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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: December 31, 2002

 

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 000-23767

 


 

SYMPHONIX DEVICES, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

  

77-0376250

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

1735 N. First st., Suite 311, San Jose, California

  

95112

(address of principal executive offices)

  

(zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(408) 232-0710

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Title of class


  

Name of exchange

on which registered


Common Stock, $0.001 par value

  

NASDAQ

 


 

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 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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes ¨ No x

 

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of February 11, 2003 was approximately $1,400,000 based upon the last sales price reported for such date on the NASDAQ Market. For purposes of this disclosure, shares of Common Stock held by persons who hold more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock and shares held by officers and directors of the registrant, have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination is not necessarily conclusive.

 

At February 11, 2003, registrant had outstanding 35,887,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

The information called for by Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders of Symphonix which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2002.

 



Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         

Page


PART I

  

3

ITEM 1.

  

BUSINESS

  

3

ITEM 2.

  

PROPERTIES

  

4

ITEM 3.

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

  

4

ITEM 4.

  

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

  

4

PART II

  

5

ITEM 5.

  

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

  

5

ITEM 6.

  

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

  

6

ITEM 7.

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

  

7

ITEM 7A.

  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

  

13

ITEM 8.

  

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

  

13

ITEM 9.

  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

  

35

PART III

  

36

ITEM 10.

  

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

  

36

ITEM 11.

  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  

39

ITEM 12.

  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

  

40

ITEM 13.

  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

  

41

PART IV

  

42

ITEM 14.

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

  

42

ITEM 15.

  

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

  

42

SIGNATURES

  

46

 

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PART I

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements that indicate what Symphonix “believes”, “expects” and “anticipates” or similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Symphonix to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the information contained under the captions Part I, Item 1, “Business,” and Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Additional Factors that May Affect Future Results” in this Annual Report. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date of this Annual Report. Symphonix undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revision of these forward-looking statements. The reader is strongly urged to read the information set forth under the captions Part I, Item 1, “Business,” and Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a more detailed description of these significant risks and uncertainties.

 

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

Symphonix has developed a family of proprietary implantable Soundbridges for the management of mild to severe hearing impairment. Our family of Vibrant Soundbridges is based on our patented core Floating Mass Transducer, or FMT, technology. In March 1998, we received authorization to market and sell the Vibrant Soundbridge in the European Union and in early 2000 began selling through our European distribution partner, Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH. Late in 2000, we received approval from the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, to commercially market our products in the United States. Subsequent to FDA approval, our products were launched to the otology community and audiology community in the U.S. Symphonix was incorporated in California in 1994 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1998. Our website is www.symphonix.com.

 

On November 13, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan of complete dissolution and liquidation, subject to approval by the Company’s stockholders at a special meeting to be held at a future date set by the Company’s Board of Directors. In connection with the proposed liquidation, we have terminated the majority of our employees. We have retained only a limited number of personnel necessary to facilitate the liquidation process. In connection with the liquidation, we intend to liquidate our property, equipment, intellectual property and other assets. In addition, we may consider various legal alternatives to liquidating the Company, including bankruptcy.

 

On March 20, 2003, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with MED-EL GmbH (“MED-EL”) whereby MED-EL will purchase the inventory, property and equipment, intellectual property and assume the product warranty of the Company for $2.5 million. The closing of the purchase agreement is contingent upon the shareholders of the Company approving the proposed plan of liquidation and dissolution of the Company.

 

On March 20, 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with Siemens whereby Siemens and the Company agree to terminate the Marketing and Distribution Agreement between the Company and Siemens with no consideration due to either party. The agreement also provides for the assignment of the OEM Purchase Agreement between the Company and Siemens to MED-EL with no consideration due to either party. The agreement is contingent upon the closing of the purchase agreement between the Company and MED-EL.

 

On March 28, 2003 our common stock will be delisted from the NASDAQ Market and commence trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board.

 

Employees

 

At December 31, 2002, Symphonix had five employees. In conjunction with the Company’s announced intention to dissolve, the Company has retained these key employees for the purpose of executing the dissolution

 

3


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process, including the sale of assets, and other key milestones such as our annual audit, filing our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 and filing our tax returns for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

 

Symphonix leases approximately 2,000 square feet of office space in San Jose, California, on a month-to-month basis for administrative purposes pursuant to executing the liquidation and dissolution of its business.

