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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
[X] Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 or
[ ] Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from __________ to
__________.
Commission file number: 0-21808
INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 77-0056625
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
546 Flynn Road, Camarillo, California
93012 (Address of principal executive offices,
including zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (805) 484-8855
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock
(Title of Class)
Warrants
(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 to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
Aggregate market value of Common Stock held by nonaffiliates of the
Registrant at March 13, 1998 based on the closing price of $4.78 on such date on
the NASDAQ NMS: $24,985,502.
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 13, 1998:
5,208,264
Documents Incorporated by Reference
- -----------------------------------
Part of Form 10-K into
Document which incorporated
-------- ------------------
Proxy Statement for 1998 Annual Part III
Meeting of Stockholders
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -----------------
Item of Form 10-K Page
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART I
Item 1. Business 2
Item 2. Properties 13
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 13
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote
of Security Holders 13
Item 4(a). Executive Officers of the Registrants 14
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common 15
Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 16
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis 16
of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary 16
Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants 16
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of 16
the Registrant
Item 11. Executive Compensation 17
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial 17
Owners and Management
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related 17
Transactions
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 17
and Reports on Form 8-K
PART I
Forward-Looking Statements
From time to time the Company may issue forward-looking statements that
involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The following factors are among the
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the
forward-looking statements: business conditions and growth in the electronics
industry and general economies, both domestic and international; lower than
expected customer orders, delays in receipt of orders or cancellation or orders;
competitive factors, including increased competition, new product offerings by
competitors and price pressures; the availability of third party parts and
supplies at reasonable prices; changes in product mix; significant quarterly
performance fluctuations due to the receipt of a significant portion of customer
orders and product shipments in the last month of each quarter; and product
shipment interruptions due to manufacturing problems. The forward-looking
statements contained in this document regarding industry trends, revenue, costs
and margin expectations, product development and introductions, operating cost
improvements and trends and future business activities should be considered in
light of these factors.
Item 1. Business
Interlink Electronics, Inc. (the "Company" or "Interlink") designs,
manufactures and sells input devices for computers and other electronic products
based on the Company's portfolio of proprietary technologies, including its
Force Sensing Resistor ("FSR") technology. The Company sells a full spectrum of
value-added products and components ranging from FSR sensors, to modules
incorporating one or more FSR sensors and related electronics mounted on a
printed circuit board ("PCB"), to complete products such as remote controls
ready for use by an end-user, which Interlink offers on a branded or generic
basis. Interlink also designs, manufactures and sells a broad variety of
non-computer products ("Custom Products") based on its FSR technology.
Interlink's customers include the leading computer, computer peripheral and
presentation device manufacturers, such as NEC, Sharp, Toshiba, In Focus
Systems, IBM, Sony and Logitech as well as the leading electronic retail chains.
Input Devices
The original IBM personal computer and others built on that model used a
text-based operating system in which the user input data to the computer using a
keyboard not substantially different from the keyboard found on a typewriter. As
computer systems have moved from text-based to graphics-based user interfaces,
the keyborard has been supplemented and, in some applications, replaced by
alternative input devices such as mice, trackballs, pointing sticks, touchpads,
touchscreens and a variety of other single or multipurpose input devices
designed to input, alter or transfer data other than text. At the same time, the
range and complexity of electronic devices available for both household and
business use has increased dramatically, thus increasing the complexity of the
choices afforded to the user. This has created a market for input devices, such
as television remote controls, that allow the user of the device to select from
among
2
the many options available. For example, the traditional television had an
on-off switch that often doubled as a volume control, a channel selector and a
series of rarely used knobs that adjusted picture quality. The remote control
for a modern television set and related electronics such as VCRs, DVD players
and the like may be required to select a signal from any of a variety of
sources, determine whether the program is to be selected for immediate or
deferred viewing, choose from several audio playback options, select the
language in which the chosen program will be viewed, determine whether to watch
or suppress subtitles, fast forward or rewind the program and enable or disable
the audio channel, all in addition to selecting the channel and adjusting
volume. The rapid development of internet resources, video games and the
convergence of computer and television applications have also added to demand
for complex devices that allow the user to select from a menu of choices and/or
to control the function of complex electronic devices.
In the world of commerce, the pervasive use of electronic communication and
the advent of the "paperless office" have led to a need for computer equivalents
to traditional hardcopy documents. For example, input devices allowing the user
to convert handwritten data either to computer text (as with some PDAs) or to
graphic representations (as with signature input) are rapidly becoming standard
elements of business communication and data processing. Electronic systems such
as presentation devices, complex telecommunication systems and specialized
audiovisual equipment present the same complex range of options as do their
consumer counterparts and demand the same complexity in input devices.
All of these developments in the computer and communications industries
have created a rapidly expanding market for input devices of many different
types, from traditional mice or pointing sticks installed in or wired to a
computer to remote input devices using infrared signals to control a computer,
television, presentation device, videoconferencing system or other electronic
product. Not only is the market for such devices expanding in absolute terms but
the variety and complexity of the various devices has grown as the devices
themselves have become more varied and more complex. It is now common in both
the home and the business environment for several different electronic systems
to be used at the same time, often causing their control devices to compete with
one another.
The Company believes that it has developed a portfolio of technologies that
is particularly well suited to the input device market. The Company's FSR
technology is particularly applicable because of its inherent ability to provide
accurate control of both cursor movement and speed without any requirement for
movement of the operator other than simple finger or thumb pressure. New
computer technologies, such as computerized presentations, multimedia software,
and the Internet, also require or support pointing and other non-text-based
interface devices. The Company's force sensing technology, featuring a thin
sensor profile, zero travel, and broad dynamic range characteristics, allows for
the design of miniature joysticks, touchpads, and pressure buttons offering a
user-friendly, cost-effective pointing solution and data entry method.
3
The Company has developed a number of technologies including its
proprietary VersaPoint and Semiconductive touchpad technologies. The VersaPoint
technology consists of a four-zone FSR sensor array and proprietary software and
firmware that control cursor direction and speed. In November 1996 the Company
introduced its Semiconductive touchpad technology, VersaPad. With proprietary
software and firmware, the user controls cursor direction and speed by sliding
their fingertip or pen across the touchpad surface. Clicking is performed by
separate buttons or by tapping the touchpad surface. The Company has received a
design patent for the integration of a thumb-activated "mouse" button combined
with an index finger activated "Trigger" click button, trade named
"ClickTrigger". In addition the Company has filed patent applications for
proprietary infrared communication protocols. See "Business - Technology.
Input Devices - Products
OEM Interactive Remote Controls
With the advent of computer driven presentation systems and software, the
larger screen size of multimedia computer systems and the greater use of
televisions for Internet access and other computer related functions, a need has
been created for wireless remote controls with computer mouse functionality. To
address this need Interlink has created a line of interactive remote controls
("IRC") to be sold on an OEM basis. All these products use infrared technology,
incorporate a VersaPoint pointing button to control the cursor and the Company's
patented ClickTrigger design for "clicking". These products range from a simple
remote with only VersaPoint and ClickTrigger technology to remotes with 30
function keys to control various functions of the computer and/or presentation
projector. Interlink had developed standard case designs that allow for easy
customization of the button configuration and function by the OEM customer.
Examples of OEM customers purchasing IRC's from Interlink include InFocus
Systems, NEC, Sharp and Toshiba.
Depending on the OEM's requirement, the Company may sell an accompanying
receiver that, by cable, attaches to the OEM's central processing unit (CPU) and
receives the signal from the remote control. In most cases however, the receiver
electronics are integrated into the CPU.
To date the preponderance of Interlink's IRC's have been sold to the
presentation projector manufacturer market, however the Company believes a
substantial future market opportunity lies with "WebTV" type systems and other
systems targeted for home internet access.
OEM Keyboard Integration
With the proliferation of icon-based computer operating systems such as
Microsoft Windows and the Apple Macintosh, computer mouse driven systems have
now moved into many environments where a traditional mouse is impractical.
Examples include mobile computing and industrial environments. In addition, many
keyboard manufacturers see the value of incorporating the mouse functions
directly into the keyboard to save the end-user the expense and inconvenience of
a separate peripheral. Because of the thin profile of an FSR, the Company's
integrated
4
pointing solutions can be built into keyboards easily. In addition the
exceptional ruggedness of the FSR technology makes it an ideal solution for
harsh environments.
