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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
OR,
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FROM THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-27012
INSIGNIA SOLUTIONS PLC
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
ENGLAND AND WALES NOT APPLICABLE
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization) identification number)
----------------
41300 CHRISTY STREET INSIGNIA HOUSE
FREMONT THE MERCURY CENTRE
CALIFORNIA 94538-3115 WYCOMBE LANE, WOOBURN GREEN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS HP10 0HH
(510) 360-3700 UNITED KINGDOM
(44) 1628-539500
(ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES AND PRINCIPAL
PLACES OF BUSINESS)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
ORDINARY SHARES (L0.20 NOMINAL VALUE)
(TITLE OF CLASS)
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 of this Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the Registrant was approximately $41,974,000 as of March 8, 1999 based upon
the closing sale price on the Nasdaq National Market reported for such date.
Ordinary shares held by each officer and director and by each person who owns
5% or more of the outstanding Ordinary share capital have been excluded in
that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of
affiliate status is not necessarily conclusive determination for other
purposes.
As of March 8, 1999, there were 12,737,700 Ordinary shares of L0.20 each
nominal value, outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I PAGE
----
ITEM 1. BUSINESS ............................................... 3
ITEM 2. FACILITIES ............................................. 12
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS ...................................... 13
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS .... 13
ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT ................... 13
PART II.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS .................................... 14
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA ................... 15
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS .......... 15
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 26
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE .................... 26
PART III.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT ..... 27
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ................................. 29
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT ......................................... 33
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS ......... 34
PART IV.
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND
REPORTS ON FORM 8-K .................................... 35
2
PART I
THIS REPORT 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") REGARDING THE COMPANY AND ITS BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION,
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PROSPECTS. WORDS SUCH AS "EXPECTS," "ANTICIPATES,"
"INTENDS," "PLANS," "BELIEVES," "SEEKS," "ESTIMATES" AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS
OR VARIATIONS OF SUCH WORDS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS, BUT ARE NOT THE EXCLUSIVE MEANS OF IDENTIFYING FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS IN THIS REPORT. ADDITIONALLY, STATEMENTS CONCERNING FUTURE MATTERS
SUCH AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS, ENHANCEMENTS OR TECHNOLOGIES,
PARTICULARLY THE DEVELOPMENT OF JEODE-TM-, THE TIMING OF THE AVAILABILITY OF
JEODE, THE JEODE PRODUCT AND SERVICE OFFERINGS, THE REVENUE MODEL AND MARKET
FOR JEODE, THE FEATURES, BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF JEODE, INTERNATIONAL
SALES, THE AVAILABILITY OF LICENSES TO THIRD-PARTY PROPRIETARY RIGHTS,
BUSINESS AND SALES STRATEGIES, MATTERS RELATING TO PROPRIETARY RIGHTS,
COMPETITION, YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE, FACILITIES NEEDS, EXCHANGE RATE
FLUCTUATIONS AND THE COMPANY'S LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL NEEDS AND OTHER
STATEMENTS REGARDING MATTERS THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL ARE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS.
ALTHOUGH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS REPORT REFLECT THE GOOD
FAITH JUDGMENT OF THE COMPANY'S MANAGEMENT, SUCH STATEMENTS CAN ONLY BE BASED
ON FACTS AND FACTORS CURRENTLY KNOWN BY THE COMPANY. CONSEQUENTLY,
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE INHERENTLY SUBJECT TO RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES,
AND ACTUAL RESULTS AND OUTCOMES MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE RESULTS AND
OUTCOMES DISCUSSED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT COULD
CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH DIFFERENCES IN RESULTS AND OUTCOMES INCLUDE
WITHOUT LIMITATION THOSE DISCUSSED BELOW, AS WELL AS THOSE DISCUSSED
ELSEWHERE IN THIS REPORT. READERS ARE URGED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON
THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS
REPORT. THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO REVISE OR UPDATE ANY
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN ORDER TO REFLECT ANY EVENT OR CIRCUMSTANCE THAT
MAY ARISE AFTER THE DATE OF THIS REPORT. READERS ARE URGED TO REVIEW AND
CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE VARIOUS DISCLOSURES MADE BY THE COMPANY IN THIS
REPORT, WHICH ATTEMPTS TO ADVISE INTERESTED PARTIES OF THE RISKS AND FACTORS
THAT MAY AFFECT THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS.
ITEM 1--BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
The Company, which commenced operations in 1986, develops, markets and
supports virtual machine technology which enables software applications and
operating systems to be run on various computer platforms.
The Company's principal product line in recent years has been
SoftWindows-TM-. This product enables Microsoft Windows
("Windows"-Registered Trademark-) applications to be run on most Apple
Computer Inc. ("Apple"-Registered Trademark-) Macintosh computers and many
UNIX workstations. Revenues from this product line have been declining since
1995 as a result of two factors. One factor is the declining Macintosh
market. The other factor is increased competition which has led to reduced
prices and margins. In late 1997, the Company began a strategic review of
its business and explored new markets that would leverage the Company's 10
years of emulation software development experience.
In January 1998, the Company announced its intention to launch a new
product line. This product line, called Jeode-TM-, is based on the Company's
Embedded Virtual Machine ("EVM"-TM-) technology. Jeode is the Company's
implementation of Sun Microsystems, Inc.'s ("Sun") Java technology developed
specifically for embedded systems. The Jeode platform is enabled by the
Company's EVM and is designed to enable software developers to create
reliable, efficient and predictable embedded products. In November 1998, the
Company delivered beta versions of the Jeode platform. The product became
available for sale in March 1999 and is expected to be the principal product
line in 1999 and the foreseeable future.
Between December 1995 and May 1998, the Company shipped NTRIGUE-TM-, a
Windows compatibility client/server product that supported multiple
X-terminals, workstation clients, Macintosh computers, PCs, network computers
and Net PCs from a Windows NT-based server. The Company disposed of its
NTRIGUE technology in February 1998.
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PRODUCTS AND SUPPORT
SUMMARY
In 1998, the Company shipped two principal product lines: SoftWindows
and NTRIGUE. In February 1998, the Company disposed of its NTRIGUE
technology for $17.687 million. SoftWindows accounted for 92% of revenues in
the year.
The Company derived its revenues from the shipment of products and from
offering support services. The majority of revenues are derived from the
shipment of products.
The Company delivered beta versions of its new Jeode product in late
1998. The product has been available for sale since March 16, 1999.
JEODE PLATFORM
The Company's Jeode product line is a software development system for
engineers who build embedded products that are enabled by the Java
environment. Embedded systems are specialized pre-programmed computers that
run real-time operating systems where the system has to respond to inputs
rapidly and predictably. This occurs without taking time to load a program,
input data, process data and provide output. The Company believes there are
hundreds of companies, developing thousands of embedded products, and
delivering millions of units of these various products each year.
There is a growing demand in the embedded systems market for Java
technology because the Java language is simple, robust, object oriented, and
multi-threaded--meaning it supports applications that do more than one thing
at a time. Among the Java platform's biggest advantages are its "write once,
run anywhere" architecture and its ability to deliver virus-free code. In
addition, the Java technology platform is interpreted and dynamically
extensible and is easy to connect to the Internet. Embedded devices, if
programmed in Java technology, could be dynamically downloaded with new
functionality over the Internet instead of requiring consumers to purchase an
entire new device or taking the device to a repair shop.
However, existing implementations of Java technology are designed for
medium to large computing environments, and do not scale down to meet the
resource constraints of embedded systems.
There is a significant opportunity for Java technology that can scale
down to be within the restraints of an embedded system. With the Company's
ten years of experience developing virtual machine technology to function
under severe systems resource restrictions, the Company is uniquely suited
with its technology to transition from the PC compatibility market to the
Java market. The Company has leveraged its virtual machine expertise and
algorithms and developed its EVM, which is the Company's brand of a Java
Virtual Machine. This EVM fits within the constraints of an embedded system.
The Company believes its EVM incorporates unique technologies, including
adaptive optimizing dynamic compilation and precise, concurrent garbage
collection to achieve optimal performance in limited memory embedded devices.
Consequently, the Company believes it is in a unique position to take
advantage of the opportunity and demand that now exists.
The Company's Jeode platform is comprised of two primary and
complementary components: JeodeRUNTIME and JeodeSUITE. JeodeRUNTIME consists
of a highly configurable Jeode EVM and embedded class libraries called
JeodeCLASS. These two technologies provide the runtime environment for
executing the Java application in the embedded system. JeodeSUITE is used
during the development of software for embedded systems, and consists of
JeodeBUILD AND JeodeDEBUG. JeodeBUILD provides build-time tools for editing,
compiling and browsing Java applications. JeodeDEBUG delivers runtime debug
utilities and includes utilities that monitor and analyze memory use and code
coverage and also profile performance.
A vital component of the Company's Jeode platform is the highly
configurable and tunable EVM, which optimizes the performance of embedded
application software in resource constrained embedded systems. The
4
Company believes the Jeode platform addresses the specific requirements of
embedded developers, making Java technology viable for the embedded systems
market for the first time.
The Jeode platform is available for x86, MIPS, ARM, and Hitachi SH
processors, and Windows CE, Windows NT and various UNIX operating systems,
with additional processor/operating system platforms planned for introduction
later in 1999. The Company also offers various services and will license
technology for porting the Jeode platform to other platforms to help
developers migrate their applications to their platforms more easily.
The Company has filed an application with the Patent Office of the
United Kingdom for international protection of innovative technologies
related to the Jeode platform.
