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United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[x] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended April 2, 2005
or
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from
to
Commission file number: 1-12696
PLANTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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DELAWARE |
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77-0207692 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) |
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
345 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, California
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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95060
(Zip Code) |
(831) 426-5858
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE
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NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE |
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PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS
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NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed
all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
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
registrants 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. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated
filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [X]
No [ ].
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant, based upon the closing price
of $45.05 for shares of the Registrants Common Stock on
October 1, 2004, the last business day of the
Registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter
as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately
$2,122,933,497. In calculating such aggregate market value,
shares of Common Stock owned of record or beneficially by
officers, directors, and persons known to the Registrant to own
more than five percent of the Registrants voting
securities (other than such persons of whom the Registrant
became aware only through the filing of a Schedule 13G
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) were excluded
because such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. The
Registrant disclaims the existence of control or any admission
thereof for any other purpose.
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of
April 30, 2005 was 47,885,060.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrants Proxy Statement for its 2005
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on July 21, 2005
are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
Plantronics, Inc.
FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended March 31, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Plantronics the logo design, Plantronics and the logo design
combined, AcuSpeak, Ameriphone, .Audio, Clarity, Clarity Power,
Flex Grip, GameCom, Plantronics Discovery, Plantronics Explorer,
Plantronics Voyager, RetractPro, SupraPlus, and WindSmart are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. The
Bluetooth name and the Bluetooth trademarks are owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc, and are used by Plantronics, Inc. under
license. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
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This Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed with respect to
our fiscal year 2005. Each of our fiscal years ends on the
Saturday closest to the last day of March. Our fiscal year 2005
ended on April 2, 2005. For purposes of consistent
presentation, we have indicated in this report that each fiscal
year ended March 31 of the given year, even
though the actual fiscal year end may have been on a different
date.
CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities
Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). In addition,
we may from time to time make oral forward-looking statements.
These statements may generally be identified by the use of such
words as expect, anticipate,
believe, intend, plan,
will, or shall, and include, but are not
necessarily limited to, all of the statements marked below with
an asterisk (*). Such forward-looking statements are
based on current expectations and entail various risks and
uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from
those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result
of a number of factors, including, but not limited to the
factors discussed in the subsection entitled Risk Factors
Affecting Future Operating Results, in Item 7 of this
Form 10-K. This Annual Report on Form 10-K and our
Annual Report to Stockholders should be read in conjunction with
these risk factors.
Item 1. Business
HISTORY
Plantronics, Inc. (Plantronics, we,
our, or us) was founded and incorporated
in the state of California in 1961. Plantronics initially went
public in 1977, was taken private in a leveraged buyout in 1989
and was subsequently reincorporated in the state of Delaware.
Plantronics went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1994
under the ticker symbol of PLT. We are a leading
worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of lightweight
communications headsets, telephone headset systems and
accessories for the business and consumer markets. In addition,
we manufacture and market specialty telecommunication products
for the hearing-impaired and other related products for people
with special communications needs.
Plantronics headsets are communications tools, providing freedom
to use your hands while staying connected, freedom
to move around, and freedom from keyboards. We apply a variety
of technologies to develop high quality products to meet the
needs of our customers, whether it be for communications or
personal entertainment. Plantronics headsets are widely used for
cell phones, in contact centers, in the office, at home for
computer applications such as Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) and gaming, as well as other specialty
applications.
We sell our broad range of communications products into more
than 70 countries through a worldwide network of distributors,
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs),
wireless carriers, retailers and telephony service providers. We
have well-developed distribution channels in North America,
Europe and some of the Asian Pacific countries, where headset
use is fairly widespread. Our distribution channels in other
regions of the world are less mature and primarily serve the
contact center markets in those regions.
We operate in one business segment. Our operations are organized
functionally. Information required by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 131 (Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information) and Item 101(b) of
Regulation S-K can be found in the Consolidated Financial
Statements and related notes herein.
Plantronics acquired The Walker Equipment Corporation and
Ameriphone, Inc. in 1986 and 2002 respectively. In January 2004,
we changed the name of our Walker and Ameriphone businesses to
Clarity®. Clarity is a leading supplier of telephones with
advanced sound processing, notification systems,
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assisted listening devices and other communications devices for
the hearing-impaired markets. Claritys patented
technology, Clarity
Powertm
provides customized solutions for customers who otherwise may
not have a way to communicate effectively.
We provide access free of charge through a link on our web site
to our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as
amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable
after the reports are electronically filed with, or furnished
to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Our principal executive offices are located at 345 Encinal
Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060. Our telephone number is
(831) 426-5858. Our internet address is
www.plantronics.com. Our Investor Relations website is
also accessible through www.plantronics.com.
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
General Background
Headsets enhance communications by providing the following
benefits:
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BETTER SOUND QUALITY that provides clearer conversations on both
ends of a call through a variety of features and technologies,
including noise-canceling microphones, digital signal processing
and more; |
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MULTI-TASKING BENEFITS that allow people to use a computer, a
PDA or other devices, take notes and organize files while
talking hands-free; |
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WIRELESS FREEDOM allowing people to take and make calls as they
move freely around their home or office without cords or cables; |
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CONTRIBUTING TO GREATER DRIVING SAFETY by enabling a person
already using a cell phone to have both hands free to drive
while talking on a cell phone; |
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VOICE COMMAND AND CONTROL that let people take advantage of
voice dialing and/or other voice-based features to make
communications and the human/electronic interface more natural
and convenient; |
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PROVIDING ERGONOMIC RELIEF from repetitive stress injuries and
discomfort associated with placing a telephone handset between
the shoulder and neck; |
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ENABLING EMERGING PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC) AND VoIP
APPLICATIONS, including speech recognition, Internet telephony
and gaming; and |
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PROVIDING GREATER PRIVACY than speakerphones, and with wireless
products, the ability to move from public to private space when
required. |
Demand for headsets continues to increase both in our
traditional markets such as the enterprise markets as well as in
the consumer market.* In each of these markets, the trend
towards wireless products contributed significantly to demand, a
trend we expect to continue in fiscal 2006.* Wireless products
represent both an opportunity for high growth as well as a
challenge because of the lower margins we experience due to
competitive pressures, particularly with Bluetooth mobile
products.*
The proliferation of desktop computing makes communications
headsets a product of choice in many occupations because they
permit the user to be more efficient in an ergonomically
comfortable environment. Growing awareness of driver safety and
impending or already existing hands-free legislation requiring
mandatory hands-free devices for cell phone communications in
cars has led to increased headset adoption for cell phone users.
