e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007
OR
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to .
Commission file number 000-27969
IMMERSION CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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94-3180138 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
801 Fox Lane, San Jose, California 95131
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(408) 467-1900
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer þ
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Non-accelerated filero |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Number
of shares of common stock outstanding at May 4, 2007: 25,997,715
IMMERSION CORPORATION
INDEX
2
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
IMMERSION CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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March 31, |
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December 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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ASSETS
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
137,586 |
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$ |
32,012 |
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Accounts receivable (net of allowances for doubtful accounts of: March 31, 2007 $72
and December 31, 2006 $139) |
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3,261 |
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5,153 |
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Inventories, net |
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3,287 |
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2,639 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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4,267 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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1,071 |
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1,179 |
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Total current assets |
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149,472 |
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40,983 |
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Property and equipment, net |
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1,597 |
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1,647 |
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Intangibles and other assets, net |
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8,758 |
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7,385 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
159,827 |
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$ |
50,015 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT)
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
1,352 |
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$ |
2,334 |
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Accrued compensation |
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1,673 |
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1,526 |
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Income taxes payable |
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11,035 |
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Other current liabilities |
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2,134 |
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1,750 |
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Deferred revenue and customer advances |
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4,819 |
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1,716 |
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Total current liabilities |
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21,013 |
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7,326 |
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Long-term debt, less current portion |
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18,280 |
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18,122 |
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Long-term deferred revenue, less current portion |
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12,200 |
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31,784 |
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Long-term customer advance from Microsoft |
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15,000 |
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Other long-term liabilities |
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783 |
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775 |
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Total liabilities |
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52,276 |
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73,007 |
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Contingencies (Note 15) |
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Stockholders equity (deficit): |
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Common stock and additional paid-in capital $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares
authorized; shares issued and outstanding: March 31, 2007 25,918,242 and
December 31, 2006 24,797,572 |
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118,618 |
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110,501 |
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Warrants |
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3,679 |
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3,686 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive income |
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67 |
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67 |
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Accumulated deficit |
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(14,813 |
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(137,246 |
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Total stockholders equity (deficit) |
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107,551 |
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(22,992 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity (deficit) |
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$ |
159,827 |
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$ |
50,015 |
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See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
IMMERSION CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Revenues: |
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Royalty and license |
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$ |
2,211 |
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$ |
1,910 |
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Product sales |
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3,590 |
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3,366 |
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Development contracts and other |
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613 |
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756 |
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Total revenues |
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6,414 |
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6,032 |
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Costs and expenses: |
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Cost of product sales (exclusive of amortization of intangibles
shown separately below) |
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1,543 |
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1,355 |
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Sales and marketing |
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2,703 |
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3,077 |
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Research and development |
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2,543 |
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1,729 |
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General and administrative |
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3,259 |
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2,811 |
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Amortization of intangibles |
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254 |
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210 |
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Litigation conclusions and patent license |
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(134,900 |
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(650 |
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Total costs and expenses |
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(124,598 |
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8,532 |
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Operating income (loss) |
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131,012 |
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(2,500 |
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Interest and other income |
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361 |
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103 |
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Interest expense |
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(406 |
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(407 |
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Income (loss) before provision for income taxes |
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130,967 |
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(2,804 |
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Provision for income taxes |
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(8,534 |
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(102 |
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Net income (loss) |
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$ |
122,433 |
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$ |
(2,906 |
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Basic net income (loss) per share |
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$ |
4.83 |
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$ |
(0.12 |
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Shares used in calculating basic net income (loss) per share |
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25,343 |
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24,419 |
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Diluted net income (loss) per share |
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$ |
4.13 |
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$ |
(0.12 |
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Shares used in calculating diluted net income (loss) per share |
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29,683 |
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24,419 |
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See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
IMMERSION CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended |
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March 31, |
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2007 |
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2006 |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net income (loss) |
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$ |
122,433 |
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$ |
(2,906 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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213 |
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168 |
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Amortization of intangibles |
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254 |
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210 |
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Stock-based compensation |
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634 |
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723 |
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Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |
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(2,940 |
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(16 |
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Interest expense accretion on 5% Convertible Debenture |
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158 |
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158 |
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Fair value adjustment of Put Option and Registration Rights |
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(1 |
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(5 |
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Loss on disposal of equipment |
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3 |
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Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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Accounts receivable |
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1,894 |
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884 |
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Inventories |
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(648 |
) |
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(6 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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(5,508 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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110 |
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53 |
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Accounts payable |
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(1,082 |
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(1,277 |
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Accrued compensation and other current liabilities |
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528 |
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231 |
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Income taxes payable |
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13,975 |
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Deferred revenue and customer advances |
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(31,481 |
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4,555 |
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Other long-term liabilities |
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10 |
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Net cash provided by operating activities |
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98,549 |
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2,775 |
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Cash flows used in investing activities: |
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Intangibles and other assets |
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(386 |
) |
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(280 |
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Purchases of property and equipment |
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(163 |
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(198 |
) |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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(549 |
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(478 |
) |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan |
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147 |
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126 |
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Exercise of stock options and warrants |
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4,389 |
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350 |
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Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation |
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2,940 |
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16 |
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Payments on notes payable and capital leases |
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(3 |
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
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7,476 |
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489 |
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Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents |
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98 |
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(12 |
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Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
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105,574 |
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2,774 |
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Cash and cash equivalents: |
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Beginning of the period |
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32,012 |
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28,171 |
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End of the period |
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$ |
137,586 |
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$ |
30,945 |
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Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
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Cash paid for taxes |
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$ |
10 |
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$ |
6 |
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Cash paid for interest |
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$ |
250 |
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$ |
254 |
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See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
IMMERSION CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of Business Immersion Corporation (the Company) was incorporated in 1993 in
California and reincorporated in Delaware in 1999 and develops, manufactures, licenses, and
supports a wide range of hardware and software technologies and products that enhance digital
devices with touch interaction.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Immersion Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All
intercompany accounts, transactions, and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim
financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and,
therefore, do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of
the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These condensed consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Companys audited consolidated
financial statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of only normal
recurring items necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of
operations for the interim periods have been included.
The results of operations for the interim periods ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with applicable accounting
standards, including Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition (SAB No.
104), Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with
Multiple Deliverables (EITF No. 00-21), and the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position (SOP) 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, as
amended. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has
occurred or service has been rendered, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is
probable. The Company derives its revenues from three principal sources: royalty and license fees,
product sales, and development contracts.
Royalty and license revenue The Company recognizes royalty and license revenue based on
royalty reports or related information received from the licensee as well as time-based licenses of
its intellectual property portfolio. Up-front payments under license agreements are deferred and
recognized as revenue based on either the royalty reports received or amortized over the license
period depending on the nature of the agreement. Advance payments under license agreements that
also require the Company to provide future services to the licensee are deferred and recognized
over the service period when vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) related to the value of
the services does not exist.
The Company generally recognizes revenue from its licensees under one or a combination of the
following models:
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License revenue model |
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Revenue recognition |
Perpetual license of intellectual
property portfolio based on per unit
royalties, no services contracted.
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Based on royalty reports received
from licensees. No further
obligations to licensee exist. |
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Time-based license of intellectual
property portfolio with up-front
payments and/or annual minimum
royalty requirements, no services
contracted. Licensees have certain
rights to updates to the intellectual
property portfolio during the
contract period.
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Based on straight-line amortization
of annual minimum/up-front payment
recognized over contract period or
annual minimum period. |
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Perpetual license of intellectual
property portfolio or technology
license along with contract for
development work.
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Based on cost-to-cost
percentage-of-completion accounting
method over the service period.
Obligation to licensee exists until
development work is complete. |
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License of software or technology, no
modification necessary, no services
contracted.
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Up-front revenue recognition based
on SOP 97-2 criteria or EITF No.
00-21, as applicable. |
6
Individual contracts may have characteristics that do not fall within a specific license model
or may have characteristics of a combination of license models. Under those circumstances, the
Company recognizes revenue in accordance with SAB No. 104, EITF No. 00-21, and SOP 97-2, as
amended, to guide the accounting treatment for each individual contract. See also the discussion
regarding Multiple element arrangements below. If the information received from the Companys
licensees regarding royalties is incorrect or inaccurate, the Companys revenues in future periods
may be adversely affected. To date, none of the information the Company has received from its
licensees has caused any material adjustment to period revenues.
Product sales The Company recognizes revenues from product sales when the product is
shipped, provided that collection is determined to be probable and no significant obligation
remains. The Company sells the majority of its products with warranties ranging from 3 to 24
months. The Company records the estimated warranty costs during the quarter the revenue is
recognized. Historically, warranty-related costs and related accruals have not been significant.
The Company offers a general right of return on the MicroScribe® product line for 14 days after
purchase. The Company recognizes revenue at the time of shipment of a MicroScribe digitizer and
provides an accrual for potential returns based on historical experience. The Company offers no
other general right of return on its products.
Development contracts and other revenue Development contracts and other revenue is comprised
of professional services (consulting services and/or development contracts), customer support, and
extended warranty contracts. Development contract revenues are recognized under the cost-to-cost
percentage-of-completion accounting method based on physical completion of the work to be
performed. Losses on contracts are recognized when determined. Revisions in estimates are reflected
in the period in which the conditions become known. Customer support and extended warranty contract
revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual period.
Multiple element arrangements The Company enters into revenue arrangements in which the
customer purchases a combination of patent, technology, and/or software licenses, products,
professional services, support, and extended warranties (multiple element arrangements). When VSOE
of fair value exists for all elements, the Company allocates revenue to each element based on the
relative fair value of each of the elements. The price charged when the element is sold separately
generally determines the fair value or VSOE.
The Companys revenue recognition policies are significant because the Companys revenues are
a key component of its results of operations. In addition, the Companys revenue recognition
policies determine the timing of certain expenses, such as commissions and royalties.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) issued Financial Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN
48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises
financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 109
Accounting for Income Taxes, (SFAS No. 109). FIN 48 prescribes a two-step process to determine
the amount of benefit to be recognized. First, the tax position must be evaluated to determine the
likelihood that it will be sustained upon examination. If the tax position is deemed
more-likely-than-not to be sustained, the tax position is then measured to determine the amount
of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest
amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN
48 resulted in no adjustment to beginning retained earnings as the Company had a full valuation
allowance on the deferred tax assets as of the adoption date. See Note 11.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, (SFAS No.
157). SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value by providing a standard
definition for fair value as it applies to assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157, which does not
require any new fair value measurements, clarifies the application of other accounting
pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The effective date for the Company
7
is January 1, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS No.
157 will have on its financial position and results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS No. 159). The new Statement allows entities to choose, at
specified election dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value in
situations in which they are not otherwise required to be measured at
fair value. If a company elects the fair value option for an eligible item, changes in that
items fair value in subsequent reporting periods must be recognized in current earnings. SFAS No.
159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to draw comparison between
entities that elect different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities. SFAS No.
159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted
subject to specific requirements outlined in the new Statement. The Company is currently evaluating
the effect that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on its financial position and results of
operations.
2. INVENTORIES
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|
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|
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March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Raw materials and subassemblies |
|
$ |
2,583 |
|
|
$ |
2,267 |
|
Work in process |
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
110 |
|
Finished goods |
|
|
583 |
|
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories, net |
|
$ |
3,287 |
|
|
$ |
2,639 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
March 31, |
|
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December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Computer equipment and purchased software |
|
$ |
3,034 |
|
|
$ |
2,980 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
2,907 |
|
|
|
2,817 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
1,282 |
|
|
|
1,280 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
832 |
|
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
8,055 |
|
|
|
7,901 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(6,458 |
) |
|
|
(6,254 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net |
|
$ |
1,597 |
|
|
$ |
1,647 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
4. INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Patents and technology |
|
$ |
13,385 |
|
|
$ |
13,011 |
|
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
1,241 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other assets |
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross intangibles and other assets |
|
|
14,731 |
|
|
|
13,116 |
|
Accumulated amortization of patents and technology |
|
|
(5,973 |
) |
|
|
(5,731 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangibles and other assets, net |
|
$ |
8,758 |
|
|
$ |
7,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets as of March 31, 2007 is
$937,000 in 2007, $830,000 in 2008, $827,000 in 2009, $756,000 in
2010, $714,000 in 2011, and $3.6
million thereafter.
5. COMPONENTS OF OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED REVENUE AND CUSTOMER ADVANCES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Accrued legal |
|
$ |
412 |
|
|
$ |
256 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
1,722 |
|
|
|
1,494 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other current liabilities |
|
$ |
2,134 |
|
|
$ |
1,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenue |
|
$ |
4,770 |
|
|
$ |
1,646 |
|
Customer advances |
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current deferred revenue and customer advances |
|
$ |
4,819 |
|
|
$ |
1,716 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenue at March 31, 2007 includes $3.0 million representing the current portion of
deferred revenue from Sony Computer Entertainment. See Note 10 for further discussion.
6. LONG-TERM DEBT
5% Senior Subordinated Convertible Debenture (5% Convertible Debenture) On December 23,
2004, the Company issued an aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million of 5% Convertible
Debentures. The 5% Convertible Debentures will mature on December 22, 2009. The amount payable at
maturity of each 5% Convertible Debenture is the initial principal plus all accrued but unpaid
interest thereon, to the extent such principal amount and interest have not been converted into
common shares or previously paid in cash. The Company cannot prepay the 5% Convertible Debenture
except as described below in Mandatory Conversion and Mandatory Redemption of 5% Convertible
Debentures at the Companys Option. Interest accrues daily on the principal amount of the 5%
Convertible Debenture at a rate of 5% per year and is payable on the last day of each calendar
quarter. Interest will cease to accrue on that portion of the 5% Convertible Debenture that is
converted or paid, including pursuant to conversion rights or rights of redemption. The holder of
a 5% Convertible Debenture has the right to convert the outstanding principal amount and accrued
and unpaid interest, in whole or in part, into the Companys common shares at a price of $7.0265
per common share, the Conversion Price. In the event of a change of control, a holder may require
the Company to redeem all or a portion of its 5% Convertible Debenture. This is referred to as the
Put Option. The redeemed portion shall be redeemed at a price equal to the redeemed amount
multiplied by 100% of the principal amount of the 5% Convertible Debenture. The Conversion Price
will be reduced in certain instances when the Company sells, or is deemed to have sold shares of
common stock at a price less than the applicable Conversion Price, including the issuance of
certain options, the issuance
9
of convertible securities, or the change in exercise price or rate of
conversion for options or convertible securities. The Conversion Price will be proportionately
adjusted if the Company subdivides (by stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or otherwise)
or combines (by combination, reverse stock split, or otherwise) one or more classes of its common
stock. So long as any 5% Convertible Debentures are outstanding, the Company will not, nor will
the Company permit any of its subsidiaries to directly or indirectly incur or guarantee, assume or
suffer to exist, any indebtedness other than permitted indebtedness under the 5% Convertible
Debenture agreement. If an event of default occurs, and is continuing with respect to any of the
Companys 5% Convertible Debentures, the holder may, at its option, require the Company to redeem
all or a portion of the 5% Convertible Debenture.
Mandatory Conversion and Mandatory Redemption of 5% Convertible Debentures at the Companys
Option If the daily volume-weighted average price of the Companys common shares is at or above
200% of the Conversion Price
for at least 20 consecutive trading days and certain other conditions are met, the Company has
the right to (i) require the holder of a 5% Convertible Debenture to convert the 5% Convertible
Debenture in whole, including interest, into shares of the Companys common stock at a price of
$7.0265 per common share, as may be adjusted under the debenture, as set forth and subject to the
conditions in the 5% Convertible Debenture, or (ii) redeem the 5% Convertible Debenture. If the
Company makes either of the foregoing elections with respect to any 5% Convertible Debenture, the
Company must make the same election with respect to all 5% Convertible Debentures.
Warrants On December 23, 2004, in connection with the issuance of the 5% Convertible
Debentures, the Company issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 426,951 shares of its common
stock at an exercise price of $7.0265. The warrants may be exercised at any time prior to 5:00 p.m.
Eastern time, on December 23, 2009. Any warrants not exercised prior to such time will expire.
The exercise price will be reduced in certain instances where shares of common stock are sold or
deemed to be sold at a price less than the applicable exercise price, including the issuance of
certain options, the issuance of convertible securities, or the change in exercise price or rate of
conversion for option or convertible securities. The exercise price will be proportionately
adjusted if the Company subdivides (by stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or otherwise)
or combines (by combination, reverse stock split, or otherwise) one or more classes of its common
stock.
Registration Rights On April 18, 2005, the Companys registration statement relating to the
5% Convertible Debentures and the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the debentures
and exercise of the warrants was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC). The Company expects to keep this registration statement effective until the earlier of
(i) such time as all of the shares covered by the prospectus have been disposed of pursuant to and
in accordance with the registration statement, or (ii) the date on which the shares may be sold
pursuant to Rule 144(k) of the Securities Act.
The Company incurred approximately $1.3 million in issuance costs and other expenses in
connection with the offering. This amount has been deferred and is being amortized to interest
expense over the term of the 5% Convertible Debenture. Additionally, the Company evaluated the
various instruments included in the agreements entered into on December 22, 2004 and allocated the
relative fair values to be as follows: warrants $1.7 million, Put Option $0.1 million,
Registration Rights $0.1 million, issuance costs $1.3 million, 5% Convertible Debenture $16.8
million. The 5% Convertible Debentures will be accreted to $20.0 million over their five-year
life, resulting in additional interest expense. The value of the warrants has been included in
Stockholders Equity (Deficit); the value of the Put Option and Registration Rights have been
recorded as a liability and are subject to future value adjustments; and the value of the 5%
Convertible Debentures has been recorded as long-term debt.
Annual maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2007 are $20.0 million due on December 23,
2009.
7. LONG-TERM DEFERRED REVENUE
On March 31, 2007, long-term deferred revenue was $12.2 million and included approximately
$8.5 million of deferred revenue from Sony Computer Entertainment. On December 31, 2006, long-term
deferred revenue was $31.8 million and included approximately $27.9 million of compulsory license
fees and interest from Sony Computer Entertainment pursuant to Court orders dated January 10 and
February 9, 2005. See Note 10 for further discussion.
8. LONG-TERM CUSTOMER ADVANCE FROM MICROSOFT
On July 25, 2003, the Company contemporaneously executed a series of agreements with Microsoft
Corporation (Microsoft) that (1) settled the Companys lawsuit against Microsoft, (2) granted
Microsoft a worldwide royalty-free, irrevocable license to the Companys portfolio of patents (the
License Agreement) in exchange for a payment of $19.9 million, (3) provided Microsoft with
sublicense rights to pursue certain license arrangements directly with third
10
parties including Sony
Computer Entertainment which, if consummated, would result in payments to the Company (the
Sublicense Rights), and conveyed to Microsoft the right to a payment of cash in the event of a
settlement within certain parameters of the Companys patent litigation against Sony Computer
Entertainment of America Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (the Participation Rights) in
exchange for a payment of $0.1 million, (4) issued Microsoft shares of the Companys Series A
Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred Stock) for a payment of $6.0 million,
and (5) granted the Company the right to sell up to $9.0 million of debentures to Microsoft under
the terms and conditions established in newly authorized 7% Debentures with annual draw down rights
over a 48-month period. The sublicense rights provided to Microsoft to contract directly with Sony
Computer Entertainment expired in July 2005. None of the 7% Debentures had been sold at March 31,
2007, and as of that date, none were available after the litigation with Sony Computer
Entertainment was concluded.
Under these agreements, in the event that the Company elects to settle the action in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of California entitled Immersion Corporation
v. Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Microsoft
Corporation, Case No. C02-00710 CW (WDB), as such action pertains to Sony Computer Entertainment,
the Company would be obligated to pay Microsoft a minimum of $15.0 million for amounts up to $100.0
million received from Sony Computer Entertainment on account of the Companys granting certain
rights, plus 25% of amounts over $100.0 million up to $150.0 million, and 17.5% of amounts over
$150.0 million. As of December 31, 2006, the Company reflected a liability of $15.0 million in its
financial statements, being the minimum amount the Company would be obliged to pay to Microsoft
upon a settlement with Sony Computer Entertainment.
In March 2007, the Company concluded its patent infringement litigation against Sony Computer
Entertainment at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Additionally, the Company and
Sony Computer Entertainment entered into a new business agreement to explore the inclusion of the
Companys technology in PlayStation format products. The Company has determined that the
conclusion of its litigation with Sony Computer Entertainment does not trigger any payment
obligations under its Microsoft agreements. Accordingly, the liability of $15.0 million that was in
the Companys financial statements at December 31, 2006 has been extinguished and the Company has
accounted for this sum as litigation conclusions and patent license income in the three months
ended March 31, 2007. See Note 15, Contingencies. As the patent infringement litigation with Sony
Computer Entertainment has concluded, the Companys right to sell 7% Debentures has expired.
9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of, and accounted for stock-based
compensation in accordance with, SFAS No. 123revised 2004, Share-Based Payment (SFAS No.
123R) which replaced SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123) and
supersedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees (APB No. 25). Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R,
stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award
and is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is
the vesting period. The valuation provisions of SFAS No. 123R apply to new grants and to grants
that were outstanding as of the effective date and are subsequently modified. Estimated
compensation for grants that were outstanding as of the effective date will be recognized over the
remaining service period using the compensation cost estimated for the SFAS No. 123 pro forma
disclosures. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company used the Black-Scholes-Merton
option-pricing model (Black-Scholes model), multi-option approach to determine the fair value of
stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares for pro forma disclosures.
Stock Options The Companys stock option program is a long-term retention program that is
intended to attract, retain, and provide incentives for talented employees, officers, and
directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. The Company considers its option
programs critical to its operation and productivity; essentially all of its employees participate.
Since inception, under the Companys stock option plans, the Company may grant options to purchase
up to 17,577,974 shares of its common stock to employees, directors, and consultants at prices not
less than the fair market value on the date of grant for incentive stock options and not less than
85% of fair market value on the date of grant for nonstatutory stock options. These options
generally vest over 4 years and expire 10 years from the date of grant. At March 31, 2007, options
to purchase 2,815,280 shares of common stock were available for grant, and options to purchase
7,389,467 shares of common stock were outstanding.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company has an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). Under
the ESPP, eligible employees may purchase common stock through payroll deductions at a purchase
price of 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the Companys stock at the beginning of the
offering period or the purchase date. Participants may not purchase more than 2,000 shares in a
six-month offering period or purchase stock having a value greater than
11
$25,000 in any calendar
year as measured at the beginning of the offering period. A total of 500,000 shares of common stock
are reserved for the issuance under the ESPP plus an automatic annual increase on January 1, 2001
and on each January 1 thereafter through January 1, 2010 by an amount equal to the lesser of
500,000 shares per year or a number of shares determined by the Board of Directors. As of March 31,
2007, 322,367 shares had been purchased under the ESPP. Under SFAS No. 123R, the ESPP is considered
a compensatory plan and the Company is required to recognize compensation cost for sales made under
the ESPP.