 

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Symphonix has filed a complaint against Soundtec, Inc., the Central Ear Research Institute, or CERI, and three senior Soundtec executives in late 2001 alleging actions that include misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract and inducing breach of contract. Central to the complaint is Symphonix’s contention that Soundtec and its three executives utilized Symphonix’s confidential, proprietary and trade secret information to develop and market the Direct System, Soundtec’s implantable middle ear hearing device. Prior to their tenure at Soundtec, the three executives named in the complaint were employed by CERI, which, in December 1994, entered into an agreement to undertake a research and development project with Symphonix on the development of an implantable hearing device. The agreement permanently transferred exclusive rights to Symphonix for all technology developed during the research period. It further required that CERI disclose and permanently transfer rights to Symphonix for all improvements invented, developed or otherwise acquired by CERI for five years after termination of the agreement. Two of the named executives in the complaint executed this agreement on CERI’s behalf. Soundtec was founded in March 1997, five months after CERI terminated its agreement with Symphonix. Among other requests, Symphonix is seeking to restrain Soundtec from selling its Direct System device for a period of two years and to collect related damages.

 

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted for a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Report.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

Symphonix’s common stock will be traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market under the symbol “SMPX” until March 27, 2003. On March 28, 2003 our common stock will be delisted from the NASDAQ Market and commence trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of the low and high sales prices for Symphonix’s common stock as reported on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market.

 

    

High


  

Low


Fiscal 2001:

             

First Quarter

  

$

4.06

  

$

0.91

Second Quarter

  

$

2.49

  

$

1.00

Third Quarter

  

$

1.33

  

$

0.30

Fourth Quarter

  

$

0.56

  

$

0.24

Fiscal 2002:

             

First Quarter

  

$

0.78

  

$

0.07

Second Quarter

  

$

1.23

  

$

0.28

Third Quarter

  

$

0.67

  

$

0.25

Fourth Quarter

  

$

0.39

  

$

0.05

 

As of February 11, 2003, there were approximately 5,150 holders of record of the common stock. On February 11, 2003, the last reported sale price on the NASDAQ Market for the common stock was $0.04.

 

Symphonix has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock. Although the Board of Directors has not established a firm timetable for distributions to stockholders, if a plan of dissolution is ratified and approved by the stockholders, the Board of Directors intends, subject to contingencies inherent in winding up our business, to make such distributions as promptly as practicable. While we intend that any distributions to the stockholders will be in the form of cash, we cannot be certain since we have not completed a sale of our assets at this time. In the event that we sell our assets for property other than cash and we cannot effectively liquidate such property, we may distribute property to the stockholders rather than cash.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Information regarding Symphonix’s equity compensation plans, including both stockholder approved plans and non-stockholder approved plans, is set forth in the following table (in thousands, except per share data):

 

Plan Category


    

Number of securities

to be issued

upon exercise of outstanding options,

warrants and rights


    

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights


    

Number of securities

remaining available

for future issuance

under equity

compensation plans

(excluding securities

reflected in column (a))


      

(a)

    

(b)

    

(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

    

2,838

    

$

1.36

    

2,271

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

    

—  

    

 

—  

    

750

      
    

    

Total

    

2,838

    

$

1.36

    

3,021

      
    

    

 

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ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The consolidated statement of operations data for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 and the consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2002 and 2001 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this report. The consolidated statement of operations data for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1999 and the consolidated balance sheet data at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 are derived from audited financial statements not included in this report. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for future periods. The consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Symphonix and related notes thereto, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

    

Year Ended December 31,


 
    

2002


    

2001


    

2000


    

1999


    

1998


 

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:

                                            

Revenues

  

$

1,683

 

  

$

2,020

 

  

$

1,247

 

  

$

331

 

  

$

597

 

    


  


  


  


  


Costs and expenses:

                                            

Costs of goods sold

  

 

1,554

 

  

 

