Com, Mr.
Rowley was General Manager and Marketing Director of Cellnet from 1994 to
1996. From 1984 to 1994, Mr. Rowley held various positions at IBM. Most
recently at IBM, he held the position of Director of the Personal Computer
Company.
David H. Starr has been our Senior Vice President and Chief Information
Officer (CIO) since August 2, 1999. Prior to joining 3Com, Mr. Starr was the
CIO at Knight-Ridder from June 1998 to July 1999. From June 1997 to June
1998, Mr. Starr was the CIO at Reader's Digest. Prior to Reader's Digest, Mr.
Starr was CIO for ITT Corporation from May 1994 to June 1997.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR 3COM CORPORATION'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
Fiscal 1999 High Low Fiscal 1998 High Low
----------- ---- --- ----------- ---- ---
First Quarter $32 13/16 $22 15/16 First Quarter $59 11/16 $43 3/16
Second Quarter 42 1/8 23 1/8 Second Quarter 56 3/4 28 1/2
Third Quarter 51 1/8 30 1/16 Third Quarter 39 1/8 28 3/8
Fourth Quarter 31 1/4 20 Fourth Quarter 38 25 1/4
Our common stock has been traded in the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol
COMS since our initial public offering on March 21, 1984. The preceding table
sets forth the high and low sales prices as reported on the Nasdaq stock
market during the last two years. As of May 28, 1999, we had approximately
7,183 stockholders of record. 3Com's credit agreement permits payment of cash
dividends subject to certain limitations based on net income levels of 3Com.
However, 3Com has not paid and does not anticipate that it will pay cash
dividends on its common stock.
14
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial information has been derived from the
audited consolidated financial statements. The information set forth below is
not necessarily indicative of results of future operations and should be read
in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" and the consolidated financial
statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Years ended
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except May 28, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31,
per share and employee data) 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ------------------
Sales $5,772,149 $5,420,367 $5,606,077 $4,284,508 $2,479,760
Net income 403,874 30,214 500,533 347,875 210,510
Net income per share:
Basic $1.12 $0.09 $1.51 $1.10 $0.72
Diluted 1.09 0.08 1.42 1.02 0.66
- ----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ------------------
Total assets $4,495,389 $4,080,520 $3,565,841 $2,592,400 $1,734,433
Working capital 2,221,290 1,950,757 1,574,223 1,242,095 938,672
Long-term obligations 37,707 40,358 170,652 169,536 181,872
Retained earnings 1,403,709 1,079,775 1,049,561 691,850 348,647
Stockholders' equity 3,196,455 2,807,495 2,228,344 1,650,675 1,058,119
Number of employees 13,027 12,920 13,639 11,503 7,395
- ----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ------------------
Net income for fiscal 1999 included a net pre-tax charge of approximately
$12.7 million ($0.03 per share) for purchased in-process technology and a net
pre-tax credit of approximately $21.8 million ($0.04 per share) primarily
associated with past merger activities. Net income for fiscal 1998 included a
pre-tax charge of approximately $8.4 million ($0.02 per share) related to
purchased in-process technology and a net pre-tax charge of approximately
$253.7 million ($0.57 per share) for merger-related costs and disposition of
real estate. Net income for fiscal 1997 included a pre-tax charge of
approximately $54.0 million ($0.15 per share) for purchased in-process
technology, a pre-tax charge of approximately $6.6 million ($0.02 per share)
for merger-related costs, and a tax benefit of approximately $17.9 million
($0.05 per share) related to an acquisition. Net income for fiscal 1996
included a net pre-tax charge of approximately $106.4 million ($0.31 per
share) for purchased in-process technology, a pre-tax charge of approximately
$69.0 million ($0.14 per share) for merger-related costs, and a pre-tax
charge of approximately $1.0 million (no per share impact) for a litigation
settlement. Net income for fiscal 1995 included a net pre-tax charge of
approximately $68.7 million ($0.13 per share) for purchased in-process
technology, a net pre-tax charge of approximately $40.7 million ($0.10 per
share) for merger-related costs, and a pre-tax credit of approximately $1.1
million (no per share impact) for a reduction in accrued restructuring costs.
See notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information
on the above transactions for fiscal years 1999, 1998, and 1997. Excluding
the non-recurring items noted above, net income and net income per share on a
diluted basis would have been as follows:
Years ended
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, May 28, May 31, May 31, May 31, May 31,
except per share data) 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------- ------------------
Net income excluding
non-recurring items $397,746 $246,060 $543,196 $504,054 $284,699
Net income per share
excluding non-
recurring items $1.08 $0.67 $1.54 $1.47 $0.89
15
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
3Com completed the following transactions during the fiscal year ended May
28, 1999:
- - On March 5, 1999, 3Com acquired NBX Corporation (NBX). The aggregate
purchase price of $87.8 million consisted of cash of approximately $75.4
million, assumption of stock options with a fair value of approximately
$11.9 million, and $0.5 million of costs directly attributable to the
completion of the acquisition. Approximately $5.6 million of the total
purchase price represented purchased in-process technology that had not
yet reached technological feasibility, had no alternative future use and
was charged to 3Com's operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999.
After reflecting tax basis adjustments, this purchase resulted in
approximately $94.4 million of goodwill and other intangible assets that
are being amortized over estimated useful lives of two to seven years.
- - On February 18, 1999, 3Com acquired certain assets of ICS Networking,
Inc. (ICS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integrated Circuit Systems,
Inc. for an aggregate purchase price of $16.1 million in cash including
$0.1 million of costs directly attributable to the completion of the
acquisition. Approximately $5.0 million of the total purchase price
represented purchased in-process technology that had not yet reached
technological feasibility, had no alternative future use and was charged
to 3Com's operations in the third quarter of fiscal 1999. This purchase
resulted in approximately $6.9 million of goodwill and other intangible
assets that are being amortized over estimated useful lives of three to
seven years.
- - On February 8, 1999, 3Com acquired Smartcode Technologie SARL
(Smartcode) for an aggregate purchase price of $17.4 million in cash
including $0.2 million of costs directly attributable to the completion
of the acquisition. Approximately $2.1 million of the total purchase
price represented purchased in-process technology that had not yet
reached technological feasibility, had no alternative future use and was
charged to 3Com's operations in the third quarter of fiscal 1999. This
purchase resulted in approximately $14.4 million of goodwill and other
intangible assets that are being amortized over estimated useful lives
of two to six years.
- - On January 25, 1999, 3Com entered into a joint venture named ADMtek,
Inc. (ADMtek). 3Com contributed approximately $5.3 million in cash for a
44 percent interest in the joint venture. Under the terms of the joint
venture agreement, 3Com has certain rights to increase its ownership of
the joint venture. Due to 3Com's ability to exercise significant
influence over operating and financial policies of the joint venture, we
have consolidated this joint venture since the date of our investment by
including its full results in our consolidated balance sheet and
consolidated statement of income and then excluding the portion of the
net income/loss and equity related to the other venture partners.
- - On November 6, 1998, 3Com acquired EuPhonics, Inc. (EuPhonics). The
aggregate purchase price of $8.3 million consisted of cash of
approximately $6.6 million, assumption of stock options with a fair
value of approximately $1.5 million, and $0.2 million of costs directly
attributable to the completion of the acquisition. The charge for
purchased in-process technology associated with the acquisition was not
material, and was included in research and development expenses in the
second quarter of fiscal 1999. After reflecting tax basis adjustments,
this purchase resulted in approximately $10.8 million of goodwill and
other intangible assets that are being amortized over estimated useful
lives of four years.
3Com completed the following acquisitions during the fiscal year ended May 31,
1998:
- - On June 12, 1997, 3Com Corporation completed the merger with U.S.
Robotics Corporation (U.S. Robotics), the leading supplier of products
and systems for accessing information across the wide area network
(WAN), including modems and remote access products. This merger was
accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. 3Com issued approximately 158
million shares of its common stock in exchange for all outstanding
common stock of U.S. Robotics. 3Com also assumed all options to purchase
U.S. Robotics' stock, which were converted into options to purchase
approximately 31 million shares of 3Com's common stock, pursuant to the
terms of the merger.
16
All financial data of 3Com presented in this Form 10-K have been
restated to include the historical financial information of U.S.
Robotics in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
pursuant to Regulation S-X. The 3Com statement of income for the fiscal
year ended May 31, 1997 has been combined with the U.S. Robotics
statement of income for the period from July 1, 1996 through May 25,
1997. This combining methodology includes the last three reported
quarters of U.S. Robotics, ended September 29, 1996, December 29, 1996,
and March 30, 1997, and the months of April and May 1997. To reflect a
complete 12-month year and a three-month fourth quarter and thereby
enhance comparability of periodic reported results, U.S. Robotics'
results of operations for the month ended March 30, 1997 are included in
both the three-month period ended March 30, 1997 and the three-month
period ended May 25, 1997. This presentation has the effect of including
U.S. Robotics' results of operations for the three-month period ended
September 29, 1996 in both the combined years ended May 31, 1997 and
1996, and reflects sales of $611.4 million and net income of $13.5
million. The aggregate of net income for the three-month period ended
September 29, 1996 of $13.5 million and the one-month period ended March
30, 1997 of $112.9 million has been reported as a decrease to 3Com's
fiscal 1997 retained earnings. 3Com's balance sheet as of May 31, 1997
was combined with U.S. Robotics' balance sheet as of May 25, 1997. The
combining periods are as follows:
FISCAL 1997 QUARTERLY PERIODS
----------------------------------------------------------
Q1'97 Q2'97 Q3'97 Q4'97
----- ----- ----- -----
3Com Aug `96 Nov `96 Feb `97 May `97
U.S. Robotics Sept `96 Dec `96 Mar `97 May `97*
*Three-month period which includes March, April, and May.
The results of operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998 contain
the combined results of both 3Com and U.S. Robotics for the entire 12
months.
- - On March 2, 1998, 3Com purchased Lanworks Technologies, Inc. (Lanworks),
for approximately $13.0 million in cash. Approximately $8.4 million of
the total purchase price represented purchased in-process technology
that had not yet reached technological feasibility, had no alternative
future use, and was charged to 3Com's operations in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 1998.
3Com completed the following acquisitions during the fiscal year ended
May 31, 1997:
- - On October 31, 1996, we acquired OnStream Networks, Inc. (OnStream), a
provider of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and broadband WAN and
access products. The acquisition was accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests.
- - U.S. Robotics acquired distributors in Korea, Japan, Australia, and
Sweden, for an aggregate purchase price of $13.4 million in cash, net of
cash acquired, and issuance of stock with a fair value of $0.1 million,
all of which were accounted for as purchases.
- - On August 29, 1996, U.S. Robotics acquired Scorpio Communications, Ltd.
(Scorpio) in a purchase transaction. Scorpio was a designer,
manufacturer and marketer of scalable, fully redundant, fault tolerant
ATM switches that targeted workgroup local area network (LAN), corporate
backbone and WAN access environments.
See notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information
about these business combinations.
17
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, the percentage
of total sales represented by the line items reflected in 3Com's consolidated
statements of income:
Years Ended
----------------------------------------------------
May 28, May 31, May 31,
1999 1998 1997
--------------- ----------------- ----------------
Sales.................................................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales............................................................ 53.5 54.6 52.1
----- ----- -----
Gross margin............................................................. 46.5 45.4 47.9
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing.................................................. 22.0 23.0 19.3
Research and development............................................. 11.0 10.7 9.0
General and administrative........................................... 4.5 5.0 4.4
Non-recurring charges:
Purchased in-process technology................................... 0.2 0.2 1.0
Merger-related charges (credits) and other........................ (0.4) 4.7 0.1
----- ----- -----
Total operating expenses................................................. 37.3 43.6 33.8
----- ----- -----
Operating income......................................................... 9.2 1.8 14.1
Interest and other income, net........................................... 0.9 0.3 0.2
----- ----- -----
Income before income taxes............................................... 10.1 2.1 14.3
Income tax provision..................................................... 3.1 1.6 5.4
Equity interest in loss of consolidated joint venture.................... - - -
---- ---- ----
Net income.............................................................. 7.0% 0.5% 8.9%
==== ==== ====
Excluding non-recurring charges:
Total operating expenses............................................ 37.5% 38.7% 32.7%
Operating income.................................................... 9.0 6.7 15.2
Net income.......................................................... 6.9 4.5 9.7
COMPARISON OF FISCAL YEARS ENDED MAY 28, 1999 AND MAY 31, 1998
SALES
Fiscal 1999 sales totaled $5.77 billion, an increase of six percent from fiscal
1998 sales of $5.42 billion.
NETWORK SYSTEMS. Sales of network systems products (e.g., switches, hubs, remote
access concentrators, routers and customer service and support) in fiscal 1999
were $2.61 billion, an increase of 11 percent from fiscal 1998 sales of $2.35
billion. The increase in network systems products sales when compared to fiscal
1998 was primarily due to growth in workgroup switching product sales, customer
service sales, and the introduction of our CoreBuilder 9000 enterprise switch,
partially offset by a decrease in certain other enterprise systems products.
Sales of network systems products represented 45 percent of total sales in
fiscal 1999 compared to 43 percent of total sales in fiscal 1998.
PERSONAL CONNECTIVITY. Sales of personal connectivity products (e.g., desktop
network interface cards (NICs), desktop modems, and personal computers (PC)
cards for mobile computers) in fiscal 1999 were $2.59 billion, a decrease of
eight percent from fiscal 1998 sales of $2.81 billion. The decline in personal
connectivity sales when compared to fiscal 1998 was primarily due to lower sales
of desktop analog modems. Sales of personal connectivity products represented 45
percent of total sales in fiscal 1999 compared to 52 percent of total sales in
fiscal 1998.
HANDHELD COMPUTING. Sales of handheld computing products in fiscal 1999 were
$569.9 million, an increase of 116 percent when compared to fiscal 1998 sales of
$264.4 million. The increase in handheld computing sales when compared to fiscal
1998 was due to increased market acceptance of our products and expansion of the
market for handheld computing. Sales of handheld computing products represented
10 percent of total sales in fiscal 1999 compared to five percent of total sales
in fiscal 1998.
18
3Com's sales in fiscal 1999 were primarily impacted by the transformation of our
business mix. Historically, a significant portion of our sales has been derived
from desktop NICs, analog modems, and stackable hubs, which have entered the
mature phase of their product life cycles. Sales in these product markets are
flat to declining, because these products are particularly sensitive to price
competition, are beginning to be replaced by newer technologies, and are
increasingly being distributed through the PC original equipment manufacturer
(OEM) channel which carries lower average selling prices. Further, our sales of
NICs and modems are highly correlated with sales in the PC market. While the
overall PC market continues to grow, sales of low-end PCs are growing faster
than high-end PCs. Lower priced PCs are not typically sold with high performance
NICs and modems such as those offered by 3Com. 3Com's aggregate sales increased
on a year-over-year basis primarily because of growth in handheld computing and
workgroup switching.
U.S. sales represented 53 percent of total sales in fiscal 1999 compared to 55
percent in fiscal 1998 and increased four percent when compared to fiscal 1998.
International sales in fiscal 1999 increased nine percent when compared to
fiscal 1998. Historically, the Asia Pacific and Latin American regions have been
high growth regions for the networking industry and 3Com. We believe that fiscal
1999 sales were impacted by the economic turmoil that occurred in these markets.
Fiscal 1999 sales in the Asia Pacific region increased by only one percent when
compared to fiscal 1998. In addition, sales in the Latin American region
decreased by 12 percent when compared to fiscal 1998.
GROSS MARGIN
Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 46.5 percent in fiscal 1999, compared
to 45.4 percent in fiscal 1998. The year-over-year gross margin improvement came
from virtually all product lines and was primarily the result of product cost
reductions, increased mix of certain higher margin network systems products,
improved inventory management and improved manufacturing capacity utilization.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses in fiscal 1999 were $2.15 billion, or 37.3 percent of sales,
compared to $2.36 billion, or 43.6 percent of sales in fiscal 1998. Excluding a
purchased in-process technology charge of $12.7 million and a credit of $21.8
million for merger-related and other primarily associated with the U.S. Robotics
merger, operating expenses would have been $2.16 billion, or 37.5 percent of
sales for fiscal 1999. Excluding a purchased in-process technology charge of
$8.4 million and a charge of $253.7 million for merger-related and other
primarily associated with the U.S. Robotics merger, operating expenses would
have been $2.10 billion, or 38.7 percent of sales for fiscal 1998. The decline
as a percentage of sales was primarily due to cost reductions as a result of
post-merger consolidation activities.
SALES AND MARKETING. Sales and marketing expenses in fiscal 1999 increased $22.8
million or two percent from fiscal 1998. Sales and marketing expenses as a
percentage of sales decreased to 22.0 percent of sales in fiscal 1999 compared
to 23.0 percent of sales in fiscal 1998. The year-over-year increase in sales
and marketing expenses in absolute dollars is attributable to increased spending
on handheld computing products and customer service programs, consistent with
sales growth in those areas. These expense increases were partially offset by
decreased spending related to mature product lines such as analog modems.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Research and development expenses in fiscal 1999
increased $54.2 million or nine percent compared to fiscal 1998. Research and
development expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 11.0 percent of sales
in fiscal 1999 compared to 10.7 percent of sales in fiscal 1998. The year-over-
year increase in research and development expenses is primarily attributable to
the cost of developing new products and enhancements in the areas of switching,
handheld computing, Voice Over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) and LAN telephony
(VoIP), wireless access, broadband access (primarily cable and digital
subscriber line (DSL)) and NICs. We believe the timely introduction of new
technologies and products is crucial to our success, and we plan to continue to
make acquisitions or strategic investments to accelerate time to market where
appropriate.
