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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
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 29, 1996
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-17932
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
MINNESOTA 41-1404301
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
900 E. KARCHER ROAD, NAMPA, IDAHO 83687
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
(208) 893-3434
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
REGISTERED ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET
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, 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. [_]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant as of September 27, 1996 was approximately $308.5 million.
The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's Common Stock on
September 27, 1996 was 92,473,017.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the registrant's 1996 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, to be held on November 25, 1996, are incorporated by reference
into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
The following discussion contains trend information and other forward-
looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The
actual results of Micron Electronics, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries,
"MEI" or the "Company") could differ materially from MEI's historical results
of operations and those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially are included, but are not
limited to, those identified in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors."
Micron Electronics, Inc. is a leading provider of PC systems through the
direct sales channel in the United States. MEI's PC operations develop,
market, manufacture, sell and support a range of memory-intensive, high
performance desktop and notebook PC systems and network servers under the
Micron brand name. In addition to its PC operations, MEI has contract
manufacturing and component recovery operations. MEI's wholly-owned
subsidiary, Micron Custom Manufacturing Services, Inc. ("CMS"), is a contract
manufacturer specializing in the assembly of custom complex printed circuit
boards, memory modules and system level products. MEI's component recovery
operations recover, assemble, test, grade and market nonstandard random access
memory ("RAM") components not meeting full industry standard specifications.
MEI primarily receives orders for PC products via telephone and facsimile,
and PC systems are generally shipped directly to the end-customer. According
to International Data Corporation ("IDC"), this channel of the PC market in
the United States is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of
approximately 13.1%, compared to a projected growth rate of approximately
11.9% for the overall PC market for the period between 1996 and 2000. In
fiscal 1995 and 1996, MEI's rate of growth in PC sales exceeded the rate of
growth in the overall direct sales channel, principally as a result of
increased market awareness and acceptance of its products. As a result, MEI
has increased its market share in the direct sales channel. According to a
recent study conducted by IDC, MEI is the third largest supplier of PC systems
in the direct sales channel and ninth largest in the overall PC market in the
United States.
The following summarizes MEI's net sales by product line:
PRO FORMA FISCAL PRO FORMA FISCAL
FISCAL 1996 1995(1) 1994(1)
--------------------- --------------------- -------------------
AMOUNT % OF SALES AMOUNT % OF SALES AMOUNT % OF SALES
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
PC systems.............. $1,252,492 71.0% $ 765,009 64.1% $366,640 56.3%
Contract manufacturing.. 373,622 21.2 188,145 15.8 117,278 18.0
Component recovery...... 138,806 7.8 240,176 20.1 167,065 25.7
---------- ----- ---------- ----- -------- -----
Total net sales......... $1,764,920 100.0% $1,193,330 100.0% $650,983 100.0%
========== ===== ========== ===== ======== =====
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(1) On April 7, 1995, Micron Computer, Inc. ("MCI") and former Micron Custom
Manufacturing Services, Inc. ("MCMS"), then subsidiaries of Micron
Technology, Inc. ("MTI"), merged with and into ZEOS International, Ltd.
("ZEOS"), and the surviving corporation's name was changed to "Micron
Electronics, Inc." (the "MEI Merger"). The table presents net sales of MEI
for 1996, compared to MEI's pro forma net sales for 1995 and 1994, as if
the MEI Merger had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 1994, giving effect
to pro forma adjustments, including amortization of goodwill, certain
product and process technology costs and related income tax effects.
1
PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS
PRODUCTS
MEI develops, markets, manufactures, sells and supports a range of memory
intensive, high performance desktop and notebook PC systems and network servers
under the Micron brand name. These systems use Pentium and Pentium Pro
microprocessors manufactured by Intel Corporation ("Intel") and are assembled
to order with differing memory and storage capacities as well as operating and
applications software. MEI also offers a variety of peripheral products with
its PC systems, including monitors, modems, graphics cards, accelerators and
CD-ROM drives.
As of August 29, 1996, MEI's product line included the following:
MILLENNIA. The Millennia products are the fastest Pentium and Pentium Pro
microprocessor-based computer systems available in MEI's product offerings. The
Millennia comes with Pipeline Burst SRAM cache and EDO DRAM memory. The
Millennia Plus line adds SCSI standards to the base Millennia line. Targeted
for business users and PC enthusiasts, the Millennia and Millennia Plus have
been MEI's best-selling products in recent periods. The Millennia Pro and the
Millennia Pro Plus are high-end workstations designed specifically for 32-bit
and graphic-intense applications. Standard Millennia Pro and Millennia Pro Plus
products utilize Pentium Pro microprocessors, include Microsoft Windows NT and
are available in various configurations.
MILLENNIA TRANSPORT. The Millennia TransPort, designed for all users, is
MEI's notebook line of computer systems. The TransPort incorporates much of the
same technology used in the Millennia desktop lines and can serve as a desktop
replacement. With two modular bays, the TransPort offers customers instant
custom configuration changes between a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-
ROM drive and an extra battery.
HOME MPC. The Home MPC line includes Pentium microprocessor-based multimedia
computers designed primarily for high performance home use. With an emphasis on
multimedia and connectivity, the Home MPC standard configurations include a
sound card, speakers, a CD-ROM drive, an internal modem and Internet browser
software. In addition, the Home MPC is bundled with a variety of software for
home use, personal finance, education and entertainment.
CLIENTPRO. The ClientPro is MEI's flexible and affordable network solution
for businesses, which require computing stability and performance. The
ClientPro line is designed to provide reliable, adaptable computing without the
need for frequent system upgrades.
POWERSERVER SMP-N. The PowerServer SMP-N is MEI's network server line.
PowerServers are offered with PCI and EISA bus slots for high levels of
performance with multiple network interface cards. The PowerServer line
provides the capability for dual Pentium processors operating under SMP-
compliant operating systems.
2
The following chart lists MEI's current PC product lines as well as certain
information relating thereto (configurations listed below are subject to
change):
PRODUCT LINE PROCESSOR TYPE AND SPEED SAMPLE KEY FEATURE SET
- ------------ ------------------------ ----------------------
DESKTOP PRODUCTS
MILLENNIA Intel Pentium Processors: 512K Pipeline Burst SRAM cache
100MHz 64MB EDO RAM (up to 128 MB)
120MHz 8X IDE CD-ROM drive
133MHz 3.1GB EIDE hard drive
150MHz Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 Video
Card w/4MB EDO RAM
166MHz 17" .26 SVGA monitor
200MHz Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16
Advent AV007 speakers
Microsoft Windows 95 & Plus!
Microsoft Office Pro 95 &
Bookshelf 95
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MILLENNIA PLUS Same as Millennia Generally same feature set as
Millennia with SCSI storage
devices.
MILLENNIA PRO Intel Pentium Pro Processors: 256K Internal CPU SRAM cache
180MHz 32MB EDO RAM (up to 128 MB)
200MHz 8X IDE CD-ROM drive
2.1GB EIDE hard drive
Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 Video
Card w/4MB EDO RAM
17" .26 SVGA monitor
Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16
Advent AV007 speakers
Microsoft Windows NT or Windows
95 & Plus!
Microsoft Office Pro 95 &
Bookshelf 95
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MILLENNIA PRO PLUS Same as Millennia Pro Generally same feature set as
Millennia Pro with SCSI storage
devices.
3
PRODUCT LINE PROCESSOR TYPE AND SPEED SAMPLE KEY FEATURE SET
- ------------ ------------------------ ----------------------
HOME MPC Intel Pentium Processors: 256K Pipeline Burst SRAM cache
100MHz 32MB EDO RAM (up to 128 MB)
120MHz 8X IDE CD-ROM drive
133MHz 2.1GB EIDE hard drive
150MHz Diamond Stealth 3D 2000 Video
Card w/2MB EDO RAM
166MHz 17" .26 SVGA monitor
200MHz 28.8Kb Internal Fax/Modem w/full
duplex speaker phone and voice
mail
Microsoft phone telephony
software
Creative Labs Sound Blaster 32 3D
Wavetable stereo sound
Advent AV270 powered partner 2x25
watt stereo speakers
Microsoft Windows 95 & Plus!
Microsoft Office Pro 95 &
Bookshelf 95
Internet ready
Variety of home-oriented
software, including Quicken
Financial Pak and Microsoft Home
Pak
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CLIENTPRO Intel Pentium Processors: 256K Pipeline Burst SRAM cache
100MHz 16MB EDO RAM (up to 128MB)
120MHz 1.2GB EIDE hard drive
133MHz PCI 64-bit graphics accelerator
150MHz w/2MB EDO RAM
3COM 3C509 NIC Ethernet Combo
166MHz 14" .28 SVGA monitor
200MHz Microsoft Windows 95 & Plus!
Microsoft Works 3.0
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4
PRODUCT LINE PROCESSOR TYPE AND SPEED SAMPLE KEY FEATURE SET
- ------------ ------------------------ ----------------------
PORTABLE PRODUCTS
MILLENNIA TRANSPORT Intel Mobile Pentium 256K L2 Pipeline Burst cache
Processors:
133MHz 32MB EDO RAM (up to 48MB)
150MHz 8X modular CD-ROM drive
2.1GB removable EIDE hard drive
PCI graphics accelerator, 1MD EDO
RAM
Pick-a-Point dual pointing
devices
Intelligent modular lithium-ion
battery
12.1" active matrix display,
800 x 600
3.5" modular floppy drive
Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16
Built-in stereo speakers &
microphone
2 Type II/1 Type III PCMCIA slots
2 infrared ports
S-Video & NTSC video outputs
28.8Kb fax/modem
Leather carrying case
Microsoft Windows 95 & Plus!
Microsoft Office Pro 95 &
Bookshelf 95
Optional matching black 17"
monitor, mouse and keyboard
Optional port replicator,
including LAN adapter
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SERVER PRODUCTS
POWERSERVER SMP-N Intel Pentium Processor: Single or dual 133 MHz processors
Available in single or 512K write-back SRAM cache
dual
133MHz processors
64MB RAM (up to 512MB)
8 slots: 2PCI, 5 EISA one
PCI/EISA shared slot
PCI Ultra SCSI-2 controller
8X SCSI-2 CD-ROM drive
2.0GB Fast SCSI-2 hard drive
ISA 64-bit graphics accelerator
w/1MB DRAM
3COM 3C595 PC 10/100 Ethernet NIC
15" .28 SVGA monitor
Tower chassis with 10 drive bays
& 3 cooling fans
DOS 6.22
Novell Netware 4.1 available for
single processor systems
5
To maintain a competitive position in the PC industry, MEI must introduce
new products and features that address the needs and preferences of customers
in its target markets. The PC industry is characterized by short product life
cycles resulting from rapid changes in technology and consumer preferences and
rapidly declining component costs. There can be no assurance that the
introduction of new products or features by MEI or its competitors will not
materially and adversely affect the sale of, or gross margins on, MEI's
existing products, or that MEI will be able to adapt to future product changes
in the PC industry. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors--Personal
Computers--Short PC Product Life Cycles."
MANUFACTURING AND MATERIALS
MEI's PC system manufacturing process is designed to provide custom-
configured PC products to its customers, and includes assembling components,
loading software and testing each system prior to shipment. MEI's PC systems
are generally assembled to customer specifications. Parts and components
required for each customer order are selected from inventory and are prepared
for assembly into a customized PC system. Inventories of certain components
are staged for system assembly at their point of use. While custom assembly is
advantageous to its customers, MEI is unable to achieve the level of
manufacturing efficiency normally associated with high volume production of
standardized products. Under MEI's Computers Now! program, a limited number of
the most popular PC system configurations are assembled by third parties,
under the indirect supervision and management of MEI personnel, in advance of
customer orders to facilitate rapid shipment.
MEI's desktop PC systems are generally assembled in its own facilities.
MEI's notebook PC systems are designed to include feature sets defined by MEI
but are assembled by a third-party supplier and sent to MEI for final custom
configuration and testing. Following assembly, PC systems are powered up,
loaded with software and subjected to certain diagnostic tests, including
evaluation of each system's functionality and quality. Upon completion of the
process, PC systems undergo a final inspection, after which the systems are
packaged and shipped to customers.
MEI relies on third-party suppliers for its PC system components and seeks
to identify suppliers which can provide state-of-the-art technology, product
quality and prompt delivery at competitive prices. MEI purchases substantially
all of its PC components and subassemblies from suppliers on a purchase order
basis and generally does not have long-term supply arrangements with its
suppliers. Although MEI attempts to use standard components, subassemblies and
software available from multiple suppliers, certain of its components,
subassemblies and software are available only from sole suppliers or a limited
number of suppliers. The microprocessors used in MEI's PC systems are
manufactured exclusively by Intel. From time to time, MEI has been unable to
obtain a sufficient supply of the latest Intel microprocessors. In addition,
MEI currently purchases a significant majority of its motherboards from a
single source. A significant portion of the RAM components used in MEI's PC
systems are supplied by MTI and MEI expects to continue to rely on MTI as its
primary source of RAM components. Although most other components and
subassemblies used by MEI are currently available from multiple sources, MEI
has from time to time experienced shortages in components and subassemblies
used in its PC systems. Any interruption in the supply of any key components
or subassemblies used in MEI's PC systems, could result in production delays
and adversely affect MEI's business and results of operations. See "Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Certain Factors--Personal Computer Systems--Dependence on Key
Sources of Supply."
MARKETING AND SALES
MEI's direct marketing approach is aimed toward PC users who evaluate
products based on performance, price, reliability, service and support. MEI's
customer base is comprised primarily of individuals, small to medium-sized
businesses and governmental and educational entities. MEI
6
markets its PC systems primarily by strategically placing advertisements in
personal computer trade publications, submitting its products for review and
evaluation by these publications and advertising its products on its home page
on the Internet. MEI also markets its PC systems through direct-mail campaigns
and sells a limited number of PCs through its three factory outlet stores
located in Idaho, Minnesota and Utah. In addition, MEI sells its PC systems
through strategic relationships with third parties having large government
procurement contracts. Pricing and terms for such procurement contracts are
generally subject to renegotiation or termination by third parties and
governmental entities.
By focusing on the direct sales channel, MEI can avoid dealer markups
typically experienced in the retail sales channel, limit inventory carrying
costs and maintain closer contact with its target markets. Consumers seeking
high performance systems at competitive prices have historically referenced
computer trade magazines, and more recently have begun utilizing information
available on the Internet, to evaluate systems and configurations best suited
to their particular needs. MEI believes that consumer interest in its PC
systems has grown significantly and brand name recognition and market
acceptance of MEI's products has increased partially as a result of the
receipt of awards from trade publications recognizing the price and
performance characteristics of Micron brand PC systems and MEI's service and
support functions. There can be no assurance that MEI's name recognition and
market acceptance of its PC systems will not decline in the future, which
could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of
operations. There can be no assurance that direct sales of PC systems as a
percentage of industry-wide PC sales will increase or that MEI will be able to
increase its share of the direct sales market in the future. There can also be
no assurance that PC companies that currently distribute their PC systems
primarily through distributors and resellers will not implement or devote
additional resources to a direct sales strategy, or that the direct sales
strategy will be successful in international markets. Any decline in the rate
of growth of the PC direct sales channel, or MEI's failure to compete
successfully in the direct sales channel, could have a material adverse effect
on MEI's business and results of operations. See "Item 7. Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Certain Factors--Personal Computer Systems--Reliance on the Direct Sales
Approach."
Direct sales orders are received primarily via telephone and facsimile. MEI
sales representatives assist customers in determining system configuration,
compatibility and current pricing. Customers generally order systems
configured with varying feature sets differentiated by microprocessor speed,
hard drive capacity, amount of memory, monitor size and resolution and bundled
software, as well as other features. MEI offers its customers a variety of
payment alternatives, including commercial trade terms, lease financing, cash
on delivery, its own private label credit card and other credit cards.