The increased adoption of new technologies, such as Bluetooth
and VoIP described below, has also contributed to the increase
in demand for telephone headsets:
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Bluetooth is a wireless technology using short-range radio links
that can eliminate cables and wires that were formerly required
to connect computing and communications devices. It can be |
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used to provide low-cost, wireless
connectivity between computers, mobile phones, Personal Data
Assistants (PDA), other portable handheld devices,
and access to the Internet.
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VoIP is a technology that allows a
person to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet
connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. VoIP
converts the voice signal from a persons telephone into a
digital signal that travels over the Internet and then converts
it back at the other end so that the caller can speak to anyone
with a regular (or analog) phone line.
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MARKETS
Office and Contact Center
Plantronics is a leader in the office and contact center markets
with a broad range of communications headsets, including
high-quality, ergonomically designed headsets, amplifiers and
telephone systems.
The office market, which includes both corporate and small
office/home office (SOHO), comprises the largest
overall market in terms of revenue for our products today.
Growth in this market comes from two main factors:
1) the advent of wireless solutions and the freedom they allow;
and
2) a growing awareness of the benefits of headsets.
We believe this market presents an opportunity for significant
expansion.*
The contact center, in which we have achieved significant market
penetration, represents our second largest revenue stream and
most mature market. We believe that the long-term outlook for
the contact center is one of modest growth. We expect that
contact centers will increasingly adopt VoIP technology to help
improve productivity and reduce costs. We develop headsets
specifically tailored to VoIP applications, and, as VoIP
adoption increases, we believe that we will continue to lead in
new product performance.*
Mobile and Entertainment
Mobile represents our largest unit volume market. The total
market at OEM prices is believed to be larger than the contact
center market. We believe that our market share within the
mobile market as a whole, is less than our share in the office
and contact center applications.* We believe that we have the
opportunity to gain share in the mobile market and that this may
represent a significant growth opportunity for us.* Use of
headsets is growing worldwide, particularly due to hands-free
legislation for cell phones and continued Bluetooth technology
adoption.* The Plantronics mobile headset line delivers the
freedom and mobility of hands-free communications with high
sound quality, stability and comfort. Plantronics mobile
headsets come in a variety of styles, colors and models. Our
headsets are designed to strict quality standards, including
features that provide a high quality user experience. These
headsets have a variety of features depending on the model,
including noise-canceling microphones that effectively reduce
background noise and facilitate voice dialing, Plantronics
unique Flex Grip® design for a stable, comfortable fit and
inline call answer/end buttons. Our designs incorporate discreet
size and high quality sound, allowing the user to both hear and
transmit his or her voice more clearly.
Entertainment
and Computer Audio
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Headsets for use with entertainment applications, whether they
be interactive online gaming or switching between music and
phone calls for multi-functional devices, represent an emerging
market opportunity for us. The entertainment and computer audio
products, which include sales of our
GameComtm
Halo 2 Edition headset, are a growing part of our business. The
GameComtm
Halo 2 Headset is designed to deliver superior voice
communication for intense Xbox
Livetm
game play. |
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During late fiscal 2004, we entered into a strategic partnership
with Skype® Technologies S.A., a global P2P (peer-to-peer)
Internet telephony company, to provide voice communications
solutions for users of Skypes online telephony services.
The companies signed a strategic agreement detailing their
shared vision for the advancement of modern telephony solutions.
Sales of headsets related to Skype have been primarily
concentrated in Europe. |
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We believe that a number of fundamental factors are likely to
increase our customers need for PC-compatible headsets in
the future, including the convergence of telephony and
entertainment, Internet multimedia applications such as
streaming audio and video, VoIP, gaming, and video
conferencing.* As devices providing these user needs converge,
our headsets may need to be PC-compatible, cell phone
compatible, MP-3 compatible or various combinations of these. We
monitor our product roadmap to meet these potential future
customer demands. |
Other Specialty Products
With a growing number of people worldwide suffering from various
degrees of hearing loss, the need for simple and accessible
solutions is expected to grow, and we believe that we are well
positioned to serve this need. Clarity delivers a comprehensive
range of special needs communications products from a single
manufacturer, that serve the mild, moderate and severe hearing
loss markets as well as the deaf community. Product distribution
includes audiologists and health care professionals, government
programs, specialized distributors and retail.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS
In fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003 revenues outside the U.S.