3Com has continued to develop technologies that were in process at NBX, ICS,
Smartcode and EuPhonics as of the dates of the acquisitions. The costs for the
projects in process are primarily labor costs for design, prototype development
and testing. As of May 28, 1999, we estimate that approximately $5.9 million
dollars will be expensed over the next 18 months in connection with completion
of such acquired research and development projects. We anticipate future
research and development spending, including costs remaining for the completion
of these purchased in-process research and development projects, will not
significantly differ from the historical trend of research and development
expenses as a percent of sales.
19
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. General and administrative expenses in fiscal 1999
decreased $11.8 million or four percent from fiscal 1998. As a percentage of
sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 4.5 percent of sales in
fiscal 1999 compared to 5.0 percent of sales in fiscal 1998. The year-over-year
decrease in general and administrative expenses in absolute dollars is primarily
due to the elimination of duplicate infrastructure from the U.S. Robotics
merger, partially offset by an increase in the provision for bad debts,
primarily related to receivables in certain international regions.
PURCHASED IN-PROCESS TECHNOLOGY. During fiscal 1999, 3Com recorded a charge
for purchased in-process technology of approximately $12.7 million associated
with the acquisitions of Smartcode, NBX, and certain assets of ICS. See notes
to consolidated financial statements.
MERGER-RELATED CHARGES (CREDITS) AND OTHER. During fiscal 1999, 3Com recorded
net pre-tax merger-related and other credits of approximately $21.8 million.
This net amount reflects adjustments to previously recorded merger and
restructuring charges, which totaled: a net pre-tax credit of approximately
$20.6 million; a $3.0 million charge reflecting a change in the estimated net
realizable value of closed manufacturing plants in Chicago; and a $4.2 million
net gain on the sale of land in California. See notes to consolidated financial
statements.
INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME, NET
Interest and other income, net increased $37.1 million compared to fiscal 1998,
primarily as a result of higher interest income due to higher average cash and
investment balances, improved foreign currency results, and reduced interest
expense. Interest and other income, net for fiscal 1998 included foreign
currency losses of approximately $12.3 million, primarily related to Korean
operations, where foreign exchange hedges were not available, or were available
only to a limited extent. In addition, in fiscal 1998, we recorded a charge of
approximately $4.7 million related to an early call premium and write-off of
unamortized issuance fees associated with the redemption of convertible notes.
The majority of our sales are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Where available, we
enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge significant balance sheet
exposures and intercompany balances against future movements in foreign exchange
rates.
INCOME TAX PROVISION
3Com's effective income tax rate was 31.1 percent in fiscal 1999 compared to
74.1 percent in fiscal 1998. The tax rate in fiscal 1998 reflected certain
merger-related and other costs associated with the merger with U.S. Robotics
that were not deductible. Excluding the non-deductible portion of merger-related
and other charges primarily associated with the merger with U.S. Robotics, the
pro forma income tax rate was 35.0 percent for fiscal 1998. The decrease in tax
rate from 1998 to 1999 was primarily due to the increase in offshore
manufacturing in countries with tax rates significantly below the U.S. statutory
rate.
EQUITY INTEREST IN LOSS OF CONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURE
Equity interest in loss of consolidated joint venture was $1.1 million for
fiscal 1999. This amount represents the pro-rata share of the joint venture's
loss allocated to the other investors for the period between the date of
investment and the end of our fiscal year. 3Com entered into this joint venture
in the third quarter of fiscal 1999. See notes to consolidated financial
statements.
NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income for fiscal 1999 was $403.9 million, or $1.09 per share, compared to
$30.2 million, or $0.08 per share, for fiscal 1998. Excluding the purchased
in-process technology, net pre-tax merger-related charges (credits), and other,
net income was $397.7 million, or $1.08 per share for fiscal 1999. Excluding the
net pre-tax charge for purchased in-process technology and merger-related
charges (credits) and other, net income was $246.1 million, or $0.67 per share
for fiscal 1998.
COMPARISON OF FISCAL YEARS ENDED MAY 31, 1998 AND 1997
SALES
Fiscal 1998 sales totaled $5.42 billion, a decline of three percent from fiscal
1997 sales of $5.61 billion.
NETWORK SYSTEMS. Sales of network systems products in fiscal 1998 were $2.35
billion, an increase of one percent from fiscal 1997 sales of $2.33 billion.
Sales of network systems products represented 43 percent of total sales in
fiscal 1998 compared to 42 percent of total sales in fiscal 1997.
20
PERSONAL CONNECTIVITY. Sales of personal connectivity products in fiscal 1998
were $2.81 billion, a decrease of 11 percent from fiscal 1997 sales of $3.16
billion. Sales of personal connectivity products represented 52 percent of total
sales in fiscal 1998 compared to 56 percent of total sales in fiscal 1997.
HANDHELD COMPUTING. Sales of handheld computing products in fiscal 1998 were
$264.4 million, an increase of 113 percent from fiscal 1997 sales of $124.4
million. Sales of handheld computing products represented five percent of total
sales in fiscal 1998 compared to two percent of total sales in fiscal 1997.
GEOGRAPHIC. Sales in the U.S. represented 55 percent of total sales in fiscal
1998 and fiscal 1997. 3Com experienced a decline from fiscal 1997 in domestic
and international sales of four and two percent, respectively.
3Com believes that sales in fiscal year 1998 were affected by the following
factors:
INDUSTRY GROWTH RATES. Networking industry growth rates have slowed since the
beginning of calendar 1997. While the industry had grown at rates in excess of
30 percent in prior years, market research reports indicate that the networking
industry worldwide grew by less than 20 percent during 1997, and this pattern
continued into 1998.
CHANNEL INVENTORY. In the second quarter of fiscal 1998, 3Com adopted a new
inventory business model, which generally calls for fewer weeks' supply of
inventory in the distribution channel. We transitioned to this model during the
second and third quarters of fiscal 1998. As a result, sales during these
periods were adversely affected.
MODEMS. Fiscal 1998 sales of modem products decreased compared to fiscal 1997.
In January 1998, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) determined the
V.90 standard for 56 Kilobits per second (Kbps) technology. 3Com believes that
the previous lack of such a standard contributed to delays in customers'
purchasing decisions for higher-speed modems and remote access concentrators.
Although we began shipping V.90 standard modems late in the third quarter of
fiscal 1998, we believe these delays, as well as product transitions, adversely
affected sales. In addition, the delay in the V.90 standard caused aggressive
pricing in older generation modem products, which in connection with the channel
inventory reduction mentioned above, contributed to a year-over-year decrease in
sales.
PRICING. The pricing environment was very competitive, and although 3Com
experienced significant year-over-year unit growth in key products such as Fast
Ethernet NICs and workgroup switches, these gains were partially offset by
declines in average selling prices. For example, in fiscal 1998, we experienced
price decreases between 15 and 39 percent compared to fiscal 1997 in a number of
product segments, including modems, workgroup switches, hubs and remote access
concentrators.
REMOTE ACCESS CONCENTRATORS. Fiscal 1998 sales of remote access concentrators
decreased compared to fiscal 1997. Factors affecting this decrease included
aggressive price competition, including the introduction of new higher-density
products at prices similar to the older lower-density products. In addition,
sales of remote access concentrators were impacted by the channel inventory
reduction described above.
ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC TURMOIL. During fiscal 1998, sales in the Asia Pacific
region increased only four percent compared to fiscal 1997. Sales growth was 48
percent in fiscal 1997 compared to fiscal 1996. Historically, the Asia Pacific
region had been a high growth region for the networking industry and 3Com.
During fiscal 1998, however, several Asian countries experienced a weakening of
their local currencies and turmoil in their financial markets and institutions,
which we believe adversely affected financial results during fiscal 1998.
HANDHELD COMPUTING AND SWITCHING PRODUCTS. Fiscal 1998 sales of handheld
computing products more than doubled compared to fiscal 1997 and achieved growth
in market share, according to industry reports. Growth rates and market share
gains in the handheld computing market may not be sustainable in the face of
increasing competition from new entrants to the market. In addition, our
workgroup switching products experienced significant unit volume growth and
increased sales, despite significant declines in average selling prices and the
effect of the channel inventory reduction, as described in the above paragraphs.
21
GROSS MARGIN
Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 45.4 percent in fiscal 1998, compared
to 47.9 percent in fiscal 1997. In addition to the factors mentioned above,
3Com's year-over-year gross margin decline was affected by several factors,
including product mix, increased price competition, and higher period costs.
3Com's product mix included higher sales of certain NICs and workgroup switching
products, as well as an increase in sales to OEMs, which carry lower gross
margins. The U.S. Robotics brand modems with x2 technology were introduced in
the third quarter of fiscal 1997 with significantly higher margins, reflecting
first-to-market pricing. During fiscal 1998, increased product and price
competition in this product segment resulted in a decline in gross margin
percent. Additionally, 3Com experienced aggressive pricing on remote access
products, as described above, which resulted in a decline in gross margin
percent. Fixed manufacturing costs and period costs were a higher percentage of
sales, primarily as a result of the decrease in sales in the second and third
quarters of fiscal 1998, but also due to excess manufacturing capacity.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses in fiscal 1998 were $2.36 billion, or 43.6 percent of sales,
compared to $1.89 billion, or 33.8 percent of sales in fiscal 1997. Operating
expenses as a percentage of sales were higher than historical levels, in part
due to the reduced level of sales in fiscal 1998. Excluding a purchased
in-process technology charge of $8.4 million and merger-related and other
charges of $253.7 million primarily associated with the U.S. Robotics merger,
operating expenses would have been $2.10 billion, or 38.7 percent of sales for
fiscal 1998. Excluding a purchased in-process technology charge of $54.0 million
associated with the acquisition of Scorpio and a merger-related charge of $6.6
million associated with the acquisition of OnStream, operating expenses would
have been $1.83 billion, or 32.7 percent of sales for fiscal 1997.
SALES AND MARKETING. Sales and marketing expenses in fiscal 1998 increased
$165.9 million or 15 percent from fiscal 1997. Sales and marketing expenses as a
percentage of sales increased to 23.0 percent of sales in fiscal 1998 from 19.3
percent of sales in fiscal 1997. The year-over-year increase is attributable to
the expansion of field sales and marketing activities worldwide, primarily
internationally, and increased spending for 3Com's customer service programs. In
addition, spending on 3Com's global branding campaign during fiscal 1998
contributed to increased marketing expenses compared to the prior year.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Research and development expenses in fiscal 1998
increased $79.1 million or 16 percent compared to fiscal 1997. Research and
development expenses as a percentage of sales increased to 10.7 percent of sales
compared to 9.0 percent of sales in fiscal 1997. The year-over-year increase in
research and development expenses in absolute dollars and dollars as a
percentage of sales was primarily attributable to the cost of developing 3Com's
new products in the areas of personal connectivity and switching, and its
expansion into new technologies and markets, such as DSL.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE. General and administrative expenses in fiscal 1998
increased $18.2 million or seven percent from fiscal 1997. As a percentage of
sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 5.0 percent of sales,
compared to 4.4 percent in fiscal 1997. The year-over-year increase in general
and administrative expenses in absolute dollars and dollars as a percentage of
sales is attributable to the expansion of 3Com's infrastructure, including
personnel, as well as an increase in the provision for bad debts.
PURCHASED IN-PROCESS TECHNOLOGY. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998,
3Com recorded a charge of approximately $8.4 million for purchased in-process
technology associated with the Lanworks acquisition. See notes to
consolidated financial statements.
MERGER-RELATED CHARGES (CREDITS) AND OTHER. During fiscal 1998, we recorded
merger-related and other charges of $253.7 million. These charges consisted of a
merger-related charge and other charges associated with past merger activities
and disposition of real estate. The merger-related charge of approximately
$260.7 million related to the merger with U.S. Robotics. During the fourth
quarter, we reversed approximately $10.6 million of previously recorded merger
accruals. 3Com also sold a parcel of land near its headquarters site in Santa
Clara, which resulted in a net gain of approximately $15.8 million. Also during
the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, we made a decision to close a manufacturing
site in Illinois in order to consolidate two Chicago-area manufacturing
facilities into one location. We recognized a charge of approximately $19.4
million associated with this closure. See notes to consolidated financial
statements.
22
INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME, NET
Interest and other income, net increased $8.4 million compared to fiscal 1997,
primarily as a result of higher interest income due to higher average cash
balances. Interest and other income, net for fiscal 1998 included a charge of
approximately $4.7 million related to an early call premium and write-off of
unamortized issuance fees associated with the redemption of $110 million of
convertible notes in December 1997.
The majority of our sales are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Where available, 3Com
enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain balance sheet
exposures and intercompany balances against future movements in foreign exchange
rates. Fiscal 1998 interest and other income, net included foreign currency
losses of approximately $12.3 million, primarily related to Korean operations,
where foreign exchange hedges were not available, or were available only to a
limited extent.
INCOME TAX PROVISION
3Com's effective income tax rate was approximately 74.1 percent in fiscal 1998
compared to 37.5 percent in fiscal 1997. Excluding the non-deductible portion of
merger-related and other charges primarily associated with the merger with U.S.
Robotics, the pro forma income tax rate was 35.0 percent for fiscal 1998.
Excluding a charge for purchased in-process technology of approximately $54.0
million and tax benefit of approximately $17.9 million associated with the
acquisition of Scorpio and the non-deductible portion of the merger-related
charge associated with the merger with OnStream, the pro forma income tax rate
was 36.9 percent for fiscal 1997.
NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER SHARE
Net income for fiscal 1998 was $30.2 million, or $0.08 per share, compared to
net income of $500.5 million, or $1.42 per share for fiscal 1997. Excluding a
charge for purchased in-process technology and merger-related and other charges
mentioned above, net income would have been $246.1 million, or $0.67 per share
for fiscal 1998. Excluding the purchased in-process technology and tax benefit,
and the merger-related charge, net income would have been $543.2 million, or
$1.54 per share for fiscal 1997.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND INDUSTRY TRENDS
3Com's future results may be affected by industry trends and specific risks in
our business. Some of the factors that could cause future results to materially
differ from past results or those described in forward-looking statements
include those discussed below.
SLOWER GROWTH IN OUR INDUSTRY
Our financial success is dependent on the overall growth rate of the networking
industry. In 1997 and 1998, the networking industry grew more slowly than in the
past. Industry reports indicate that the segments of the industry in which we
participate grew in aggregate by less than 20 percent during 1997 and in
aggregate by less than 15 percent during 1998. Independent market analysis
indicates that industry growth rates in our markets may continue to decline in
calendar 1999, both because the industry is maturing and because many companies
may delay equipment purchases through at least the end of the calendar year due
to costs associated with Year 2000 date conversion.
The growth of related industries such as the PC market also affects 3Com's
growth. Recent industry reports indicate that the PC market grew by 12 percent
in 1998 and is projected to grow by 16 percent in 1999. Much of the growth in
this sector is occurring in the low-end of the market. These inexpensive PCs
typically do not include high performance NICs and modems such as those offered
by 3Com. Our business, operating results or financial condition may be adversely
affected by any decreases in growth rates of networking or PC markets. In
addition, we cannot be certain that our results in any particular period will be
consistent with the future growth rate of the industry.
23
CONSOLIDATION IN OUR INDUSTRY
There have been many mergers and acquisitions in the networking industry in the
past several years. More recently, there have also been mergers between
telecommunications equipment providers and networking companies, as well as
between networking companies and computer component suppliers. Examples from
January 1998 through June 1999 include:
- - 3Com acquired Lanworks, EuPhonics, Smartcode, NBX and certain assets of ICS
and entered into a joint venture with a Taiwanese networking company;
- - Lucent Technologies, a telecommunications company, acquired 13 companies,
including networking equipment supplier Ascend Communications;
- - Cisco Systems, a networking equipment supplier, acquired 14 companies;
- - Nortel Networks, a telecommunications company, acquired five companies,
including Bay Networks, a networking equipment supplier;
- - Alcatel, a telecommunications company, acquired five companies, including
Xylan, a networking equipment supplier;
- - Siemens A.G., a telecommunications company, announced plans to acquire
three networking firms;
- - General Electric Company, an engineering firm, acquired Fore, a
networking equipment supplier;
- - Intel Corporation, a computer components manufacturer, acquired a data
networking company and a manufacturer of telecommunications computer
components.
Future business combinations in the networking industry may result in companies
with greater resources and stronger competitive positions and products than
3Com. Continued industry consolidation may adversely affect our operating
results or financial condition.
MANAGING STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS
In addition to mergers and acquisitions, technology companies are continually
entering into strategic relationships. For example, during fiscal 1999, we
announced or expanded strategic relationships with several companies including
the following:
- - Microsoft Corporation
- - Siemens A.G.
- - Dell Computer
- - IBM
- - Hewlett-Packard
- - Sun Microsystems
- - Motorola
- - Symbol
Our results of operations or financial condition could be adversely impacted if
we experience difficulties managing relationships with our partners or if
projects with partners are unsuccessful. In addition, if our competitors enter
into successful strategic relationships, they could increase the competition
that we face.
INCREASED COMPETITION IN OUR DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
We distribute many of our products through indirect distribution channels that
include distributors, systems integrators, value-added resellers, and retailers.
We believe these indirect distribution channels are experiencing heightened
competition from Internet-based suppliers and PC manufacturers that distribute
directly to end user customers. These changes in the pattern of distribution of
networking products could have a material adverse affect on our sales and
financial results. Further, 3Com is building in-house capabilities to sell
directly to end-user customers over the Internet (e-business). If this
initiative is successful, it could cause conflict with our current indirect
channels of distribution. If we are unsuccessful in selling through our
e-business channel, we could lose market share to competitors who have more
successfully developed these capabilities. Either of these outcomes could have a
material adverse affect on our operating results or financial condition.
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SHIFT TO PC OEM DISTRIBUTION
PC related networking products such as modems and NICs are increasingly being
sold through the PC OEM channel rather than the distribution channel. We derive
a significant portion of our personal connectivity product sales from PC OEMs
such as Dell Computer, Toshiba, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard and IBM, who
incorporate our NICs, analog modems, or chipsets into their products. While
sales to PC OEMs are important, products sold through the PC OEM channel
typically have a lower average selling price than those sold through other
channels. Therefore, our sales and margins may be adversely impacted if sales to
PC OEMs continue to become a larger percentage of our business.