The Company offers several solutions to OEM's for keyboard integration:
o The MicroJoystick which is similar to the "eraser head" type pointing
device most notably found in IBM's ThinkPad notebook computer.
o The MicroModule that uses a circular rubber button as the actuator and
is offered mounted to a PCB assembly.
o The OEM VersaPad which utilizes the Company's patented Semiconductive
touchpad technology.
Depending on the OEM's expertise, each of these solutions can be sold with
just the sensor and a microcontroller with the Company's proprietary firmware or
as a full module with the actuator, sensor and microcontroller mounted on a PCB
assembly.
Historically Interlink's principal OEM integrated pointing product was its
MicroJoystick, which it sold primarily to manufacturers of notebook computer
keyboards and to a lesser extent manufacturers of aftermarket keyboards. Within
the past two years the notebook computer market has transitioned to touchpads as
the dominant choice for integrated pointing devices. As a result the Company has
developed the OEM VersaPad. The OEM VersaPad differs from competitive touchpad
products in that it uses pressure as its method of activation. By contrast,
touchpads using capacitive technology (the most widely used touchpad technology)
require an electrically conductive object to touch the pad for activation. Since
human skin is conductive, the finger is the primary method of using a capacitive
touchpad. However, the VersaPad can be used when it detects pressure from any
source. Thus a gloved finger will work as will a common pen or stylus. With the
advent of reliable handwriting recognition software, Interlink expects to
capitalize on the VersaPad's ability to receive pen input to create a
competitive advantage. Interlink will market the VersaPad to notebook computer
manufacturers, aftermarket keyboard manufacturers and manufacturers of specialty
peripherals that require pen input capability as well as standard mouse
functions. One of Interlink's customers, Sony, purchases the OEM VersaPad for
applications where pen input is an important factor, for example in Asian
markets where Japanese or Chinese character input capability is an important
feature.
Historically the Company has been one of the dominant suppliers of
integrated pointing devices for the rugged and industrial computing markets. The
FSR characteristics of environmental stability and ability to be sealed make it
an optimal solution for these markets. These FSR characteristics plus the rubber
overlay of the MicroModule make it the Company's most popular products for these
markets. To a lesser extent, the Company also sells the MicroJoystick, the
VersaPad and an OEM version of its DuraPoint ruggedized pointing device to these
markets.
5
Branded Products
Approximately 85% of the Company's revenues are generated from OEM sales.
However, in order to generate OEM sales, the Company has often found it
expedient to develop a complete, functional prototype or sales sample
demonstrating the Company's unique technology. In many cases the Company has
chosen to further develop these products into stand-alone peripheral products
that are available for sale either as branded or generic products.
The Company is continuing to develop distribution channels for its
stand-alone peripheral products. Current distribution consists of mass
merchandiser outlets, including Best Buy, Inc., Fry's Corporation, and Computer
City, and distributors such as Ingram Micro, catalogs and specialty resellers
targeting corporate accounts. Marketing to these channels is accomplished by
direct sales through Company employees and a network of independent sales
representatives which has been established throughout the United States, Japan,
Canada and Mexico. In Europe the Company uses distributors such as Ingram Micro.
The Company's stand-alone peripheral products, referred to below by their
branded names, are:
VersaPad. In September 1997, the Company shipped VersaPad a stand-alone
touchpad peripheral, incorporating the Company's Semiconductive technology.
Similar to touchpads found in most notebook computers today, cursor control is
performed by simple finger pressure on the touchpad surface. The VersaPad also
includes several function bars adding many productivity enhancing tools.
VersaPoint Wireless Keyboard. In June 1997, the Company shipped the
VersaPoint Wireless keyboard. With an infrared range of 50 feet, the VersaPoint
keyboard has all the functions of a wired keyboard. It also incorporates the
Company's touchpad technology and its unique design is especially well-suited
for use on one's lap.
RemotePoint. In order to satisfy the need for a cordless, remote pointing
device to control desktop and conference room computer-based presentations, the
Company introduced its RemotePoint product in August 1994. The RemotePoint
device is a handheld, infrared cordless cursor control device that has an
effective range of up to 40 feet.
RemotePointPlus. In Fall 1995, Interlink introduced its RemotePoint Plus
product, a remote control computer cursor controller. With programmable buttons
(enabling it to handle dozens of different user-defined functions), and a range
of approximately 40 feet, it is designed to meet the needs of the most
sophisticated presenters.
ProPoint. To address the presentation and multimedia market, the ProPoint
device is a
6
handheld corded pointing device used to control cursor movement and function
selection. The ProPoint product comes with 6 feet of cable and, with optional
additional connecting cables, its range can be extended to up to 12 feet, making
it useful not only as a personal cursor control device, but also as a
presentation assistant for conference room size presentations.
DeskStick. Interlink's desktop mouse replacement, DeskStick, couples the
advanced pointing stick technology previously available only in notebook
computers with a very attractive price point, designed to meet the needs both of
first time mouse users, and of those looking for a unique replacement mouse
SuperMouse. The Company designed and developed the SuperMouse device as an
after-market mouse for the commercial and consumer markets. It is targeted
primarily at the notebook and other portable computers because of its small size
and its versatility (it can be used as a portable, desktop, or handheld mouse).
DuraPoint. To address the needs of industrial users, in February 1993
Interlink began shipping its DuraPoint ruggedized pointing device. To the best
of the Company's knowledge, its DuraPoint device was the first cursor control
device designed to NEMA 4X, 6P, and 13 standards (industry association standards
relating to the ability of an electronic device to operate under adverse
environmental conditions). The DuraPoint device can withstand a variety of harsh
environments, such as direct water spray, debris, cleansers or even prolonged
submersion. Sales channels consist primarily of industrial hardware and software
distributors and bundling arrangements with industrial and medical equipment
manufacturers.
Custom Applications
The Company's Custom Applications Product Line consists of design,
engineering and product development teams that incorporate its proprietary
technology into specific custom products for individual OEM customers.
Interlink's force sensing technology addresses many applications in this area.
Because of the required design and development time, sales cycles typically
range from four to 18 months and can be considerably longer. On the other hand,
the result of a successful custom sale is usually a product that is regularly
reordered by the customer over a considerable period of time.
The principal advantages of force sensing technology that apply to the
Company's other business areas also apply to its Custom Applications. The
ability to produce sensors in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, detection of
both the location and the intensity of pressure applied to the sensor, the
zero-travel characteristic and the system's resistance to environmental damage
are all attractive features for the Company's Custom Applications. In some
cases, the Company's customers have determined that force sensing technology
provides the only currently available solution to their sensor requirements.
The Company has identified and is currently working with a variety of
Custom Applications customers that are presently concentrated in the industrial
and medical device industries: for example, it has developed a fail-safe sensor
system for Varian Associates for use
7
in a medical imaging device. As the heavy medical imaging device is lowered into
contact with the patient, the FSR sensor functions as a safety bumper to prevent
injury from excessive pressure of the device on the patient by halting the
movement of the device when the selected level of pressure is reached. FSR
sensors developed by Interlink for Baxter Healthcare Corporation are
incorporated in an infusion pump where the FSR sensor functions as a safety
device to ensure proper placement of the intravenous tube in the pump head.
Sales and Marketing
Interlink employs a direct sales team of five people in the U.S. and four
in Japan. Each sales team is supported by inside sales personnel, product
managers and application engineers. For the branded products, the Company also
uses manufacturer representatives and distributors, covering the U.S. and
Europe.
For OEM sales, the Company uses public relations activity, some direct
advertising and tradeshow participation to generate product awareness. Promising
sales leads and known industry targets are followed up with sales visits.
Depending on forecast volume and required lead times, the Company may sell
component solutions, ready-to-integrate modules, complete solutions or totally
custom products. As necessary, application engineers support and visit customers
to promote ease of integration. A successful OEM sale will generally take from
six to eighteen months from the initial visit to the first shipment. However,
once obtained, an OEM customer usually offers the Company a more predictable
revenue stream, potential for future sales through follow-on products and lower
on-going sales and marketing costs.
For branded products, the Company uses public relations, third-party
product reviews and limited direct advertising to generate customer awareness.
Direct sales calls are made to potential distributors and specialty resellers.