The Company did not modify its stock option or employee stock purchase plans in the quarter
ended March 31, 2007.
General Stock Option Information The following table sets forth the summary of option
activity under the Companys stock option program for the three months ended March 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Average |
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
Intrinsic |
|
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Term |
|
|
Value |
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 (5,403,314 exercisable at
a weighted
average price of $7.65 per share) |
|
|
7,585,423 |
|
|
$ |
7.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted (weighted average fair value of $5.45 per share) |
|
|
991,208 |
|
|
|
8.91 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(1,089,353 |
) |
|
|
4.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canceled |
|
|
(97,811 |
) |
|
|
6.67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
7,389,467 |
|
|
$ |
8.11 |
|
|
|
6.53 |
|
|
$15.6 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
4,696,682 |
|
|
$ |
8.40 |
|
|
|
5.18 |
|
|
$11.7 million |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The expected to vest balance as of March 31, 2007 is equal to the outstanding balance at that
date without consideration of forfeitures.
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of
the underlying awards and the quoted price of the Companys common stock for the options that were
in-the-money at March 31, 2007. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised under the
Companys stock option plans, determined as of the date of option exercise was $4.5 million for the
quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Additional information regarding options outstanding as of March 31, 2007 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
Options Exercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
Range of |
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining |
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
Exercise |
|
Number |
|
Contractual |
|
Exercise |
|
Number |
|
Exercise |
|
|
Prices |
|
Outstanding |
|
Life (Years) |
|
Price |
|
Exercisable |
|
Price |
|
|
$ |
1.20 - $ 2.35 |
|
|
|
913,608 |
|
|
|
5.50 |
|
|
$ |
1.63 |
|
|
|
913,191 |
|
|
$ |
1.63 |
|
|
|
|
2.74 - 6.11 |
|
|
|
770,147 |
|
|
|
6.76 |
|
|
|
5.47 |
|
|
|
482,109 |
|
|
|
5.42 |
|
|
|
|
6.20 - 6.87 |
|
|
|
754,874 |
|
|
|
7.35 |
|
|
|
6.49 |
|
|
|
446,131 |
|
|
|
6.41 |
|
|
|
|
6.89 - 6.98 |
|
|
|
1,103,699 |
|
|
|
8.47 |
|
|
|
6.96 |
|
|
|
403,895 |
|
|
|
6.97 |
|
|
|
|
7.00 - 7.50 |
|
|
|
818,512 |
|
|
|
7.43 |
|
|
|
7.09 |
|
|
|
502,215 |
|
|
|
7.08 |
|
|
|
|
7.60 - 8.98 |
|
|
|
978,832 |
|
|
|
3.63 |
|
|
|
8.66 |
|
|
|
871,654 |
|
|
|
8.69 |
|
|
|
|
9.04 - 9.04 |
|
|
|
917,308 |
|
|
|
9.93 |
|
|
|
9.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.24 - 17.13 |
|
|
|
852,353 |
|
|
|
4.18 |
|
|
|
11.67 |
|
|
|
797,353 |
|
|
|
11.84 |
|
|
|
|
23.13 - 34.75 |
|
|
|
255,248 |
|
|
|
2.94 |
|
|
|
31.42 |
|
|
|
255,248 |
|
|
|
31.42 |
|
|
|
|
43.25 - 43.25 |
|
|
|
24,886 |
|
|
|
3.03 |
|
|
|
43.25 |
|
|
|
24,886 |
|
|
|
43.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.20 - $43.25 |
|
|
|
7,389,467 |
|
|
|
6.53 |
|
|
$ |
8.11 |
|
|
|
4,696,682 |
|
|
$ |
8.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based Compensation
Valuation and amortization method The Company uses the Black-Scholes model, single-option
approach to determine the fair value of stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares. All
share-based payment awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service
periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting
12
periods. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No.
123R, the Company used the Black-Scholes model, multiple-option approach to determine the fair
value of stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares and amortization of resulting
stock-based compensation amounts included in its pro forma disclosures of SFAS No. 123. The
determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an
option-pricing model is affected by the Companys stock price as well as assumptions regarding a
number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include actual and projected employee
stock option exercise behaviors, the Companys expected stock price volatility over the term of the
awards, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends.
Expected term The Company estimates the expected term of options granted by using the
simplified method as prescribed by SAB No. 107. The expected term of employee stock purchase plan
shares is the length of the offering period.
Expected volatility The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock taking into
consideration its historical stock price movement, the volatility of stock prices of companies of
similar size with similar businesses, if any, and its expected future stock price trends based on
known or anticipated events.
Risk-free interest rate The Company bases the risk-free interest rate that it uses in the
option pricing model on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the
expected term on the options.
Expected dividend The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the
foreseeable future and therefore uses an expected dividend yield of zero in the option-pricing
model.
Forfeitures The Company is required to estimate future forfeitures at the time of grant and
revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The
Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and records stock-based
compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.
The assumptions used to value option grants and shares under the employee stock purchase plan
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
Employee Stock Purchase Plan |
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
March 31, |
|
March 31, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Expected term (in years) |
|
|
6.25 |
|
|
|
6.25 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
Volatility |
|
|
60 |
% |
|
|
62 |
% |
|
|
45 |
% |
|
|
34 |
% |
Interest rate |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
4.8 |
% |
|
|
5.2 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stock-based compensation recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of
operations is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
Income Statement Classifications |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Cost of product sales |
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
19 |
|
Sales and marketing |
|
|
160 |
|
|
|
286 |
|
Research and development |
|
|
186 |
|
|
|
129 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
268 |
|
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
634 |
|
|
$ |
723 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SFAS No. 123R requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation
expense to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow. This
requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods
after adoption. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company recorded $2.9 million of
excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.
The Company has calculated an additional paid-in capital (APIC) pool pursuant to the
provisions of SFAS No. 123R. The APIC pool represents the excess tax benefits related to
stock-based compensation that are available to absorb future tax deficiencies. The Company includes
only those excess tax benefits that have been realized in accordance with
13
SFAS No. 109, Accounting
for Income Taxes. If the amount of future tax deficiencies is greater than the available APIC
pool, the Company will record the excess as income tax expense in its consolidated statements of
operations.
As of March 31, 2007, there was $5.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for
estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock options granted to the Companys employees and
directors. This cost will be recognized over an estimated weighted-average period of approximately
1.5 years. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated
forfeitures.
10. LITIGATION CONCLUSIONS AND PATENT LICENSE
In March 2007,
the Companys patent infringement litigation with Sony Computer Entertainment
concluded. Sony Computer Entertainment
satisfied the District Court judgment against it, which included damages, pre-judgment
interest, costs and interest totaling $97.3 million, along with compulsory license fees already
paid to the Company of $30.6 million and interest earned on these fees of $1.8 million. See Note 15
for further discussion of this litigation. As of March 19, 2007, the Company and Sony Computer
Entertainment entered into an agreement whereby the Company granted Sony Computer
Entertainment and its affiliates a worldwide, non-transferable, non-exclusive license of the
Companys patents for the on-going use, development, manufacture, sale, lease, importation, and
distribution of its current and past PlayStation and related products. The license does not cover adult, foundry,
medical, automotive, industrial, mobility, or gambling products. The Company also granted to Sony
Computer Entertainment a license of the Companys patents for the use, development, manufacture,
sale, lease, importation, and distribution, by Sony Computer Entertainment and through third
parties, of haptic game devices for use on those Sony PlayStation consoles. The Company also granted Sony
Computer Entertainment certain other licenses, an option to obtain licenses in the future with
respect to future gaming products, certain releases and covenants not to sue. Sony Computer
Entertainment granted the Company certain covenants not to sue and agreed to pay the Company twelve
quarterly installments of $1.875 million (for a total of $22.5 million) beginning on March 31, 2007
and ending on December 31, 2009, and may pay the Company certain other fees and royalty amounts. In
total, the Company will receive a minimum of $152.2 million through the conclusion of the
litigation and the business agreement. The Company engaged an independent firm of financial
advisors to assist with the determination of the fair value of all the elements of both the litigation conclusion and the
patent license. In accordance with EITF No. 00-21, the Company has allocated the present value of
the total payments, equal to $149.9 million, between each element based on their relative fair
values. Under this allocation, the Company recorded $119.9 million as litigation conclusions and
patent license income and the remaining $30.0 million is
allocated to deferred license revenue. The Company
recorded $107,000 as revenue, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2007. The Company will
record the remaining $29.9 million as revenue, on a straight-line basis, over the remaining capture
period of the patents licensed, ending March 19, 2017. The
Company has accounted for future payments in
accordance with APB No. 21 Interest on Receivables and Payables. Under APB No. 21, the Company
determined the present value of the $22.5 million future payments to equal $20.2 million. The
Company will account for the difference of $2.3 million as interest income as each $1.875 million
payment installment becomes due.
In 2003, the Company executed a series of agreements with Microsoft as described in Note 8
that provided for settlement of its lawsuit against Microsoft as well as various licensing,
sublicensing, and equity and financing arrangements. Under the terms of these agreements, in the
event that the Company elects to settle the action in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of California entitled Immersion Corporation v. Sony Computer Entertainment of
America, Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Microsoft Corporation, Case No. C02-00710 CW
(WDB), as such action pertains to Sony Computer Entertainment, the Company would be obligated to
pay Microsoft a minimum of $15.0 million for amounts up to $100.0 million received from Sony
Computer Entertainment on account of the Companys granting certain rights, plus 25% of amounts
over $100.0 million up to $150.0 million, and 17.5% of amounts over $150.0 million. The Company has
determined that the conclusion of its litigation with Sony Computer Entertainment does not trigger
any payment obligations under its Microsoft agreements. Accordingly, the liability of $15.0 million
that was in the financial statements at December 31, 2006 has been extinguished, and the Company
has accounted for this sum as litigation conclusions and patent license income in the three-month
period ended March 31, 2007. However, in a letter sent to the Company dated May 1, 2007, Microsoft
disputed the Companys position and stated that it believes the Company owes Microsoft at least
$27.5 million.
If Microsoft brings a lawsuit to further dispute the Companys position, the Company intends to oppose
Microsofts claims and vigorously defend the Companys position. The results of any litigation are
inherently uncertain, and there can be no assurance that the Companys position will prevail.
On September 24, 2004, the Company filed in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California a complaint for patent infringement against Electro Source LLC (Electro
Source). On February 28, 2006, the Company announced that it had settled its legal differences
with Electro Source and the Company and Electro Source agreed to dismiss all claims and
counterclaims relating to this matter. In addition to the Confidential Settlement Agreement,
Electro Source entered into a worldwide license to the Companys patents for vibro-tactile devices
in the consumer gaming peripheral field of use under which Electro Source makes royalty payments to
the Company based on sales by
14
Electro Source of spinning mass vibro-tactile gamepads, steering
wheels, and other game controllers for dedicated gaming consoles. Electro Source paid the Company
litigation settlement payments of $650,000 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2006, and
the Company recorded this amount as litigation conclusions and patent license income during that
period.
11. INCOME TAXES
For the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded provisions for income
taxes of $8.5 million and $102,000, yielding effective tax rates of 6.5% and (3.6)%, respectively.
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company generated $131.0 of taxable income and based upon
these earnings and projected future taxable earnings the Company released $47.6 million of the valuation
allowance previously recorded against the deferred tax assets. Although the Company incurred
pre-tax losses for the three months ended March 31, 2006, sums received from Sony Computer
Entertainment and interest thereon included in long-term deferred revenue, approximating $5.3
million during the period, created federal and state alternative minimum taxable income.
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet
before being recognized in the financial statements and provides guidance on derecognition,
measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and
transition issues.
The application of FIN 48 would have resulted in a decrease in retained earnings of $628,000,
except that the decrease was fully offset by the application of a valuation allowance. Future
changes in the unrecognized tax benefit will have impact on the effective tax rate due. Accrued
interest on tax positions will be recorded as a component of income tax provision but is not
significant at March 31, 2007. No interest or penalties were
recorded upon the adoption of FIN 48 as of January
1, 2007 or in the first quarter ended March 31, 2007. The Company does not reasonably estimate that
the unrecognized tax benefit will change significantly within the next twelve months.
The Company files its tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which
it operates. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the
Internal Revenue Service for the years ending December 31, 1993 through 2006. The Company and its
subsidiaries state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the
years ending December 31, 1993 through 2006. The Companys foreign operations in Canada are open to
audit under statute of limitation for the years ending December 31, 1998 through 2006.
Net deferred income taxes were $5.5 million as of March 31, 2007 and are primarily timing
differences between book and tax and federal net operating loss carryforwards of $2.8 million (net
of $1.0 million) that are limited in utilization to approximately $1.1 million annually, which
expire in 2020. During 2005, the Company evaluated ownership changes from 1999 to 2004 and
determined that there were no further limitations on the Companys net operating loss
carryforwards.
15
12. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in computing basic
and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) used in computing basic net income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
122,433 |
|
|
$ |
(2,906 |
) |
Interest on 5% Convertible Debentures |
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
122,581 |
|
|
$ |
(2,906 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares used in computation of basic net income (loss) per share
(weighted average common shares outstanding) |
|
|
25,343 |
|
|
|
24,419 |
|
Dilutive potential common shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options |
|
|
1,260 |
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants |
|
|
234 |
|
|
|
|
|
5% Convertible Debentures |
|
|
2,846 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares used in computation of diluted net income (loss) per share |
|
|
29,683 |
|
|
|
24,419 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
4.83 |
|
|
$ |
(0.12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
4.13 |
|
|
$ |
(0.12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2007, options and warrants to purchase approximately 3.6
million and 28,743 shares of common stock, respectively, with exercise prices greater than the
average fair market value of the Companys stock of $7.67 were not included in the calculation
because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, the
Company had securities outstanding that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share, but were
excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share since their effect would have been
anti-dilutive. These outstanding securities consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
2006 |
Outstanding stock options |
|
|
7,724,588 |
|
Warrants |
|
|
808,762 |
|
5% Convertible Debentures |
|
|
2,846,363 |
|
13. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table sets forth the components of comprehensive income (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
122,433 |
|
|
$ |
(2,906 |
) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
|
$ |
122,433 |
|
|
$ |
(2,906 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
14. SEGMENT REPORTING, GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION, AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
The Company develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of hardware and
software technologies that more fully engage users sense of touch when operating digital devices.
The Company focuses on five application areas gaming, mobility, 3D, touch interface, and
medical. The Company manages these application areas under two operating and reportable segments:
1) Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial, and 2) Immersion Medical. The Company
determines its reporting segments in accordance with criteria outlined in SFAS No. 131,
Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. The gaming, mobile devices,
3D, and touch interface areas do not individually meet the criteria for segment reporting as set
out in SFAS No. 131.
The Companys chief operating decision maker (CODM) is the Chief Executive Officer. The CODM
allocates resources to and assesses the performance of each operating segment using information
about its revenue and operating profit before interest and taxes. A description of the types of
products and services provided by each operating segment is as follows:
Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial develops and markets touch feedback
technologies that enable software and hardware developers to enhance realism and usability in their
computing, entertainment, and industrial
applications. Immersion Medical develops, manufactures, and markets medical training
simulators that recreate realistic healthcare environments.
The following tables display information about the Companys reportable segments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial |
|
$ |
3,758 |
|
|
$ |
3,448 |
|
Immersion Medical |
|
|
2,657 |
|
|
|
2,601 |
|
Intersegment eliminations |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
6,414 |
|
|
$ |
6,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial |
|
$ |
123,290 |
|
|
$ |
(2,638 |
) |
Immersion Medical |
|
|
(862 |
) |
|
|
(278 |
) |
Intersegment eliminations |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
122,433 |
|
|
$ |
(2,906 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Total Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial |
|
$ |
174,935 |
|
|
$ |
64,280 |
|
Immersion Medical |
|
|
5,395 |
|
|
|
7,494 |
|
Intersegment eliminations |
|
|
(20,503 |
) |
|
|
(21,759 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
159,827 |
|
|
$ |
50,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
Intersegment eliminations represent eliminations for intercompany sales and cost of sales
and intercompany receivables and payables between Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and
Industrial and Immersion Medical segments.
The Company operates primarily in the United States and in Canada where it operates through
its wholly owned subsidiary, Immersion Canada, Inc. Segment assets and expenses relating to the
Companys corporate operations are not allocated but are included in Immersion Computing,
Entertainment, and Industrial as that is how they are considered for management evaluation
purposes. As a result, the segment information may not be indicative of the financial position or
results of operations that would have been achieved had these segments operated as unaffiliated
entities. Management measures the performance of each segment based on several metrics, including
net loss. These results are used, in part, to evaluate the performance of, and allocate resources
to, each of the segments.
Revenue
by Product Lines Information regarding revenue from external customers by product
lines is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer, Computing, and Entertainment |
|
$ |
1,774 |
|
|
$ |
1,408 |
|
3D |
|
|
991 |
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
Touch Interface Products |
|
|
992 |
|
|
|
846 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial |
|
|
3,757 |
|
|
|
3,431 |
|
Immersion Medical |
|
|
2,657 |
|
|
|
2,601 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
6,414 |
|
|
$ |
6,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
by Region The following is a summary of revenues by geographic areas. Revenues
are broken out geographically by the ship-to location of the customer. Geographic revenue as a
percentage of total revenue was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
North America |
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
74 |
% |
Europe |
|
|
17 |
% |
|
|
15 |
% |
Far East |
|
|
14 |
% |
|
|
10 |
% |
Rest of the world |
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company derived 66% and 72% of its total revenues from the United States for the three
months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company derived 10% of its revenue from
Japan for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Revenues from other countries represented less
than 10% individually for the periods presented.
The majority of the Companys long-lived assets are located in the United States. Long-lived
assets include net property and equipment and long-term investments and other assets. Long-lived
assets that were outside the United States constituted less than 10% of the total at March 31, 2007
and December 31, 2006.
18
Significant Customers Customers comprising 10% or greater of the Companys net revenues are
summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
Customer A |
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
Customer B |
|
|
12 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Revenue derived from customer represented less than 10% for the period. |
No customer accounted for more than 10% of the Companys accounts receivable at March 31, 2007
or December 31, 2006.
15. CONTINGENCIES
In re Immersion Corporation
The Company is involved in legal proceedings relating to a class action lawsuit filed on
November 9, 2001, In re Immersion Corporation Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, No.
Civ. 01-9975 (S.D.N.Y.), related to In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, No. 21 MC
92 (S.D.N.Y.). The named defendants are the Company and three of its current or former officers or
directors (the Immersion Defendants), and certain underwriters of the Companys November 12, 1999
initial public offering (IPO). Subsequently, two of the individual defendants stipulated to a
dismissal without prejudice.
The operative amended complaint is brought on purported behalf of all persons who purchased
the common stock of the Company from the date of the IPO through December 6, 2000. It alleges
liability under Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, on the grounds that the registration statement for the IPO did
not disclose that: (1) the underwriters agreed to allow certain customers to purchase shares in the
IPO in exchange for excess commissions to be paid to the underwriters; and (2) the underwriters
arranged for certain customers to purchase additional shares in the aftermarket at predetermined
prices. The complaint also appears to allege that false or misleading analyst reports were issued.
The complaint does not claim any specific amount of damages.
Similar allegations were made in other lawsuits challenging over 300 other initial public
offerings and follow-on offerings conducted in 1999 and 2000. The cases were consolidated for
pretrial purposes. On February 19, 2003, the Court ruled on all defendants motions to dismiss. The
motion was denied as to claims under the Securities Act of 1933 in the case involving Immersion as
well as in all other cases (except for 10 cases). The motion was denied as to the claim under
Section 10(b) as to the Company, on the basis that the complaint alleged that the Company had made
acquisition(s) following the IPO. The motion was granted as to the claim under Section 10(b), but
denied as to the claim under Section 20(a), as to the remaining individual defendant.
The Company and most of the issuer defendants have settled with the plaintiffs. In this
settlement, plaintiffs have dismissed and released all claims against the Immersion Defendants, in
exchange for a contingent payment by the insurance companies collectively responsible for insuring
the issuers in all of the IPO cases, and for the assignment or surrender of certain claims the
Company may have against the underwriters. The Immersion Defendants will not be required to make
any cash payments in the settlement, unless the pro rata amount paid by the insurers in the
settlement exceeds the amount of the insurance coverage, a circumstance which the Company believes
is remote. The settlement will require approval of the Court, which cannot be assured, after class
members are given the opportunity to object to the settlement or opt out of the settlement.
In September 2005, the Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement. The Court held a
hearing to consider final approval of the settlement on April 24, 2006, and took the matter under
submission. The court will resume consideration of whether to grant final approval to the
settlement following further appellate review, if any, of the decision in In re Initial Public
Offering Securities Litigation, 471 F.3d 24, 2006 WL 3499937 (2d Cir. Dec. 5, 2006). Subsequently,
the Second Circuit vacated the class certification of plaintiffs claims against the underwriters
in six cases designated as focus or test cases. Miles v. Merrill Lynch & Co. (In re Initial Public
Offering Securities Litigation), 471 F.3d 24 (2d Cir. 2006). Thereafter, the District Court ordered
a stay of all proceedings in all of the lawsuits pending the outcome of plaintiffs petition to the
Second Circuit for rehearing en banc and resolution of the class certification issue. On April 6,
2007, the Second Circuit denied plaintiffs petition for rehearing, but clarified that the
plaintiffs may seek to
19
certify a more limited class in the District Court. Accordingly, the stay
remains in place and the plaintiffs and issuers have stated that they are prepared to discuss how
the settlement might be amended or renegotiated to comply with the Second Circuit decision. There
is no guarantee that the settlement will become effective as it is subject to a number of
conditions which cannot be assured, including final court approval.
Immersion Corporation vs. Microsoft Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Inc.