In addition, PC OEMs sometimes choose to integrate NIC and modem functions onto
the PC motherboard. For example, we currently sell networking chipsets to Dell
Computer that are integrated directly onto the PC motherboard of Dell's high-end
Optiplex line of PCs. Competitors who can integrate networking and other
computer processing functions onto a single chip might offer PC OEMs a cheaper
alternative to our solutions. If the integration of networking and computer
processing functionality on a reduced number of components increases, our future
sales growth and profitability could be adversely affected.
COMPETITION AND PRICING PRESSURE MAY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS
We participate in a highly volatile industry characterized by vigorous
competition for market share as well as rapid product and technology development
and maturation. As products mature and become less differentiated from
competitive offerings, product prices decline. In addition, both 3Com and our
competitors sometimes lower product prices in order to gain market share or
create more demand for our products. Intense pricing competition in our industry
may adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition. For
example, the rapid decline in prices for analog modems and network interface
cards caused our sales to these markets to decline in fiscal 1999, and continued
price declines will likely result in a further decrease in our sales to these
markets.
Our competition historically has come from start-up companies, well-capitalized
computer systems and communications companies, and other technology companies
focusing on data networking. However, our industry is changing, resulting in new
and other potential competitors who have greater financial, marketing and
technical resources than 3Com. For example, technology innovations are driving
the convergence of voice, video and data traffic onto a single network
infrastructure, and we now compete with much larger telecommunications equipment
companies such as Lucent Technologies Inc. and Nortel Networks. We are also
selling products into new markets where we compete with different companies than
in the past. For example, our Palm Computing products compete with product
offerings from consumer electronics companies such as Sharp, Casio and Phillips
and could compete with other companies who license the Palm operating system
from us. Competitors may develop products and technologies that render our
products obsolete or noncompetitive, which could adversely affect our business,
operating results or financial condition.
We expect significant technology transitions to take place in the networking
industry. Although these changes will create long-term business potential for
us, it is possible that they may also create a disruptive effect on short-term
buying patterns by our customers and could potentially change the competitive
landscape in which 3Com has operated historically.
UNCERTAINTIES OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
We operate internationally and expect that international markets will continue
to account for a significant percentage of our sales. Some international markets
are characterized by economic and political instability and currency
fluctuations that can adversely affect our operating results or financial
condition.
For example, during fiscal 1999, 3Com had lower sales in the Latin American
region and only slightly increased sales in the Asia Pacific region compared to
fiscal 1998. The instability in the Latin American and Asia Pacific financial
markets negatively affected our sales in those markets by, among other things,
decreasing end user purchases, increasing competition from local competitors,
and reducing access to sources of capital needed by customers to make purchases.
In addition to reducing sales, difficulties in the Latin American and Asia
Pacific regions subject our resellers to financial hardships, which may increase
our credit risk if our customers become insolvent or their ability to meet
obligations is otherwise impaired.
25
PROPOSED CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) began deliberation of revisions
to the rules for business combinations in 1996. Some of these deliberations have
included accounting rule-making bodies from other nations as the financial
communities attempt to develop global consistency where possible. Business
combination rules govern the accounting for mergers and acquisitions used in
either a purchase or a pooling-of-interests combination. Tentative conclusions
of the FASB severely restrict the use of pooling-of-interests and prohibit the
immediate write-off of purchased in-process technology. The FASB expects to
reach a conclusion on some of the business combination revisions in calendar
2000. Changes to the current accounting rules for business combinations will not
preclude mergers or acquisitions but may increase the earnings dilution
associated with future transactions. In addition, if pooling-of interests
accounting is no longer available, we may use cash more often than our common
stock to pay for acquisitions of other companies.
During this period of deliberation and rule change, the Securities and Exchange
Commission has heightened its review of transactions intended to qualify for
pooling-of-interests accounting, transactions in which a large percentage of the
purchase price is associated with purchased in-process technology, and
restructuring and impairment charges recorded at the time of a business
combination. If the Commission issues new guidance or interpretation of existing
rules, we may be required to restate previously filed consolidated financial
statements and our future results may be adversely impacted.
COMPANY-SPECIFIC TRENDS AND RISKS
OUR SALES BASE IS TRANSITIONING TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL HIGH-GROWTH BUSINESSES
We participate in many markets that are growing at varying rates. Historically,
a significant portion of our sales has been derived from desktop NICs, analog
modems, and stackable hubs, which have entered the mature phase of their product
life cycles. Sales in these product markets are flat to declining, partially
because these products are particularly sensitive to price competition or are
beginning to be replaced by newer technologies. Consequently, we believe that
sales derived from these products will decline as a percent of our total sales.
Other moderate growth markets where we participate include LAN switching, remote
access concentrators and WAN access. We expect these segments will continue to
account for a significant portion of our sales. In addition, we are increasing
our investments in several high growth and emerging markets that are forecasted
to grow significantly higher than the networking industry average. We expect
these businesses to account for a higher percentage of our sales. In particular,
we are focused on the following high growth and emerging markets:
- - Handheld Computing
- - IP and LAN Telephony (VoIP and LAN Telephony)
- - Broadband Access (primarily cable and DSL)
- - Wireless Access
- - Home Networking
The transition of our sales base to these new markets may cause disruption in
our sales, research and development efforts, and manufacturing operations. We
cannot be certain that these emerging markets will materialize in the timeframes
that we expect, that we will introduce products for these markets in a timely
manner, that the market will accept these products, or that we will successfully
generate significant sales and profitability from these markets. In addition,
sales from our mature product lines may decline more rapidly than growth in
emerging product lines, and therefore, our results could be materially impacted.
Due to the transition of our sales base, sales in the first half of fiscal year
2000 will likely be lower than sales in the first half of fiscal 1999.
OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO DEVELOP AND INTRODUCE NEW PRODUCTS
Products in the networking industry have short life cycles. Therefore, our
success depends on our ability to identify new market and product opportunities,
to timely develop and introduce new products, and to gain market acceptance of
new products, particularly in the emerging markets described above. For example,
the introduction of the Palm VII handheld computing product creates risks
involving our ability to successfully support the Palm.Net service on a large
scale and price the service at a level that produces expected returns.
26
INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS MAY AFFECT OUR SUCCESS
Our success also depends on:
- - the timely adoption of industry standards;
- - resolution of conflicting U.S. and international standards requirements
created by the convergence of technology such as voice onto data networks;
- - the timely introduction of new standards-compliant products; and
- - a favorable regulatory environment.
Slow market acceptance of new technologies and industry standards could
adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. For example,
the Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) used by companies such as Nokia, Motorola,
Ericsson, Symbian, and Phone.Com competes with our web clipping protocol. If the
WAP protocol becomes the industry standard, this could affect our sales of
products which incorporate the web clipping protocol, such as the Palm VII,
which in turn could adversely impact our results of operations or financial
condition. In addition, if we fail to achieve timely certification of compliance
to industry standards for our products, our sales of such products and our
results of operations or financial condition could be adversely affected.
Further, a number of new product initiatives, particularly in the area of IP
Telephony/VoIP, could be impacted by new or revised regulations, which in turn
could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
WE RELY ON DISTRIBUTORS, RESELLERS AND PC OEMS
We sell a significant portion of our products to distributors, resellers and PC
OEMs. Because we rely on these channels, we are subject to many risks, including
inventory, credit and business concentration. In particular, our distributors
and resellers maintain significant levels of our products in their inventories.
We attempt to ensure that appropriate levels of products are available to
end-users by working closely with distributors and resellers to monitor
inventory levels. If channel partners attempt to reduce their levels of
inventory or if they do not maintain sufficient levels to meet customer demand,
our sales could be negatively impacted. In addition, a significant portion of
our sales are made through a limited number of distributors and resellers. As a
result, we experience a concentration of credit risk. While we monitor and
attempt to manage this risk, financial difficulties on the part of one or more
of our distributors or resellers may adversely affect our results of operations
or financial condition.
A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF OUR SALES ARE TO A FEW CUSTOMERS
Ingram Micro Inc. and Tech Data Corporation collectively accounted for 29
percent of our total sales in fiscal 1999, and Ingram Micro Inc. accounted for
14 percent of our total sales in fiscal 1998. We cannot be certain that these
customers will continue to purchase our products at current levels. Further,
certain customers represent a large portion of sales in particular product
lines. We typically do not enter into contracts with our customers that require
them to purchase minimum quantities of our products, and our customers have some
rights to extend or delay the shipment of their orders. Our results of
operations, financial condition, or market share could be adversely affected if
we lost one or more of our major customers, if these customers reduced, delayed
or canceled their orders, or if we did not timely ship our products to these
customers.
WE MAY FAIL TO PERFORM WITHIN OUR FINANCIAL MODEL
In managing our business, we periodically establish and revise a long-term
financial model (LTFM) based on observed and anticipated trends in technology
and the marketplace. The model, which includes ranges for gross margin,
operating expenses and operating income, is not intended to be a prediction of
future financial results. Instead, our management uses it in making decisions
about the allocation of resources and investments. The current model, which was
established in the second quarter of fiscal 1999, is as follows:
Gross margin 46.5 - 48.0%
Operating expenses 30.0 - 31.5%
Operating income 15.0 - 18.0%
27
For the last three quarters of fiscal 1999, we have operated within the targeted
LTFM for gross margins. Our operating expenses are well above our LTFM range.
While we expect to reduce our operating expenses as a percentage of sales, we
will continue to invest in emerging markets that offer long-term growth.
Therefore, we do not expect to reach the LTFM operating expense or operating
income ranges in fiscal 2000.
OUR QUARTERLY RESULTS MAY FLUCTUATE
Our quarterly operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate
significantly. A wide variety of factors can cause these fluctuations,
including:
- - seasonality with respect to the volume and timing of orders
- - the introduction and acceptance of new products and technologies
- - price competition
- - general conditions and trends in the networking industry and
technology sector
- - disruption in international markets
- - general economic conditions
- - industry consolidation, acquisitions, or litigation
- - disruption in the distribution channel
- - timing of orders received within the quarter.
Our first and third fiscal quarters have historically been seasonally weaker
periods characterized by sequentially lower sales or only slightly increased
sales from the prior quarters. We expect this pattern to continue in fiscal
2000. These factors, and accompanying fluctuations in periodic operating
results, could have a significant adverse impact on the market price of our
common stock.
OUR OPERATING RESULTS DEPEND ON OUR ABILITY TO SATISFY PRODUCT ORDERS
The timing and amount of our sales depend on a number of factors that make
estimating operating results prior to the end of any period uncertain. For
example, we do not typically maintain a significant backlog. Consequently,
product sales in any quarter depend on orders booked and shipped in that
quarter. In addition, our customers historically request fulfillment of orders
in a short period of time, resulting in limited visibility to sales trends. As a
result, our operating results depend on the volume and timing of orders and our
ability to fulfill the orders in a timely manner. In each quarter of fiscal
1999, we recorded approximately half of our sales in the last five weeks of the
quarter. Non-linear sales patterns make business planning difficult, and
increase the risk that our quarterly results will fluctuate due to disruptions
in functions such as manufacturing, order management, information systems and
shipping.
OUR PRODUCTS MUST SATISFY WARRANTIES AND INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Because our products are often covered by legal and contractual warranties, we
may be subject to contractual and/or legal commitments to perform under such
warranties. If our products fail to perform as warranted and we do not resolve
product quality or performance issues in a timely manner, our operating results
or financial condition could be adversely affected. Likewise, if we fail to meet
commitments related to installation of enterprise networks, we could be subject
to claims for business disruption or consequential damages if a network
implementation is not successfully or timely completed.
In addition, because our products are sold and marketed in many countries, our
products must function in and meet the requirements of many different
telecommunications environments and be compatible with various
telecommunications systems and products. If our products fail to meet the
requirements of international telecommunication environments, our sales could be
negatively impacted.
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OUR BUSINESS IS AFFECTED BY OUR ABILITY TO MANAGE OUR SUPPLY CHAIN
Some key components of our products are currently available only from single or
limited sources. Likewise, some services on which we rely are furnished from
single or limited service providers. In addition, some of our suppliers are also
our competitors. While we generally have been able to obtain adequate supplies
of components from existing sources, we cannot be certain that in the future our
suppliers will be able to meet our demand for components in a timely and
cost-effective manner. Our business, operating results, financial condition or
customer relationships could be adversely affected by either an increase in
prices for, or an interruption or reduction in supply of, key components, or a
similar disruption in the availability of key services.
We are working to significantly reduce our supply chain cycle time, from
ordering raw materials, to manufacturing products and delivering the products to
customers. Should these changes temporarily disrupt our ability to ship product
to our customers, our financial condition or results of operations could be
negatively impacted.
COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
We sometimes enter into minimum quantity or other non-cancelable commitments. If
sales volumes fluctuate significantly, our obligation to meet commitments could
adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
Many of our competitors, such as telecommunications and computer equipment
manufacturers, have large intellectual property portfolios, including patents
that may cover technologies that are relevant to our business. In addition, many
smaller companies, universities and individual inventors have obtained or
applied for patents in areas of technology that may relate to our business. The
industry is moving towards aggressive assertion, licensing and litigation of
patents and other intellectual property rights.
In the course of our business, we frequently receive claims of infringement or
otherwise become aware of potentially relevant patents or other intellectual
property rights held by other parties. We evaluate the validity and
applicability of these intellectual property rights, and determine in each case
whether we must negotiate licenses or cross-licenses to incorporate or use the
proprietary technologies, protocols or specifications in our products. If we are
unable to obtain and maintain licenses, on favorable terms for intellectual
property rights required for the manufacture, sale and use of our products,
particularly those which must comply with industry standard protocols and
specifications to be commercially viable, our business, results of operations or
financial condition could be adversely impacted.
In addition to disputes relating to the validity or alleged infringement of
other parties' rights, we may become involved in disputes relating to our
assertion of our intellectual property rights. Whether we are defending the
assertion of intellectual property rights against us or asserting our
intellectual property rights against others, intellectual property litigation
can be complex, costly, protracted, and highly disruptive to business operations
by diverting the attention and energies of management and key technical
personnel. Further, plaintiffs in intellectual property cases often seek
injunctive relief and the measures of damages in intellectual property
litigation are complex and often subjective or uncertain. Thus, the existence of
or any adverse determinations in this litigation could subject us to significant
liabilities and costs. In addition, if we are the alleged infringer, we could be
required to seek licenses from others or be prevented from manufacturing or
selling our products, which could cause disruptions to our operations or the
markets in which we compete. If we are asserting our intellectual property
rights, we could be prevented from stopping others from manufacturing or selling
competitive products. Any one of these factors could adversely affect our
results of operations or financial condition.
COMPETITION FOR KEY PERSONNEL
Our success depends to a significant extent upon a number of key employees and
management. During the last quarter of fiscal 1999, the rate of employee
turnover increased. The loss of the services of key employees could adversely
affect our business, operating results or financial condition.
29
Recruiting and retaining skilled personnel, including engineers, is highly
competitive. If we cannot successfully recruit and retain skilled personnel, our
ability to compete may be adversely affected. In addition, we must carefully
balance the growth of our employees commensurate with our anticipated sales
growth. If our sales growth or attrition levels vary significantly, our results
of operations or financial condition could be adversely affected. Further,
3Com's common stock price has been, and may continue to be extremely volatile.
When the 3Com common stock price is less than the exercise price of stock
options granted to employees, turnover is likely to increase, which could
adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE
As is true for most companies, 3Com faces a risk from the Year 2000 issue.
3Com's operations could be adversely affected if systems do not correctly
recognize date information when the year changes to 2000. The Year 2000 issue
affects us at the end of the calendar year 1999. 3Com faces risk primarily in
the following areas:
- - systems used by 3Com to run our business including information systems,
equipment and facilities
- - systems used by 3Com's suppliers
- - potential warranty or other claims from 3Com customers
- - potential for reduced spending by other companies on networking solutions
as a result of significant information systems spending on Year 2000
remediation
3Com continues to evaluate and mitigate our exposure in these areas where
appropriate. We intend for some of our disclosures and announcements concerning
our products and Year 2000 programs, including those in this report on Form
10-K, to constitute "Year 2000 Readiness Disclosures" as defined in the recently
enacted Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act. We cannot be certain
that Year 2000 issues will not have a material adverse impact on us.
STATE OF READINESS AND RISKS. 3Com has identified four key exposure areas
within 3Com with respect to the Year 2000 issue, namely: key transaction
processing applications, equipment and facilities, 3Com products, and key
suppliers.
KEY TRANSACTION PROCESSING APPLICATIONS. Key transaction processing applications
include those used to run 3Com's business, such as finance, manufacturing, order
processing and distribution. We have completed our evaluation of these
applications for Year 2000 readiness and have been fixing or replacing systems,
where necessary. As of the end of fiscal 1999, we successfully completed our
fiscal year 2000 rollover. We expect to complete integration testing and be
ready for the calendar year 2000 rollover by the end of September 1999. If we
are delayed in implementing replacement systems, if we identify significant new
non-compliance issues, or if we encounter unexpected difficulties in areas
previously considered to be Year 2000 ready, our ability to conduct our business
or record transactions could be disrupted, which could adversely affect our
results of operations or financial condition.
EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES. 3Com is evaluating Year 2000 readiness of its
equipment and facilities. We are in the final stages of contacting our key
suppliers to ascertain Year 2000 compliance of our critical equipment. We expect
our critical equipment to be ready for Year 2000 by the end of September 1999.
If we are delayed in identifying non-compliant equipment and upgrading or
replacing the equipment, our design, production and shipping capabilities could
be disrupted, which could adversely affect our results of operations or
financial condition.