accounted for approximately 33%, 34% and 32%, respectively, of
our total net revenues. Revenues related to foreign customers
are generally subject to additional risks such as fluctuations
in exchange rates, increased tariffs, and the imposition of
other trade barriers. In fiscal 2005, we continued to engage in
hedging activities to limit our transaction and economic
exposures and to mitigate our exchange rate risks. We hedged a
portion of our positions in the Euro, the Great British Pound,
and the Chinese Yuan, which constitute the majority of our
currency exposure. To the extent that we increase revenues to
non-U.S. customers or increase our transactions in foreign
currencies, or that we are unsuccessful in our hedging
strategies, our results of operations could be materially
adversely affected by exchange rate fluctuations. *
PRODUCTS
Summary
Our product line consists of lightweight communications
headsets, telephone headset systems, headset accessories and
services, specialty telephones, and other products for customers
with special communications needs. Our headset products
incorporate unique features that we believe offer compelling
performance advantages:
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SOUND QUALITY. In designing our products, we conduct headset
sound quality (e.g. preference and intelligibility) research on
many telephone systems in both listening (receiving) and
speaking (transmission) modes. We believe that we have
achieved one of the industrys best signal-to-noise ratios,
creating noise-canceling designs to substantially reduce
background sounds in unusually loud environments. Some of our
latest product offerings further improve audio quality through
the use of our proprietary
WindSmarttm
technology, enhancing intelligibility by allowing users to
understand conversations even in noisy locations. |
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COMFORT. We believe our focus on ergonomics is critical to our
success. We maintain what we believe is the industrys most
extensive database for the design of headsets. Our database
includes measurements from over 1,000 physical molds taken of
different ear types. The measurements are |
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digitized and stored in a CAD/ CAM database along with critical
head contour measurements. In addition, we have researched
optimal weight distribution on the ear. |
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RELIABILITY. We have over forty years of experience
understanding headset reliability and durability and have
incorporated this knowledge into our product designs. We believe
this expertise produces more reliable products that generally
last longer than the comparable competitive products. |
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STYLE. Style and design are becoming increasingly important in
our markets as headset adoption goes mainstream.* Our headsets
come in a wide variety of wearing styles and designs. We believe
that Plantronics has a richer mix of selections and a greater
variety of headsets than any other vendor to meet the unique
requirements and preferences of our customer base.* |
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COMPATIBILITY. Our broad line of headsets is compatible with
telephony systems throughout the world. Historically, telephony
systems have been developed on a proprietary basis and, thus,
can differ substantially from one another. We have developed
such compatibility over our forty plus years, and we design and
test new products to achieve broad compatibility with the vast
array of telephony systems in use today. In newer product areas,
such as Bluetooth® based headsets for use with cellular
phones, we offer optimized compatibility. Overall, we believe
our Bluetooth headsets provide better ease of pairing with other
Bluetooth enabled devices, a highly reliable wireless link, more
efficient power consumption, and overall better telephony
compatibility.* |
In addition to our complete line of headsets, headset systems,
headset telephones and amplifiers, we provide headset
accessories, which include replacement voice tubes, ear
cushions, ear tips, and wind-noise suppressors. These
replacement parts allow end users to revitalize their headset to
maintain maximum performance and comfort. We also sell a full
line of accessory products, including handset lifters and in-use
indicators, which allow our customers increased mobility and
ease of use.
Headsets
Our headsets are sold through various distribution channels and
are used for multiple applications, such as telephony, mobile,
gaming, computer audio, VoIP and entertainment.
Telephony Applications
Headsets for use with corded telephones generally consist of two
distinct units. The top is the portion that the user
wears, and is generally associated with the term
headset. The headset top contains the speaker and
the microphone and a means to have these in the correct location
for comfortable use. The headset base, often
referred to as an amplifier or telephone adapter, interfaces
with the telephone or other equipment. The headset base is
currently required in most standard telephone applications.
Increasingly, the headset interface is being built into the
corded telephone or contact center call distribution system with
which the headset is being used, allowing use of the headset top
alone. Whether the headset is corded, cordless or wireless, in
most cases, a complete solution will still include a headset
top and an amplifier base.
Mobile, Entertainment and Computer Audio Applications
Most cell phones come with a dedicated standard 2.5mm headset
port and are increasingly becoming Bluetooth enabled, permitting
the headset to be plugged directly into the cell phone or
wirelessly connected through use of a Bluetooth headset. On
those mobile devices that do not have a standard headset port,
we generally have special versions that fit directly into a
non-standard headset port.
Headsets for computers and gaming generally do not require a
separate adapter, and our headsets are designed to plug directly
into either the computers analog sound card or in the USB
port of the computer. For VoIP applications, we have developed a
range of products from basic headsets that plug
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directly into the USB port of the computer, to higher end
headsets which include additional software productivity tools.
Primary Headset Product Summaries
H-Series Professional Grade Headsets and Adaptors
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These headsets are sold primarily to our office and contact
center customers. They offer enhanced receive-side audio
quality, flexible boom, monaural or binaural versions, Quick
Disconnect features, voice tube or noise-canceling microphones,
compatibility with Plantronics amplifiers and USB-to-headset
adapters and are designed to provide greater headset
flexibility. Our primary products include the Supra family and
the Encore. |
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Adaptors primarily consist of our M12 Vista Universal Amplifier,
which connects our headsets to modular single or multi-line
phones and offer ergonomically designed volume, headset/handset,
and mute controls. |
Wireless Office
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We have a number of products that address the need for mobility,
particularly in the office. Our primary products for wireless
office applications are: |
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The CS50 (domestic) and CS60 (international DECT-based)
wireless office headset systems are primarily sold to office
professionals. These headsets provide mobility and hands-free
communications over the phone. The CS50 and CS60 have eight
hours of talk time and wireless roaming ranges of up to 300
feet. These wireless office headset systems also have an
optional HL10 Lifter, which allows individuals to take or end a
call at the press of a button. |
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In addition to the CS50 and CS60, we sell the following
products: the CS10, CT10/12, CA10 and the LKA10. |
Headsets for Cell Phones
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M-Series Wireless
Headsets |
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The M-series lightweight wireless headsets are primarily sold to
mobile professionals and consist mainly of our Bluetooth enabled
headsets. The Bluetooth family of products includes the M2500,
the M3000 and the M3500. They offer 3 to 5 hours of talk time
and combine the benefits of Bluetooth wireless mobility with
ergonomic designs. |
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MX
Series Corded Headsets |
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The MX series of corded headsets come in multiple styles, sizes,
and features. They are typically offered as part of bundled
promotions with various wireless carriers. The MX series of
headsets includes the MX100, MX150, MX300 and the MX500. |
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Entertainment and Computer Audio
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Our computer audio products primarily consist of the
.Audiotm
line of products. These headsets are used for gaming, music
listening, voice recognition, VoIP and other PC-compatible
related applications. |
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The Halo 2 headset product is for the X-box® gaming
console, which allows users to communicate with each other while
playing on-line interactive games including voice commands. |
Other Related Headset Products
In addition to headsets, we provide other related products such
as lifters and spare parts for our headsets.