Manufacturer representatives call on potential retail accounts. Once a customer
relationship is established, the Company supports these customers with co-op
advertising, sales "spiffs", end-user rebates, etc. As necessary, branded
customers may also negotiate cash discounts, extended billing or right of return
privileges.
Technology
Interlink has developed a diverse portfolio of technologies related to a
variety of remote and wired input devices. These technologies include the basic
FSR and Semiconductive touchpad technologies and refinements thereon, the
ClickTrigger technology and proprietary infrared communication protocols. In
general, Interlink seeks to develop new technologies in order to enhance and
create competitive advantages for its products rather than to develop entirely
new products.
FSR Technology. Force sensing technology transforms physical pressure
applied to a sensor into a corresponding electronic response. Interlink's FSR
sensors can react to pressure when applied by any means - through human touch, a
mechanical device, a fluid, or a gas. With supporting electronics, an FSR sensor
can start, stop, intensify, select, direct, detect, or measure a desired
response.
8
FSR sensors measure relative pressure and, depending on their configuration
and with supporting electronics, can measure the location at which the pressure
is applied. A "basic" FSR sensor can detect and accurately measure a force
applied to it, thereby enabling precise control of the process applying the
force. A more complex sensor, known as a "four zone" sensor, has four sensors
arranged in a two-by-two square with an actuator placed directly where the four
sensors touch. Toggling the actuator in any direction, an operator can control
the direction and speed of a cursor on a computer screen. An FSR sensor can also
serve as a touchpad by incorporating a two-dimensional grid capable of measuring
the location and intensity of pressure applied at any set of coordinates on the
grid. This type of device is useful for functions such as handwriting input or
computer cursor control.
Because FSR sensors can be as thin as one-hundredth of an inch, they are
particularly well suited for use where space is a critical issue, as in laptop
and sub-laptop keyboards. FSR sensors have also demonstrated impressive
reliability, retaining their performance through tens of millions of actuations,
even in adverse environments involving heat, moisture, and chemical
contamination.
ClickTrigger. In October 1997, the Company received patent protection for
its ClickTrigger remote control design. With the ClickTrigger configuration, the
user controls the cursor by thumb pressure on the round button on the top of the
remote control and operates mouse clicks by squeezing the mouse button
underneath the remote control, similar to the trigger on a gun. This
configuration allows for one-handed "click and drag" mouse functions. This
design is already an industry standard and the Company is actively pursuing
license arrangements.
Infrared Communication. As a result of developing sophisticated remote
controls for the presentation projector industry, the Company has become a
leader in infrared communication innovation. In 1997 the Company introduced the
VersaPoint wireless keyboard - the only wireless keyboard that communicates both
keyboard and touchpad mouse protocols effectively. Late in 1997 the Company
announced RemoteLink, a new infrared protocol. This unique technology allows for
multiple users simultaneously, full two-way communication and high bandwidth.
Potential products are wireless simultaneous game controllers, wireless
infrared telephones, wireless speakers and wireless handwriting recognition
capable PDA's.
International Operations
In 1994, the Company acquired an 80% ownership interest in Interlink
Electronics K.K. ("IEKK"), a Japanese company which distributes and performs
value added services regarding the Company's products in Japan. The president of
IEKK is a former senior executive with Mitsubishi Petrochemical Company, and has
a number of years of experience working with Interlink and its
products. In 1997, IEKK's operations accounted for approximately 20% percent of
Interlink's consolidated revenues.
9
Licensees
International Electronics & Engineering In September 1994, Interlink
entered into several agreements with InvestAR, S.a.r.l., pursuant to which
Interlink transferred its entire ownership interest in Interlink Electronics,
Inc. Europe ("IEE"), a Luxembourg-based joint venture owned by Interlink and
InvestAR, to InvestAR in exchange for the 510,775 shares of Interlink common
stock then held by InvestAR. These shares, representing approximately 13.3% of
the Company's then-outstanding Common Stock, were returned to the Company, and
reverted to the status of authorized, but unissued, shares. In addition to the
stock transfer, the agreements also provided for continued technological
cooperation between the Company and IEE, and for the payments of technology
license royalties by IEE to the Company for sales by IEE outside of Europe of
certain FSR-based automotive safety related sensors. Royalty revenues from IEE
(which changed its name in 1995 to International Electronics & Engineering) were
not material in 1995, 1996 or 1997, but are expected to increase in the coming
years.
Toshiba Silicone In an agreement entered into in 1989, Toshiba Silicone
Co., K.K. licensed from the Company the right to use Interlink's Force Sensing
Resistor technology in applications for use with musical instruments. Thus far,
the royalties from this license have not been material to the Company's
revenues.
Manufacturing
Production of FSR sensors is a relatively inexpensive and non-polluting
process. The flexibility of the process allows Interlink to take advantage of
changing market opportunities. FSR sensors are manufactured using screen
printing techniques. All proprietary aspects of the manufacturing process are
maintained in-house at Interlink, and at IEE, its European licensee, to maintain
quality and protect the force sensing technology.
While electronic screen printing is a common process in various technology
industries, the quality and precision of printing required to make high-quality
FSR sensors greatly exceeds the standards applicable in most other industries.
The Company has developed significant expertise in the manufacture of FSR
sensors, and believes this experience would be difficult to replicate over the
short term. In the FSR manufacturing process, printed sheets of FSR
semiconductor material and the corresponding conductor patterns are laminated to
form the FSR sandwich structure using inexpensive sheet adhesives. The assembled
sheets are die cut, and suitable connectors are attached.
Readily available materials (substrates, films, polymer thick film inks)
developed for other industries have proved unsuitable for the FSR manufacturing
process. Interlink has worked closely with a small group of manufacturers to
create new materials optimized for FSR usage; most of these materials are
supplied to the Company on an exclusive basis. The raw materials are processed
into their final form on site, using proprietary material and methods.
The Company maintains agreements with several computer chip manufacturers
pursuant to which they provide microcontrollers to it at guaranteed prices for
use in or with Interlink's
10
pointing devices. From time to time in the past, there have been unanticipated
shortages in the number, and/or delays in the availability, of microcontrollers
required in the Company's products. No past shortage has had a material effect
upon the Company's ability to supply its products in commercial quantities.
While the Company has taken a number of steps, including the development of
additional chip suppliers, in order to attempt to reduce its prospective
exposure, there can be no guarantee that a future chip shortage will not occur,
and that, if one occurs, that it would not have an adverse effect upon the
Company's operations.
Interlink manufactures FSR sensors in its facility in Camarillo,
California. This facility is capable of operating on a single, double, or triple
shift basis, as volume dictates. The Company acquires the components of its
FSR-based sensors from a number of sources within the United States. Some
components for its VersaPoint products as well as the manufacture of some of
these products are sourced from manufacturing companies located in the Far East;
their cost and availability are dependent upon a number of factors beyond the
Company's control, including future currency exchange rates, and future
political conditions in the countries in which the vendors are located.
Research and Product Development
The research group continues to expand the Company's intellectual
properties. The Company regularly files patent applications and continuations
thereof to cover both new and improved methods of manufacturing FSR sensors, and
new, non-FSR based technologies developed by the Company.
Product development for the Company is focused on developing custom,
standard, and modified standard products. Custom and modified standard products
are developed very selectively, when they are adequately funded, and when there
are obvious long-term strategic benefits to the Company. Custom and modified
standard products are primarily developed to meet the requirements specified by
OEM customers for their unique applications of sensors using "force sensing
resistor" technology. Standard or branded product requirements are established
using market analysis, evaluation and assessment to determine product
differentiation and acceptance. Branded products are funded as defined by the
Company's business plan, and developed to contribute to the Company's short and
long-term business objectives. The Company's VersaPoint technology is used to
develop standard products, primarily for computer pointing devices serving the
OEM, consumer, and industrial markets.
Competition
In the computer pointing device market, the Company competes with a number
of sellers, including Microsoft, IBM, and Logitech (although Logitech is also a
customer of the Company for some components (pointing sticks) of its products).
A number of other companies manufacture touchpads, pointing sticks or remote
control input devices, for a wide variety of applications. Many of the Company's
competitors have greater financial and technological resources than does the
Company, and may also have established relationships with customers, and enjoy
economies of scale, that afford them a competitive advantage.