3Com is also evaluating each of our PCs worldwide, assessing its Year 2000
readiness, and upgrading as required. Because not all of our PCs can be
upgraded, some will need to be replaced. We currently expect to need to replace
less than 10% of the PCs deployed worldwide and have included the cost of the
replacements in our total Year 2000 cost estimates. We expect to complete the
upgrade or replacement of PCs by the end of the calendar year.
3Com is also assessing the Year 2000 readiness of our owned and leased
facilities worldwide. We are giving priority to critical facilities that house
large numbers of employees or significant operations. We have made significant
progress in our assessment activities and expect to be completed by the end of
August 1999. We expect to complete remediation efforts by the end of September
1999. It is critical to our operations that these facilities function, and any
delays in achieving Year 2000 compliance with respect to these facilities could
adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
30
PRODUCTS. 3Com has conducted an extensive evaluation of our currently available
and installed base of products. We believe that the products on our current
price list are Year 2000 ready. We have identified some obsolete products that
are not Year 2000 ready. While we still support some of these obsolete products,
all can be upgraded or replaced with a 3Com Year 2000 ready product. We cannot
be certain that older releases of our products will be Year 2000 ready with
customers' systems or within existing networks. To assist our customers in
evaluating the Year 2000 readiness of 3Com's products, we have developed a list
that indicates the capability of our products. We have published the list on our
website (www.3Com.com) and we periodically update it as we complete our
assessment of additional products. If any of our products do not operate
properly in the Year 2000, we could have increased warranty costs, customer
satisfaction issues, litigation or other material costs and liabilities, which
could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
KEY SUPPLIERS. 3Com has contacted its critical suppliers of products and
services to determine that the suppliers' operations and the products and
services they provide are Year 2000 ready. Confirmation of the continued Year
2000 readiness of these key suppliers will continue throughout the remainder of
1999. If key suppliers fail to adequately address the Year 2000 issue for the
products or services they provide to 3Com, critical materials, products and
services may not be delivered in a timely manner, which could adversely affect
our results of operations or financial condition.
MOST REASONABLY LIKELY WORST-CASE SCENARIO. We believe that our most reasonably
likely worst-case Year 2000 scenario would relate to problems with the systems
and services of third parties rather than with 3Com's internal systems or
products. We believe the risks are greatest with infrastructure (e.g.,
electricity supply and water and sewer service), telecommunications,
transportation and distribution channels and critical suppliers of materials and
services.
3Com's operations are conducted in a variety of domestic and foreign facilities.
Each location relies on local private and governmental suppliers for utilities,
telephone, and other necessary services and supplies. For example, failure in
the electricity grid or disruption to the continuous supply of power would be a
worst-case scenario that would completely shut down the affected facilities.
Widespread electrical failures could also adversely affect the delivery of water
and sewer services, and hinder the transportation of employees to and from the
workplace.
3Com cannot identify all possible disruption scenarios. We are preparing
contingency plans specifying our actions if failures occur in key internal
systems and/or critical third party systems and services. The process includes
identifying and prioritizing risks, assessing the business impact of those
risks, evaluating risk mitigation alternatives, and preparing written
contingency plans for those failures with the greatest business risk to 3Com.
Preliminary contingency plans for critical business operations are expected to
be in place by the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal year 2000. In the
second and third quarters it is expected that these plans will be validated and
modified as needed. Contingency plans will continue to be refined through 1999
as we learn more about the preparations and potential exposure of third parties
to Year 2000 disruptions.
COSTS TO ADDRESS YEAR 2000 ISSUES. We currently estimate that the total cost of
these programs will range between approximately $20 million and $30 million
including contingencies of approximately $5 million to $15 million related to
the items noted below. Through May 28, 1999, we have spent $6.4 million on the
program. All expected costs are based on our current evaluation of the Year 2000
programs and may change as the program progresses. The remainder of our
projected Year 2000 costs include:
- - hardware and software upgrades or replacements primarily related to
desktop systems and telephone equipment;
- - consultant and contractor fees to assist in assessments and to
perform remediation and integration testing;
- - increased staffing in our customer service area to address the expected
increase in support calls during the Year 2000 transition;
- - a contingency for potential product upgrades or replacements;
- - a contingency for potential disruption in supplier product or service
delivery or in manufacturing operations; and
- - a contingency for potential unexpected costs associated with replacing or
repairing systems previously considered to be Year 2000 ready.
We have not included in the total cost estimate any costs associated with
potential Year 2000 litigation exposure since these costs are not estimable.
We have adequate funds to pay for the expected costs of Year 2000 programs. As
of the end of fiscal 1999, we have not deferred any significant internal
information technology projects due to our Year 2000 efforts.
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SALES IMPACT. Year 2000 readiness is an issue for virtually all businesses whose
computer systems and applications may require significant hardware and software
upgrades or modifications. Companies owning and operating such systems may plan
to devote a substantial portion of their information systems' spending to fund
such upgrades and modifications and divert spending away from networking
solutions. In addition, companies may defer spending on networking solutions
while they test and ensure the stability of their current network
configurations. Such changes in customers' spending patterns could adversely
affect our sales, operating results or financial condition.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and equivalents and short-term investments at May 28, 1999 were $1.7
billion, an increase of $585.5 million from $1.1 billion at May 31, 1998. For
the fiscal year ended May 28, 1999, net cash generated from operating activities
was $1.2 billion. Accounts receivable at May 28, 1999 increased $76.0 million
from May 31, 1998 to $925.6 million. Days sales outstanding in receivables
increased to 59 days at May 28, 1999, compared to 56 days at May 31, 1998.
Inventory levels at May 28, 1999 decreased $290.5 million, of which $220.2
million was finished goods, from the prior fiscal year-end to $354.3 million.
Annualized inventory turnover was 7.9 turns for the quarter ended May 28, 1999,
compared to 4.4 turns for the quarter ended May 31, 1998.
During fiscal 1999, 3Com acquired three companies and certain assets of a fourth
for a combined total of $114.6 million in cash, net of cash acquired.
During the fiscal year ended May 28, 1999, 3Com made $262.2 million in capital
expenditures. Major capital expenditures included upgrades and expansion of our
facilities and purchases and upgrades of systems and equipment. Additionally,
during fiscal 1999, we sold three facilities in the Chicago and Boxborough areas
and equipment in the Chicago area for total net proceeds of $29.3 million. As of
May 28, 1999, 3Com had approximately $13.0 million in capital expenditure
commitments outstanding primarily associated with facilities renovation and
information system projects. In addition, we have commitments relating to lease
arrangements in the U.S., under which we have an option to purchase the
properties for an aggregate of $322.2 million, or arrange for the sale of the
properties to a third party. If the properties are sold to a third party at less
than the option price, 3Com retains an obligation for a portion of the
shortfall, subject to certain provisions of the lease.
During fiscal 1999 and June 1999, 3Com's board of directors authorized the
repurchase of up to a total of 35 million shares of 3Com's common stock. Such
purchases will be made in the open market from time to time. During fiscal 1999,
we repurchased 14.8 million shares of common stock for a total purchase price of
$378.6 million. During fiscal 1999, we received net cash of $222.2 million from
the sale of our common stock to employees through our employee stock purchase
and option plans.
3Com has a $100 million revolving bank credit agreement which expires December
20, 1999. Payment of cash dividends is permitted under the credit agreement,
subject to certain limitations based on our net income levels. We have not paid
and do not anticipate we will pay cash dividends on our common stock. The credit
agreement requires us to maintain specified financial covenants. As of May 28,
1999, there were no outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement, and we
were in compliance with all required covenants.
During fiscal 1999, 3Com repaid $12.0 million of borrowings under the 7.52%
unsecured senior notes agreement. As of May 28, 1999, $36.0 million of this debt
remained outstanding, of which $12.0 million is classified as current.
Based on current plans and business conditions, we believe that our existing
cash and equivalents, short-term investments, cash generated from operations and
the available credit agreement will be sufficient to satisfy anticipated cash
requirements for at least the next twelve months.
32
EFFECTS OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998 and June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" and SFAS 137, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities--Deferral of the Effective Date
of FASB Statement No. 133." These Statements require companies to record
derivatives on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair
value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those
derivatives would be accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and
whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. SFAS 133 will be effective for
3Com's fiscal year ending May 31, 2002. We believe that adoption of these
Statements will not have a significant impact on our financial results.
In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
("AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") No. 98-1, "Accounting for the
Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." SOP No.
98-1 requires that entities capitalize certain costs related to internal-use
software once certain criteria have been met. SOP 98-1 will be effective for
3Com's fiscal year ending June 2, 2000. We believe that adoption of this
Statement will not have a significant impact on our financial results.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
MARKET RISK DISCLOSURES. The following discussion about 3Com's market risk
disclosures involves forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We are
exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency
exchange rates and equity security price risk. We do not use derivative
financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY. 3Com maintains a short-term investment portfolio
consisting mainly of income securities with an average maturity of less than
two years. These available-for-sale securities are subject to interest rate
risk and will fall in value if market interest rates increase. If market
interest rates were to increase immediately and uniformly by 10 percent from
levels at May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998, the fair value of the portfolio
would decline by an immaterial amount. We have the ability to hold our fixed
income investments until maturity, and therefore we would not expect our
operating results or cash flows to be affected to any significant degree by
the effect of a sudden change in market interest rates on our securities
portfolio.
At May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998, we had approximately $307 million and $200
million of outstanding obligations under certain real estate lease
arrangements with monthly payments tied to short-term interest rates and
lease residual guarantees. If short-term interest rates were to increase 10
percent, the increased payments associated with these arrangements would not
have a material impact on our net income or cash flows. In addition, we also
have a mixture of fixed and floating rate long-term debt of approximately $45
million as of May 28, 1999 and $48 million as of May 31, 1998. A hypothetical
10 percent decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on the
fair market value of this debt. 3Com does not hedge any interest rate
exposures.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK. We enter into foreign exchange forward and
option contracts to hedge certain balance sheet exposures and intercompany
balances against future movements in foreign exchange rates. Gains and losses
on the forward and option contracts are largely offset by gains and losses on
the underlying exposure. A hypothetical 10 percent appreciation of the U.S.
Dollar from May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998 market rates would increase the
unrealized value of 3Com's forward and option contracts by $7.3 million and
$11.8 million, respectively. Conversely, a hypothetical 10 percent
depreciation of the U.S. Dollar from May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998 market
rates would decrease the unrealized value of our forward and option contracts
by $7.1 million and $11.8 million, respectively. In either scenario, the
gains or losses on the forward and option contracts are largely offset by the
gains or losses on the underlying transactions and consequently a sudden or
significant change in foreign exchange rates would not have a material impact
on future net income or cash flows.
EQUITY SECURITY PRICE RISK. 3Com holds a small portfolio of marketable-equity
traded securities that are subject to market price volatility. Equity
security price fluctuations of plus or minus 15 percent would have had a
$12.5 million impact on the value of these securities in fiscal 1999. Equity
security price fluctuations of plus or minus 15 percent would not have had a
material impact on the value of these securities held in fiscal 1998.
33
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Page
----
Financial Statements:
Independent Auditors' Report................................................................................... 35
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998 and 1997................... 36
Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998................................................... 37
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998 and 1997..... 38
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998 and 1997............... 39
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................................................................... 40
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited).................................................................... 61
Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves................................................... S-1
All other schedules are omitted, because they are not required, are not
applicable, or the information is included in the consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto.
34
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of 3Com Corporation:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of 3Com Corporation and its
subsidiaries (the Company) as of May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998, and the
related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 28, 1999. Our
audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at
Item 8. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of 3Com's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 3Com
Corporation and its subsidiaries at May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended May 28, 1999 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement
schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all
material respects the information set forth therein.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
San Jose, California
June 22, 1999
35
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended
-------------------------------------------
May 28, May 31, May 31,
(In thousands, except per share data) 1999 1998 1997
------------- ------------- -------------
Sales $ 5,772,149 $ 5,420,367 $ 5,606,077
Cost of sales 3,088,121 2,961,164 2,918,966
------------- ------------- -------------
Gross margin 2,684,028 2,459,203 2,687,111
------------- ------------- -------------
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing 1,270,573 1,247,755 1,081,846
Research and development 635,787 581,613 502,503
General and administrative 256,267 268,115 249,941
Purchased in-process technology 12,715 8,433 54,000
Merger-related charges (credits) and other (21,751) 253,722 6,600
------------- ------------- -------------
Total operating expenses 2,153,591 2,359,638 1,894,890
------------- ------------- -------------
Operating income 530,437 99,565 792,221
Interest and other income, net 54,055 16,908 8,480
------------- ------------- -------------
Income before income taxes 584,492 116,473 800,701
Income tax provision 181,719 86,259 300,168
Equity interest in loss of consolidated joint venture (1,101) - -
------------- ------------- -------------
Net income $ 403,874 $ 30,214 $ 500,533
------------- ------------- -------------
------------- ------------- -------------
Net income per share:
Basic $ 1.12 $ 0.09 $ 1.51
Diluted $ 1.09 $ 0.08 $ 1.42
Shares used in computing per share amounts:
Basic 360,424 351,154 330,517
Diluted 369,361 360,262 353,269
SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
36
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value) May 28, May 31,
1999 1998
------------- -------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents $ 952,249 $ 528,981
Short-term investments 709,365 547,097
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
($108,896 and $72,297 in 1999 and 1998, respectively) 925,598 849,640
Inventories, net 354,272 644,771
Deferred income taxes 312,011 430,182
Other 166,357 134,001
------------- -------------
Total current assets 3,419,852 3,134,672
Property and equipment, net 831,557 858,779
Goodwill, intangibles, deposits and other assets 243,980 87,069
------------- -------------
Total assets $ 4,495,389 $ 4,080,520
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 336,503 $ 332,992
Other accrued liabilities 674,375 661,303
Income taxes payable 173,116 177,612
Current portion of long-term debt 14,568 12,008
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 1,198,562 1,183,915
Long-term debt 30,405 35,878
Other long-term obligations 7,302 4,480
Deferred income taxes 57,190 48,752
Equity interest in consolidated joint venture 5,475 -
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000 shares authorized;
none outstanding - -
Common stock, $.01 par value, 990,000 shares authorized;
shares outstanding: 1999--365,805;
1998--358,870 1,954,204 1,730,676
Treasury stock, at cost: 1999--8,190 shares, 1998--none (197,064) -
Unamortized restricted stock grants (5,303) (4,157)
Retained earnings 1,403,709 1,079,775
Accumulated other comprehensive income 40,909 1,201
------------- -------------
Total stockholders' equity 3,196,455 2,807,495
------------- -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 4,495,389 $ 4,080,520
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
37
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accumulated
(In thousands) Common Stock Treasury Stock Unamortized Other
------------ ------------- Restricted Retained Comprehensive
Shares Amount Shares Amount Stock Grants Earnings Income Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES, JUNE 1, 1996 323,100 $954,599 $(4,487) $ 691,850 $ 8,713 $1,650,675
Components of comprehensive
income:
Net income 500,533 500,533
Change in unrealized gain
on available-for-sale
securities (4,839) (4,839)
Accumulated translation
adjustments (328) (4,791) (5,119)
----------
Total comprehensive
income 490,575
----------
Common stock issued under
stock plans 9,049 94,746 (2,412) 92,334
Tax benefit from employee stock
transactions 117,088 117,088
Amortization of restricted
stock grants 1,734 1,734
Stock options assumed in
connection with acquisitions 2,192 2,192
Redemption of stock rights 220 220
Adjustment to conform fiscal
year of pooled entity
- OnStream 3,292 25,698 (16,427) 9,271
Adjustment to conform fiscal
year of pooled entity
- U.S. Robotics (497) (10,289) (126,395) 939 (135,745)
------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- ----------
BALANCES, MAY 31, 1997 334,944 1,183,926 (5,165) 1,049,561 22 2,228,344
Components of comprehensive
income:
Net income 30,214 30,214
Change in unrealized gain
on available-for-sale
securities (1,493) (1,493)
Accumulated translation
adjustments 2,672 2,672
----------
Total comprehensive
income 31,393
----------
Common stock issued under
stock plans 23,926 297,693 (445) 297,248
Tax benefit from employee
stock transactions 249,057 249,057
Amortization of restricted
stock grants 1,453 1,453
------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- ----------
BALANCES, MAY 31, 1998 358,870 1,730,676 (4,157) 1,079,775 1,201 2,807,495
Components of comprehensive
income:
Net income 403,874 403,874
Change in unrealized gain
on available-for-sale
securities 43,538 43,538
Accumulated translation
adjustments (3,830) (3,830)
----------
Total comprehensive
income 443,582
----------
Repurchase of common stock (14,805) $(378,565) (378,565)
Common stock issued under
stock plans 6,935 123,850 6,615 181,501 (3,234) (79,940) 222,177
Tax benefit from employee
stock transactions 86,312 86,312
Amortization of restricted
stock grants 2,088 2,088
Stock options assumed in
connection with
acquisitions 13,366 13,366
------- ---------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- ----------
BALANCES, MAY 28, 1999 365,805 $1,954,204 (8,190) $(197,064) $(5,303) $1,403,709 $40,909 $3,196,455
------- ---------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- ----------
------- ---------- ------- --------- ------- ---------- ------- ----------
SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
38
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
May 28, May 31, May 31,
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 403,874 $ 30,214 $ 500,533
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 275,641 300,254 187,924
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 20,103 - -
Write-down of goodwill and intangibles 13,748 1,545 -
Deferred income taxes 95,074 (228,154) (58,062)
Pooling of interests: OnStream - - 4,850
U.S. Robotics - - (83,729)
Purchased in-process technology 12,715 8,433 54,000
Merger-related charges (credits) and other (21,751) 253,722 6,600
Equity interest in loss of consolidated joint venture (1,101) - -
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable (72,692) 109,502 (295,533)
Inventories 286,867 (156,535) (46,605)
Other current assets 40,855 (22,502) (64,787)
Accounts payable (2,047) 24,411 85,396
Other accrued liabilities 28,273 30,103 135,953
Income taxes payable 81,516 276,735 170,298
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,161,075 627,728 596,838
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of short-term investments (477,819) (367,784) (479,249)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments - 36,229 -
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments 303,582 316,625 289,376
Purchase of property and equipment (262,234) (508,328) (404,890)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 29,347 49,566 -
Businesses acquired in purchase transactions, net of cash acquired (114,595) - (66,547)
Investments in long-term equity securities (34,456) (8,523) (14,531)
Other, net (19,059) (2,490) (34,469)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used for investing activities (575,234) (484,705) (710,310)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of common stock 222,177 297,248 95,072
Repurchase of common stock (378,565) - -
Repayments of short-term debt, notes payable
and capital lease obligations (2,561) (168,230) (1,740)
Repayments of long-term borrowings (12,216) (128,067) (225)
Net proceeds from issuance of debt 9,521 33,300 134,703
Other, net (929) 470 3,326
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities (162,573) 34,721 231,136
----------- ----------- -----------
Increase in cash and equivalents 423,268 177,744 117,664
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period 528,981 351,237 233,573
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and equivalents, end of period $ 952,249 $ 528,981 $ 351,237
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
Other cash flow information:
Interest paid $ 4,142 $ 18,293 $ 18,305
Income taxes paid, net 16,884 5,135 116,050
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Tax benefit on stock option transactions 86,312 249,057 117,088
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments, net 43,538 (1,493) (4,839)
Fair value of stock issued and options assumed in business combinations 13,366 - 2,192
SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
39
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS. 3Com Corporation ("3Com" or "us", we", "our") was
founded on June 4, 1979. A pioneer in the computer networking industry, we
have evolved from a supplier of discrete networking products to a leading
provider of broad-based networking systems and services that connect people
and organizations to information across both local area networks (LANs) and
wide area networks (WANs), including the Internet. Headquartered in Santa
Clara, California, 3Com has worldwide research and development,
manufacturing, marketing, sales and support capabilities.