Other Specialty Products
Our other specialty product offerings include the Clarity Power
telephone with accessories, an extra loud ringer, an extra large
lighted keypad, volume control circuitry, telephones with
advanced sound processing, text telephones
(TTYs), notification systems, emergency
response systems and other products for the hearing impaired,
deaf and others with special needs. Claritys products have
been selected by a number of state programs that provide
equipment to those in need, including two of the nations
largest state programs.
Plantronics Special Products group manufactures custom
headsets and other equipment for special applications that are
not served by our standard headset product lines. From our first
products used in the early days of the space program,
Plantronics Special Products offering has grown to include
over 800 different headset models. Customers such as NASA,
commercial and private aviators, the Federal Government, and 911
dispatch centers rely on Plantronics headsets for their
unique communications needs, which may include custom headset
configurations for specific applications.
Plantronics Service and Repair
We support our product offerings with a technical assistance
center to answer questions from our customers. Our worldwide
service center provides a quick response to warranty support,
which is provided for at no additional cost and out-of-warranty
service needs, which are provided at an additional cost to our
end users. Customers can contact us for their support needs in a
variety of ways, including:
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Toll-free 800 support with multiple-language capabilities; |
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Web-based FAQ database; |
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Web-based question submission; |
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Live online chat; and |
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Instant call-back support. |
In addition, we offer online users manuals, installation
guides, warranty information, and our Quick Web and Quick Fax
services.
COMPETITION
The market for our products is highly competitive. We compete in
several different markets, specifically the office (which
includes the SOHO market) and contact center, mobile,
entertainment, computer audio, and other specialty markets.
There are a number of different competitors in each of these
market niches. Additionally, we believe that telephony and
entertainment applications are converging in similar devices,
and to that end, we expect that there may be additional
competitors that have not historically been our direct
competitors. We believe the principal competitive factors in
each market are product
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features, price, comfort and fit, product reliability, customer
service and support, reputation, distribution, ability to meet
delivery schedules, warranty terms and product life.
One of our primary competitors is GN Netcom, a subsidiary of GN
Great Nordic Ltd., a Danish telecommunications conglomerate. GN
Netcom has acquired nine companies since 1996 and competes with
us in the office, contact center and mobile markets. GN Netcom
is now offering products for the PC market as well. In addition,
Motorola and Logitech are significant competitors in the
consumer headset market. Internationally, Sennheiser
Communications is a competitor in the computer as well as the
office and contact center markets.
The office market, including both traditional, SOHO, and
residential markets, involves the sale of headsets for
connection to single-line or office telephone systems, wireless
and cordless telephones and computers. There is indirect
competition from speakerphones. Competitors in the contact
center user market also sell headsets for use in the office
market. We face different competitors depending on the channel
of distribution and the geographic location. We anticipate that
we may face additional indirect competition in this market from
technological advances such as wireless communications.*
Although we have historically competed very successfully in the
contact center market, there can be no assurance that we will be
able to retain our leadership position in that market.
Competitors in the mobile market generally come from outside the
contact center market. They include the cell phone
manufacturers, who typically outsource phone accessories like
headsets, and companies that focus primarily on the mobile
and/or cordless phone accessories markets. There is indirect
competition from hands-free car kits that allow users the
ability to drive with both hands on the wheel. Important factors
on which we compete in the mobile market include product
styling, competitive pricing, product reliability, product
features, sound quality, comfort and fit, ability to meet
delivery schedules, customer service and support, reputation,
distribution, warranty terms, and product life.
In the computer market, we compete for business in both the
retail channel and through OEMs. We face competition principally
from established computer peripheral vendors. These vendors have
established relationships with their distribution channels,
enabling them to gain broad and deep global distribution. There
is indirect competition from stand-alone microphones and
loudspeakers for use with computers. Competition through the
retail channel is based upon differentiated retail packaging,
price, superior microphone and speaker performance and headset
style and color. Competition for OEM business is based upon
meeting their unique requirements within their timeframes,
unique styling, price targets, and consistent quality with low
defect rates.
The residential market involves the sale of headsets, telephones
and other specialty products for use by the hearing impaired and
other customers with special communications needs, and single
and multi-line corded and cordless headset telephone solutions.
This market is principally served by the retail channel and
through certain OEMs. Our competition in the residential market
comes principally from competitors in the mobile and computer
markets and, in the case of our Clarity telephones for the
hearing impaired, from certain niche market manufacturers of
similar products.
As we develop new generations of products and enter new markets,
including the developing business and home-office user markets,
we anticipate facing additional competition from companies that
currently do not offer communications headsets.* Such companies
may be larger, offer broader product lines, and have
substantially greater financial resources. Such competition
could adversely affect our pricing and gross margins. We believe
that our experience in design and manufacture of comfortable and
well-fitting headsets and the excellent acoustics of our
products will assist us in our efforts to sell headset products
in the face of this new competition; however, there is no
assurance that we will be able to compete successfully.*
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We believe that the following key factors enable us to maintain
our position as a leading supplier of lightweight communications
headsets:
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high quality reputation; |
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large, diverse distribution networks; |
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brand name recognition, particularly in the business to business
markets; |
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strong customer service; |
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diverse product offerings; |
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high level of R&D spending |
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ability to design safe and reliable products; and |
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our understanding of telephone systems. |
Although we believe we compete successfully with respect to
these factors, if we do not compete successfully, it could
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Since our introduction of the original lightweight headset in
1962, enhancing communications has been the primary focus of our
development efforts. As we have expanded globally, we have
increased the scope of these efforts to support international
product needs. We believe that we have successfully developed
innovative products that better enable us to address changing
customer demands, emerging market trends, and have created an
operational model to bring the right products to market at the
right time.