11
In a variety of applications incorporating FSR sensors into complete
products, the Company may also compete with the in-house capabilities of its
larger customers to design and manufacture all or portions of FSR products. In
addition, besides the major previously existing computer cursor pointing
technologies (pointing sticks, mice and trackballs), touchpad technology has
gained increased market acceptance over the last few years; several computer
manufacturers which formerly used OEM pointing sticks have switched to OEM
touchpads.
The Company's FSR sensors compete with comparable sensors produced using a
variety of other technologies. For applications that require only "on/off"
capability without any force sensing capability, a wide variety of sensors
exist, including membrane switches, capacitive sensors and mechanical switches,
that compete with the Company's sensors in particular applications. Other kinds
of "force sensing" technology include strain gauges, piezo sensors and
conductive rubber. Each of these technologies have advantages and disadvantages
that make it an attractive solution in certain applications and not in others.
Strain gauges are extremely accurate but relatively expensive. Piezo sensors are
generally comparable in price and accuracy to FSR sensors but measure
instantaneous impact rather than force over a continuing period. Conductive
rubber is a widely established technology but deteriorates more rapidly over
time than do other force sensing technologies. The Company seeks to identify and
pursue applications in which force sensing technology is a particularly
attractive solution. Most sensors that compete with the Company's FSR sensors
are widely available from a variety of sources.
Patents and Proprietary Rights
Aspects of Interlink's technology are protected by more than 65 patents
issued or pending in the United States and abroad, as well as trade secret and
proprietary knowledge. Products incorporating the Company's force sensing
technologies are sold under trademarks issued or pending in the United States
and various other countries. Of the initial FSR patents granted (those covering
the use of an uneven surface to produce variable resistance), the first of these
patents will expire on February 9, 1999. The Company has continued its efforts
to improve the design, formulation, and manufacture of its sensors; some of
these improvements are maintained as trade secrets, while U.S. and foreign
patents have been applied for with respect to others. Other patents, covering
various apparatus, processes and methods related to the force sensing technology
expire between 1998 and 2015. Various corresponding foreign patents will expire
between this year and 2015. Patents covering various materials and processes
used in the Company's current generation of products, as well as new devices for
angle and displacement sensing, were granted during 1995 by the U.S. Patent
Office. The Company has also filed U.S. and foreign patent applications
regarding the design, and several key operating features, of its remote control
products.
While the Company believes its patents afford it some competitive
advantage, such protection is limited by the resources available to the Company
to identify potential infringements and to defend its rights against
infringement. Furthermore, the extent of the protection offered by any patent is
subject to determinations as to its scope and validity that would be made only
in
12
litigation. Therefore, there is no assurance that the Company's patents will
afford meaningful protection from competition.
The Company has also developed certain manufacturing processes and other
methods of applying its patented technology that it protects as trade secrets.
The Company believes these trade secrets are important for the effective and
efficient use of the patented technology and that a competitor with a right to
use the patented technology would be required to develop comparable
manufacturing and other processes to compete effectively with the Company. The
Company requires its employees to sign nondisclosure agreements and seeks to
limit access to sensitive information to the greatest practical extent.
The Company actively defends its patents. When a potential infringing
company is identified, Interlink first seeks to notify the company of
Interlink's patent rights. Historically, the Company has been successful in
negotiating license arrangements. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Company
will pursue legal remedies. In June 1996, the Company brought an action in the
United States District Court in the Central District of California against
InControl Corporation ("InControl") for infringement of certain FSR patents. The
Company seeks a court order enjoining InControl from further infringement. In
February 1997, the court granted summary judgment in favor of InControl and
dismissed the Company's action. The court also awarded InControl legal fees of,
as yet, an undetermined amount. The Company is currently appealing the decision
and the Company does not believe the outcome of this action will have a material
effect on 1998 results.
Employees
The Company had ninety-eight full-time employees in the United States as of
December 31, 1997, ninety-four at its corporate offices and manufacturing
facilities (including five members of management), and four sales managers
stationed at regional offices. Its Japan subsidiary had eight employees.
Item 2. Properties
The Company's corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in
a 26,000 square foot leased facility in Camarillo, California. The lease on the
Camarillo premises runs until August 1998 and provides for an average monthly
rent payment of $12,772.00. The Company believes that this facility will be
adequate to meet its requirements. Two regional sales offices operate out of
leased facilities. Its Japan subsidiary, Interlink Electronics, Inc. K.K.,
leases office space in Tokyo.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In June 1996, the Company brought an action in Federal Court against
InControl Corporation ("InControl") for infringement of certain FSR patents. The
Company seeks a court order enjoining InControl from further infringement. In
February 1997, the court granted
13
summary judgment in favor of InControl and dismissed the Company's action. The
court also awarded InControl legal fees of, as yet, an undetermined amount. The
Company is currently appealing the decision and the Company does not believe the
outcome of this action will have a material effect on 1998 results.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable.
Item 4(a). Executive Officers of the Registrant
Name Age Position with Company
- ---- --- ---------------------
E. Michael Thoben, III 44 Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive
Officer, and Director
David J. Arthur 49 Senior Vice President--
Operations
William A. Yates 46 Senior Vice President--Sales
and Marketing
Paul D. Meyer 38 Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary
Roger Moore 37 Vice President--Product
Development/Engineering
- ---------------
E. Michael Thoben, III became Chief Operating Officer and a director of the
Company in March 1990 and has been President of the Company since June 1990,
Chief Executive Officer since February 1994, and Chairman of its Board of
Directors since August 1994. Prior to that time, for 11 years, Mr. Thoben was
employed by Polaroid Corporation, most recently as the manager of one of
Polaroid's seven strategic business units on a worldwide basis. Mr. Thoben holds
a B.S. degree from St. Xavier University and has taken graduate management
courses at the Harvard Business School and The Wharton School of Business.
David J. Arthur has been Interlink's Senior Vice President--Operations
since May, 1995; prior to that, he served as the Company's Vice President,
Manufacturing and Operations. Before joining the Company in October 1990, he
held senior positions in materials, purchasing and manufacturing management with
TRW Inc., North American Philips Corporation, and Amdahl Corporation. From 1987
to 1990, he served as Vice President of Manufacturing at Harman
14
Electronics, Inc.
William A. Yates became Interlink's Senior Vice President--Sales and
Marketing in May, 1995. Prior to joining the Company in 1990 as its Vice
President, Sales and Marketing, Mr. Yates served for nine years in increasingly
senior sales positions with Polaroid Corporation's Industrial Products Division.
Mr. Yates has over 23 years of sales and marketing experience with both small
companies and large businesses, the latter including Carnation Company and Ortho
Pharmaceutical Corporation. Mr. Yates holds a B.A. degree from the University of
California at Berkeley.
Paul D. Meyer joined Interlink in December 1989 as Controller, became its
Vice President--Finance in June, 1994, and its Chief Financial Officer in
December 1996. From May 1988 to December 1989, he was Controller for Dix-See
Sales Company. From September 1985 to May 1988, Mr. Meyer was Corporate
Accounting Manager for Bell Industries. Mr. Meyer was employed at Price
Waterhouse from 1983 to 1985. Mr. Meyer holds a B.A. degree in economics from
the University of California at Los Angeles.
Roger P. Moore, II joined Interlink in July 1997. Prior to joining the
Company, he held senior management positions in sales and marketing with
American Power Conversion Corporation and Anova Technologies LLC. From 1996 to
1997 he served as President of echoMEDIA, Inc. Mr. Moore holds a Master of
Management from Yale University, a Master of Science in Aeronautics from
Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the
University of California at Los Angeles.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters
Historical Market Information. From its initial public offering on June 7,
1993 until September 14, 1995, the Company's Common Stock and Warrants were
listed under the symbols "LINK" and "LINKW," respectively on the Nasdaq Small
Cap Market. Since September 14, 1995, the Company's securities have been listed
for trading on the Nasdaq National Market System under the same symbols.
The following table sets forth, for the periods shown, the high and low Nasdaq
sales prices for the Common Stock:
Year Ended December 31, 1997 Low High
---------------------------- --- ----
First Quarter............................... $ 5.38 $ 8.38
Second Quarter.............................. $ 4.63 $ 7.44
Third Quarter............................... $ 5.75 $ 9.38
Fourth Quarter.............................. $ 4.38 $ 9.38
14
On March 13, 1998, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on Nasdaq
National Market was $4.78.