PRODUCT WARRANTIES AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
MEI believes that PC product warranties and technical support programs are
key factors in achieving desired levels of customer satisfaction. In November
1995, MEI introduced its Micron Power warranty, which it believes to be among
the most comprehensive in the industry. The key elements of MEI's PC product
warranties and technical support programs are as follows:
30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE AND MICRON POWER WARRANTY. Customers may
generally return products purchased from MEI within 30 days after shipment for
a full refund of the purchase price. MEI generally sells each system with the
Micron Power warranty, a five-year limited warranty on the microprocessor and
main memory and a three-year limited warranty on the remaining hardware. The
Micron Power warranty covers repair or replacement for defects in workmanship
or materials.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT. MEI offers its customers telephone access to free
technical support services (toll-free in the United States). MEI's technical
support and customer service representatives
7
respond to a variety of inquiries from customers, including questions
concerning MEI's product offerings, customer order status and post-
installation hardware and software issues. Many customer inquiries are
resolved over the telephone without the need to repair or replace system
components. When repairs are necessary, MEI may ship a replacement part and
advise customers via telephone regarding installation, or a customer may elect
to ship a system directly to MEI for repair. Technical support services are
also provided through MEI's home page on the Internet and through an
electronic bulletin board system. These services enable a customer to access
system-specific information and recent software updates for many of the
software programs and drivers included with MEI's systems. Customers have an
option to purchase on-site service from a third-party service provider.
In recent periods, MEI's PC operations have experienced significant growth
in orders for PC systems. MEI has from time to time experienced an increase in
the volume of customer service and technical support calls, which has placed,
and is expected to continue to place, a strain on MEI's customer service and
technical support resources. To be competitive, MEI must invest significant
resources in the maintenance and improvement of its customer service and
technical support functions. Any failure to maintain adequate customer service
and technical support functions could cause customer dissatisfaction with MEI.
Customer dissatisfaction could result in reduced sales of PC systems, which
could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of
operations. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors--Personal Computer
Systems--Investment in Customer Service and Technical Support Systems."
BACKLOG
Levels of unfilled orders for PC systems fluctuate depending upon component
availability, demand for certain products, the timing of large volume customer
orders and MEI's production schedules. Customers frequently change delivery
schedules and orders depending on market conditions and other reasons.
Unfilled orders can be canceled by the customers any time prior to shipment.
As of August 29, 1996, MEI had unfilled orders for PC systems of approximately
$63 million compared to $46 million as of August 31, 1995. MEI anticipates
that substantially all of the unfilled orders as of August 29, 1996, other
than those subsequently canceled, will be shipped within 45 days. Due to a
customer's ability to cancel or reschedule orders without penalty, industry
seasonality and customer buying patterns, unfilled orders may not be
representative of actual sales for any succeeding period. MEI's past operating
results have been, and its future operating results may be, subject to
seasonality and other fluctuations, on a quarterly and an annual basis, as a
result of a wide variety of factors. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors--
General--Fluctuations in Operating Results."
COMPETITION
The PC industry is highly competitive and has been characterized by intense
pricing pressure, rapid technological advances in hardware and software,
frequent introduction of new products, low gross margin percentages and
rapidly declining component costs. Competition in the PC industry is based
primarily upon performance, price, reliability, service and support. MEI
believes that the rate of growth in worldwide sales of PC systems,
particularly in the United States, where MEI sells a substantial majority of
its PC systems, has declined and may remain below the growth rates experienced
in recent years. Any general decline in demand, or a decline in the rate of
increase of demand, for PC systems could increase price competition and could
have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations. To
remain competitive, MEI must frequently introduce new
8
products and price its products and offer customers lead times comparable to
its competitors. In addition, to remain competitive, MEI generally reduces the
selling prices of its PC systems in connection with declines in its costs of
components. MEI competes with a number of PC manufacturers which sell their
products primarily through direct channels, including Dell Computer, Inc. and
Gateway 2000, Inc. MEI also competes with PC manufacturers, such as Apple
Computer, Inc., Compaq Computer Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company,
International Business Machines Corporation and Toshiba Corporation, among
others, which have traditionally sold their products through national and
regional distributors, dealers and value added resellers, retail stores and
direct sales forces. Many of MEI's PC competitors offer broader product lines,
have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources
than MEI and benefit from component volume purchasing arrangements that are
more favorable in terms of pricing and component availability than the
arrangements enjoyed by MEI. In addition, as a result of PC industry
standards, MEI and its competitors generally use many of the same components,
typically from the same set of suppliers, which limits MEI's ability to
technologically and functionally differentiate its products. In the future,
MEI expects to face increased competition in the U.S. direct sales market from
foreign PC suppliers and from indirect domestic suppliers of PC products that
decide to implement, or devote additional resources to, a direct sales
strategy. In order to gain an increased share of the U.S. PC direct sales
market, these competitors may effect a pricing strategy that is more
aggressive than the current pricing in the direct sales market. MEI's ability
to continue to produce competitively priced products and to maintain existing
gross margin percentages will depend, in large part, on MEI's ability to
sustain high levels of sales and contain and reduce manufacturing and
component costs. Any failure by MEI to transition to new products effectively
or to accurately forecast demand for its products may have a material adverse
effect on MEI's business and results of operations.
CONTRACT MANUFACTURING
PRODUCTS
MEI's wholly-owned subsidiary, Micron Custom Manufacturing Services, Inc.
("CMS"), is a contract manufacturer specializing in the assembly of custom
complex printed circuit boards, memory modules and system level products. CMS
establishes strategic relationships with OEM customers to provide turnkey
manufacturing and other related services for cost-effective solutions to their
manufacturing requirements.
The assembly of electronic products has become increasingly sophisticated
and complex and requires substantial capital investment. In response, many
OEMs are adopting manufacturing outsourcing strategies and relying on
manufacturing specialists to support their production needs. OEMs generally
use contract manufacturers to gain access to leading manufacturing expertise,
reduce time to market, enhance their financial flexibility and improve
inventory management. MEI's contract manufacturing operations consist of
assembling and testing complex printed circuit boards, memory modules and "box
build" final product assembly services. In addition to assembly and test
functions, MEI offers a broad range of manufacturing services, including
design lay-out and product engineering, materials procurement, turnkey and
consignment inventory management, quality assurance and just-in-time delivery.
MANUFACTURING AND MATERIALS
MEI uses numerous suppliers for the electronic components and materials,
including RAM components, used in its contract manufacturing operations. In
fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, MEI purchased approximately 27%, 41% and 58%,
respectively, of the full specification RAM components
9
used in its contract manufacturing operations from MTI. Such purchases are
made by MEI from MTI on a purchase order basis at negotiated prices, and no
long-term agreement exists between MEI and MTI for the supply of such
components. Shortages of certain types of electronic components, including RAM
components, have occurred in the past and may occur in the future. Component
shortages or price fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on MEI's
business and results of operations.
MEI procures its materials and components based on purchase orders received
and accepted from its customers while seeking to minimize its overall level of
inventory. However, MEI's contract manufacturing customers generally require
short delivery cycles and quick turnaround and a substantial portion of
contract manufacturing orders are scheduled for delivery within 90 days.
Although MEI obtains long-term product forecasts from certain of its OEM
customers, MEI generally does not have long-term purchase commitments from its
customers and periodically makes capital expenditures and other commitments
and may incur inventory costs based on anticipated orders. As MEI's OEM
customers react to variations in demand for their products due to, among other
things, product life cycles, competitive conditions or general economic
conditions, and adjust their manufacturing strategies accordingly, MEI is
exposed to the risk of its own non-cancelable purchase orders with its
suppliers and to market risks for raw materials, work in process and finished
goods. From time to time, anticipated orders from MEI's OEM customers have
failed to materialize, or delivery schedules have been deferred as a result of
changes in the customer's business, adversely affecting MEI's business and
results of operations. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors--Contract
Manufacturing--Fluctuations in OEM Orders."
Nearly all of the products manufactured by MEI's contract manufacturing
operations are assembled utilizing surface mount technology ("SMT"), whereby
the leads on integrated circuits and other electronic components are soldered
to the surface of printed circuit boards. SMT assembly requires expensive
capital equipment and a high level of process expertise. CMS has five single-
side SMT lines and two double-side, continuous flow SMT lines in its Boise,
Idaho facility, which are currently being relocated to CMS' new Nampa, Idaho
facility. In addition, CMS has four single-side SMT lines at its Durham, North
Carolina facility.
The Company's contract manufacturing operations perform automated in-circuit
and functional testing, and have the capability to perform environmental
stress testing as requested by customers. As the density and complexity of
electronic circuitry increases, MEI anticipates a need to invest in more
sophisticated automated test equipment and inspection systems that provide
both three dimensional and X-ray inspection of in-process and final products.
MEI also utilizes chip on board ("COB") technology in its manufacturing
processes. COB technology, including multi-chip module assembly, utilizes
unpackaged semiconductor die which are attached to a printed circuit board and
then sealed with epoxy. COB is well-suited for applications involving small
form factor and high lead count products. MEI also has the capability to
utilize ball grid array ("BGA") packaging technology in its assembly process.
This packaging technique utilizes an array of "solder balls" in a matrix
across the bottom of a component package as opposed to attaching leads around
the perimeter of the die. This emerging technology in packaging is typically
utilized for high pin count integrated circuits.
MARKETING AND SALES
MEI markets its contract manufacturing services through a direct sales force
that interfaces with independent sales representatives and OEMs. MEI's
contract manufacturing marketing effort is augmented by MTI's sales force,
which also markets MEI's services to MTI's customer base. MEI's contract
manufacturing marketing efforts also include participating in industry
conferences and publishing articles in trade journals.
10
PRODUCT WARRANTIES
MEI generally offers a 90-day warranty on the workmanship of its contract
manufacturing services. However, warranties are frequently negotiated with
each customer and may therefore be greater than or less than 90 days for any
given contract. Generally, a considerable amount of time and effort is
invested in the start-up phase of each project. As a result, MEI has not
typically experienced significant warranty claims for its contract
manufacturing services. However, there can be no assurance that MEI will not
experience significant future warranty claims with respect to its contract
manufacturing services.
BACKLOG
Backlog generally consists of purchase orders believed to be firm that are
expected to be filled within the next three months. Backlog for MEI's contract
manufacturing operations as of August 29, 1996 and August 31, 1995 was
approximately $52 million and $95 million, respectively. The primary reason
for the decline from August 31, 1995 to August 29, 1996 was the decline in
selling prices for semiconductor memory. Because of variations in the timing
of orders, delivery intervals, material availability, customer and product mix
and delivery schedules, among other reasons, MEI's contract manufacturing
backlog as of any particular date may not be representative of actual sales
for any succeeding period.
COMPETITION
The contract manufacturing industry is highly competitive. MEI competes
against numerous domestic and offshore contract manufacturers, including a
significant number of local and regional companies. In addition, MEI competes
against in-house manufacturing capabilities of certain of its existing
customers as well as with certain large computer manufacturers which also
offer third-party contract manufacturing services. MEI's contract
manufacturing competitors include, among others, Avex Electronics, Inc.,
Benchmark Electronics, Inc., Celestica Inc., DOVAtron International, Inc.,
Flextronics International, Group Technologies Corporation, Jabil Circuits,
Inc., Sanmina Corporation, SCI Systems, Inc. and Solectron Corporation. Many
of MEI's competitors have substantially greater manufacturing, financial and
marketing resources than MEI and have manufacturing operations at multiple
domestic and overseas locations.
MEI believes the significant competitive factors in contract manufacturing
include service, quality, price, technology, location and the ability to offer
flexible delivery schedules and deliver finished products on an expeditious
and timely basis in accordance with customers' expectations. MEI may be at a
disadvantage as to certain competitive factors when compared to manufacturers
with greater resources than MEI, substantial offshore facilities or
substantially larger domestic facilities. There can be no assurance that MEI
will compete successfully in the future with regard to these factors. In order
to remain competitive, MEI may be required to expand its contract
manufacturing capacity and may be required to establish additional
international operations. There can be no assurance that MEI will be
successful in expanding its contract manufacturing operations on a timely and
efficient basis. The failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on
MEI's business and results of operations. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain
Factors--Contract Manufacturing--Competition in the Contract Manufacturing
Industry."
COMPONENT RECOVERY
PRODUCTS
MEI's component recovery operations generally recover, assemble, test, grade
and market nonstandard RAM components. MEI seeks to maximize its return on
sales of nonstandard RAM
11
components and to develop custom applications for certain of these devices
with strategic OEM customers. By working with its customers to develop new
applications utilizing nonstandard RAM products, MEI is able to offer low cost
memory solutions and to increase assurance of component and product
compatibility for its OEM customers.
Nonstandard RAM components are semiconductor memory devices that do not meet
full industry specifications. MEI obtains nonstandard RAM components from
certain semiconductor memory manufacturers, generally tests and grades
components to their highest functional level and identifies applications in
which nonstandard RAM components offer a low-cost memory solution. MEI markets
nonstandard RAM components for a wide variety of applications such as PC
systems and peripherals, telephone answering machines, electronic games,
office equipment and cellular telephones.
Historically, a substantial majority of the nonstandard RAM components used
in MEI's component recovery operations has been obtained from MTI. In fiscal
1996, 1995 and 1994, MEI obtained approximately 61%, 89% and 98%,
respectively, of its nonstandard RAM components from MTI. Pursuant to its
arrangements with MEI, MTI has been and is required to deliver to MEI all of
the nonstandard RAM components produced at MTI's semiconductor memory
manufacturing operations. In fiscal 1996, MEI purchased a substantial majority
of the remainder of its nonstandard RAM components from a third-party
alternative single source. There can be no assurance that nonstandard RAM
components obtained from MTI or purchases of components from any alternative
sources will continue at quantities sufficient to sustain MEI's component
recovery operations at their existing or historic levels. MEI intends to
continue to pursue additional third-party sources of nonstandard RAM
components; however, there can be no assurance that significant additional
supplies will be obtained. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors--Component
Recovery--Dependence on Component Recovery Agreement with MTI."
MANUFACTURING AND MATERIALS
MEI's component recovery operations require a significant investment in
sophisticated testing hardware and software and expertise in semiconductor
memory products and manufacturing processes. The semiconductor memory
manufacturing process involves a highly complex series of steps performed to
create specific electronic features on silicon wafers. Recovery of nonstandard
RAM components within the semiconductor manufacturing process is generally
performed at two stages: the wafer probe stage and the test stage. The first
test of electrical functionality is performed in the semiconductor memory
manufacturing process at the wafer probe stage, where die not meeting certain
functionality or performance characteristics are segregated while those die
which potentially meet full performance specifications continue in the
manufacturing process to assembly and test. Although a majority of MEI's
nonstandard RAM components are identified for recovery by semiconductor memory
manufacturers during the test function, MEI maintains personnel in MTI's
semiconductor memory manufacturing facility to identify nonstandard die at the
wafer probe stage which may qualify for recovery. Once nonstandard die are
identified as recoverable at wafer probe, the die are assembled by MTI and
delivered to MEI for testing and grading.
Upon delivery to MEI, nonstandard RAM components are grouped according to
device and package type and staged for a specific sequence of electrical,
environmental and mechanical tests identified for that group. MEI's test and
product engineers develop the complex testing algorithms and procedures
necessary to recover nonstandard RAM components on a cost-effective basis. MEI
engineers also develop and implement proprietary software and hardware
modifications to automated test and handling equipment. Throughout the testing
process, nonstandard RAM components are graded in an effort to segregate less
functional nonstandard RAM components and to minimize additional testing with
respect to such components. The semiconductor manufacturers' markings are
removed during the recovery process and the devices are remarked with MEI's
SpecTek brand name or a specific customer's device marking. Test and product
engineers develop burn-in testing
12
procedures in order to increase assurance of reliability for devices being
produced. MEI strives to maintain close working relationships between its
component recovery engineering staff and its customers, and modifies its test
procedures and test specifications to ensure generally that nonstandard RAM
components properly address customer performance requirements. Once all
electrical and environmental testing is accomplished, the devices are
subjected to automated and human inspection in order to verify that the
devices meet mechanical and cosmetic specifications relating to package, mark
and device lead integrity.
Many semiconductor memory manufacturers are reluctant to sell nonstandard
RAM components because such components could compete with their full
specification RAM components for similar applications. In addition, some
manufacturers are concerned that subsequent testing performed by a component
recovery operation could reveal proprietary data regarding manufacturing
yields and processes. As a result, there can be no assurance that MEI will be
able to obtain nonstandard RAM components from semiconductor manufacturers in
quantities sufficient to meet demand for MEI's products. Any reduction in the
availability or functionality of nonstandard RAM components from MEI's
suppliers could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results
of operations. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors--Component Recovery--
Dependence on Component Recovery Agreement with MTI."
MARKETING AND SALES
MEI's nonstandard RAM components are marketed primarily to domestic
customers through MEI's direct sales force and to international customers
through manufacturing representatives. In fiscal 1996, MEI's component
recovery operations experienced significant growth in units and total megabits
shipped; however, net sales in fiscal 1996 were negatively impacted by a sharp
decline in the market price for semiconductor memory products. The market for
semiconductor memory historically has been volatile and has experienced
significant downturns characterized by diminished product demand, production
overcapacity and declines in average selling prices.