SOFTWINDOWS
SoftWindows, the Company's principal product line for 1998, is a
software-based, Windows and MS-DOS compatibility solution first introduced by
the Company in December 1993. This product line enables Apple, Sun, HP and
IBM UNIX workstation customers to run Windows applications. Windows is
pre-installed and ready to run.
The Company also offers RealPC, a low cost software product that allows
consumers to play games and other applications designed for Intel-based PCs
on their Power Macintosh computers. This product was first introduced in
September 1997.
SoftWindows is integrated with the host environment and has many
features that make it easy for the user to operate in both the Windows and
the host environment simultaneously on a Macintosh or UNIX platform.
SoftWindows has advanced networking support, supporting multiple network
protocols and topologies. SoftWindows works cooperatively with the host
operating system so that SoftWindows can share the network card. On a
supported LAN, a Macintosh with SoftWindows appears like a PC to a server or
to other computers.
NTRIGUE
In December 1995, the Company introduced and began shipping NTRIGUE, a
Windows compatibility client/server product that supports multiple
X-terminals, workstation clients, Macintosh computers, PCs, network computers
and NetPCs from a Windows NT-based server. NTRIGUE is built upon Citrix
Systems Inc.'s ("Citrix") WinFrame product.
In February 1998, the Company sold its NTRIGUE technology to Citrix.
Under the arrangement, Citrix acquired the Company's X-11 technology, Keoke
technology, Macintosh and UNIX ICA clients and all NTRIGUE modifications and
enhancements to WinFrame.
The Company discontinued selling NTRIGUE in May 1998, but provided
technical support to its existing NTRIGUE customers through September 1998.
SUPPORT - JEODE PLATFORM
The Company offers both pre and post sales support to its Jeode
customers. Pre sales support is free. Each customer is required to commit
to at least one year of annual maintenance which will entitle the customer to
receive standard support, including: web-based support, access to FAQs,
on-line publications and documentation, email assistance, limited telephone
support, and critical bug fixes and product updates (collective bug fixes and
minor enhancements). Annual maintenance is also required during the time
that the customer is developing and/or shipping products that include any of
the Jeode technology.
5
SUPPORT - SOFTWINDOWS
The Company offers each SoftWindows customer 30 days of free first line
technical support through Startek, a third party support organization. The
Company provides second line support to Startek. The Company also provides
free SoftWindows technical support through on-line services such as America
Online and CompuServe, Internet e-mail, a Worldwide Web server, an electronic
bulletin board and a 24-hour facsimile response service.
DEPENDENCE ON JEODE REVENUE
In 1998, the Company derived 92% of its revenue from its SoftWindows
product line. However, since 1995, revenues and margins from SoftWindows
have been declining, primarily as a result of competitive pricing pressure.
Revenues and margins on the SoftWindows product line are at a level where the
Company's future can no longer depend on them.
The Company is entering the embedded systems market for the first time
with its Jeode product. There can be no assurance that the Jeode product
line will achieve or sustain acceptance by the marketplace or provide the
desired revenue levels. Any errors or "bugs" found in Jeode after commercial
shipment could result in loss of or delay in market acceptance of the new
product. In addition, the Company intends to develop additional
functionality for Jeode in 1999, particularly to provide compatibility with
additional processor/operating platforms. There can be no assurance that the
Company will successfully and timely complete development of these
enhancements to the Jeode product line. The inability of the Company, due to
resource constraints, technological or other reasons, to market and enhance
the Jeode product in a timely manner would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
SALES AND MARKETING
JEODE PRODUCTS
Jeode customers are expected to be original equipment manufacturers
("OEMs") of embedded devices located primarily in North America, Europe and
Japan. The Company has established a specialized direct sales force to sell
the Jeode product line in North America and Europe. The Company plans to
open a Japanese sales office in 1999. Currently, members of the North
American sales force regularly visit potential customers in Japan. The
Company is also assisted in developing business relations in Japan by Japan
Entry, a third party consulting company. The Jeode product line revenue
model is based on OEM customer transactions. The timing of such transactions
is difficult to predict and revenues may vary significantly from quarter to
quarter as a result. The failure to conclude a substantial OEM transaction
during a particular quarter can have a material adverse effect on the
Company's revenues and results of operations.
MARKETING. There are many different markets for embedded products.
According to a December 1997 survey and analysis conducted by Venture
Development Corporation the market for embedded software tools and run-times
will approach $1.15 billion in 1999, and will grow to approximately $1.9
billion in 2002. Embedded systems incorporating Java-based tools and
run-times currently represent only a minimal portion of this market.
However, many developers have expressed their desire to use a viable
implementation of Java technology, and embedded systems using Java-based
tools and run-times are expected to grow rapidly over the next few years.
The Company is initially concentrating on selling to markets that it
believes will be early adopters of this technology. These early adopters
include manufacturers of smart cell phones, personal digital assistant
(PDA's), handheld PC's (HPC's), mass storage devices and car navigation
systems.
MARKET ACCEPTANCE. The Company's performance depends upon sales of
products within the Jeode product line, which is a new product. There can be
no assurance that the Company's Jeode product will achieve or sustain
acceptance by the marketplace or provide the desired revenue levels. The
failure of the Jeode product to provide an adequate level of performance and
functionality, or the lack of market acceptance of this product for any
reason, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
6
If the Jeode product is successful and developed on a timely basis, the
Company will be required to further develop direct sales channels in the
embedded systems market and to hire and train more direct sales personnel.
For example, the Company plans to open a sales office in Japan during 1999.
Competition for qualified sales personnel is intense and there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to attract the personnel needed to
market and sell products in the embedded systems market. The Company
anticipates increased operating expenses as it introduces the product and
develops the organization to market, sell and support the product, before any
revenue is recognized from sales of the product.
SALES CYCLE. The sales model for the Jeode product line is different
from that of prepackaged consumer software. The Company must develop a
direct sales organization to convince OEMs to design the Company's products
into their embedded systems. The sales cycle for an embedded systems
design-win can range from six months to a year. Customers make product
decisions only after extensive product review and hands-on evaluation.
Because customers in the embedded systems market tend to remain with the same
vendor over time, the Company believes that it must devote significant
resources to each potential sale. To the extent potential customers do not
design the Company's products into their systems, the resources the Company
has devoted to the sales prospect would be lost.
International operations are subject to a number of risks, including
longer payment cycles, unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, import
and export restrictions and tariffs, difficulties in staffing and managing
operations, greater difficulty or delay in accounts receivable collection,
potentially adverse tax consequences, the burdens of complying with a variety
of laws and political and economic instability. In addition, fluctuations in
exchange rates could affect demand for the Company's products. If for any
reason exchange or price controls or other currency restrictions are imposed,
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations could
be materially adversely affected. The Company plans to market its Jeode
product line to embedded systems manufacturers in Japan. Economic conditions
in Japan generally, as well as fluctuations in the value of the Japanese yen
against the U.S. dollar and British pound sterling could have a negative
effect on the Company's revenues and results of operations. As the Company
increases its international sales, its total revenues may also be affected to
a greater extent by seasonal fluctuations resulting from lower sales that
typically occur during the summer months in Europe and other parts of the
world.
SOFTWINDOWS
The Company sells SoftWindows through a multiple channel distribution
system that currently includes distributors and resellers.
DISTRIBUTOR AND RETAIL SALES. The Company has established a worldwide
two-tier distribution channel for its SoftWindows products. Its distributor
relationships include Sun, Ingram Micro and Merisel in North America, Sun and
HP Germany in Europe and Mitsubishi Corporation ("Mitsubishi") in Japan.
Certain of these distributors, in turn, sell to major retailers such as
CompUSA, Fry's and MicroCenter. In addition, the Company's products are
carried by major national Macintosh catalog channels, such as MacWarehouse
and MacConnection.
During 1998, the Company had a distribution arrangement with Sun, under
which Sun could market and distribute SoftWindows on selected configurations
of its platforms to provide compatibility benefits on these platforms. This
agreement expired on December 31, 1998, and is unlikely to be renewed.
Sales to distributors represented approximately 92%, 42% and 40% of the
Company's total revenues in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Sales to Sun
and Ingram Micro U.S. each accounted for 27% of total revenues in 1998.
Sales to Mitsubishi accounted for 12% of total revenues in 1996. No other
distributor accounted for 10% or more of the Company's total revenues in
1998, 1997 or 1996. In 1998, the majority of the Company's sales through the
distributor channel were Macintosh products. Mitsubishi, Ingram Micro and
the Company's other distributors carry multiple product lines and could
reduce their support of the Company's products in favor of a competitive
product or for any other reason. There can be no assurance that Mitsubishi,
Ingram Micro or any other distributor of the Company's products will continue
to purchase the Company's products or provide adequate levels of support.
7
In addition, the Company has limited control over the extent to which
products sold to distributors and resellers are sold through to end-users.
The Company provides sales returns provisions based on the Company's
estimates of expected sell-through by distributors and resellers of its
products. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
OEM BUNDLING. In prior years the Company participated in a number of
OEM bundling arrangements. In 1998 the Company did not participate in any
OEM arrangements, and consequently did not receive any revenue from such
arrangements. In 1997 and 1996 license revenues from OEMs represented 27%
and 24%, respectively, of the Company's total revenues. Sales to SGI
represented 19% and 14% of the Company's total revenues in 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
INTERNATIONAL SALES. Sales to customers outside the United States,
derived mainly from customers in Europe and Asia, represented approximately
24%, 27% and 31% of total revenues in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
Company's European headquarters is located in the United Kingdom. The North
American sales organization is responsible for the remainder of the world,
including Asia, Australia and South America.