Number of Stockholders. As of February 25, 1998, the Company had
approximately 1,600 holders of record. The Company believes that the number of
beneficial owners is substantially greater than the number of record holders
because a large portion of the Company's outstanding Common Stock is held of
record in broker "street names" for the benefit of individual investors.
Dividend Policy. The Company has never paid cash dividends. It is the
Company's intention to retain earnings, if any, to finance the operation and
expansion of its business and therefore it does not expect to pay cash dividends
in the foreseeable future. Payment of dividends, if any, will be at the
discretion of the Board of Directors after taking into account various factors,
including the Company's financial condition, results of operations, current and
anticipated cash needs, plans for expansion and restrictions, if any, under the
terms of any debt obligations of the Company or equity securities issued by the
Company.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The information required by this item is included on page F-1 of this
Report on Form 10-K.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
The information required by this item is included at pages F-2 to F-3 of
this Report on Form 10-K.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information required by this item is included at pages F-4 to F-14 of
this Report on Form 10-K and as listed in Item 14 of Part IV of this Report.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Information with respect to directors of the Company is included under
"Election of Directors" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its 1998
Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed or to be filed not later than 120 days
after the end of the fiscal year covered by
16
this Report and is incorporated herein by reference. Information with respect to
executive officers of the Company is included under Item 4(a) of Part I of this
Report on Form 10-K. Information with respect to compliance with Section 16(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act is included under "Section 16(a) beneficial
ownership reporting compliance" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for
its 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed or to be filed not later than 120
days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report and is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information with respect to executive compensation is included under
"Executive Compensation" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its
1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed or to be filed not later than 120 days
after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report on Form 10-K and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Information with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners
and management is included under "Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial
Owners And Management" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its 1998
Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed or to be filed not later than 120 days
after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report on Form 10-K and is
incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Not applicable.
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a)(1) Financial Statements and Schedules
The following documents are included in this Report on Form 10-K at the
pages indicated:
Page
----
Report of Independent Public Accountants F-4
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1997 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Operations for years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for years
ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 F-7
17
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for years ended F-8
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9-14
No other schedules are included because the required information is
inapplicable or is presented in the financial statements or related notes
thereto.
(a)(2) Exhibits
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1b of Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1. Registration No.
33-60380 (the "Form S-1 Registration Statement").
3.2 Bylaws of the Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2a of
the Registrant's Form S-1, Registration Statement.
10.1 1988 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.**
10.2 1993 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1a of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.**
10.3 1996 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.**
10.4 Description of Interlink Electronics, Inc.'s. Management
Compensation Program. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
10.5 Form of Promissory Note from Stuart Yaniger dated March 1993.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.6 Form of Amendment to Promissory Note from Stuart Yaniger.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7a of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.7 Technology Transfer Agreement between the Registrant and Franklin
Eventoff dated as of December 23, 1987, and amendment thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
18
10.8 Lease Agreement to lease premises in Camarillo, California dated
January 25, 1993. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11a of the
Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.9 License Agreement between the Registrant and Toshiba Silicone Co.,
Ltd. dated March 10, 1989. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.14 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.10 Joint Venture Agreement among the Registrant, InvestAR s.a.r.l.,
Interlink Electronics Europe s.a.r.l. and IEE Finance s.a.r.l. dated
November 7, 1989. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the
Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.11 Exclusive License and Distributor Agreement between the Registrant
and Interlink Electronics Europe s.a.r.l. dated as of November 7,
1989. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.12 Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between the Registrant and
Interlink Electronics Europe s.a.r.l. dated as of November 7, 1989.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.13 Letter Agreement between the Registrant and InvestAR s.a.r.l. dated
November 7, 1989. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the
Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.14 Agreement between the Government of Luxembourg, Interlink
Electronics Europe s.a.r.l. , IEE Finance s.a.r.l., the Registrant
and InvestAR s.a.r.l. dated December 18, 1989. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.15 Agreement with InvestAR s.a.r.l. and ARBED S.A. (udated).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.16 Agreement among the Registrant, Interlink Electronics Europe
s.a.r.l. and InvestAR s.a.r.l. dated as of December 14, 1990.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.17 Ink Technology Transfer Agreement between the Registrant and
InvestAR s.a.r.l. dated December 11, 1992. Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.23 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.18 Financing Agreement between the Registrant and InvestAR s.a.r.l. in
relation with the Ink Technology Transfer Agreement dated December
11, 1992. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
19
10.19 Form of Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement in relation with
the Ink Technology Transfer Agreement (undated). Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.20 Form of Escrow Agreement for Technology in relation with the Ink
Technology Transfer Agreement dated December 11,1992. Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Form S-1 Registration
Statement.
10.21 Financing Agreement between the Registrant and InvestAR s.a.r.l.
dated June 15, 1992. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of
the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.22 Interlink Europe Financing Agreement between the Registration and
InvestAR s.a.r.l. dated April 7, 1993. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.28 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.23 Agreement between Zilog, Inc. and the Registrant dated November 30,
1993. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.24 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and E. Michael Thoben,
III effective as of April 1, 1996. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.22 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1996.
10.25 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and William A. Yates
effective as of April 1, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.23 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
10.26 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and David J. Arthur
effective as of April 1, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.24 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
24.1 Power of Attorney.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule.
20
- --------------
* Confidential Treatment for portions of this agreement has been granted by
the Commission.
** This exhibit constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or
arrangement.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
Not applicable.
21
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Camarillo,
State of California, on the 27th day of March, 1998.
INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
By: E. MICHAEL THOBEN, III
-------------------------------------
E. Michael Thoben, III
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
Principal Executive Officer:
/s/ E. MICHAEL THOBEN, III Chairman of the Board, March 27, 1998
- ----------------------------- Chief Executive Officer,
E. Michael Thoben, III President
Principal Financial Officer:
/s/ PAUL D. MEYER Chief Financial Officer, March 27, 1998
- ----------------------------- Secretary
Paul D. Meyer
Directors:
/s/ GEORGE GU* Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------
George Gu
/s/ EUGENE F. HOVANEC* Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------
Eugene F. Hovanec
/s/ MERRITT M. LUTZ* Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------
Merritt M. Lutz
/s/ CAROLYN MACDOUGALL* Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------
Carolyn MacDougall
/s/ E. MICHAEL THOBEN, III Director March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------
E. Michael Thoben, III
* By: E. MICHAEL THOBEN, III
-----------------------------
E. Michael Thoben, III
Attorney in Fact
22
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
- -------
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1b of Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-1. Registration No. 33-60380 (the
"Form S-1 Registration Statement").
3.2 Bylaws of the Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2a of
the Registrant's Form S-1, Registration Statement.
10.1 1988 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.**
10.2 1993 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1a
of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.**
10.3 1996 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.**
10.4 Description of Interlink Electronics, Inc.'s. Management Compensation
Program. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996.
10.5 Form of Promissory Note from Stuart Yaniger dated March 1993.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Form S-1 Registration
Statement.
10.6 Form of Amendment to Promissory Note from Stuart Yaniger. Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.7a of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.7 Technology Transfer Agreement between the Registrant and Franklin
Eventoff dated as of December 23, 1987, and amendment thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Form S-1 Registration
Statement.
10.8 Lease Agreement to lease premises in Camarillo, California dated
January 25, 1993. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11a of the
Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.9 License Agreement between the Registrant and Toshiba Silicone Co.,
Ltd. dated March 10, 1989. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14
of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
1
10.10 Joint Venture Agreement among the Registrant, InvestAR s.a.r.l.,
Interlink Electronics Europe s.a.r.l. and IEE Finance s.a.r.l. dated
November 7, 1989. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the
Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.11 Exclusive License and Distributor Agreement between the Registrant and
Interlink Electronics Europe s.a.r.l. dated as of November 7, 1989.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.12 Manufacturing and Supply Agreement between the Registrant and
Interlink Electronics Europe s.a.r.l. dated as of November 7, 1989.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.13 Letter Agreement between the Registrant and InvestAR s.a.r.l. dated
November 7, 1989. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the
Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.14 Agreement between the Government of Luxembourg, Interlink Electronics
Europe s.a.r.l. , IEE Finance s.a.r.l., the Registrant and InvestAR
s.a.r.l. dated December 18, 1989. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.19 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.15 Agreement with InvestAR s.a.r.l. and ARBED S.A. (udated). Incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.16 Agreement among the Registrant, Interlink Electronics Europe s.a.r.l.
and InvestAR s.a.r.l. dated as of December 14, 1990. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.17 Ink Technology Transfer Agreement between the Registrant and InvestAR
s.a.r.l. dated December 11, 1992. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.23 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.18 Financing Agreement between the Registrant and InvestAR s.a.r.l. in
relation with the Ink Technology Transfer Agreement dated December 11,
1992. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.19 Form of Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement in relation with
the Ink Technology Transfer Agreement (undated). Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.20 Form of Escrow Agreement for Technology in relation with the Ink
Technology Transfer Agreement dated December 11,1992. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
2
10.21 Financing Agreement between the Registrant and InvestAR s.a.r.l. dated
June 15, 1992. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of the Form
S-1 Registration Statement.