On February 11, 2002, the Company filed a complaint against Microsoft Corporation, Sony
Computer Entertainment, Inc., and Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Inc. in the U.S. District
Court for the Northern District Court of California alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos.
5,889,672 and 6,275,213. The case was assigned to United States District Judge Claudia Wilken. On
April 4, 2002, Sony Computer Entertainment and Microsoft answered the complaint by denying the
material allegations and alleging counterclaims seeking a judicial declaration that the asserted
patents were invalid, unenforceable, or not infringed. Under the counterclaims, the defendants were
also seeking damages for
attorneys fees. On October 8, 2002, the Company filed an amended complaint, withdrawing the
claim under the U.S. Patent No. 5,889,672 and adding claims under a new patent, U.S. Patent No.
6,424,333.
On July 28, 2003, the Company announced that it had settled its legal differences with
Microsoft, and both parties agreed to dismiss all claims and counterclaims relating to this matter
as well as assume financial responsibility for their respective legal costs with respect to the
lawsuit between the Company and Microsoft.
On August 16, 2004, the trial against Sony Computer Entertainment commenced. On September 21,
2004, the jury returned its verdict in favor of the Company. The jury found all the asserted claims
of the patents valid and infringed. The jury awarded the Company damages in the amount of $82.0
million. On January 10, 2005, the Court awarded the Company prejudgment interest on the damages the
jury awarded at the applicable prime rate. The Court further ordered Sony Computer Entertainment to
pay the Company a compulsory license fee at the rate of 1.37%, the ratio of the verdict amount to
the amount of sales of infringing products, effective as of July 1, 2004 and through the date of
Judgment. On February 9, 2005, the Court ordered that Sony Computer Entertainment provide the
Company with sales data 15 days after the end of each quarter and clarified that Sony Computer
Entertainment will make the ordered payment 45 days after the end of the applicable quarter. Sony
Computer Entertainment has made quarterly payments to the Company pursuant to the Courts orders.
On February 9, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a Notice of Appeal to the United States
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to appeal the Courts January 10, 2005 order, and on
February 10, 2005 Sony Computer Entertainment filed an Amended Notice of Appeal to include an
appeal from the Courts February 9, 2005 order.
On January 5 and 6, 2005, the Court held a bench trial on Sony Computer Entertainments
remaining allegations that the 333 patent was not enforceable due to alleged inequitable conduct.
On March 24, 2005, the Court resolved this issue, entering a written order finding in the Companys
favor.
On March 24, 2005, Judge Wilken also entered judgment in the Companys favor and awarded the
Company $82.0 million in past damages, and pre-judgment interest in the amount of $8.9 million, for
a total of $90.9 million. The Company was also awarded certain court costs. Court costs do not
include attorneys fees. Additionally, the Court issued a permanent injunction against the
manufacture, use, sale, or import into the United States of the infringing Sony PlayStation system
consisting of the PlayStation consoles, Dual Shock controllers, and the 47 games found by the jury
to infringe the Companys patents. The Court stayed the permanent injunction pending appeal to the
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Court further ordered Sony Computer
Entertainment to pay a compulsory license fee at the rate of 1.37% for the duration of the stay of
the permanent injunction at the same rate and conditions as previously awarded in its interim
January 10, 2005 and February 9, 2005 Orders. On April 7, 2005, pursuant to a stipulation of the
parties, the Court entered an Amended Judgment to clarify that the Judgment in favor of the Company
and against Sony Computer Entertainment also encompassed Sony Computer Entertainments
counterclaims for declaratory relief on invalidity and unenforceability, as well as
non-infringement.
Sony Computer Entertainment had filed further motions seeking judgment as a matter of a law
(JMOL) or for a new trial, and a motion for a stay of an accounting and execution of the Judgment.
On May 17, 2005, Judge Wilken denied these motions.
On April 27, 2005, the Court granted Sony Computer Entertainments request to approve a
supersedeas bond, secured by a cash deposit with the Court in the amount of $102.5 million, to
obtain a stay of enforcement of the Courts Amended Judgment pending appeal. On May 17, 2005, the
Court issued a minute order stating that in lieu of the
20
supersedeas bond the Court would allow Sony
Computer Entertainment to place the funds on deposit with the Court in an escrow account subject to
acceptable escrow instructions. The parties negotiated escrow instructions, and on June 12, 2006,
the Court granted the parties stipulated request to withdraw the funds from the Court and deposit
them in an escrow account with JP Morgan Chase. Sony Computer Entertainment has withdrawn the funds
from the Court and deposited them in the JP Morgan Chase escrow account.
On June 16, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a Notice of Appeal from the District Court
Judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The appeals of the January
and February orders regarding the compulsory license have been consolidated with the appeal of the
Judgment. Sony Computer Entertainments Opening Brief was filed on October 21, 2005; the Company
filed an Opposition Brief on December 5, 2005. Due to the cross appeal by Internet Services LLC
(ISLLC) (see below), the Federal Circuit allowed the Company to file a Substitute Opposition
Brief on February 17, 2006 responding to the briefs filed by both Sony Computer Entertainment and
ISLLC. On March 15, 2006, the Company filed a further substitute brief in response to a Federal
Circuit order clarifying the
maximum number of words the Company was allowed given ISLLCs cross appeal. Sony Computer
Entertainment filed its Reply Brief on April 27, 2006 and ISLLCs Reply Brief was filed on May 15,
2006. On October 3, 2006, a hearing for oral argument was held before a three-judge panel of the
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
On July 21, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a motion in the District Court before
Judge Wilken seeking relief from the final judgment under Rule 60(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure on the grounds of alleged fraud and newly discovered evidence of purported prior art,
which Sony Computer Entertainment contends the Company concealed and withheld attributable to Mr.
Craig Thorner, a named inventor on three patents that Sony Computer Entertainment urged as a basis
for patent invalidity during the trial. A hearing on this motion was held before Judge Wilken on
January 20, 2006. On March 8, 2006, the Court entered an Order which denied Sony Computer
Entertainments motion pursuant to Rule 60(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in its
entirety. On April 7, 2006, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a Notice of Appeal to the United
States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to appeal this ruling and filed its opening brief
on June 16, 2006. The Companys opposition brief was filed on August 30, 2006, and Sony Computer
Entertainment filed its reply brief on October 2, 2006. On January 8, 2007, a hearing for oral
argument was held before a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit.
On May 17, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a Request for Inter Partes Reexamination of
the 333 Patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). On May 19, 2005, Sony
Computer Entertainment filed a similar Request for reexamination of the 213 Patent. On July 6,
2005, the Company filed a Petition to dismiss, stay, or alternatively to suspend both of the
requests for reexamination, based at least on the grounds that a final judgment has already been
entered by a United States District Court, and that the PTOs current inter partes reexamination
procedures deny due process of law. The PTO denied the first petition, and the Company filed a
second petition on September 9, 2005. On November 17, 2005, the PTO granted the Companys petition,
and suspended the inter partes reexaminations until such time as the parallel court proceedings
warrant termination or resumption of the PTO examination and prosecution proceedings. On December
13, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a third petition requesting permission to file an
additional inter partes reexamination on the claims of the 333 and 213 Patents for which
reexamination was not requested in Sony Computer Entertainments original requests for
reexamination. The PTO dismissed this third petition on March 22, 2006. On December 13, 2005, Sony
Computer Entertainment also filed ex parte reexamination requests on a number of claims of the 213
and 333 patents, including all of the claims litigated in the District Court action, in addition
to others. On March 13, 2006, the PTO granted the ex parte reexam request only with respect to the
requested claims that were not litigated, and the ex parte reexamination is proceeding with respect
to the claims that were not the subject of litigation. On April 11, 2006, Sony Computer
Entertainment filed a fourth petition to the PTO requesting that the currently suspended inter
partes proceeding and the ex parte proceeding be merged into a single proceeding. The Company
filed its opposition to this petition on May 3, 2006, and the PTO denied the fourth petition on
July 3, 2006. On March 27, 2007, the Company notified the PTO that the appeal proceedings of the
District Court judgment have concluded rendering the judgment final and non-appealable, and the
Company filed a petition to terminate the inter partes proceedings.
On December 13, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a lawsuit against the PTO in the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia claiming that the PTO erred in suspending the
inter partes reexamination on November 17, 2005. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge
Ellis. The Company moved to intervene in the lawsuit, and on March 31, 2006, the Court granted the
Companys motion to intervene of right. The Court entered a scheduling order which precluded
discovery and set an expedited briefing schedule for motions for summary judgment. After briefing,
Judge Ellis held a hearing on the summary judgment motions on April 21, 2006. The Court granted
summary judgment in the Companys and the PTOs favor on all grounds on May 22, 2006. Sony
Computer Entertainment has not appealed this judgment.
21
On March 1, 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment withdrew and moved to dismiss its appeals from
the District Courts April 7, 2005 Amended Judgment (and all interlocutory orders merged in the
Amended Judgment). On March 2, 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment withdrew and moved to dismiss its
appeal from the District Courts March 8, 2006 order denying Sony Computer Entertainments motion
for relief from final judgment under Rule 60(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. On March
8, 2007, the Federal Circuit ordered the dismissal of the Sony Computer Entertainment Rule 60(b)
appeal. On March 14, 2007, the Federal Circuit dismissed the Sony Computer Entertainment appeal of
the Amended Judgment (and all interlocutory orders merged in the Amended Judgment). In accordance
with the Amended Judgment, the Company received funds totaling $97.3 million in satisfaction of the
judgment for past damages for sales and other activities with respect to the infringing Sony
PlayStation system consisting of the PlayStation consoles, Dual Shock controllers, and the 47 games
found by the jury to infringe the Companys patents, pre-judgment interest and costs, and
post-judgment interest. Additionally, the Company retained $32.4 million of compulsory license fees
and interest thereon previously paid to the Company by Sony Computer Entertainment ($27.9 million
in long-term
deferred revenue on December 31, 2006 and $4.5 million received subsequent to year end.) On
March 19, 2007, the Company filed with the court a Notice of Satisfaction of Judgment, indicating
that Sony Computer Entertainment had satisfied and discharged the judgment that the court had
entered. On March 19, 2007, pursuant to a Stipulation filed with the court, Judge Wilken entered an
order dissolving the permanent injunction.
Internet Services LLC Litigation
On October 20, 2004, ISLLC, the Companys licensee and the cross-claim defendant against whom
Sony Computer Entertainment had filed a claim seeking declaratory relief, filed claims against the
Company in its lawsuit against Sony Computer Entertainment, alleging that the Company breached a
contract with ISLLC by suing Sony Computer Entertainment for patent infringement relating to
haptically-enabled software whose topics or images are allegedly age-restricted, for judicial
apportionment of damages between ISLLC and the Company of the damages awarded by the jury, and for
a judicial declaration with respect to ISLLCs rights and duties under agreements with the Company.
On December 29, 2004, the Court issued an order dismissing ISLLCs claims against Sony Computer
Entertainment with prejudice and dismissing ISLLCs claims against the Company without prejudice to
ISLLC filing a new complaint if it can do so in good faith without contradicting, or repeating the
deficiency of, its complaint.
On January 12, 2005, ISLLC filed Amended Cross-Claims and Counterclaims against the Company
that contained similar claims. ISLLC also realleged counterclaims against Sony Computer
Entertainment. On January 28, 2005, the Company filed a motion to dismiss ISLLCs Amended
Cross-Claims and a motion to strike ISLLCs Counterclaims against Sony Computer Entertainment. On
March 24, 2005 the Court issued an order dismissing ISLLCs claims with prejudice as to ISLLCs
claim seeking a declaratory judgment that it is an exclusive licensee under the 213 and 333
patents and as to ISLLCs claim seeking judicial apportionment of the damages verdict in the Sony
Computer Entertainment case. The Courts order further dismissed ISLLCs claims without prejudice
as to ISLLCs breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims.
ISLLC
filed a notice of appeal of the District Court orders with the United States Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit on April 18, 2005. ISLLCs appeal has been consolidated with Sony Computer
Entertainments appeal. ISLLC filed its Opening Brief in December 2005. As noted above, the United
States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit allowed the Company to file a Substitute Opposition
Brief on March 15, 2006 responding to the briefs filed by both Sony Computer Entertainment and
ISLLC. Briefing for the appeal was completed upon ISLLCs filing of its Reply Brief on May 15,
2006. As noted above, on October 3, 2006, a hearing for oral argument was held before a
three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On April 4, 2007,
the Federal Circuit issued its opinion, affirming those District
Court orders.
On February 8, 2006, ISLLC filed a lawsuit against the Company in the Superior Court of Santa
Clara County. ISLLCs complaint seeks a share of the damages awarded to the Company in the March
24, 2005 Judgment and of the Microsoft settlement proceeds, and generally restates the claims
already adjudicated by the District Court. On March 16, 2006, the Company answered the complaint,
cross claimed for breach of contract by ISLLC and rescission of the contract, and removed the
lawsuit to federal court. The case was assigned to Judge Wilken as a case related to the previous
proceedings involving Sony Computer Entertainment and ISLLC. ISLLC filed its answer to the
Companys cross claims on April 27, 2006. ISLLC also moved to remand the case to Superior Court.
On July 10, 2006, Judge Wilken issued an order denying ISLLCs motion to remand. On September 5,
2006, Judge Wilken granted the stipulated request by the parties to stay discovery and other
proceedings in the case pending the disposition of ISLLCs appeal from the Courts previous orders.
The case was stayed from December 1, 2006 pending the Federal Circuits disposition on the appeal.
As noted above, the Federal Circuit issued its opinion on April 4, 2007. A case management
conference was held on May 1, 2007.
22
On April 23, 2007, ISLLC filed in the Federal Circuit in Appeal No. 05-1358 a Petition for
Panel Rehearing and A Motion To Extend Time. ISLLC argued that the Court should rehear the matter
or correct and/or clarify the April 4, 2007 opinion. On April 25, 2007, the Company opposed the
motion. ISLLC filed a reply on April 30, 2007.
The Company intends to defend itself vigorously against ISLLCs allegations. The parties
participated in a court ordered mediation on March 12, 2007, but were unsuccessful in resolving the
matter.
Immersion Corporation vs. Thorner
On March 24, 2006, the Company filed a lawsuit against Mr. Craig Thorner in Santa Clara County
Superior Court. The complaint alleges claims for breach of contract with respect to Thorners
license to a third party of U.S. Patent No. 5,684,722, which the Company has alleged is in violation of contractual obligations to it.
The case was removed to federal court by Mr. Thorner, and has been assigned to Judge Jeremy Fogel.
On May 1, 2006, Mr. Thorner filed an answer to the Companys claims and asserted counterclaims
against the Company seeking, among other things, a portion of the proceeds from the Companys
license with Microsoft, under theories of alleged breach of contract, breach of the implied
covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, promissory fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and
negligent misrepresentation. On July 28, 2006, the Company filed a motion for judgment on the
pleadings seeking the dismissal of Mr. Thorners breach of contract and fraud claims which allege a
right to a portion of the proceeds from the Companys license with Microsoft. On
September 1, 2006, the Court held a hearing on the Companys motion. On September 12, 2006, the
Court issued an order granting the Companys motion for judgment on the pleadings as to Mr.
Thorners alleged claims for breach of contract and fraud. The Court dismissed Mr. Thorners
breach of contract and fraud claims, and allowed Mr. Thorner leave to amend his claim for alleged
breach of contract with respect to alleged violations of the Companys reporting requirements that
do not flow from the failure to report the Microsoft Settlement Agreement.
The parties participated in a court-ordered mediation on November 7, 2006, but were not
successful in resolving the matter. The parties are in the process of conducting discovery.
On November 22, 2006, Thorner brought a motion for summary judgment arguing that the Companys
breach of contract claim was barred by the doctrine of judicial estoppel as a result of a statement
made in connection with the Sony Computer Entertainment Rule 60 (b) motion. On January 26, 2007,
the Court held a hearing on Thorners motion. On January 29, 2007, the Court issued an order
denying Thorners summary judgment motion, ruling that the Companys breach of contract claim was
not barred by judicial estoppel. On February 5, 2007, with leave of Court, the Company filed a
First Amended Complaint in the action to add Thorners company, Virtual Reality Feedback
Corporation (VRF), as a party-defendant. On February 9, 2007, Thorner filed an Amended Answer
and Counterclaims. The Amended Counterclaims against the Company dropped the previously-dismissed
counterclaims based on Thorners claims for a share of the Companys settlement with Microsoft, but
alleged other counterclaims for alleged Breach of Contract, Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good
Faith and Fair Dealing, Promissory Fraud, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Negligent Misrepresentation and
Rescission. Thorner alleged in part that the Company breached its agreement with Thorner by
failing to pay royalties for Vibetonz Studio SDK and Immersion Studio for Gaming; that the Company
breached alleged duties to Thorner to license the 722 patent; and that Thorners agreement with
the Company should be rescinded. Thorners Amended Counterclaim does not specify an amount of
damages sought but alleges that Thorner has been damaged in an amount to be proven at trial. The
Company disputes Thorners allegations and intends to vigorously oppose them.
Microsoft
In March 2007, the Company announced the conclusion of its patent infringement litigation
against Sony Computer Entertainment at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Sony Computer Entertainment
satisfied the District Court judgment against it. As of March 19,
2007, the Company and Sony Computer
Entertainment entered into a new business agreement to explore the inclusion of the Companys
technology in PlayStation format products. The Company has determined that the conclusion of its
litigation with Sony Computer Entertainment does not trigger any payment obligations under its
Microsoft agreements. However, in a letter sent to the Company dated May 1, 2007, Microsoft
disputed the Companys position and stated that it believes the Company owes Microsoft at least
$27.5 million.
If Microsoft brings a lawsuit to further dispute the Companys position, the Company intends to oppose
Microsofts claims and vigorously defend the Companys position. The results of any litigation are
inherently uncertain, and there can be no assurance that the Companys position will prevail.
23
Faro Technologies Inc. v. Immersion Corporation
On May 3, 2007, Faro Technologies, Inc. (Faro) sued the Company in the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania. The complaint alleges patent infringement of Faros 5,402,582 patent by the
Companys Microscribe X product. The Company has not yet been served with the complaint, and has
not yet had an opportunity to analyze Faros claim.
Other Contingencies
From time to time, the Company receives claims from third parties asserting that the Companys
technologies, or those of its licensees, infringe on the other parties intellectual property
rights. Management believes that these claims are without merit. Additionally, periodically, the
Company is involved in routine legal matters and contractual disputes incidental to its normal
operations. In managements opinion, the resolution of such matters will not have a material
adverse effect on the Companys consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or
liquidity.
In the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications of varying scope to
customers against claims of intellectual property infringement made by third parties arising from
the use of the Companys intellectual property, technology, or products. Historically, costs
related to these guarantees have not been significant, and the Company is unable to estimate the
maximum potential impact of these guarantees on its future results of operations.
As permitted under Delaware law, the Company has agreements whereby it indemnifies its
officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was,
serving at its request in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the
officers or directors lifetime. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could
be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company
currently has director and officer insurance coverage that limits its exposure and enables it to
recover a portion of any future amounts paid. Management believes the estimated fair value of these
indemnification agreements in excess of applicable insurance coverage is minimal.
See also Note 6 regarding contingencies relating to the 5% Convertible Debenture.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.
Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as anticipates, believes, expects,
intends, may, will, and other similar expressions. However, these words are not the only
way we identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements, which refer to
expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events, or circumstances, are
forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those set forth below in
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Risk
Factors, those described elsewhere in this report, and those described in our other reports filed
with the SEC. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to update these
forward-looking statements after the filing of this report. You are urged to review carefully and
consider our various disclosures in this report and in our other reports publicly disclosed or
filed with the SEC that attempt to advise you of the risks and factors that may affect our
business.
OVERVIEW
We develop, manufacture, license, and support a wide range of hardware and software
technologies that enhance touch interaction with digital devices. We focus on five application
areas gaming, mobility, 3D, touch interface, and medical. We manage these application areas
under two operating and reportable segments: 1) Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial,
and 2) Immersion Medical.
In markets where our touch technology is a small piece of a larger system (such as mobile
phones, consumer gaming peripherals, and automotive interfaces), we license our technologies to
third-party manufacturers who integrate our technology into their products and resell it under
their own brand names. In other markets, where our touch technology is a complete system (like
medical simulation systems and three-dimensional and professional products) or electronic
components (like electronic arcade gaming boards, rotary encoders, and lateral actuators for
tactile touchscreens), we manufacture and sell products under our own Immersion brand name, through
direct sales, distributors, and value added
24
resellers. In all market areas, we also engage in
development projects for third parties and government agencies from time to time.
Our objective is to proliferate our technologies across markets, platforms, and applications
so that touch and feel become as necessary as color, graphics, and sound in modern user interfaces.
We and our wholly owned subsidiaries hold more than 600 issued or pending patents in the United
States of America and other countries, covering various aspects of hardware and software
technologies.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based
upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with
GAAP. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues,
expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On
an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to
revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, bad debts, inventory reserves, warranty obligations,
patents and intangible assets, contingencies, and litigation. We base our estimates and assumptions
on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values
of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may
differ from these estimates and assumptions.
We believe the following are our most critical accounting policies as they require our
significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial
statements:
Revenue Recognition We recognize revenues in accordance with applicable accounting
standards, including SAB No. 104, Revenue Recognition, EITF No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue
Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, and AICPA SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, as
amended. Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has
occurred or service has been rendered, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is
probable. We derive our revenues from three principal sources: royalty and license fees, product
sales, and development contracts.
Royalty and license revenue We recognize royalty and license revenue based on royalty
reports or related information received from the licensee as well as time-based licenses of our
intellectual property portfolio. Up-front payments under license agreements are deferred and
recognized as revenue based on either the royalty reports received or amortized over the license
period depending on the nature of the agreement. Advance payments under license agreements that
also require us to provide future services to the licensee are deferred and recognized over the
service period when VSOE related to the value of the services does not exist.
We generally recognize revenue from our licensees under one or a combination of the following
license models:
|
|
|
License revenue model |
|
Revenue recognition |
Perpetual license of intellectual
property portfolio based on per unit
royalties, no services contracted.
|
|
Based on royalty reports received
from licensees. No further
obligations to licensee exist. |
|
|
|
Time-based license of intellectual
property portfolio with up-front
payments and/or annual minimum
royalty requirements, no services
contracted. Licensees have certain
rights to updates to the intellectual
property portfolio during the
contract period.
|
|
Based on straight-line amortization
of annual minimum/up-front payment
recognized over contract period or
annual minimum period. |
|
|
|
Perpetual license of intellectual
property portfolio or technology
license along with contract for
development work.
|
|
Based on cost-to-cost
percentage-of-completion accounting
method over the service period.