The Company offers its latest SoftWindows products in English and
Japanese. The Company has an agreement with Mitsubishi under which
Mitsubishi assists the Company in localizing its products and distributes the
Japanese language version of SoftWindows for Power Macintosh. The Company
has limited experience in adapting its software for certain non-English
speaking markets, particularly where there are double-byte computer languages
and where an alphabet is not intrinsic to the language, and there can be no
assurance that the Company's efforts to adapt its products for such markets
will be successful.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
JEODE PLATFORM
A key component of the Company's Jeode product line strategy involves a
strategic alliance with Sun. In the first quarter of 1999, the Company
signed a five-year agreement with Sun under which Sun established the Company
as a Sun authorized Virtual Machine provider. The agreement also authorizes
immediate access to the Java compatibility test suite and the Java technology
source code. The agreement includes technology sharing and compatibility
verification.
Under the agreement, the Company will pay Sun a per unit royalty on each
Jeode-enabled embedded product shipped by the Company's customers, plus a
royalty on all development licenses put in place between the Company and its
customers.
SOFTWINDOWS
A key component of the Company's SoftWindows business involves
agreements with Microsoft and major UNIX system vendors.
MICROSOFT DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT. Since 1988, the Company has licensed
first MS-DOS, and later Windows, from Microsoft. Under the Company's current
agreement with Microsoft ("the Microsoft Distribution Agreement"), Microsoft
granted to the Company a non-exclusive, worldwide license to reproduce, adapt
and distribute the currently available versions of Windows that are included
as a component of the Company's products. The Company pays Microsoft a per
unit royalty for copies of the Company's products sold that include a version
of Windows. The current royalty amounts are based upon certain estimates of
the volume of the Company's sales of SoftWindows. The current Microsoft
Distribution Agreement expires on September 30, 1999. Termination or
expiration without renewal of the Microsoft Distribution Agreement would
result in the inability of the Company to sell its SoftWindows products.
Microsoft has audit rights to inspect the Company's records related to
royalties paid under the Microsoft Distribution Agreement. In January 1999,
Microsoft commenced an audit of the royalties the Company paid in 1997 and
1998. The Company has not been notified of the outcome of the audit. It is
possible, however, that Microsoft could claim underpayment of royalties by
the Company. If Microsoft claims a discrepancy over $10,000, the Company
would be obligated under the Microsoft Distribution
8
Agreement to reimburse Microsoft for the cost of the audit. In addition, the
Microsoft Distribution Agreement provides for an additional royalty of 25% of
the royalty due for each unreported unit that is over 5% of the number of
units reported.
MICROSOFT SOFTWARE TRADEMARK LICENSE. Microsoft has granted the Company
a non-exclusive, non-transferable personal license to use the trademark
"SoftWindows" during the term of the Microsoft Distribution Agreement.
MICROSOFT SOURCE CODE AGREEMENT. Effective May 4, 1993, the Company
entered into an agreement with Microsoft ("the Source Code Agreement"), under
which Microsoft granted the Company access to the source code for certain
then current and future versions of Windows and the right to enhance and
compile Windows using this source code to produce optimized versions of
Windows for specified operating systems. Under the Source Code Agreement,
the Company licensed such rights to the source code for both Windows 3.11 and
Windows95. All modifications that the Company made to Windows were assigned
to Microsoft. However, Microsoft agreed not to use or to license others to
use such modifications in a standalone emulation product that competes
directly with the Company's emulation business. The Source Code Agreement
expired in May 1996, except that the Source Code Agreement provided that the
Company maintained the right to use the licensed source code until May 30,
1998 for product support purposes. The Company has not entered and does not
anticipate that it will enter into a renewal or replacement of the Source
Code Agreement for future Windows products. The Company has developed an
alternative approach to the code in the Company's products for future
versions of Windows. SoftWindows 98 was developed using this alternative
approach.
The distribution and license rights that Microsoft has granted to the
Company are non-exclusive. Microsoft has granted to other companies certain
rights to its Windows source code. The Company is aware of at least one of
these Microsoft licensees that currently offers a product that competes
directly with SoftWindows. There can be no assurance that Microsoft will not
grant to other competitors or potential competitors of the Company rights to
Microsoft technology similar to or more extensive than the rights Microsoft
has granted to the Company.
SUN DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT. In December 1997, the Company signed a
distribution agreement with Sun (the "Sun Distribution Agreement") under
which Sun agreed to offer SoftWindows95 as an option for its Ultra
Workstation customers. In January 1998, Sun introduced two new low-priced,
power desktop systems, the Ultra 5 and Ultra 10 workstations, and a new
high-end workstation, the Ultra 60. Under the Sun Distribution Agreement,
Sun agreed to sell the Company's version of SoftWindows95 for the
Solaris-Registered Trademark-operating system as an option for Ultra
customers. SoftWindows95 for Solaris also runs on the new
UltraSPARC-Registered Trademark- IIi processor-based workstations. This
agreement expired on December 31, 1998 and has not been renewed.
COMPETITION
JEODE PRODUCTS
The markets in which the Company competes are characterized by rapid
technological change and aggressive competition. The Company believes that
the embedded systems marketplace has hundreds of companies, developing
thousands of embedded products, and delivering millions of units of these
various products each year. The Company believes the Jeode platform addresses
the specific requirements of embedded developers, making Java technology
viable for this market for the first time. The Jeode product line is
targeted to the emerging Java-based embedded products marketplace, which is
rapidly changing and is characterized by an increasing number of new entrants
whose products compete with the product under development by the Company.
Competitors in the Java-based embedded products market, such as Sun, HP,
Integrated Systems, Inc. and Wind River Systems, Inc., have significantly
greater resources than the Company. Moreover, much of the industry
infrastructure supporting the product under development by the Company for
this market is new and evolving, and it is difficult to predict the future
growth of this market. It is possible that a viable market for the Company's
Jeode product will not develop or be sustainable. If the market fails to
develop, develops more slowly than expected or becomes saturated with
competitors, or if the Company's new product does not achieve or sustain
market acceptance, the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations would be materially affected.
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SOFTWINDOWS
SoftWindows competes primarily with three compatibility solutions:
purchasing an additional personal computer, installing certain types of
software and/or installing a PC compatibility hardware card. The Company's
SoftWindows revenues and margins have declined significantly in recent years
primarily as a result of these competitive alternatives.
The availability of low-cost PCs has led users in many organizations to
purchase a PC in addition to their Macintosh computer or Unix workstation for
those situations in which they must operate in the organization-wide PC
network.
In June 1997, Connectix Corporation introduced a software product,
Virtual PC, that competes against SoftWindows for the Macintosh. The Company
accordingly reduced its prices for SoftWindows for the Macintosh, and in
September 1997 introduced a new product, RealPC, to compete against Virtual
PC. RealPC is a low cost software product that allows consumers to play
DOS-based games and other applications designed for Intel-based PCs on their
Power Macintosh computers.
In addition, demand for the Company's SoftWindows products for Macintosh
computers has declined as a result of decreased demand for Macintosh
computers and price competition.
In the UNIX market, the Company faces competition from products such as
WinCenter Pro from NCD, Inc., WinDD from Tektronix, Inc., HP500 from HP,
WinFrame from Citrix and NTerprise from Exodus. There can be no assurance
that these or new competitors will not introduce improved products in the
future.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
In January 1998, the Company announced it was developing an EVM for the
emerging Java-based embedded products marketplace. The new Jeode product is
based upon the Company's virtual machine technology and is geared toward
providing current embedded systems developers with a feature-rich EVM that is
supported by tools compatible with embedded system environments, such as
configuration and remote debugging tools. In November 1998, the Company
delivered beta versions of the Jeode product. The Company released Jeode in
March 1999. The Company intends to develop additional functionality for
Jeode in 1999, particularly to provide compatibility with additional
processor/operating platforms. Product development is subject to a number of
risks, including development delays, product definition, marketing and
competition. It is possible that development of the enhancements to the
Company's Jeode product will not be completed in a timely manner and, even if
they are developed, that the product line will not achieve or maintain
customer acceptance. The failure of the Company to commercialize its virtual
machine technology successfully and in a timely manner would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
The Company must continually change and improve its products in response
to changes in operating systems, application software, computer hardware,
networking software, programming tools and computer language technology. The
introduction of products embodying new technologies and the emergence of new
industry standards can render existing products obsolete and unmarketable.
For example, the Company has had to respond to the decline in the Macintosh
market. In addition, performance of the Company's SoftWindows products
depends upon the performance of the underlying hardware and software
platforms. If the performance of these underlying platforms does not improve
over time at a rate at least equal to the rate of performance improvements of
the platforms that the Company's products emulate, then the Company's
products may be rendered unmarketable.