10.22 Interlink Europe Financing Agreement between the Registration and
InvestAR s.a.r.l. dated April 7, 1993. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.28 of the Form S-1 Registration Statement.
10.23 Agreement between Zilog, Inc. and the Registrant dated November 30,
1993. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of the Form S-1
Registration Statement.
10.24 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and E. Michael Thoben, III
effective as of April 1, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.22 on the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
10.25 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and William A. Yates
effective as of April 1, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.23 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
10.26 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and David J. Arthur
effective as of April 1, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.24 of the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
24.1 Power of Attorney.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule.
------------
* Confidential Treatment for portions of this agreement has been granted by
the Commission.
** This exhibit constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or
arrangement.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
Not applicable
3
INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and the related Notes thereto, and Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere
herein:
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues $ 4,362 $ 7,797 $ 10,741 $ 13,485 $ 19,153
Cost of revenues 2,657 4,094 5,252 7,028 11,829
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit 1,705 3,703 5,489 6,457 7,324
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating expenses:
Product development and research 782 1,011 897 1,234 1,600
Selling, general and administrative 3,954 3,887 4,524 4,617 5,555
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 4,736 4,898 5,421 5,851 7,155
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Operating income (loss) (3,031) (1,195) 68 606 169
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Other income (expense):
Debt conversion expense (450) - - - -
Units issued in connection with bridge loans (550) - - - -
Interest expense (84) (37) (60) (118) (152)
Minority interest - - 41 - -
Other 175 155 101 27 13
Gain from sale of interest in European
Joint Venture - 3,380 - - -
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total other income (expense) (909) 3,498 82 (91) (139)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) $ (3,940) $ 2,303 $ 150 $ 515 $ 30
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Earnings (loss) per share - basic $ (1.80) $ .49 $ .04 $ .12 $ .01
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted $ (1.80) $ .38 $ .03 $ .11 $ .01
December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital $ 3,631 $ 2,140 $ 6,353 $ 8,969 $ 12,461
Total assets 5,871 5,185 10,187 13,185 17,555
Short term debt 36 251 255 403 514
Deferred licensing income 144 - - - -
Long term debt and capital lease obligations 128 121 672 850 724
Stockholders' equity 4,454 3,651 7,589 9,969 13,453
F-1
INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations
The following table presents, as a percentage of total revenues, certain
selected consolidated financial data of each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues:
Computer pointing devices 74% 86% 88%
Custom applications 26 14 12
Total revenues 100 100 100
Gross profit 51 48 38
Operating expenses:
Product development and
research 8 9 8
Selling, general and
administrative 42 34 29
Total operating expenses 50 43 37
Operating income 1 5 1
Other expense - (1) (1)
Net income 1 4 -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues increased 42% from $13.5 million in 1996 to $19.2 million in 1997.
As compared to 1995, 1996 revenues grew 26% from $10.7 million in 1995. The
revenue growth is a result of the Company's focus on developing and marketing
computer pointing device products based on the Company's patented VersaPoint
technology. Revenues from this product line grew from $7.9 million in 1995 to
$11.6 million in 1996 and to $16.9 million in 1997. The primary products within
the product line are PortaPoint, introduced in late 1992; Durapoint, introduced
in early 1993; ProPoint, introduced in early 1994; the Integrated Pointing
Stick, introduced in late 1993; the MicroModule, introduced in early 1994;
RemotePoint, introduced in late 1994; RemotePoint Plus, DeskStick, and IRC
introduced in late 1995; Wireless Keyboard and VersaPad, introduced in mid-1997.
Because of the Company's focus on pointing device products, sales in the Custom
Applications product line have recorded a decline as percent of sales in 1995,
1996 and 1997. The Company expects that the Custom Applications product line
will show minimal or negative growth in the future.
In 1997, gross profit decreased to 38%, primarily due to a one-time yield
problem during the fourth quarter related to the introduction of the Company's
new VersaPad technology. In 1996, gross profit margin declined to 48% due to a
greater mix of high volume, OEM sales as compared to prior periods. OEM sales
typically have a lower margin than other sales. During the periods presented,
the company has not experienced meaningful price erosion in its Computer
Pointing Devices product line.
Product development and research expense increased from $.9 million in 1995
to $1.2 million in 1996, and to $1.6 million in 1997. In 1996 development costs
increased to support greater OEM sales, which require more engineering
resources, and to develop the VersaPad technology. During 1997, development
costs increased primarily due to the development costs, both internal and
external, relating to the introduction of the Company's VersaPad technology and
the development of RemoteLink technology.
F-2
On a percent of sales basis, the Company has achieved a decline in SG&A
costs from 42% in 1995, to 34% in 1996, to 29% in 1997. This decline results
from the amortization of fixed SG&A costs over a greater base of sales and the
shift in product mix towards OEM sales. The increase of approximately $900,000
in absolute dollars is due to increased costs required to handle the increased
business activity.
The Company recorded a profit from operations of $68,000 in 1995, $606,000
in 1996, and $169,000 in 1997. The improvement from 1995 to 1996 was achieved by
strong revenue growth in the Company's key focus area, Computer Pointing Devices
and successful cost management of product development and marketing costs. The
decline in 1997 as compared to 1996 was caused by a one-time write-off due to
yield problems related to the new VersaPad technology that more than offset
continued strong revenue growth and cost containment efforts.
The revenue growth in the Company's Computer Pointing Device product line,
and operating cost control contributed to achieve 1995, 1996, and 1997 net
incomes of $150,000, $515,000, and $30,000. The decline in 1997 as compared to
1996 was caused by a one-time write-off due to yield problems related to the new
VersaPad technology that more than offset continued strong revenue growth and
cost containment efforts.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working capital at December 31, 1997 was $12.5 million versus $8.9 million
at the end of 1996. This $3.6 million increase resulted from positive results
from operations, the proceeds from a private placement of the Company's stock
and the exercise of employee stock options.
In 1997, operations consumed approximately $3.0 million in cash due to the
growth in accounts receivable and inventory necessitated by revenue growth. As
the Company continues to pursue its branded products and Japan-based businesses,
both markets known for extended payment policies, operations may continue to be
a net user of cash.
In 1997 the Company spent approximately $580,000 to purchase additional
manufacturing equipment and computer equipment, related to the Company's
internal computer network.
In 1997, the Company negotiated an increase in the maximum available on its
domestic bank line of credit to $3.0 million (the line was unused as of December
31,1997). Additionally, the company believes there are a number of sources
available for the leasing of equipment. A secondary offering of equity
securities or the exercise of outstanding warrants or stock options are
potential sources of equity capital that may be available to the Company.
Management believes that forecasted cash requirements for the next twelve months
can be met from existing cash and invested cash balances. However, an unforeseen
downturn of results in sufficient magnitude could effect the Company's ability
to meet that forecast.