Obligation to licensee exists until
development work is complete. |
|
|
|
License of software or technology, no
modification necessary, no services
contracted.
|
|
Up-front revenue recognition based
on SOP 97-2 criteria or EITF No.
00-21, as applicable. |
25
Individual contracts may have characteristics that do not fall within a specific license model
or may have characteristics of a combination of license models. Under those circumstances, we
recognize revenue in accordance with SAB No. 104, EITF No. 00-21, and SOP 97-2, as amended, to
guide the accounting treatment for each individual contract. See also the discussions regarding
Multiple element arrangements below. If the information received from our licensees regarding
royalties is incorrect or inaccurate, our revenues in future periods may be adversely affected. To
date, none of the information we have received from our licensees has caused any material reduction
in future period revenues.
Product sales We recognize revenues from product sales when the product is shipped, provided
collection is determined to be probable and no significant obligation remains. We sell the majority
of our products with warranties
ranging from three to twenty-four months. We record the estimated warranty costs during the
quarter the revenue is recognized. Historically, warranty-related costs and related accruals have
not been significant. We offer a general right of return on the MicroScribe product line for 14
days after purchase. We recognize revenue at the time of shipment of a MicroScribe digitizer and
provide an accrual for potential returns based on historical experience. We offer no other general
right of return on our products.
Development contracts and other revenue Development contracts and other revenue is comprised
of professional services (consulting services and/or development contracts), customer support, and
extended warranty contracts. Development contract revenues are recognized under the cost-to-cost
percentage-of-completion accounting method based on physical completion of the work to be
performed. Losses on contracts are recognized when determined. Revisions in estimates are reflected
in the period in which the conditions become known. Customer support and extended warranty contract
revenue is recognized ratably over the contractual period.
Multiple element arrangements We enter into revenue arrangements in which the customer
purchases a combination of patent, technology, and/or software licenses, products, professional
services, support, and extended warranties (multiple element arrangements). When VSOE of fair value
exists for all elements, we allocate revenue to each element based on the relative fair value of
each of the elements.
Our revenue recognition policies are significant because our revenues are a key component of
our results of operations. In addition, our revenue recognition determines the timing of certain
expenses, such as commissions and royalties. Revenue results are difficult to predict, and any
shortfall in revenue or delay in recognizing revenue could cause our operating results to vary
significantly from quarter to quarter and could result in greater or future operating losses.
Stock-based Compensation We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No.
123R. We elected the modified-prospective method, under which prior periods are not revised for
comparative purposes. Under the fair value recognition provisions of this statement, stock-based
compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is
recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the
vesting period.
Valuation and amortization method We use the Black-Scholes model, single-option approach to
determine the fair value of stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares. All share-based
payment awards are amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the
awards, which are generally the vesting periods. The determination of the fair value of stock-based
payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as
well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include
actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, our expected stock price volatility
over the term of the awards, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividends.
Expected term We estimate the expected term of options granted by using the simplified
method as prescribed by SAB No. 107.
Expected volatility We estimate the volatility of our common stock taking into consideration
our historical stock price movement, the volatility of stock prices of companies of similar size
with similar businesses, if any, and our expected future stock price trends based on known or
anticipated events.
26
Risk-free interest rate We base the risk-free interest rate that we use in the option
pricing model on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term
on the options.
Expected dividend We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future
and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero in the option pricing model.
Forfeitures We are required to estimate future forfeitures at the time of grant and revise
those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We use
historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and record stock-based compensation
expense only for those awards that are expected to vest. Changes in estimated forfeitures will be
recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and will also impact
the amount of compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.
If factors change and we employ different assumptions for estimating stock-based compensation
expense in future periods, or if we decide to use a different valuation model, the future periods
may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period and could materially
affect our operating results.
The Black-Scholes model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options
that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable, characteristics not present in our
option grants and employee stock purchase plan shares. Existing valuation models, including the
Black-Scholes and lattice binomial models, may not provide reliable measures of the fair values of
our stock-based compensation. Consequently, there is a risk that our estimates of the fair values
of our stock-based compensation awards on the grant dates may bear little resemblance to the actual
values realized upon the exercise, expiration, early termination, or forfeiture of those
stock-based payments in the future. Certain stock-based payments, such as employee stock options,
may expire and be worthless or otherwise result in zero intrinsic value as compared to the fair
values originally estimated on the grant date and reported in our financial statements.
Alternatively, value may be realized from these instruments that are significantly higher than the
fair values originally estimated on the grant date and reported in our financial statements. There
currently is no market-based mechanism or other practical application to verify the reliability and
accuracy of the estimates stemming from these valuation models, nor is there a means to compare and
adjust the estimates to actual values.
See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further information
regarding the SFAS No. 123R disclosures.
Accounting for Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income
taxes. Under this method, income tax expense is recognized for the amount of taxes payable or
refundable for the current year. In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized
for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting
and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards.
Management must make assumptions, judgments and estimates to determine our current provision for
income taxes and also our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance to be
recorded against a deferred tax asset.
Our judgments, assumptions and estimates relative to the current provision for income tax take
into account current tax laws, our interpretation of current tax laws and possible outcomes of
current and future audits conducted by foreign and domestic tax authorities. We have established
reserves for income taxes to address potential exposures involving tax positions that could be
challenged by tax authorities. Although we believe our judgments, assumptions and estimates are
reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and any future tax audits could
significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our condensed consolidated financial
statements.
Our assumptions, judgments, and estimates relative to the value of a deferred tax asset take
into account predictions of the amount and category of future taxable income, such as income from
operations or capital gains income. Actual operating results and the underlying amount and category
of income in future years could render inaccurate our current assumptions, judgments, and estimates
of recoverable net deferred taxes. Any of the assumptions, judgments and estimates mentioned above
could cause our actual income tax obligations to differ from our estimates, thus materially
impacting our financial position and results of operations.
Long-term Liabilities In 2003, we executed a series of agreements with Microsoft as
described in Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements that provided for settlement
of our lawsuit against Microsoft as well as various licensing, sublicensing, and equity and
financing arrangements. We accounted for the proceeds received under the agreements as a long-term
customer advance based on certain provisions that would result in payment of funds to Microsoft.
Upon Microsofts election to convert its shares of our Series A Preferred Stock into common stock,
we reduced the long-term customer advance from Microsoft to the minimum amount we would be
obligated to pay Microsoft upon a settlement of the Sony Computer Entertainment Lawsuit as set
forth in our agreements with Microsoft.
27
The remainder of the consideration was transferred to
common stock in 2004. Per the conditions as set forth in our agreements with Microsoft, in the
event that we elected to settle the action in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California entitled Immersion Corporation v. Sony Computer Entertainment of America,
Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Microsoft Corporation, Case No. C02-00710 CW (WDB), as
such action pertains to Sony Computer Entertainment, we would be obligated to pay Microsoft a
minimum of $15.0 million for amounts up to $100.0 million received from Sony Computer Entertainment
on account of our granting certain rights, plus 25% of amounts over $100.0 million up to $150.0
million, and 17.5% of amounts over $150.0 million.
In March 2007, we announced the conclusion of our patent infringement litigation against Sony
Computer Entertainment at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Sony Computer Entertainment satisfied the
District Court judgment against it. As of March 19, 2007, we entered into a new business agreement with
Sony Computer Entertainment to explore the inclusion of our technology in PlayStation format
products. We have determined that the conclusion of our litigation with Sony Computer Entertainment
does not trigger any payment obligations under our Microsoft agreements. However, in a letter sent
to us dated May 1, 2007, Microsoft disputed our position and stated that it believes we owe
Microsoft at least $27.5 million.
If Microsoft brings a lawsuit to further dispute our position, we intend to oppose Microsofts claims and
vigorously defend our position. The results of any litigation are inherently uncertain, and there can be no
assurance that our position will prevail.
In December 2004, we executed a series of agreements as described in Note 6 to the condensed
consolidated financial statements that provided for the issuance of 5% Convertible Debentures and
warrants, and that granted certain registration rights to the holders of the 5% Convertible
Debentures. We accounted for the issuance of our 5% Convertible Debentures and related warrants in
accordance with EITF No. 98-5, Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion
Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion Ratios and other related accounting guidance. We
estimated the relative fair value of the various instruments included in the agreements entered
into in December 2004 and allocated the relative fair values to be as follows: warrants $1.7
million, Put Option $0.1 million, Registration Rights $0.1 million, issuance costs $1.3
million, 5% Convertible Debentures $16.8 million. The 5% Convertible Debentures are being
accreted to $20.0 million over their five-year life, resulting in additional interest expense. The
value of the warrants is included in Stockholders Equity (Deficit), the value of the Put Option
and Registration Rights are recorded as liabilities and are subject to future value adjustments,
and the value of the 5% Convertible Debentures is recorded as long-term debt.
Long-term Deferred Revenue In addition to normal items of deferred revenue due after one
year, we had included Sony Computer Entertainment compulsory license fees and interest earned
thereon in long-term deferred revenue due to the contingent nature of the court-ordered payments
(see Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). Upon the conclusion of our patent
litigation at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit the contingency on these funds
lapsed.
Recovery of Accounts Receivable We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated
losses resulting from our review and assessment of our customers ability to make required
payments. If the financial condition of one or more of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting
in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances might be required. To
date such estimated losses have been within our expectations.
Inventory Reserves We reduce our inventory value for estimated obsolete and slow moving
inventory in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the net realizable
value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual future demand and
market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory
write-downs may be required.
Product Return and Warranty Reserves We provide for estimated costs of future anticipated
product returns and warranty obligations based on historical experience when related revenues are
recognized, and we defer warranty-related revenue over the related warranty term.
Intangible Assets We have acquired patents and other intangibles. In addition, we
capitalize the external legal and filing fees associated with patents and trademarks. We assess
the recoverability of our intangible assets, and we must make assumptions regarding estimated
future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets that
affect our consolidated financial statements. If these estimates or related assumptions change in
the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets. We amortize our
intangible assets related to patents and trademarks, once they issue, over their estimated useful
lives, generally 10 years. Future changes in the estimated useful life could affect the amount of
future period amortization expense that we will incur. During the three months ended March 31,
2007, we capitalized costs associated with patents and trademarks of $386,000. Our total
amortization expense for the same period for all intangible assets was $254,000.
28
The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting
policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically
dictated by GAAP, with no need for managements judgment in their application. There are also areas
in which managements judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a
materially different result.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006
Overview
We achieved a 6% increase in revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared
to the three months ended March 31, 2006 due to increased royalty and license revenue and product
sales. The first quarter revenue growth was primarily due to an 18% increase in gaming revenues.
Our net income was $122.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to a net loss
of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and was our first profitable quarter as a
public company. The increase in net income was primarily due to the litigation conclusion
and patent license from Sony Computer Entertainment of $119.9 million and the extinguishment
of the liability to Microsoft of $15.0 million.
In March 2007, we announced the conclusion of our patent infringement litigation against Sony
Computer Entertainment at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In satisfaction of
the Amended Judgment, we received funds totaling $97.3 million, inclusive of the award for past
damages for sales and other activities with respect to the infringing Sony PlayStation system
consisting of the PlayStation consoles, Dual Shock controllers, and the 47 games found by the jury
to infringe our patents, pre-judgment interest and costs, and post-judgment interest. Additionally
we retained the $32.4 million of compulsory license fees and interest thereon previously paid to us
by Sony Computer Entertainment pursuant to Court Orders. We also entered into a new business
agreement to explore the inclusion of our technology in future PlayStation format products. In
addition, in March 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment made a payment of $1.875 million pursuant to
rights under the new business agreement.
During the remainder of 2007, we expect to focus on the execution of sales and marketing plans
in our established businesses to increase revenue and make selected investments in product and
technology development for longer-term new growth areas. In addition, we have budgeted to continue
to protect and defend our extensive intellectual property portfolio across all business segments.
Our continued success could be limited by several factors, including the timely release of our new
products or our licensees products, continued market acceptance of our products and technology,
the introduction of new products by existing or new competitors, and the cost of ongoing
litigation. For a further discussion of these and other risk factors, see the section titled Risk
Factors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
REVENUES |
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
($ In thousands) |
|
Three months ended: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royalty and license |
|
$ |
2,211 |
|
|
$ |
1,910 |
|
Product sales |
|
|
3,590 |
|
|
|
3,366 |
|
Development contracts and other |
|
|
613 |
|
|
|
756 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenue |
|
$ |
6,414 |
|
|
$ |
6,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months ended March 31, 2007 compared to three months ended March 31, 2006
Total Revenue Our total revenue for the first three months of 2007 increased by $382,000 or
6% from the first three months of 2006.
Royalty
and license revenue Royalty and license revenue is comprised of royalties earned on
sales by our TouchSense licensees and license fees charged for our intellectual property portfolio.
Royalty and license revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $2.2 million, an increase
of $301,000 or 16% from the three months ended
29
March 31, 2006. The increase in royalty and license
revenue was primarily due to an increase in gaming royalties of $255,000 which includes $107,000 of
royalty and license revenue from Sony Computer Entertainment, and an increase in mobile device
royalties of $36,000.
The increase in gaming royalties was mainly due to royalties from Electro Source and royalty
and license revenue from Sony Computer Entertainment during the three months ended March 31, 2007,
which more than offset the overall decrease in sales by our other licensees of royalty bearing
gaming peripherals compared to last year. We did not record any royalties from Electro Source or
Sony Computer Entertainment during the three months ended March 31, 2006 (see Note 10 to the
condensed consolidated financial statements.) This decrease in sales by our other licensees was
primarily due to i) the continued decline in sales of past generation video console systems with
the launches of the next-generation console models from Microsoft (Xbox 360), Sony (PlayStation 3),
and Nintendo (Wii), and ii) the significant decline in third-party market share of aftermarket game
console controllers as market share shifted to first-party peripheral makers due to the launch of
the next-generation console models.
The market share shift to first-party peripheral makers in combination with other actions by
Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo has caused our gaming revenue from existing licensees to decline.
Sony announced on May 8, 2006 that the vibration feature that is currently available on controllers
for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 would be removed from the new PlayStation 3 controller. The
PlayStation 3 console system was launched in late 2006 in the United States and Japan without
native vibration or any force feedback capability of any kind. This course of action by Sony has
had material adverse consequences on our current and future gaming royalty revenues from
third-party licensees since our gaming royalties have primarily been from licensed third-party
controller products with vibration or force feedback capabilities that require some degree of
vibration and/or force feedback support or compatibility in the video console system to be viable
products. Sony has since released an update to the PlayStation 3 that offers limited vibration and
force feedback support for some older PS1 and PS2 games and rumble and force feedback controllers
compatible with the PS1 and PS2 console systems. We do not know if this situation might change at
some point in the life of the PlayStation 3 console system, or whether or to what extent the
PlayStation 3 console will be compatible with or support rumble or force feedback in PS3 games or
controllers compatible with the PS3 console system. Based on our litigation conclusion and new
business agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment (see Note 10 to the condensed consolidated
financial statements for more discussion) we will recognize a minimum of $30.0 million as royalty
and license revenue through March 31, 2017, approximately $750,000 per quarter. We
recognized $107,000 of this amount in the quarter ended March 31, 2007. For the Microsoft Xbox 360
video console system launched in November 2005, Microsoft has, to date, not broadly licensed third
parties to produce game controllers. Because our gaming royalties come mainly from third-party
manufacturers, unless Microsoft licenses additional third-parties, our gaming royalty revenue will
continue to decline. For the Nintendo Wii video console system launched in December 2006, Nintendo
has, to date, not yet broadly licensed third parties to produce game controllers for its Wii game
console. Because our gaming royalties come mainly from third-party manufacturers, unless Nintendo
licenses additional third-party licensees, our gaming royalty revenue will continue to decline.
Product sales Product sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $3.6 million, an
increase of $224,000 or 7% as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006. The increase in
product sales was primarily due to increased medical product sales of $362,000, mainly due to
increased sales of our Virtual IV and endoscopy simulators. This increase in product sales was a
result of pursuing a product growth strategy for our medical business, which includes developing
new products, leveraging our industry alliances, and expanding international sales. In addition,
there was an increase in product sales from touch interface products of $39,000 including increased
sales of rotary modules and commercial gaming boards. Touch interface products include touchscreen
and touch panel components, rotary modules, and commercial gaming products. Partially offsetting
this increase was a decrease in product sales of our 3D products of $177,000 primarily due to
decreased sales of our MicroScribe, CyberGrasp®, and CyberForce® products.
Development contract and other revenue Development contract and other revenue is comprised
of revenue on commercial and government contracts and extended support and warranty contracts.
Development contract and other revenue was $613,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2007, a
decrease of $143,000 or 19% as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006. Government
contract revenue decreased by $422,000 primarily due to the completion of work performed under a
medical government contract. Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in commercial
contract revenue of $250,000 mainly due to increased development contract revenue from Immersion
Medical and increased touch interface product and mobile devices development contract revenue.
We categorize our geographic information into four major regions: North America, Europe, Far
East, and Rest of the World. In the first three months of 2007, revenue generated in North America,
Europe, Far East, and Rest of the World represented 67%, 17%, 14%, and 2%, respectively, compared
to 74%, 15%, 10%, and 1%, respectively, for the first three months of 2006. The shift in revenues
among regions was mainly due to an increase in revenue in the Far East
30
from touch interface product
royalties and development contracts, an increase in mobility royalty revenue, and an increase in
product sales from medical customers in the Far East, primarily Medtronic, offset by a decrease in
revenue from U.S. government contracts due to the completion of those projects in 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
Change |
COST OF PRODUCT SALES |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
($ In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Three months ended: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of product sales |
|
$ |
1,543 |
|
|
$ |
1,355 |
|
|
|
14 |
% |
% of total product revenue |
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
40 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Cost
of Product Sales Our cost of product sales consists primarily of materials, labor, and
overhead. There is no cost of product sales associated with royalty revenue or development
contract revenue. Cost of product sales was $1.5 million, an increase of $188,000 or 14% for the
three months ended March 31, 2007 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006. The
increase in cost of product sales was primarily due to increased direct material costs of $151,000
and an increase in overhead costs of $62,000 offset in part by decreased royalties of $22,000. The
increase in direct material costs was a result of increased product sales and a shift in product
mix that included sales of our lower margin Virtual IV medical simulator. Overhead costs
increased, in part, as a result of increased salary expense primarily due to the costs of programs
to improve quality processes within our manufacturing operations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
Change |
OPERATING EXPENSES AND OTHER |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
($ In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
Three months ended: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and marketing |
|
$ |
2,703 |
|
|
$ |
3,077 |
|
|
|
(12 |
)% |
% of total revenue |
|
|
42 |
% |
|
|
51 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
$ |
2,543 |
|
|
$ |
1,729 |
|
|
|
47 |
% |
% of total revenue |
|
|
40 |
% |
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative |
|
$ |
3,259 |
|
|
$ |
2,811 |
|
|
|
16 |
% |
% of total revenue |
|
|
51 |
% |
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of intangibles |
|
$ |
254 |
|
|
$ |
210 |
|
|
|
21 |
% |
% of total revenue |
|
|
4 |
% |
|
|
3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Litigation conclusions and patent license |
|
$ |
(134,900 |
) |
|
$ |
(650 |
) |
|
|
20654 |
% |
% of total revenue |
|
|
(2103 |
)% |
|
|
(11 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
Sales
and Marketing Our sales and marketing expenses are comprised primarily of employee
compensation and benefits costs, advertising, trade shows, brochures, market development funds,
travel, and an allocation of facilities costs. Sales and marketing expenses were $2.7 million, a
decrease of $374,000 or 12% in the first three months of 2007 compared to the comparable period in
2006. The decrease was primarily due to decreased salaries, benefits, and overhead expense of
$181,000, a decrease in travel expense to support sales and marketing efforts of $55,000, decreased
shows and exhibits expense of $47,000, decreased advertising and public relations costs of $35,000,
a reduction in bad debt expense of $34,000 and decreased professional consulting and license fees
of $11,000. The decreased compensation, benefits, and overhead expense was primarily due to
decreased sales and marketing headcount and decreased stock-based compensation expense. We expect
to continue to focus our sales and marketing efforts on medical, mobile device, and touchscreen
market opportunities to build greater market acceptance for our touch
31
technologies. We expect to continue to invest in sales and marketing in future periods to exploit market
opportunities for our technology.
Research and Development Our research and development expenses are comprised primarily of
employee compensation and benefits, consulting fees, tooling and supplies, and an allocation of
facilities costs. Research and development expenses were $2.5 million, an increase of $814,000 or
47% in the first three months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The increase was
primarily due to increased compensation, benefits, overhead of $637,000, an increase in
professional consulting expense of $115,000, and an increase in travel expenses of $63,000. The
increased compensation, benefits, and overhead expense was primarily due to increased engineering
headcount and increased stock-based compensation expense. We anticipate research and development
costs will increase in absolute dollars in 2007
compared to 2006. We believe that continued investment in research and development is critical
to our future success, and we expect to make targeted investments in areas of product and
technology development to support future growth.
General and Administrative Our general and administrative expenses are comprised primarily
of employee compensation and benefits, legal and professional fees, office supplies, travel, and an
allocation of facilities costs. General and administrative expenses were $3.3 million, an increase
of $448,000 or 16% in the first three months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The
increase was primarily due to increased legal, professional, and license fee expense of $359,000,
increased seminars of $32,000, increased compensation, benefits, overhead of $26,000, and increased
public company expense of $23,000. The increased legal, professional, and license fee expenses were
primarily due to increased audit, tax, and accounting fees, increased general legal costs, and
increased consulting costs. We expect that the dollar amount of general and administrative expenses
to continue to be a significant component of our operating expenses. We will continue to incur
costs related to litigation as we continue to defend our intellectual property.
Amortization of Intangibles Our amortization of intangibles is comprised primarily of patent
amortization and other intangible amortization. Amortization of intangibles increased by $44,000 or
21% in the first three months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The increase was
primarily attributable to the increased cost and number of patents being amortized.