The Company's success will depend upon its ability on a timely and
cost-effective basis to enhance its current products and to develop new
products that meet changing market conditions, which consist of changing
customer needs, new competitive product offerings, emerging industry
standards and changing technology. For example, the Company's performance
depends upon timely development and sale of its Jeode product line. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in developing and
marketing, on a timely basis or at all, fully functional and compatible
product enhancements or new products that respond to changing market
conditions, or that its new products will be accepted by customers. In the
past, the Company has experienced material delays
10
and materially increased expenses in adapting its compatibility software to
address specific changes in the operating systems, application software and
hardware platforms that the Company's products support. Any failure by the
Company to anticipate or respond adequately to changing market conditions, or
any significant delays in the development or introduction of additional
functionality for Jeode, would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company spent approximately $6.2 million,
$9.1 million and $10.6 million, respectively, on Company-sponsored research
and development. At December 31, 1998, the Company had 47 full-time
employees engaged in research and development, all of whom were located at
the Company's facility in the United Kingdom. The geographic distance
between the Company's engineering personnel in the United Kingdom on the one
hand and the Company's principal offices in California and its primary
markets in the United States on the other hand has in the past led and could
in the future lead to logistical and communication difficulties. To address
these issues, the Company has upgraded its communications infrastructure,
which includes high-speed data and telephone lines and improved e-mail and
other communications systems. There can be no assurance, however, that the
geographic and cultural differences between the Company's United States and
United Kingdom personnel and operations will not result in problems that
materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. Further, because the Company's research and
development operations are located in the United Kingdom, its operations and
expenses are directly affected by economic and political conditions in the
United Kingdom.
Software products as complex as those offered by the Company may contain
undetected errors or failures when first introduced or when new versions are
released. There can be no assurance that, despite testing by the Company and
testing and use by current and potential customers, errors will not be found
in the Company's products after commencement of commercial shipments. The
occurrence of such errors, particularly with respect to Jeode, could result
in loss of or delay in market acceptance of the Company's products, which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
ENGLISH CORPORATION
The Company is incorporated under English law. One of the Company's
executive officers and one of its directors reside in England. All or a
substantial portion of the assets of such persons, and a significant portion
of the assets of the Company, are located outside of the United States. As a
result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process
within the United States upon such persons or to enforce against them or
against the Company, in United States courts, judgments obtained in United
States courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the federal
securities laws of the United States. There is doubt as to the
enforceability in England, in original actions or in actions for enforcement
of judgments of United States courts, of civil liabilities predicated solely
upon United States securities laws. In addition, the rights of holders of
Ordinary Shares and, therefore, certain of the rights of ADS holders, are
governed by English law, including the Companies Act 1985, and by the
Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association. These rights differ in
certain respects from the rights of shareholders in typical United States
corporations.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1998, the Company employed 89 regular full-time
persons, comprising 18 in sales, marketing and related staff activities, 47
in research and development and 24 in management, manufacturing,
administration and finance. Of these, all research and development employees,
3 sales and marketing employees and 9 administration and finance employees
are located in the United Kingdom. None of the Company's employees is
represented by a labor union, and the Company has experienced no work
stoppages. The Company believes that its employee relations are good.
As part of the Company's disposal of its NTRIGUE technology in February
1998, 45 employees located in the United Kingdom were transferred to Citrix.
Of these, 43 were research and development employees and 2 were in
administration and finance.
11
The Company's success depends to a significant degree upon the continued
contributions of members of the Company's senior management and other key
research and development, sales and marketing personnel. The loss of any of
such persons could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. The Company believes that its
future success will depend upon its ability to attract and retain highly
skilled managerial, engineering, sales and marketing personnel, the
competition for whom is intense. In particular, the Company must recruit and
retain marketing and sales personnel with expertise in embedded systems.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in attracting
and retaining such personnel, and the failure to attract and retain key
personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
The Company relies on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade
secret laws and confidentiality procedures to protect its proprietary rights.
The Company holds one United States patent and one European patent on its
SoftWindows technology and has filed in the United Kingdom an application for
innovative technologies incorporated into its Jeode platform. As part of its
confidentiality procedures, the Company generally enters into non-disclosure
agreements with its employees, consultants, distributors and corporate
partners, and limits access to and distribution of its software,
documentation and other proprietary information. Despite these precautions,
it may be possible for a third party to copy or otherwise to obtain and use
the Company's products or technology without authorization, or to develop
similar technology independently. In addition, effective protection of
intellectual property rights may be unavailable or limited in certain
countries. The Company licenses technology from Sun, Microsoft and various
other third parties.
The Company may, from time to time, receive communications in the future
from third parties asserting that the Company's products infringe, or may
infringe, on their proprietary rights. There can be no assurance that
licenses to disputed third-party technology would be available on reasonable
commercial terms, if at all. In addition, the Company may initiate claims or
litigation against third parties for infringement of the Company's
proprietary rights or to establish the validity of the Company's proprietary
rights. Litigation to determine the validity of any claims could result in
significant expense to the Company and divert the efforts of the Company's
technical and management personnel from productive tasks, whether or not such
litigation is determined in favor of the Company. In the event of an adverse
ruling in any such litigation, the Company may be required to pay substantial
damages, discontinue the use and sale of infringing products, expend
significant resources to develop non-infringing technology or obtain licenses
to infringing technology. In the event of a successful claim against the
Company and the failure of the Company to develop or license a substitute
technology, the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations would be adversely affected. As the number of software products
in the industry increases and the functionality of these products further
overlaps, the Company believes that software developers may become
increasingly subject to infringement claims. Any such claims against the
Company, with or without merit, as well as claims initiated by the Company
against third parties, can be time consuming and expensive to defend or
prosecute and to resolve.
ITEM 2--FACILITIES
The Company's headquarters and principal management, sales and marketing
and support facility is located in Fremont, California, and consists of
approximately 18,400 square feet under a lease that will expire in February
2003. The Company's principal European sales, research and development and
administrative facility is located in High Wycombe, in the United Kingdom,
and consists of approximately 10,700 square feet under a lease that will
expire in August 2013. During 1998, the Company sub-let until March 2002
facilities it formerly occupied in the United Kingdom, on substantially the
same terms as those applied to the Company. The Company's lease on the
subleased premises expires in September 2017, except that with seven months'
notice the Company can terminate the lease in September 2002, 2007 and 2012.
During 1997, the Company vacated its Boston, Massachusetts facility. In
January 1998, the Company sublet this facility through August 2001, the month
the Company's lease on the facility expires. The Company also leases a sales
office in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. The Company does not anticipate
expanding the size of its facilities in California, the United Kingdom or
France in the foreseeable future. The Company plans to lease a sales and
support office in Japan in 1999, specifically to meet the needs of potential
Japanese Jeode customers.
12
ITEM 3--LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None
ITEM 4--SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
Item 4A--Executive Officers of the Registrant
The executive officers of the Company as of March 31, 1999 are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
Richard M. Noling.... 50 President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
Stephen M. Ambler.... 39 Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary and a
Senior Vice President
George Buchan........ 46 Senior Vice President of Engineering and UK
General Manager
Ronald C. Workman.... 44 Senior Vice President of Marketing
Richard M. Noling was named President and Chief Executive Officer and a
director of the Company in March 1997. He also served as Chief Financial
Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations and Company
Secretary between April 19, 1996 and October 1, 1997 and Chief Operations
Officer between February and March 1997. From August 1995 to February 1996,
Mr. Noling was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Fast Multimedia,
Inc., a German-based computer software and hardware developer. From November
1994 to August 1995, he was Chief Financial Officer for DocuMagix Inc., a
personal paper management software company. From June 1991 to October 1994,
Mr. Noling served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for
Gupta Corporation. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in aerospace and
mechanical engineering science from the University of California (San Diego)
in 1970. He received an M.A. degree in theology from the Fuller Theological
Seminary in 1972, and an M.S. degree in business administration in 1979 from
the University of California (Irvine).
Stephen M. Ambler is Chief Financial Officer, Company Secretary and a
Senior Vice President of the Company. He joined the Company in April 1994 as
Director of Finance and Administration, Europe. In April 1997, he was
appointed Worldwide Corporate Controller and became Chief Financial Officer,
Company Secretary and a Vice President in October 1997. He became a Senior
Vice President in January 1999. Prior to joining the Company Mr. Ambler
served as Financial Controller and Company Secretary at Ampex Great Britain
Limited and before that served as Finance Director at Carlton Cabletime
Limited in Newbury, England between May 1988 and December 1992. Mr. Ambler
is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
George Buchan is Senior Vice President of Engineering and UK General
Manager for the Company. He joined the Company in September 1991 as
Development Manager, was appointed Vice President of Engineering in July 1992
and was appointed Senior Vice President and UK General Manager in September
1993. Before joining the Company, Mr. Buchan was with Prime Computer UK, a
computer systems company, as Manager of the customer support center from June
1980 to August 1991. Mr. Buchan has been involved in high technology
companies for more than 25 years in general and technical management
positions in the project management and UNIX areas. He graduated from
Aberdeen University, Scotland in 1974 with a Bachelors degree in pure
mathematics.
Ronald C. Workman is Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Company.
He joined the Company in July 1998. Before joining the Company, Mr. Workman
served as Vice President of Marketing from January 1998 to June 1998 at
Cygnus Systems, Inc., an embedded systems software tools company. From June
1989 to December 1997 Mr. Workman was employed at Mentor Graphics Inc., an
embedded systems software tools and real time operating company, serving in
several roles, including Vice President and Business Unit Manager of their
run time solutions business unit and Vice President VAR/OEM sales. Mr.
Workman has been involved in high technology companies for more than 20 years
in sales, marketing and engineering positions. He graduated from California
Polytechnic State University with a Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences
in 1977.