NOTE 2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
FISCAL YEAR. Effective June 1, 1997, 3Com adopted a 52-53 week fiscal year
ending on the Sunday nearest to May 31. Effective June 1, 1998, 3Com adopted
a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Friday nearest to May 31. These
changes did not have a significant effect on 3Com's consolidated financial
statements. Fiscal year 1999 contained 52 weeks, whereas fiscal year 2000
will contain 53 weeks. For fiscal year 2000, the first three quarters will
contain 13 weeks, whereas the fourth quarter will contain 14 weeks.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The
preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires us 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
consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and
expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of 3Com Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and our
joint venture. Due to 3Com's ability to exercise significant influence over
operating and financial policies of the joint venture, we have consolidated
this joint venture since the date of our investment by including its full
results in our consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of
income and then excluding the portion of the net income/loss and equity
related to the other venture partners. All significant intercompany balances
and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
CASH EQUIVALENTS are highly liquid debt investments acquired with a remaining
maturity of three months or less.
INVESTMENTS. Short-term investments consist of investments acquired with
maturities exceeding three months but less than two years. While 3Com's
intent is to hold debt securities to maturity, consistent with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," we have classified all debt
securities and all investments in equity securities that have readily
determinable fair values as available-for-sale, as the sale of such
securities may be required prior to maturity to implement management
strategies. Such securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains
or losses excluded from earnings and included in other comprehensive income,
net of applicable taxes. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific
identification method. Realized gains or losses and declines in value, if
any, judged to be other than temporary are reported in interest and other
income, net in the consolidated statements of income.
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK. Financial instruments which potentially subject
3Com to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of short term
investments and accounts receivable. 3Com generally invests in instruments
with an investment credit rating of AA and better. We also place our
investments for safekeeping with high-credit-quality financial institutions,
and by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure from any one financial
institution.
For the year ended and as of May 28, 1999, 3Com had two customers that
accounted for 17 percent and 12 percent of total sales, respectively, and 21
percent and 11 percent of total accounts receivable, respectively. For the
year ended and as of May 31, 1998, 3Com had one customer that accounted for
14 percent of total sales and 14 percent of total accounts receivable. This
same customer accounted for 13 percent of total sales for the fiscal year
ended May 31, 1997.
40
INVENTORIES are stated at the lower of standard cost (which approximates
first-in, first-out cost) or market.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT is stated at cost. Equipment under capital leases is
stated at the lower of fair market value or the present value of the minimum
lease payments at the inception of the lease.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS. 3Com evaluates the carrying value of our long-lived
assets, including goodwill, whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value of the asset may be impaired. An impairment
loss is recognized when estimated future cash flows expected to result from
the use of the asset including disposition, is less than the carrying value
of the asset. During fiscal 1999, $13.7 million of goodwill was charged to
operations as the goodwill was determined to be impaired.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION are computed over the shorter of the estimated
useful lives, lease or license terms on a straight-line basis - generally
2-15 years, except for buildings which are depreciated over 25 years.
Purchased technology and goodwill are included in other assets and are
amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally two to seven years.
REVENUE RECOGNITION. 3Com generally recognizes a sale when the product has
been shipped, risk of loss has passed to the customer, and collection of the
resulting receivable is probable. We accrue related product return reserves,
warranty, other post-contract support obligations, and royalty expenses at
the time of sale. Service and maintenance sales are recognized over the
contract term. We give limited product return and price protection rights to
certain distributors and resellers. Product return rights are generally
limited to a percentage of sales over a one to three month period. We provide
a limited warranty on our products for periods ranging from 90 days to the
lifetime of the product, depending upon the product.
ADVERTISING. Cooperative advertising obligations are expensed at the time
the related sales are recognized. All other advertising costs are expensed
as incurred.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. The majority of 3Com's sales are denominated in
U.S. Dollars. For foreign operations with the local currency as the
functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at year-end
exchange rates, and statements of income are translated at the average
exchange rates during the year. Gains or losses resulting from foreign
currency translation are included as a component of other comprehensive
income.
For 3Com entities with the U.S. Dollar as the functional currency, foreign
currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated at the year-end
exchange rates except for inventories, prepaid expenses, and property and
equipment, which are translated at historical exchange rates. Statements of
income are translated at the average exchange rates during the year except
for those expenses related to balance sheet amounts that are translated using
historical exchange rates. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency
translation are included in interest and other income, net in the
consolidated statements of income. Foreign currency gains were $2.0 million
for the year ended May 28, 1999, foreign currency losses were $12.3 million
for the year ended May 31, 1998, and were not significant for the year ended
May 31, 1997.
Where available, 3Com enters into foreign exchange forward and option
contracts to hedge certain balance sheet exposures and intercompany balances
against future movements in foreign exchange rates. Option premiums are
expensed in the current period in interest and other income, net.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. 3Com accounts for our employee stock plans under
the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB)
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees."
NET INCOME PER SHARE. Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted
average number of common shares. Diluted earnings per share is computed using
the weighted average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common
shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares
consist of employee stock options, restricted stock and convertible
securities.
EFFECTS OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS. In June 1998 and June 1999, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" and SFAS 137, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities--Deferral of the Effective Date
of FASB Statement No. 133." These Statements require companies to record
derivatives on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities, measured at fair
value. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the values of those
derivatives would be accounted for depending on the use of the derivative and
whether it qualifies for hedge accounting. SFAS 133 will be effective for
3Com's fiscal year ending May 31, 2002. We believe that the adoption of these
statements will not have a significant impact on our financial results.
41
In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
("AICPA") issued Statement of Position ("SOP") No. 98-1, "Accounting for the
Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use." SOP No.
98-1 requires that entities capitalize certain costs related to internal-use
software once certain criteria have been met. SOP 98-1 will be effective for
3Com's fiscal year ending June 2, 2000. We believe that the adoption of this
Statement will not have a significant impact on our financial results.
NOTE 3: BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND JOINT VENTURE
For acquisitions accounted for as purchases, 3Com's consolidated statements
of income include the operating results of the acquired companies from their
acquisition dates. Acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their
estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition, and the aggregate purchase
price plus costs directly attributable to the completion of the acquisitions
have been allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired. Unless otherwise
stated, for acquisitions accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method,
all financial data of 3Com has been restated to include the historical
financial data of these acquired companies. No significant adjustments were
required to conform the accounting policies of the acquired companies.
3Com completed the following transactions during the fiscal year ended May
28, 1999:
- - On March 5, 1999, 3Com acquired NBX Corporation (NBX). The aggregate
purchase price of $87.8 million consisted of cash of approximately $75.4
million, assumption of stock options with a fair value of approximately
$11.9 million, and $0.5 million of costs directly attributable to the
completion of the acquisition. Approximately $5.6 million of the total
purchase price represented purchased in-process technology that had not
yet reached technological feasibility, had no alternative future use and
was charged to 3Com's operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999.
After reflecting tax basis adjustments, this purchase resulted in
approximately $94.4 million of goodwill and other intangible assets that
are being amortized over estimated useful lives of two to seven years.
NBX developed Internet protocol (IP)-based telephony systems that
integrate voice and data communications over small business LANs and
WANs.
- - On February 18, 1999, 3Com acquired certain assets of ICS Networking,
Inc. (ICS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integrated Circuit Systems,
Inc. for an aggregate purchase price of $16.1 million in cash including
$0.1 million of costs directly attributable to the completion of the
acquisition. Approximately $5.0 million of the total purchase price
represented purchased in-process technology that had not yet reached
technological feasibility, had no alternative future use and was charged
to 3Com's operations in the third quarter of fiscal 1999. This purchase
resulted in approximately $6.9 million of goodwill and other intangible
assets that are being amortized over estimated useful lives of three to
seven years. ICS was a manufacturer of integrated circuit products
focused on the design and marketing of mixed signal integrated circuits
for frequency timing, multimedia and data communications applications.
- - On February 8, 1999, 3Com acquired Smartcode Technologie SARL
(Smartcode) for an aggregate purchase price of $17.4 million in cash
including $0.2 million of costs directly attributable to the completion
of the acquisition. Approximately $2.1 million of the total purchase
price represented purchased in-process technology that had not yet
reached technological feasibility, had no alternative future use and was
charged to 3Com's operations in the third quarter of fiscal 1999. This
purchase resulted in approximately $14.4 million of goodwill and other
intangible assets that are being amortized over estimated useful lives
of two to six years. Smartcode was a provider of wireless data
communications and Internet access software technology and is based in
France.
- - On January 25, 1999, 3Com entered into a joint venture named ADMtek,
Inc. (ADMtek) to gain access to specific silicon design technology and
expertise. 3Com contributed approximately $5.3 million in cash for a 44
percent interest in the joint venture. Under the terms of the joint
venture agreement, 3Com has certain rights to increase its ownership in
the joint venture. Due to 3Com's ability to exercise significant
influence over operating and financial policies of the joint venture, we
have consolidated this joint venture since the date of our investment by
including its full results in our consolidated balance sheet and
consolidated statement of income and then excluding the portion of the
net income/loss and equity related to the other venture partners.
42
- - On November 6, 1998, 3Com acquired EuPhonics, Inc. (EuPhonics). The
aggregate purchase price of $8.3 million consisted of cash of
approximately $6.6 million, assumption of stock options with a fair
value of approximately $1.5 million, and $0.2 million of costs directly
attributable to the completion of the acquisition. The charge for
purchased in-process technology associated with the acquisition was not
material, and was included in research and development expenses in the
second quarter of fiscal 1999. After reflecting tax basis adjustments,
this purchase resulted in approximately $10.8 million of goodwill and
other intangible assets that are being amortized over estimated useful
lives of four years. EuPhonics developed digital signal processor
(DSP)-based audio software that drives integrated circuits, sound cards,
consumer electronics, and other hardware.
3Com completed the following acquisitions during the fiscal year ended May
31, 1998:
- - On June 12, 1997, 3Com Corporation completed the merger with U.S.
Robotics Corporation (U.S. Robotics), the leading supplier of products
and systems for accessing information across the WAN, including modems
and remote access products. This merger was accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests. 3Com issued approximately 158 million shares of
our common stock in exchange for all outstanding common stock of U.S.
Robotics. 3Com also assumed all options to purchase U.S. Robotics'
stock, which were converted into options to purchase approximately 31
million shares of 3Com's common stock, pursuant to the terms of the
merger.
All financial data of 3Com presented in this Form 10-K have been
restated to include the historical financial information of U.S.
Robotics in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and
pursuant to Regulation S-X. The 3Com statement of income for the fiscal
year ended May 31, 1997 has been combined with the U.S. Robotics
statement of income for the period from July 1, 1996 through May 25,
1997. This combining methodology includes the last three reported
quarters of U.S. Robotics, ended September 29, 1996, December 29, 1996,
and March 30, 1997, and the months of April and May 1997. To reflect a
complete 12-month year and a three-month fourth quarter and thereby
enhance comparability of periodic reported results, U.S. Robotics'
results of operations for the month ended March 30, 1997 are included in
both the three-month period ended March 30, 1997 and the three-month
period ended May 25, 1997. This presentation has the effect of including
U.S. Robotics' results of operations for the three-month period ended
September 29, 1996 in both the combined years ended May 31, 1997 and
1996, and reflects sales of $611.4 million and net income of $13.5
million. The aggregate of net income for the three-month period ended
September 29, 1996 of $13.5 million and the one-month period ended March
30, 1997 of $112.9 million has been reported as a decrease to 3Com's
fiscal 1997 retained earnings. 3Com's balance sheet as of May 31, 1997
was combined with U.S. Robotics' balance sheet as of May 25, 1997. The
combining periods are as follows:
FISCAL 1997 QUARTERLY PERIODS
---------------------------------------------------------------
Q1'97 Q2'97 Q3'97 Q4'97
----- ----- ----- -----
3Com Aug `96 Nov `96 Feb `97 May `97
U.S. Robotics Sept `96 Dec `96 Mar `97 May `97*
*Three-month period which includes March, April, and May.
The results of operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998 contain
the combined results of both 3Com and U.S. Robotics for the entire 12
months.
43
The combined results reflect reclassifications to conform financial
statement presentation, as follows:
(In thousands, except per share amounts) May 31,
1997
-----------
Sales:
3Com $3,147,106
U.S. Robotics 2,503,945
Reclassifications to conform
financial statement presentation (44,974)
-----------
Combined $5,606,077
-----------
-----------
Net income:
3Com $ 373,950
U.S. Robotics 126,583
-----------
Combined $ 500,533
-----------
-----------
Net income per share (on a diluted basis):
3Com $ 2.01
U.S. Robotics (1) 0.75
-------
Combined $ 1.42
-------
-------
(1) Adjusted for effect of exchange ratio of 1.75 shares of 3Com common
stock for each share of U.S. Robotics common stock.
- - On March 2, 1998, 3Com purchased Lanworks Technologies, Inc. (Lanworks),
for approximately $13.0 million in cash. Approximately $8.4 million of the
total purchase price represented purchased in-process technology that had
not yet reached technological feasibility, had no alternative future use,
and was charged to 3Com's operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998.
Lanworks developed, manufactured, and marketed personal computer (PC)
network boot technologies and products, which are critical components of a
complete desktop management environment.
3Com completed the following acquisitions during the fiscal year ended May 31,
1997:
- - On October 31, 1996, 3Com acquired OnStream Networks, Inc. (OnStream) by
issuing approximately 3.3 million shares of our common stock in exchange
for all the outstanding stock of OnStream. 3Com also assumed and
exchanged all options to purchase OnStream stock for options to purchase
approximately 400,000 shares of 3Com's common stock. The acquisition
was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. Financial data of 3Com has
been restated for the quarter ended August 31, 1996 to include the
historical financial information of OnStream for that period, in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and pursuant to
Regulation S-X. Such restatement increased 3Com's sales and decreased
net income by $3.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for the
quarter ended August 31, 1996. Financial information as of May 31, 1997
and for the year then ended reflects 3Com's and OnStream's operations
for those periods. The financial effect of the results of operations of
OnStream prior to fiscal 1997 has been accounted for as a $16.4 million
charge against retained earnings in fiscal 1997. As a result of the
acquisition, in the second quarter of fiscal 1997 3Com recorded
acquisition-related charges, primarily transaction costs, totaling $6.6
million. OnStream was a provider of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and
broadband WAN and access products.
- - On August 29, 1996, U.S. Robotics purchased Scorpio Communications Ltd.
(Scorpio) for approximately $74.5 million. The aggregate purchase price,
including direct costs of acquisition, was paid through available cash
resources and proceeds from short-term borrowings. Approximately $54.0
million of the total purchase price represented purchased in-process
technology that was expensed upon acquisition. Scorpio designed,
manufactured and sold scalable, fully redundant, fault-tolerant ATM
switches that targeted workgroup LAN, corporate backbone and WAN access
environments.
44
- - During the year ended May 31, 1997, U.S. Robotics acquired distributors
in Korea, Japan, Australia, and Sweden. The aggregate purchase price of
$13.4 million consisted of cash, net of cash acquired and issuance of
stock with a fair value of $0.1 million. These purchases resulted in
$14.0 million of goodwill.
NOTE 4: INVESTMENTS
Available-for-sale securities consist of:
May 28, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
(In thousands) Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
----------------------------------------------------------------
State and municipal securities $ 469,621 $ 1,203 $ (195) $ 470,629
Corporate debt securities 239,873 35 (1,172) 238,736
----------- -------- -------- ----------
Short-term investments 709,494 1,238 (1,367) 709,365
Publicly traded corporate equity
securities 10,487 72,792 - 83,279
----------- -------- -------- ----------
Total $ 719,981 $ 74,030 $ (1,367) $ 792,644
----------- -------- -------- ----------
----------- -------- -------- ----------
May 31, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
(In thousands) Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
----------------------------------------------------------------
State and municipal securities $ 509,702 $ 1,368 $ - $ 511,070
Corporate debt securities 36,018 9 - 36,027
----------- -------- -------- ----------
Short-term investments 545,720 1,377 - 547,097
Publicly traded corporate equity
securities 9,326 718 (523) 9,521
----------- -------- -------- ----------
Total $ 555,046 $ 2,095 $ (523) $ 556,618
----------- -------- -------- ----------
----------- -------- -------- ----------
Publicly traded corporate equity securities are included in other current
assets.