Litigation Conclusions and
Patent License In March 2007, we concluded our patent
infringement litigation against Sony Computer Entertainment at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit. In satisfaction of the Amended Judgment, we received funds totaling $97.3
million, inclusive of the award for past damages, pre-judgment interest and costs, and
post-judgment interest. Additionally, we retained $32.4 million of compulsory license fees and
interest thereon previously paid to us by Sony Computer Entertainment pursuant to Court Orders. See
Note 15 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of this
litigation. As of March 19, 2007 both parties entered into an agreement whereby we
granted Sony Computer Entertainment and its affiliates a worldwide, non-transferable, non-exclusive
license of our patents for the going-forward use, development, manufacture, sale, lease,
importation, and distribution of its current and past PlayStation and related products. The license does not cover
adult, foundry, medical, automotive, industrial, mobility, or gambling products. We also granted to
Sony Computer Entertainment a license of our patents for the use, development, manufacture, sale,
lease, importation, and distribution, by Sony Computer Entertainment and through third parties, of
haptic game devices for use on those Sony PlayStation consoles. We also granted Sony Computer
Entertainment certain other licenses, an option to obtain licenses in the future with respect to
future gaming products, certain releases and covenants not to sue. Sony Computer Entertainment
granted us certain covenants not to sue and agreed to pay us twelve quarterly installments of
$1.875 million (for a total of $22.5 million) beginning on March 31, 2007 and ending on December
31, 2009, and may pay us certain other fees and royalty amounts. In total, we will receive a
minimum of $152.2 million through the conclusion of the litigation and the separate patent license.
We engaged an independent firm of financial advisors to assist with
the determination of the fair value of all the
elements of both the litigation conclusion and patent license. In accordance with EITF No. 00-21,
we allocated the present value of the total payments, equal to $149.9 million, between each element
based on their relative fair values. Under this allocation, we recorded $119.9 million as
litigation conclusions and patent license income and the remaining $30.0 million is allocated to
deferred license revenue. We recorded $107,000 as revenue, in the three-month period ended March 31, 2007.
We will record the remaining $29.9 million as revenue, on a straight-line basis, over the remaining
capture period of the patents licensed, ending March 19, 2017. We have accounted for
future payments
in accordance with APB No. 21 Interest on Receivables and Payables. Under
APB No. 21, we determined the present value of the $22.5 million future payments to equal $20.2
million. We will account for the difference of $2.3 million as interest income as each $1.875 million
payment installment becomes due.
32
Under the terms of a series of agreements that we entered into with Microsoft in 2003, in the
event we had elected to settle the action in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California entitled Immersion Corporation v. Sony Computer Entertainment of America,
Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Microsoft Corporation, Case No. C02-00710 CW (WDB), as
such action pertains to Sony Computer Entertainment, we would be obligated to pay Microsoft a
minimum of $15.0 million for amounts up to $100.0 million received from Sony Computer Entertainment
on account of our granting certain rights, plus 25% of amounts over $100.0 million up to $150.0
million, and 17.5% of amounts over $150.0 million. The patent infringement litigation with Sony
Computer Entertainment was concluded in March 2007 at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit without settlement. We have determined that the conclusion of our litigation with Sony
Computer Entertainment does not trigger any payment obligations under our Microsoft agreements.
Accordingly, the liability of $15.0 million that was in the financial statements at December 31,
2006 was extinguished, and we have accounted for this sum as litigation conclusions and patent
license income in the three-month period ended March 31, 2007. However, in a letter sent to us
dated May 1, 2007, Microsoft disputed our
position and stated that it believes we owe Microsoft at least $27.5 million.
If Microsoft brings a lawsuit to further dispute our position, we intend to oppose Microsofts claims and
vigorously defend our position. The results of any litigation are inherently uncertain, and there can be no
assurance that our position will prevail.
In February 2006, we announced that we had settled our legal differences in our complaint for
patent infringement against Electro Source and that both parties had agreed to dismiss all claims
and counterclaims relating to this matter. In addition to the Confidential Settlement Agreement,
Electro Source entered into a worldwide license to our patents for vibro-tactile devices in the
consumer gaming peripheral field of use. According to the terms of the agreement, Electro Source
will make royalty payments to us based on sales by Electro Source of spinning mass vibro-tactile
gamepads, steering wheels, and other game controllers for dedicated gaming consoles, such as the
Sony PlayStation and PlayStation 2, the Nintendo GameCube, and the Microsoft Xbox and Xbox 360. In
March 2006, Electro Source paid us $650,000 and we recorded that as litigation conclusions and
patent license income during the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Interest and Other Income Interest and other income consists primarily of interest income
and dividend income from cash and cash equivalents, and other income from recoveries of prior
write-offs of investments. Interest and other income increased by $258,000 in the first three
months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. This was primarily the result of increased
interest income on increased cash and cash equivalents invested after the receipt of the judgment
from Sony Computer Entertainment in March 2007. Interest income earned on the payments from Sony
Computer Entertainment up until the judgment became final had been included in deferred revenue. We expect
interest income to increase throughout the remainder of the year due to interest earned on our
increased cash and cash equivalents balance.
Interest Expense Interest expense consists primarily of interest and accretion expense on
our 5% Convertible Debentures. Interest expense decreased by $1,000 in the first three months of
2007 compared to the same period in 2006.
Provision for Income Taxes For the three months ended March 31, 2007, we recorded a
provision for income taxes of $8.5 million on a pre-tax income of $131.0 million, yielding an
effective tax rate of 6.5%. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, we recorded a provision for
income taxes of $102,000 on a pre-tax loss of $2.8 million yielding an effective tax rate of
(3.6)%. The provision for income tax for the three months ended March 31, 2007 utilized a
significant portion of our net operating loss carryforwards to offset taxable income that were
previously fully reserved thereby reducing the overall effective tax rate. We released $47.0
million of the deferred tax valuation allowance in the first three months ended March 31, 2007 as
the income in the first quarter utilized a substantial portion of the deferred tax assets. The
provision for income tax for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was based on federal and state
alternative minimum income tax payable on taxable income. Although we incurred pre-tax losses in
the first three months of 2006, the sums received from Sony Computer Entertainment and interest
thereon included in long term deferred revenue, approximating $5.3 million for the first three
months of 2006 were taxable, giving rise to an overall taxable profit.
33
SEGMENT RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial |
|
$ |
3,758 |
|
|
$ |
3,448 |
|
Immersion Medical |
|
|
2,657 |
|
|
|
2,601 |
|
Intersegment eliminations |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(17 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
6,414 |
|
|
$ |
6,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial |
|
$ |
123,290 |
|
|
$ |
(2,638 |
) |
Immersion Medical |
|
|
(862 |
) |
|
|
(278 |
) |
Intersegment eliminations |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
122,433 |
|
|
$ |
(2,906 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Segment assets and expenses relating to our corporate operations are not allocated but
are included in Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial as that is how they
are considered for management evaluation purposes. As a result the segment information
may not be indicative of the financial position or results of operations that would
have been achieved had these segments operated as unaffiliated entities. |
Immersion Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial segment Revenues from the Immersion
Computing, Entertainment, and Industrial segment were $3.8 million, an increase of $310,000 or 9%
in the first three months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Royalty and license revenues
increased by $302,000, mainly due to increased royalties and license revenue from our licensees
that sell console and PC gaming peripheral products including license and royalty revenue from Sony
Computer Entertainment, and an increase in mobile device royalties. Development contract revenues
increased by $161,000, primarily due to increased revenue on touch interface product and mobile
device contracts. Product sales decreased by $153,000, mainly due to decreased sales of our
MicroScribe, CyberGrasp, and CyberForce products. Net income for the three months ended March 31,
2007 was $123.3 million, an increase of $125.9 million compared to the same period in 2006.
The increase was primarily due to the litigation conclusions and patent license income of $134.9 million
(Sony Computer Entertainment of $119.9 million and from Microsoft of $15.0 million), increased gross
margin of $314,000 and a decrease in sales and marketing expenses of $280,000. The increases were
partially offset by the reduction of litigation settlements of $650,000 from Electro Source in 2006, an
increase of research and development expenses of $229,000, an increase in general and administrative
expenses of $474,000 and increased provision for income taxes of $8.4 million.
Immersion Medical segment Revenues from Immersion Medical were $2.7 million, an increase of
$56,000 or 2%, for the first three months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. The
increase was primarily due to an increase of $362,000 in product sales partially offset by a
decrease of $305,000 in development contract revenue. Product sales increased primarily due to
increased sales of our Virtual IV and endoscopy simulators. The product sales increase was a result
of pursuing a product growth strategy for our medical business, which includes developing new
products, leveraging our industry alliances, and expanding international sales. Development
contract revenue decreased due to the completion of work performed under a government contract,
partially offset by an increase in commercial contract revenue. Net loss for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 was $862,000, an increase of $584,000 or 210% compared to the same period in 2006.
The increased loss was mainly due to increased operating expenses of $465,000 and decreased gross
margin of $116,000 primarily due to increased sales of our lower margin Virtual VI medical
simulators offset, in part, by increased sales of higher margin products such as endoscopy
simulators. The increased operating expenses included increased research and development expenses
partially offset by decreased sales and marketing expenses.
34
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash and money market funds. On March 31,
2007 our cash and cash equivalents totaled $137.6 million, an increase of $105.6 million from $32.0
million on December 31, 2006.
In December 2004, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $20.0 million of 5% Convertible
Debentures. The 5% Convertible Debentures will mature on December 22, 2009. The amount payable at
maturity of each 5% Convertible Debenture is the initial principal plus all accrued but unpaid
interest thereon, to the extent such principal amount and interest has not been converted into
common shares or previously paid in cash. Commencing on the date the 5% Convertible Debentures were
issued, interest accrues daily on the principal amount of the 5% Convertible Debenture at a rate of
5% per year. Interest will cease to accrue on that portion of the 5% Convertible Debenture that is
converted or paid, including pursuant to conversion right or redemption. The holder of a 5%
Convertible Debenture has the right to convert the outstanding principal amount and accrued and
unpaid interest in whole or in part into shares of our common shares at a price of $7.0265 per
common share.
In March 2007, we concluded our patent infringement litigation against Sony Computer
Entertainment at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In satisfaction of the Amended
Judgment, we received funds totaling $97.3
million, inclusive of the award for past damages, pre-judgment interest and costs, and
post-judgment interest. Additionally, we retained $32.4 million of compulsory license fees and
interest thereon previously paid to us by Sony Computer Entertainment pursuant to Court Orders.
Furthermore, we entered into a new business agreement. Under the new business agreement we will
receive twelve quarterly installments of $1.875 million for a total of $22.5 million beginning on
March 31, 2007 and ending on December 31, 2009.
Net cash provided by operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was
$98.5 million, a change of $95.7 million from the $2.8 million provided during the three months
ended March 31, 2006. Cash provided by operations during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was
primarily the result of our net income of $122.4 million, an increase of $14.0 million due to a
change in income taxes payable, an increase of $1.9 million due to a change in accounts receivable,
an increase of $528,000 due to a change in accrued compensation and other current liabilities, and
an increase of $110,000 due to a change in prepaid expenses and other current assets. These
increases were offset by a $31.5 million decrease due to a change in deferred revenue and customer
advances mainly related to the conclusion of our patent litigation with Sony Computer Entertainment
and the extinguishment of the customer advance from Microsoft, a decrease of $5.5 million due to a
change in deferred income taxes, a decrease of $1.1 million due to a change in accounts payable due
to the timing of payments to vendors and a decrease of $648,000 due to a change in inventories.
Cash provided by operations during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was also impacted by
noncash charges and credits of $1.7 million, including a credit of $2.9 million from excess tax
benefits from stock-based compensation, partially offset by $634,000 of stock-based compensation,
$254,000 in amortization of intangibles, $213,000 in depreciation, and $158,000 in accretion
expenses on our 5% Convertible Debentures.
Net cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was
$549,000, compared to the $478,000 used in investing activities during three months ended March 31,
2006, an increase of $71,000. Net cash used in investing activities during the period consisted of
a $386,000 increase in other assets, primarily due to capitalization of external patent filing and
application costs and $163,000 used to purchase capital equipment.
Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was
$7.5 million compared to $489,000 provided during the three months ended March 31, 2006, or a $7.0
million increase from the prior year. Net cash provided by financing activities for the period
consisted primarily of issuances of common stock and exercises of stock options in the amount of
$4.5 million, and an increase of $2.9 million from excess tax benefits from tax deductible
stock-based compensation.
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet our working capital
needs for at least the next twelve months. We will continue to protect and defend our extensive
intellectual property portfolio across all business segments. We anticipate that capital
expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2007 will total approximately $1.0 million in
connection with anticipated maintenance and upgrades to operations and infrastructure.
Additionally, if we acquire one or more businesses, patents, or products, our cash or capital
requirements could increase substantially. In the event of such an acquisition, or should any
unanticipated circumstances arise that significantly increase our capital requirements, we may
elect to raise additional capital through debt or equity financing. Any of these events could
result in substantial dilution to our stockholders. Although we expect to be able to raise
additional capital if necessary, there is no assurance that such additional capital will be
available on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
Our 5% Convertible Debentures accrue interest at 5% per annum. Accordingly, we are required to
make interest payments in the amount of $1.0 million per annum until such time as the 5%
Convertible Debentures are either converted to common stock or mature. If the daily
volume-weighted average price of our common shares is at or above
35
200% of the Conversion Price for
at least 20 consecutive trading days, and certain other conditions are met, we have the right to
(i) require the holder of a 5% Convertible Debenture to convert the 5% Convertible Debenture in
whole, including interest, into shares of our common stock at a price of $7.0265 per common share,
as may be adjusted under the debenture, as set forth and subject to the conditions in the 5%
Convertible Debenture, or (ii) redeem the 5% Convertible Debenture. If we make either of the
foregoing elections with respect to any 5% Convertible Debenture, we must make the same election
with respect to all 5% Convertible Debentures.
In March 2007, we announced the conclusion of our patent infringement litigation against Sony
Computer Entertainment at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Sony Computer Entertainment satisfied the
District Court judgment against it. As of March 19, 2007, we and Sony Computer Entertainment entered into a
new business agreement to explore the inclusion of our technology in PlayStation format products.
We have determined that we are not obligated under our agreements with Microsoft to make any
payment to Microsoft relating to the conclusion of our patent infringement litigation with Sony
Computer Entertainment. However, in a letter sent to us dated May 1, 2007, Microsoft disputed our
position and stated that it believes we owe Microsoft at least $27.5 million.
If Microsoft brings a lawsuit to further dispute our position, we intend to oppose Microsofts claims and
vigorously defend our position. The results of any litigation are inherently uncertain, and there can be no
assurance that our position will prevail.
SUMMARY DISCLOSURES ABOUT CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
The following table reflects a summary of our contractual cash obligations and other
commercial commitments as of December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 and |
|
2010 and |
Contractual Obligations |
|
Total |
|
2007 |
|
2009 |
|
2011 |
|
|
(In thousands) |
Long-term debt and interest |
|
$ |
22,975 |
|
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
21,975 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Operating leases |
|
|
2,951 |
|
|
|
994 |
|
|
|
1,638 |
|
|
|
319 |
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations |
|
$ |
25,926 |
|
|
$ |
1,994 |
|
|
$ |
23,613 |
|
|
$ |
319 |
|
|
|
|
With regard to our 5% Convertible Debentures, in the event of a change of control of us,
a holder may require us to redeem all or a portion of their 5% Convertible Debenture (Put
Option). The redeemed portion shall be redeemed at a price equal to the redeemed amount multiplied
by 100% of the principal amount of the 5% Convertible Debenture. The Conversion Price will be
reduced in certain instances where shares of common stock are sold or deemed to be sold at a price
less than the applicable Conversion Price, including the issuance of certain options, the issuance
of convertible securities, or the change in exercise price or rate of conversion for options or
convertible securities. The Conversion Price will be proportionately adjusted if we subdivide (by
stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, or otherwise) or combine (by combination, reverse
stock split, or otherwise) one or more classes of our common stock. So long as any 5% Convertible
Debentures are outstanding, we will not, nor will we permit any of our subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, incur or guarantee, assume or suffer to exist any indebtedness other than permitted
indebtedness under the 5% Convertible Debenture agreement. If an event of default occurs, and is
continuing with respect to any of our 5% Convertible Debentures, the holder may, at its option,
require us to redeem all or a portion of the 5% Convertible Debenture.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN 48
clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises financial
statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a
two-step process to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized. First, the tax position must
be evaluated to determine the likelihood that it will be sustained upon examination. If the tax
position is deemed more-likely-than-not to be sustained, the tax position is then measured to
determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is
measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized
upon ultimate settlement. We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The adoption of
FIN 48 resulted in no adjustment to beginning retained earnings as we had a full valuation
allowance on the deferred tax asset as of the adoption date.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157
establishes a framework for measuring fair value by providing a standard definition of fair value
as it applies to assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157, which does not require any new fair value
measurements, clarifies the application of other accounting pronouncements that require or permit
fair value measurements. The effective date for us is January 1, 2008. We are currently evaluating
the effect that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial position and results of
operations.
36
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities. The new Statement allows entities to choose, at specified election
dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value in situations in which
they are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value. If a company elects the fair value
option for an eligible item, changes in that items fair value in subsequent reporting periods must
be recognized in current earnings. SFAS No. 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure
requirements designed to draw comparison between entities that elect different measurement
attributes for similar assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning
after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted subject to specific requirements outlined in
the new Statement. We are currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will
have on our financial position and results of operations.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We have limited exposure to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. The
fair value of our investment portfolio or related income would not be significantly impacted by a
100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates due mainly to the short-term nature of the
major portion of our investment portfolio. An increase or decrease in interest rates would not
significantly increase or decrease interest expense on debt obligations due to the fixed nature of
our debt obligations. Our foreign operations are limited in scope and thus we are not materially
exposed to foreign currency fluctuations.
As of March 31, 2007, we had outstanding $20.0 million of fixed rate long-term convertible
debentures. The holder of a 5% Convertible Debenture has the right to convert the outstanding
principal amount, and accrued and unpaid interest, in whole or in part into our common shares at a
price of $7.0265 per common share, the Conversion Price. In the event of a change of control, a
holder may require us to redeem all or a portion of their 5% Convertible Debenture. This is
referred to as the Put Option. The redeemed portion shall be redeemed at a price equal to the
redeemed amount multiplied by 100% of the principal amount of the 5% Convertible Debenture. If the
daily volume-weighted average price of our common shares is at or above 200% of the Conversion
Price for at least 20 consecutive trading days and certain other conditions are met, we have the
right to (i) require the holder of a 5% Convertible Debenture to convert the debenture in whole,
including interest, into shares of our common stock at a price of $7.0265 per common share, as may
be adjusted under the debenture, as set forth and subject to the conditions in the 5% Convertible
Debenture, or (ii) redeem the 5% Convertible Debenture. If we make either of the foregoing
elections with respect to any 5% Convertible Debenture, we must make the same election with respect
to all 5% Convertible Debentures.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Based on their evaluation as of March 31, 2007, our management with the participation of our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that our disclosure controls
and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended) were sufficiently effective to ensure that the information required to be
disclosed by us in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q was recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules for Form 10-Q.
There were no changes to internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended
March 31, 2007 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our
internal control over financial reporting.
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not
expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error
and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only
reasonable, not absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the
design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the
benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent
limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that
all control issues and instances of fraud, if any within Immersion, have been detected.
37
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In re Immersion Corporation
We are involved in legal proceedings relating to a class action lawsuit filed on November 9,
2001, In re Immersion Corporation Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, No. Civ. 01-9975
(S.D.N.Y.), related to In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, No. 21 MC 92
(S.D.N.Y.). The named defendants are Immersion and three of our current or former officers or
directors (the Immersion Defendants), and certain underwriters of our November 12, 1999 initial
public offering (IPO). Subsequently, two of the individual defendants stipulated to a dismissal
without prejudice.
The operative amended complaint is brought on purported behalf of all persons who purchased
our common stock from the date of our IPO through December 6, 2000. It alleges liability under
Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, on the grounds that the registration statement for the IPO did not disclose
that: (1) the underwriters agreed to allow certain customers to purchase shares in the IPO in
exchange for excess commissions to be paid to the underwriters; and (2) the underwriters arranged
for certain customers
to purchase additional shares in the aftermarket at predetermined prices. The complaint also
appears to allege that false or misleading analyst reports were issued. The complaint does not
claim any specific amount of damages.
Similar allegations were made in other lawsuits challenging over 300 other initial public
offerings and follow-on offerings conducted in 1999 and 2000. The cases were consolidated for
pretrial purposes. On February 19, 2003, the Court ruled on all defendants motions to dismiss. The
motion was denied as to claims under the Securities Act of 1933 in the case involving us as well as
in all other cases (except for 10 cases). The motion was denied as to the claim under Section 10(b)
as to us, on the basis that the complaint alleged that we had made acquisition(s) following the
IPO. The motion was granted as to the claim under Section 10(b), but denied as to the claim under
Section 20(a), as to the remaining individual defendant.
We and most of the issuer defendants have settled with the plaintiffs. In this settlement,
plaintiffs have dismissed and released all claims against the Immersion Defendants, in exchange for
a contingent payment by the insurance companies collectively responsible for insuring the issuers
in all of the IPO cases, and for the assignment or surrender of certain claims we may have against
the underwriters. The Immersion Defendants will not be required to make any cash payments in the
settlement, unless the pro rata amount paid by the insurers in the settlement exceeds the amount of
the insurance coverage, a circumstance which we believe is remote. The settlement will require
approval of the Court, which cannot be assured, after class members are given the opportunity to
object to the settlement or opt out of the settlement.
In September 2005, the Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement. The Court held a
hearing to consider final approval of the settlement on April 24, 2006, and took the matter under
submission. The court will resume consideration of whether to grant final approval to the
settlement following further appellate review, if any, of the decision in In re Initial Public
Offering Securities Litigation, 471 F.3d 24, 2006 WL 3499937 (2d Cir. Dec. 5, 2006). Subsequently,
the Second Circuit vacated the class certification of plaintiffs claims against the underwriters
in six cases designated as focus or test cases. Miles v. Merrill Lynch & Co. (In re Initial Public
Offering Securities Litigation), 471 F.3d 24 (2d Cir. 2006). Thereafter, the District Court ordered
a stay of all proceedings in all of the lawsuits pending the outcome of plaintiffs petition to the
Second Circuit for rehearing en banc and resolution of the class certification issue. On April 6,
2007, the Second Circuit denied plaintiffs petition for rehearing, but clarified that the
plaintiffs may seek to certify a more limited class in the District Court. Accordingly, the stay
remains in place and the plaintiffs and issuers have stated that they are prepared to discuss how
the settlement might be amended or renegotiated to comply with the Second Circuit decision. There
is no guarantee that the settlement will become effective as it is subject to a number of
conditions which cannot be assured, including final court approval.