Pricing for MEI's nonstandard RAM products fluctuates, to a large degree,
based on industry-wide pricing for semiconductor memory products. During the
last three quarters of fiscal 1996, MEI experienced significant declines in
the average selling prices of its nonstandard RAM products as industry-wide
average selling prices for full specification semiconductor memory products
experienced a sharp decline. MEI believes such decline in average selling
prices of semiconductor memory products was due primarily to changes in the
balance of supply and demand for these commodity products, and MEI is unable
to predict the impact of semiconductor memory product market dynamics in
future periods. Further declines in industry-wide pricing for semiconductor
memory products would likely result in declines in average selling prices of
MEI's nonstandard RAM products, which could have a material adverse effect on
MEI's business and results of operations. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain
Factors--Component Recovery--Pricing of RAM Products."
PRODUCT WARRANTIES
MEI typically offers a 90-day limited warranty on nonstandard RAM
components. Longer warranties are offered only in special circumstances.
Although MEI's historical warranty claims with respect to nonstandard RAM
components have not been material, there can be no assurance that MEI will not
experience significant future warranty claims with respect to nonstandard RAM
components.
BACKLOG
MEI's component recovery customers generally do not order with long lead
times, and orders are frequently placed with a provision to renegotiate price
at or near the time of shipment. Therefore,
13
MEI does not believe any backlog of orders for its component recovery products
is firm or a reliable indication of actual sales for any succeeding period.
COMPETITION
The principal competitive factors in MEI's component recovery operations are
access to sources of nonstandard RAM components, testing capabilities,
nonstandard RAM component prices and applications engineering. The price of
nonstandard RAM components is directly influenced by the price of full
specification RAM components, and as higher density memory devices become more
prevalent, error correction technologies and solutions improve, semiconductor
memory manufacturers have sought ways to recover a portion of their
manufacturing costs through recovery of nonstandard RAM components. Certain
manufacturers have established internal capabilities and independent companies
are pursuing opportunities to recover, test and market nonstandard RAM
components. As more semiconductor memory manufacturers recover nonstandard RAM
components, the pressure on the remaining manufacturers may increase to
develop similar programs, whether internal or external, in order to generate
revenue for their nonstandard RAM components. In addition to supplying
nonstandard RAM components in the market, in-house component recovery
operations eliminate a potential source of supply to MEI. Upon termination or
expiration of the Component Recovery Agreement, MTI could develop its own
component recovery operation. The loss of a sourcing arrangement, particularly
MEI's arrangement with MTI, could have a material adverse effect on MEI's
business and results of operations. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors--
Component Recovery--Dependence on Component Recovery Agreement with MTI."
EXPORT SALES
MEI's export sales totaled approximately $181 million, $77 million and $26
million in fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Export sales are
denominated primarily in United States dollars.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
As of August 29, 1996, MEI held 19 United States patents and 10 non-U.S.
patents relating to the use of its products and processes. In addition, MEI is
the holder of a number of trademarks and registered trademarks.
It is common in the electronics industry for patent and trademark, as well
as other intellectual property right claims, to be asserted against companies,
including component suppliers and PC manufacturers. Periodically, MEI is made
aware that technology used by MEI may infringe on product and process
technology rights held by others. MEI has accrued a liability and charged
operations for the estimated costs of settlement or adjudication of asserted
and unasserted claims for alleged infringement prior to the balance sheet
date. MEI would be placed at a competitive disadvantage if it were unable to
obtain licenses with royalty payments or other terms at least as favorable as
those received by MEI's competitors. MEI has entered into several patent and
software license agreements, all of which require one-time or periodic royalty
payments. MEI is unable to predict whether any of these license agreements can
be obtained or renewed on terms acceptable to MEI. If MEI or its suppliers are
unable to obtain or provide licenses necessary to use protected technology or
software in their products or processes, MEI may be forced to market products
without certain technological features or software, discontinue sales of
certain of its products or defend legal actions taken against it relating to
patent or copyright protected technology. The inability of MEI to obtain
licenses necessary to use certain technology or its inability to obtain such
licenses on competitive terms, or any litigation determining that MEI's
manufacturing processes or products have infringed on the process or product
rights held by others could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business
and results of operations. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors--General--
Intellectual Property Matters."
14
MEI, as a majority-owned subsidiary of MTI, enjoys the benefits of certain
license agreements between MTI and third parties. MEI makes payments to MTI
relating to certain of such agreements, and MEI's rights under such agreements
may terminate in the event that MEI is no longer a majority-owned subsidiary
of MTI. In the event of any such termination, the inability of MEI to obtain
independently licenses necessary to use technology or its inability to obtain
licenses on competitive terms, or a finding of infringement against MEI, could
have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations. In
addition, MTI has allowed and is currently allowing MEI to use certain of
MTI's trademarks and patents, including the Micron brand name, although such
use by MEI has not been documented by a license agreement. There can be no
assurance that MEI will continue to be able to use such trademarks and patents
in the future, particularly if MEI ceases to be a majority-owned subsidiary of
MTI. MEI's inability to use such trademarks and patents in the future could
have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations.
MEI also relies on trade secret protection for its technology, in part through
confidentiality agreements with its employees, consultants and third parties.
There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be breached, that MEI
will have adequate remedies for any breach or that MEI's trade secrets will
not otherwise become known to or independently developed by others. In
addition, the laws of certain territories in which MEI's products are or may
be developed, manufactured or sold may not protect MEI's products and
intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United
States.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
MEI maintains a research and development operation which had approximately
30 employees as of August 29, 1996. This research and development group
focuses its efforts on PC systems, including: motherboards; core logic;
embedded PCs, such as those used in point of sale terminal and
telecommunication systems; PC BIOS development; and other PC-related products.
In addition to assisting MEI's PC operations and its suppliers to maximize the
performance of new technologies in the PC industry, MEI's research and
development operation performs contract design and engineering services. From
concept to completed product, MEI performs circuit and core logic design and
development and works with contract manufacturers to build the final product.
There can be no assurance that MEI will continue to have access to new
technology, be successful in incorporating such new technology in its products
or deliver commercial quantities of new products or features in a timely and
cost-effective manner. Research and development expenses for fiscal 1996, 1995
and 1994 were approximately $3,050,000, $1,893,000 and $561,000, respectively.
EMPLOYEES
As of August 29, 1996, MEI employed approximately 1,950 people in its PC
operations, 750 people in its contract manufacturing operations and 300 people
in its component recovery operations, nearly all of whom are located in the
United States, and none of whom are represented by a labor organization with
respect to their employment by MEI. MEI has never had an organized work
stoppage and considers its employee relations to be satisfactory.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
Some risks of costs and liabilities related to environmental matters are
inherent in MEI's business, as with many similar businesses, and MEI's
operations are subject to certain federal, state and local environmental
regulatory requirements relating to environmental and waste management. There
can be no assurance that material costs and liabilities will not be incurred
in maintaining or establishing compliance with current or future requirements.
MEI believes that its business is operated in compliance with applicable
environmental regulations, the violation of which could have a material
adverse effect on MEI. In the event of violation, these regulations provide
for civil and criminal fines, injunctions and other sanctions and, in certain
instances, allow third parties to sue to enforce compliance. In addition, new,
modified or more stringent requirements or enforcement policies could
15
be adopted that may adversely affect MEI's business and results of operations.
MEI periodically generates and handles limited amounts of materials that are
considered hazardous waste under applicable law. MEI contracts for the off-
site disposal of these materials. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Certain Factors--
Contract Manufacturing--Environmental Regulation."
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE REGISTRANT
The officers and directors of MEI and their ages as of September 30, 1996,
are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION
- ------------------------ --- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph M. Daltoso....... 34 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
Officer of MEI
T. Erik Oaas............ 43 Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of
MEI, Director
Gregory D. Stevenson.... 35 Executive Vice President, Operations of MEI, Director
Robert F. Subia......... 34 Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Micron Custom Manufacturing Services, Inc.
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of MEI),
Director
Jess Asla............... 34 Vice President, Operations of Micron Custom
Manufacturing Services, Inc. (a wholly-owned
subsidiary of MEI)
George A. Haneke........ 48 Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Nelson L. Hanks......... 43 Vice President, Purchasing
Dean A. Klein........... 39 Vice President, Chief Technical Officer
Brian C. Klene.......... 38 Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Gene P. Thomas, Jr. .... 35 Vice President, Marketing
Steven R. Appleton...... 36 Director
Jerry M. Hess........... 58 Director
Robert A. Lothrop....... 70 Director
John R. Simplot......... 87 Director
Joseph M. Daltoso served as MTI's Memory Applications Group Manager from May
1990 until April 1992, when he was named President and a director of former
Micron Custom Manufacturing Services, Inc., MCMS, then a wholly-owned
subsidiary of MTI ("MCMS"). In July 1992, Mr. Daltoso was named Chairman of
the Board of Directors of MCMS and, in August 1994, was also named Chief
Executive Officer of MCMS. At the effective time of the MEI Merger, Mr.
Daltoso was appointed Executive Vice President, Operations and a director of
MEI. He was named Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
of MEI on April 17, 1995.
T. Erik Oaas served as the Administration Manager of MTI's Memory
Applications Group from July 1988 to April 1992, and as the Administration
Manager of MCMS from April 1992 until July 1992, when he was named Vice
President, Finance and Treasurer, and a director of MCMS. At the effective
time of the MEI Merger, Mr. Oaas was appointed Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer, and a director of MEI.
Gregory D. Stevenson served as MTI's Partials Business Unit Manager from
April 1990 until April 1992. Mr. Stevenson joined MCMS as Component Recovery
Business Unit Manager. In July 1992, he was appointed Vice President,
Component Recovery of MCMS, and in September 1992, was also
appointed a director of MCMS. In August 1993, Mr. Stevenson was appointed Vice
President,
16
Operations of MCMS. At the effective time of the MEI Merger, Mr. Stevenson was
appointed Vice President, Nampa Operations and served in that position until
July 1995 when he was appointed Executive Vice President, Operations and a
director of MEI.
Robert F. Subia served as a Regional Sales Manager for MTI from 1989 until
February 1993. In February 1993, Mr. Subia joined MCMS as Director of Sales
and held this position until August 1994, when he was appointed Vice
President, Sales. On April 17, 1995, Mr. Subia was appointed Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Micron Custom Manufacturing Services,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of MEI ("CMS"). Mr. Subia was appointed a
director of MEI in October 1995.
Jess Asla served as the Process Engineer Manager for MTI's Memory
Applications Group from 1988 until July 1994, when he was named Director of
Engineering for MCMS. On April 17, 1995, Mr. Asla was appointed Vice
President, Operations of CMS.
George A. Haneke joined MTI in May 1988 and was named Accounting Manager in
1992. Mr. Haneke joined Micron Computer, Inc. as its Vice President, Finance,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer in September 1993 and served in this
position until the effective time of the MEI Merger. At the effective time of
the MEI Merger, Mr. Haneke was appointed Vice President, Chief Information
Officer of MEI.
Nelson L. Hanks served as a consultant for MTI from 1989 to 1991. In 1991,
Mr. Hanks was named Chief Executive Officer of Micron Europe Limited, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of MTI, and served in this position until 1993. From
1993 until the effective time of the MEI Merger, Mr. Hanks served as Special
Projects Manager for MTI. At the effective time of the MEI Merger, Mr. Hanks
was appointed Vice President, Purchasing.
Dean A. Klein was a co-founder of and also served as President of PC Tech,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of MEI, from its inception in 1984. After the
acquisition of PC Tech, Inc. by MEI in February 1992, Mr. Klein served as Vice
President, Research and Development of MEI and President of PC Tech, Inc. In
February 1996, Mr. Klein was named Vice President and Chief Technical Officer
of MEI.
Brian C. Klene joined MTI in January 1989 as Director, Sales and Marketing
of the Memory Applications Group and served in that position until July 1990
when he was named Regional Sales Manager for MTI. He served in that position
until January 1991 when he was named National Sales Manager of MTI. In July
1995, Mr. Klene joined MEI as Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
Gene P. Thomas, Jr. served in sales managerial roles with Polaroid
Corporation and CompuAdd Computer Corp. and was appointed Director of
Marketing for CompuAdd in 1993. Mr. Thomas joined Micron Computer, Inc. as
Director of Sales in March 1993 and was appointed Vice President, Sales and
Marketing in December 1993. At the effective time of the MEI Merger, Mr.
Thomas was appointed Vice President, Micron Computer Sales and Marketing, and
on July 31, 1995, was named Vice President, Marketing.
Steven R. Appleton joined MTI in February 1983 and has served in various
capacities with MTI and its subsidiaries, including overseeing MTI's
semiconductor operations as President and Chief Executive Officer of Micron
Semiconductor, Inc. (then a wholly-owned subsidiary of MTI) from July 1992 to
November 1994. Except for a nine day period in January 1996, since May 1994
Mr. Appleton has served as a member of MTI's Board of Directors and since
September 1994 Mr. Appleton has served as the Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of MTI.
17
Jerry M. Hess has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of J.M.
Hess Construction Company, Inc. since 1959. Mr. Hess has served on MTI's Board
of Directors since 1994. At the effective time of the MEI Merger, Mr. Hess was
appointed a director of MEI.
Robert A. Lothrop served as the Senior Vice President of the J.R. Simplot
Company, a food processing, fertilizer and agricultural chemicals
manufacturing company, from January 1986 until his retirement in January 1991.
Mr. Lothrop was elected to MTI's Board of Directors in 1986. In 1992, he was
elected to the Board of Directors of Micron Semiconductor, Inc. (then a
wholly-owned subsidiary of MTI) and resigned as a director of MTI. Mr. Lothrop
was re-elected to MTI's Board of Directors in 1994. At the effective time of
the MEI Merger, Mr. Lothrop was appointed a director of MEI.
John R. Simplot founded and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of
the J.R. Simplot Company prior to his retirement in April 1994. Mr. Simplot
currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of the J.R. Simplot Company. Mr. Simplot
has served on MTI's Board of Directors since 1980. At the effective time of
the MEI Merger, Mr. Simplot was appointed a director of MEI.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's corporate headquarters, PC manufacturing operations, a
majority of its contract manufacturing operations and component recovery
operations are based in a number of facilities aggregating approximately
577,000 square feet located in Nampa, Idaho. Approximately 136,000 square feet
of the Nampa facilities are dedicated to PC manufacturing, approximately
146,000 square feet are dedicated to contract manufacturing, approximately
40,000 square feet are dedicated to component recovery operations. The balance
of the Nampa facilities is dedicated to sales, technical support, customer
service, administrative functions and warehouse space.
The remainder of the Company's PC operations are located in an approximately
60,000 square foot leased facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated
primarily to sales, technical support and administrative functions.
The Company also occupies an approximately 61,000 square foot leased
facility in Durham, North Carolina, with approximately 43,000 square feet
dedicated to contract manufacturing.
Other leased facilities include three factory outlets in Boise, Idaho, the
Salt Lake City, Utah area and the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area and a
call center office located in Japan.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is a party to various legal actions arising out of the normal
course of business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. See "Item
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Certain Factors--Intellectual Property Matters."
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1996.
18
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
Micron Electronic, Inc.'s Common Stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "MUEI." On April 7, 1995, MCI and MCMS, then subsidiaries of
MTI, merged with and into ZEOS, and the surviving corporation's name was
changed to "Micron Electronics, Inc." Prior to April 7, 1995, MEI Common Stock
traded under the symbol "ZEOS." The following table shows for the periods
indicated the high and low sales prices for the common stock of MEI, as
reported by the Nasdaq National Market:
HIGH LOW
------- -------
1996:
4th quarter.............................................. $16.500 $ 8.750
3rd quarter.............................................. 17.125 9.000
2nd quarter.............................................. 15.250 9.250
1st quarter.............................................. 29.875 13.000
1995:
4th quarter.............................................. $20.125 $13.750
3rd quarter.............................................. 16.250 9.625
2nd quarter.............................................. 11.750 6.750
1st quarter.............................................. 8.125 2.750
HOLDERS OF RECORD
As of August 29, 1996, there were approximately 2,228 shareholders of record
of the Company's Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS
The Company did not declare or pay any cash dividends during fiscal 1996 or
fiscal 1995. Payment of cash dividends is currently limited by the terms of
the Company's credit agreement, dated July 3, 1996.