In the past fiscal year, we have delivered new technologies and
products to address market trends that include wireless and
entertainment headsets, as well as professional grade headsets
for core applications in the contact center. Over the course of
the year, the following ongoing new products were announced:
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In late fiscal 2004, we announced the SupraPlus® headset
which began shipping in fiscal 2005. The SupraPlus®
telephone headset family continues the tradition of durable,
lightweight headsets for telephone professionals in the contact
center. Building on the strength of the original Supra headset,
the new design and improved sound quality of SupraPlus®
enhances headset style and performance for the contact center
and office professional. The Supra product line has been one of
our key revenue generators, and the SupraPlus® continues
that trend. Our expectation is that this headset will remain a
significant revenue contributor.* |
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In early fiscal 2005, we began shipping the M2500 Bluetooth
headset, which is the entry-level model in our Bluetooth line,
targeting the broad-based mobile consumer market. The M2500
focuses on features such as style, comfort and stability at a
competitive price. |
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In mid fiscal 2005, we announced the MX300 headset, which
includes a new retractable cord and patent-pending wind noise
reduction technology. The product builds on Plantronics Flex
Grip® design to provide comfortable, stable yet discreet
fit, targeted for active mobile phone users. The MX300s
unique
RetractProtm
automatic cord winder eliminates tangled cords and increases
mobility by allowing users to extend the cord when the headset
is needed, or retract it at the touch of a button. Users can
also answer or end calls by pressing a button located on the
compact cord winder. The MX300 incorporates Plantronics
patent-pending
WindSmarttm
technology and delivers superior sound quality in windy
environments. |
AR 2005 - 9
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In mid fiscal 2005, we announced the CS50-USB, a variant of the
CS50 office headset system. The CS50-USB is a wireless headset
system designed for VoIP applications. Our offerings for the
office still include the CS50 (North America) and CS60
(international) wireless office headset systems that allow
office professionals the ability to stay in touch with the phone
in their office as they move around their workplace. The CS50
and CS60 have a range of up to 300 feet, a stylish design, and
with the optional HL10 lifter, allow users the ability to answer
and end calls when they are away from their desks. This provides
not only extended mobility for office professionals but also
allows them to answer a call before it goes into voice mail,
enhancing productivity. |
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Plantronics
VoyagerTM
510 and 510S
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In late fiscal 2005, we announced a new multipoint Bluetooth
headset system, the Plantronics Voyager 510S, which simplifies
communication with one wireless headset. This headset allows the
user to seamlessly switch between office phones and
voice-enabled Bluetooth mobile phones, laptops and PDAs. The
Voyager 510S won the Best of Innovations award at
the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2005. The Voyager 510
is our most comfortable Bluetooth headset and will be available
as a stand alone model or as part of the Voyager 510S office
system in fiscal 2006. |
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Plantronics
DiscoveryTM
G40
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In late fiscal 2005, we announced the Plantronics Discovery G40,
which is a discreet, premium Bluetooth headset that features a
unique stylish design with an innovative charging system. It
weighs less than 9 grams which is about the weight of two
nickels. The Discovery G40 is designed with finishes aimed at
the style-conscious Bluetooth user. The Discovery G40 includes
an innovative AAA battery charger that continuously recharges
the headset when not in use for 25 hours of talk time. In
addition to its own charger, the Discovery G40 also comes with
four very small adapters that connect to the chargers for most
standard Bluetooth phones so that only one charger is needed on
the road. The Discovery G40 has a convenient pen clip carrier
that vibrates with incoming calls and can be worn on a shirt or
suit-coat pocket. The headset features three different-sized,
soft-gel ear tips for a personalized fit. The Discovery G40 will
be available in fiscal 2006. |
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Plantronics
ExplorerTM
320
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In late fiscal 2005, we announced the Plantronics Explorer 320,
which is an easy-to-use Bluetooth headset that delivers
convenience and comfort for the entry-level Bluetooth cell phone
user. An affordable headset for new purchasers of Bluetooth cell
phones and devices, the Explorer 320 features 9 hours of talk
time and an intuitive, easy-to-use control to answer/end calls
and adjust volume. The Explorer 320 will be available in fiscal
2006. |
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In late fiscal 2005, we announced the MX100-s, which is a
dual-purpose headset/stereo headphone device that can be
connected simultaneously to an Apple® iPod® and a
mobile phone, allowing consumers to answer a phone call while
listening to their iPod. The MX100-s has twin connectors; one
plugs into the iPod and the other into a mobile phone. One cord
then links to a single headset/headphone with stereo earbuds. To
switch between music and phone, customers flip a switch on the
headset cord. One volume control also works for both devices.
The MX100-s earbuds have Plantronics unique Flex
Grip® design for ease of use and comfort. In addition to
providing high-end sound quality for music, the MX100-s uses
Plantronics AcuSpeak® microphone technology to
deliver clear conversations over the phone. The MX100-s works
with the Apple iPod, other |
10 - Plantronics
part i
|
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MP3 players and most headset-ready mobile phones, including
models from Motorola, LG, Audiovox and Kyocera. |
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In late fiscal 2005, we announced the new MX500 mobile headset,
which features the patent-pending
WindSmarttm
technology for clear conversations in noisy environments and an
under-the-ear design for comfort and stability. |
We also have a number of new product and core technology
development programs underway to further broaden our product
line. One benefit to our focus on technology has been a number
of key patent disclosures and filings by us over the past year.
In addition, we have accelerated our time to market on a number
of products through faster and more flexible product development
processes that incorporate intelligent re-use of platform and
product architecture hardware as well as software. These process
improvements take advantage of economies of scale resulting from
platform re-use.