13
PART II
ITEM 5--MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
PRICE RANGE OF ORDINARY SHARES
The Company's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), each ADS representing
one Ordinary Share, have been traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol INSGY since the Company's initial public offering in November 1995.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low
sales prices for the Company's ADSs as reported by Nasdaq:
1997 HIGH LOW
---- ---- ---
First Quarter $4.93 $1.68
Second Quarter $3.18 $1.43
Third Quarter $3.75 $2.00
Fourth Quarter $3.00 $2.00
1998 HIGH LOW
---- ---- ---
First Quarter $2.62 $1.00
Second Quarter $2.06 $0.94
Third Quarter $1.31 $0.50
Fourth Quarter $2.00 $0.56
As of December 31, 1998, there were approximately 142 holders of record
of the Company's Ordinary Shares and ADSs, excluding holders of ADSs whose
ADSs are held in nominee or street name by brokers.
DIVIDENDS
The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its ordinary
shares. The Company anticipates that it will retain any future earnings for
use in its business and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the
foreseeable future. Any payment of dividends would be subject, under English
law, to the Companies Act 1985, and to the Company's Articles of Association,
and may only be paid from the retained earnings of Insignia Solutions plc,
determined on a pre-consolidated basis. As at December 31, 1998 Insignia
Solutions plc had a deficit of $10,635,000 on a pre-consolidated basis.
14
ITEM 6--SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(in thousands, except per share data)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
Net revenues $ 14,096 $ 38,869 $ 44,246 $ 55,095 $ 39,361
Cost of net revenues 9,375 17,062 17,415 14,912 11,260
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 4,721 21,807 26,831 40,183 28,101
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing 7,946 15,804 21,782 19,118 12,540
Research and development 6,228 9,129 10,613 9,822 5,508
General and administrative 4,213 6,761 6,268 4,615 3,995
Restructuring - 1,995 - - -
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses 18,387 33,689 38,663 33,555 22,043
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss) (13,666) (11,882) (11,832) 6,628 6,058
Interest and other income (expense), net 15,871 504 1,396 882 (103)
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes 2,205 (11,378) (10,436) 7,510 5,955
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 1,783 (720) 330 2,253 1,200
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ 422 $ (10,658) $ (10,766) $ 5,257 $ 4,755
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic $ (0.03) $ (0.91) $ (0.95) $ 1.31 $ 2.48
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Diluted $ (0.03) $ (0.91) $ (0.95) $ 0.45 $0.47
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average shares and share equivalents
Basic 12,159 11,690 11,342 4,010 1,919
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Diluted 12,378 11,690 11,342 11,635 10,189
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE SHEET DATA AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $ 16,334 $ 14,461 $ 21,772 $ 36,999 $ 14,218
Working capital 9,712 7,816 15,777 25,673 3,518
Total assets 21,011 25,457 34,571 47,782 19,491
Long-term obligations under capital leases - 111 259 307 387
Total shareholders' equity 11,418 10,523 20,215 30,398 6,508
ITEM 7--MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THIS MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT REFLECT THE
COMPANY'S CURRENT VIEWS WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE MATTERS SUCH AS GROSS PROFIT,
GROSS MARGINS, SPENDING LEVELS, INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS, RESTRUCTURING
BENEFITS AND CAPITAL NEEDS. ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THE
RESULTS AND OUTCOMES DISCUSSED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS
THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO SUCH DIFFERENCES IN RESULTS AND OUTCOMES
INCLUDE WITHOUT LIMITATION THOSE DISCUSSED BELOW AS WELL AS THOSE DISCUSSED
ELSEWHERE IN THIS REPORT.
15
OVERVIEW
The Company, which commenced operations in 1986, develops, markets and
supports virtual machine technology which enables software applications and
operating systems to be run on various computer platforms.
In January 1998, the Company announced its intention to launch a new
product line. This product line, called Jeode, is based on the Company's EVM
technology. Jeode is the Company's implementation of Sun's Java technology
developed specifically for embedded systems. The Jeode platform is enabled by
the Company's EVM and is designed to enable software developers to create
reliable, efficient and predictable embedded products. In November 1998, the
Company delivered beta versions of the Jeode platform. The product is
available for sale and is expected to be the principal product line in 1999
and the foreseeable future.
In December 1993, the Company introduced its Windows product line,
SoftWindows, which enables Windows applications to run on Apple Macintosh
computers and most UNIX workstations. The SoftWindows product line has
accounted for a substantial portion of the Company's revenue. However,
revenue generated by SoftWindows has been diminishing since 1995 and future
substantial revenues are not expected. The following table lists the
SoftWindows product releases from 1993 through 1998.
Year Product name: Emulation software for:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 SoftWindows 1.0 Macintosh and UNIX
1995 SoftWindows 2.0 Macintosh and UNIX
1996 SoftWindows 3.0 Power Macintosh
1996 SoftWindows95 Power Macintosh
1997 SoftWindows95 4.0 Power Macintosh and UNIX
1997 RealPC Power Macintosh
1998 SoftWindows95 5.0 Power Macintosh
1998 SoftWindows 98 Power Macintosh
In December 1995, the Company introduced and started shipping NTRIGUE, a
Windows compatibility client/server product that supports multiple
X-terminals, workstation clients, Macintosh computers, PCs and network
computers from a Windows NT-based server. In February 1998, the Company
disposed of its NTRIGUE technology.
The Company's operations outside of the United States are primarily in
the United Kingdom, where the majority of the Company's research and
development operations and its European sales activities are located. The
Company distributes its SoftWindows product through independent distributors.
The Company's revenues from customers outside the United States are derived
primarily from Europe and Asia and are generally affected by the same factors
as its revenues from customers in the United States. The operating expenses
of the Company's operations outside the United States are mostly incurred in
Europe and relate to its research and development and European sales
activities. Such expenses consist primarily of ongoing fixed costs and
consequently do not fluctuate in direct proportion to revenues. The Company's
revenues and expenses outside the United States can fluctuate from period to
period based on movements in currency exchange rates. Historically, movements
in currency exchange rates have not had a material effect on the Company's
revenues.
The Company operates with the United States dollar as its functional
currency, with a majority of revenues and operating expenses denominated in
dollars. Although the Company engages in short-term currency option and
forward exchange contracts in order to hedge short-term pound sterling net
cash flows, pound sterling exchange rate fluctuations against the dollar can
cause European revenues and United Kingdom expenses, which are translated
into dollars for financial statement reporting purposes, to vary from
period-to-period.
16
DISPOSAL OF NTRIGUE TECHNOLOGY
On February 5, 1998 the Company completed the disposal of its NTRIGUE
technology to Citrix for $17.687 million. As part of the disposal, the
Company transferred 45 employees to Citrix, of which 43 were development
engineers.
Under the terms of the disposal agreement $8.937 million was paid to the
Company in cash on February 5, 1998, and the remainder is being held in
escrow for the sole purpose of satisfying any obligations to Citrix arising
from or in connection with an event against which the Company would be
required to indemnify Citrix. Of this amount, Citrix released $2.5 million to
the Company in February 1999.
In January 1999 the Company received an indemnity claim from Citrix for
an amount estimated by Citrix to not exceed $6.25 million. The claim is based
on a declaratory relief action that Citrix filed against GraphOn Corp.
("GraphOn") in November 1998 in the United States District Court, Southern
District of Florida. Citrix' action against GraphOn seeks a declaratory
judgement that Citrix does not infringe any GraphOn proprietary rights and
that Citrix has not misappropriated any trade secrets or breached an
agreement to which GraphOn is a party. Citrix filed the action in response to
and to resolve unsubstantiated assertions first made by GraphOn, and
disclosed to Citrix in January 1998, that the Company used GraphOn
confidential information to develop certain of the Company's products,
possibly including products the Company sold to Citrix in February 1998.
GraphOn has not filed an action against either the Company or Citrix relating
to its assertions and the Company believes such assertions by GraphOn are
without merit or basis. Accordingly, the Company intends to contest Citrix'
indemnity claim.
REVENUES
1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)
License revenue $ 12,998 $ 36,744 $ 40,102
Service revenue 1,098 2,125 4,144
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total revenues $ 14,096 $ 38,869 $ 44,246
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company derives its revenues from the sale of packaged software
products and annual maintenance contracts, and in 1997 and 1996, from
royalties received from bundling agreements with OEMs and customer-funded
engineering activities under OEM contracts. Revenues from the sale of
packaged products and royalties received from OEMs are classified as license
revenue, while revenues from customer-funded engineering activities and
annual maintenance contracts are classified as service revenue.
In 1998, the Company shipped two principal product lines: SoftWindows
and NTRIGUE. Total revenues and license revenues declined 64% and 65%,
respectively in 1998 compared to 1997. In 1998, total revenues from
SoftWindows for Macintosh declined 40% compared to 1997 primarily as a result
of increased competition and resulting price reductions of the product and
declining market share for Apple Macintosh compatible computers. In 1998,
1997 and 1996, license revenue from the sale of the Company's products for
Macintosh computers accounted for 52%, 32% and 39% of total revenues,
respectively.
The Company expects its Jeode product line to generate revenue in 1999.
Revenue from the Jeode product line will initially be derived from three main
sources: the sale of a development license, the sale of annual maintenance
and support, and a commercial use royalty based on shipments of products that
include Jeode technology.
UNIX total revenues declined 55% in 1998 compared to 1997 as a result of
a decline in the number of large OEM transactions. In 1998, 1997 and 1996 total
revenues from the Company's product for UNIX computers accounted for 40%, 32%
and 34% of total revenues, respectively.
17
Total NTRIGUE revenues declined 93% in 1998 compared to 1997 as a result
of the disposal of the product line. In 1998, 1997 and 1996 total revenues
from the Company's NTRIGUE products accounted for 7%, 34% and 16% of total
revenues, respectively.