During the fiscal year ended May 28, 1999, publicly traded corporate equity
securities were sold for proceeds of $0.4 million, resulting in realized
losses of $2.6 million. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998,
available-for-sale securities were sold for proceeds of $36.2 million,
resulting in insignificant realized gains and losses. There were no sales of
available-for-sale securities during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1997.
The contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities at May 28,
1999 are as follows:
Amortized Estimated
(In thousands) Cost Fair Value
-----------------------------
Within one year $ 387,098 $ 387,726
Over one year to two years 322,396 321,639
----------- -----------
Short-term investments $ 709,494 $ 709,365
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
45
NOTE 5: INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of:
May 28, May 31,
(In thousands) 1999 1998
----------- -----------
Finished goods $ 237,515 $ 457,726
Work-in-process 49,452 51,510
Raw materials 67,305 135,535
----------- -----------
Total $ 354,272 $ 644,771
=========== ===========
NOTE 6: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consists of:
May 28, May 31,
(In thousands) 1999 1998
----------- -----------
Land $ 48,365 $ 48,902
Land held for development 36,497 36,497
Buildings and improvements 298,493 215,552
Property and equipment held for sale, net 11,825 12,804
Machinery and equipment 930,523 828,290
Furniture and fixtures 100,878 102,008
Leasehold improvements 57,457 64,435
Construction in progress 77,192 173,090
----------- -----------
Total 1,561,230 1,481,578
Accumulated depreciation and
amortization (729,673) (622,799)
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, net $ 831,557 $ 858,779
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 28, 1999. 3Com sold three facilities in the Chicago
and Boxborough areas and equipment in the Chicago area for total net proceeds
of $29.3 million. In addition, we recognized a gain of $4.2 million that was
deferred pending the resolution of certain contingencies associated with the
sale of a 33 acre parcel near 3Com's Santa Clara headquarters in fiscal 1998.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1998. In fiscal 1998, 3Com committed to a strategy
to consolidate our manufacturing operations in the Chicago area. As a result
of this decision, we decided to dispose of our Morton Grove office and
manufacturing facility. Although this asset's carrying cost of approximately
$32.2 million had been deemed recoverable through the operations of the
division that previously occupied the facility, the decision to dispose of
the asset resulted in the recognition of a loss of approximately $19.4
million, reflecting the difference between the estimated net realizable value
and the carrying value of the plant.
During fiscal 1998, 3Com acquired a 58-acre parcel of land near our existing
headquarters in Santa Clara pursuant to our purchase rights under a
pre-existing operating lease for the land. 3Com entered into a cash sale for
a portion of the land and recognized a gain of approximately $15.8 million on
the sale of the property. An additional $4.2 million gain was deferred
pending the resolution of certain contingencies. The remaining 39-acre
portion of land will be held for future development.
The aggregate loss of $3.6 million associated with these two transactions was
included as a component of merger-related charges and other. See Note 11.
46
NOTE 7: OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Other accrued liabilities consist of:
May 28, May 31,
(In thousands) 1999 1998
----------- -----------
Accrued payroll and related expenses $ 110,215 $ 112,190
Accrued product warranty 129,794 87,278
Accrued distributor rebates 46,941 95,163
Deferred revenue 81,677 78,846
Accrued promotion rebates 62,942 33,061
Other 242,806 254,765
----------- -----------
Other accrued liabilities $ 674,375 $ 661,303
=========== ===========
NOTE 8: BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, we leased a new 540,000 square foot
office complex in Marlborough, Massachusetts. The new campus consolidates
general administration, research and development and manufacturing operations
formerly conducted in five separate leased facilities. The site will support
expansion of approximately 660,000 square feet to accommodate future growth.
The lease expires in August 2002, with an option to extend the lease term for
two successive periods of five years each. We have an option to purchase the
property for $86.0 million, or at the end of the lease arrange for the sale
of the property to a third party with 3Com retaining an obligation to the
owner for the difference between the sale price and $86.0 million, subject to
certain provisions of the lease.
During the third quarter of fiscal 1999, we leased three additional buildings
totaling approximately 300,000 square feet at our Santa Clara, California
headquarters site. The lease expires in August 2002, with an option to extend
the lease term for two successive periods of five years each. We have an
option to purchase the property for $83.6 million, or at the end of the lease
arrange for the sale of the property to a third party with 3Com retaining an
obligation to the owner for the difference between the sale price and $83.6
million, subject to certain provisions of the lease.
3Com also leases approximately 870,000 square feet for our Santa Clara,
California headquarters site. The lease expires in November 2001, with an
option to extend the lease term for two successive periods of five years
each. We have an option to purchase the property for $152.6 million, or at
the end of the lease arrange for the sale of the property to a third party
with 3Com retaining an obligation to the owner for the difference between the
sale price and $152.6 million, subject to certain provisions of the lease.
The three aforementioned leases require 3Com to maintain specified financial
covenants, all of which 3Com was in compliance with as of May 28, 1999.
Future minimum lease payments are included in the table below.
3Com leases certain of our facilities under operating leases. Leases expire
at various dates from 1999 to 2015, and certain facility leases have renewal
options with rentals based upon changes in the Consumer Price Index or the
fair market rental value of the property.
Future operating lease commitments, net of sublease income are as follows:
Fiscal Year (in thousands)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 $ 36,439
2001 27,196
2002 20,885
2003 7,316
2004 2,401
Thereafter 16,644
-------------
Total $ 110,881
-------------
-------------
47
During fiscal 1999, 3Com entered into a sublease agreement that expires on
October 31, 2006. 3Com will record approximately $32.1 million of sublease
income over the life of the sublease.
Rent expense was $56.7 million, $53.4 million, and $42.7 million for the
fiscal years ended May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998 and 1997.
As of May 28, 1999, 3Com had approximately $13.0 million in capital
expenditure commitments, primarily associated with facilities renovation and
information system projects.
3Com has a $100 million revolving bank credit agreement that expires December
20, 1999. Payment of cash dividends are permitted under the credit agreement,
subject to certain limitations based on 3Com net income levels. The credit
agreement requires 3Com to maintain specified financial covenants. As of May
28, 1999, there were no outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement,
and 3Com was in compliance with all required covenants.
As of May 28, 1999, 3Com had borrowings related to a $5.8 million equipment
financing transaction, $1.4 million of debt acquired in the Smartcode
acquisition, and $1.8 million of debt related to the ADMtek joint venture.
Also, as of May 28, 1999, 3Com had approximately $18.0 million in unused
bank-issued standby letters of credit and bank guarantees.
During July 1994, 3Com arranged a private placement of $60 million in 7.52%
Unsecured Senior Notes with three insurance companies. The notes are payable
in five equal installments beginning in June 1997. As of May 28, 1999 and May
31, 1998, borrowings under these notes totaled approximately $36 million and
$48 million, respectively. As of May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998, we had $12
million of this debt classified as current portion of long-term obligations.
In November 1994, we completed a private placement of $110 million aggregate
principal amount of convertible subordinated notes under Rule 144A of the
Securities Act of 1933. Beginning in November 1997, the notes became
redeemable at the option of 3Com at an initial redemption price of 102.929%
of the principal amount. On December 23, 1997, 3Com redeemed all of the
convertible subordinated notes. Under the terms of the note agreement, 3Com
paid cash of approximately $115 million for principal, accrued interest and
early call premium. Included in interest and other income, net for the year
ended May 31, 1998 is a charge of approximately $4.7 million for the early
call premium and write-off of unamortized issuance fees.
As of May 28, 1999, the weighted average interest rate on our outstanding
debt was approximately seven percent.
NOTE 9: COMMON STOCK
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN. In September 1989, 3Com's board of directors
approved a stock purchase rights plan and declared a dividend distribution of
one common stock purchase right for each outstanding share of our common
stock. The rights become exercisable based on certain limited conditions
related to acquisitions of stock, tender offers and certain business
combination transactions of 3Com. In the event one of the limited conditions
is triggered, each right entitles the registered holder to purchase for $250
a number of shares of 3Com common stock (or any acquiring company) with a
fair market value of $500. The rights are redeemable at 3Com's option for
$.01 per right and expire on December 13, 2004.
STOCK OPTION PLANS. 3Com has stock option plans under which employees and
directors may be granted options to purchase common stock. Options are
generally granted at not less than the fair market value at grant date, vest
over a two-to five-year period, and expire five to ten years after the grant
date.
On December 17, 1997, 3Com's board of directors approved the repricing of
certain employee stock options with an exercise price in excess of the fair
market value of 3Com's common stock on January 12, 1998. The exercise price
for 20.9 million shares of employee stock options was reset to $29.375, the
closing market price on January 12, 1998. All such options retain their
original vesting schedules but were subject to a nine-month period during
which exercises were prohibited. Stock options held by executive officers and
directors were not eligible for such repricing.
48
A summary of option transactions under the plans follows:
(Shares in thousands) Number Weighted Average
of Shares Exercise Price
--------- --------------
Outstanding, June 1, 1996 56,189 $ 13.42
Granted and assumed 13,271 45.27
Exercised (7,615) 7.89
Canceled (1,789) 31.37
-------- --------
Outstanding, May 31, 1997 60,056 20.82
Granted and assumed 15,701 50.37
Exercised (22,627) 12.07
Canceled (5,509) 39.37
-------- --------
Outstanding, May 31, 1998 47,621 23.39
Granted and assumed 18,934 27.19
Exercised (11,820) 15.73
Canceled (5,489) 30.85
-------- --------
Outstanding, May 28, 1999 49,246 $ 25.60
-------- --------
-------- --------
As of May 28, 1999, there were 9.9 million shares available for future grant.
Outstanding options as of May 28, 1999 Exercisable at May 28, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Range of Number Weighted Average Weighted Average Number Weighted Average
Exercise Prices of Shares Exercise Price Remaining Contractual Life of Shares Exercise Price
- --------------- --------- ---------------- -------------------------- --------- ----------------
(in thousands) (in years) (in thousands)
$ 0.02 - $ 7.44 6,264 $ 4.09 3.9 6,059 $ 4.19
7.50 - 25.38 9,501 20.00 7.5 4,836 17.47
25.44 - 29.38 24,790 28.76 8.4 8,857 29.28
29.44 - 75.50 8,691 38.23 7.8 3,861 38.52
------- ------ ----- ------ ------
Total 49,246 $25.60 7.5 23,613 $21.93
------- ------
------- ------
There were 29.7 million and 25.3 million options exercisable as of May 31,
1998, and 1997 with weighted average exercise prices of $18.69 and $10.83 per
share, respectively.
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN. 3Com has an employee stock purchase plan, under
which eligible employees may authorize payroll deductions of up to 10 percent
of their compensation, as defined, to purchase common stock at a price of 85
percent of the lower of the fair market value as of the beginning or the end
of the offering period.
RESTRICTED STOCK PLAN. 3Com has a restricted stock plan, under which shares
of common stock are reserved for issuance at no cost to key employees.
Compensation expense, equal to the fair market value on the date of the
grant, is recognized as the granted shares vest over a one-to-four year
period. As of May 28, 1999, there were 0.5 million shares available for
future grant.
DIRECTOR STOCK PLAN. 3Com has a director stock plan, under which shares of
common stock are issued to members of our board of directors at an exercise
price equal to the fair market value on the date of grant and vest over 24
month increments. Following the vesting in full of an option previously
received, an additional option to purchase shares of 3Com common stock is
automatically granted to each eligible participant in accordance with the
option grant provisions.
49
COMMON STOCK RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE. As of May 28, 1999, 3Com had common
stock reserved for issuance as follows:
(In thousands)
Shareholder Rights Plan 357,615
Stock Option Plans 59,152
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 4,362
Restricted Stock Plan 489
--------
Total shares reserved for issuance 421,618
--------
--------
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM. During fiscal 1999 and in June 1999, 3Com's board
of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 35 million shares of 3Com's
common stock. Such purchases will be made in the open market from time to
time. During fiscal 1999, we repurchased 14.8 million shares of common stock
for a total purchase price of $378.6 million.
ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. As permitted under SFAS 123, 3Com
has elected to follow APB 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for
stock-based awards to employees. Under APB 25, 3Com generally recognizes no
compensation expense with respect to such awards.
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required
by SFAS 123. This information is required to be determined as if 3Com had
accounted for our stock-based awards to employees (including employee stock
options and shares issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan,
collectively called "options") granted subsequent to May 31, 1995 under the
fair value method of that Statement. The fair value of options granted in
fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997 reported below has been estimated at the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
assumptions:
Employee Stock Option Plans Employee Stock Purchase Plan
--------------------------- -------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
--------------------------- -------------------------------
Risk-free interest rate 5.3% 5.5% 6.1% 4.9% 5.5% 5.4%
Volatility 62.0% 56.0% 54.0% 62.0% 56.0% 54.0%
Dividend yield 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
As of May 28, 1999, the expected lives of options under the Employee Stock
Option Plan were estimated at approximately three and one half years after
the vesting date for directors and approximately two years after the vesting
date for non-directors. As of May 31, 1998, the expected lives of options
under the Employee Stock Option Plan were estimated at approximately three
years after the vesting date for directors and approximately one year after
the vesting date for non-directors. As of May 31, 1997, the expected life of
options under the Employee Stock Option Plan is estimated at one year after
the vesting date. As of May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998 and 1997, the expected
life of options under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was estimated at six
months.
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating
the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are
fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of
highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility.
The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted
during fiscal years 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $14.95, $17.97 and $26.99 per
share, respectively. The weighted average estimated fair value of shares
granted under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan during fiscal years 1999,
1998, and 1997 was $8.41, $10.56, and $12.46, respectively. Because 3Com's
options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded
options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can
materially affect the fair value estimate, in the opinion of management, the
existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the
fair value of its options.
50
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is assumed to be amortized to expense over the options' vesting
period. 3Com's pro forma information follows (in thousands, except per share
amounts):
Years Ended
-----------------------------------------------
May 28, May 31, May 31,
1999 1998 1997
---------- --------- ----------
Net income (loss): As reported $ 403,874 $ 30,214 $ 500,533
Pro forma 216,695 (140,351) 407,712
Earnings (loss) per share: As reported - basic $ 1.12 $ 0.09 $ 1.51
Pro forma - basic 0.60 (0.40) 1.23
As reported - diluted $ 1.09 $ 0.08 $ 1.42
Pro forma - diluted 0.59 (0.39) 1.15
The effects on pro forma disclosures of applying SFAS 123 are not likely to
be representative of the effects on pro forma disclosures of future years.
Because SFAS 123 is applicable only to options granted subsequent to May 31,
1995, the full effect on pro forma net income and earnings per share was not
reflected for periods prior to fiscal 1999.
NOTE 10: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following summary disclosures are made in accordance with the provisions
of SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments,"
which requires the disclosure of fair value information about both on- and
off-balance sheet financial instruments where it is practicable to estimate
the value. Fair value is defined in SFAS 107 as the amount at which an
instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing
parties, rather than in a forced or liquidation sale, which is not 3Com's
intent.
Because SFAS 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all non-financial
instruments from its disclosure requirements, any aggregation of the fair
value amounts presented would not represent the underlying value to 3Com.
May 28, 1999 May 31, 1998
----------------------------- ----------------------------
Carrying Estimated Carrying Estimated
(In thousands) Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value
----------------------------------------------------------------
Assets:
Cash and equivalents $ 952,249 $ 952,249 $ 528,981 $ 528,981
Short-term investments 709,365 709,365 547,097 547,097
Corporate equity securities 128,916 128,916 28,108 28,108
Liabilities:
Long-term debt $ 39,148 $ 39,513 $ 47,886 $ 48,907
The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating the fair values
of financial instruments:
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated
balance sheets for cash and equivalents approximate their estimated fair
values.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND LONG-TERM DEBT. The fair values of short-term
investments and long-term debt are based on quoted market prices or pricing
models using current market rates.
51
CORPORATE EQUITY SECURITIES. Publicly traded corporate equity securities are
included in other current assets. The fair value of publicly traded corporate
equity securities is based on quoted market prices. Privately held corporate
equity securities are included in goodwill, intangibles, deposits and other
assets. Investments in privately held corporate equity securities are
recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. For these non-quoted
investments, our policy is to regularly review the assumptions underlying the
financial performance of the privately held companies in which the
investments are maintained. If and when we determine that a decline in fair
value below the cost basis is other than temporary, the related investment is
written down to its fair value.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. 3Com does not use derivative financial
instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Where available, we enter
into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain balance sheet
exposures and intercompany balances against future movements in foreign
exchange rates. We also selectively enter into foreign exchange option
contracts to hedge certain balance sheet exposures and intercompany balances
against future movements in foreign exchange rates. Gains and losses on the
foreign exchange contracts are included in interest and other income, net,
which offset foreign exchange gains or losses from revaluation of foreign
currency-denominated balance sheet items and intercompany balances.
The foreign exchange forward contracts require 3Com to exchange foreign
currencies for U.S. Dollars or vice versa, and generally mature in one month.
As of May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998, 3Com had outstanding foreign exchange
forward contracts with aggregate notional amounts of $82.2 million and $159.3
million that had remaining maturities of one month or less. As of May 28,
1999 and May 31, 1998, 3Com did not have any outstanding foreign exchange
forward contracts with maturities greater than one month. As of May 28, 1999
and May 31, 1998, the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of foreign
exchange forward contracts were insignificant, and the difference between the
two values was insignificant. The fair value of foreign exchange forward
contracts is based on prevailing financial market information.