During fiscal 2003, 2004 and 2005, we spent approximately $33.9,
$35.5 and $45.2 million in research development and
engineering activities, respectively. We conduct most of our
research and development with an in-house staff making limited
use of contractors. Key locations for our research and
development staff are the United States, the United Kingdom and
Mexico. We are developing a new design center which will be
co-located with our manufacturing facility in China.
Additionally, we have made key hires to expand our expertise in
the area of style and design.
Our product development efforts are directed both toward
enhancing our existing products and developing new products that
capitalize on our core technology and expand our product
offerings to new user markets. The success of new product
introductions is dependent on a number of factors, including
appropriate new product selection, timely completion and
introduction of new product designs, cost-effective
manufacturing of such products, quality of new products, the
acceptance of new technologies such as Bluetooth, and general
market acceptance of new products. To remain successful in the
future, we must be able to develop new products, qualify these
products with our customers, successfully introduce these
products to the market on a timely basis and commence and
sustain volume production to meet customer demands. Although we
have attempted to determine the specific needs of the telephony,
mobile, computer, residential and home-office user markets,
there can be no assurance that the market niches that we have
identified will, in fact, materialize or that our existing and
future products designed for these markets will gain substantial
market acceptance. Further, assuming the markets develop and our
products meet customer needs, there is no assurance that such
new products can be manufactured cost effectively and in
sufficient volumes to meet the potential demand.
The technology of telephone headsets has traditionally evolved
slowly. Historically, our product life cycles have been
relatively long. The next generation usually includes stylistic
changes and quality improvements, but such trends are based on
similar technology. Our newer emerging technology products,
particularly in the mobile and computer markets, are exhibiting
shorter life cycles more in line with the consumer electronics
market and are consequently more sensitive to market trends and
fashion. We believe that future changes in technology will come
at a faster pace.* Our future success will be dependent, in
part, on our ability to develop products that utilize new
technologies, and to adapt to changing market trends quickly.*
In addition, to avoid product obsolescence, we will continue to
monitor technological changes in telephony, as well as
users demands for new technologies. Failure to keep pace
with future technological changes could adversely affect our
revenues and operating results.
SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
A broad and diverse group of worldwide customers purchase our
headsets and we have a well-established, multi-level world-wide
distribution network to support their needs. We primarily ship
products for
AR 2005 - 11
customers in the U.S. and Asian Pacific and Latin American
(APLA) regions from our manufacturing facility in
Mexico. For all other customers, our products are shipped from
our Netherlands distribution center. Our principal customers are
distributors, retailers, carriers, and OEMs, as well as
telephone operating companies and government agencies.
Commercial distributors represent our largest sales channel.
This channel is comprised of headset specialists, national
wholesalers, and regional wholesalers. The wholesalers typically
offer a wide variety of products from multiple vendors to both
resellers and end users. This distribution channel generally
maintains inventory of our products, and our revenues may be
affected by our distributors fluctuating inventory levels
even when market demand is stable.
The retail channel is our second largest channel and consists of
office supply and consumer electronics retailers; consumer
products and office supply distributors; catalog and mail order
companies; mass merchants; and wireless carrier stores.
Retailers primarily sell headsets to corporate customers, small
businesses, and to individuals who use them for a variety of
purposes, both personal and professional. The retail channel
also maintains a substantial inventory of Plantronics
products.
Telephony OEMs and manufacturers of automatic call distributor
systems (ACDs) and other telecommunications and
computer equipment also utilize Plantronics headsets. Contact
center equipment OEMs do not typically manufacture their own
peripheral products and, therefore, distribute our headsets
under their own private label, or as a Plantronics-branded
product.
Mobile OEMs include both manufacturers of cell
phones and wireless carriers. Wireless carriers do not
manufacture headsets, but distribute our headsets as a
Plantronics-branded product or under their own private label.
Mobile OEMs, on the other hand, generally require their own
design and will sell products under their private label.
Computer OEMs include both manufacturers of computer hardware
(including personal computers and specialized components and
accessories for personal computers) and software. Most computer
OEMs do not manufacture headsets, but look for
manufacturers such as Plantronics to supply headsets that can be
used with their products.
The telephony service provider channel is comprised of telephone
service providers that purchase headsets from us for use by
their own agents. Certain service providers also resell headsets
to their customers.
We also make direct sales to certain government agencies,
including NASA and the FAA. In addition, certain distributors
are authorized resellers under a General Services Administration
(GSA) schedule price list and sell our products to
government customers pursuant to that agreement.
We maintain a direct sales force worldwide to provide ongoing
customer support and service globally. We also retain
commissioned manufacturers representatives to assist in
selling through the retail channel.
Our products may also be purchased from our website at
www.plantronics.com.
BACKLOG
Our backlog of unfilled orders was $17.1 million on
March 31, 2005 compared to $26.8 million at the end of
fiscal 2004. We include in backlog all purchase orders scheduled
for delivery over the next 12 months. As part of our
commitment to customer service, our goal has been to ship
products to meet the customers requested shipment dates.
We have a book and ship business model whereby we
fulfill the majority of our orders within 48 hours of our
receipt of the order. Our backlog is occasionally subject to
cancellation or rescheduling by the customer on short notice
with little or no penalty. Because of our book and
ship model, as well as the uncertainty of order
cancellations or rescheduling, we do not believe our backlog as
of any particular date is indicative of actual sales for any
future period and, therefore, should not be used as a measure of
future revenue.
12 - Plantronics
part i
MANUFACTURING AND SOURCES OF MATERIALS
Our manufacturing operations consist primarily of assembly and
testing, the majority of which is performed at our facility in
Mexico. We have substantially smaller assembly operations in
California and the United Kingdom. We outsource the
manufacturing of a limited number of products to third parties,
typically in China and other Asian countries.