F-3
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Interlink Electronics, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Interlink
Electronics, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and its subsidiary as of December 31,
1996 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
Stockholders' equity and cash flows for the three years then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Interlink Electronics, Inc. and
its subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the three years then ended in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 9, 1998
F-4
INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31,
----------------------------
Assets 1996 1997
----------- ----------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,767 $ 4,176
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $310 and $352 in 1996
and 1997, respectively 3,649 5,684
Inventories 3,634 5,461
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 285 518
----------- ----------
Total current assets 11,335 15,839
----------- ----------
Property and equipment, net 1,143 1,150
Patents and trademarks, less accumulated
amortization of $453 and $542
in 1996 and 1997, respectively 439 375
European marketing rights 150 75
Other assets 118 116
----------- ----------
Total assets $ 13,185 $ 17,555
=========== ==========
Liabilities And Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Bank line of credit $ - $ 576
Current maturities of long-term debt
and capital lease obligations 403 514
Accounts payable 1,146 1,935
Accrued payroll and expenses 817 353
----------- ----------
Total current liabilities 2,366 3,378
----------- ----------
Long-term debt, net of current portion 235 337
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion 615 387
Commitments and contingencies - -
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock (40,000 shares authorized,
4,515 and 5,202 outstanding at December 31,
1996 and 1997, respectively) 20,768 24,629
Accumulated deficit (10,799) (11,176)
----------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity 9,969 13,453
----------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 13,185 $ 17,555
=========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues $ 10,741 $ 13,485 $ 19,153
Cost of revenues 5,252 7,028 11,829
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 5,489 6,457 7,324
Operating expenses:
Product development and research 897 1,234 1,600
Selling, general and administrative 4,524 4,617 5,555
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses 5,421 5,851 7,155
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income 68 606 169
----------- ----------- -----------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (60) (118) (152)
Minority interest 41 - -
Other income 101 27 13
----------- ----------- -----------
Total other income (expense) 82 (91) (139)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income $ 150 $ 515 $ 30
=========== =========== ===========
Earnings per share - basic $ .04 $ .12 $ .01
Earnings per share - diluted $ .03 $ .11 $ .01
Weighted average shares - basic 3,957 4,387 4,764
Weighted average shares - diluted 4,759 4,602 5,020
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock
------------------- Accumulated Total Stockholders'
Shares Amount Deficit Equity
-------- -------- ----------- -------------------
Balance, December 31, 1994 3,358 $ 15,014 $ (11,363) $ 3,651
Issuance of shares upon exercise
of employee stock options 185 609 - 609
Issuance of shares upon exercise
of stock warrants 12 92 - 92
Issuance of shares in private
placement 700 3,165 - 3,165
Cumulative translation adjustment - - (78) (78)
Net income - - 150 150
-------- -------- ----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1995 4,255 18,880 (11,291) 7,589
Issuance of shares upon exercise
of employee stock options 36 152 - 152
Issuance of shares upon exercise
of stock warrants 224 1,736 - 1,736
Cumulative translation adjustment - - (23) (23)
Net income - - 515 515
-------- -------- ----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1996 4,515 20,768 (10,799) 9,969
Issuance of shares upon exercise
of employee stock options 363 1,711 - 1,711
Issuance of shares in
private placement 324 2,150 - 2,150
Cumulative translation adjustment (407) (407)
Net income - - 30 30
-------- -------- ----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1997 5,202 $ 24,629 $ (11,176) $ 13,453
======== ======== =========== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-7
INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 150 $ 515 $ 30
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash used for operating activities:
Provisions for bad debts 91 77 119
Depreciation and amortization 445 602 712
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (938) (1,366) (2,154)
Inventories (1,339) (1,450) (1,827)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (193) (46) (233)
Other assets (41) 37 2
Accounts payable 711 (124) 789
Accrued payroll and expenses (202) 416 (464)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used for operating activities (1,316) (1,339) (3,026)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net sales of marketable securities 464 - -
Purchases of property and equipment (510) (432) (555)
Costs of patents and trademarks (170) (149) (25)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used for investing activities (216) (581) (580)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on bank line of credit 100 - 1,576
Payments on bank line of credit (300) - (1,000)
Borrowings on note payable to bank 97 180 237
Payments on note payable to bank (18) (57) (79)
Proceeds from sale/leaseback 788 478 225
Principal payments on capital lease obligations (74) (232) (353)
Principal payments on Tech Transfer Agreement (38) (43) (46)
Due from stockholders 49 - -
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 3,866 1,888 3,861
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 4,470 2,214 4,422
----------- ----------- -----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (78) (23) (407)
----------- ----------- -----------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 2,860 271 409
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 636 3,496 3,767
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period $ 3,496 $ 3,767 $ 4,176
=========== =========== ===========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid $ 60 $ 111 $ 152
Income taxes paid 2 1 33
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-8
INTERLINK ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Interlink Electronics (the "Company") was incorporated in the State of
California on February 27, 1985 and reincorporated in the State of Delaware on
July 10, 1996. The Company is engaged in the development and manufacture of
products and components incorporating Force Sensing Resistors.
Consolidation Policy - The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company and its majority owned Japanese subsidiary. All material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of
consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Transactions - The accounts of the Company's foreign subsidiary
have been translated according to the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 52. Gains and losses resulting from translation of the
foreign financial statements are included in stockholders' equity. Any gain or
loss resulting from foreign currency transactions are reflected in the
consolidated statement of operations for the period in which they occur.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid investments
purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.
Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and includes
material, labor, and factory overhead. Cost is determined using the average cost
method.
Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are carried at cost less
accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is recorded on the
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets which range
from three to ten years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is made based
upon the estimated useful lives of the assets or the term of the lease,
whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as
incurred, while significant improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement or
disposition of property, the asset and related accumulated depreciation or
amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is
charged to operations.
Patents and Trademarks - The costs of acquiring patents and trademarks are
amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging
from seven to seventeen years. Amortization expense for the years ended December
31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 was, $60,000, $78,000 and $90,000, respectively.
Income Taxes - The Company accounts for taxes under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". Under this
statement, deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the tax effects,
calculated at currently effective rates, of future deductible taxable amounts
attributable to events that have been recognized on a cumulative basis in the
financial statements (see Note 11).
Earnings Per Share - Earnings per share-basic is based upon the weighted average
number of shares outstanding. Earnings per share-diluted is based on the
weighted average shares outstanding including the dilutive effect of common
stock equivalents. (See Note 9)
Accounts Receivable - Increases to the allowance for doubtful accounts totaled
$91,000, $77,000 and $42,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997, respectively. Write-offs against the allowance for doubtful accounts
totaled $12,000, none and $139,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996
and 1997, respectively.
F-9
Reclassifications - Certain amounts in the 1996 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation.
2. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands): December 31,
----------------------------
1996 1997
----------- -----------
Raw material $ 2,120 $ 2,666
Work in process 529 1,107
Finished goods 985 1,688
----------- -----------
Total inventories $ 3,634 $ 5,461
=========== ===========
3. Property And Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
----------------------------
1996 1997
----------- -----------
Furniture, machinery and equipment $ 2,588 $ 3,139
Leasehold improvements 143 147
----------- -----------
2,731 3,286
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,588) (2,136)
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, net $ 1,143 $ 1,150
=========== ===========
Depreciation and amortization expense charged to operations amounted to
$314,000, $449,000 and $534,000 for the years ended 1995, 1996, and 1997,
respectively. Property and equipment under capital leases had a net book value
of $991,000 and $1,046,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1997 respectively.
4. Acquisition Of Japanese Subsidiary
On April 1, 1994, the Company acquired an 80% interest in Interlink Electronics
KK for $8,000 in cash. Interlink Electronics KK is located in Tokyo, Japan and
is a distributor and value-added manufacturer of FSR-based products. The
acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase and the results of Interlink
Electronics KK have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements since the date of acquisition. The cost of the acquisition has been
allocated on the basis of the estimated fair market value of the assets acquired
($428,000) and the liabilities assumed ($476,000). This allocation resulted in
goodwill of approximately $58,000 which is being amortized over 15 years.
5. Short-Term Borrowings
The Company maintains a domestic revolving line of credit with a maximum amount
of $3,000,000, none of which had been drawn as of December 31, 1997. The loan
carries an interest rate of the bank's interest rate (8.5% at December 31, 1997)
and matures in May 1998. The loan is secured by all of the Company's assets and
requires the Company to meet certain financial covenants, all of which were
satisfied at December 31, 1997. Selected information regarding short-term
borrowings are as follows:
The Company's Japan subsidiary maintains an unsecured line of credit with a bank
with a maximum amount of $576,000, all of which was drawn at December 31, 1997.
This line carries an interest rate of 2.4%.