4,280

 

  

 

3,094

 

  

 

4,078

 

  

 

1,663

 

Research and development

  

 

2,114

 

  

 

6,104

 

  

 

7,119

 

  

 

7,848

 

  

 

8,322

 

Selling, general and administrative

  

 

5,657

 

  

 

9,158

 

  

 

8,654

 

  

 

5,847

 

  

 

5,633

 

    


  


  


  


  


Total costs and expenses

  

 

9,325

 

  

 

19,542

 

  

 

18,867

 

  

 

17,773

 

  

 

15,618

 

    


  


  


  


  


Operating loss

  

 

(7,642

)

  

 

(17,522

)

  

 

(17,620

)

  

 

(17,442

)

  

 

(15,021

)

Interest income, net

  

 

338

 

  

 

793

 

  

 

463

 

  

 

763

 

  

 

1,375

 

    


  


  


  


  


Net loss

  

$

(7,304

)

  

$

(16,729

)

  

$

(17,157

)

  

$

(16,679

)

  

$

(13,646

)

    


  


  


  


  


Basic and diluted net loss per common share

  

$

(0.20

)

  

$

(0.60

)

  

$

(1.18

)

  

$

(1.35

)

  

$

(1.24

)

    


  


  


  


  


Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per common share

  

 

35,746

 

  

 

27,798

 

  

 

14,594

 

  

 

12,393

 

  

 

10,987

 

    


  


  


  


  


    

December 31,


 
    

2002


    

2001


    

2000


    

1999


    

1998


 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

                                            

Total assets

  

$

3,652

 

  

$

15,155

 

  

$

34,030

 

  

$

17,934

 

  

$

28,695

 

Working capital

  

$

1,569

 

  

$

9,033

 

  

$

25,878

 

  

$

11,256

 

  

$

21,791

 

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations

  

$

—  

 

  

$

500

 

  

$

1,000

 

  

$

1,508

 

  

$

2,098

 

Stockholders’ equity

  

$

1,815

 

  

$

9,288

 

  

$

25,519

 

  

$

10,655

 

  

$

23,875

 

 

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ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Results of Operations

 

Revenues.    Revenues of $1.7 million, $2.0 million and $1.2 million were recorded in the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, for sales of the Vibrant Soundbridge in North America, Europe and Latin America. The decrease in revenues from 2001 to 2002 is due to decreased unit sales in both the U.S. and European markets resulting from longer than expected buying decisions from customers and the fact that the Company, with its November 2002 announcement to dissolve, did not sell any of its products in December 2002. The increase in revenue from 2000 to 2001 is a result of increased unit sales in the U.S. resulting from increased investments in sales and marketing activities. Included in revenue for 2002, 2001 and 2000 is $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, representing the amortization of $1,885,000 which was the difference between the purchase price and the fair market value of Symphonix’s common stock purchased by Siemens in accordance with a marketing and distribution agreement. The deferred revenue is being amortized on a straight line basis over the five year life of the agreement. In conjunction with the Company’s decision to dissolve the business in November 2002, the Company ceased all selling activity and does not plan to generate any product revenue in the future.

 

Costs of Goods Sold.    Costs of goods sold were $1.6 million, $4.3 million and $3.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, and represent the direct costs of the products sold as well as warranty provisions and production variances. The reduction in costs of goods sold from 2001 to 2002 is due primarily to a reduction in the warranty provision resulting from lower than expected repair costs, plus lower product costs resulting from lower unit sales in the U.S. and European markets. Additionally, early in 2002, Symphonix implemented a reduction in force which reduced its manufacturing overhead and direct labor costs. In November 2002, in conjunction with Symphonix’s announced intention to dissolve, Symphonix laid off all of its manufacturing personnel further reducing 2002 costs of goods sold. In conjunction with Symphonix’s decision to dissolve the business in November 2002, Symphonix ceased all selling activity and does not plan to incur any manufacturing costs in the future, including manufacturing overhead, direct labor or direct product cost. However, Symphonix plans to continue to incur some costs associated with its warranty obligations in the future.

 

Warranty expense is computed based on the number of audio processor units outstanding. In 1999, when thes