The foreign exchange option contracts provide 3Com with the right to exchange
foreign currencies for U.S. Dollars or vice versa, and generally mature in
one month. As of May 28, 1999, 3Com had an outstanding foreign exchange
option contract with a notional amount of $2.8 million that had a remaining
maturity of one month or less. As of May 28, 1999, 3Com did not have any
outstanding foreign exchange option contracts with maturities greater than
one month. As of May 28, 1999, the carrying amount and estimated fair value
of the foreign exchange option contract was insignificant, and the difference
between the two values was insignificant. As of May 31, 1998, 3Com did not
have any foreign exchange option contracts. The fair value of foreign
exchange option contracts is based on prevailing financial market information.
NOTE 11: PURCHASED IN-PROCESS TECHNOLOGY, MERGER-RELATED CHARGES (CREDITS)
AND OTHER
PURCHASED IN-PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
During fiscal 1999, 3Com purchased NBX, Smartcode and certain assets of ICS.
In each of these acquisitions, a portion of the total purchase price
represented purchased in-process technology that had not yet reached
technological feasibility and had no alternative future use. The amounts
charged as purchased in-technology to 3Com's operations in fiscal 1999 were
as follows: $5.6 million for NBX, $2.1 million for Smartcode and $5.0 million
for ICS.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998, 3Com purchased Lanworks for
approximately $13.0 million in cash. Approximately $8.4 million of the total
purchase price represented purchased in-process technology that had not yet
reached technological feasibility and had no alternative future use. This
amount was charged to 3Com's operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998.
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 1997, U.S. Robotics acquired Scorpio for
$74.5 million. Approximately $54.0 million of the total purchase price
represented purchased in-process technology that had not yet reached
technological feasibility and had no alternative future use. This amount was
charged to 3Com's operations in the first quarter of fiscal 1997.
52
MERGER-RELATED CHARGES (CREDITS)
On June 12, 1997, 3Com completed a merger with U.S. Robotics, which was
accounted for as a pooling of interests. As a result of this merger, 3Com has
recorded aggregate merger-related charges of $242.2 million through May 28,
1999, which included $198.4 million of integration expenses and $43.8 million of
direct transaction costs (consisting primarily of investment banking and other
professional fees). The following table displays a rollforward of the
integration expense activity and balances of the U.S. Robotics merger reserve
from June 1, 1997 through May 28, 1999 (in thousands):
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998
---------------------------------------
May 31, 1997 Provision/ May 31, 1998
Type of cost Balance Revisions in Estimates Deductions Balance
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facilities - $ 48,279 $ 11,695 $ 36,584
Severance and outplacement - 61,760 55,550 6,210
Long-term assets - 41,837 40,548 1,289
Inventory - 65,181 58,752 6,429
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total - $ 217,057 $ 166,545 $ 50,512
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999
---------------------------------
May 31, 1998 Revisions in May 28, 1999
Type of cost Balance Estimates Deductions Balance
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facilities $ 36,584 $ (16,196) $ 6,453 $ 13,935
Severance and outplacement 6,210 (2,016) 3,599 595
Long-term assets 1,289 251 797 743
Inventory 6,429 (666) 5,763 -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 50,512 $ (18,627) $ 16,612 $ 15,273
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remaining cash expenditures relating to the U.S. Robotics merger charge are
estimated to be approximately $3.0 million. As of May 28, 1999, substantially
all benefits had been paid to terminated employees. The remaining severance and
outplacement accrual relates primarily to a payment made subsequent to the
fiscal 1999 to one individual. 3Com expects to have completed all exit
activities by November 30, 2002.
As of May 28, 1999, 3Com also had a remaining merger accrual totaling $2.1
million related to the Chipcom Corporation merger.
Merger-related charges for the year ended May 31, 1997 consisted of direct
transaction costs of $6.6 million, primarily investment banking and other
professional fees, related to the acquisition of OnStream.
OTHER CHARGES
During fiscal 1999, 3Com recorded a $4.2 million net gain on the sale of land,
which had previously been deferred pending resolution of certain contingencies
that were resolved during the year. Also included in other charges was a $3.0
million charge reflecting a change in the estimated net realizable value of
closed manufacturing plants in Chicago. The charge reflects a change in the
estimated net realizable value of the plant, reflecting current market
conditions.
During fiscal 1998, 3Com recorded a net credit of $7.0 million associated with
past merger activities and disposition of real estate. This net credit is
comprised of the reversal of approximately $10.6 million of previously recorded
merger accruals based on revised estimates, the sale of land in Santa Clara near
our headquarters which resulted in a net gain of $15.8 million, and the decision
to close one of two manufacturing plants in Chicago which resulted in a one-time
charge of $19.4 million reflecting the difference between the estimated net
realizable value and the carrying value of the plant.
See Note 3 for additional information.
53
NOTE 12: INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME, NET
Interest and other income, net consists of:
Years Ended
----------------------------------------------
May 28, May 31, May 31,
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
Interest income $ 63,245 $ 46,175 $ 36,263
Interest expense (3,756) (16,685) (20,451)
Other (5,434) (12,582) (7,332)
----------- ----------- -----------
Total $ 54,055 $ 16,908 $ 8,480
=========== =========== ===========
NOTE 13: INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes consists of:
Years Ended
-----------------------------------------------
May 28, May 31, May 31,
(In thousands) 1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
Current:
Federal $ 21,134 $ 257,853 $ 213,969
State 30,489 8 54,115
Foreign 49,805 37,641 54,201
----------- ----------- -----------
Total current 101,428 295,502 322,285
----------- ----------- -----------
Deferred:
Federal 96,763 (218,528) (21,811)
State (6,342) 2,537 (7,412)
Foreign (10,130) 6,748 7,106
----------- ----------- -----------
Total deferred 80,291 (209,243) (22,117)
----------- ----------- ----------- -
Total $ 181,719 $ 86,259 $ 300,168
=========== =========== ===========
54
The components of net deferred tax assets consist of:
May 28, May 31,
(In thousands) 1999 1998
----------- -----------
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves not recognized for tax purposes $ 227,739 $ 212,026
Net operating loss carryforwards 156,271 237,100
Amortization and depreciation 19,034 16,988
Other 14,647 44,608
Valuation allowance (52,372) (46,587)
----------- -----------
Total deferred tax assets 365,319 464,135
----------- -----------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unremitted earnings (81,960) (81,960)
Unrealized gain on investments, net (28,298) (745)
Other (240) -
---------- -----------
Net deferred tax assets $ 254,821 $ 381,430
=========== ===========
The valuation allowance relates partially to net operating losses and is
required, as we believe that it is more likely than not that such benefits will
not be realized due to various limitations on their use. The allowance also
relates to certain expenses, the realization of which is not assured on future
state income tax returns. The valuation allowance increased $5.8 million in
fiscal 1999 and increased $29.0 million in fiscal 1998.
3Com's income taxes payable for federal, state, and foreign purposes has been
reduced by the tax benefits associated with the exercise of employee stock
options and with disqualifying dispositions of stock options. The amount of the
benefit is the tax effect of the difference between the market value of the
stock issued at the time of option exercise and the exercise price of the
option.
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the
federal statutory income tax rate to income before taxes as follows:
Years Ended
------------------------------------------
May 28, May 31, May 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ------ ----
Tax computed at federal statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal effect 2.7 1.4 3.4
Foreign sales corporation - - (0.5)
Tax exempt investment income (1.2) (5.5) (0.5)
Provision for combined foreign and U.S. taxes on
certain foreign income at rates greater than
(less than) U.S. rates (5.8) 0.6 (1.6)
Research tax credits (0.6) (5.5) (1.1)
Non-deductible purchased in-process technology
and merger-related charges 0.5 44.2 2.0
Other 0.5 3.9 0.8
------ ---- ----
Total 31.1% 74.1% 37.5%
====== ==== ====
Income before income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 28, 1999 and May 31,
1998 and 1997 includes income of $227.1 million, $170.5 million, and $316.9
million, respectively from our foreign subsidiaries. We have not provided for
federal income taxes on approximately $501.8 million of undistributed earnings
of our foreign subsidiaries since we intend to reinvest in foreign subsidiary
operations indefinitely. It is not practicable to estimate the income tax
liability that might be incurred upon the remittance of such earnings.
55
3Com has operating loss carryforwards related to various taxing jurisdictions,
the total of which is approximately $340 million. These carryforwards expire
through the year 2013.
NOTE 14: COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
On June 1, 1998, we adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income,"
which establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income
and its components. Comprehensive income is the total of net income and other
comprehensive income. The components of other comprehensive income and their
related tax effects are as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended
---------------------------------------------
May 28, May 31, May 31,
1999 1998 1997
---------- ---------- ----------
Gains (losses) on investments during the year, net of
tax expense (benefit) of $28,577, $(816), and
$3,275 in 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively $ 45,157 $ (1,520) $ (4,839)
Less: adjustment for gains (losses) included in net
income, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(1,024),
$15, and $0 in 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively (1,619) 27 -
Change in accumulated translation adjustments during
the year, net of tax of $0 in 1999, 1998, and 1997 (3,830) 2,672 (4,791)
---------- ---------- ----------
Other comprehensive income $ 39,708 $ 1,179 $ (9,630)
========== ========== ==========
Accumulated other comprehensive income presented in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets consists of the accumulated net unrealized gain on
available-for-sale investments and the accumulated foreign translation
adjustments.
NOTE 15: NET INCOME PER SHARE
The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings
per share (in thousands, except per share data):
Years Ended
----------------------------------------------
May 28, May 31, May 31,
1999 1998 1997
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 403,874 $ 30,214 $ 500,533
========== ========== ==========
Weighted average shares-Basic 360,424 351,154 330,517
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options 8,735 8,958 22,429
Restricted stock 202 150 323
---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average shares-Diluted 369,361 360,262 353,269
========== ========== ==========
Net income per share-Basic $ 1.12 $ 0.09 $ 1.51
Net income per share-Diluted $ 1.09 $ 0.08 $ 1.42
NOTE 16: BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
In fiscal 1999, we adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for
reporting information about operating segments and related disclosures about
products, geographic information and major customers.
56
3Com has evolved from a supplier of discrete networking products to a leading
provider of broad-based networking systems and services that connect people and
organizations to information across LANs and WANs, including the Internet. 3Com
is organized around four separately managed business units: Network Systems,
Personal Connectivity, Handheld Computing, and Customer Service. Consistent with
the rules of SFAS No. 131, we have aggregated these four business units into
three reportable segments. Customer Service was combined with Network Systems as
Customer Service operations are an integral part of the Network Systems unit and
are regularly combined for internal management reviews when assessing
performance and making decisions regarding allocation of resources and
investments. The Personal Connectivity segment manufactures and sells desktop
network interface cards, desktop modems, and mobile personal computer cards. The
Network Systems segment manufactures and sells switches, hubs, remote access
concentrators, routers, as well as services associated with sales of these
products. The Handheld Computing segment consists of the Palm Computing line of
handheld devices, the Palm.Net service offering and the licensing of the Palm
Computing operating system.
3Com's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer have been identified
as the chief operating decision makers (CODMs) for SFAS No. 131 purposes as they
assess the performance of the business units and decide how to allocate
resources to the business units. Segment income is the measure of profit and
loss that our CODMs use to assess performance and make decisions. Segment income
represents the sales less the cost of sales and direct expenses incurred within
the operating segments. In addition, 3Com's sales and corporate marketing,
manufacturing, finance and administration groups are allocated to operating
segments and are included in the results below. Certain corporate level
operating expenses (primarily bonuses based on 3Com results, unallocated
corporate expenses, and one-time charges or credits) are not allocated to
operating segments and are included in corporate and other in the reconciliation
of operating results (see footnote (1) below). Further, because interest and
other income, net is allocated to each of the business units as a simple
percentage of sales and the provision for income taxes is allocated to each
business unit as a percentage of pre-tax income, we have included interest and
other income, net and the provision for income taxes in the corporate and other
column (see footnote (1) below).
Our business units do not sell to each other, and accordingly, we have no
intersegment sales. 3Com's CODMs do not review total assets or depreciation and
amortization by operating segment, but they do review inventory by operating
segment. Inventory by reportable operating segment for fiscal 1997 is not
available. The accounting policies for reported segments are the same as for
3Com as a whole (see Note 2).
REPORTABLE OPERATING SEGMENTS
Information on reportable segments for the three years ended May 28, 1999 and
May 31, 1998 and 1997 is as follows (in thousands):
Network Personal Handheld Corporate
1999 Systems Connectivity Computing and Other (1) Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 2,612,593 $ 2,589,657 $ 569,899 $ - $ 5,772,149
Segment income 139,698 365,005 47,613 (148,442) 403,874
Inventory 172,577 162,924 18,771 - 354,272
Network Personal Handheld Corporate
1998 Systems Connectivity Computing and Other (1) Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 2,347,082 $ 2,808,935 $ 264,350 $ - $ 5,420,367
Segment income 14,397 359,747 864 (344,794) 30,214
Inventory 314,660 309,350 20,761 - 644,771
57
Network Personal Handheld Corporate
1997 Systems Connectivity Computing and Other (1) Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 2,325,734 $ 3,155,947 $ 124,396 $ - $ 5,606,077
Segment income 144,816 711,584 (3,579) (352,288) 500,533
(1) Included in the corporate and other category are the following: bonuses
based on 3Com results; unallocated corporate expenses; unallocated merger
charges (credits) and other; unallocated purchased in-process technology;
interest and other income, net; income tax provision; and equity interest in
loss of consolidated joint venture.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Our foreign operations consist primarily of central distribution, order
administration, manufacturing and research and development facilities in Western
Europe, Israel, and Singapore. Sales, marketing and customer service activities
are conducted through sales subsidiaries throughout the world. Geographic sales
information for the last three fiscal years is based on the location of the end
customer. Geographic long-lived assets information is based on the physical
location of the assets at the end of each fiscal year. Sales to unaffiliated
customers and long-lived assets by geographic region are as follows (in
thousands):
Years Ended
-------------------------------------------------------------------
May 28, May 31, May 31,
1999 1998 1997
------------- ------------- --------------
SALES
United States $ 3,083,948 $ 2,962,759 $ 3,091,097
United Kingdom 442,913 388,851 576,987
Other 2,245,288 2,068,757 1,937,993
------------- -------------- -------------
Total $ 5,772,149 $ 5,420,367 $ 5,606,077
============= ============== =============
For the fiscal years ended May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998 and 1997, no other
individual country had sales exceeding 10 percent of total sales.
May 28, May 31, May 31,
1999 1998 1997
------------- -------------- -------------
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
United States $ 596,331 $ 602,389 $ 574,861
United Kingdom 84,879 88,115 66,696
Other 150,347 168,275 89,744
------------- -------------- -------------
Total $ 831,557 $ 858,779 $ 731,301
============= ============== =============
For the fiscal years ended May 28, 1999 and May 31, 1998 and 1997, no other
individual country had long-lived assets exceeding 10 percent of total
long-lived assets.
58
NOTE 17: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
3Com has adopted a plan known as the 3Com 401(k) Plan ("the Plan") to provide
retirement benefits to all of its employees. As allowed under Section 401(k) of
the Internal Revenue Code, the Plan provides tax-deferred salary deductions for
eligible employees. Participants may elect to contribute from one percent to 22
percent of their annual compensation to the Plan each calendar year, limited to
a maximum annual amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Service. In
addition, the Plan provides for contributions as determined by the board of
directors. 3Com will match 50 percent for each dollar on the first six percent
of target income contributed by the employee. Employees will become vested in
3Com matching contributions according to a three year vesting schedule based on
initial date of hire. 3Com matching contributions to the Plan totaled $13.8
million in fiscal 1999, $11.3 million in fiscal 1998, and $7.0 million in fiscal
1997.
NOTE 18: LITIGATION
We are a party to lawsuits in the normal course of our business. Litigation in
general, and intellectual property and securities litigation in particular, can
be expensive and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results
of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. We believe that we have
defenses in each of the cases set forth below and are vigorously contesting each
of these matters. An unfavorable resolution of one or more of the following
lawsuits could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial
condition.
SECURITIES LITIGATION
On March 24 and May 5, 1997, securities class action lawsuits, captioned HIRSCH
V. 3COM CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. CV764977 (HIRSCH), and KRAVITZ V.
3COM CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. CV765962 (KRAVITZ), respectively,
were filed against 3Com and certain of its officers and directors in the
California Superior Court, Santa Clara County. The complaints allege violations
of Sections 25400 and 25500 of the California Corporations Code and seek
unspecified damages on behalf of a purported class of purchasers of 3Com common
stock during the period from September 24, 1996 through February 10, 1997. The
actions are in discovery. No trial date has been set.
On February 10, 1998, a securities class action, captioned EUREDJIAN V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. C-98-00508CRB (EUREDJIAN), was filed
against 3Com and several of its present and former officers and directors in
United States District Court for the Northern District of California asserting
the same class period and factual allegations as the HIRSCH and KRAVITZ actions.
The complaint alleges violations of the federal securities laws, specifically
Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and seeks
unspecified damages. The plaintiffs have filed an amended complaint. 3Com has
filed an answer to the amended complaint. No trial date has been set.
In December 1997, a securities class action, captioned REIVER V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. C-97-21083JW (REIVER), was filed in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Several
similar actions have been consolidated into this action, including FLORIDA STATE
BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION AND TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM OF LOUISIANA V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. C-98-1355. On August 17, 1998, the
plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint which alleges violations of
the federal securities laws, specifically Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and which seeks unspecified damages on
behalf of a purported class of purchasers of 3Com common stock during the period
from April 23, 1997 through November 5, 1997. In July 1999, the court dismissed
the complaint and granted the plaintiffs the right to file an amended complaint.
In October 1998, a securities class action lawsuit, captioned ADLER V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. CV777368 (ADLER), was filed against 3Com
and certain of its officers and directors in the California Superior Court,
Santa Clara County, asserting the same class period and factual allegations as
the REIVER action. The complaint alleges violations of Sections 25400 and 25500
of the California Corporations Code and seeks unspecified damages. The action is
in discovery. No trial date has been set.