19
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
----------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Net sales.................... $ 1,764,920 $ 999,999 $ 412,938 $ 162,180 $ 63,692
Operating income............. 75,998 106,493 59,851 21,622 3,716
Net income................... 44,582 65,086 36,898 13,623 2,169
Earnings per share........... 0.48 0.74 0.45 0.17 0.03
Current assets............... 399,116 308,755 120,880 57,439 26,971
Working capital.............. 121,766 106,452 45,906 24,123 13,998
Total assets................. 529,933 382,716 151,739 70,289 36,848
Total debt (1)............... 21,297 6,823 7,845 9,327 10,713
Shareholders' equity......... 228,460 173,663 68,169 26,874 13,195
On April 7, 1995, MCI and MCMS, then subsidiaries of MTI, merged with and
into ZEOS, and the surviving corporation's name was changed to Micron
Electronics, Inc. A new basis of accounting, based on fair values, was
established for the assets and liabilities of ZEOS. Subsequent to the MEI
Merger, the Company's financial statements reflect the consolidated results of
operations, financial position and cash flows of MEI based on the new basis of
accounting for the assets and liabilities of ZEOS and the historical cost
bases for the assets and liabilities of MCI and MCMS. Prior to the MEI Merger,
the financial statements of the Company include only the combined results of
operations, financial position and cash flows of MCI and MCMS.
See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Certain Factors."
- --------
(1) Total debt includes all interest-bearing debt of the Company and
subsidiaries.
20
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion contains trend information and other forward-
looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. MEI's
actual results could differ materially from MEI's historical results of
operations and those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited
to, those identified in "Certain Factors."
OVERVIEW
Micron Electronics, Inc. ("MEI") develops, markets, manufactures, sells and
supports a range of memory-intensive, high performance desktop and notebook
personal computer ("PC") systems and network server products under the Micron
brand name. MEI's contract manufacturing operations specialize in the assembly
of custom complex printed circuit boards, memory modules and system level
products. MEI's component recovery operations recover, assemble, test, grade
and market nonstandard RAM products not meeting full industry standard
specification.
All yearly references are to MEI's fiscal years ended August 29, 1996,
August 31, 1995 and September 1, 1994, unless otherwise indicated. All tabular
dollar amounts are stated in thousands.
MEI's net income in 1996 was approximately $44.6 million, or $0.48 per
share, on net sales of approximately $1,764.9 million. Net sales in 1996
increased primarily as a result of significantly higher sales of PC systems
and higher contract manufacturing revenues, partially offset by lower
component recovery sales. MEI's gross margin percentage declined from
approximately 17.6% (on a pro forma basis) in 1995 to approximately 14.8% in
1996, primarily as a result of a significantly lower gross margin percentage
realized from the component recovery operations and, to a lesser extent, a
lower gross margin percentage realized from its contract manufacturing
operations. These effects were partially offset by a higher gross margin
percentage realized from sales of PC systems, as well as an increase in sales
of PC systems as a percentage of total net sales. The gross margin percentage
realized on net sales of PC systems increased in 1996 primarily as a result of
improved component costs, particularly for RAM products, and generally
improved PC inventory management. MEI's gross margin percentage in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 1996 benefitted from an adjustment of approximately $13.0
million relating to revisions of estimates for certain contingencies for
product and process technology costs. Absent this adjustment, MEI's gross
margin percentage in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996 would have been
approximately 17.9%. MEI believes that, as a result of continued pricing
pressure on PC systems and a slower rate of decline of, or an increase in,
component costs, particularly for RAM products, it may be unable to maintain
its gross margin percentage at this level in the foreseeable future.
MEI's past operating results have been, and its future operating results may
be, subject to seasonality and other fluctuations, on a quarterly and an
annual basis, as a result of a wide variety of factors, including, but not
limited to, critical component availability, the timing of new product
introductions by MEI and its competitors, fluctuating market pricing for
computer and semiconductor memory products, industry competition, fluctuating
component costs, inventory obsolescence, seasonal cycles common in the PC
industry, seasonal government purchasing cycles, the effect of product reviews
and industry awards, manufacturing and production constraints, changes in
product mix and the timing of orders from and shipments to OEM customers. As a
result, the operating results for any particular period are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may occur in any future period.
On April 7, 1995, Micron Computer, Inc. ("MCI") and former Micron Custom
Manufacturing Services, Inc. ("MCMS"), then subsidiaries of Micron Technology,
Inc. ("MTI"), merged with and into ZEOS International, Ltd. ("ZEOS"), and the
surviving corporation's name was changed to "Micron Electronics, Inc." (the
"MEI Merger"). A new basis of accounting, based on fair values, was
established for the assets and liabilities of ZEOS. Subsequent to the MEI
Merger, MEI's financial statements reflect
21
the consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows of
MEI based on the new basis of accounting for the assets and liabilities of ZEOS
and the historical cost bases for the assets and liabilities of MCI and MCMS.
Prior to the MEI Merger, the financial statements of MEI include only the
combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows of MCI and
MCMS.
MEI believes that discussion and analysis of MEI's results of operations on a
pro forma basis, which includes the results of operations of ZEOS prior to the
MEI Merger, provide a more meaningful comparison than discussion and analysis
of MEI's actual results of operations. The following discussion and analysis
present MEI's results of operations for 1996, compared to MEI's pro forma
results of operations for 1995 and 1994, as if the MEI Merger had occurred at
the beginning of 1994, giving effect to pro forma adjustments, including
amortization of goodwill, certain product and process technology costs and
related income tax effects. The pro forma information is provided for
illustrative purposes and is not necessarily indicative of the results of
operations that would have occurred if MCI and MCMS had merged with ZEOS at the
beginning of fiscal 1994, nor does it represent a forecast of results of
operations for any future period.
In February 1996, MEI adopted a plan to restructure its PC manufacturing
operations by discontinuing sales of its ZEOS brand PC systems and closing the
related manufacturing operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a result, MEI
recorded a restructuring charge of $29.2 million in 1996. Restructuring costs
of approximately $28.9 million incurred through August 29, 1996 include
approximately $14.5 million related to the disposition of inventory,
approximately $11.4 million for the write off of goodwill which resulted from
the MEI Merger, approximately $1.1 million related to other asset write downs,
approximately $0.6 million related to personnel costs and approximately $1.3
million related to other exit costs.
Certain reclassifications have been made in the following discussion and
analysis to present results of operations on a consistent basis.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
NET SALES
The following table summarizes MEI's net sales by product line:
1996 PRO FORMA 1995 PRO FORMA 1994
--------------------- --------------------- -------------------
AMOUNT % OF SALES AMOUNT % OF SALES AMOUNT % OF SALES
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ----------
PC systems.............. $1,252,492 71.0% $ 765,009 64.1% $366,640 56.3%
Contract manufacturing.. 373,622 21.2 188,145 15.8 117,278 18.0
Component recovery...... 138,806 7.8 240,176 20.1 167,065 25.7
---------- ----- ---------- ----- -------- -----
Total net sales......... $1,764,920 100.0% $1,193,330 100.0% $650,983 100.0%
========== ===== ========== ===== ======== =====
Net sales for 1996 were approximately 48% higher than in 1995, primarily due
to a significant increase in sales of PC systems and higher revenues from MEI's
contract manufacturing operations, partially offset by lower sales from MEI's
component recovery operations. Net sales for 1995 were approximately 83% higher
than in 1994, due to a significant increase in sales of PC systems and, to a
lesser extent, higher revenues from MEI's component recovery operations and
contract manufacturing operations.
PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS. Net sales of PC systems were significantly higher
in 1996 compared to 1995 primarily due to significantly higher unit sales of PC
systems and, to a lesser extent, higher average selling prices for such PC
systems. Unit sales of PC systems in 1996 were approximately 60% higher
compared to 1995 principally due to an increase in sales through the direct
channel resulting from increased name recognition and market acceptance of
MEI's Micron brand desktop PC systems and continued growth in the direct sales
channel. Increased sales to
22
governmental entities and increased sales of notebook systems also contributed
to higher overall unit sales. Increased name recognition and market acceptance
of MEI's Micron brand PC systems partially resulted from the receipt by MEI of
a number of awards from trade publications recognizing the price and
performance characteristics of Micron brand PC systems and MEI's service and
support functions. There can be no assurance that MEI's name recognition and
market acceptance of its PC products will not decline in the future, which
could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of
operations. See "Certain Factors--Personal Computer Systems--Reliance on the
Direct Sales Approach."
Sales to federal, state and local governmental entities increased as a
percentage of total net sales of PC systems in 1996 to approximately 16.3%
compared to 5.6% in 1995 and 5.7% in 1994. During 1996, MEI recorded sales of
approximately $74.8 million pursuant to two subcontract agreements with prime
contractors of the federal government under the PC-1 and Desktop V contracts.
MEI substantially discontinued shipments under the PC-1 contract in the second
quarter of fiscal 1996 and expects that it will make no future shipments
pursuant to the PC-1 contract. The balance of governmental sales in 1996 and
those in 1995 and 1994 were generally under the federal government's General
Services Administration Vendor program and through other direct sales. The
level of MEI's governmental sales is partially dependent on the buying
practices of governmental entities and MEI's success in being selected to
participate in government contracts in the future, of which there can be no
assurance. A significant decline in sales of PC systems pursuant to government
contracts could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of
operations.
Sales of notebook systems represented approximately 8.1% of total PC system
sales during 1996 compared to approximately 2.5% in 1995 and 5.5% in 1994. MEI
experienced an increase in sales of its notebook products in 1996 as a result
of the introduction in the third quarter of fiscal 1996 of the Millennia
TransPort, MEI's modular design multimedia notebook product. The decline of
notebook sales as a percent of total PC system sales in 1995 compared to 1994
was primarily due to the significant increase in desktop PC systems sold in
1995.
Average selling prices for MEI's PC systems increased in 1996 compared to
1995 primarily as a result of the completion of the transition in product mix
toward relatively higher priced Pentium and Pentium Pro microprocessor based
systems and customer preferences for more richly configured PC systems with
components featuring the latest developments in PC-related technology. In
addition, during 1996, MEI experienced higher unit sales of notebook products,
which generally have significantly higher average selling prices compared to
MEI's overall average selling price for PC systems. MEI's average selling price
for PC systems declined approximately 6% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996
compared to the third quarter of fiscal 1996, primarily as a result of general
price reductions for desktop systems and an increase in volume of lower priced
PC systems sold under the Desktop V contract.
In the second quarter of fiscal 1996, MEI decided to discontinue the
manufacture and sale of ZEOS brand PC systems and to close the related
manufacturing operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a percentage of total PC
system sales, sales of ZEOS brand PC systems represented approximately 7.0% in
1996 compared to 38.5% in 1995 and 65.8% in 1994.
Sales of PC systems in 1995 increased approximately 109% compared to 1994. In
1995 and 1994, sales of desktop systems constituted approximately 97.5% and
94.5%, respectively, of total PC system sales. The increase in sales of desktop
PC systems in 1995 was due to a significant increase in sales of Micron brand
PC systems resulting from an increase in name recognition and market
acceptance. Slightly higher overall average selling prices of PC systems in
1995 compared to 1994 resulted principally from a shift, beginning in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1994, within the desktop PC product lines from
Intel486 microprocessor based systems to relatively higher priced Pentium
microprocessor based systems. The effect of this shift in product mix was
offset in part by continued competitive pricing pressure.
23
CONTRACT MANUFACTURING. Revenues from MEI's contract manufacturing
operations were approximately 99% higher in 1996 than in 1995; however,
quarterly revenues declined sequentially in 1996 from the second quarter
through the fourth quarter. The increase in 1996 revenue compared to 1995 was
primarily due to the utilization of increased manufacturing capacity and a
higher percentage of turnkey, as opposed to consignment, memory module
assembly services. Increased capacity was obtained through the acquisition and
utilization of additional manufacturing equipment and the upgrade of existing
manufacturing equipment at MEI's Boise, Idaho and Durham, North Carolina
facilities. Contract manufacturing revenues in the last three quarters of
fiscal 1996 were adversely impacted by an industry-wide decline in pricing for
semiconductor memory products.
Contract manufacturing revenues were higher in 1995 compared to 1994,
primarily due to increased manufacturing capacity obtained through the
addition of a new surface mount technology ("SMT") line at MEI's Boise
facility and the upgrade of MEI's existing production lines. Additionally, two
SMT lines were installed at MEI's Durham, North Carolina facility which became
fully operational in June 1995.
MEI continues to rely on a relatively small number of customers for a
significant portion of its contract manufacturing business. As a percent of
total contract manufacturing revenue for 1996, revenues from MEI's top five
contract manufacturing customers, including MTI, were approximately 69%,
compared to approximately 58% and 63% in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Revenues, directly or indirectly, from one customer represented approximately
36% of the revenues of MEI's contract manufacturing operations in 1996.
Contract manufacturing revenue from MTI was approximately 8%, 13% and 14% of
total contract manufacturing revenue in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
decrease in contract manufacturing revenues from MTI as a percentage of total
contract manufacturing revenues was principally due to a reduction in the
volume of memory module assembly services provided for MTI. See "Certain
Factors--Contract Manufacturing--Customer Concentration."
COMPONENT RECOVERY. Component recovery net sales were approximately 42%
lower in 1996 compared to 1995, primarily due to a significant decline in
sales of peripheral add-on memory modules, a significant decline in average
selling prices for RAM products and a generally lower grade of nonstandard RAM
components received from MTI, MEI's primary supplier. These effects were
partially offset by an increase in unit sales of nonstandard RAM products.
Sales of peripheral add-on memory modules represented approximately 47% of
total sales from MEI's component recovery operations for 1996 compared to
approximately 76% for 1995 and 84% in 1994, as MEI changed the focus of its
internal production and engineering resources in 1996 primarily to capacity
expansion and product development of nonstandard RAM products. The increase in
unit sales of nonstandard RAM products in 1996 compared to 1995 was primarily
due to the acquisition and utilization of additional test and burn-in
equipment and reduced component test times, both resulting in increased
throughput for substantially all nonstandard RAM products. MEI's component
recovery results of operations are influenced by a number of factors including
pricing for, and availability of, nonstandard RAM components. See "Certain
Factors--Component Recovery."
Component recovery net sales were higher in 1995 compared to 1994 as a
result of increases in both unit sales and overall average selling prices.
Unit sales increased approximately 62% in 1995, primarily due to increased
availability of nonstandard RAM components and increased production capacity
resulting primarily from the addition of new test and burn-in equipment.
Overall average selling prices increased approximately 50% in 1995, primarily
due to a shift in the product mix to higher priced, higher density nonstandard
RAM components.
Unit sales of peripheral add-on memory products declined slightly in 1995
compared to 1994, but the average memory density per module increased
approximately 56%. Overall average selling prices of peripheral add-on memory
products increased approximately 75% in 1995 compared to 1994, due largely to
the increase in the average memory density per module.
24
Historically, a substantial majority of the nonstandard RAM components used
in MEI's component recovery operations has been obtained from MTI. In 1996, MEI
obtained approximately 61% of its nonstandard RAM components from MTI, compared
to approximately 89% in 1995 and 98% in 1994. In 1996, a substantial majority
of the remainder of its nonstandard RAM components were purchased from a single
third-party alternative source. Purchases from this alternative source are
generally negotiated on a purchase order basis. There can be no assurance MEI
will be able to negotiate future purchases from this alternative source on
terms acceptable to MEI. Unless MEI is able to continue obtaining significant
quantities of nonstandard RAM components from alternative sources, MEI's
component recovery operations could be limited by the volume of nonstandard RAM
components supplied by MTI. Changes in MTI's semiconductor manufacturing
processes resulting in improvement of device yields and/or changes in the
nonstandard RAM product mix and specifications, or other changes or events at
MTI adversely affecting its overall manufacturing output, could adversely
affect the volume of nonstandard RAM components supplied by MTI. Any reduction
in the availability or functionality of nonstandard RAM components from MEI's
suppliers could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of
operations. See "Certain Factors--Component Recovery--Dependence on Component
Recovery Agreement with MTI."
GROSS MARGIN
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
1996 % CHANGE 1995 % CHANGE 1994
-------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Gross margin................... $261,185 24.6% $209,578 99.9% $104,839
as a % of net sales............ 14.8% 17.6% 16.1%
MEI's overall gross margin percentage declined to approximately 14.8% in 1996
from 17.6% in 1995. The decrease in gross margin percentage in 1996 compared to
1995 was primarily a result of a significantly lower gross margin percentage
realized from MEI's component recovery operations and, to a lesser extent, a
lower gross margin percentage realized from MEI's contract manufacturing
operations. These effects were partially offset by a higher gross margin
percentage realized from MEI's PC operations.