Immersion Corporation vs. Microsoft Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Inc.
On February 11, 2002, we filed a complaint against Microsoft Corporation, Sony Computer
Entertainment, Inc., and Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Inc. in the U.S. District Court
for the Northern District Court of California alleging infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,889,672
and 6,275,213. The case was assigned to United States District Judge Claudia Wilken. On April 4,
2002, Sony Computer Entertainment and Microsoft answered the complaint by denying the material
allegations and alleging counterclaims seeking a judicial declaration that the asserted patents
were invalid, unenforceable, or not infringed. Under the counterclaims, the defendants were also
seeking damages for attorneys fees. On October 8, 2002, we filed an amended complaint, withdrawing
the claim under the U.S. Patent No. 5,889,672 and adding claims under a new patent, U.S. Patent No.
6,424,333.
38
On July 28, 2003, we announced that we had settled our legal differences with Microsoft, and
both parties agreed to dismiss all claims and counterclaims relating to this matter as well as
assume financial responsibility for their respective legal costs with respect to the lawsuit
between us and Microsoft.
On August 16, 2004, the trial against Sony Computer Entertainment commenced. On September 21,
2004, the jury returned its verdict in favor of us. The jury found all the asserted claims of the
patents valid and infringed. The jury awarded us damages in the amount of $82.0 million. On January
10, 2005, the Court awarded us prejudgment interest on the damages the jury awarded at the
applicable prime rate. The Court further ordered Sony Computer Entertainment to pay us a compulsory
license fee at the rate of 1.37%, the ratio of the verdict amount to the amount of sales of
infringing products, effective as of July 1, 2004 and through the date of Judgment. On February 9,
2005, the Court ordered that Sony Computer Entertainment provide us with sales data 15 days after
the end of each quarter and clarified that Sony Computer Entertainment will make the ordered
payment 45 days after the end of the applicable quarter. Sony Computer Entertainment has made
quarterly payments to us pursuant to the Courts orders.
On February 9, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a Notice of Appeal to the United States
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to appeal the Courts January 10, 2005 order, and on
February 10, 2005 Sony Computer Entertainment filed an Amended Notice of Appeal to include an
appeal from the Courts February 9, 2005 order.
On January 5 and 6, 2005, the Court held a bench trial on Sony Computer Entertainments
remaining allegations that the 333 patent was not enforceable due to alleged inequitable conduct.
On March 24, 2005, the Court resolved this issue, entering a written order finding in our favor.
On March 24, 2005, Judge Wilken also entered judgment in our favor and awarded us $82.0
million in past damages, and pre-judgment interest in the amount of $8.9 million, for a total of
$90.9 million. We were also awarded certain court costs. Court costs do not include attorneys
fees. Additionally, the Court issued a permanent injunction against the manufacture, use, sale, or
import into the United States of the infringing Sony PlayStation system consisting of the
PlayStation consoles, Dual Shock controllers, and the 47 games found by the jury to infringe our
patents. The Court stayed the permanent injunction pending appeal to the United States Court of
Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Court further ordered Sony Computer Entertainment to pay a
compulsory license fee at the rate of 1.37% for the duration of the stay of the permanent
injunction at the same rate and conditions as previously awarded in its interim January 10, 2005
and February 9, 2005 Orders. On April 7, 2005, pursuant to a stipulation of the parties, the Court
entered an Amended Judgment to clarify that the Judgment in favor of us and against Sony Computer
Entertainment also encompassed Sony Computer Entertainments counterclaims for declaratory relief
on invalidity and unenforceability, as well as non-infringement.
Sony Computer Entertainment had filed further motions seeking judgment as a matter of a law
(JMOL) or for a new trial, and a motion for a stay of an accounting and execution of the Judgment.
On May 17, 2005, Judge Wilken denied these motions.
On April 27, 2005, the Court granted Sony Computer Entertainments request to approve a
supersedeas bond, secured by a cash deposit with the Court in the amount of $102.5 million, to
obtain a stay of enforcement of the Courts Amended Judgment pending appeal. On May 17, 2005, the
Court issued a minute order stating that in lieu of the supersedeas bond the Court would allow Sony
Computer Entertainment to place the funds on deposit with the Court in an escrow account subject to
acceptable escrow instructions. The parties negotiated escrow instructions, and on June 12, 2006,
the Court granted the parties stipulated request to withdraw the funds from the Court and deposit
them in an escrow account with JP Morgan Chase. Sony Computer Entertainment has withdrawn the funds
from the Court and deposited them in the JP Morgan Chase escrow account.
On June 16, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a Notice of Appeal from the District Court
Judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The appeals of the January
and February orders regarding the compulsory license have been consolidated with the appeal of the
Judgment. Sony Computer Entertainments Opening Brief was filed on October 21, 2005; we filed an
Opposition Brief on December 5, 2005. Due to the cross appeal by ISLLC (see below), the Federal
Circuit allowed us to file a Substitute Opposition Brief on February 17, 2006 responding to the
briefs filed by both Sony Computer Entertainment and ISLLC. On March 15, 2006, we filed a further
substitute brief in response to a Federal Circuit order clarifying the maximum number of words we
were allowed given ISLLCs cross appeal. Sony Computer Entertainment filed its Reply Brief on
April 27, 2006 and ISLLCs Reply Brief was filed on May 15, 2006. On October 3, 2006, a hearing
for oral argument was held before a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit.
39
On July 21, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a motion in the District Court before
Judge Wilken seeking relief from the final judgment under Rule 60(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure on the grounds of alleged fraud and newly discovered evidence of purported prior art,
which Sony Computer Entertainment contends we concealed and withheld attributable to Mr. Craig
Thorner, a named inventor on three patents that Sony Computer Entertainment urged as a basis for
patent invalidity during the trial. A hearing on this motion was held before Judge Wilken on
January 20, 2006. On March 8, 2006, the Court entered an Order which denied Sony Computer
Entertainments motion pursuant to Rule 60(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in its
entirety. On April 7, 2006, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a Notice of Appeal to the United
States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to appeal this ruling and filed its opening brief
on June 16, 2006. Our opposition brief was filed on August 30, 2006, and Sony Computer
Entertainment filed its reply brief on October 2, 2006. On January 8, 2007, a hearing for oral
argument was held before a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit.
On May 17, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a Request for Inter Partes Reexamination of
the 333 Patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). On May 19, 2005, Sony
Computer Entertainment filed a
similar Request for reexamination of the 213 Patent. On July 6, 2005, we filed a Petition to
dismiss, stay, or alternatively to suspend both of the requests for reexamination, based at least
on the grounds that a final judgment has already been entered by a United States District Court,
and that the PTOs current inter partes reexamination procedures deny due process of law. The PTO
denied the first petition, and we filed a second petition on September 9, 2005. On November 17,
2005, the PTO granted our petition, and suspended the inter partes reexaminations until such time
as the parallel court proceedings warrant termination or resumption of the PTO examination and
prosecution proceedings. On December 13, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a third petition
requesting permission to file an additional inter partes reexamination on the claims of the 333
and 213 Patents for which reexamination was not requested in Sony Computer Entertainments
original requests for reexamination. The PTO dismissed this third petition on March 22, 2006. On
December 13, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment also filed ex parte reexamination requests on a
number of claims of the 213 and 333 patents, including all of the claims litigated in the
District Court action, in addition to others. On March 13, 2006, the PTO granted the ex parte
reexam request only with respect to the requested claims that were not litigated, and the ex parte
reexamination is proceeding with respect to the claims that were not the subject of litigation. On
April 11, 2006, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a fourth petition to the PTO requesting that the
currently suspended inter partes proceeding and the ex parte proceeding be merged into a single
proceeding. We filed our opposition to this petition on May 3, 2006, and the PTO denied the fourth
petition on July 3, 2006. On March 27, 2007, we notified the PTO that the appeal proceedings of the
District Court judgment have concluded rendering the judgment final and non-appealable, and we
filed a petition to terminate the inter partes proceedings.
On December 13, 2005, Sony Computer Entertainment filed a lawsuit against the PTO in the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia claiming that the PTO erred in suspending the
inter partes reexamination on November 17, 2005. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge
Ellis. We moved to intervene in the lawsuit, and on March 31, 2006, the Court granted our motion
to intervene of right. The Court entered a scheduling order which precluded discovery and set an
expedited briefing schedule for motions for summary judgment. After briefing, Judge Ellis held a
hearing on the summary judgment motions on April 21, 2006. The Court granted summary judgment in
our and the PTOs favor on all grounds on May 22, 2006. Sony Computer Entertainment has not
appealed this judgment.
On March 1, 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment withdrew and moved to dismiss its appeals from
the District Courts April 7, 2005 Amended Judgment (and all interlocutory orders merged in the
Amended Judgment). On March 2, 2007, Sony Computer Entertainment withdrew and moved to dismiss its
appeal from the District Courts March 8, 2006 order denying Sony Computer Entertainments motion
for relief from final judgment under Rule 60(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. On March
8, 2007, the Federal Circuit dismissed the Sony Computer Entertainment Rule 60(b) appeal. On March
14, 2007 the Federal Circuit dismissed the Sony Computer Entertainment appeal of Amended Judgment
(and all interlocutory orders merged in the Amended Judgment). In accordance with the Amended
Judgment, we received funds totaling $97.3 million in satisfaction of the judgment for past damages
for sales and other activities with respect to the infringing Sony PlayStation system consisting of
the PlayStation consoles, Dual Shock controllers, and the 47 games found by the jury to infringe
our patents, pre-judgment interest and costs, and post-judgment interest. Additionally, we
retained $32.4 million of compulsory license fees and interest thereon previously paid to us by
Sony Computer Entertainment ($27.9 million in long-term deferred revenue on December 31, 2006 and
$4.5 million received subsequent to year end.) On March 19, 2007, we lodged with the court a
Notice of Satisfaction of Judgment, indicating that Sony Computer Entertainment had satisfied and
discharged the judgment that the court had entered. On March 19, 2007, pursuant to a Stipulation
lodged with the court, Judge Wilken entered an order dissolving the permanent injunction.
40
Internet Services LLC Litigation
On October 20, 2004, ISLLC, our licensee and the cross-claim defendant against whom Sony
Computer Entertainment had filed a claim seeking declaratory relief, filed claims against us in our
lawsuit against Sony Computer Entertainment, alleging that we breached a contract with ISLLC by
suing Sony Computer Entertainment for patent infringement relating to haptically-enabled software
whose topics or images are allegedly age-restricted, for judicial apportionment of damages between
ISLLC and us of the damages awarded by the jury, and for a judicial declaration with respect to
ISLLCs rights and duties under agreements with us. On December 29, 2004, the Court issued an order
dismissing ISLLCs claims against Sony Computer Entertainment with prejudice and dismissing ISLLCs
claims against us without prejudice to ISLLC filing a new complaint if it can do so in good faith
without contradicting, or repeating the deficiency of, its complaint.
On January 12, 2005, ISLLC filed Amended Cross-Claims and Counterclaims against us that
contained similar claims. ISLLC also realleged counterclaims against Sony Computer Entertainment.
On January 28, 2005, we filed a motion to dismiss ISLLCs Amended Cross-Claims and a motion to
strike ISLLCs Counterclaims against Sony
Computer Entertainment. On March 24, 2005 the Court issued an order dismissing ISLLCs claims
with prejudice as to ISLLCs claim seeking a declaratory judgment that it is an exclusive licensee
under the 213 and 333 patents and as to ISLLCs claim seeking judicial apportionment of the
damages verdict in the Sony Computer Entertainment case. The Courts order further dismissed
ISLLCs claims without prejudice as to ISLLCs breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims.
ISLLC
filed a notice of appeal of the District Court orders with the United States Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit on April 18, 2005. ISLLCs appeal has been consolidated with Sony Computer
Entertainments appeal. ISLLC filed its Opening Brief in December 2005. As noted above, the United
States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit allowed us to file a Substitute Opposition Brief on
March 15, 2006 responding to the briefs filed by both Sony Computer Entertainment and ISLLC.
Briefing for the appeal was completed upon ISLLCs filing of its Reply Brief on May 15, 2006. As
noted above, on October 3, 2006, a hearing for oral argument was held before a three-judge panel of
the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. On April 4, 2007, the Federal Circuit
issued its opinion, affirming those District Court orders.
On February 8, 2006, ISLLC filed a lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of Santa Clara
County. ISLLCs complaint seeks a share of the damages awarded to us in the March 24, 2005 Judgment
and of the Microsoft settlement proceeds, and generally restates the claims already adjudicated by
the District Court. On March 16, 2006, we answered the complaint, cross claimed for breach of
contract by ISLLC and rescission of the contract, and removed the lawsuit to federal court. The
case was assigned to Judge Wilken as a case related to the previous proceedings involving Sony
Computer Entertainment and ISLLC. ISLLC filed its answer to our cross claims on April 27, 2006.
ISLLC also moved to remand the case to Superior Court. On July 10, 2006, Judge Wilken issued an
order denying ISLLCs motion to remand. On September 5, 2006, Judge Wilken granted the stipulated
request by the parties to stay discovery and other proceedings in the case pending the disposition
of ISLLCs appeal from the Courts previous orders. The case was stayed from December 1, 2006
pending the Federal Circuits disposition on the appeal. As noted above, the Federal Circuit
issued its opinion on April 4, 2007. A case management conference was held on May 1, 2007.
On April 23, 2007, ISLLC filed in the Federal Circuit in Appeal No. 05-1358 a Petition for
Panel Rehearing and A Motion To Extend Time. ISLLC argued that the Court should rehear the matter
or correct and/or clarify the April 4, 2007 opinion. On April 25, 2007, we opposed the motion.
ISLLC filed a reply on April 30, 2007.
We intend to defend ourselves vigorously against ISLLCs allegations. The parties
participated in a court ordered mediation on March 12, 2007, but were unsuccessful in resolving the
matter.
Immersion Corporation vs. Thorner
On March 24, 2006, we filed a lawsuit against Mr. Craig Thorner in Santa Clara County Superior
Court. The complaint alleges claims for breach of contract with respect to Thorners license to a
third party of U.S. Patent No. 5,684,722, which we have alleged is in violation of contractual
obligations to it. The case was removed to federal court by Mr. Thorner, and has been assigned to
Judge Jeremy Fogel. On May 1, 2006, Mr. Thorner filed an answer to our claims and asserted
counterclaims against us seeking, among other things, a portion of the proceeds from our license
with Microsoft, under theories of alleged breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of
good faith and fair dealing, fraud, promissory fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligent
misrepresentation. On July 28, 2006, we filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings seeking the
dismissal of Mr. Thorners breach of contract and fraud claims which allege a right to a portion of
the proceeds from our license with Microsoft. On September 1, 2006, the Court held a
hearing on our motion. On September 12, 2006, the Court issued an order granting our motion for
judgment on the
41
pleadings as to Mr. Thorners alleged claims for breach of contract and fraud. The
Court dismissed Mr. Thorners breach of contract and fraud claims, and allowed Mr. Thorner leave to
amend his claim for alleged breach of contract with respect to alleged violations of our reporting
requirements that do not flow from the failure to report the Microsoft Settlement Agreement.
The parties participated in a court-ordered mediation on November 7, 2006, but were not
successful in resolving the matter. The parties are in the process of conducting discovery.
On November 22, 2006, Thorner brought a motion for summary judgment arguing that our breach of
contract claim was barred by the doctrine of judicial estoppel as a result of a statement made in
connection with the Sony Computer Entertainment Rule 60 (b) motion. On January 26, 2007, the Court
held a hearing on Thorners motion. On January 29, 2007, the Court issued an order denying
Thorners summary judgment motion, ruling that our breach of contract claim was not barred by
judicial estoppel. On February 5, 2007, with leave of Court, we filed a First Amended Complaint in
the action to add Thorners company, Virtual Reality Feedback Corporation (VRF), as a
party-defendant. On February 9, 2007, Thorner filed an Amended Answer and Counterclaims. The Amended Counterclaims against us
dropped the previously-dismissed counterclaims based on Thorners claims for a share of our
settlement with Microsoft, but alleged other counterclaims for alleged Breach of Contract, Breach
of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, Promissory Fraud, Breach of Fiduciary Duty,
Negligent Misrepresentation and Rescission. Thorner alleged in part that we breached our agreement
with Thorner by failing to pay royalties for Vibetonz Studio SDK and Immersion Studio for Gaming;
that we breached alleged duties to Thorner to license the 722 patent; and that Thorners agreement
with us should be rescinded. Thorners Amended Counterclaim does not specify an amount of damages
sought but alleges that Thorner has been damaged in an amount to be proven at trial. We dispute
Thorners allegations and intend to vigorously oppose them.
Faro Technologies Inc. v. Immersion Corporation
On May 3, 2007, Faro Technologies, Inc. sued us in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The
complaint alleges patent infringement of Faros 5,402,582 patent by our Microscribe X product. We
have not yet been served with the complaint, and have not yet had an opportunity to analyze Faros
claim.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Company Risks
WE HAD AN ACCUMULATED DEFICIT OF $15 MILLION AS OF MARCH 31, 2007, HAVE A HISTORY OF LOSSES, MAY
EXPERIENCE LOSSES IN THE FUTURE, AND MAY NOT ACHIEVE OR MAINTAIN PROFITABILITY.
Since 1997, we have incurred losses in all but one quarter. We need to generate significant
ongoing revenue to achieve and maintain profitability. We anticipate that our expenses will
increase in the foreseeable future as we:
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attempt to expand the market for touch-enabled technologies and products; |
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protect and enforce our intellectual property; |
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pursue strategic relationships; and |
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increase our sales and marketing efforts. |
If our revenues grow more slowly than we anticipate or if our operating expenses exceed our
expectations, we may not achieve or maintain profitability.
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LITIGATION REGARDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS COULD BE EXPENSIVE, DISRUPTIVE, AND TIME
CONSUMING; COULD RESULT IN THE IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS OF PORTIONS OF OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; AND
COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
Intellectual property litigation, whether brought by us or by others against us, has caused us
to expend, and may cause us to expend in future periods, significant financial resources as well as
divert managements time and efforts. From time to time, we initiate claims against third parties
that we believe infringe our intellectual property rights. We intend to enforce our intellectual
property rights vigorously and may initiate litigation against parties that we believe are
infringing our intellectual property rights if we are unable to resolve matters satisfactorily
through negotiation. Litigation brought to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights
could be costly, time-consuming, and distracting to management and could result in the impairment
or loss of portions of our intellectual property. In addition, any litigation
in which we are accused of infringement may cause product shipment delays, require us to
develop non-infringing technologies, or require us to enter into royalty or license agreements even
before the issue of infringement has been decided on the merits. If any litigation were not
resolved in our favor, we could become subject to substantial damage claims from third parties and
indemnification claims from our licensees. We and our licensees could be enjoined from the
continued use of the technologies at issue without a royalty or license agreement. Royalty or
license agreements, if required, might not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. If a third
party claiming infringement against us prevailed, and we could not develop non-infringing
technologies or license the infringed or similar technologies on a timely and cost-effective basis,
our expenses would increase and our revenues could decrease.
We attempt to avoid infringing known proprietary rights of third parties. However, third
parties may hold, or may in the future be issued, patents that could be infringed by our products
or technologies. Any of these third parties might make a claim of infringement against us with
respect to the products that we manufacture and the technologies that we license. From time to
time, we have received letters from companies, several of which have significantly greater
financial resources than we do, asserting that some of our technologies, or those of our licensees,
infringe their intellectual property rights. Certain of our licensees have received similar letters
from these or other companies. Such letters or subsequent litigation may influence our licensees
decisions whether to ship products incorporating our technologies. In addition, such letters may
cause a dispute between our licensees and us over indemnification for the infringement claim. Any
of these notices, or additional notices that we or our licensees could receive in the future from
these or other companies, could lead to litigation against us, either regarding the infringement
claim or the indemnification claim.
We have acquired patents from third parties and also license some technologies from third
parties. We must rely upon the owners of the patents or the technologies for information on the
origin and ownership of the acquired or licensed technologies. As a result, our exposure to
infringement claims may increase. We generally obtain representations as to the origin and
ownership of acquired or licensed technologies and indemnification to cover any breach of these
representations. However, representations may not be accurate and indemnification may not provide
adequate compensation for breach of the representations. Intellectual property claims against our
licensees, or us, whether or not they have merit, could be time-consuming to defend, cause product
shipment delays, require us to pay damages, harm existing license arrangements, or require us or
our licensees to cease utilizing the technologies unless we can enter into licensing agreements.
Licensing agreements might not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. Furthermore,
claims by third parties against our licensees could also result in claims by our licensees against
us under the indemnification provisions of our licensees agreements with us.
The legal principles applicable to patents and patent licenses continues to change and evolve.
Decisions that make it easier for patent licensees to challenge the validity, enforceability, or
infringement of patents, or make it more difficult for patent licensors to obtain a permanent
injunction, obtain enhanced damages for willful infringement, or to obtain or enforce patents, may
adversely affect our business and the value of our patent portfolio. Furthermore, our prospects
for future revenue growth through our royalty and licensing based businesses could be diminished.
MICROSOFT DISPUTES OUR ASSESSMENT THAT WE ARE NOT OBLIGATED UNDER OUR AGREEMENT WITH THEM TO MAKE
ANY PAYMENT TO THEM RELATING TO THE CONCLUSION OF OUR LITIGATION WITH SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT.
DEFENDING OUR POSITION MAY BE EXPENSIVE, DISRUPTIVE, AND TIME CONSUMING, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER
WE ARE SUCCESSFUL, COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
In 2003, we executed a series of agreements with Microsoft as described in Note 8 to the
condensed consolidated financial statements that provided for settlement of our lawsuit against
Microsoft as well as various licensing, sublicensing, and equity and financing arrangements under
the Microsoft sublicensing agreement. In the event that we elected to settle the action in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of California entitled Immersion Corporation
v. Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Microsoft
Corporation, Case No. C02-00710 CW (WDB), as such action pertains to Sony Computer Entertainment,
we would be obligated to pay Microsoft a minimum of $15.0 million for amounts up to $100 million
received from Sony Computer Entertainment on account of our granting certain rights, plus 25% of
amounts over $100.0 million up to $150.0 million,
43
and 17.5% of amounts over $150.0 million. In
March 2007, we announced the conclusion of our patent infringement litigation against Sony Computer
Entertainment at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Sony Computer Entertainment satisfied the District
Court judgment against it. As of March 19, 2007, we and Sony Computer Entertainment entered into a new
business agreement to explore the inclusion of our technology in PlayStation format products. We
have determined that we are not obligated under our agreements with Microsoft to make any payment
to Microsoft relating to the conclusion of our litigation with Sony
Computer Entertainment. However, in a
letter sent to us dated May 1, 2007, Microsoft disputed our position and stated that it believes
we owe Microsoft at least $27.5 million.