Service revenues in 1998 declined 48% compared to 1997, primarily
because the Company performed fewer customer-funded engineering activities
than in the previous year. Similarly, in 1997, service revenues declined 49%
compared to 1996.
The Company distributes its SoftWindows and RealPC packaged products
within the United States and internationally through distributors and
resellers and, in 1997 and 1996, also through OEMs. The Company offers
certain return privileges to its customers including product exchange
privileges and price protection. The Company recognizes revenues from
packaged products upon shipment with provisions for estimated future returns,
exchanges and price protection being recorded as a reduction of total
revenues. A significant portion of the Company's revenue in 1997 and 1996 was
derived from large OEM customer transactions, particularly in the UNIX and
NT-related product lines.
Sales to distributors representing more than 10% of total revenue in
each period accounted for the following percentages of total revenue.
1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ingram Micro 27% * *
Sun Microsystems 27% -% -%
Silicon Graphics -% 19% 14%
Mitsubishi 11% * 12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Distributors 92% 42% 40%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Less than 10%
Sales to customers outside the United States, derived mainly from
customers in Europe and Asia, represented approximately 24%, 27% and 31% of
total revenues in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Movements in currency
exchange rates did not have a material impact on total revenues in 1998, 1997
or 1996. However, there can be no assurance that movements in currency
exchange rates will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
future revenues and results of operations.
COST OF REVENUES AND GROSS MARGIN
1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except percentages)
Cost of license revenue $ 8,329 $ 15,068 $ 14,814
Gross margin: license revenue 36% 59% 63%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of service revenue $ 1,046 $ 1,994 $2,601
Gross margin: service revenue 5% 6% 37%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost of revenues $ 9,375 $ 17,062 $ 17,415
Gross margin: total revenues 33% 56% 61%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18
Cost of license revenue primarily includes Windows, PC-DOS and WinFrame
royalties paid to Microsoft, IBM and Citrix, respectively, and costs of
documentation, duplication and packaging. Cost of service revenue includes
costs associated with customer-funded engineering activities and end-user
support under maintenance contracts.
The Company's distribution agreement with Microsoft Corporation expired
on March 31, 1997, but was extended until September 30, 1998 on substantially
the same terms. The Company subsequently entered into a new distribution
agreement dated October 1, 1998 on substantially the same terms, effective
for one year. Termination or expiration without renewal of the Microsoft
Distribution Agreement would result in the inability of the Company to sell
its SoftWindows products.
The Company's gross margin for license revenue is significantly affected
by many factors, including pricing of the Company's products, royalties paid
to third parties, the mix of products licensed, the channels through which
the Company's products are distributed and product maturity. The Company's
gross margin for license revenue can also be affected in particular periods
by pricing strategies and return privileges employed in connection with new
product introductions and upgrades. License gross margins in 1998 declined to
36% from 59% in 1997 as a result of pricing strategies, increased third party
royalties, rebate programs, and obsolescence of inventory. License gross
margins in 1997 declined to 59% from 63% in 1996 as a result of lower prices
introduced in mid 1997 as a result of increased competition in the
SoftWindows for the Macintosh market and fewer high margin OEM customer
transactions.
The Company believes that the significant factors affecting the Jeode
gross margin will include pricing of the development license, pricing of the
unit usage and royalties to third parties such as Sun Microsystems. In early
1999, the Company signed a five-year agreement with Sun Microsystems under
which Sun established the Company as an authorized Virtual Machine provider.
Under this agreement the Company will pay Sun a per unit royalty on each
Jeode-enabled embedded product shipped by the Company's customers, plus a
royalty on all development licenses put in place between the Company and its
customers.
Gross margin for service revenue is impacted by the level of and pricing
terms of customer funded engineering activities, which can vary from customer
to customer, from contract to contract, the level of maintenance contracts
sold and the level of SoftWindows license revenue earned. In 1998 and 1997,
the Company earned little revenue from customer-funded engineering
acitivities, and saw a decline in UNIX maintenance agreements sold. This,
combined with the high cost of providing support under NTRIGUE maintenance
contracts, resulted in the Company achieving service revenue gross margins of
5% in 1998, and 6% in 1997. Gross margins in 1996 for service revenues were
37%.
Service revenue gross margins for 1999 are expected to increase due to
the required maintenance and upgrade contracts for each Jeode product sale.
19
OPERATING EXPENSES
1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except percentages)
Sales and marketing $ 7,946 $ 15,804 $ 21,782
Percentage of total revenues 56% 41% 49%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Research and development $ 6,228 $ 9,129 $ 10,613
Percentage of total revenues 44% 23% 24%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General and administrative $ 4,213 $ 6,761 $ 6,268
Percentage of total revenues 30% 17% 14%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales and marketing expenses include advertising and promotional
expenses, trade shows, personnel and related overhead costs, and salesperson
commissions. Sales and marketing expenses decreased in 1998 by 50% as a
result of reduced advertising and promotional expenditures, and a reduction
in personnel costs. In 1997, sales and marketing costs decreased by 27% over
1996 primarily due to reduced advertising and promotional expenditures, and a
reorganization of the sales force resulting in a reduction in personnel
costs. The Company anticipates sales and marketing expenses to increase in
1999 as the Company develops a marketing and direct sales organization for
its Jeode product line.
Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel costs,
overhead costs relating to occupancy and equipment depreciation. Research and
development expenses decreased in 1998 by 32% over 1997 as a result of
reductions in personnel associated with the disposal of the NTRIGUE product
line. During the last half of 1998, the Company invested the majority of its
development expense in its Jeode technology to accelerate the release of this
product. Research and development costs decreased by 14% in 1997 over 1996 as
a result of reductions in personnel. In accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 86, software development costs are
expensed as incurred until technological feasibility is established, after
which any additional costs are capitalized. In 1998, 1997 and 1996, no
development expenditures were capitalized. Development costs will increase in
1999 as the Company further develops its Jeode technology.
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel and
related overhead costs for finance, information systems, human resources and
general management. General and administrative expenses decreased by 38% in
1998 over 1997 as a result of reduced headcount, reduced legal fees and
reduced facility costs. General and administrative expenses increased by 8%
in 1997 over 1996 as a result of significant legal expenses incurred in
defending certain legal actions taken against the Company. Offsetting such
fees were personnel cost reductions resulting from the Company reorganizing
its finance and administrative groups, and reduced facilities costs as a
result of the Company closing its Boston office. General and administrative
costs are not expected to change significantly in 1999 compared to 1998.
RESTRUCTURING
1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except percentages)
Restructuring $- $ 1,995 $-
Percentage of total revenues - 5% -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 1997, the Company completed two restructurings. In the first
restructure, the Company reduced headcount by 11 persons and integrated
product development, product marketing and the sales organization into two
business units. In the second restructure, the Company combined the two sales
organizations into one unit, reducing
20
headcount by 53 persons, reorganized the sales force such that direct sales
inquiries are now referred to distributors, and reduced the number of
facilities it operates from. Restructuring expenses, which represented 5% of
total revenues in 1997, consist principally of costs related to terminated
employees, including serverance payments and stock option related expenses,
and future rents on facilities no longer used by the Company. As a result
of the two restructurings, the Company saved approximately $3 million in 1998.
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
1998 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except percentages)
Interest income, net $ 984 $ 667 $ 1,379
Percentage of total revenues 7% 2% 3%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest income, net increased in 1998 over 1997 due primarily to
increased interest income earned on the Company's cash, cash equivalents and
investments, which increased from $14.5 million at December 31, 1997 to $16.3
million at December 31, 1998. Interest income, net decreased in 1997 over
1996 due primarily to decreased interest income earned on the Company's cash,
cash equivalents and investments, which declined from $21.7 million at
December 31, 1996 to $14.5 million at December 31, 1997.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
1998 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except percentages)
Other income (expense), net $ 14,887 $(163) $ 17
Percentage of total revenues 106% * *
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Less than 1%
Other income (expense), net increased from an expense of $163,000 in
1997 to income of $14.887 million in 1998, of which 99% was the net gain on
the disposal of the Company's NTRIGUE product line and the majority of the
remainder was foreign exchange gains.
Over 80% of the Company's total revenues and approximately 50% of its
operating expenses are denominated in United States dollars. Most of the
remaining revenues and expenses of the Company are pound sterling denominated
and consequently the Company is exposed to fluctuations in pound sterling
exchange rates. To hedge against this currency exposure, the Company enters
into foreign currency options and forward exchange contracts for periods and
amounts consistent with the amounts and timing of its anticipated pound
sterling denominated operating cash flow requirements. Unrealized gains and
losses on foreign currency option contracts are deferred and were not
material at December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997. There can be no
assurance that such fluctuations will not have a material effect on the
Company's results of operations in the future.
The Company has an investment portfolio of fixed income securities that
are classified as "available-for-sale-securities". These securities, like all
fixed income instruments, are subject to interest rate risk and will fall in
value if market interest rates increase. The Company attempts to limit this
exposure by investing primarily in short-term securities.
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES
1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except percentages)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 1,783 $ (720) $330
Effective income tax rate 81% N/A N/A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21
The Company recorded a tax provision in 1998 reflecting certain non-U.S.
taxes arising upon the disposal of the Company's NTRIGUE product line, net of
offsetting operating losses. The Company recorded a tax benefit in 1997
reflecting the utilization of United Kingdom operating tax losses against
prior year taxes paid. In 1996 the Company had a tax provision in spite of
its pretax loss, primarily due to foreign withholding taxes related to U.S.
royalties from Japanese customers. Normally, the Company receives a U.S.
federal tax credit to offset such foreign withholding taxes but could not do
so in 1996 due to being in a net operating loss tax position.