MEI's overall gross margin percentage was higher in 1995 compared to 1994
principally due to the adjustment in 1994 of approximately $5.7 million
relating to the write down of certain ZEOS brand PC inventories. Absent the
effect of this adjustment, MEI's gross margin percentage increased slightly in
1995 compared to 1994, reflecting the favorable effect of a higher gross margin
percentage realized in MEI's component recovery operations, offset in part by
an increase in sales of PC systems as a percentage of total net sales.
PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS. The gross margin amount provided by MEI's PC
operations in 1996 increased approximately 120% compared to 1995 principally
due to the higher level of net sales of PC systems and a generally higher gross
margin percentage realized on such sales. The gross margin percentage for sales
of MEI's PC systems increased in 1996 compared to 1995 primarily as a result of
improved component costs, particularly for RAM products, and generally improved
inventory management. MEI's cost of RAM products, which represents a
significant portion of total PC component costs, decreased significantly during
the last three quarters of fiscal 1996. There can be no assurance that MEI's
future cost of components will decrease at rates comparable to those in recent
periods, or at all, or that MEI's selling prices for its PC systems will not
decrease at a rate faster than the decline in its component costs. In addition,
increased sales of MEI's notebook products favorably affected MEI's gross
margin percentage for sales of PC systems. These systems generally have had
higher selling prices and gross margins compared to the balance of MEI's PC
systems. MEI continues to experience significant pressure on its gross margins
as a result of intense competition in the PC industry and consumer expectations
of more powerful PC systems at lower prices. In addition, MEI's gross margin
percentage will continue to depend in large part on its ability to effectively
manage its inventories of PC system components. See "Certain Factors--Personal
Computer Systems--
25
Competition in the PC Industry" and "Certain Factors--Personal Computer
Systems--Inventory Management."
MEI's gross margin from sales of PC systems in the fourth quarter of fiscal
1996 was favorably affected by an adjustment relating to revisions of estimates
for certain contingencies for product and process technology costs. In
September 1996, MEI entered into a license agreement and, through MTI, became
licensed under another agreement, each providing for the use of certain
technology in its PC operations. As a result, MEI believes that its charges for
product and process technology in future periods as a percent of net sales of
PC systems will approximate the rate experienced in fiscal 1996 after giving
effect to the fourth quarter adjustments. Future charges for product and
process technology may fluctuate, however, as a result of resolution of
asserted claims of infringement and claims that may be asserted in the future.
In addition, MEI's rights under such license agreement may terminate in the
event that MEI is no longer a majority-owned subsidiary of MTI. See "Certain
Factors--General--Intellectual Property Matters."
The increase in government sales in 1996, in particular those under federal
government procurement contracts, adversely affected MEI's overall PC gross
margin percentage, as these sales generally have lower gross margin percentages
than the balance of MEI's PC sales.
The gross margin on sales of PC systems in 1995 remained relatively stable
compared to 1994. MEI's gross margin percentage realized on sales of PC systems
in 1995 was adversely affected by continued intense pressure on pricing for PC
products. MEI's gross margin percentage realized on sales of PC systems in 1994
was negatively affected by the write down of certain ZEOS brand PC systems and
components.
CONTRACT MANUFACTURING. The gross margin percentage realized from MEI's
contract manufacturing operations decreased in 1996 compared to 1995, due
primarily to an increase in the percentage of total revenues derived from MEI's
turnkey memory module assembly services. Such assembly services generally have
a lower gross margin percentage than the balance of MEI's contract
manufacturing services.
COMPONENT RECOVERY. The gross margin percentage realized by MEI from its
component recovery operations declined significantly in 1996 compared to 1995,
primarily due to significantly lower average selling prices resulting from a
sharp industry-wide decline in market prices for semiconductor memory products.
Gross margins were also adversely affected by the increased purchases by MEI of
nonstandard RAM components from third-party suppliers relative to the amount of
components obtained from MTI under the Revenue Sharing Agreement. Under the
Revenue Sharing Agreement, MEI's costs of components were generally determined
at the time products were sold and were generally equal to one-half the price
realized from such sales. MEI entered into the Component Recovery Agreement
with MTI, dated as of August 14, 1996 and effective the first day of fiscal
year 1997, which replaces the Revenue Sharing Agreement. Under the Component
Recovery Agreement, MEI's costs of components will be generally determined as
one-half of the net operating income generated from sales of nonstandard RAM
products obtained from MTI. See "Certain Factors--Component Recovery--
Dependence on Component Recovery Agreement with MTI."
While overall gross margins on component recovery sales increased in 1995
over 1994, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, MTI's improved semiconductor
testing processes resulted in the shipment of a reduced amount of higher
functional nonstandard RAM components to MEI for recovery, thus reducing MEI's
average selling prices and gross margins for such products.
In the event that average selling prices for MEI's nonstandard RAM products
continue to decline, the gross margin percentage for MEI's component recovery
operation would decline further and overall results of operations could be
adversely affected. See "Certain Factors--Component Recovery--Pricing of RAM
Products."
26
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
1996 % CHANGE 1995 % CHANGE 1994
-------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Selling, general and adminis-
trative...................... $152,937 53.7% $99,524 60.5% $62,005
as a % of net sales........... 8.7% 8.3% 9.5%
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased in absolute
dollars, and as a percent of net sales, in 1996 compared to 1995 primarily due
to higher levels of personnel costs associated with the expanded PC
operations. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, MEI charged operations
with a $9.0 million accrual relating to revisions of estimates for selling
costs associated with sales of PC systems. Pro forma SG&A expenses in 1995 and
1994 included approximately $4.9 million for amortization of goodwill, as if
the MEI Merger had occurred at the beginning of 1994. SG&A expenses in 1996
included approximately $1.2 million of goodwill amortization, reflecting
charges prior to the write off of unamortized goodwill in connection with
MEI's restructuring charge in the second quarter of fiscal 1996.
SG&A expenses increased in 1995 compared to 1994, due primarily to higher
levels of personnel costs and, to a lesser extent, increased advertising costs
and credit card processing fees associated with MEI's increased level of net
sales of PC systems. As a percent of net sales, SG&A expenses decreased in
1995 compared to 1994 due to the relatively higher rate of growth of sales
over the same period.
INCOME TAX PROVISION
PRO FORMA PRO FORMA
1996 % CHANGE 1995 % CHANGE 1994
------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
Income tax provision.............. $35,055 (21.5)% $44,651 146.8% $18,090
The effective income tax rate was 44.0% in 1996 and 40.6% in 1995,
reflecting the federal statutory rate, the net effect of state taxes, the
effect of goodwill amortization and the write off during the second quarter of
1996 of approximately $11.4 million of nondeductible goodwill. Without giving
effect to nondeductible goodwill charges in 1996 totalling approximately $12.6
million, MEI's effective income tax rate would have been 38.0%. MEI's
effective income tax rate of 40.6% for 1995 was lower than the effective
income tax rate of 43.4% in 1994 due primarily to the decrease in the effect
on pretax income of nondeductible goodwill in 1995. Both the 1995 and 1994
rates reflect the federal statutory rate, the net effect of state taxes and
the effect of goodwill amortization. As of June 1996, MEI was not consolidated
with MTI for federal income tax purposes.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of August 29, 1996, MEI had cash and equivalents of $115.8 million,
representing an increase of $46.4 million compared to August 31, 1995.
Principal sources of liquidity in 1996 were cash flows from operations of
$117.8 million, borrowings under equipment financing arrangements of $17.8
million and proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $6.4
million. Principal uses of cash in 1996 were property, plant and equipment
expenditures of $90.1 million for expansion and capacity improvements of MEI's
manufacturing operations and repayment of MEI's long-term loan from MTI of
$6.7 million.
MEI has an unsecured revolving credit facility with MTI which provides for
borrowings of up to $80.0 million, based on MEI's tangible net worth. As of
August 29, 1996, MEI was eligible to borrow approximately $52.0 million under
the facility, but had no borrowings outstanding. In fiscal 1996, MEI
established an unsecured revolving credit facility with financial institutions
providing for borrowings of up to $40.0 million, based on the amount of MEI's
eligible receivables. As of August 29, 1996, MEI was eligible to borrow $40.0
million pursuant to this credit facility, but had no borrowings outstanding.
27
At August 29,1996, MEI had commitments of approximately $7.5 million for
capital expenditures for expansion and upgrade of facilities and equipment.
MEI anticipates making capital expenditures in fiscal 1997 in excess of $90.0
million. MEI has nearly completed construction of an approximately 200,000
square foot facility in Nampa, Idaho. This new facility is expected to provide
space for the transfer of MEI's Boise, Idaho contract manufacturing operations
and for certain sales and administrative functions of MEI's other operations
and will provide space for possible future expansion. In the third quarter of
fiscal 1996, MEI sold its Boise, Idaho contract manufacturing facility for
approximately $5.0 million.
MEI expects that its future working capital requirements will continue to
increase. MEI believes that currently available cash and equivalents, cash
flows from operations, MEI's current credit facilities and equipment
financings will be sufficient to fund its operations through fiscal 1997.
However, maintaining an adequate level of working capital through the end of
fiscal 1997 and thereafter will depend in large part on the success of MEI's
products in the marketplace and MEI's ability to control inventory levels,
component costs and other operating expenses. MEI may require additional
financing for growth opportunities, including any internal expansion that MEI
may undertake, expansion and capacity enhancements to additional sites, or
strategic acquisitions or partnerships. There can be no assurance that any
financings will be available on terms acceptable to MEI, if at all.
Due to MTI's ownership of approximately 79% of the outstanding shares of
common stock of MEI as of August 29, 1996, only a limited percentage of MEI's
common stock is traded in the public market, which limits the trading
liquidity of MEI's common stock and may limit MEI's ability to complete future
equity financings. In addition, the sales of substantial amounts of shares of
common stock of MEI currently held by MTI on the open market could adversely
affect the prevailing market prices of the common stock of MEI, which could
further limit MEI's ability to complete future equity financings. See "Certain
Factors--General--Concentration of Ownership of Common Stock of MEI."
CERTAIN FACTORS
In addition to factors discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-
K, the following are important factors which could cause actual results or
events to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking
statement made by or on behalf of MEI.
GENERAL
FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS
MEI's past operating results have been, and its future operating results may
be, subject to seasonality and other fluctuations, on a quarterly and an
annual basis, as a result of a wide variety of factors, including, but not
limited to, critical component availability, the timing of new product
introductions by MEI and its competitors, fluctuating market pricing for
computer and semiconductor memory products, industry competition, fluctuating
component costs, inventory obsolescence, seasonal cycles common in the PC
industry, seasonal government purchasing cycles, the effect of product reviews
and industry awards, manufacturing and production constraints, changes in
product mix and the timing of orders from and shipments to OEM customers. As a
result, the operating results for any particular period are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may occur in any future period.
MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH
In recent periods, MEI has experienced rapid revenue growth and an expansion
in the number of its employees, in the breadth and complexity of its
management, operating and financial information systems and in its geographic
scope of operations. This growth has resulted in new and increased
responsibilities for MEI's management and has placed, and continues to place,
significant demands upon MEI's management, operating and financial information
systems, technical support systems and
28
other resources. MEI continues to consider various expansion alternatives,
including expansion of facilities, acquisition of facilities in alternative
geographic regions and certain strategic relationships. There can be no
assurance that MEI's management resources, operating and financial information
systems, technical support systems and other resources will be adequate to
support MEI's existing or future operations. Any failure to effectively
monitor, implement or improve MEI's operational, financial, management and
technical support systems could have a material adverse effect on MEI's
business and results of operations.
CONTROL BY MTI
As of August 29, 1996, MTI owned approximately 79% of the outstanding common
stock of MEI. In addition, four of the eight directors of MEI are also
directors of MTI, including Steven R. Appleton, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of MTI. So long as MTI continues to own a majority of the
outstanding common stock of MEI, MTI has the ability to control the outcome of
matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors,
and generally has the ability to control the management and certain financial
and other affairs of MEI. Termination of certain of MEI's arrangements by MTI
or MTI's control in negotiating arrangements resulting in terms less favorable
to MEI could adversely affect MEI's business and results of operations. In the
event that MEI were to cease to be a majority-owned subsidiary of MTI, certain
of MEI's arrangements with MTI could terminate, which could have a material
adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS
It is common in the electronics industry for patent and trademark, as well
as other intellectual property right claims, to be asserted against companies,
including component suppliers and PC manufacturers. Periodically, MEI is made
aware that technology used by MEI may infringe on product and process
technology rights held by others. MEI has accrued a liability and charged
operations for the estimated costs of settlement or adjudication of asserted
and unasserted claims for alleged infringement prior to the balance sheet
date. MEI would be placed at a competitive disadvantage if it were unable to
obtain licenses with royalty payments or other terms at least as favorable as
those received by MEI's competitors. MEI has entered into several patent and
software license agreements, all of which require one-time or periodic royalty
payments. MEI is unable to predict whether any of these license agreements can
be obtained or renewed on terms acceptable to MEI. If MEI or its suppliers are
unable to obtain or provide licenses necessary to use protected technology or
software in their products or processes, MEI may be forced to market products
without certain technological features or software, discontinue sales of
certain of its products or to defend legal actions taken against it relating
to patent or copyright protected technology. The inability of MEI to obtain
licenses necessary to use certain technology, or MEI's inability to obtain
such licenses on competitive terms, or any litigation determining that MEI's
manufacturing processes or products have infringed on the process or product
rights held by others could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business
and results of operations.
MEI, as a majority-owned subsidiary of MTI, enjoys the benefits of certain
license agreements between MTI and third parties. MEI makes payments to MTI
relating to certain of such agreements, and MEI's rights under such agreements
may terminate in the event that MEI is no longer a majority-owned subsidiary
of MTI. In the event of any such termination, the inability of MEI to obtain
independently licenses necessary to use technology or its inability to obtain
licenses on competitive terms, or a finding of infringement against MEI could
have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations. In
addition, MTI has allowed and is currently allowing MEI to use certain of
MTI's trademarks and patents, including the Micron brand name, although such
use by MEI has not been documented by a license agreement. There can be no
assurance that MEI will continue to be able to use such trademarks and patents
in the future, particularly if MEI ceases to be a majority-owned subsidiary of
MTI. MEI's inability to use such trademarks and patents in the future could
have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations.
29
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
Approximately 10% of MEI's sales for the fiscal year ended August 29, 1996
were attributable to sales outside the United States, and MEI believes
international sales as a percentage of total MEI sales will increase in the
future, particularly for PC systems and contract manufacturing services. In
marketing its PC systems in foreign countries, MEI uses either direct selling
or indirect selling through distributors, depending on consumer preferences,
local infrastructure, language and marketing methods. MEI recently announced
its plan to establish a PC sales and technical support call center in Japan.
There can be no assurance that the establishment of this call center will not
have an adverse effect on MEI's current relationships with its Japanese
distributors. MEI is in the early stages of establishing a contract
manufacturing operation in Malaysia, and MEI continues to evaluate the
benefits and risks associated with overseas manufacturing for its PC and
contract manufacturing operations. There can be no assurance that the
establishment of the Japan and Malaysia operations or any other international
expansion will be successful, and any failure by MEI to achieve success in
international operations could materially and adversely affect MEI's business
and results of operations. MEI's international operations are subject to a
number of other risks, including, without limitation, fluctuations in the
value of currencies, export duties, import controls, trade barriers,
restrictions on funds transfer, greater difficulty in accounts receivable
collections, political and economic instability and compliance with foreign
laws.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
The future success of MEI will depend, in part, on its ability to attract
and retain key management and technical personnel. MEI has enhanced its
respective management and technical expertise by recruiting qualified
individuals who possess desired skill sets and experience in certain targeted
areas. There is competition for such personnel in the electronics industries,
and MEI's inability to attract and retain sufficient additional employees,
particularly in the areas of engineering, information technology and technical
support resources, could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and
results of operations. MEI does not currently maintain "key man" life
insurance with respect to any of its employees. There can be no assurance that
MEI will not lose key personnel or that the loss of any key personnel will not
have an adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations.
CONCENTRATION OF OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK OF MEI
Due to MTI's ownership of approximately 79% of the outstanding shares of
common stock of MEI, only a limited percentage of common stock of MEI is
traded in the public market, which limits the trading liquidity of the common
stock of MEI and may limit MEI's ability to complete future equity financings.