If Microsoft brings a lawsuit to further dispute our position, we intend to oppose Microsofts claims and
vigorously defend our position. The results of any litigation are inherently uncertain, and there can be no
assurance that our position will prevail.
OUR CURRENT LITIGATION UNDERTAKINGS ARE EXPENSIVE, DISRUPTIVE, AND TIME CONSUMING, AND WILL
CONTINUE TO BE, UNTIL RESOLVED, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER WE ARE ULTIMATELY SUCCESSFUL, COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
We are involved in litigation with ISLLC involving claims for breach of contract and
rescission against ISLLC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
We are involved in litigation with Mr. Craig Thorner in the U.S. District Court for the
Northern District of California relating to our allegations of breach of contract with respect to
Thorners license to a third party of U.S. Patent No. 5,684,722 and his allegations of breach of
contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, promissory fraud, breach
of fiduciary duty, negligent misrepresentation, and rescission.
In addition, we are involved in litigation with Faro Technologies, Inc. The complaint alleges
patent infringement of Faros 5,402,582 patent by our Microscribe X product. We have not yet been
served with the complaint, and have not yet had an opportunity to analyze Faros claim.
Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot accurately predict how these cases
will ultimately be resolved. We anticipate that the litigation will continue to be costly, and
there can be no assurance that we will be able to recover the costs we incur in connection with the
litigation. We expense litigation costs as incurred, and only accrue for costs that have been
incurred but not paid to the vendor as of the financial statement date. Litigation has diverted,
and is likely to continue to divert, the efforts and attention of some of our key management and
personnel. As a result, until such time as it is resolved, litigation could adversely affect our
business. Further, any unfavorable outcome could adversely affect our business. For additional
background on litigation, please see Note 15 to the condensed consolidated financial statements and
the section titled Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
THE TERMS IN OUR AGREEMENTS MAY BE CONSTRUED BY OUR LICENSEES IN A MANNER THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH
THE RIGHTS THAT WE HAVE GRANTED TO OTHER LICENSEES, OR IN A MANNER THAT MAY REQUIRE US TO INCUR
SUBSTANTIAL COSTS TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS OVER LICENSE TERMS.
We have entered into, and we expect to continue to enter into, agreements pursuant to which
our licensees are granted rights under our technology and intellectual property. These rights may
be granted in certain fields of use, or with respect to certain market sectors or product
categories, and may include exclusive rights or sublicensing rights. We refer to the license terms
and restrictions in our agreements, including, but not limited to, field of use definitions, market
sector, and product category definitions, collectively as License Provisions.
Due to the continuing evolution of market sectors, product categories, and licensee business
models, and to the compromises inherent in the drafting and negotiation of License Provisions, our
licensees may, at some time during the term of their agreements with us, interpret License
Provisions in their agreements in a way that is different from our interpretation of such License
Provisions, or in a way that is in conflict with the rights that we have granted to other
licensees. Such interpretations by our licensees may lead to (a) claims that we have granted rights
to one licensee which are inconsistent with the rights that we have granted to another licensee,
and/or (b) claims by one licensee against another licensee that may result in our incurring
indemnification or other obligations or liabilities.
In addition, after we enter into an agreement, it is possible that markets and/or products, or
legal and/or regulatory environments, will evolve in a manner that we did not foresee or was not
foreseeable at the time we entered into the agreement. As a result, in any agreement, we may have
granted rights that will preclude or restrict our exploitation of new opportunities that arise
after the execution of the agreement.
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PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS COULD BE TIME-CONSUMING AND COSTLY TO DEFEND AND COULD EXPOSE US TO LOSS.
Our products or our licensees products may have flaws or other defects that may lead to
personal or other injury claims. If products that we or our licensees sell cause personal injury,
property injury, financial loss, or other injury to our or our licensees customers, the customers
or our licensees may seek damages or other recovery from us. Any claims against us would be
time-consuming, expensive to defend, and distracting to management, and could result in damages and
injure our reputation, the reputation of our technology and services, and/or the reputation of our
products, or the
reputation of our licensees or their products. This damage could limit the market for our and
our licensees products and harm our results of operations.
In the past, manufacturers of peripheral products including certain gaming products such as
joysticks, wheels, or gamepads, have been subject to claims alleging that use of their products has
caused or contributed to various types of repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel
syndrome. We have not experienced any product liability claims to date. Although our license
agreements typically contain provisions designed to limit our exposure to product liability claims,
existing or future laws or unfavorable judicial decisions could limit or invalidate the provisions.
IF THE SETTLEMENT ON OUR CURRENT CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FALLS THROUGH, THE CONTINUING LAWSUIT COULD
BE EXPENSIVE, DISRUPTIVE, AND TIME CONSUMING TO DEFEND AGAINST, AND IF WE ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL, COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.
We are involved in legal proceedings relating to a class action lawsuit filed on November 9,
2001, related to In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation. The named defendants are
Immersion and three of our current or former officers or directors and certain underwriters of our
November 12, 1999 IPO. Subsequently, two of the individual defendants stipulated to a dismissal
without prejudice. We and most of the issuer defendants have settled with the plaintiffs. However,
the settlement requires approval by the Court, which cannot be assured, after class members are
given the opportunity to object to the settlement or opt out of the settlement.
IF OUR FACILITIES WERE TO EXPERIENCE CATASTROPHIC LOSS, OUR OPERATIONS WOULD BE SERIOUSLY HARMED.
Our facilities could be subject to a catastrophic loss such as fire, flood, earthquake, power
outage, or terrorist activity. A substantial portion of our research and development activities,
manufacturing, our corporate headquarters, and other critical business operations are located near
major earthquake faults in San Jose, California, an area with a history of seismic events. An
earthquake at or near our facilities could disrupt our operations, delay production and shipments
of our products or technologies, and result in large expenses to repair and replace the facility.
While we believe that we maintain insurance sufficient to cover most long-term potential losses at
our facilities, our existing insurance may not be adequate for all possible losses. In addition,
California has experienced problems with its power supply in recent years. As a result, we have
experienced utility cost increases and may experience unexpected interruptions in our power supply
that could have a material adverse effect on our sales, results of operations, and financial
condition.
Industry and Technology Risks
WE HAVE LITTLE OR NO CONTROL OR INFLUENCE ON OUR LICENSEES DESIGN, MANUFACTURING, PROMOTION,
DISTRIBUTION, OR PRICING OF THEIR PRODUCTS INCORPORATING OUR TOUCH-ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES, UPON
WHICH WE GENERATE ROYALTY REVENUE.
A key part of our business strategy is to license our intellectual property to companies that
manufacture and sell products incorporating our touch-enabling technologies. Sales of those
products generate royalty and license revenue for us. For the three months ended March 31, 2007 and
2006, 34% and 32%, respectively, of our total revenues were royalty and license revenues. However,
we do not control or influence the design, manufacture, quality control, promotion, distribution,
or pricing of products that are manufactured and sold by our licensees. In addition, we generally
do not have commitments from our licensees that they will continue to use our technologies in
current or future products. As a result, products incorporating our technologies may not be brought
to market, meet quality control standards, achieve commercial acceptance, or generate meaningful
royalty revenue for us. For us to generate royalty revenue, licensees that pay us per-unit
royalties must manufacture and distribute products incorporating our touch-enabling technologies in
a timely fashion and generate consumer demand through marketing and other promotional activities.
Products incorporating our touch-enabling technologies are generally more difficult to design and
manufacture, which may cause
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product introduction delays or quality control problems. If our
licensees fail to stimulate and capitalize upon market demand for products that generate royalties
for us, or if products are recalled because of quality control problems, our revenues will not grow
and could decline. Alternatively, if a product that incorporates our touch-enabling technologies
achieves widespread market acceptance, the product manufacturer may elect to stop making it rather
than pay us royalties based on sales of the product.
Peak demand for products that incorporate our technologies, especially in the video console
gaming and computer gaming peripherals market, typically occurs in the fourth calendar quarter as a
result of increased demand during the year-
end holiday season. If our licensees do not ship products incorporating our touch-enabling
technologies in a timely fashion or fail to achieve strong sales in the fourth quarter of the
calendar year, we may not receive related royalty and license revenue.
A significant proportion of our gaming royalty revenues come from third-party peripheral
makers who make licensed gaming products designed for use with popular video game console systems
from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Video game console systems are closed, proprietary systems,
and video game console system makers typically impose certain requirements or restrictions on
third-party peripheral makers who wish to make peripherals that will be compatible with a
particular video game console system. These requirements and restrictions could be in the form of
hardware technical specifications, software technical specifications, security specifications or
other security mechanisms, component vendor specifications, licensing terms and conditions, or
other forms. If third-party peripheral makers cannot or are not allowed to obtain or satisfy these
requirements or restrictions, our gaming royalty revenues could be significantly reduced.
Furthermore, should a significant video game console maker choose to omit touch-enabling
capabilities from its console system or somehow restrict or impede the ability of third parties to
make touch-enabling peripherals, it may very well lead our gaming licensees to stop making products
with touch-enabling capabilities, thereby significantly reducing our gaming royalty revenues. Sony
announced on May 8, 2006 that the vibration feature that is currently available on controllers for
PlayStation and PlayStation 2 would be removed from the new PlayStation 3 controller. The
PlayStation 3 console system was launched in late 2006 in the United States and Japan without
native vibration or any force feedback capability of any kind. This course of action by Sony has
had material adverse consequences on our current and future gaming royalty revenues since our
gaming royalties have primarily been from licensed third-party controller products with vibration
or force feedback capabilities that require some degree of vibration and/or force feedback support
or compatibility in the video console system to be viable products. Sony has since released an
update to the PlayStation 3 that offers limited vibration and force feedback support for some older
PS1 and PS2 games and PS1 and PS2 rumble and force feedback controllers only. We do not know if
this situation might change at some point in the life of the PlayStation 3 console system, or
whether or to what extent the PlayStation 3 console will be compatible with or support rumble or
force feedback in PS3 games or PS3 controllers.
Both the recently
launched Microsoft Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii include touch-enabling
capabilities. For the Microsoft Xbox 360 video console system launched in November 2005, Microsoft
has, to date, not yet broadly licensed third parties to produce peripherals for its Xbox 360 game
console. To the extent Microsoft does not fully license third parties, Microsofts share
of all aftermarket game controller sales will likely remain high
or increase, which we expect will result in a decrease in our gaming royalty revenue. Additionally,
Microsoft is now making touch-enabled wheels covered by their royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable
license to our worldwide portfolio of patents that are in competition with our licensees products
for which we earn per unit royalties.
BECAUSE WE HAVE A FIXED PAYMENT LICENSE WITH MICROSOFT, OUR ROYALTY REVENUE FROM LICENSING IN THE
GAMING MARKET AND OTHER CONSUMER MARKETS HAS AND MAY FURTHER DECLINE IF MICROSOFT INCREASES ITS
VOLUME OF SALES OF TOUCH-ENABLED GAMING PRODUCTS AND CONSUMER PRODUCTS AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR OTHER
LICENSEES.
Under the terms of our present agreement with Microsoft, Microsoft receives a royalty-free,
perpetual, irrevocable license to our worldwide portfolio of patents. This license permits
Microsoft to make, use, and sell hardware, software, and services, excluding specified products,
covered by our patents. We will not receive any further revenues or royalties from Microsoft under
our current agreement with Microsoft. Microsoft has a significant share of the market for
touch-enabled console gaming computer peripherals and is pursuing other consumer markets such as
mobile phones, PDAs, and portable music players Microsoft has significantly greater financial,
sales, and marketing resources, as well as greater name recognition and a larger customer base than
some of our other licensees. In the event that Microsoft increases its share of these markets, our
royalty revenue from other licensees in these market segments might decline.
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WE GENERATE REVENUES FROM TOUCH-ENABLING COMPONENTS THAT ARE SOLD AND INCORPORATED INTO THIRD-
PARTY PRODUCTS. WE HAVE LITTLE OR NO CONTROL OR INFLUENCE OVER THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, PROMOTION,
DISTRIBUTION, OR PRICING OF THOSE THIRD- PARTY PRODUCTS.
Part of our business strategy is to sell components that provide touch feedback capability in
products that other companies design, manufacture, and sell. Sales of these components generate
product revenue. However, we do not control or influence the design, manufacture, quality control,
promotion, distribution, or pricing of products that are manufactured and sold by those customers
that buy these components. In addition, we generally do not have
commitments from customers that they will continue to use our components in current or future
products. As a result, products incorporating our components may not be brought to market, meet
quality control standards, or achieve commercial acceptance. If the customers fail to stimulate and
capitalize upon market demand for their products that include our components, or if products are
recalled because of quality control problems, our revenues will not grow and could decline.
LAERDAL MEDICAL CORPORATION (LAERDAL) ACCOUNTS FOR A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF OUR REVENUES AND A
REDUCTION IN SALES TO LAERDAL MAY REDUCE OUR TOTAL REVENUE.
Laerdal accounts for a significant portion of our revenue. For the three months ended March
31, 2007 12% of our total revenues were derived from Laerdal. We had no revenue from Laerdal for
the three months ended March 31, 2006. If our product sales to Laerdal decline, then our total
revenue may decline.
MEDTRONIC ACCOUNTS FOR A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF OUR REVENUES AND A REDUCTION IN SALES TO MEDTRONIC,
OR A REDUCTION IN DEVELOPMENT WORK FOR MEDTRONIC, MAY REDUCE OUR TOTAL REVENUE.
Medtronic accounts for a significant portion of our revenue. For the three months ended March
31, 2007 and 2006, 6% and 8%, respectively, of our total revenues were derived from Medtronic. If
our product sales to Medtronic decline, and/or Medtronic reduces the development activities we
perform, then our total revenue may decline.
LOGITECH ACCOUNTS FOR A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF OUR REVENUE AND THE FAILURE OF LOGITECH TO ACHIEVE
SALES VOLUMES FOR ITS GAMING PERIPHERAL PRODUCTS THAT INCORPORATE OUR TOUCH-ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES
MAY REDUCE OUR TOTAL REVENUE.
Logitech accounts for a significant portion of our revenue. Logitech is a supplier of
aftermarket game console controllers, joysticks, and steering wheels, many of which incorporate our
technology. In the past, during transitions to next-generation console systems, sales of
aftermarket game console controllers have dropped significantly, reducing licensing royalties we
earn. The gaming industry is currently transitioning to the latest next-generation console systems,
and we have experienced a significant decline in revenues we earn from Logitech since this
transition commenced. For the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, 10% and 6%, respectively,
of our total revenues were derived from Logitech. Revenues from Logitech may decline further if its
aftermarket game console peripheral sales decline further, or if it is unable to obtain or expand
its license rights to sell touch-enabled controllers, steering wheels, or joysticks for the Sony
PlayStation 3, the Nintendo Wii, or the Microsoft Xbox 360. Also, competition with Microsoft may
dampen demand for Logitech products. Any decrease in sales of aftermarket peripherals that include
our technology by Logitech will reduce our gaming royalty revenues. Sonys decisions regarding
certain vibration features in the PlayStation 3 system may significantly adversely affect
Logitechs ability or desire to include our technologies in products compatible with the
PlayStation 3, which in return may materially adversely affect our royalty revenue from Logitech.
TOUCH INTERFACE PRODUCT ROYALTIES WILL BE REDUCED IF BMW WERE TO ABANDON ITS IDRIVE SYSTEM OR
REMOVE OUR TECHNOLOGY FROM THE IDRIVE.
Our largest royalty stream from touch interface products is currently from BMW for its iDrive
controller. Press reviews of this system have been largely negative and critical of the systems
complex user interface, which we did not design. Nevertheless, this negative press may cause BMW to
abandon the iDrive controller or to redesign it and/or remove our technology from it at any time.
If our technology is not incorporated in the BMW vehicles our business may suffer.
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WE DEPEND ON THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS, AND OUR REVENUE AND/OR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COULD SUFFER IF WE
FAIL TO MANAGE SUPPLIER ISSUES PROPERLY.
Our operations depend on our ability to anticipate our needs for components and products for a
wide variety of systems, products, and services, and on our suppliers ability to deliver
sufficient quantities of quality components, products, and services at reasonable prices in time
for us to meet critical schedules. We may experience a shortage of, or a delay in receiving,
certain supplies as a result of strong demand, capacity constraints, supplier financial weaknesses,
disputes with suppliers, other problems experienced by suppliers, or problems faced during the
transition to new suppliers. If shortages or delays persist, the price of these supplies may
increase, we may be exposed to quality issues, or the supplies may not be available at all. We may
not be able to secure enough supplies at reasonable prices or of acceptable quality to build
products or provide services in a timely manner in the quantities or according to the
specifications needed. We could lose time-sensitive sales, incur additional freight costs, or
be unable to pass on price increases to our customers. If we cannot adequately address supply
issues, we might have to reengineer some products or service offerings, resulting in further costs
and delays. We intend to purchase certain products from a limited source in China. If the supply
of these products were to be delayed or constrained, or of insufficient quality, we may be unable
to find a new supplier on acceptable terms, or at all, or our ability to ship these new products
could be delayed, any of which could harm our business, financial condition, and operating results.
Additionally, our use of single source suppliers for certain components could exacerbate our
supplier issues. We obtain a significant number of components from single sources due to
technology, availability, price, quality, or other considerations. In addition, new products that
we introduce may use custom components obtained from only one source initially, until we have
evaluated whether there is a need for additional suppliers. The performance of such single source
suppliers may affect the quality, quantity, and price of supplies to us. Accordingly, our revenue
and/or results of operations could be adversely impacted by such events.
COMPLIANCE WITH NEW DIRECTIVES THAT RESTRICT THE USE OF CERTAIN MATERIALS MAY INCREASE OUR COSTS
AND LIMIT OUR REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES.
On July 1, 2006, the European Unions RoHS Directive became effective. This Directive
eliminates most uses of lead, cadmium, hexavalent-chromium, mercury, and certain fire retardants in
electronics placed on the market after the effective date. Since the introduction of the European
Unions RoHS Directive, other regions of the world have announced or implemented similar
regulations. In order to sell products into regions that adopt these or similar regulations, we
have to assess each product and determine whether they comply with the requirements of the
regulations or whether they are exempt from meeting the requirements of the regulations. If we
determine that a product is not exempt and does not comply with adopted regulations, we will have
to make changes to the product or its documentation if we want to sell that product into the region
once the regulations become effective. Making such changes may be costly to perform and may have a
negative impact on our results of operations. In addition, there can be no assurance that the
national enforcement bodies of the regions adopting such regulations will agree with our assessment
that certain of our products and documentation comply with or are exempt from the regulations. If
products are determined not to be compliant or exempt, we will not be able to ship them in the
region that adopts such regulations until such time that they are compliant, and this may have a
negative impact on our revenue and results of operations.
BECAUSE PERSONAL COMPUTER PERIPHERAL PRODUCTS THAT INCORPORATE OUR TOUCH-ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES
CURRENTLY MUST WORK WITH MICROSOFTS OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE, OUR COSTS COULD INCREASE AND OUR
REVENUES COULD DECLINE IF MICROSOFT MODIFIES ITS OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE.
Our hardware and software technologies for personal computer peripheral products that
incorporate our touch-enabling technologies are currently compatible with Microsofts Windows 2000,
Windows Me, and Windows XP operating systems, including DirectX, Microsofts entertainment API.
Modifications and new versions of Microsofts operating system and APIs (including DirectX and the
Windows Vista launched in early 2007) may require that we and/or our licensees modify the
touch-enabling technologies to be compatible with Microsofts modifications or new versions, and
this could cause delays in the release of products by our licensees. If Microsoft modifies its
software products in ways that limit the use of our other licensees products, our costs could
increase and our revenues could decline.
REDUCED SPENDING BY CORPORATE OR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT SALES OF OUR THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRODUCTS.
Any economic downturn could lead to a reduction in corporate or university budgets for
research and development in sectors, including the automotive and aerospace sectors, which use our
three-dimensional and professional products. Sales of our three-dimensional and professional
products, including our CyberGlove line of whole-hand sensing gloves and our MicroScribe line of
digitizers, could be adversely affected by cuts in corporate research and development budgets.
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COMPETITION BETWEEN OUR PRODUCTS AND OUR LICENSEES PRODUCTS MAY REDUCE OUR REVENUE.
Rapid technological change, short product life cycles, cyclical market patterns, declining
average selling prices, and increasing foreign and domestic competition characterize the markets in
which we and our licensees compete. We believe that competition in these markets will continue to
be intense and that competitive pressures will drive the price of our
products and our licensees products downward. These price reductions, if not offset by
increases in unit sales or productivity, will cause our revenues to decline.
We face competition from unlicensed products as well. Our licensees or other third parties may
seek to develop products using our intellectual property or develop alternative designs that
attempt to circumvent our intellectual property, which they believe do not require a license under
our intellectual property. These potential competitors may have significantly greater financial,
technical, and marketing resources than we do, and the costs associated with asserting our
intellectual property rights against such products and such potential competitors could be
significant. Moreover, if such alternative designs were determined by a court not to require a
license under our intellectual property rights, competition from such unlicensed products could
limit or reduce our revenues.
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN OUR BUSINESS, AND OUR FAILURE TO MANAGE THE COMPLEXITIES
ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHANGING ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND TECHNOLOGY LANDSCAPE COULD HARM OUR BUSINESS.
Any future periods of rapid economic and technological change may place significant strains on
our managerial, financial, engineering, and other resources. Our failure to effectively manage
these resources during periods of rapid economic or technological change may harm our business.
THE MARKET FOR CERTAIN TOUCH-ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES AND TOUCH-ENABLED PRODUCTS IS AT AN EARLY STAGE
AND IF MARKET DEMAND DOES NOT DEVELOP, WE MAY NOT ACHIEVE OR SUSTAIN REVENUE GROWTH.