59
In January 1998, two purported shareholder complaints relating to 3Com's June
1997 merger with U.S. Robotics, captioned STANLEY GROSSMAN V. 3COM CORPORATION,
ET AL., Civil Action No. CV771335, and JASON V. 3COM CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil
Action No. CV771713, were filed in California Superior Court, Santa Clara
County. The actions alleged that 3Com, several of its officers and directors,
and several former U.S. Robotics officers violated Sections 11 and 15 of the
Securities Act of 1933 by making alleged misrepresentations and omissions in a
May 8, 1997 registration statement. The complaints sought damages in an
unspecified amount on behalf of a purported class of persons who received 3Com
stock during the merger pursuant to the registration statement. On September 25,
1998, the Delaware Chancery Court issued an injunction preventing the plaintiffs
from proceeding with these actions, finding that the plaintiffs' claims are
barred by a settlement in a prior action. On March 15, 1999, the Delaware
Chancery Court issued an order denying a motion by the plaintiffs to set aside
the settlement in the prior action. Pursuant to these rulings, these actions
have been dismissed by the California court.
In February 1998, a shareholder derivative action purportedly on behalf of 3Com,
captioned, WASSERMAN V. BENHAMOU, ET AL., Civil Action No. 16200-NC, was filed
in Delaware Chancery Court. The complaint alleged that 3Com's directors breached
their fiduciary duties to 3Com by engaging in alleged wrongful conduct from
mid-1996 through November 1997, including the conduct complained of in the
securities litigation described above. 3Com was named solely as a nominal
defendant, against whom the plaintiff sought no recovery. This action has been
dismissed by the court.
In October 1998, two shareholder derivative actions purportedly on behalf of
3Com, captioned SHAEV V. BARKSDALE, ET AL., Civil Action No. 16721-NC, and BLUM
V. BARKSDALE, ET AL., Civil Action No. 16733-NC, were filed in Delaware Chancery
Court. The complaints allege that 3Com's directors breached their fiduciary
duties to 3Com through the issuance of and disclosures concerning director stock
options. 3Com is named solely as a nominal defendant, against whom the
plaintiffs seek no recovery. 3Com and the individual defendants have filed a
motion to dismiss these actions.
On May 11, 1999, a securities class action, captioned GAYLINN V. 3COM
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. C-99-2185 MMC (GAYLINN), was filed against
3Com and several of its present and former officers and directors in United
States District Court for the Northern District of California. Soon thereafter,
a number of additional complaints were filed in the Northern District of
California containing factual allegations similar to that in GAYLINN. The
GAYLINN complaint alleges violations of the federal securities laws,
specifically Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
and seeks unspecified damages on behalf of a purported class of purchasers of
3Com common stock during the period from September 22, 1998 through March 2,
1999. The actions are in the process of being consolidated.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION
On April 28, 1997, Xerox Corporation filed suit against U.S. Robotics
Corporation and U.S. Robotics Access Corp. in the United States District
Court for the Western District of New York. The case is now captioned:
XEROX CORPORATION V. U.S. ROBOTICS CORPORATION, U.S. ROBOTICS ACCESS CORP.,
PALM COMPUTING, INC. AND 3COM CORPORATION, Civil Action No. 97-CV-6182T. The
complaint alleges willful infringement of a United States patent relating to
computerized interpretation of handwriting. The complaint further seeks for
unspecified damages and injunctive relief. Xerox has asserted that
Graffiti-Registered Trademark- software and certain products of Palm
Computing, Inc. infringe the patent. On June 25, 1999, the Court stayed the
action pending reexamination of the patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office.
CONSUMER LITIGATION
A consumer class action pending against 3Com and U.S. Robotics in the
California Superior Court, Marin County, BENDALL, ET AL. V. U.S. ROBOTICS
CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action No. 170441, arising out of the purchase of
x2-TM- products and products upgradeable to x2 technology, was coordinated
with a previously filed individual action in the California Superior Court,
San Francisco County, INTERVENTION INC. V. U.S. ROBOTICS CORPORATION, Civil
Action No. 984352. The Coordination Proceeding (Case number CV769903) is
pending in the California Superior Court, Santa Clara County. Two consumer
class action lawsuits pending against 3Com and U.S. Robotics in Cook County,
Illinois arising out of the same facts as those alleged in the California
cases are stayed, LIPPMAN, ET AL. V. 3COM, Civil Action No. 97 CH 09773, AND
MICHAELS, ET AL. V. U.S. ROBOTICS ACCESS CORPORATION, ET AL., Civil Action
No. 97 CH 14417. On July 27, 1999, the Santa Clara County Superior Court
granted final approval of a settlement agreement in the California
Coordination Proceeding. The cost of this settlement was immaterial to our
consolidated financial statements. The BENDALL and INTERVENTION actions were
dismissed with prejudice on July 27, 1999. Under the terms of the
Coordination Proceeding settlement agreement, the plaintiffs in the LIPPMAN
and MICHAELS actions are to voluntarily dismiss their cases on or before
August 26, 1999.
60
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
-------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Fiscal 1999 Quarters Ended Fiscal 1998 Quarters Ended
-------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
(Dollar in thousands, May 28, Feb. 26, Nov. 27, Aug. 28, May 31, Mar. 1, Nov. 30, Aug. 31,
except per share data) 1999 1999 1998 1998 1998 1998 1997 1997
- -------------------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Sales $1,415,572 $1,410,529 $1,540,537 $1,405,511 $1,375,471 $1,250,191 $1,197,189 $1,597,516
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Gross margin 663,748 667,510 723,034 629,736 598,268 543,003 551,845 766,087
Gross margin % 46.9% 47.3% 46.9% 44.8% 43.5% 43.4% 46.1% 48.0%
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating income (loss) 112,216 111,728 178,357 128,136 87,066 25,743 (1,503) (11,741)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) 87,533 89,737 132,913 93,691 63,568 13,858 4,021 (51,233)
Net income (loss) % 6.2% 6.4% 8.6% 6.7% 4.6% 1.1% 0.3% (3.2)%
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Diluted net income
(loss) per share $0.24 $0.24 $0.36 $0.26 $0.17 $0.04 $0.01 $(0.15)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income for the quarter ended May 28, 1999, included a net pre-tax credit of
approximately $4.9 million ($0.01 per share) related to the reduction in the
merger charges associated with U.S. Robotics and Chipcom and a net pre-tax
charge of approximately $5.6 million ($0.01 per share) associated with the
purchase of NBX. Net income for the quarter ended February 26, 1999, included a
net pre-tax credit of approximately $7.3 million ($0.01 per share) related to
the reduction in the merger charge associated with U.S. Robotics and a net
pre-tax charge of approximately $7.1 million ($0.01 per share) associated with
the purchases of Smartcode and certain assets of ICS. Net income for the quarter
ended November 27, 1998, included a net pre-tax charge of approximately $0.6
million (no per share effect) associated with past merger activities and
disposition of real estate. Net income for the quarter ended August 28, 1998
included a net pre-tax credit of approximately $10.2 million ($0.02 per share)
associated with the merger with U.S. Robotics. Net income for the quarter ended
May 31, 1998, included a pre-tax charge of approximately $8.4 million ($0.02 per
share) associated with the purchase of Lanworks and a net pre-tax credit of
approximately $4.9 million ($0.01 per share) associated with past merger
activities and disposition of real estate. Net income for the quarters ended
March 1, 1998, and November 30, 1997, included net pre-tax credits of
approximately $9.9 million ($0.02 per share) and $1.2 million (no per share
effect), respectively, associated with the merger with U.S. Robotics. Net loss
for the quarter ended August 31, 1997 included a net pre-tax charge of
approximately $269.8 million ($0.62 per share) associated with the merger with
U.S. Robotics. See notes to consolidated financial statements for additional
information on the above transactions.
Excluding the non-recurring items noted above, net income and net income per
share on a diluted basis would have been as follows:
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Fiscal 1999 Quarters Ended Fiscal 1998 Quarters Ended
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, May 28, Feb. 26, Nov. 27, Aug. 28, May 31, Mar. 1, Nov. 30, Aug. 31,
except per share data) 1999 1999 1998 1998 1998 1998 1997 1997
- ---------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------------
Net income excluding
non-recurring items $88,046 $89,599 $133,358 $86,743 $65,859 $7,406 $3,189 $169,606
Net income per share
excluding non-
recurring items $0.24 $0.24 $0.36 $0.24 $0.18 $0.02 $0.01 $0.47
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
61
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF 3COM CORPORATION
The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K with respect to identification
of directors is incorporated by reference from the information contained in the
section captioned "Election of Directors" in 3Com's definitive Proxy Statement
for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held September 23, 1999 (the "Proxy
Statement"), a copy of which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission before the meeting date. For information with respect to the
executive officers of 3Com, see "Executive Officers of 3Com Corporation" at the
end of Part I of this report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference
from the information contained in the section captioned "Executive Compensation
and Other Matters" in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference
from the information contained in the section captioned "General Information" in
the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K is incorporated by reference
from the information contained in the section captioned "Compensation Committee
Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the Proxy Statement.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) Financial Statements - See Index to Consolidated Financial
Statements and Financial Statement Schedule at page 34 of this
Form 10-K.
(2) Financial Statement Schedule - See Index to Consolidated
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule at page 34
of this Form 10-K.
(3) Exhibits - See Exhibit Index at page 63 of this Form 10-K.
(b) 3Com did not file or amend any reports on Form 8-K during the fiscal
year ended May 28, 1999.
(c) See Exhibit Index at page 63 of this Form 10-K.
(d) See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedule at page 34 of this Form 10-K.
62
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------ -----------
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation (13)
3.2 Certificate of Correction Filed to Correct a Certain Error in the
Certificate of Incorporation (13)
3.3 Certificate of Merger (13)
3.4 Bylaws of 3Com Corporation, As Amended (14)
4.1 Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated December 31, 1994 (Exhibit
10.27 to Form 10-Q) (6)
4.2 Amended and Restated Senior Notes Agreement between U.S. Robotics
Corporation, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, The Northwestern Mutual Life
Insurance Company, and Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company (7)
4.3 Amendment to amended and restated note agreements between 3Com Corporation,
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Company, and Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company
10.1 1983 Stock Option Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K) (3)*
10.2 Amended and Restated Incentive Stock Option Plan (2)*
10.3 License Agreement dated March 19, 1981 (1)
10.4 Second Amended and Restated 1984 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Exhibit
10.5 to Form 10-Q) (8)*
10.5 3Com Corporation Director Stock Option Plan, as amended (Exhibit 19.3 to
Form 10-Q) (4)*
10.6 Amended 3Com Corporation Director Stock Option Plan (Exhibit 10.8 to Form
10-Q) (8)*
10.7 3Com Corporation Restricted Stock Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.17 to Form
10-Q) (8)*
10.8 1994 Stock Option Plan (Exhibit 10.22 to Form 10-K) (5)*
10.9 Lease Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation, as Landlord, and 3Com
Corporation, as Tenant, effective as of November 20, 1996 (Exhibit 10.37 to
Form 10-Q) (10)
10.10 Purchase Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation, and 3Com Corporation,
effective as of November 20, 1996 (Exhibit 10.38 to Form 10-Q) (10)
10.11 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization among 3Com Corporation, OnStream
Acquisition Corporation and OnStream Networks, Inc. dated as of October 5, 1996
(Exhibit 2.1 to Form S-4) (9)
10.12 Lease Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation, as Landlord, and 3Com
Corporation, as Tenant, effective as of February 3, 1997 for the Combined Great
America Headquarters site (Exhibit 10.19 to Form 10-Q) (12)
10.13 Purchase Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation, and 3Com Corporation,
effective as of February 3, 1997 for the Combined Great America Headquarters
site (Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-Q) (12)
10.14 Credit Agreement dated as of December 20, 1996 among 3Com Corporation,
Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as Agent, and the Other
Financial Institutions Party Hereto Arranged by BA Securities, Inc. (Exhibit
10.21 to Form 10-Q) (12)
10.15 Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among 3Com
Corporation, TR Acquisitions Corporation, 3Com (Delaware) Corporation, and U.S.
Robotics Corporation, dated as of February 26, 1997 and amended as of March 14,
1997 (11)
10.16 Lease Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation, as Landlord, and 3Com
Corporation, as Tenant, effective as of July 25, 1997 for the Great America
Phase III (PAL) site (13)
10.17 Purchase Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation and 3Com Corporation,
effective as of July 25, 1997 for the Great America Phase III (PAL) site (13)
63
10.18 Lease Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation, as Landlord, and 3Com
Corporation, as Tenant, effective as of July 29, 1997 for the Marlborough site
(13)
10.19 Purchase agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation and 3Com Corporation,
effective as of July 29, 1997 for the Marlborough site (13)
10.20 Lease Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation, as Landlord, and 3Com
Corporation, as Tenant, effective as of August 11, 1997 for the Rolling Meadows
site (13)
10.21 Purchase Agreement between BNP Leasing Corporation, and 3Com Corporation,
effective as of August 11, 1997 for the Rolling Meadows site (13)
10.22 First Amendment to Credit Agreement (13)
21.1 Subsidiaries of 3Com
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.
(1) Incorporated by reference to the corresponding Exhibit previously filed as
an Exhibit to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on January
25, 1984 (File No. 2-89045)
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 filed on August 31, 1987 (File No. 33-16850)
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K filed on August 27,
1991 (File No. 0-12867)
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on January 10,
1992 (File No. 0-12867)
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-K filed on August 31,
1994 (File No. 0-12867)
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on January 13,
1995 (File No. 0-12867)
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on May 16, 1995
(File No. 0-19550)
(8) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on January 15,
1996 (File No. 0-12867)
(9) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-4 filed on October 11, 1996 (File No. 333-13993)
(10) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on January 13,
1997 (File No. 0-12867)
(11) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
S-4 filed on March 17, 1997 (File No. 333-23465)
(12) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on April 11,
1997 (File No. 0-12867)
(13) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on October 14,
1997 (File No. 0-12867)
(14) Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit identified in parentheses
previously filed as an Exhibit to Registrant's Form 10-Q filed on January 11,
1999 (File No. 0-12867)
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None
64
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON
ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, ON THE 17TH DAY OF
AUGUST, 1999.
3Com Corporation
(Registrant)
By /s/ Eric A. Benhamou
-------------------------------
Eric A. Benhamou
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,
THIS REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES INDICATED ON THE 17TH DAY OF AUGUST, 1999.
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
/s/ Eric A. Benhamou Chairman of the Board and
- ------------------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
(ERIC A. BENHAMOU) (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Christopher B. Paisley Senior Vice President, Finance
- ------------------------------------------------- and Chief Financial Officer
(CHRISTOPHER B. PAISLEY) (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ James L. Barksdale Director
- -------------------------------------------------
(JAMES L. BARKSDALE)
/s/ Gordon A. Campbell Director
- -------------------------------------------------
(GORDON A. CAMPBELL)
/s/ Casey Cowell Director
- -------------------------------------------------
(CASEY COWELL)
/s/ James E. Cowie Director
- -------------------------------------------------
(JAMES E. COWIE)
/s/ David W. Dorman Director
- -------------------------------------------------
(DAVID W. DORMAN)
/s/ Jean-Louis Gassee Director
- -------------------------------------------------
(JEAN-LOUIS GASSEE)
/s/ Philip C. Kantz Director
- -------------------------------------------------
(PHILIP C. KANTZ)
/s/ Paul Yovovich Director
- -------------------------------------------------
(PAUL YOVOVICH)
/s/ William F. Zuendt Director
- -------------------------------------------------
(WILLIAM F. ZUENDT)
65
SCHEDULE II
3Com Corporation
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
For the Years Ended May 31, 1997 and 1998 and May 28, 1999
(In thousands)
Additions
Balance at charged to Pooled Balance at
beginning costs and Business- end of
Description of period expenses Reclassifications Deductions Net period
- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1997:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 38,494 $ 27,880 $ - $ 8,212 (2) $ 917 (1) $ 59,079
Product return reserve 34,795 118,656 - 68,200 (7,777)(1) 77,474
Accrued product warranty 47,802 84,006 - 58,082 (459)(1) 73,267
Acquisition-related reserves:
Chipcom 33,685 - - 16,719 - 16,966
YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 1998:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 59,079 $ 33,182 $ - $ 19,964 (2) $ - $ 72,297
Product return reserve 77,474 98,785 - 87,365 - 88,894
Accrued product warranty 73,267 73,832 - 59,821 - 87,278
Acquisition-related reserves:
Chipcom 16,966 - - 11,705 - 5,261
Acquisition-related reserves:
U.S. Robotics
Inventory reserve - 63,858 - 57,429 - 6,429
Property and equipment reserve - 49,166 - 24,276 - 24,890
Non-current asset reserve - 28,134 - 26,619 - 1,515
Accrued acquisition-related costs - 119,605 - 101,927 - 17,678
YEAR ENDED MAY 28, 1999:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 72,297 $ 55,685 $2,033 (3) $ 21,119 (2) $ - $108,896
Product return reserve 88,894 18,365 - 29,609 - 77,650
Accrued product warranty 87,278 100,560 - 58,044 - 129,794
Acquisition-related reserves:
Chipcom 5,261 (2,150) - 1,007 - 2,104
Acquisition-related reserves:
U.S. Robotics
Inventory reserve 6,429 (666) - 5,763 - -
Property and equipment reserve 24,890 (6,078) - 6,536 - 12,276
Non-current asset reserve 1,515 (1,515) - - - -
Accrued acquisition-related costs 17,678 (10,192) - 4,489 - 2,997
- -------------------
(1) Pooled business - net represents activity of U.S. Robotics for the period
for July 1, 1996 through September 29, 1996 and for the month ended March
30, 1997 (see note 3 to the consolidated financial statements).
(2) Accounts written off - net of recoveries.
(3) Reclassification from notes receivable reserve to allowance for doubtful
accounts.
S-1