The sale of substantial amounts of shares of common stock of MEI currently
held by MTI on the open market could adversely affect the prevailing market
prices of common stock of MEI. MTI's ability to sell shares of common stock of
MEI is subject to volume and other restrictions pursuant to Rule 145
promulgated under the Securities Act.
VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
The trading prices of the common stock of MEI and the stock of other
companies primarily engaged in the PC industry have had a history of
significant volatility. The trading price of common stock of MEI is subject to
significant fluctuations due to general market conditions in the PC industry,
announcements of technological innovations or new commercial products by
competitors, component availability and pricing, the significant number of
shares of common stock of MEI eligible for future sale into the public market
or other factors. The stock market generally has experienced significant price
and volume fluctuations, and such fluctuations have impaired stock prices for
many high technology companies. These broad market fluctuations, as well as
general economic conditions and the financial performance of MEI, may
adversely affect the market price of common stock of MEI.
30
PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS
COMPETITION IN THE PC INDUSTRY
The PC industry is highly competitive and has been characterized by intense
pricing pressure, rapid technological advances in hardware and software,
frequent introduction of new products, low gross margin percentages and
rapidly declining component costs. Competition in the PC industry is based
primarily upon performance, price, reliability, service and support. MEI
believes that the rate of growth in worldwide sales of PC systems,
particularly in the United States, where MEI sells a substantial majority of
its PC systems, has declined and may remain below the growth rates experienced
in recent years. Any general decline in demand, or a decline in the rate of
increase of demand, for PC systems could increase price competition and could
have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations. To
remain competitive, MEI must frequently introduce new products and price its
products and offer customers lead times comparable to its competitors. In
addition, to remain competitive, MEI generally reduces the selling prices of
its PC systems in connection with declines in its costs of components. MEI
competes with a number of PC manufacturers which sell their products primarily
through direct channels, including Dell Computer, Inc. and Gateway 2000, Inc.
MEI also competes with PC manufacturers, such as Apple Computer, Inc., Compaq
Computer Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, International Business Machines
Corporation and Toshiba Corporation among others, which have traditionally
sold their products through national and regional distributors, dealers and
value added resellers, retail stores and direct sales forces. Many of MEI's PC
competitors offer broader product lines, have substantially greater financial,
technical, marketing and other resources than MEI and may benefit from
component volume purchasing arrangements that are more favorable in terms of
pricing and component availability than the arrangements enjoyed by MEI. In
addition, as a result of PC industry standards, MEI and its competitors
generally use many of the same components, typically from the same set of
suppliers, which limits MEI's ability to technologically and functionally
differentiate its products. In the future, MEI expects to face increased
competition in the U.S. direct sales market from foreign PC suppliers and from
indirect domestic suppliers of PC products that decide to implement, or devote
additional resources to, a direct sales strategy. In order to gain an
increased share of the U.S. PC direct sales market, these competitors may
effect a pricing strategy that is more aggressive than the current pricing in
the direct sales market. MEI's ability to continue to produce competitively
priced products and to maintain existing gross margin percentages will depend,
in large part, on MEI's ability to sustain high levels of sales, and control
inventory levels, component cost and other operating expenses. Any failure by
MEI to transition to new products effectively or to accurately forecast demand
for its products may adversely affect MEI's business and results of
operations.
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
MEI's ability to compete successfully in the PC market in the future will
depend in large part on its ability to effectively manage its inventories of
PC components. MEI's PC operations focus on the direct sale of assemble-to-
order PC systems that feature components incorporating the latest
technological developments in the PC industry. MEI has experienced in the
past, and could experience in the future, inventory obsolescence resulting
from, among other things, the fast pace of technological developments in the
PC industry and the short product life cycles of PC systems and components. In
addition, because high volumes of quality components are required for the
manufacture of MEI's PC systems, MEI has experienced in the past, and expects
to experience in the future, shortages and other supply constraints of key
components. Such shortages or supply constraints have in the past and could in
the future adversely affect MEI's ability to ship products on schedule or at
expected gross margins. To be successful in the future, MEI must accurately
anticipate demand for its products and obtain adequate supplies of components
to meet such demand. The failure of MEI to manage its inventories effectively
could result in inventory obsolescence, excess inventories, component
shortages and untimely shipment of products, any of which could have a
material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations.
31
SHORT PC PRODUCT LIFE CYCLES
To maintain a competitive position in the PC industry, MEI must introduce
new products and features that address the needs and preferences of customers
in its target markets. The PC industry is characterized by short product life
cycles resulting from rapid changes in technology and consumer preferences and
declining product prices. In fiscal 1996, MEI introduced numerous new products
and features. There can be no assurance that these products or features will
be successful, that the introduction of new products or features by MEI or its
competitors will not materially and adversely affect the sale of the existing
products of MEI or that MEI will be able to adapt to future changes in the PC
industry. MEI does not maintain traditional research and development groups.
Instead, MEI strives to work closely with PC component suppliers and other
technology developers to evaluate the latest developments in PC-related
technology. There can be no assurance that MEI will continue to have access to
new technology, will be successful in incorporating new technology in its
products or will be able to deliver commercial quantities of new products or
features in a timely and cost-effective manner.
DEPENDENCE ON KEY SOURCES OF SUPPLY
MEI purchases substantially all of its PC components and subassemblies from
suppliers on a purchase order basis and generally does not have long-term
supply arrangements with its suppliers. Certain components, subassemblies and
software included in MEI's PC systems are obtained from sole suppliers or a
limited number of suppliers. The microprocessors used in MEI's PC systems are
manufactured exclusively by Intel. From time to time, MEI has been unable to
obtain sufficient supply of the latest Intel microprocessors. In addition, MEI
currently purchases a significant majority of its motherboards from a single
source. A significant portion of the RAM components used in MEI's PC systems
are supplied by MTI, and MEI expects to continue to rely on MTI as its primary
source of RAM components. MEI focuses on providing PC systems that feature
components incorporating the latest technological developments in the PC
industry, which components are periodically in short supply and are available
from sole or a limited number of suppliers. As a result, MEI has experienced
in the past, and expects to experience in the future, shortages in the
components and subassemblies used in its PC systems. In recent weeks, MEI has
experienced, and continues to experience, difficulty in obtaining a sufficient
supply of certain Intel Pentium Pro microprocessors and certain disk drives.
MEI relies, to a certain extent, upon its suppliers' abilities to enhance
existing products in a timely and cost-effective manner, to develop new
products to meet changing customer needs and to respond to emerging standards
and other technological developments in the PC industry. MEI's reliance on a
limited number of suppliers and on a strategy of incorporating the latest
technological developments into its PC systems involves several risks,
including the possibility of shortages and/or increases in costs of
components, subassemblies and software, and risk of reduced control over
delivery schedules, which could have a material adverse effect on MEI's
business and results of operations.
MEI's Millennia TransPort notebook PC systems are currently assembled by a
single third-party manufacturer. This outsourcing arrangement and any future
outsourcing arrangements that MEI may enter into may reduce the direct control
MEI has over certain components and the assembly of such products. It is
uncertain what effect such limited control will have over the quality of the
products manufactured, MEI's ability to ship such products on a timely basis
or the flexibility of MEI to respond to changing market conditions. Moreover,
although arrangements with such manufacturers may contain provisions for
warranty obligations on the part of such manufacturers, MEI remains primarily
responsible to the consumer for warranty obligations. Any unanticipated
product defect or warranty obligation, whether pursuant to arrangements with
third-party manufacturers or otherwise, could adversely affect MEI's business
and results of operations.
STATE TAXATION
Several states have enacted legislation which would require out of state
direct marketers to collect and remit sales and use taxes based on certain
limited contacts with the state. Taxation authorities in certain states have,
from time to time, solicited information from MEI to determine whether MEI has
32
sufficient contacts with such states to require payment of sales and use taxes
on its PC systems sold to customers in those states. MEI could be required to
pay sales and use taxes and income and franchise taxes related to MEI's
operations in prior periods, which could have a material adverse effect on
MEI's business and results of operations. In addition, MEI may be increasing
its contacts and presence in various states as it pursues its business
strategies. As a result of its contacts, MEI may be required to collect and
remit sales and use taxes in the future, which could have a material adverse
effect MEI's business and results of operations.
RELIANCE ON THE DIRECT SALES APPROACH
MEI currently markets its PC systems directly to individuals, small and
medium-sized businesses and governmental and educational entities through
advertisements in personal computer trade
publications, direct-mail campaigns and on the Internet. Direct sales orders
are received primarily by telephone by MEI sales representatives who review
configuration options and pricing with the customer. The direct sales approach
may make it difficult for MEI to penetrate specific markets and may be less
appealing to first-time PC buyers than other sales channels. In addition,
MEI's ability to increase future sales of PC systems is dependent in part on
the growth of the direct sales channel. MEI believes that in order to retain
customer interest in its PC systems and brand name recognition of its
products, MEI must continue to offer products, services and support which are
recognized by trade publications for overall performance, price, reliability
and quality. There can be no assurance that MEI's name recognition and market
acceptance of its PC products will not decline in the future, which could have
a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations. There
can be no assurance that direct sales of PC systems as a percentage of
industry-wide PC sales will increase or that MEI will be able to increase its
share of the direct sales market in the future. There can also be no assurance
that PC companies that currently distribute their PC products primarily
through distributors and resellers will not implement or devote additional
resources to a direct sales strategy, or that the direct sales strategy will
be successful in international markets. Any decline in the rate of growth of
the PC direct sales channel, or MEI's failure to compete successfully in the
direct sales channel, could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business
and result of operations.
INVESTMENT IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS
In recent periods, MEI's PC operations have experienced significant growth
in orders for PC systems. MEI has from time to time experienced an increase in
the volume of customer service and technical support calls, which has placed,
and is expected to continue to place, a strain on MEI's customer service and
technical support systems. To be competitive, MEI must invest significant
resources in the maintenance and improvement of its customer service and
technical support systems. Any failure to maintain adequate customer service
and technical support systems could cause customer dissatisfaction with MEI.
Customer dissatisfaction could result in reduced sales of PC systems, which
could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of
operations.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF THE PC INDUSTRY
Prior to marketing its PC systems, MEI must receive certification that such
systems meet standards established by the Federal Communications Commission
and certain foreign agencies for radio frequency emissions. Any delay or
failure by MEI to obtain such certifications may delay or prevent MEI from
introducing new products on a timely basis, which could have a material
adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations. In addition, the
U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce, along with
similar foreign agencies in other jurisdictions, have promulgated certain
regulations that affect MEI's shipping, advertising and general operations.
Any failure by MEI to comply with such regulations could result in significant
penalties, fines or marketing restrictions, which in turn could have a
material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations.
33
CONTRACT MANUFACTURING
COMPETITION IN THE CONTRACT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY
The contract manufacturing industry is highly competitive. MEI's contract
manufacturing operations compete against numerous domestic and offshore
contract manufacturers, including a significant number of local and regional
companies. In addition, MEI competes against in-house manufacturing
capabilities of certain of its existing customers as well as with certain
large computer manufacturers which offer third-party contract manufacturing
services. MEI's contract manufacturing competitors include, among others, Avex
Electronics, Inc., Benchmark Electronics, Inc., Celestica Inc., DOVAtron
International, Inc., Flextronics International, Group Technologies
Corporation, Jabil Circuits,
Inc., Sanmina Corporation, SCI Systems, Inc. and Solectron Corporation. Many
of MEI's competitors have substantially greater manufacturing, technical,
financial, personnel, marketing and other resources than MEI and have
manufacturing operations at multiple domestic and overseas locations.
MEI believes that the significant competitive factors in the contract
manufacturing industry include service, quality, price, technology, location
and the ability to offer flexible delivery schedules and deliver finished
products on an expeditious and timely basis in accordance with customers'
expectations. MEI may be at a disadvantage as to certain competitive factors
when compared to manufacturers with greater resources than MEI, substantial
offshore facilities or substantially larger domestic facilities. There can be
no assurance that MEI's contract manufacturing operations will compete
successfully in the future with regard to these factors. In order to remain
competitive, MEI may be required to expand its contract manufacturing capacity
and may be required to establish additional international operations. There
can be no assurance that MEI will be successful in expanding its contract
manufacturing operations on a timely and efficient basis. The failure to do so
could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of
operations.
FLUCTUATIONS IN OEM ORDERS
MEI's contract manufacturing customers generally require short delivery
cycles and quick turnaround for contract manufacturing services. As MEI's OEM
customers react to variations in demand for their products and adjust their
purchase orders to MEI, MEI may be subject to non-cancelable purchase orders
with its suppliers and may recognize losses on write downs of inventories due
primarily to the specialized nature of certain custom components and declines
in market pricing of components. OEM order fluctuations and deferrals have had
an adverse effect on MEI's contract manufacturing operations in the past and
there can be no assurance that MEI will not experience such adverse effects in
the future.
CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
In 1996, MEI's five largest contract manufacturing customers accounted for
approximately 69% of the revenues from MEI's contract manufacturing
operations, compared to approximately 58% in 1995 and 63% in 1994. In
addition, sales, directly or indirectly, to one customer represented
approximately 36% of the revenues of MEI's contract manufacturing operations
in 1996. Revenues from MTI in 1996 accounted for approximately 8% of total
revenues from MEI's contract manufacturing operations, compared to
approximately 13% in 1995 and 14% in 1994. MEI has no long-term agreements
with any of its contract manufacturing customers which require such customers
to purchase contract manufacturing services from MEI. In recent periods,
direct and indirect sales to MEI's largest contract manufacturing customer
have declined materially, and MEI believes that its key contract manufacturing
customers will from time to time materially reduce their purchases of MEI's
contract manufacturing services in the future. Although MEI has in the past
been able to replace such business with increased business from new or
existing customers, there can be no assurance that MEI will obtain sufficient
alternative business on a timely basis, and the failure to obtain such
business could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of
operations.
34
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
MEI's contract manufacturing business is subject to a variety of
environmental regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge and disposal
of hazardous chemicals and waste water used during its manufacturing
processes. Any failure by MEI to comply with present and future environmental
regulations could subject it to liabilities or the suspension of production.
In addition, such regulations could restrict the ability of MEI's contract
manufacturing business to expand its facilities or could require MEI to
acquire costly equipment or incur other significant expenses any of which
could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of
operations.
COMPONENT RECOVERY
DEPENDENCE ON COMPONENT RECOVERY AGREEMENT WITH MTI
Historically, a substantial majority of the nonstandard random access memory
("RAM") components used in MEI's component recovery operations has been
obtained from MTI. MEI and MTI are parties to a Component Recovery Agreement,
effective as of August 30, 1996 (the "Component Recovery Agreement"). Under
the Component Recovery Agreement, MTI is required to deliver to MEI all of the
nonstandard RAM components produced at MTI's semiconductor manufacturing
operations, and MEI's cost of components generally will be determined as one-
half of the operating income generated from sales of nonstandard RAM products
supplied by MTI. There can be no assurance that MTI will continue to produce
adequate volumes of nonstandard RAM components to maintain MEI's component
recovery operation at its existing or historic levels. Termination or
renegotiation of the key terms of the Component Recovery Agreement could have
a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results of operations. Changes
in MTI's semiconductor manufacturing processes resulting in improvement of
device yields and/or changes in the nonstandard RAM product mix and
specifications, or other changes or events at MTI adversely affecting its
overall manufacturing output, could adversely affect the volume of nonstandard
RAM components supplied by MTI.
Many semiconductor memory manufacturers are reluctant to sell nonstandard
RAM components because such components could compete with their full
specification RAM components for similar applications. In addition, some
manufacturers are concerned that subsequent testing performed by a recovery
operation could reveal proprietary data regarding manufacturing yields and
processes. As a result, there can be no assurance that MEI will be able to
obtain nonstandard RAM components from semiconductor manufacturers in
quantities sufficient to meet demand for MEI's products. Any reduction in the
availability or functionality of nonstandard RAM components from MEI's
suppliers could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and results
of operations.
PRICING OF RAM PRODUCTS
Pricing for MEI's nonstandard RAM products fluctuates, to a large degree,
based on industry-wide pricing for semiconductor memory products. During the
last three quarters of fiscal 1996, MEI experienced significant declines in
the average selling prices of its nonstandard RAM products as industry-wide
average selling prices for full specification semiconductor memory products
experienced a sharp decline. MEI believes that such decline in average selling
prices of semiconductor memory products was due primarily to changes in the
balance of supply and demand for these commodity products, and MEI is unable
to predict the impact of semiconductor memory product market dynamics in
future periods. In recent periods, MEI has increased the amount of nonstandard
RAM components purchased from alternative third-party sources relative to the
amount of such components obtained from MTI. Due to increased market risk
associated with holding purchased nonstandard RAM products, MEI has
experienced in the past and may experience in the future losses from write
downs of nonstandard RAM component inventories in periods of declining prices.