We purchase the components for our headset products, including
proprietary semi-custom integrated circuits, amplifier boards
and other electrical components, from suppliers in Asia, Mexico,
the United States, and Europe. The majority of our components
and subassemblies used in our manufacturing operations are
obtained, or are reasonably available, from dual-source
suppliers, although we do have a certain number of sole-source
suppliers. Due to our dependence on single suppliers for certain
chip sets, we could experience delays in development and/or the
ability to meet our customer demand for new products. To
alleviate our dependence on outsourced single suppliers, shorten
our supply chain, and to reduce delays, we are currently
constructing a new facility in China to increase our
manufacturing and design capabilities in China. We expect to
spend approximately $15 million in fiscal 2006 to complete
a plant and development center, with the total project currently
expected to cost approximately $20 million.*
We procure materials to meet forecasted customer requirements.
Special products and large orders are quoted for delivery after
receipt of orders at specific lead times. We maintain minimum
levels of finished goods based on market demand in addition to
inventories of raw materials, work in process, and
sub-assemblies and components. We reserve for inventory items
determined to be either excess or obsolete.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are actively working to gain an understanding of the complete
requirements concerning the removal of certain potential
environmentally sensitive materials from our products to comply
with the European Union Directives on Restrictions on certain
Hazardous Substances on electrical and electronic equipment
(ROHS) and on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE). Some of our customers are
requesting that we implement these new compliance standards
sooner than the legislation would require. While we believe that
we will have the resources and ability to fully meet our
customers requests, and spirit of the ROHS and WEEE
directives, if unusual occurrences arise or if we are wrong in
our assessment of what it will take to fully comply, there is a
risk that we will not be able to meet the aggressive schedule
set by our customers or comply with the legislation as passed by
the EU member states. If that were to happen, a material
negative effect on our financial results may occur.
We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign
environmental laws and regulations, including those governing
the use, discharge and disposal of hazardous substances in the
ordinary course of our manufacturing process. We believe that
our current manufacturing operations comply in all material
respects with applicable environmental laws and regulations. We
have included in our financial statements a reserve of
$1.5 million for possible environmental remediation related
to one of our discontinued businesses. While no claims have been
asserted against us in connection with this matter, there can be
no assurance that such claims will not be asserted in the future
or that any resulting liability will not exceed the amount of
the reserve. It is possible that future environmental
legislation may be enacted or current environmental legislation
may be interpreted to create environmental liability with
respect to our other facilities, operations, or products.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We maintain a program of seeking patent protection for our
technologies when we believe it is commercially appropriate. As
of April 30, 2005, we had 99 United States patents in
force, expiring from 2005 to 2022. Some of these patents are
also issued in certain foreign countries.
AR 2005 - 13
Our success will depend in part on our ability to obtain patents
and preserve other intellectual property rights covering the
design and operation of our products. We intend to continue to
seek patents on our inventions when appropriate. The process of
seeking patent protection can be lengthy and expensive, and
there can be no assurance that patents will be issued for
currently pending or future applications or that our existing
patents or any new patents issued will be of sufficient scope or
strength or provide meaningful protection or any commercial
advantage to us. We may be subjected to, or may initiate,
litigation or patent office interference proceedings, which may
require significant financial and management resources. The
failure to obtain necessary licenses or other rights or the
advent of litigation arising out of any such intellectual
property claims could have a material adverse effect on our
operations.
We own registered trademarks with respect to the Plantronics and
Clarity names as well as the names of many of our products and
product features. We currently have United States and foreign
trademark applications pending in connection with certain new
products and product features. We have such trademark
registrations in place on some or all of those marks in the
United States and a number of countries throughout the world. We
claim common law trademark rights in many of our products and/or
product features. We also attempt to protect our trade secrets
and other proprietary information through comprehensive security
measures, including agreements with customers and suppliers, and
proprietary information agreements with employees and
consultants. We may seek copyright protection where we believe
it is applicable. We own a number of domain name registrations
and intend to seek more. There can be no assurance that our
existing or future copyright registrations, trademarks, trade
secrets or domain names will be of sufficient scope or strength
or provide meaningful protection or any commercial advantage to
us.
EMPLOYEES
On April 30, 2005, we employed approximately 3,900 people
worldwide, including 3,200 in our manufacturing facility in
Tijuana, Mexico. To our knowledge, no employees are currently
covered by collective bargaining agreements or are members of
any labor organization. We have not experienced any work
stoppages and believe that our employee relations are good. Set
forth below is certain information regarding the executive
officers of Plantronics and their ages as of April 30, 2005.
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Age | |
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Position |
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Ken Kannappan
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45 |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Don Houston
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51 |
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Senior Vice President, Sales |
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Barbara Scherer
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49 |
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Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration and
Chief Financial Officer |
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Joyce Shimizu
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50 |
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Vice President, General Manager of SOHO and Residential Business
Group |
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Carsten Trads
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50 |
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President, Clarity Equipment |
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Mark Breier
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45 |
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Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer |
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Philip Vanhoutte
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50 |
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Vice President, EMEA |
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Terry Walters
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56 |
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Vice President, Operations |
Mr. Kannappan joined Plantronics in February 1995 as Vice
President Sales, responsible for OEM Sales and the Asia
Pacific/ Latin America markets for Plantronics, Inc. He was
promoted to Vice President Sales, responsible for the
United States, Asian and Latin American markets in September
1995. He was promoted to Managing Director of our Plantronics
Limited subsidiary in the United Kingdom in March 1996. In March
1997, Mr. Kannappan returned from the United Kingdom and
was promoted to Senior Vice President responsible for
Plantronics Worldwide Operations, our Mobile and Walker
Equipment businesses and Plantronics Limited. In March 1998,
Mr. Kannappan was promoted
14 - Plantronics
part i
to President and Chief Operating Officer. In January 1999, he
was promoted to Chief Executive Officer and appointed to the
Board of Directors. Prior to joining Plantronics,
Mr. Kannappan was Senior Vice President of Investment
Banking for Kidder, Peabody & Co. Incorporated, where
he was employed from August 1985 through January 1995.