A more complete analysis of the differences between the federal
statutory rate and the Company's effective income tax rates is presented in
Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 1998, the
Company has recorded a full valuation allowance against all deferred tax
assets, primarily comprising net operating losses, on the basis that
significant uncertainty exists with respect to their realization.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and investments $ 16,334 $ 14,461 $ 21,772
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working capital $ 9,712 $ 7,816 $ 15,777
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in operating activities $(13,687) $ (7,371) $(13,810)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company is in the process of transitioning its product focus from
Windows emulation and Windows compatability products to its Jeode product
line based on the Company's EVM technology. This change in product focus has
resulted in a redirection of available resources from the Company's
historical revenue base towards the development and marketing efforts
associated with the Jeode platform, which was not released for general
availability until March 1999. As a result of this change in product strategy
and associated redirection of resources to new product development, the
Company's financial position weakened significantly during 1998.
At December 31, 1998, the Company's working capital totaled $9.712
million, of which $9.1 million was restricted and held in escrow, as compared
to working capital of $7.816 million at December 31, 1997. During 1998, cash
used in operating activities totaled $13.687 million and the principle source
of cash funding came from the sale in February 1998 of the NTRIGUE product
line for $17.687 million. $8.937 million of the NTRIGUE sales proceeds was
received in February 1998, $2.5 million was received in February 1999 and the
remaining $6.25 million is being held in escrow pending resolution of the
Citrix indemnity claim. Capital additions totaled $0.9 million, $0.8 million
and $2.0 million during the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
The Company continues to face significant risks associated with the
successful execution of its new product strategy. These risks include, but
are not limited to continued technology and product development, introduction
and market acceptance of new products, changes in the marketplace, liquidity,
competition from existing and new competitors which may enter the marketplace
and retention of key personnel. Due to the generally longer sales cycles
expected to be associated with the Jeode platform, the Company does not
currently have accurate visibility of future order rates and demand for its
products generally. There can be no assurance that Jeode platform products
will achieve market acceptance.
The Company believes that additional financing will be necessary before
December 31, 1999, as its existing cash and cash equivalents are insufficient
to meet the Company's operating and capital requirements for the next twelve
months. The Company to date has made no commitments nor agreed to any
arrangements to obtain additional financing, but is currently considering
various financing alternatives. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to obtain such funding when needed, on acceptable terms or at
all. The failure to raise additional funds on a timely basis and on
sufficiently favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
The Company's liquidity may be adversely affected in the future by
factors such as higher interest rates, inability to borrow without
collateral, availability of capital financing and continued operating losses.
Further, significant fluctuations in quarterly operating results has had and,
in the future, may continue to have a negative affect on the Company's
liquidity. Factors such as price reductions, the introduction and market
acceptance of new products and product returns have contributed to this
quarterly variability. Moreover, the Company's expense levels are based in
part on expectations of future sales levels, and a shortfall in expected
sales could therefore result in a disproportionate decrease in results of
operations. As such, the results of operations in some future period may be
below the expectations of investors, which would likely result in a
significant reduction in the market price of the Company's shares. A decline
in the market price of the Company's shares would have a negative effect on
the Company's ability to raise needed capital on terms and conditions
acceptable to management.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
It is generally anticipated that many organizations will experience
operational difficulties at the beginning of the Year 2000 as a result of the
fact that many currently installed computer systems, embedded systems, and
software products are coded to accept only two digit entries in the date code
field. Significant uncertainty exists in the software and other industries
concerning the scope and magnitude of problems associated with the century
change.
The Company's assessment of the impact of this issue has encompassed 1)
software held for resale; 2) internally utilized systems; 3) computerized
information and software provided by third parties which might be integral to
customer usage of the Company's products; 4) compliance issues related
entirely to the state of readiness by customers and vendors and 5) Year 2000
cost. Set forth below is the status of each review and the estimated impact,
to the extent management can determine at this time.
SOFTWARE HELD FOR RESALE
Based on the Company's assessment to date, the Company believes that all
versions of Jeode, SoftWindows 98 products, SoftWindows95 products, RealPC
and NTRIGUE, a product the Company no longer ships, are Year 2000 compliant.
Earlier versions of SoftWindows and all versions of Soft PC, a product the
Company no longer ships, are not Year 2000 compliant, but all such versions
are upgradable to Year 2000 compliant products.
22
However, there can be no assurance that all of the Company's customers will
install the Year 2000 compliant version of the Company's products in a timely
manner, which could lead to failure of customer systems and product liability
claims against the Company. Even if the Company's products are Year 2000
compliant, the Company may in the future be subject to claims based on Year
2000 issues in the products of other companies, or issues arising from the
integration of multiple products within a system. The costs of defending and
resolving Year 2000 related disputes, and any liability of the Company for
Year 2000 damages, including consequential damages, could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
INTERNAL SYSTEMS
The Company has carried out an assessment of its own internal systems
and believes that they are all Year 2000 compliant.
THIRD-PARTY SYSTEMS
The Company has reviewed its material third-party relationships such as
key suppliers and distributors. The Company believes all computerized
information and software provided by third parties that might be integral to
customer usage of the Company's products is Year 2000 compliant.
Although the Company believes that its internal critical processes are
Year 2000 ready, the Company also recognizes that it is vulnerable, as are
most organizations, to the inability of third-party external interface
suppliers, and utility organizations to achieve Year 2000 readiness. The most
reasonable worst case scenario could include failure of power and water
supplies, major transportation disruptions, and failures of communications
and financial systems - any one of which could have a major and material
effect on the Company's ability to produce its products and deliver services
to its customers. While the Company has contingency plans in place to address
most issues under its control, a problem outside its control could result in
a delay in product shipments depending on the nature and severity of the
problems.
CUSTOMERS AND VENDORS
The Company's products are generally used with systems and software
involving complicated software products developed by other vendors, which may
not be Year 2000 compliant. Failure of the information systems of the
Company's customers because of the failure of such noncompliant systems or
software or for any other reason, could also affect the perceived performance
of the Company's products, which could have a negative effect on the
Company's competitive position. In addition, the Company believes that the
purchasing patterns of customers and potential customers may be affected by
Year 2000 issues as companies expend significant resources to correct or
patch their current software systems for Year 2000 compliance. These
expenditures may result in reduced funds available to purchase software
products such as those offered by the Company, which could result in a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
YEAR 2000 COST
The total cost associated with preparation for the Year 2000 has not
been, and is not expected to be, material to the Company's business,
financial condition or results of operations. Nevertheless, the Company may
not timely identify and remediate all significant Year 2000 problems and
remedial efforts may involve significant time and expense. There can be no
assurance that any Year 2000 compliance problems of the Company or its
customers or suppliers will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In October 1997, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(the "AICPA") issued Statement of Position No. 97-2 ("SOP 97-2"), "Software
Revenue Recognition", which the Company has adopted for transactions entered
into during the fiscal year beginning January 1, 1998. SOP 97-2 provides
guidance for recognizing revenue on software transactions and supersedes
Statement of Position No. 91-1, "Software Revenue
23
Recognition". In March 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position No. 98-4
("SOP 98-4"), "Deferral of the Effective Date of a Provision of SOP 97-2,
Software Revenue Recognition". SOP 98-4 deferred, for one year, the
application of certain passages in SOP 97-2 which limit what is considered
vendor-specific objective evidence necessary to recognize revenue for
software licenses in multiple-element arrangements when undelivered elements
exist. In December 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position No. 98-9
("SOP 98-9"), "Modification of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, With
Respect to Certain Transactions". SOP 98-9 extends the effective date of SOP
98-4 and provides additional interpretive guidance. SOP 98-9 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after March 15, 1999. The Company will determine the
impact, if any, of SOP 98-9 on current revenue recognition practices when
adopted. Adoption of the remaining provisions of SOP 97-2 did not have a
material impact on revenue recognition during 1998.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("FAS 133"). FAS 133 establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging
activities. This statement becomes effective for all fiscal quarters of
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company will adopt FAS 133 in
2000. The Company expects that FAS 133 will not have a material impact on the
results of operations when adopted.
In March 1998, the AICPA issued Statement of Position No. 98-1,
"Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for
Internal Use" ("SOP 98-1"). SOP 98-1 provides guidance on accounting for the
costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use and is
effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1998. The Company will adopt SOP 98-1 in 1999. The Company expects that
SOP 98-1 will not have a material impact on the results of operations when
adopted.