Further declines in industry-wide pricing for semiconductor memory products
would likely result in declines in average selling prices of MEI's nonstandard
RAM products, which could have a material adverse effect on MEI's business and
results of operations.
35
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
----
Financial Statements:
Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended August 29, 1996, Au-
gust 31, 1995 and September 1, 1994.................................... 37
Balance Sheets as of August 29, 1996 and August 31, 1995................ 38
Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Fiscal Years Ended August 29,
1996,
August 31, 1995 and September 1, 1994.................................. 39
Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended August 29, 1996, Au-
gust 31, 1995 and September 1, 1994.................................... 40
Notes to Financial Statements........................................... 41
Report of Independent Accountants....................................... 51
Financial Statement Schedule:
Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Fiscal Years
Ended
August 29, 1996, August 31, 1995 and September 1, 1994................. 55
36
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
-------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995 SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
--------------- --------------- -----------------
Net sales................... $1,764,920 $999,999 $412,938
Cost of goods sold.......... 1,503,735 816,662 326,643
---------- -------- --------
Gross margin................ 261,185 183,337 86,295
Selling, general and admin-
istrative.................. 152,937 74,951 25,883
Research and development.... 3,050 1,893 561
Restructuring charge........ 29,200 -- --
---------- -------- --------
Operating income............ 75,998 106,493 59,851
Interest income, net........ 3,639 1,983 546
---------- -------- --------
Income before taxes......... 79,637 108,476 60,397
Income tax provision........ 35,055 43,390 23,499
---------- -------- --------
Net income.................. $ 44,582 $ 65,086 $ 36,898
========== ======== ========
Earnings per share.......... $ 0.48 $ 0.74 $ 0.45
Number of shares used in per
share calculation.......... 92,495 87,422 81,523
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
37
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PAR VALUE AMOUNTS)
AS OF
-------------------------------
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995
--------------- ---------------
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents...................... $115,839 $ 69,406
Receivables.................................... 176,547 128,744
Inventories.................................... 69,863 92,709
Deferred income taxes.......................... 35,014 16,086
Other current assets........................... 1,853 1,810
-------- --------
Total current assets......................... 399,116 308,755
Property, plant and equipment, net............. 129,192 58,254
Goodwill, net.................................. -- 12,612
Other assets................................... 1,625 3,095
-------- --------
Total assets................................. $529,933 $382,716
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.......... $247,044 $177,437
Accrued licenses and royalties................. 27,242 23,844
Current debt................................... 3,064 1,022
-------- --------
Total current liabilities.................... 277,350 202,303
Long-term debt................................. 18,233 5,801
Deferred income taxes.......................... 2,436 --
Other liabilities.............................. 3,454 949
-------- --------
Total liabilities............................ 301,473 209,053
-------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 150.0
million shares; issued and outstanding 92.5
million shares at August 29, 1996 and 91.4
million shares at August 31, 1995............. 925 914
Additional capital............................. 69,392 58,613
Retained earnings.............................. 158,143 114,136
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity................... 228,460 173,663
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity... $529,933 $382,716
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
38
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
------------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995 SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
---------------- ---------------- ------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
------ -------- ------ -------- -------- ---------
COMMON STOCK
MCI Class A:
Balance at beginning
of year.............. 988 $ 79 198 $ 79
Stock split........... -- -- 790 --
Purchase and retire-
ment of stock........ (16) (1) -- --
Merger transaction.... (972) (78) -- --
------ -------- ------- ---------
Balance at end of
year................. -- $ -- 988 $ 79
====== ======== ======= =========
MCI Class B:
Balance at beginning
of year.............. 470 $ 286 84 $ 88
Stock sold............ 7 67 45 221
Stock split........... -- -- 341 --
Purchase and retire-
ment of stock........ (90) (55) -- (23)
Merger transaction.... (387) (298) -- --
------ -------- ------- ---------
Balance at end of
year................. -- $ -- 470 $ 286
====== ======== ======= =========
MCMS:
Balance at beginning
of year.............. 1,849 $ 185 9 $ 1
Stock sold............ -- -- 258 26
Stock split........... -- -- 1,582 158
Merger transaction.... (1,849) (185) -- --
------ -------- ------- ---------
Balance at end of
year................. -- $ -- 1,849 $ 185
====== ======== ======= =========
MEI:
Balance at beginning
of year.............. 91,431 $ 914 -- $ --
Stock sold............ 136 1 -- --
Stock award........... 151 2 -- --
Purchase and retire-
ment of stock........ (238) (2) (16) --
Stock options......... 993 10 84 1
Merger transaction.... -- -- 91,363 913
------ -------- ------ --------
Balance at end of
year................. 92,473 $ 925 91,431 $ 914
====== ======== ====== ========
ADDITIONAL CAPITAL
Balance at beginning of
year................... $ 58,613 $ 14,662 $ 10,646
Stock sold.............. 1,283 -- 4,001
Stock award............. 1,298 -- --
Purchase and retirement
of stock............... (156) (11) --
Stock split............. -- -- (158)
Stock options........... 997 464 --
Tax effect of stock op-
tion and purchase
plans.................. 7,357 710 173
Merger transaction...... -- 42,788 --
-------- -------- ---------
Balance at end of year.. $ 69,392 $ 58,613 $ 14,662
======== ======== =========
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of
year................... $114,136 $ 52,957 $ 16,060
Purchase and retirement
of stock............... (575) (824) (1)
Merger transaction...... -- (3,083) --
Net income.............. 44,582 65,086 36,898
-------- -------- ---------
Balance at end of year.. $158,143 $114,136 $ 52,957
======== ======== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
39
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
-------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995 SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
--------------- --------------- -----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
Net income.................. $ 44,582 $ 65,086 $ 36,898
Adjustments to reconcile net
income to net cash from
operating activities:
Depreciation.............. 20,718 11,057 4,635
Amortization.............. 1,508 2,101 31
Restructuring charge...... 29,200 -- --
Changes in assets and
liabilities, net of
effects of restructuring
charge and merger
transaction:
Receivables............. (48,478) (56,049) (29,490)
Inventories............. 8,382 (34,052) (16,711)
Accounts payable and
accrued expenses....... 66,592 62,377 36,509
Accrued licenses and
royalties.............. 9,165 14,411 568
Deferred income taxes... (14,382) (3,634) (794)
Other................... 525 (942) (119)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by
operating activities....... 117,812 60,355 31,527
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
Expenditures for property,
plant and equipment........ (90,122) (39,585) (19,260)
Proceeds from sales of
property, plant and
equipment.................. 6,354 528 787
Purchases of held-to-
maturity investment
securities................. -- (3,165) (2,164)
Proceeds from maturities of
investment securities...... -- 5,400 --
Cash acquired in merger
transaction................ -- 14,060 --
Other....................... 21 (439) (63)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used for investing
activities................. (83,747) (23,201) (20,700)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings.... 42,770 -- --
Repayments of debt.......... (31,969) (1,022) (1,669)
Proceeds from issuance of
common stock............... 2,300 398 4,248
Purchase and retirement of
stock...................... (733) (891) (24)
Other....................... -- (1,281) (18)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used
for) financing activities.. 12,368 (2,796) 2,537
-------- -------- --------
Net increase in cash and
cash equivalents........... 46,433 34,358 13,364
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year.......... 69,406 35,048 21,684
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of year................ $115,839 $ 69,406 $ 35,048
======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
Income taxes paid........... $ 36,076 $ 45,277 $ 21,889
Interest paid, net of
amounts capitalized........ 253 412 416
Noncash investing and
financing activities:
Reclassification of
accrued licenses and
royalties to long-term
debt..................... 3,768 -- --
Assets acquired, net of
cash and liabilities
assumed, in merger
transaction.............. -- 25,998 --
Assets acquired in
exchange for debt........ -- -- 1,468
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
40
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(TABULAR DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BUSINESS: Micron Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, "MEI"
or "the Company") develop, market, manufacture, sell and support a range of
memory-intensive, high performance desktop and notebook PC systems and network
servers under the Micron brand name, and manufacture other electronic products
for a wide range of computing and digital applications. The Company markets
and sells its PC systems to individuals for home use, small to medium-sized
businesses and governmental and educational entities. MEI's wholly-owned
subsidiary, Micron Custom Manufacturing Services, Inc., is a contract
manufacturer specializing in the assembly of custom complex printed circuit
boards, memory modules and system level products. MEI's component recovery
operations recover, assemble, test, grade and market nonstandard random access
memory ("RAM") products not meeting full industry standard specifications. The
contract manufacturing and component recovery operations market and sell a
significant amount of products and services to original equipment
manufacturers in diverse areas of the electronics industry.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION: The financial statements include the accounts of
Micron Electronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company's fiscal year is
the 52 or 53 week period ending on the Thursday closest to August 31. As of
August 29, 1996, the Company was approximately 79% owned by Micron Technology,
Inc. ("MTI" or "Parent").
CERTAIN CONCENTRATIONS AND USE OF ESTIMATES: Certain components,
subassemblies and software included in the Company's PC systems are obtained
from sole suppliers or a limited number of suppliers. The Company relies, to a
certain extent, upon its suppliers' abilities to enhance existing products in
a timely and cost-effective manner, to develop new products to meet changing
customer needs and to respond to emerging standards and other technological
developments in the PC industry. The Company's reliance on a limited number of
suppliers involves several risks, including the possibility of shortages
and/or increases in costs of components and subassemblies, and the risk of
reduced control over delivery schedules.
The preparation of 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 assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reported periods. Although actual results could differ from those estimates,
management believes its estimates are reasonable.
REVENUE RECOGNITION: Revenue from product sales to customers is generally
recognized upon shipment. A provision for estimated sales returns is recorded
in the period in which the sales are recognized. The Company defers
recognition of sales to distributors with return privileges until the
distributors have sold the products.
EARNINGS PER SHARE: Earnings per share is computed using the weighted
average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding. Common
equivalent shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock
options and affect earnings per share when they have a dilutive effect. All
historical per share amounts have been restated to reflect stock splits and
the effect of the merger transaction (see "The MEI Merger").
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: Cash equivalents include highly liquid short-term
investments with original maturities of three months or less, readily
convertible to known amounts of cash. The amounts
41
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
reported as cash equivalents, receivables, other assets, accounts payable and
accrued expenses and debt are considered by the Company to be reasonable
approximations of their fair values, based on market information available to
management as of August 29, 1996. The use of different market assumptions and
estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair
value amounts. The reported fair values do not take into consideration
potential taxes or other expenses that would be incurred in an actual
settlement.
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration
of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investment
securities and trade accounts receivable. The Company invests its cash in
credit instruments of highly rated financial institutions and performs
periodic evaluations of the credit standing of these financial institutions.
The Company, by policy, limits the concentration of credit exposure by
restricting investments with any single obligor, instrument, or geographic
area. A concentration of credit risk may exist with respect to trade
receivables, as many of the Company's customers are affiliated with the
computer, telecommunications and office automation industries. The Company has
a large number of customers on which it performs ongoing credit evaluations
and generally does not require collateral from its customers. Historically,
the Company has not experienced significant losses related to receivables from
individual customers or groups of customers in any particular industry or
geographic area.
INVENTORIES: Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Property, plant and equipment are stated at
cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of 5 to 30 years for buildings and 2 to 5 years for
equipment.
PRODUCT AND PROCESS TECHNOLOGY: Costs related to the conceptual formulation
and design of products and processes are expensed as research and development.
Costs incurred to establish patents and acquire product and process technology
are capitalized. Capitalized costs are amortized using the straight-line
method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the technology, the
patent term, or the agreement, ranging up to 10 years.
ROYALTIES: The Company has royalty-bearing license agreements that allow it
to sell certain hardware and software and to use certain patented technology.
Royalty costs are accrued and included in cost of goods sold when the sale is
recognized.
ADVERTISING: Advertising costs are charged to operations as incurred.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: In March 1995, the Financial
Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." The Company has not
elected early adoption of SFAS 121 and intends to adopt the provisions of SFAS
121 in fiscal 1997. Adoption of SFAS 121 is not expected to have a material
effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation." The Company has not elected early adoption of SFAS 123 and
intends to adopt SFAS 123 in fiscal 1997. As permitted under SFAS 123, the
Company intends to continue to measure compensation expense for its stock-
based employee compensation plans using the intrinsic value method prescribed
by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees," and
42
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
provide pro forma disclosure of net income and earnings per share as a fair
value-based method had been applied in measuring compensation expense. As a
result, adoption of SFAS 123 is not expected to have a material effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain reclassifications have been made, none of which
affected results of operations, to present the financial statements on a
consistent basis.
THE MEI MERGER
On April 7, 1995, Micron Computer, Inc. ("MCI") and the former Micron Custom
Manufacturing Services, Inc. ("MCMS"), then subsidiaries of MTI, merged with
and into ZEOS International, Ltd. ("ZEOS") (the "MEI Merger"). Pursuant to the
terms of the MEI Merger, ZEOS issued approximately 82.5 million shares of its
common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of MCI and MCMS,
and the name of the surviving corporation was changed to Micron Electronics,
Inc. The MEI Merger resulted in a change of control of approximately 89% of
ZEOS wherein, assuming exercise of all options outstanding at the time of the
MEI Merger, (a) MTI owned an approximate 79% interest in the Company, and (b)
the other shareholders of MCI and MCMS owned an approximate 10% interest in
the Company. The MEI Merger was accounted for as a purchase of ZEOS by MCI and
MCMS. A new basis of accounting was established for the assets and liabilities
of ZEOS to the extent of the change of control. The new basis reflects the
allocation of the approximate $39.1 million basis to the ZEOS assets and
liabilities on the basis of their fair values. Goodwill of approximately $14.6
million was recorded to the extent the purchase price exceeded the fair value
of the identifiable net assets for which a change of control occurred.
Goodwill was being amortized on a straight line basis over three years and
accumulated amortization as of August 31, 1995 was approximately $2.0 million.
In the second quarter of fiscal 1996, the remaining goodwill was written off
in connection with a restructuring charge recorded by the Company (see
"Restructuring Charge").
The Company's fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the Thursday
closest to August 31, which was the fiscal year of MCI and MCMS. Subsequent to
the MEI Merger, the financial statements of the Company reflect the
consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows of MEI,
based on the new basis of accounting for the assets and liabilities of ZEOS
and the historical cost bases for the assets and liabilities of MCI and MCMS.
Prior to the MEI Merger, the financial statements of the Company include only
the combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows of MCI
and MCMS.
RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
In February 1996, the Company adopted a plan to discontinue the manufacture
and sale of ZEOS brand PC systems and to close the related manufacturing
operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a result, the Company recorded a
restructuring charge of $29.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 1996. In
the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company reduced the restructuring
charge by $0.3 million after concluding its restructuring activities had been
completed or were adequately provided for in the remaining restructuring
accrual. Restructuring costs of $28.9 million incurred through August 29, 1996
include approximately $14.5 million related to the disposition of inventory;
$11.4 million related to the write-off of goodwill which resulted from the MEI
Merger; $1.1 million related to other asset write-downs; $0.6 million related
to personnel costs for approximately 250 employees engaged in manufacturing,
purchasing, customer service, finance and administrative functions; and $1.3
million related to other exit costs.
43
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
INVESTMENT SECURITIES
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995
--------------- ---------------
Held-to-maturity investment securities, at am-
ortized cost:
Commercial paper............................ $ 30,437 $ 19,421
State and local government.................. 24,650 12,050
Bankers' acceptances........................ 11,976 5,966
Certificates of deposit..................... -- 1,030
U.S. Government agency...................... 7,813 1,000
-------- --------
74,876 39,467
Less cash equivalents......................... (74,876) (39,467)
-------- --------
Liquid investments............................ $ -- $ --
======== ========
RECEIVABLES
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995
--------------- ---------------
Trade receivables............................. $171,820 $126,040
Receivables from affiliates, net.............. 2,526 8,379
Income taxes recoverable from parent corpora-
tion......................................... 5,147 --
Other......................................... 7,363 1,070
Allowance for doubtful accounts............... (8,221) (5,458)
Allowance for returns and discounts........... (2,088) (1,287)
-------- --------
$176,547 $128,744
======== ========
INVENTORIES
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995
--------------- ---------------
Raw materials and supplies.................... $ 45,949 $ 65,684
Work in progress.............................. 13,239 19,367
Finished goods................................ 10,675 7,658
-------- --------
$ 69,863 $ 92,709
======== ========
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995
--------------- ---------------
Land.......................................... $ 1,639 $ 987
Buildings..................................... 17,647 15,643
Equipment..................................... 120,393 71,502
Construction in progress...................... 35,398 7,259
-------- --------
175,077 95,391
Less accumulated depreciation and amortiza-
tion......................................... (45,885) (37,137)
-------- --------
$129,192 $ 58,254
======== ========
44
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
During the third quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company purchased approximately
30 acres of land adjacent to its PC manufacturing operations from a director
of the Company and a third party for approximately $575,000.