Mr. Kannappan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics
from Yale University and an M.B.A. from Stanford University.
Mr. Kannappan is also a Director of Mattson Technology,
Inc., a supplier of advanced process equipment for the
semiconductor industry. Mr. Kannappan is also the Chairman
and a Director of Integrated Device Technology, Inc., a
manufacturer of communications integrated circuits.
Mr. Houston joined Plantronics in November 1996 as Vice
President of Sales and was promoted to Senior Vice
President Sales in March 1998. From February 1995 through
November 1996, Mr. Houston served as Vice President
Worldwide Sales for Proxima Corporation, a designer, developer,
manufacturer and marketer of multimedia projection products.
From 1985 until January 1995, Mr. Houston held a number of
positions at Calcomp, Inc., which is engaged in the business of
manufacturing computer peripherals for the CAD and graphic
market, including Regional Sales Manager and Vice President of
Sales, Service and Marketing. Prior to 1985, Mr. Houston
held various sales and marketing management positions with IBM
Corporation. Mr. Houston graduated from the University of
Arizona with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/ Marketing.
Ms. Scherer joined Plantronics in March 1997, and in April
1997 was named Vice President Finance &
Administration and Chief Financial Officer. In March 1998,
Ms. Scherer was promoted to Senior Vice President
Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer.
Prior to joining us, Ms. Scherer held various executive
management positions in the data storage industry at Micropolis
Corporation and StreamLogic Corporation spanning a nine year
period. She also worked in strategic planning with the Boston
Consulting Group from 1985-1987. For two years prior to that,
she was a member of the corporate finance staff at ARCO.
Ms. Scherer has a Bachelors degree from the
University of California, Santa Barbara and received an M.B.A.
from the Yale School of Organization and Management.
Ms. Scherer is also a Director of Keithley Instruments Inc,
a supplier of measurement and testing devices.
Ms. Shimizu joined Plantronics in July 1983, and in the
fall of 2005 was named Vice President, General Manager of SOHO
and Residential Business Group. Prior to this, she was our Vice
President, Strategic Portfolio and Product Management since fall
of 2003. She also previously served as our President of the
Mobile Communications Division. From 1995 to 1999,
Ms. Shimizu was the Senior Marketing Director for the
Computer and Mobile Systems Division, the predecessor to the
Mobile Communications Division. Ms. Shimizu was named to
that position in 1995. Prior to that, Ms. Shimizu held
various positions in our marketing and sales organizations.
Ms. Shimizu received an M.B.A. from the Monterey Institute
of International Studies and a Bachelors degree in
Japanese from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Mr. Trads joined Clarity (formerly Walker-Ameriphone) in
September 2003 as President. From 1994 until joining
Plantronics, Mr. Trads held various positions within
GN ReSound, a manufacturer of hearing aids and audiological
measurement equipment. From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Trads served
as President of GN ReSounds North American operation
and from 1994 until 1998 he served as a Senior Vice President at
its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark where he was a member of
the executive management committee and the global management
group and also led the sales and marketing organization. From
1991 to 1994 Mr. Trads was Vice President of Sales and
Marketing for Dancall Radio, a manufacturer of cell phones and
cordless phones. From 1985 to 1991, he held management positions
in the distribution and marketing divisions of Bang and Olufsen,
a global manufacturer of consumer electronics. He holds a degree
in Business Administration and Management from the Copenhagen
Business School in Denmark.
AR 2005 - 15
Mr. Breier joined Plantronics in June 2004 as Chief
Marketing Officer. Prior to joining us, Mr. Breier was
Managing Partner at Fast Angels Ventures, providing seed funding
to technology start-ups. From March 1998 to February 2000,
Mr. Breier was President/ CEO of Beyond.com. From January
1997 through March 1998, Mr. Breier was the VP of Marketing
at Amazon.com. From March 1994 through December 1996,
Mr. Breier worked as VP of Marketing for Cinnabon. From
October 1988 through March 1994, Mr. Breier was the Group
Brand Manager at Dreyers Grand Ice Cream and from April
1986 through October 1988 he held various brand management
positions at Kraft Foods. Mr. Breier is also currently
serving on the Board of Directors for several technology
start-ups including MultiDigit, TruVideo and Ecmarkets.
Additionally, Mr. Breier is also on the Chairmans for
the Council of Conservation International. Mr. Breier holds
an M.B.A. from Stanford University, where he also received his
Bachelors of Arts in Economics.
Mr. Vanhoutte joined Plantronics in September 2003 as
Managing Director, EMEA. From October 2001 until September 2003
he served as Corporate Vice President Marketing at Sony Ericsson
Mobile Communications. From October 2000 to October 2001
Mr. Vanhoutte served as Vice President, Strategic Market
Development at Ericssons Personal Communications Division.
From December 1998 until September 2000, he served as Senior
Vice President of Products, Marketing and Sales at MCI
WorldComs International Division in London. From November
1994 until December 1998 Mr. Vanhoutte held various
marketing and general management positions at Dell Computer
Corporation including, as General Manager for the Business
Systems Division in the United States, as Managing Director for
Dell Direct in the United Kingdom and Ireland and as Vice
President Products, Marketing & Services for EMEA.
Beginning in June, 1991 he worked for Nokia Data as Vice
President Marketing which was merged into Fujitsu-ICLs
Personal Systems and Client-Server Division where he continued
as Vice President of Marketing until November 1994. From 1985
until May 1991 Mr. Vanhoutte worked in various European
marketing and division manager roles with Wang Laboratories. He
started his career at Arthur Andersens Benelux Information
Consulting Division in 1977 where he specialized in structured
programming and office automation. Mr. Vanhoutte studied
Applied Economics and Engineering at the University of Leuven,
Belgium.
Mr. Walters has been the Vice President Operations
since April 2000 and is responsible for the worldwide operations
of Plantronics. Mr. Walters joined Pla