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------
1996 1997
-------- --------
Average daily borrowings (000's) $ 0 $ 743
Maximum daily borrowings (000's) $ 0 $ 1,576
Weighted average interest rate during year N/A 7.0%
F-10
6 . Long-Term Debt and Capital Leases
Bank loans - The Company's Japan subsidiary, Interlink Electronics KK, maintains
unsecured loans with three banks. The loans carry a weighted average interest
rate of 2.5% and are payable in monthly installments through the year 2002. The
combined balance outstanding as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 was $248,000 and
$406,000, respectively.
Technology Transfer Agreement - In December 1987, the Company purchased certain
patents and related technology from its founder. Under the Technology Transfer
Agreement, the Company was obligated to pay the greater of $4,000 per month or
1% of monthly gross sales of products related to the purchased technology. The
term of the agreement was from January 1988 to December 1997.
Capital lease obligations - The Company had an equipment financing agreement
with a leasing company to provide for the purchase of equipment. As amounts were
drawn, the funded amount was converted to a note payable with a standard payment
schedule of up to 42 months at an effective interest rate of 8.1%. As of
December 31, 1997, the Company had utilized and converted $1,493,000 to notes
payable.
At December 31, 1997, scheduled maturates of long-term debt and capital lease
obligations for the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in
thousands):
Debt Leases
-------- --------
1998 $ 79 $ 511
1999 79 284
2000 93 111
2001 71 24
2002 60
Thereafter 55 -
-------- --------
437 930
Less amount representing interest (31) (98)
-------- --------
Present value of minimum payments 406 832
Current portion (69) (445)
-------- --------
Long term portion $ 337 $ 387
======== ========
7. Capitalization
Preferred Stock - The Company is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 1997, none were outstanding. In the future,
the Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series with such rights and
preference as may be fixed and determined by the Board of Directors.
Common Stock - The Company is authorized to issue 40,000,000 shares of Common
Stock.
In April 1995, the Company completed a private placement of 700,000 shares of
common stock and 46,668 warrants. The warrants were exercisable at $8.25 and
expired on June 7, 1996. The Company received gross proceeds of $3.5 million
(before offering expenses and placement agent fees totaling $335,000). In
conjunction with the offering, the placement agents also received 60,000
warrants. These securities were registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under an S-3 Registration Statement effective July 17, 1995.
In June 1996, 223,723 warrants, with an exercise price of $8.25, were exercised.
The Company received net proceeds of $1.74 million after deducting offering
costs. The remaining 1,673,891 warrants from this class expired in accordance
with their terms.
In September 1997, the Company completed a private placement of 324,348 shares
of common stock. The Company received gross proceeds of $2,250,000 prior to fees
totaling $100,000.
F-11
Units - In June 1993, the Company completed an initial public offering raising
$7,102,000 net of expenses, through the sale of 1,553,000 Units. Each Unit
consisted of one share of Common Stock and one Warrant to purchase one share of
Common Stock at $8 .25.
8. Stock Warrants And Stock Options
At December 31, 1997, the Company had the following Common Stock Warrants
outstanding:
Number of Exercise Expiration
Shares Price Date
------------ ------------ ------------
135,000 $6.60 June 4, 1998
135,000 8.26 June 4, 1998
Under the terms of the Company's Option Plans, officers and key employees may be
granted nonqualified or incentive stock options and outside directors and
independent contractors of the Company may be granted nonqualified stock
options. The aggregate number of shares which may be issued under the plans is
3,184,150. Outstanding options under the plans vest in various increments
through October, 2000. Information concerning stock options under the plans is
summarized as follows:
(In Thousands)
-----------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
Options outstanding, beginning of period 1,063 1,219 1,432
Options granted (weighted average price of 1,236 393 434
$5.19, $5.76 and $6.50 in 1995, 1996 and
1997, respectively )
Options exercised (weighted average price (185) (36) (363)
of $3.29, $4.23 and $4.71 in 1995, 1996 and
1997, respectively)
Options canceled (895) (144) (88)
----------- ----------- -----------
Options outstanding, end of period 1,219 1,432 1,415
=========== =========== ===========
Options exercisable 613 958 884
=========== =========== ===========
Price range of options outstanding $1.38 to $9.13
The Company accounts for the plans under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25 under which no compensation cost is recognized for employee stock option
grants. If the Company had recognized compensation cost for stock-based employee
compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income (loss)
would have been as follows:
(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
1996 1997
-------- --------
Net income (loss):
As reported $ 515 $ 30
Pro forma (213) (1,195)
Earnings (loss) per share - basic:
As reported $ .12 $ .01
Pro forma (.05) (.25)
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using an
option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used in
1996 and 1997: risk-free interest rates of 6.3 percent; expected life of four
years; no expected dividend yield; and a volatility measure of 59%.
F-12
9. Earnings Per Share
For all periods presented, per share information was computed pursuant to
provisions of SFAS 128. The computation of earnings per share - basic is based
upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods
presented. Earnings per share - diluted also includes the effect of common
shares contingently issuable from options and warrants (in periods which they
have a dilutive effect).
Common stock equivalents are calculated using the treasury stock method. Under
the treasury stock method, the proceeds from the assumed conversion of options
and warrants are used to repurchase outstanding shares, using a yearly average
market price.
The following table contains information necessary to calculate earnings per
share:
(In Thousands)
-----------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average shares outstanding 3,957 4,388 4,764
Assumed conversion of options and warrants 3,280 1,702 1,685
Assumed repurchase of shares (2,478) (1,487) (1,429)
----------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average shares - diluted 4,759 4,602 5,020
=========== =========== ===========
10. Lease Commitments
The Company leases its main facility and certain equipment under operating
leases expiring through 2002. Rent payments totaled approximately $153,000,
$227,000 and $236,000 in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
Minimum lease commitments at December 31, 1997 are summarized as follows (in
thousands):
1998 $ 183
1999 69
2000 6
2001 6
2002 5
------
$ 269
11. Income Taxes
Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, net operating losses are limited
when, on a cumulative basis over a three-year period, the holdings of certain
stockholder groups owning more than 5% of the Company have changed more than
50%. On December 23, 1987, the Company experienced a greater than 50% change in
ownership. As a result, the Company's utilization of net operating loss
carryforwards generated prior to that date of $1,316,000 is limited to $126,000
per year, for federal income tax purposes, through 1998. Utilization of state
net operating losses generated prior to December 23, 1987 of $706,000 is limited
under the same rules. However, for the tax years 1991 and 1992, the State of
California suspended the use of net operating loss carryforwards. As of December
31, 1997, the Company had federal and state income tax net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $10,369,000 expiring through 2009 and $3,514,000
expiring through 1999, respectively.
F-13
On September 26, 1994, the Company sold its interest in Interlink Electronics
Europe. This transaction caused an additional "change of ownership" under
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, the Company's net
operating losses will be limited. The Company has research and development tax
credit carryforwards of approximately $260,000 and $270,000 at December 31, 1996
and 1997, respectively. The Company has total net deferred tax assets as
follows:
(In Thousands)
---------------------------
1996 1997
--------- ---------
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforward $ 3,896 $ 3,852
Vacation accrual 59 54
Allowance for bad debts 114 105
Other 306 316
--------- ---------
Total deferred tax assets 4,375 4,327
Valuation allowance (4,375) (4,327)
--------- --------
Total $ - $ -
========= =========
A valuation allowance is recorded if the weight of available evidence suggests
it is more likely than not that if some portion or all of the deferred tax asset
will not be recognized. There is no assurance that the Company will continue to
be profitable in future periods, therefore, a valuation allowance has been
recognized for the full amount of the deferred tax asset for 1996 and 1997.
12. Related Party Transaction
The Company had an agreement with its founder to provide consulting services to
the Company at $48,000 per year through December 1997.
13. Revenue Information
Export Sales - The following table shows the breakdown of the Company's export
sales as a percentage of consolidated revenues.
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------
1995 1996 1997
----- ----- -----
Asia 29% 26% 30%
Europe and other 17% 13% 20%
Major Customers - In 1997, sales to one customer in the computer industry
constituted 13% of the Company's sales and in 1996, sales to one customer in the
computer industry constituted 15% of the Company's sales. In 1995, sales to one
customer in the medical industry constituted 11% of the Company's sales.
F-14