In December 1993, the Company exchanged approximately 13 acres of land owned
by the Company for 13 acres of land owned by a director. Additionally, the
Company purchased approximately 17 acres of land for approximately $258,000
and obtained an option to purchase approximately 40 additional acres of real
property adjacent to its Nampa facility from this director.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995
--------------- ---------------
Trade accounts payable......................... $157,350 $ 99,065
Payable to affiliates.......................... 25,829 53,750
Salaries, wages and benefits................... 16,168 11,086
Income taxes payable........................... 14,526 --
Income taxes payable to parent corporation..... 1,300 4,686
Equipment contracts payable.................... 7,955 1,926
Accrued warranty............................... 7,905 2,758
Other.......................................... 16,011 4,166
-------- --------
$247,044 $177,437
======== ========
DEBT
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995
--------------- ---------------
Notes payable in periodic installments through
August, 2001 weighted average interest rate
7.52%......................................... $ 21,261 $ --
Notes payable to parent corporation............ -- 6,672
Other.......................................... 36 151
-------- --------
21,297 6,823
Less current portion........................... (3,064) (1,022)
-------- --------
$ 18,233 $ 5,801
======== ========
The Company has an unsecured revolving credit facility with MTI providing
for borrowings of up to $80 million, based on the Company's tangible net
worth. As of August 29, 1996, the Company was eligible to borrow approximately
$52 million under the facility, but had no borrowings outstanding.
The Company has an unsecured credit agreement with financial institutions
providing for borrowings of up to $40 million, based on the amount of the
Company's eligible receivables. As of August 29, 1996, the Company was
eligible to borrow $40 million pursuant to the agreement, but had no
borrowings outstanding. Under the agreement, the Company is subject to certain
financial and other covenants including certain financial ratios and
limitations on the amount of dividends declared or paid by the Company.
45
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Certain of the Company's notes payable are collateralized by equipment with
a total cost of approximately $17,583,000 and accumulated depreciation of
approximately $863,000 as of August 29, 1996.
Maturities of debt are as follows:
FISCAL YEAR NOTES PAYABLE OTHER
----------- ------------- -----
1997................................................ $ 3,044 $21
1998................................................ 5,175 17
1999................................................ 5,443 --
2000................................................ 3,849 --
2001................................................ 3,750 --
Less interest....................................... -- (2)
------- ---
$21,261 $36
======= ===
Interest income is net of $176,000, $426,000 and $430,000 of interest
expense in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Construction period interest of
$326,000, $119,000 and $34,000 was capitalized in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
STOCK PURCHASE AND INCENTIVE PLANS
The Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan provides for the granting of incentive
and nonstatutory stock options. As of August 29, 1996, there were 5,000,000
shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the plan. Exercise prices
of the incentive and nonstatutory stock options have been 100% and 85%,
respectively, of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the
date of grant. Options are granted subject to terms and conditions determined
by the Board of Directors, and generally are exercisable in increments of 20%
for each year of employment beginning one year from date of grant and
generally expire six years from date of grant. As of August 29, 1996, there
were options outstanding to purchase approximately 1,859,000 shares of common
stock at prices ranging from $8.89 to $23.83 of which options to purchase
approximately 121,000 shares of common stock were exercisable.
The Company's 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows eligible employees of
the Company to purchase shares of common stock through payroll deductions. The
shares can be purchased for 85% of the lower of the beginning or ending fair
market value of each six month offering period and are restricted from resale
for a period of one year from the date of purchase. Purchases are limited to
20% of an employee's eligible compensation. A total of 2,500,000 shares are
reserved for issuance under the plan, of which approximately 136,000 shares
had been issued as of August 29, 1996.
Granting of options under ZEOS' stock option plan was suspended after the
MEI Merger. During 1996 and subsequent to the MEI Merger in 1995, options to
purchase approximately 993,000 and 84,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, respectively, were exercised at per share prices ranging from $0.33 to
$17.00 and $2.63 to $8.50, respectively. As of August 29, 1996, options to
purchase approximately 49,000 shares of the Company's common stock were
outstanding under this plan, all of which were exercisable at per share prices
ranging from $2.63 to $10.75.
In December 1994, ZEOS awarded shares of its common stock to certain of its
employees subject to their continued employment as of January 1, 1996.
Compensation expense was recognized over the vesting period based upon the
fair market value of the stock at the date of award. To satisfy this award,
the Company issued approximately 151,000 shares of the Company's common stock
in January 1996.
46
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLAN
The Company has two 401(k) profit-sharing plans, the RAM Plan and the ZEOS
Plan, in which employees participate. Under the RAM Plan, which is
administered by MTI, employees may contribute from 2% to 16% of eligible pay
to various savings alternatives. In 1994, the RAM Plan was modified to provide
for an annual match by the Company of the first $1,500 of eligible employee
contributions and for additional contributions by the Company based on the
Company's financial performance. Effective September 1, 1995, the ZEOS Plan
was amended to match the provisions of the RAM Plan. The Company's expense
pursuant to these plans was approximately $3,051,000, $1,062,000 and $450,000
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
-------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995 SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
--------------- --------------- -----------------
Net sales................... $ 46,579 $ 32,417 $ 14,703
Inventory purchases......... 198,753 177,402 82,094
Revenue sharing and product
and process technology
expenses................... 49,645 72,889 42,655
Administrative services
expenses................... 1,680 917 554
Property, plant and
equipment purchases........ 574 5,647 2,805
Property, plant and
equipment sales............ 9 -- 506
Construction management
services................... 940 112 149
Revenue sharing expense is a component of cost of goods sold and reflects
expenses incurred under a revenue sharing agreement, wherein, for the
nonstandard semiconductor components supplied by MTI, the Company paid MTI an
amount equal to one-half of net sales to third parties and one-half of the
transfer price for products identified for internal use by the Company.
During the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company entered into a new component
recovery agreement with MTI, effective August 30, 1996 and expiring August
1999. The new agreement replaces the revenue sharing agreement. Pursuant to
the component recovery agreement, the Company generally will pay to MTI an
amount equal to one-half of the operating income from sales of nonstandard
semiconductor components supplied by MTI.
COMMITMENTS
As of August 29, 1996, the Company had commitments of $5.5 million for
equipment purchases and $2.0 million for construction of buildings. In
addition, the Company is required to make minimum royalty payments under
certain agreements and periodically enters into minimum purchase commitments
with certain suppliers.
The Company leases its office and production facilities in North Carolina,
its office facilities in Minneapolis, Minnesota and certain other property and
equipment, under operating lease agreements expiring through 2001, with
renewals thereafter at the option of the Company. Future minimum lease
payments total approximately $7,870,000 and are as follows: $1,999,000 in
1997, $1,989,000 in 1998, $1,770,000 in 1999, $1,646,000 in 2000 and $466,000
in 2001.
47
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Rental expense was approximately $2,405,000, $1,026,000 and $277,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
INCOME TAXES
The Company was included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return
of its Parent until June 1996, at which time the Company became a separate
taxpayer. For all periods presented, the provision for income taxes is
computed as if the Company were a separate taxpayer, and consists of the
following:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
-------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995 SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
--------------- --------------- -----------------
Current:
U.S. federal............. $44,128 $38,548 $19,586
State.................... 5,309 7,691 4,378
------- ------- -------
49,437 46,239 23,964
------- ------- -------
Deferred:
U.S. federal............. (11,923) (570) (83)
State.................... (2,459) (2,279) (382)
------- ------- -------
(14,382) (2,849) (465)
------- ------- -------
Income tax provision....... $35,055 $43,390 $23,499
======= ======= =======
The tax benefit associated with nonstatutory stock options and disqualifying
dispositions by employees of shares issued under the Company's and Parent's
stock plans reduced taxes payable by $7,357,000, $710,000 and $173,000 for
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Such benefits are credited to additional
capital.
A reconciliation between the income tax provision and income tax computed
using the federal statutory rate follows:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
-------------------------------------------------
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995 SEPTEMBER 1, 1994
--------------- --------------- -----------------
U.S. federal income tax at
statutory rate............. $27,873 $37,967 $21,140
State taxes, net of federal
benefit.................... 2,254 4,592 2,664
Goodwill.................... 4,935 776 --
Other....................... (7) 55 (305)
------- ------- -------
$35,055 $43,390 $23,499
======= ======= =======
48
MICRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes at enacted tax rates.
Deferred income tax assets totaled approximately $38,903,000 and $22,360,000
and liabilities totaled approximately $6,325,000 and $4,164,000 at August 29,
1996 and August 31, 1995, respectively. The tax effects of temporary
differences and carryforwards which give rise to the net deferred tax assets
are as follows:
AS OF
-------------------------------
AUGUST 29, 1996 AUGUST 31, 1995
--------------- ---------------
Current deferred tax asset:
Receivables............................... $ 3,217 $ 2,161
Inventories............................... 4,155 4,462
Accrued compensation...................... 4,928 812
Accrued licenses and royalties............ 9,107 4,029
Net operating loss carryforwards.......... 2,619 2,828
Accrued expenses.......................... 7,472 1,367
Other..................................... 3,516 427
------- -------
35,014 16,086
------- -------
Noncurrent deferred tax asset (liability):
Property, plant and equipment............. (2,093) (1,298)
Net operating loss carryforwards.......... 333 2,954
Accrued licenses and royalties............ 1,956 --
Other..................................... (2,632) 454
------- -------
(2,436) 2,110
------- -------
Total net deferred tax asset.............. $32,578 $18,196
======= =======
Deferred tax assets of approximately $15,247,000 were recorded in 1995 in
connection with the MEI Merger. Net operating loss carryforwards as of August
29, 1996 of approximately $7,787,000, available to offset future taxable
income, will begin to expire in 2006.
EXPORT SALES
Export sales were approximately $181,371,000, $76,686,000 and $25,957,000 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
CONTINGENCIES
Periodically, the Company is made aware that technology used by the Company
may infringe on product or process technology rights held by others. The
Company has accrued a liability and charged operations for the estimated costs
of settlement or adjudication of asserted and unasserted claims for alleged
infringement prior to the balance sheet date. Resolution of these claims could
have a material adverse effect on future results of operations and could
require changes in the Company's products or processes.
The Company is currently a party to various other legal actions arising out
of the normal course of business, none of which is expected to have a material
effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
49
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(UNAUDITED)
FOURTH THIRD SECOND FIRST
QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER QUARTER
-------- -------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER
SHARE AMOUNTS)
1996
Net sales............................... $457,401 $412,322 $456,619 $438,578
Gross margin............................ 94,892 58,571 49,010 58,712
Net income (loss)....................... 26,448 14,075 (12,556) 16,615
Earnings (loss) per share............... 0.29 0.15 (0.14) 0.18
1995
Net sales............................... $403,968 $271,477 $190,225 $134,329
Gross margin............................ 64,038 49,782 40,493 29,024
Net income.............................. 20,957 15,605 16,918 11,606
Earnings per share...................... 0.23 0.17 0.20 0.14
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company recorded certain
adjustments increasing pre-tax income by approximately $4.0 million, and net
income by approximately $2.5 million or $.03 per share. The adjustments
include a benefit to cost of goods sold of approximately $13.0 million related
to revisions of estimates for product and process technology costs and an
accrual, included in selling, general and administrative expense, of $9.0
million related to revisions of estimates for selling costs associated with
sales of PC systems.
In February 1996, the Company adopted a plan to discontinue the manufacture
and sale of ZEOS brand PC systems and to close the related manufacturing
operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a result, the Company recorded a
restructuring charge of $29.5 million (approximately $22.6 million, net of
taxes) in the second quarter of fiscal 1996. In the fourth quarter of fiscal
1996, the Company reduced the restructuring charge by $0.3 million after
concluding its restructuring activities had been completed or were adequately
provided for in the remaining restructuring accrual. See "Restructuring
Charge."
50
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Shareholders and Board of Directors Micron Electronics, Inc.
We have audited the financial statements and financial statement schedule of
Micron Electronics, Inc. listed in the index on page 36 of this Form 10-K.
These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Micron Electronics, Inc.,
as of August 29, 1996 and August 31, 1995, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August
29, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. In
addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above,
when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a
whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information required to
be included therein.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
Boise, Idaho
September 19, 1996
51
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Certain information concerning the Registrant's executive officers and
directors is included under the caption "Officers and Directors of the
Registrant" included in PART I, Item 1 of this report. Other information
required by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 will be contained in the registrant's
Proxy Statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days after August 29, 1996, and is incorporated herein
by reference.
52
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following are filed as a part of this report:
Financial statements and financial statement schedules--see "Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
2.1 Agreement of Merger, dated as of October 30, 1994, as amended by the
first amendment thereto, dated as of December 13, 1994, by and among
ZEOS, MCI and MCMS(1)
2.2 Articles of Merger, dated April 7, 1995, by and among ZEOS, MCI and
MCMS(2)
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Registrant, as amended(3)
3.2 Bylaws of the Registrant(4)
10.32 Voting Agreement, dated October 30, 1994, between ZEOS and Micron
Technology, Inc.(1)
10.35 1995 Stock Option Plan(5)
10.36 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan(5)
10.37 Executive Bonus Plan(5)
10.38 Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and its
officers and directors(6)
10.39 Form of Termination Agreement for officers of the Registrant(6)
10.40 Revolving Credit Facility between MTI and the Company(7)
10.41 Credit Agreement, dated July 3, 1996, between the Company and certain
financial institutions named therein
10.42 Component Recovery Agreement, dated August 14, 1996, between the
Company and Micron Technology, Inc.
11 Computation of Per Share Earnings
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23 Consent of Independent Accountants
27 Financial Data Schedule
- --------
(1) Incorporated by reference to Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
33-90212), as declared effective on March 13, 1995
(2) Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 7,
1995
(3) Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended April 1, 1995
(4) Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended September 30, 1992
(5) Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended June 1, 1995
(6) Incorporated by reference to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended August 31, 1995
(7) Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
quarter ended November 1, 1995
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
The registrant did not file any Reports on Form 8-K during the quarter
ended August 29, 1996.
Micron Electronics, Millennia, Millennia TransPort, Home MPC, ClientPro,
Pick-a-Point and SpecTek are trademarks of MEI, and ZEOS and Computers Now!
are registered trademarks of MEI. Micron Power is a service mark of the
Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
53
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
NAMPA, STATE OF IDAHO, ON THE 11TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1996.
Micron Electronics Inc.
/s/ T. Erik Oaas
_____________________________________
T. ERIK OAAS,
VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE, AND CHIEF
FINANCIAL OFFICER (PRINCIPAL
FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING OFFICER)
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS 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 NAMPA,
STATE OF IDAHO, ON THE 11TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1996.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Joseph M. Daltoso Chairman of the October 11, 1996
- ------------------------------------- Board, Chief
(JOSEPH M. DALTOSO) Executive Officer,
and President
(Principal
Executive Officer)
/s/ T. Erik Oaas Vice President, October 11, 1996
- ------------------------------------- Finance, and Chief
(T. ERIK OAAS) Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial and
Accounting
Officer), Director
/s/ Gregory D. Stevenson Executive Vice October 11, 1996
- ------------------------------------- President,
(GREGORY D. STEVENSON) Operations,
Director
/s/ Robert F. Subia Director; Chairman, October 11, 1996
- ------------------------------------- President and Chief
(ROBERT F. SUBIA) Executive Officer
of Micron Custom
Manufacturing
Services, Inc.
/s/ Steven R. Appleton Director October 11, 1996
- -------------------------------------
(STEVEN R. APPLETON)
/s/ Jerry M. Hess Director October 11, 1996
- -------------------------------------
(JERRY M. HESS)
/s/ Robert A. Lothrop Director October 11, 1996
- -------------------------------------
(ROBERT A. LOTHROP)
/s/ John R. Simplot Director October 11, 1996
- -------------------------------------
(JOHN R. SIMPLOT)
54