POTENTIAL FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS
The Company's revenues, margins and operating results are subject to
quarterly and annual fluctuations due to a variety of factors, including
demand for the Company's products, acceptance and demand for Java technology
in the embedded products market, demand for Macintosh computers and UNIX
workstations, product life cycles, the introduction, acceptance and delivery
of new products and product enhancements by the Company, Apple, Microsoft,
UNIX workstation vendors or their competitors, customer order deferrals in
anticipation of new products, changes in the mix of distribution channels
through which the Company's products are offered, purchasing patterns of
distributors and retailers, quality control of products sold, competitive
conditions in the industry and economic conditions generally or in various
geographic areas. Although the Company's primary functional currency is the
United States dollar, a significant portion of the Company's operating
expenses are incurred by its United Kingdom operations and paid in pounds
sterling. The Company enters into short-term currency option and forward
exchange contracts to hedge the short-term impact of exchange rate
fluctuations on pound sterling net operating cash flows, but there can be no
assurance that such fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations in the
future. A relatively high percentage of the Company's expenses is fixed over
the short term and, as a result, if anticipated revenues in any quarter do
not occur or are delayed, expenditure levels could be disproportionately high
as a percentage of total revenues and the Company's operating results for
that quarter would be adversely affected. The Company historically has
operated with little backlog because its products are generally shipped as
orders are received. As a result, revenues in any quarter are substantially
dependent on orders booked and shipped in that quarter and on sales by
distributors and other resellers. In addition, the Company has at times
recognized a substantial portion of its revenues from sales booked and
shipped in the last month of the quarter such that the magnitude of quarterly
fluctuations may not become evident until late in, or at the end of, a
particular quarter. Some orders for the Company's UNIX products are
significant in size and orders for the Company's Jeode product are expected
to be significant in size. If sales forecasted from a specific customer for a
particular quarter are not realized in that quarter, the Company is unlikely
to be able to generate revenue from alternate sources in time to compensate
for the shortfall. As a result, and due to the relatively large size of some
orders, a lost or delayed sale could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's quarterly operating
24
results. Moreover, to the extent that significant sales occur earlier than
expected, operating results for subsequent quarters may be adversely
affected. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve
profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. The Company intends to make a
significant investment in its marketing, sales, customer support and research
and development infrastructure to support its Jeode product line. The timing
of this expansion and the rate at which Jeode generates revenue could cause
material fluctuations in the Company's results of operations. As a result,
the Company believes that period-to-period comparisons of its results of
operations are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied upon as
indications of future performance. Although historically the Company's
business has not been subject to seasonal variations, sales of the Company's
products in certain international markets, such as Europe, are typically
slower in the summer months. Due to all of the foregoing factors, it is
possible that in some future quarters the Company's operating results will be
below the expectations of stock market analysts and investors. In such event,
the price of the Company's ADSs would likely be materially adversely affected.
FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS
Except for the historical information contained in this Annual Report,
the matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements concern matters which include, but are not limited
to, the development of new products, enhancements or technologies,
particularly the development of Jeode, the timing of the availability of
Jeode, the Jeode product and service offerings, the revenue model and market
for Jeode, the features, benefits and advantages of Jeode, international
sales, the availability of licenses to third-party proprietary rights,
business and sales strategies, matters relating to proprietary rights,
competition, Year 2000 compliance, facilities needs, exchange rate
fluctuations and the Company's liquidity and capital needs and other
statements regarding matters that are not historical are forward-looking
statements. These matters involve risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking
statements. In addition to the factors discussed above, among other factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the
Company's ability to deliver on time, and market acceptance of Jeode or other
new products or upgrades of existing products; the timing of, or delay in,
large customer orders; continued availability of technology and intellectual
property license rights; product life cycles; the demand for Macintosh
computers and UNIX workstations; the introduction, acceptance and delivery of
hardware and/or operating systems by Macintosh and UNIX vendors, Microsoft
Corporation or their competitors; customer order deferrals in anticipation of
new products; changes in the mix of distribution channels through which the
Company's products are offered; purchasing patterns of distributors and
retailers; quality control of products sold; competitive conditions in the
industry; economic conditions generally or in various geographic areas; and
the risks listed from time to time in the reports that the Company files with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. There can be no assurance that
the Company will experience growth in revenues and net income in any
particular period when compared to prior periods. Any quarterly or annual
shortfall in net revenues and/or net income from the levels expected by
securities analysts and shareholders would result in a substantial decline in
the trading price of the Company's shares.
RESTATEMENT OF 1996 QUARTERLY RESULTS
The Company determined that certain individuals in its U.S. channel
sales organization violated Company policy by entering into unauthorized
agreements with certain distributors and resellers, and by failing to report
those agreements to the Company's finance department. In addition, the
Company discovered that certain individuals in its U.S. channel sales
organization did not accurately report to its finance department the amount
and status of unsold inventories of the Company's products at certain of the
Company's resellers. The individuals who were involved in these events were
disciplined or are no longer with the Company. At the direction of the Audit
Committee of its Board of Directors, the Company implemented additional
accounting and reporting controls to help prevent future breaches of Company
policies.
Upon the discovery of the aforementioned, the Company conducted a review
of the Company's compliance with its revenue recognition policy. As a result
of this review, the Company identified certain transactions in which revenue
and related expenses were recognized other than in accordance with its
accounting policies. As part of this review, the Company also reversed
certain sales to a new distributor that had been granted broad rights of
return. Accordingly, the Company restated its unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements for the first and
25
second quarters of 1996 to reflect these adjustments. All quarterly
information presented in this Annual Report reflect the restated quarterly
information for 1996.
ITEM 8--CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements required by this Item are set forth at the
pages indicated in Item 14 of Part IV of this Report on Form 10-K.
The following table provides selected quarterly consolidated financial
data (in thousands, except per share data):
QUARTER ENDED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
---------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
1998:
Revenues $ 4,982 $ 2,334 $ 3,620 $ 3,160
Gross profit 2,063 410 1,296 952
Net income (loss) 7,632 (3,677) (667) (2,866)
Basic net income (loss) per share 0.63 (0.30) (0.05) (0.23)
Diluted net income (loss) per share 0.62 (0.30) (0.05) (0.23)
1997:
Revenues $ 9,221 $ 9,659 $ 13,377 $ 6,612
Gross profit 4,815 5,409 8,323 3,260
Net loss (4,689) (2,536) (641) (2,792)
Basic loss per share (0.41) (0.22) (0.05) (0.23)
Diluted loss per share (0.41) (0.22) (0.05) (0.23)
1996:
Revenues $ 13,063 $ 14,930 $ 9,081 $ 7,172
Gross profit 8,854 10,418 4,496 3,063
Net income (loss) (225) 569 (4,991 (6,119)
Basic net income (loss) per share (0.02) 0.05 (0.44) (0.53)
Diluted net income (loss) per share (0.02) 0.04 (0.44) (0.53)
ITEM 9--CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
26
PART III
ITEM 10--DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
(A) DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
The names of the directors of the Company, and certain information about
them, are set forth below:
DIRECTOR
NAME OF DIRECTOR AGE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION SINCE
---------------- --- -------------------- --------
Richard M. Noling 50 President and Chief Executive Officer 1997
Nicholas, Viscount Bearsted (1) 49 Chairman of the Board of the Company 1988
Albert E. Sisto (1) (2) 49 Independent Consultant 1997
Vincent S. Pino (2) 50 President of Alliance Imaging 1998
(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
Richard M. Noling was named President and Chief Executive Officer and a
director of the Company in March 1997. He also served as Chief Financial
Officer, Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations and Company
Secretary between April 19, 1996 and October 1, 1997 and Chief Operations
Officer between February and March 1997. From August 1995 to February 1996,
Mr. Noling was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Fast Multimedia,
Inc., a German-based computer software and hardware developer. From November
1994 to August 1995, he was Chief Financial Officer for DocuMagix Inc., a
personal paper management software company. From June 1991 to October 1994,
Mr. Noling served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for
Gupta Corporation. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in aerospace and
mechanical engineering science from the University of California (San Diego)
in 1970. He received an M.A. degree in theology from the Fuller Theological
Seminary in 1972, and an M.S. degree in business administration in 1979 from
the University of California (Irvine).
Nicholas, Viscount Bearsted has served as Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company since March 1997 and as a director of the Company
since January 1988. He also served as Chairman of the Board from January 1988
to March 1995, and he was the Company's Chief Executive Officer from
September 1988 until September 1993. From January 1996 to May 1996, he served
as Chief Executive Officer and a director, and from April 1994 to January
1996, as Deputy Chief Executive Officer and a director, of Hulton Deutsch
Collection Ltd., a photographic content provider. He founded Alliance Imaging
Inc. in 1984 and served as a senior executive until 1987 and as a director
until 1988. Since 1980, he has been a corporate and computer consultant. He
received a Bachelors degree in chemistry from Oxford University in 1972. He
also serves as a Director of Mayborn Group plc.
Albert E. Sisto was appointed as a director of the Company in March
1997. He is currently an independent consultant. He served as Chief Operating
Officer of RSA Data Security, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Securities
Dynamics Technologies, Inc., from December 1997 to February 1999. He served
as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of DocuMagix Inc. from October 1994 until December 1997. From
September 1989 to September 1994, Mr. Sisto served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of PixelCraft, an imaging software and equipment company.
He received a B.E. degree in engineering from the Stevens Institute of
Technologies in 1971.
Vincent S. Pino was appointed a director of the Company in October 1998.
He has served as President of Alliance Imaging, Inc. since February 1998.
Mr. Pino began his association with Alliance in 1988 as Chief Financial
Officer. From 1991 through 1993 Mr. Pino held the position of Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Pino was
President of Pacific Capital, where he provided financial consulting
27
services to corporations and publicly registered real estate limited
partnerships. Prior to joining Pacific Capital, Mr. Pino held executive staff
positions with Petrolane Incorporated, a diversified services company. Mr.
Pino received an MBA and a B.S. degree in finance from the University of
Southern California in 1972 and 1970, respectively.
(B) EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The information required by this Item with respect to the executive
officers of the Company is incorporated by reference from "Item 4A--Executive
Officers of the Registrant" in Part I of this Report.
(C) SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors and
officers, and persons who own more than 10% of the Company's Ordinary Shares
to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with
the SEC. Such persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company
with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based solely on its
review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company and written
repres