The market for certain of our touch-enabling technologies and certain of our licensees
touch-enabled products is at an early stage. If we and our licensees are unable to develop demand
for touch-enabling technologies and touch-enabled products, we may not achieve or sustain revenue
growth. We cannot accurately predict the growth of the markets for these technologies and products,
the timing of product introductions, or the timing of commercial acceptance of these products.
Even if our touch-enabling technologies and our licensees touch-enabled products are
ultimately widely adopted, widespread adoption may take a long time to occur. The timing and amount
of royalties and product sales that we receive will depend on whether the products marketed achieve
widespread adoption and, if so, how rapidly that adoption occurs.
We expect that we will need to pursue extensive and expensive marketing and sales efforts to
educate prospective licensees, component customers, and end users about the uses and benefits of
our technologies and to persuade software developers to create software that utilizes our
technologies. Negative product reviews or publicity about our products, our licensees products,
haptic features, or haptic technology in general could have a negative impact on market adoption,
our revenue, and/or our ability to license our technologies in the future.
IF WE FAIL TO INCREASE SALES OF OUR MEDICAL SIMULATION DEVICES, OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
OPERATIONS MAY SUFFER.
Many medical institutions do not budget for simulation devices. To increase sales of our
simulation devices, we must, in addition to convincing medical institution personnel of the
usefulness of the devices, persuade them to include a significant expenditure for the devices in
their budgets. If these medical institutions are unwilling to budget for simulation devices or
reduce their budgets as a result of cost-containment pressures or other factors, we may not be able
to increase or maintain sales of medical simulators at a satisfactory rate. A decrease in sales or
any failure to increase sales of our medical simulation products will harm our business.
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IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ENTER INTO NEW LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS WITH OUR EXISTING LICENSEES, AND WITH
ADDITIONAL THIRD-PARTY MANUFACTURERS FOR OUR TOUCH-ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES, OUR ROYALTY REVENUE MAY
NOT GROW.
Our revenue growth is significantly dependent on our ability to enter into new licensing
arrangements. Our failure to enter into new or renewal of licensing arrangements will cause our
operating results to suffer. We face numerous risks in obtaining new licenses on terms consistent
with our business objectives and in maintaining, expanding, and supporting our relationships with
our current licensees. These risks include:
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the lengthy and expensive process of building a relationship with potential licensees; |
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the fact that we may compete with the internal design teams of existing and potential licensees; |
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difficulties in persuading product manufacturers to work with us, to rely on us for critical
technology, and to disclose to us proprietary product development and other strategies; |
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difficulties with persuading potential licensees who may have developed their own intellectual
property or licensed intellectual property from other parties in areas related to ours to
license our technology versus continuing to develop their own or license from other parties; |
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challenges in demonstrating the compelling value of our technologies in new applications like
mobile phones, portable devices, and touchscreens; |
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difficulties in persuading existing and potential licensees to bear the development costs and
risks necessary to incorporate our technologies into their products; |
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difficulties in obtaining new automotive licensees for yet-to-be commercialized technology
because their suppliers may not be ready to meet stringent quality and parts availability
requirements; |
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inability to sign new gaming licensees if the video console makers choose not to license third
parties to make peripherals for their new consoles; |
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difficulty in signing new gaming licensees given the fact that Sony has included only limited
support for vibration features in the PlayStation 3 or related products; and |
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reluctance of content developers, mobile phone manufacturers, and service providers to sign
license agreements without a critical mass of other such inter-dependent supporters of the
mobile phone industry also having a license, or without enough phones in the market that
incorporate our technologies. |
A majority of our current royalty revenue has been derived from the licensing of our portfolio
of touch-enabling technologies for video game console and personal computer gaming peripherals,
such as gamepads, joysticks, and steering wheels. Though substantially smaller than the market for
dedicated gaming console peripherals, the market for gamepads, joysticks, and steering wheels for
use with personal computers is declining and is characterized by declining average selling prices.
If the console peripheral market also experiences declines in sales and selling prices, we may not
achieve royalty revenue growth.
IF WE FAIL TO PROTECT AND ENFORCE OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, OUR ABILITY TO LICENSE OUR
TECHNOLOGIES AND GENERATE REVENUES WOULD BE IMPAIRED.
Our business depends on generating revenues by licensing our intellectual property rights and
by selling products that incorporate our technologies. We rely on our significant patent portfolio
to protect our proprietary rights. If we are not able to protect and enforce those rights, our
ability to obtain future licenses or maintain current licenses and royalty revenue could be
impaired. In addition, if a court or the patent office were to limit the scope, declare
unenforceable, or invalidate any of our patents, current licensees may refuse to make royalty
payments, or they may choose to challenge one or more of our patents. It is also possible that:
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our pending patent applications may not result in the issuance of patents; |
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our patents may not be broad enough to protect our proprietary rights; and |
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effective patent protection may not be available in every country in which we or our licensees do business. |
We also rely on licenses, confidentiality agreements, other contractual agreements, and copyright,
trademark, and trade secret laws to establish and protect our proprietary rights. It is possible
that:
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laws and contractual restrictions may not be sufficient to prevent
misappropriation of our technologies or deter others from developing
similar technologies; and |
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policing unauthorized use of our patented technologies, trademarks,
and other proprietary rights would be difficult, expensive, and
time-consuming, particularly outside of the United States of America. |
CERTAIN TERMS OR RIGHTS GRANTED IN OUR LICENSE AGREEMENTS OR OUR DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS MAY LIMIT
OUR FUTURE REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES.
While it is not our general practice to sign license agreements that provide exclusive rights
for a period of time with respect to a technology, field of use, and/or geography, or to accept
similar limitations in product development contracts, we have entered into such agreements and may
in the future. Although additional compensation or other benefits may be part of the agreement, the
compensation or benefits may not adequately compensate us for the limitations or restrictions we
have agreed to as that particular market develops. Over the life of the exclusivity period,
especially in markets that grow larger or faster than anticipated, our revenue may be limited and
less than what we could have achieved in the market with several licensees or additional products
available to sell to a specific set of customers.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE AND REDUCE THE COST OF OUR TECHNOLOGIES, COMPANIES MAY NOT
INCORPORATE OUR TECHNOLOGIES INTO THEIR PRODUCTS, WHICH COULD IMPAIR OUR REVENUE GROWTH.
Our ability to achieve revenue growth depends on our continuing ability to improve and reduce
the cost of our technologies and to introduce these technologies to the marketplace in a timely
manner. If our development efforts are not successful or are significantly delayed, companies may
not incorporate our technologies into their products and our revenue growth may be impaired.
IF WE FAIL TO DEVELOP NEW OR ENHANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR NEW APPLICATIONS AND PLATFORMS, WE MAY NOT
BE ABLE TO CREATE A MARKET FOR OUR TECHNOLOGIES OR OUR TECHNOLOGIES MAY BECOME OBSOLETE, AND OUR
ABILITY TO GROW AND OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS MIGHT BE HARMED.
Our initiatives to develop new and enhanced technologies and to commercialize these
technologies for new applications and new platforms may not be successful. Any new or enhanced
technologies may not be favorably received by consumers and could damage our reputation or our
brand. Expanding our technologies could also require significant additional expenses and strain our
management, financial, and operational resources. Moreover, technology products generally have
relatively short product life cycles and our current products may become obsolete in the future.
Our ability to generate revenues will be harmed if:
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we fail to develop new technologies or products; |
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the technologies we develop infringe on third-party patents or other third-party rights; |
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our new technologies fail to gain market acceptance; or |
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our current products become obsolete or no longer meet new regulatory requirements. |
WE HAVE LIMITED ENGINEERING, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND MANUFACTURING RESOURCES TO DESIGN AND FULFILL
TIMELY PRODUCT DELIVERABLES AND DELIVER SUFFICIENT LEVELS OF QUALITY IN SUPPORT OF OUR DIFFERENT
PRODUCT AREAS. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES MAY NOT BE DELIVERED IN A TIMELY WAY, WITH SUFFICIENT LEVELS
OF QUALITY, OR AT ALL, WHICH MAY REDUCE OUR REVENUE.
Engineering, quality assurance, and manufacturing resources are deployed against a variety of
different projects and programs to provide sufficient levels of quality necessary for channels and
customers. Success in various markets may depend on timely deliveries and overall levels of
sustained quality. Failure to provide product and program deliverables and quality levels in a
timely way, or at all, may disrupt channels and customers and reduce our revenues.
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THE HIGHER COST OF PRODUCTS INCORPORATING OUR TOUCH-ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES MAY INHIBIT OR PREVENT
THEIR WIDESPREAD ADOPTION.
Personal computer and console gaming peripherals, mobile devices, touchscreens, and automotive
and industrial controls incorporating our touch-enabling technologies can be more expensive than
similar competitive products that are not touch-enabled. Although major manufacturers, such as ALPS
Electric Co., BMW, LG Electronics, Logitech, Microsoft, Samsung, and Sony have licensed our
technologies, the greater expense of development and production of products containing our
touch-enabling technologies may be a significant barrier to their widespread adoption and sale.
THIRD-PARTY VALIDATION STUDIES MAY NOT DEMONSTRATE ALL THE BENEFITS OF OUR MEDICAL TRAINING
SIMULATORS, WHICH COULD AFFECT CUSTOMER MOTIVATION TO BUY.
In medical training, validation studies are generally used to confirm the usefulness of new
techniques, devices, and training methods. For medical training simulators, several levels of
validation are generally tested: content, concurrent, construct, and predictive. A validation study
performed by a third party, such as a hospital, a teaching institution, or even an individual
healthcare professional, could result in showing little or no benefit for one or more types of
validation for our medical training simulators. Such validation study results published in medical
journals could impact the willingness of customers to buy our training simulators, especially new
simulators that have not previously been validated. Due to the time generally required to complete
and publish additional validation studies (usually more than a year), the negative impact on sales
revenue could be significant.
MEDICAL LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION AUTHORITIES MAY NOT RECOMMEND OR REQUIRE USE OF OUR
TECHNOLOGIES FOR TRAINING AND/OR TESTING PURPOSES, SIGNIFICANTLY SLOWING OR INHIBITING THE MARKET
PENETRATION OF OUR MEDICAL SIMULATION TECHNOLOGIES.
Several key medical certification bodies, including the American Board of Internal Medicine
(ABIM) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), have great influence in recommending
particular medical methodologies, including medical training and testing methodologies, for use by
medical professionals. In the event that the ABIM and the ACC, as well as other, similar bodies, do
not endorse medical simulation products in general, or our products in particular, as a training
and/or testing tool, market penetration for our products could be significantly and adversely
affected.
WE HAVE LIMITED DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS AND RESOURCES TO MARKET AND SELL OUR MEDICAL SIMULATORS,
TOUCH INTERFACE PRODUCTS, AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL SIMULATION AND DIGITIZING PRODUCTS, AND IF WE ARE
UNSUCCESSFUL IN MARKETING AND SELLING THESE PRODUCTS, WE MAY NOT ACHIEVE OR SUSTAIN PRODUCT REVENUE
GROWTH.
We have limited resources for marketing and selling medical simulation, touch interface, or
three-dimensional simulation and digitizing products, either directly or through distributors. To
achieve our business objectives, we must build a balanced mixture of sales through a direct sales
channel and through qualified distribution channels. The success of our efforts to sell medical
simulation, touch interface, and three-dimensional simulation products will depend upon our ability
to retain and develop a qualified sales force and effective distribution channels. We may not be
successful in attracting and retaining the personnel necessary to sell and market our products. A
number of our distributors represent small, specialized companies and may not have sufficient
capital or human resources to support the complexities of selling and supporting our products.
There can be no assurance that our direct selling efforts will be effective, distributors or OEMs
will market our products successfully or, if our relationships with distributors or OEMs terminate,
that we will be able to establish relationships with other distributors or OEMs on satisfactory
terms, if at all. Any disruption in the distribution, sales, or marketing network for our products
could have a material adverse effect on our product revenues.
COMPETITION IN THE MEDICAL MARKET MAY REDUCE OUR REVENUE.
If the medical simulation market develops as we anticipate, we believe that we will have
increased competition. As in many developing markets, acquisitions, or consolidations may occur
that could lead to larger competitors with more resources or broader market penetration. This
increased competition may result in the decline of our revenue and may cause us to reduce our
selling prices.
COMPETITION IN THE MOBILITY OR TOUCHSCREEN MARKETS MAY INCREASE OUR COSTS AND REDUCE OUR REVENUE.
If the mobility or touchscreen markets develop as we anticipate, we believe that we will face
a greater number of competitors, possibly including the internal design teams of existing and
potential OEM customers. These potential competitors may have significantly greater financial and
technical resources than we do, and the costs associated with
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competing with such potential
competitors could be significant. Additionally, increased competition may result in the reduction
of our market share and/or cause us to reduce our prices, which may result in a decline in our
revenue.
AUTOMOBILES INCORPORATING OUR TOUCH-ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES ARE SUBJECT TO LENGTHY PRODUCT
DEVELOPMENT PERIODS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO PREDICT WHEN AND WHETHER WE WILL RECEIVE PER UNIT
AUTOMOTIVE ROYALTIES.
The product development process for automobiles is very lengthy, sometimes longer than four
years. We do not earn per unit royalty revenue on our automotive technologies unless and until
automobiles featuring our technologies are shipped to customers, which may not occur until several
years after we enter into an agreement with an automobile manufacturer or a supplier to an
automobile manufacturer. Throughout the product development process, we face the risk that an
automobile manufacturer or supplier may delay the incorporation of, or choose not to incorporate,
our technologies into its automobiles, making it difficult for us to predict the per unit
automotive royalties we may receive, if any. After the product launches, our royalties still depend
on market acceptance of the vehicle or the option packages if our technology is an option (for
example, a navigation unit), which is likely to be determined by many factors beyond our control.
WE MIGHT BE UNABLE TO RETAIN OR RECRUIT NECESSARY PERSONNEL, WHICH COULD SLOW THE DEVELOPMENT AND
DEPLOYMENT OF OUR TECHNOLOGIES.
Our ability to develop and deploy our technologies and to sustain our revenue growth depends
upon the continued service of our management and other key personnel, many of whom would be
difficult to replace. Management and other key employees may voluntarily terminate their employment
with us at any time upon short notice. The loss of management or key personnel could delay product
development cycles or otherwise harm our business.
We believe that our future success will also depend largely on our ability to attract,
integrate, and retain sales, support, marketing, and research and development personnel.
Competition for such personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting, integrating,
and retaining such personnel. Given the protracted nature of if, how, and when we collect royalties
on new design contracts, it may be difficult to craft compensation plans that will attract and
retain the level of salesmanship needed to secure these contracts. Our stock option program is a
long-term retention program that is intended to attract, retain, and provide incentives for
talented employees, officers and directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. Our
stock option plan expires in June of 2007. The adoption of a new stock plan requires stockholder
approval. Additionally some of our executive officers and key employees hold stock options with
exercise prices considerably above the current market price of our common stock. Each of these
factors may impair our ability to retain the services of our executive officers and key employees.
Our technologies are complex and we rely upon the continued service of our existing engineering
personnel to support licensees, enhance existing technologies, and develop new technologies.
Investment Risks
OUR QUARTERLY REVENUES AND OPERATING RESULTS ARE VOLATILE, AND IF OUR FUTURE RESULTS ARE BELOW THE
EXPECTATIONS OF PUBLIC MARKET ANALYSTS OR INVESTORS, THE PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK IS LIKELY TO
DECLINE.
Our revenues and operating results are likely to vary significantly from quarter to quarter
due to a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control and any of which could cause
the price of our common stock to decline.
These factors include:
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the establishment or loss of licensing relationships; |
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the timing and recognition of payments under fixed and/or up-front license agreements; |
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the timing of work performed under development agreements; |
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the timing of our expenses, including costs related to litigation, stock-based
awards, acquisitions of technologies, or businesses; |
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the timing of introductions and market acceptance of new products and product
enhancements by us, our licensees, our competitors, or their competitors; |
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our ability to develop and improve our technologies; |
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our ability to attract, integrate, and retain qualified personnel; and |
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seasonality in the demand for our products or our licensees products. |
OUR STOCK PRICE MAY FLUCTUATE REGARDLESS OF OUR PERFORMANCE.
The stock market has experienced extreme volatility that often has been unrelated or
disproportionate to the performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may cause
our stock price to decline regardless of our performance. The market price of our common stock has
been, and in the future could be, significantly affected by factors such as: actual or anticipated
fluctuations in operating results; announcements of technical innovations; announcements regarding
litigation in which we are involved; changes by game console manufacturers to not include
touch-enabling capabilities in their products; new products or new contracts; sales or the
perception in the market of possible sales of large number of shares of our common stock by
insiders or others; changes in securities analysts recommendations; changing circumstances
regarding competitors or their customers; governmental regulatory action; developments with respect
to patents or proprietary rights; inclusion in or exclusion from various stock indices; and general
market conditions. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a companys
securities, securities class action litigation has been initiated against that company, such as the
suit currently pending against us.
ISSUANCE OF THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK UPON CONVERSION OF DEBENTURES, EXERCISE OF STOCK OPTIONS,
AND EXERCISE OF WARRANTS WILL DILUTE THE OWNERSHIP INTEREST OF EXISTING STOCKHOLDERS AND COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
The issuance of shares of common stock in the following circumstances will dilute the
ownership interest of existing stockholders: (i) upon conversion of some or all of the convertible
debentures (ii) upon exercise of some or all of the stock options, and (iii) upon exercise of some
or all of the warrants. Any sales in the public market of the common stock issuable upon such
conversion or upon such exercises, respectively, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of
our common stock. In addition, the existence of these convertible debentures, stock options, and
warrants may encourage short selling by market participants.
OUR MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS RETAIN SIGNIFICANT CONTROL OVER US, WHICH MAY LEAD TO CONFLICTS WITH OTHER
STOCKHOLDERS OVER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS AND COULD ALSO AFFECT THE VOLATILITY OF OUR STOCK
PRICE.
We currently have, have had in the past, and may have in the future, stockholders who retain
greater than 10%, or in some cases greater than 20%, of our outstanding stock. Acting together,
these stockholders would be able to exercise significant influence over matters that our
stockholders vote upon, including the election of directors and mergers or other business
combinations, which could have the effect of delaying or preventing a third party from acquiring
control over or merging with us. Further, if any individuals in this group elect to sell a
significant portion or all of their holdings of our common stock, the trading price of our common
stock could experience volatility.
PROVISIONS IN OUR CHARTER DOCUMENTS AND DELAWARE LAW COULD PREVENT OR DELAY A CHANGE IN CONTROL,
WHICH COULD REDUCE THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change of control or changes in our management. In addition, certain provisions of
Delaware law may discourage, delay, or prevent someone from acquiring or merging with us. These
provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares.
OUR CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES PROVIDE FOR VARIOUS EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND CHANGE OF CONTROL TRANSACTIONS
THAT WOULD ENTITLE THE SELLING STOCKHOLDERS TO REQUIRE US TO REPAY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OWED IN CASH.
Our convertible debentures provide for various events of default, such as the termination of
trading of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market and specified change of control
transactions. If an event of default or change of control occurs prior to maturity, we may be
required to redeem all or part of the convertible debentures, including payment of applicable
interest and penalties. Some of the events of default include matters over which we may have some,
little, or no control. Many other events of default are described in the agreements we executed
when we issued the
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convertible debentures. If an event of default or a change of control occurs, we
may be required to repay the entire amount, plus liquidated damages, in cash. We have not
established a sinking fund for payment of our outstanding convertible debentures, nor do we
anticipate doing so.
WE MAY ENGAGE IN ACQUISITIONS THAT COULD DILUTE STOCKHOLDERS INTERESTS, DIVERT MANAGEMENT
ATTENTION, OR CAUSE INTEGRATION PROBLEMS.
As part of our business strategy, we have in the past and may in the future, acquire
businesses or intellectual property that we feel could complement our business, enhance our
technical capabilities, or increase our intellectual property portfolio. If we consummate
acquisitions through cash and/or an exchange of our securities, our stockholders could suffer
significant dilution. Acquisitions could also create risks for us, including:
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unanticipated costs associated with the acquisitions; |
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use of substantial portions of our available cash to consummate the acquisitions; |
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diversion of managements attention from other business concerns; |
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difficulties in assimilation of acquired personnel or operations; and |
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potential intellectual property infringement claims related to newly acquired product lines. |
Any acquisitions, even if successfully completed, might not generate significant additional
revenue or provide any benefit to our business.
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE INTERNAL CONTROLS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 404 OF THE
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT COULD HAVE A MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS AND STOCK PRICE.
If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as standards are modified,
supplemented, or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an
ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Failure to maintain an effective internal control
environment could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS, HIGHER INSURANCE COST, AND POTENTIAL NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ARE LIKELY
TO IMPACT OUR FUTURE FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
There have been regulatory changes and new accounting pronouncements including the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the recently enacted SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, which
have had an effect on our financial position and
results of operations. Under SFAS No. 123R, we have been required since January 1, 2006, to
adopt a different method of determining the compensation expense of our employee stock options.
SFAS No. 123R has had a significant adverse effect on our reported financial conditions and may
impact the way we conduct our business.
There may potentially be new accounting pronouncements or additional regulatory rulings that
also have an impact on our future financial position and results of operations. These and other
potential changes could materially increase the expenses we report under generally accepted
accounting principles, and adversely affect our operating results.
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
The following exhibits are filed herewith:
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Exhibit |
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Number |
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Description |
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10.37
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Agreement by and among Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc., and Immersion Corporation dated March 1, 2007. |
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31.1
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Certification of Victor Viegas, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director,
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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31.2
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Certification of Stephen Ambler, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President,
Finance, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1
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Certification of Victor Viegas, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director,
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.2
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Certification of Stephen Ambler, Chief Financial Officer and Vice
President, Finance, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
Date: May 10, 2007
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IMMERSION CORPORATION
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By
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/s/ Stephen Ambler |
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Stephen Ambler
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance |
57
EXHIBIT INDEX
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Exhibit |
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Number |
|
Description |
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10.37
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Agreement by and among Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc., and Immersion Corporation dated March 1, 2007. |
|
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31.1
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Certification of Victor Viegas, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director,
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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31.2
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Certification of Stephen Ambler, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President,
Finance, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
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32.1
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Certification of Victor Viegas, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director,
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.2
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Certification of Stephen Ambler, Chief Financial Officer and Vice
President, Finance, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |