Table of Contents

 

                                               

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended September 27, 2008

 

 

 

or

 

 

o

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 001-33170

 

 

NETLIST, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

95-4812784

State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization

 

Identification No.)

 

51 Discovery, Irvine, CA 92618

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(949) 435-0025

(Registrant’s 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  x     No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

 

Large accelerated filer      o

 

Accelerated filer      o

 

Non-accelerated filer      o

 

Smaller reporting company      x

 

 

 

 

(Do not check if a smaller

 

 

 

 

 

 

reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes  o    No  x

 

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date:

 

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share

19,855,411 shares outstanding at October 31, 2008

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

Item 4T.

Controls and Procedures

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Item 5.

Other Information

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

 

 

September 27,

 

December 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

12,081

 

$

7,182

 

Restricted cash

 

2,000

 

 

Investments in marketable securities

 

9,224

 

15,573

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

15,749

 

12,034

 

Inventories

 

4,432

 

3,333

 

Income taxes receivable

 

595

 

708

 

Deferred taxes

 

1,254

 

3,464

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

902

 

392

 

Total current assets

 

46,237

 

42,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

7,753

 

8,191

 

Deferred taxes

 

 

1,065

 

Long-term investments in marketable securities

 

963

 

7,814

 

Other assets

 

548

 

600

 

Total assets

 

$

55,501

 

$

60,356

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

5,238

 

$

6,697

 

Revolving line of credit

 

12,241

 

4,872

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

491

 

740

 

Current portion of deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction

 

118

 

118

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

2,360

 

2,872

 

Total current liabilities

 

20,448

 

15,299

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

280

 

638

 

Deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction, net of current portion

 

137

 

226

 

Total liabilities

 

20,865

 

16,163

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

20

 

20

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

69,086

 

68,109

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(34,156

)

(23,899

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(314

)

(37

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

34,636

 

44,193

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

55,501

 

$

60,356

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net sales

 

$

28,876

 

$

27,194

 

$

60,409

 

$

77,543

 

Cost of sales(1)

 

26,832

 

23,027

 

52,575

 

73,850

 

Gross profit

 

2,044

 

4,167

 

7,834

 

3,693

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development(1)

 

1,651

 

1,256

 

4,943

 

3,801

 

Selling, general and administrative(1)

 

3,364

 

4,040

 

10,142

 

11,589

 

Total operating expenses

 

5,015

 

5,296

 

15,085

 

15,390

 

Operating loss

 

(2,971

)

(1,129

)

(7,251

)

(11,697

)

Other income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income, net

 

38

 

142

 

381

 

256

 

Other income (expense), net

 

13

 

(33

)

(55

)

(28

)

Total other income, net

 

51

 

109

 

326

 

228

 

Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(2,920

)

(1,020

)

(6,925

)

(11,469

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

4,502

 

(363

)

3,332

 

(4,227

)

Net loss

 

$

(7,422

)

$

(657

)

$

(10,257

)

$

(7,242

)

Net loss per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

$

(0.37

)

$

(0.03

)

$

(0.52

)

$

(0.37

)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

19,855

 

19,689

 

19,845

 

19,655

 

 


(1)  Amounts include stock-based compensation expense as follows:

 

Cost of sales

 

$

44

 

$

53

 

$

106

 

$

161

 

Research and development

 

55

 

40

 

140

 

105

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

263

 

219

 

735

 

668

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(10,257

)

$

(7,242

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,779

 

1,013

 

Amortization of deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction

 

(89

)

(89

)

Deferred income taxes

 

3,275

 

(4,577

)

Impairment of long-lived asset

 

 

257

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

17

 

68

 

Loss on inventory adjustments

 

 

5,063

 

Facility relocation charge

 

 

150

 

Stock-based compensation

 

981

 

934

 

Provision for bad debts

 

258

 

51

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(3,973

)

7,314

 

Inventories

 

(1,099

)

8,452

 

Income taxes receivable

 

113

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(510

)

541

 

Other assets

 

(229

)

(364

)

Accounts payable

 

(1,459

)

(2,442

)

Income taxes payable

 

 

(706

)

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

(512

)

(666

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(11,705

)

7,757

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of property and equipment

 

(1,077

)

(5,530

)

Repayment of note receivable from stockholder

 

 

1

 

Purchase of investments in marketable securities

 

(6,677

)

(50,944

)

Proceeds from maturities and sales of investments in marketable securities

 

19,600

 

33,550

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

11,846

 

(22,923

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings on lines of credit

 

78,999

 

86,740

 

Payments on lines of credit

 

(71,630

)

(95,698

)

Borrowings on debt

 

 

290

 

Payments on debt

 

(607

)

(852

)

Increase in restricted cash

 

(2,000

)

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants

 

 

161

 

Reversal of unrealized excess tax benefit from exercise of warrants

 

(4

)

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

4,758

 

(9,359

)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

4,899

 

(24,525

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

7,182

 

30,975

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

12,081

 

$

6,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification of other assets to property and equipment

 

$

281

 

$

 

Unrealized losses from investments in marketable securities

 

$

277

 

$

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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NETLIST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

September 27, 2008

 

Note 1—Description of Business

 

Netlist, Inc. (the “Company” or “Netlist”) designs and manufactures high performance memory subsystems for the server, high performance computing and communications markets. The Company’s solutions are targeted at applications where memory plays a key role in meeting system performance requirements.

 

Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (the “U.S.”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Form 10-Q and Article 8 of SEC Regulation S-X. These financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. for complete financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 29, 2007, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 29, 2008.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they contain all normal recurring accruals and adjustments that, in the opinion of the Company’s management, are necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries as of September 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, the consolidated results of its operations for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, and the consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any future interim periods.

 

Fiscal Year

 

The Company operates under a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. For fiscal 2008, the Company’s fiscal year end is scheduled to be January 3, 2009 and will consist of 53 weeks. Each of the Company’s first three quarters in a fiscal year is comprised of 13 weeks.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include, among others, provisions for uncollectible receivables and sales returns, warranty liabilities, valuation of inventories, recoverability of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation expense and realization of deferred tax assets. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from its estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company’s revenues primarily consist of product sales of high performance memory subsystems to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). Revenues also include sales of excess inventories to distributors and other users of memory integrated circuits (“ICs”) totaling approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 and approximately $0.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2007.

 

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The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”). Under the provisions of SAB 104, the Company recognizes revenues when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, product delivery and acceptance have occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.

 

The Company generally uses customer purchase orders and/or contracts as evidence of an arrangement. Delivery occurs when goods are shipped for customers with FOB Shipping Point terms and upon receipt for customers with FOB Destination terms, at which time title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. Shipping documents are used to verify delivery and customer acceptance. The Company assesses whether the sales price is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund. Customers are generally allowed limited rights of return for up to 30 days, except for sales of excess inventories, which contain no right-of-return privileges. Estimated returns are provided for at the time of sale based on historical experience or specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve. The Company offers a standard product warranty to its customers and has no other post-shipment obligations. The Company assesses collectibility based on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and evaluations, as well as the customer’s payment history.

 

A portion of the Company’s shipments are made to third-party inventory warehouses, or hubs, and the Company recognizes revenue when the inventory is pulled from the hub for use in production by the customer. The Company receives a report from the customer on a daily basis indicating the inventories pulled from a hub for use by the customer, and performs a daily reconciliation of inventories shipped to and pulled by the customer to those inventories reflected on the customer’s reports to ensure that sales are recognized in the appropriate periods.

 

All amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as revenues, while all costs incurred by the Company for shipping and handling are classified as cost of sales.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term investments with original maturities of three month or less.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash represents amounts pledged as collateral on an outstanding letter of credit.

 

Investments in Marketable Securities

 

The Company accounts for its investments in marketable securities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities , and Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Staff Position SFAS Nos. 115-1 and 124-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments. The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation at each balance sheet date. The Company’s investments in marketable securities have been classified and accounted for as available-for-sale based on management’s investment intentions relating to these securities. Available-for-sale securities are stated at market value, and are generally based on market quotes, to the extent they are available. Unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable deferred taxes, are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary are determined based on the specific identification method and are reported in other income (expense), net in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

The Company generally invests its excess cash in money market funds and in highly liquid debt instruments of U.S. municipalities, corporations and the U.S. government and its agencies. All highly liquid investments with stated maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents; all investments with stated maturities of greater than three months are classified as investments in marketable securities.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, investments in marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and debt instruments. Effective December 30, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and expands required disclosures about fair value measurements. Pursuant to SFAS 157, other than for certain investments in auction rate

 

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securities (see Note 4), the fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities is determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (“Level 1 Inputs”). The Company believes that the carrying values of all other financial instruments approximate their current fair values due to their nature and respective durations.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on an average cost basis which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis and includes raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. Among other factors, the Company considers historical demand and forecasted demand in relation to the inventory on hand, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions and product life cycles when determining obsolescence and net realizable value. Provisions are made to reduce excess or obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable values. Once established, write-downs are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of the excess or obsolete inventories.

 

Warranties

 

The Company offers warranties generally ranging from one to three years to its customers, other than on sales of excess inventory, depending on the product and negotiated terms of purchase agreements. Such warranties require the Company to repair or replace defective product returned to the Company during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. The Company records an estimate for warranty-related costs at the time of sale based on, among other factors, its historical and estimated product return rates and expected repair or replacement costs. Such costs have historically been consistent between periods and in-line with management’s expectations.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for equity issuances to non-employees in accordance with SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”), and EITF Issue No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods and Services . All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The measurement date used to determine the fair value of the equity instrument issued is the earlier of the date on which the third-party performance is complete or the date on which it is probable that performance will occur.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”), employee and director stock-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest during the period. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations includes (i) compensation expense for stock-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the pro forma provisions of SFAS 123 and (ii) compensation expense for the stock-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005 based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R. Given that stock-based compensation expense recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The estimated average forfeiture rates used by the Company are based on historical forfeiture experience and estimated future forfeitures.

 

The fair value of common stock option awards to employees and directors is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires subjective assumptions regarding future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, along with assumptions about the risk-free interest rate and expected dividends, which affect the estimated fair values of these awards. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatilities of the common stock of comparable publicly traded companies based on the Company’s belief that it currently has limited historical data regarding the volatility of its stock price on which to base a meaningful estimate of expected volatility. The risk-free rate selected to value any particular grant is based on the U.S. Treasury rate that corresponds to the expected term of the grant effective as of the date of the grant. The expected dividends assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. These factors could change in the future, affecting the determination of stock-based compensation expense in future periods.

 

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Income Taxes

 

Under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting (“APB 28”), the Company is required to adjust its effective tax rate each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate. The Company is also required to record the tax impact of certain discrete items, unusual or infrequently occurring, including changes in judgment about valuation allowances and effects of changes in tax laws or rates, in the interim period in which they occur. In addition, jurisdictions with a projected loss for the year or a year-to-date loss where no tax benefit can be recognized are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate. The impact of such an exclusion could result in a higher or lower effective tax rate during a particular quarter, based upon the mix and timing of actual earnings versus annual projections.

 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS 109”). Under SFAS 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized to reflect the estimated future tax effects, calculated at currently effective tax rates, of future deductible or taxable amounts attributable to events that have been recognized on a cumulative basis in the consolidated financial statements. A valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

 

The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”) on December 31, 2006, the first day of its fiscal 2007. FIN 48 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement requirement for the financial statement recognition of a tax position that has been taken or is expected to be taken on a tax return and also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. Under FIN 48 the Company may only recognize or continue to recognize tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

The Company’s operations in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) are subject to various political, geographical and economic risks and uncertainties inherent to conducting business in China. These include, but are not limited to, (i) potential changes in economic conditions in the region, (ii) managing a local workforce that may subject the Company to uncertainties or certain regulatory policies and (iii) changes in other policies of the Chinese governmental and regulatory agencies. Additionally, the Chinese government controls the procedures by which its local currency, the Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”), is converted into other currencies. If changes or restrictions in the conversion of RMB are instituted, the Company’s operations and operating results may be negatively impacted.

 

Foreign Currency Remeasurement

 

The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Local currency financial statements are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate for monetary assets and liabilities and the historical exchange rate for nonmonetary assets and liabilities. Expenses are remeasured using the average exchange rate for the period, except items related to nonmonetary assets and liabilities, which are remeasured using historical exchange rates. All remeasurement gains and losses are included in determining net income (loss).

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active (“FSP 157-3”). FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active, and provides an illustrative example intended to address certain key application issues. FSP 157-3 is effective immediately, and applies to the Company’s September 27, 2008 financial statements. The Company has concluded that the application of FSP 157-3 did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position and results of operations as of and for the periods ended September 27, 2008.

 

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Note 3—Supplemental Financial Information

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 27,

 

December 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Raw materials

 

$

1,346

 

$

1,878

 

Work in process

 

692

 

425

 

Finished goods

 

2,394

 

1,030

 

 

 

$

4,432

 

$

3,333

 

 

Warranty Liability

 

The following table summarizes the activity related to the warranty liability (in thousands):

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Beginning balance

 

$

353

 

$

298

 

Charged to costs and expenses

 

86

 

173

 

Usage

 

(140

)

(114

)

Ending balance

 

$

299

 

$

357

 

 

The warranty liability is included as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Facility Relocation Costs

 

The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s accrual for facility relocation costs during the nine months ended September 27, 2008 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Nine Months
Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

 

 

2008

 

Beginning balance

 

$

103

 

Charged to costs and expenses

 

 

Net payments

 

(54

)

Ending balance

 

$

49

 

 

The liability for facility relocation costs is included as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Comprehensive Loss

 

The components of comprehensive loss, net of taxes, consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net loss

 

$

(7,422

)

$

(657

)

$

(10,257

)

$

(7,242

)

Other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized loss on investments

 

(287

)

25

 

(264

)

18

 

Reclassification adjustment for net realized gain included in net loss

 

 

 

(13

)

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

$

(7,709

)

$

(632

)

$

(10,534

)

$

(7,224

)

 

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Accumulated other comprehensive loss reflected on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007 represents accumulated net unrealized losses on investments in marketable securities.

 

Computation of Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic and diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period. The following table sets forth the computation of net loss per share (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Numerator: Net loss

 

$

(7,422

)

$

(657

)

$

(10,257

)

$

(7,242

)

Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

19,855

 

19,689

 

19,845

 

19,655

 

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

 

$

(0.37

)

$

(0.03

)

$

(0.52

)

$

(0.37

)

 

The following table sets forth potentially dilutive common share equivalents, consisting of shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants computed using the treasury stock method, which have been excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculations above as their effect would be anti-dilutive for the periods then ended (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Common share equivalents

 

919

 

1,084

 

902

 

1,519

 

 

The above common share equivalents would have been included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share had the Company reported net income for the periods then ended.

 

Major Customers

 

The Company’s product sales have historically been concentrated in a small number of customers. The following table sets forth sales to customers comprising 10% or more of the Company’s total revenues for the periods presented:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Customer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dell

 

47

%

75

%

57

%

53

%

Hewlett Packard

 

47

%

*

%

34

%

21

%

 


* less than 10% of net sales

 

The Company’s accounts receivable are concentrated with two customers at September 27, 2008 representing approximately 40% and 54% of aggregate gross receivables. A significant reduction in sales to, or the inability to collect receivables from, a significant customer could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

 

Note 4—Fair Value Measurements

 

In accordance with SFAS 157, the following table details the fair value measurements within the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s investments in marketable securities (in thousands):

 

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Fair Value Measurements at September 27, 2008 Using

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

 

Significant Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

Fair Value at

 

Active Markets for

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

September 27,

 

Identical Assets

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

 

2008

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Investments in marketable securities

 

$

10,187

 

$

9,224

 

$

 

$

963

 

 

Fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs in the table above relate to the Company’s investments in auction rate securities. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs used to estimate the fair value of assets or liabilities and are utilized to the extent that observable inputs are not available.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the Company’s assets measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs (in thousands):

 

 

 

Nine Months
Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

 

 

2008

 

Beginning balance

 

$

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

1,002

 

Unrealized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(39

)

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

 

 

Ending balance

 

$

963

 

 

Auction Rate Securities

 

The recent disruptions in the credit market continue to adversely affect the liquidity and overall market for auction rate securities. As of September 27, 2008, the Company held two investments in auction rate securities with a total purchased cost of $1.0 million. These two investments represent (i) a fully insured debt obligation of a municipality and (ii) a AAA rated debt obligation backed by pools of student loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. Given the insufficient observable market inputs and related information available, the Company has classified its investments in auction rate securities within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company has estimated the fair value of these investments using a discounted cash flow model which included assumptions about the credit quality and expected duration of the investments, along with discount rates affected for the general lack of liquidity. These assumptions reflect the Company’s estimates about the reasonable assumptions market participants would likely use in valuing the investments, including assumptions about risk, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

The Company does not believe that the current illiquidity of its investments in auction rate securities will materially impact its ability to fund its working capital needs, capital expenditures or other business requirements. The Company, however, remains uncertain as to when liquidity will return to the auction rate markets, whether other secondary markets will become available or when the underlying securities may be called by the issuer. Given these and other uncertainties, the Company’s investments in auction rate securities have been classified as long-term investments in marketable securities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 27, 2008. The Company has concluded that the estimated gross unrealized losses on these investments, which totaled approximately $39,000 at September 27, 2008, are temporary because (i) the Company believes that the absence of liquidity that has occurred is due to general market conditions, (ii) the auction rate securities continue to be of a high credit quality and interest is paid as due and (iii) the Company has the intent and ability to hold these investments until a recovery in the market occurs.

 

Other Investments in Marketable Securities

 

Excluding its auction rate securities, the gross unrealized losses on the Company’s other investments in marketable securities totaled approximately $275,000 as of September 27, 2008, and are generally due to the ongoing uncertainties in the credit and financial markets, as well as the overall current economic environment. The fair value of these investments was determined based on Level 1 inputs, consisting of quoted prices from actual market transactions for identical investments. The Company has determined that the unrealized losses on these investments as of September 27, 2008 are temporary in nature. Factors considered in determining whether impairments are other than temporary include (i) the length of time and

 

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extent to which fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee and (iii) the Company’s intent and ability to hold an investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. The fair value of the Company’s investments in marketable securities could change significantly in the future and the Company may be required to record other-than-temporary impairment charges or additional unrealized losses in future periods.

 

Note 5—Credit Agreement

 

In May 2008, the Company executed the Ninth Amendment to its Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Ninth Amendment”). Among other things, the Ninth Amendment revised certain minimum profitability financial covenant requirements and also eliminated the Company’s previous minimum monthly book net worth financial covenant requirement. Additionally, the Company’s nonrevolving equipment financing line of credit was revised to allow the Company to borrow up to an additional maximum of $0.9 million to finance up to 80% of the cost of equipment purchases through the end of fiscal 2008. Principal on any of these additional borrowings is scheduled to be repaid in 42 equal monthly installments commencing January 1, 2009. Interest on the Company’s existing and future equipment line of credit advances was payable monthly at the prime rate. The Ninth Amendment was effective as of the beginning of the Company’s second quarter of 2008.

 

In October 2008, the Company executed the Tenth Amendment to its Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement (the “Tenth Amendment”). Among other things, this amendment further revised the Company’s minimum profitability financial covenant requirement. The Tenth Amendment also revised the monthly interest rate charged on future credit advances under the line of credit to the greater of (i) the sum of the prime rate plus 3% or (ii) 5%.

 

As of September 27, 2008, the Company was not in compliance with its financial covenant related to minimum monthly profitability. In October 2008, in connection with the execution of the Tenth Amendment, the Company received a waiver from its lender for this covenant violation. The Company cannot assure that it will not violate one or more covenants in the future. If it were to be in violation of covenants under its current credit agreement, the Company’s lender could choose to accelerate payment on all outstanding loan balances. There can be no assurance that the Company would be able to quickly obtain equivalent or suitable replacement financing in this event. If the Company were not able to secure alternative sources of funding, such acceleration would have a material adverse impact on its financial condition.

 

The following table presents details of interest expense related to borrowings on the line of credit, along with certain other applicable information (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Interest expense

 

$

94

 

$

163

 

$

180

 

$

712

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

December 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Outstanding borrowings on the line of credit

 

$

12,241

 

$

4,872

 

Borrowing availability under the line of credit

 

$

1,304

 

$

6,366

 

 

Any borrowings under the Company’s revolving and equipment lines of credit are collateralized by a general first priority lien against all of the Company’s assets, both tangible and intangible.

 

Note 6—Letters of Credit

 

In June 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with its bank to issue a commercial letter of credit (“LC”) up to $2 million to support purchases of inventory from a supplier. As part of this agreement, the Company is required to pledge cash as collateral for the full amount of the LC, and thus, as of September 27, 2008, $2 million is classified as restricted cash in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

In July 2008, the Company entered into a second similar agreement with its bank to issue another commercial LC up to $2 million to support inventory purchases from another supplier; however this agreement was cancelled in September 2008.

 

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Note 7—Long-Term Debt

 

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

September 27,

 

December 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Obligations under capital leases

 

$

166

 

$

432

 

Equipment note payable to bank

 

580

 

872

 

Notes payable to others

 

25

 

74

 

 

 

771

 

1,378

 

Less current portion

 

(491

)

(740

)

 

 

$

280

 

$

638

 

 

Interest expense related to long-term debt is presented in the following table (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Interest expense

 

$

18

 

$

58

 

$

85

 

$

166

 

 

Note 8—Income Taxes

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes, along with the corresponding effective tax rates (in thousands, except percentages):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

$

4,502

 

$

(363

)

$

3,332

 

$

(4,227

)

Effective tax rate

 

154

%

(36

)%

48

%

(37

)%

 

In accordance with SFAS 109, the Company evaluates whether a valuation allowance should be established against its deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence using a “more likely than not” standard.  In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. In the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company recorded a net charge to income tax expense of approximately $4.5 million related to establishing a partial valuation allowance against its deferred income tax assets. The Company’s determination to record a valuation allowance was based on the recent history of cumulative losses as well as uncertainty of the utilization of deferred tax assets in the near future. The remaining deferred tax asset of approximately $1.3 million at September 27, 2008 relates to federal taxes paid where refund claims are expected to be made for net operating losses that can be carried back to prior years. In addition, the Company discontinued recording income tax benefits in the consolidated financial statements until it is determined that it is more likely than not that the Company will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its deferred tax assets. The Company’s effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 differ from the 35% statutory rate primarily due to the establishment of the partial valuation allowance.

 

Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies

 

Federal Securities Class Action

 

Beginning in May 2007, the Company, certain of its officers and directors, and the Company’s underwriters were named as defendants in four purported class action shareholder complaints, two of which were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and two of which were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. These purported class action lawsuits were filed on behalf of persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s common stock pursuant or traceable to the Company’s November 30, 2006 Initial Public Offering (the “IPO”). The lawsuits were consolidated into a single action—Belodoff v. Netlist, Inc., Lead Case No. SACV07-677 DOC (MLGx)—

 

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which is currently pending in the Central District of California. Lead Plaintiff filed the Consolidated Complaint on November 5, 2007. Defendants filed their motions to dismiss the Consolidated Complaint on January 9, 2008. The motions to dismiss were taken under submission on April 28, 2008 and on May 30, 2008, the Court granted the defendants’ motions. However, plaintiffs were granted the right to amend their complaint and subsequently filed their First Amended Consolidated Class Action Complaint (the “Amended Complaint”) on July 15, 2008. Generally, the Amended Complaint alleges that the Registration Statement issued by the Company in connection with the IPO contained untrue statements of material fact or omissions of material fact in violation of Sections 11 and 15 of Securities Act of 1933. The deadline for defendants to answer, move to dismiss or otherwise respond to the Amended Complaint is January 9, 2009. The Company believes that the allegations lack merit and intends to vigorously defend all claims asserted. However, at this time, the Company is unable to form a professional judgment that an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote, and it is not possible to assess whether or not the outcome of these proceedings will or will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. If an unfavorable outcome should eventually occur, the Company is not at this time able to estimate the amount or range of possible loss.

 

California Derivative Action

 

In August 2007, a derivative lawsuit was filed in California Superior Court for County of Orange—Smith v. Hong, Case No. 07CC01359—against certain of the Company’s officers and directors. This action contains factual allegations similar to those of the federal class action lawsuit described above, but the plaintiff in this case also asserts claims for violations of California’s insider trading laws, breaches of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment. The plaintiff seeks unspecified damages, equitable and/or injunctive relief and disgorgement of all profits, benefits and other compensation obtained by the defendants. The defendants in this action have not responded to the complaint. Pursuant to a stipulation, the parties agreed to temporarily stay the action pending the ultimate decision on the defendants’ motions to dismiss in the federal securities class action. The parties also agreed that twenty days after the court in the federal securities class action issues a final ruling as to the motions to dismiss brought in that action, the parties will meet and confer regarding the time for defendants to respond to the complaint in this derivative action. The Company believes that the allegations lack merit and intends to vigorously defend all claims asserted. At this time, however, the Company is unable to form a professional judgment that an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote. Moreover, if an unfavorable outcome should eventually occur, the Company is not at this time able to estimate the amount or range of possible loss. In addition, the Company received correspondence from counsel for a purported shareholder requesting that the Company take actions to investigate and remedy alleged wrongdoing by unidentified former and current officers and/or directors based on allegations similar to those in the Smith v. Hong derivative case. The Company, through its Board of Directors, has evaluated and rejected this request.

 

Patent Claims

 

In May 2008, the Company initiated discussions with Google, Inc. regarding the Company’s claims that Google has infringed on a U.S. Patent assigned to the Company relating generally to “rank multiplication” in memory modules.  On August 29, 2008, Google filed a declaratory judgment lawsuit against the Company in United States District Court for the Northern District of California, seeking a declaration that Google did not infringe on the Company’s patent, and that the Company’s patent is invalid.  The Company has not been served with the complaint.  The Company’s discussions with Google are ongoing.  If those discussions do not lead to an amicable resolution, the Company intends to vigorously defend against Google’s claims, and to assert counterclaims for patent infringement against Google.

 

Other Obligations

 

During its normal course of business, the Company has made certain indemnities, commitments and guarantees under which it may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These include (i) intellectual property indemnities to the Company’s customers and licensees in connection with the use, sales and/or license of Company products; (ii) indemnities to vendors and service providers pertaining to claims based on the negligence or willful misconduct of the Company; (iii) indemnities involving the accuracy of representations and warranties in certain contracts; (iv) indemnities to directors and officers of the Company to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware; and (v) certain real estate leases, under which the Company may be required to indemnify property owners for environmental and other liabilities, and other claims arising from the Company’s use of the applicable premises. The duration of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees varies and, in certain cases, may be indefinite. The majority of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees do not provide for any limitation of the maximum potential for future payments the Company could be obligated to make. Historically, the Company has not been obligated to make significant payments for these obligations, and no liabilities have been recorded for these indemnities, commitments and guarantees in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

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Note 10—Stock Options and Warrants

 

Common Stock Options

 

A summary of the Company’s common stock option activity as of and for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 is presented below (shares in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Number of

 

Exercise

 

 

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Options outstanding at December 29, 2007

 

3,746

 

$

3.06

 

Options granted

 

780

 

1.68

 

Options exercised

 

 

 

Options cancelled

 

(350

)

2.73

 

Options outstanding at September 27, 2008

 

4,176

 

$

2.83

 

 

The per share fair values of common stock options granted by the Company in the nine months ended September 27, 2008 have been estimated with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Expected term (in years)

 

5.4

 

Expected volatility

 

80

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.12

%

Expected dividends

 

 

Weighted-average grant date fair value per share

 

$

1.13

 

 

At September 27, 2008, the amount of unearned stock-based compensation currently estimated to be expensed from fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2012 related to unvested common stock options is approximately $2.9 million, net of estimated forfeitures. The weighted-average period over which the unearned stock-based compensation is expected to be recognized is approximately 2.3 years. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested common stock options, the Company may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned stock-based compensation expense. Future stock-based compensation expense and unearned stock-based compensation will increase to the extent that the Company grants additional common stock options or other stock-based awards.

 

Warrants

 

A summary of activity with respect to outstanding warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock as of and for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 is presented below (shares in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

Number of

 

Exercise

 

 

 

Shares

 

Price

 

Warrants outstanding at December 29, 2007

 

318

 

$

1.01

 

Warrants granted

 

 

 

Warrants exercised

 

(97

)

1.00

 

Warrants cancelled

 

(203

)

1.00

 

Warrants outstanding and exercisable at September 27, 2008

 

18

 

$

1.25

 

 

In February 2008, certain warrant holders exercised 300,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, whereby the Company issued approximately 97,000 shares of common stock pursuant to a net issue election and effectively received approximately 203,000 shares back from the warrant holders as consideration in lieu of cash for the exercised warrants. The 203,000 shares were forfeited on the exercise date.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 11—Segment and Geographic Information

 

The Company operates in one reportable segment: the design and manufacture of high-performance memory subsystems for the server, high-performance computing and communications markets. The Company evaluates financial performance on a Company-wide basis.

 

At September 27, 2008, approximately $4.0 million of the Company’s net long-lived assets were located outside the U.S., primarily in the PRC.

 

Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Cautionary Statement

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report. The information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is not a complete description of our business or the risks associated with an investment in our common stock. We urge you to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this Report and in our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 and subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, which discuss our business in greater detail.

 

This Report, along with similar discussions in our other SEC filings, describes some of the important risks that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. You should carefully consider those risks, in addition to the other information in this Report and in our other filings with the SEC, before deciding to purchase, hold or sell our common stock.

 

This Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

 

Overview

 

We design, manufacture and sell high performance memory subsystems for the server, high performance computing and communications markets. Our memory subsystems consist of dynamic random access memory integrated circuits, or DRAM ICs, NAND flash memory, or NAND, and other components assembled on a printed circuit board, or PCB. We engage with our original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, customers from the earliest stages of new product definition, which provides us unique insight into their full range of system architecture and performance requirements. This close collaboration has also allowed us to develop a significant level of systems expertise. We leverage a portfolio of proprietary technologies and design techniques, including efficient planar design, alternative packaging techniques and custom semiconductor logic, to deliver memory subsystems with high memory density, small form factor, high signal integrity, attractive thermal characteristics and low cost per bit.

 

Consistent with the concentrated nature of the OEM customer base in our target markets, a small number of large customers have historically accounted for a significant portion of our net sales. Dell and Hewlett Packard represented approximately 57% and 34%, respectively, of our net sales for the nine months ended September 27, 2008. Dell and Hewlett Packard represented approximately 53% and 21%, respectively, of our net sales for the nine months ended September 27, 2007. Net sales to some of our OEM customers include memory modules that are qualified by us directly with the OEM customer and sold to electronic manufacturing services providers, or EMSs, for incorporation into products manufactured exclusively for the OEM customer. These net sales to EMSs have historically fluctuated period by period as a portion of the total net sales to these OEM customers. Net sales to Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd., an EMS that purchases memory modules from us for incorporation into products manufactured exclusively for Dell, represented approximately 12% of net sales to Dell for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 and approximately 58% of net sales to Dell for the nine months ended September 29, 2007.

 

Key Business Metrics

 

The following describes certain line items in our statements of operations that are important to management’s assessment of our financial performance:

 

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Net Sales. Net sales consist primarily of sales of our high performance memory subsystems, net of a provision for estimated returns under our right of return policies, which generally range up to 30 days. We generally do not have long-term sales agreements with our customers. Although OEM customers typically provide us with non-binding forecasts of future product demand over specific periods of time, they generally place orders with us approximately two weeks in advance of scheduled delivery. Selling prices are typically negotiated monthly, based on competitive market conditions and the current price of DRAM ICs and NAND. Purchase orders generally have no cancellation or rescheduling penalty provisions. We often ship our products to our customers’ international manufacturing sites. All of our sales to date, however, are denominated in United States, or U.S., dollars. We also sell excess component inventory of DRAM ICs and NAND to distributors and other users of memory ICs. As compared to previous years, component inventory sales have significantly decreased as a percentage of net sales as a result of our efforts to diversify both our customer and product line bases. This diversification effort has also allowed us to use components in a wider range of memory subsystems. We expect that component inventory sales will continue to represent a minimal portion of our net sales in future periods.

 

Cost of Sales. Our cost of sales includes the cost of materials, manufacturing costs, depreciation and amortization of equipment, inventory valuation provisions, stock-based compensation and occupancy costs and other allocated fixed costs. The DRAM ICs and NAND incorporated into our products constitute a significant portion of our cost of sales, and thus our cost of sales will fluctuate based on the current price of DRAM ICs and NAND. We attempt to pass through such DRAM IC and NAND flash memory cost fluctuations to our customers by frequently renegotiating pricing prior to the placement of their purchase orders. To the extent we are successful, a large majority of our product cost is variable, and thus our cost of sales and gross margin percentages may not be significantly impacted by changes in sales volume. However, the sales prices of our memory subsystems can also fluctuate due to competitive situations unrelated to the pricing of DRAM ICs and NAND, which affects gross margins. The gross margin on our sales of excess component DRAM IC and NAND inventory is much lower than the gross margin on our sales of our memory subsystems. As a result, a decrease in DRAM IC and NAND inventory sales as a percentage of our overall sales could result in an improved overall gross margin. We assess the valuation of our inventories on a monthly basis and record a provision to cost of sales as necessary to reduce inventories to the lower of cost or net realizable value.

 

Research and Development. Research and development expense consists primarily of employee and independent contractor compensation and related costs, stock-based compensation, computer-aided design software licenses, reference design development costs, patent-related fees, depreciation or rental of evaluation equipment, and occupancy and other allocated overhead costs. Also included in research and development expense are the costs of material and overhead related to the production of engineering samples of new products under development or products used solely in the research and development process. Our customers typically do not separately compensate us for design and engineering work involved in developing application-specific products for them. All research and development costs are expensed as incurred. We anticipate that research and development expenditures will increase in future periods as we seek to expand new product opportunities, increase our activities related to new and emerging markets and continue to develop additional proprietary technologies.

 

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee salaries and related costs, stock-based compensation, independent sales representative commissions, professional services, promotional and other selling and marketing expenses, and occupancy and other allocated overhead costs. A significant portion of our selling efforts is directed at building relationships with OEMs and other customers and working through the product approval and qualification process with them. Therefore, the cost of material and overhead related to products manufactured for qualification is included in selling expenses. As we continue to service existing and establish new customers, we anticipate that our sales and marketing expenses will increase. We also anticipate that our general and administrative expenses related to accounting and legal expenses associated with our ongoing public reporting obligations will generally remain consistent during the remainder of fiscal 2008; however, beginning in fiscal 2009, we anticipate being subject to attestation services requirements with respect to our internal control over financial reporting, the result of which will increase such expenses in future periods.

 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes. Our income tax provision (benefit) is based on the statutory federal tax rate of 35% and is typically impacted by state taxes and permanent book-tax differences, as well as adjustments to our deferred tax balances through the establishment of valuation allowances when determined necessary.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses

 

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during the reporting period. By their nature, these estimates and assumptions are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. We base our estimates on our historical experience, knowledge of current conditions and our beliefs of what could occur in the future considering available information. We review our estimates on an on-going basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates, which may result in material adverse effects on our operating results and financial position. We believe the following critical accounting policies involve the more significant assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

 

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenues in accordance with the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition , or SAB 104. Under the provisions of SAB 104, we recognize revenues when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, product delivery and acceptance have occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.

 

We generally use customer purchase orders and/or contracts as evidence of an arrangement. Delivery occurs when goods are shipped for customers with FOB Shipping Point terms and upon receipt for customers with FOB Destination terms, at which time title and risk of loss transfer to the customer. Shipping documents are used to verify delivery and customer acceptance. We assess whether the sales price is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund.

 

Customers are generally allowed limited rights of return for up to 30 days, except for sales of excess inventories, which contain no right-of-return privileges. Estimated returns are provided for at the time of sale based on historical experience or specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve. We offer a standard product warranty to our customers and have no other post-shipment obligations. While these returns have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience similar return rates in the future. Any significant increase in product failure rates and the resulting product returns could have a material adverse effect on our operating results for the period or periods in which such returns materialize.

 

We assess collectibility based on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and evaluations, as well as the customer’s payment history. A portion of our shipments are made to third party inventory warehouses, or hubs, and we recognize revenue when the inventory is pulled from the hub for use in production by the customer. We receive a report from the customer on a daily basis indicating the inventories pulled from a hub for use by the customer, and perform a daily reconciliation of inventories shipped to and pulled by the customer to those inventories reflected on the customer’s reports to ensure that sales are recognized in the appropriate periods. We have historically had good visibility into the inventories on-hand at hub locations and also what our customers intend to pull within each reporting period. However, if a customer does not pull our inventory from its hub in accordance with the schedule it originally provided to us, our predicted future revenues could vary from our forecasts and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, since we own inventories that are physically located in hubs, our ability to effectively manage inventory levels may be impaired, causing our inventory turns to decrease, which would increase expenses associated with excess and obsolete inventories and negatively impact our cash flow.

 

All amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as net sales, while all costs incurred by us for shipping and handling are classified as cost of sales.

 

Warranty Reserve. We offer warranties on our memory subsystems generally ranging from one to three years, depending on the product and negotiated terms of purchase agreements with our customers. Such warranties require us to repair or replace defective product returned to us during the warranty period at no cost to the customer. Our estimates for warranty-related costs are recorded at the time of sale based on historical and estimated future product return rates and expected repair or replacement costs. While such costs have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, unexpected changes in failure rates could have a material adverse impact on us, requiring additional warranty reserves, and adversely affecting our gross profit and gross margins.

 

Accounts Receivable. We perform credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and limit the amount of credit extended to our customers as deemed necessary, but generally require no collateral. We continuously monitor collections and payments from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. Generally, these credit losses have been within our expectations and the provisions established. However, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience credit loss rates similar to those we have experienced in the past.

 

Our accounts receivable are highly concentrated among a small number of customers, and a significant change in the liquidity or financial position of one of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the collectibility of our

 

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accounts receivable, our liquidity and our future operating results.

 

Inventories. We value our inventories at the lower of the actual cost to purchase or manufacture the inventory or the net realizable value of the inventory. Cost is determined on an average cost basis which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis and includes raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and on order and record a provision for excess and obsolete inventories based primarily on our estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements for the next three to six months. In addition, we consider changes in the market value of DRAM ICs and NAND in determining the net realizable value of our raw material inventory. Once established, any write downs are considered permanent adjustments to the cost basis of our inventories. A significant decrease in demand for our products could result in an increase in the amount of excess inventory quantities on hand. In addition, our estimates of future product demand may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have understated or overstated the provision required for excess and obsolete inventory. In the future, if our inventories are determined to be overvalued, we would be required to recognize additional expense in our cost of sales at the time of such determination. Likewise, if our inventories are determined to be undervalued, we may have over-reported our costs of sales in previous periods and would be required to recognize additional gross profit at the time such inventories are sold. In addition, should the market value of DRAM ICs and NAND decrease significantly, we may be required to lower our selling prices to reflect the lower cost of our raw materials. If such price decreases reduce the net realizable value of our inventories to less than our cost, we would be required to recognize additional expense in our cost of sales in the same period. Although we make every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product demand, any significant unanticipated changes in demand, technological developments or the market value of DRAM ICs and NAND could have a material effect on the value of our inventories and our reported operating results.

 

Long-Lived Assets. We review the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined based upon the forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows from the operations to which the assets relate, utilizing our best estimates, appropriate assumptions and projections at the time. These projected future cash flows may vary significantly over time as a result of increased competition, changes in technology, fluctuations in demand, consolidation of our customers and reductions in average selling prices. If the carrying value is determined not to be recoverable from future operating cash flows, the asset is deemed impaired and an impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair market value of the asset.

 

Stock-Based Compensation. We account for equity issuances to non-employees in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation , and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods and Services . All transactions in which goods or services are the consideration received for the issuance of equity instruments are accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. The measurement date used to determine the fair value of the equity instrument issued is the earlier of the date on which the third-party performance is complete or the date on which it is probable that performance will occur.

 

On January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment , or SFAS 123R, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to our employees and directors based on estimated fair values. We adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective transition method, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006, the first day of our fiscal year 2006. In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, our consolidated financial statements for prior periods have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of adopting SFAS 123R.

 

We currently use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of our common stock option awards. While this model meets the requirements of SFAS 123R, the estimated fair values generated by it may not be indicative of the actual fair values of these awards as it does not consider certain factors important to those awards to employees, such as continued employment and periodic vesting requirements as well as limited transferability. The Black-Scholes model requires subjective assumptions regarding future stock price volatility and expected time to exercise, along with assumptions about the risk-free interest rate and expected dividends, all of which affect the estimated fair values of our common stock option awards. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The expected volatility is based on the historical volatilities of the common stock of comparable publicly traded companies based on our belief that we currently have limited historical data regarding the volatility of our stock price on which to base a meaningful estimate of expected volatility. The risk-free rate selected to value any particular grant is based on the U.S. Treasury rate that corresponds to the expected term of the grant effective as of the date of the grant. The expected dividends assumption is based on our history and expectation of dividend payouts. We

 

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evaluate the assumptions used to value our common stock option awards on a quarterly basis. If factors change and we employ different assumptions, stock-based compensation expense may differ significantly from what we have recorded in prior periods.

 

The value of the portion of stock-based awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our financial statements. Given that stock-based compensation expense recognized in our financial statements is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested stock-based awards, we may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel any remaining unearned stock-based compensation expense. Future stock-based compensation expense and unearned stock-based compensation will increase to the extent that we grant additional common stock options or other stock-based awards.

 

Income Taxes. Under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting , we are required to adjust our effective tax rate each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate. We are also required to record the tax impact of certain discrete items, unusual or infrequently occurring, including changes in judgment about valuation allowances and effects of changes in tax laws or rates, in the interim period in which they occur. In addition, jurisdictions with a projected loss for the year, or a year-to-date loss where no tax benefit can be recognized, are excluded from our estimated annual effective tax rate. The impact of excluding these items could result in a higher or lower effective tax rate during a particular quarter, based upon the mix and timing of actual earnings versus annual projections.

 

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying values and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance, when determined necessary, based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. If we operate at a loss for an extended period of time or are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to record a valuation allowance against all or a significant portion of our deferred tax assets which could substantially increase our effective tax rate for such period. Any significant changes in statutory tax rates or the amount of our valuation allowance could have a material effect on the value of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and our reported financial results. In the future, if we realize a deferred tax asset that currently carries a valuation allowance, we may record a reduction to income tax expense in the period of such realization.

 

We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 , or FIN 48, on December 31, 2006, the first day of fiscal 2007. FIN 48 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement requirement for the financial statement recognition of a tax position that has been taken or is expected to be taken on a tax return and also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. Under FIN 48 we may only recognize or continue to recognize tax positions that meet a “more likely than not” threshold.

 

The application of tax laws and regulations is subject to legal and factual interpretation, judgment and uncertainty. Tax laws and regulations themselves are subject to change as a result of changes in fiscal policy, changes in legislation, the evolution of regulations and court rulings. Therefore, the actual liability for U.S. or foreign taxes may be materially different from our estimates, which could result in the need to record additional tax liabilities or potentially reverse previously recorded tax liabilities.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain consolidated statements of operations data as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

 

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Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

100

%

100

%

100

%

100

%

Cost of sales

 

93

 

85

 

87

 

95

 

Gross profit

 

7

 

15

 

13

 

5

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

6

 

5

 

8

 

5

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

12

 

15

 

17

 

15

 

Total operating expenses

 

17

 

19

 

25

 

20

 

Operating loss

 

(10

)

(4

)

(12

)

(15

)

Other income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income, net

 

 

 

1

 

 

Other income (expense), net

 

 

 

 

 

Total other income, net

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(10

)

(4

)

(11

)

(15

)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

16

 

(1

)

6

 

(5

)

Net loss

 

(26

)%

(1

)%

(17

)%

(9

)%

 

Three and Nine Months Ended September 27, 2008 Compared to Three and Nine Months Ended September 29, 2007

 

Net Sales, Cost of Sales and Gross Profit.

 

The following tables present net sales, cost of sales and gross profit for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007 (in thousands, except percentages):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

28,876

 

$

27,194

 

$

1,682

 

6

%

Cost of sales

 

26,832

 

23,027

 

3,805

 

17

%

Gross profit

 

$

2,044

 

$

4,167

 

$

(2,123

)

(51

)%

Gross margin

 

7

%

15

%

(8

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

60,409

 

$

77,543

 

$

(17,134

)

(22

)%

Cost of sales

 

52,575

 

73,850

 

(21,275

)

(29

)%

Gross profit

 

$

7,834

 

$

3,693

 

$

4,141

 

112

%

Gross margin

 

13

%

5

%

8

%

 

 

 

Net Sales.  The overall decrease in our net sales during the nine months ended September 27, 2008 as compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2007 was primarily driven by the slower than expected growth in sales of certain of our flash and high density server modules, as well as a decline in net sales of memory subsystems used to control redundant arrays of independent disks, or RAIDs, as a result of certain key programs and designs nearing an end-of-life in 2008. Additionally, our net sales were adversely affected to a lesser extent by the fact that during the third quarter of 2008 the market price of mainstream DRAM IC’s decreased by approximately 32%, which affected the selling prices of certain of our products. The decrease in our net sales during this period was partially offset, however, by strong growth in our line of low-power fully buffered dual in-line memory modules, or FBDIMMs, which experienced a significant ramp in sales volumes to certain key OEM customers beginning in 2008.

 

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The increase in net sales for the three months ended September 27, 2008 as compared to the three months ended September 29, 2007 resulted primarily from increases of approximately (i) $7.9 million in net sales of laptop personal computer memory subsystems, (ii) $5.9 million in net sales of our low-power FBDIMMs and (iii) $0.3 million in net sales of flash products. The above increases were partially offset by decreases of approximately (i) $9.6 million in net sales of memory subsystems used to control RAIDs, (ii) $1.9 million in net sales of certain high density memory modules for the server market and related applications and (iii) $0.8 million in net sales of memory modules for certain desktop-related applications.

 

The decrease in net sales for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 as compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2007 resulted primarily from decreases of approximately (i) $20.2 million in net sales of memory subsystems used to control RAIDs, (ii) $17.7 million in net sales of certain high density memory modules for the server market and related applications and (iii) $1.5 million in net sales of memory modules for certain desktop-related applications. The above decreases were partially offset by an increase of approximately $22.2 million in net sales of our low-power FBDIMMs.

 

Should market price declines for DRAM ICs and/or NAND continue, our net sales could be adversely impacted in future periods as we lower prices on some products to meet market conditions.

 

Sales of our component inventory to distributors and other users of memory ICs represented less than 1% of net sales for both the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008, respectively. For both the three and nine months ended September 29, 2007, such sales represented approximately 2% of our total net sales, respectively. As compared to previous years, component inventory sales have significantly decreased as a percentage of net sales as a result of our efforts to diversify both our customer and product line bases. This diversification effort has also allowed us to use components in a wider range of memory subsystems.

 

Gross Profit and Gross Margin.  The decrease in gross profit and gross margin for the three months ended September 27, 2008 as compared to the three months ended September 29, 2007 is substantially due to our overall product sales mix during this period, whereby a higher percentage of our total net sales were derived from lower margin products. To a lesser extent, our gross profit was affected by the decline in selling prices of certain of our products during this period, as described above.

 

The overall increase in gross profit and gross margin for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 as compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2007 is primarily due to the significant decreases in the market price of DRAM ICs during the first half of 2007. These price declines negatively impacted the valuation of our inventories, whereby we incurred a loss in the nine months ended September 29, 2007 of approximately $5.1 million, which directly affected our gross margin for this period. Additionally, as compared to 2007, our gross margin for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 was more normalized due to the general stabilization of DRAM IC market prices during the first half of 2008; however, the shift in our sales mix during the third quarter of 2008, as described above, adversely affected our gross margin for this period.

 

During 2008 we have also realized certain benefits and cost savings as a result of having transitioned a majority of our production manufacturing volume to our facility in the People’s Republic of China. Our total production and manufacturing costs for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 decreased approximately 43% as compared to the corresponding period in 2007.

 

Should the market prices of DRAM ICs and/or NAND decline in future periods, or should our product sales mix continue to shift more toward lower margin products, our gross profit, gross margin and overall operating results could be adversely affected.

 

Research and Development .

 

The following tables present research and development expenses for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007 (in thousands, except percentages):

 

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Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Increase

 

Change

 

Research and development

 

$

1,651

 

$

1,256

 

$

395

 

31

%

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Increase

 

Change

 

Research and development

 

$

4,943

 

$

3,801

 

$

1,142

 

30

%

 

The increase in research and development expense in the three months ended September 27, 2008 as compared to the three months ended September 29, 2007 resulted primarily from an increase of approximately $0.4 million in personnel-related expenses.

 

The increase in research and development expense in the nine months ended September 27, 2008 as compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2007 resulted primarily from increases of approximately (i) $1.1 million in personnel-related expenses and (ii) $0.1 million in legal and professional services due primarily to our increased activities in 2008 related to new product opportunities and new and emerging markets. The above increases were partially offset primarily by a decrease of approximately $0.2 million in expenses related to product qualification testing and various allocated overhead expenses.

 

The increases in personnel-related expenses are primarily attributable to an increase in the number of employees engaged in research and development activities since September 29, 2007, as well as compensation increases.

 

Selling, General and Administrative .

 

The following tables present selling, general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007 (in thousands, except percentages):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Decrease

 

Change

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

3,364

 

$

4,040

 

$

(676

)

(17

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Decrease

 

Change

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

$

10,142

 

$

11,589

 

$

(1,447

)

(12

)%

 

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expense in the three months ended September 27, 2008 as compared to the three months ended September 29, 2007 resulted primarily from decreases of approximately (i) $0.8 million in personnel-related expenses, (ii) $0.2 million in facility lease relocation costs incurred in 2007 and (iii) $0.2 million in legal and professional fees. The above decreases are partially offset primarily by increases of approximately (i) $0.3 million in bad debt expense, (ii) $0.1 million in sales commission and related expenses and (iii) $0.1 million in various allocated overhead expenses.

 

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expense in the nine months ended September 27, 2008 as compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2007 resulted primarily from decreases of approximately (i) $1.3 million in personnel-related expenses, (ii) $0.4 million in legal and professional fees, (iii) $0.2 million in commission and travel-related expenses, (iv) $0.2 million in facility lease relocation costs incurred in 2007 and (v) $0.1 million in product qualification, evaluation and advertising. The above decreases were partially offset primarily by increases of approximately (i) $0.5 million in various allocated overhead expenses, which include, but are not limited to, expenses for rent, insurance and depreciation, (ii) $0.3 million in bad debt expense and (ii) $0.1 million in stock compensation expense.

 

The decreases in personnel-related expenses are primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of employees engaged in selling, general and administrative activities of approximately 15% since September 29, 2007. The decreases in legal and

 

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professional fees are primarily a result of the significant costs we incurred in 2007 to begin operating as a public company, including costs related to our initial documentation and assessment of internal control over financial reporting, as well as lower legal fees in 2008 related to current litigation matters since the majority of such expenses became reimbursable from our insurance carrier in the current year. The increase in bad debt expense during the current year is a result of a write-down we recorded during the third quarter of 2008 for certain customer accounts receivable for which collection has become uncertain.

 

Other Income (Expense) .

 

The following tables present other income (expense) for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007 (in thousands, except percentages):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

Interest income, net

 

$

38

 

$

142

 

$

(104

)

(73

)%

Other income (expense), net

 

13

 

(33

)

46

 

(139

)%

Total other income, net

 

$

51

 

$

109

 

$

(58

)

(53

)%

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

Increase

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Decrease)

 

Change

 

Interest income, net

 

$

381

 

$

256

 

$

125

 

49

%

Other income (expense), net

 

(55

)

(28

)

(27

)

(96

)%

Total other income, net

 

$

326

 

$

228

 

$

98

 

43

%

 

Net interest income for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 was comprised of interest income of approximately $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, partially offset by interest expense of approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Net interest income for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2007 was comprised of interest income of approximately $0.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively, partially offset by interest expense of approximately $0.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively. The decrease in interest income during 2008 as compared to 2007 was primarily due to our lower overall cash and investment balances on-hand during the current year. The decrease in interest expense during 2008 as compared to 2007 resulted primarily from our lower average outstanding line of credit and debt balances during the current year.

 

Other expense, net, for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 is primarily comprised of losses on certain foreign currency remeasurement transactions, partially offset by realized gains on the sale of certain investments in marketable securities.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes .

 

The following tables present the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007 (in thousands, except percentages):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Increase

 

Change

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

$

4,502

 

$

(363

)

$

4,865

 

1,340

%

Effective tax rate

 

154

%

(36

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

%

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Increase

 

Change

 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

$

3,332

 

$

(4,227

)

$

7,559

 

179

%

Effective tax rate

 

48

%

(37

)%

 

 

 

 

 

Under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting , we are required to adjust our effective tax rate each quarter to be consistent with the estimated annual effective tax rate. We are also required to record the tax impact of certain discrete items, unusual or infrequently occurring, including changes in judgment about valuation allowances and effects of changes in tax laws or rates, in the interim period in which they occur. In addition, jurisdictions with a projected loss for the year or a year-to-date loss where no tax benefit can be recognized are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate. The impact of such an exclusion could result in a higher or lower effective tax rate during a particular quarter, based upon the mix and timing of actual earnings versus annual projections.

 

We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes . We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial performance including carryback opportunities to the extent available. In the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we recorded a net charge to income tax expense of approximately $4.5 million related to establishing a partial valuation allowance against our deferred income tax assets. Our determination to record a valuation allowance was based on our recent history of cumulative losses as well as uncertainty of the utilization of deferred tax assets in the near future. The remaining deferred tax asset of approximately $1.3 million at September 27, 2008 relates to federal taxes paid where refund claims are expected to be made for net operating losses that can be carried back to prior years. In addition, we discontinued recording income tax benefits in the consolidated financial statements until it is determined that it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets. See Note 8 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily through issuances of equity and debt securities and cash generated from operations. We have also funded our operations with a revolving line of credit under our bank credit facility, from capitalized lease obligations, financing of receivables and from the sale and leaseback of our domestic manufacturing facility.

 

Working Capital and Cash and Marketable Securities

 

The following table presents working capital, cash and cash equivalents and investments in marketable securities (in thousands):

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

September 27,

 

December 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Working Capital

 

$

25,789

 

$

27,387

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

 

$

12,081

 

$

7,182

 

Restricted cash(1)

 

2,000

 

 

Short-term marketable securities(1)

 

9,224

 

15,573

 

Long-term marketable securities

 

963

 

7,814

 

 

 

$

24,268

 

$

30,569

 

 


(1) Included in working capital

 

Our working capital decreased in the nine months ended September 27, 2008 primarily as a result of a decrease in our current deferred tax balance of approximately $2.2 million due to the establishment of a partial valuation allowance against certain of our deferred income tax assets , partially offset by a combined increase in our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments in marketable securities balances of approximately $0.6 million due primarily to maturities and sales of certain long-term investments in marketable securities.

 

Cash Provided and Used in the Nine Months Ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 27,

 

September 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

(11,705

)

$

7,757

 

Investing activities

 

11,846

 

(22,923

)

Financing activities

 

4,758

 

(9,359

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

4,899

 

$

(24,525

)

 

Operating Activities. Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 was primarily a result of (i) our net loss for the period of approximately $10.3 million and (ii) approximately $7.7 million in net cash used by changes in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by approximately $6.2 million in net non-cash operating expenses, primarily comprising deferred income taxes, depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation.

 

Accounts receivable increased approximately $3.7 million during the nine months ended September 27, 2008 primarily due to timing differences for certain of our customer payment receipts near the end of the third quarter of 2008.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 29, 2007 was primarily a result of (i) approximately $2.8 million in net non-cash operating expenses, primarily comprising inventory adjustments, depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation and impairment of long-lived assets and (ii) approximately $12.1 million in net cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities, partially offset by a net loss of approximately $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2007. The changes in operating assets and liabilities which had a significant impact on cash provided by operating activities included (i) a decrease in accounts receivable of approximately $7.3 million, (ii) a decrease in inventories of approximately $8.5 million and (iii) a decrease in accounts payable of approximately $2.4 million. All such decreases in operating assets and liabilities were primarily due to the overall decline in the level of net sales and related operating activities during fiscal 2007 as compared to fiscal 2006.

 

Investing Activities. Net cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 was primarily a result of proceeds we received from maturities and sales of certain investments in marketable securities of approximately $19.6 million, partially offset by purchases of additional investments in marketable securities of approximately $6.7 million. We also used approximately $1.1 million in cash to purchase additional manufacturing equipment and other property and equipment.

 

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 29, 2007 was primarily a result of purchases

 

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Table of Contents

 

of additional investments in marketable securities of approximately $50.9 million, partially offset by proceeds we received from maturities of certain investments in marketable securities of approximately $33.6 million. During the same period, we also used approximately $5.5 million in cash primarily to purchase equipment and leasehold improvements for our facilities in the People’s Republic of China and in Irvine, California.

 

Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 was primarily a result of approximately $7.4 million in net proceeds we received from net borrowings on our outstanding line of credit. This is partially offset by (i) an increase in restricted cash balances in connection with our pledge of $2.0 million in cash as collateral for a letter of credit and (ii) repayments of approximately $0.6 million on our long term debt.

 

Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 29, 2007 was primarily a result of approximately $9.0 million in net repayments on our outstanding revolving line of credit, along with net repayments of approximately $0.6 million on our long term debt.

 

Capital Resources

 

Under our revolving line of credit, we may borrow up to the greater of 85% of eligible accounts receivable plus the least of (i) a percentage of eligible inventory determined from time to time by our bank, (ii) 80% of the orderly liquidation value, as defined, of eligible inventories, and (iii) $1 million.

 

In May 2008, we executed a ninth amendment to our credit agreement, which is effective as of the beginning of our second fiscal quarter of 2008. Among other things, the amendment revised certain financial and other covenants of which we are required to comply. The amendment requires us to (i) limit capital expenditures under a defined annual cap, (ii) achieve certain minimum monthly profitability thresholds and (iii) maintain a minimum liquidity threshold as of the end of each month. Additionally, the amendment revised the interest rate on our borrowings on the revolving line of credit to fluctuate between the prime rate and prime plus 0.5% based our combined monthly account balance with the bank. Furthermore, under the amendment, our nonrevolving equipment financing line of credit was revised to allow us to borrow up to an additional maximum of $0.9 million to finance up to 80% of the cost of equipment purchases through the end of fiscal 2008. Principal on any of these additional borrowings is scheduled to be repaid in 42 equal monthly installments commencing January 1, 2009. Interest on our existing and future equipment line of credit advances is payable monthly at the prime rate.

 

The following table presents details of outstanding borrowings and availability under our lines of credit (in thousands, except percentages):

 

 

 

September 27,

 

December 29,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Outstanding borrowings on the line of credit

 

$

12,241

 

$

4,872

 

Outstanding borrowings on the equipment line of credit

 

$

580

 

$

872

 

Borrowing availability under the line of credit

 

$

1,304

 

$

6,366

 

Prime rate

 

5.00

%

7.25

%

 

Any borrowings under our revolving and equipment lines of credit are collateralized by a general first priority lien against all of our assets, both tangible and intangible.

 

In October 2008, we executed the Tenth Amendment to our Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, or the Tenth Amendment. Among other things, this amendment further revised our minimum profitability financial covenant requirement. The Tenth Amendment also revised the monthly interest rate charged on future credit advances under the line of credit to the greater of (i) the sum of the prime rate plus 3% or (ii) 5%.

 

As of September 27, 2008, we were not in compliance with our financial covenant related to minimum monthly profitability. In October 2008, in connection with the execution of the Tenth Amendment, we received a waiver from our lender for this covenant violation. We cannot assure that it will not violate one or more covenants in the future. If we were to be in violation of covenants under our current credit agreement, our lender could choose to accelerate payment on all outstanding loan balances. There can be no assurance that we would be able to quickly obtain equivalent or suitable replacement financing in this event. If we were not able to secure alternative sources of funding, such acceleration would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition.

 

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Table of Contents

 

As of October 31, 2008, the prime rate was 4.0% and our outstanding borrowings on our line of credit was approximately $1.4 million.

 

We have in the past utilized equipment leasing arrangements to finance certain capital expenditures. Equipment leases will continue to be a financing alternative that we may pursue in the future.

 

Letter of Credit

 

In June 2008, we entered into an agreement with our bank to issue a commercial letter of credit, or LC, up to $2 million to support purchases of inventory from a supplier. As part of this agreement, we are required to pledge cash as collateral for the full amount of the LC, and thus, as of September 27, 2008, $2 million is classified as restricted cash in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

Auction Rate Securities

 

The recent disruptions in the credit market continue to adversely affect the liquidity and overall market for auction rate securities. As of September 27, 2008, we held two investments in auction rate securities with a total purchased cost of $1.0 million. These two investments represent (i) a fully insured debt obligation of a municipality and (ii) a AAA rated debt obligation backed by pools of student loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. Given the insufficient observable market inputs and related information available, we have classified our investments in auction rate securities within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as set forth in SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements , or SFAS 157. We have estimated the fair value of these investments using a discounted cash flow model which included assumptions about the credit quality and expected duration of the investments, along with discount rates affected for the general lack of liquidity. These assumptions reflect our estimates about the reasonable assumptions market participants would likely use in valuing the investments, including assumptions about risk, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

 

We do not believe that the current illiquidity of our investments in auction rate securities will materially impact our ability to fund our working capital needs, capital expenditures or other business requirements. However, we remain uncertain as to when liquidity will return to the auction rate markets, whether other secondary markets will become available or when the underlying securities may be called by the issuer. Given these and other uncertainties, our investments in auction rate securities have been classified as long-term investments in marketable securities in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 27, 2008. We have concluded that the estimated gross unrealized losses on these investments, which totaled approximately $39,000 at September 27, 2008, are temporary because (i) we believe that the absence of liquidity that has occurred is due to general market conditions, (ii) the auction rate securities continue to be of a high credit quality and interest is paid as due and (iii) we have the intent and ability to hold these investments until a recovery in the market occurs.

 

Other Investments in Marketable Securities

 

Excluding our auction rate securities, the gross unrealized losses on our other investments in marketable securities totaled approximately $275,000 as of September 27, 2008, and are generally due to the ongoing uncertainties in the credit and financial markets, as well as the overall current economic environment. The fair value of these investments was determined based on quoted prices from actual market transactions for identical investments. We have determined that the unrealized losses on these investments as of September 27, 2008 are temporary in nature. Factors considered in determining whether impairments are other than temporary include (i) the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee and (iii) our intent and ability to hold an investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. The fair value of our investments in marketable securities could change significantly in the future and we may be required to record other-than-temporary impairment charges or additional unrealized losses in future periods.

 

We believe our existing cash and investment balances, borrowing availability under our bank credit facility, and the cash expected to be generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next 12 months. However, during challenging economic times we may face issues gaining timely access to sufficient credit, which could result in our inability to meet certain of our financial obligations and other related commitments. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our levels of net sales, the timing and extent of expenditures to support research and development activities, the expansion of manufacturing capacity both domestically and internationally and the continued market acceptance of our products. We could be required, or may choose, to seek additional funding through public or private equity or debt financings. In addition, in connection with any future acquisitions, we may require additional funding which may be provided in the form of additional debt or equity financing or a combination thereof. These additional

 

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Table of Contents

 

funds may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In October 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset is Not Active , or FSP 157-3. FSP 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active, and provides an illustrative example intended to address certain key application issues. FSP 157-3 is effective immediately, and applies to our September 27, 2008 financial statements. We have concluded that the application of FSP 157-3 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations as of and for the periods ended September 27, 2008.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not have any undisclosed borrowings or debt, and we have not entered into any synthetic leases. We are, therefore, not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

 

Item 3.                           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

As a Smaller Reporting Company, we are not required to make any disclosure pursuant to this Item 3.

 

Item 4.                           Controls and Procedures

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 4T.                  Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (“Exchange Act”)) as of the end of our fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2008. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b) Change in internal controls over financial reporting. During the fiscal quarter that ended September 27, 2008, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Inherent Limitations on Internal Control

 

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 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, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

 

30



Table of Contents

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.                           Legal Proceedings

 

The information set forth in the sections entitled Federal Securities Class Action, California Derivative Action and Patent Claims under Note 9 of Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item I of this Report, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A.                  Risk Factors

 

As a Smaller Reporting Company, we are not required to make any disclosure pursuant to this Item 1A; however, we have included the risk factor directly below given the current macroeconomic environment in which we are currently operating. Please also refer to the Risk Factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29, 2008.

 

Our operating results may be adversely impacted by worldwide economic and political uncertainties and specific conditions in the markets we address, including the cyclical nature of and volatility in the memory market and semiconductor industry.

 

Recently general worldwide economic conditions have experienced a downturn due to the credit conditions impacted by the subprime-mortgage turmoil and other factors, slower economic activity, concerns about inflation and deflation, increased energy costs, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns in the memory market, recent international conflicts and the impact of natural disasters and public health emergencies. These conditions make it extremely difficult for our customers, our vendors and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities, and they could cause U.S. and foreign businesses to slow spending on our products and services, which would delay and lengthen sales cycles. Furthermore, during challenging economic times our customers may face issues gaining timely access to sufficient credit, which could result in an impairment of their ability to make timely payments to us. If that were to occur, we may be required to increase our allowance for doubtful accounts and our days sales outstanding would be negatively impacted. We cannot predict the timing, strength or duration of any economic slowdown or subsequent economic recovery, worldwide, or in the memory market and related semiconductor industry. If the economy or markets in which we operate do not continue at their present levels, our business, financial condition and results of operations will likely be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, the combination of our lengthy sales cycle coupled with challenging macroeconomic conditions could have a synergistic negative impact on the results of our operations.

 

Item 2.                           Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3.                           Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.                           Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

None.

 

Item 5.                           Other Information

 

None.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 6.                          Exhibits

 

Exhibit

 

 

Number

 

Description of Document

 

 

 

3.1(1)

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Netlist, Inc.

 

 

 

3.2(1)

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Netlist, Inc.

 

 

 

10.1(2)

 

Tenth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated October 30, 2008, by and among Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Netlist Technology Texas, L.P., a Texas limited partnership, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

 

 

 

31.1(2)

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as Amended.

 

 

 

31.2(2)

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as Amended.

 

 

 

32(3)

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and furnished herewith pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-8238.

 


(1)          Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit number of the registration statement on Form S-1 of the registrant (No. 333-136735) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2006.

 

(2)          Filed herewith.

 

(3)          The information in Exhibit 32 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall they be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act (including this Report), unless Netlist, Inc. specifically incorporates the foregoing information into those documents by reference.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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: November 6, 2008

 

NETLIST, INC.

 

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Chun K. Hong

 

 

Chun K. Hong

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and

 

 

Chairman of the Board

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Gail Itow

 

 

Gail Itow

 

 

Vice President and Chief Financial

 

 

Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

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Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

 

 

Number

 

Description of Document

 

 

 

10.1

 

Tenth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated October 30, 2008, by and among Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Netlist Technology Texas, L.P., a Texas limited partnership, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as Amended.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as Amended.

 

 

 

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and furnished herewith pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-8238.

 

34


EXHIBIT 10.1

 

TENTH AMENDMENT TO
AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
AND WAIVER OF DEFAULTS

 

This Amendment, dated as of October 30, 2008, is made by and between NETLIST, INC., a Delaware corporation, and NETLIST TECHNOLOGY TEXAS, L.P., a Texas limited partnership (each a “Borrower” and collectively, the “Borrowers”), on the one hand, and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the “Lender”), acting through its WELLS FARGO BUSINESS CREDIT operating division, on the other hand.

 

RECITALS

 

The Borrowers and Wells Fargo Business Credit, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (“WFBCI”), are parties to an Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2003, as amended by a First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2004, a Second Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement and Waiver of Defaults, dated as of December 20, 2005, a Third Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2006, a Fourth Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement and Waiver of Defaults, dated as of April 18, 2006, a Fifth Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2006, a Sixth Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement and Waiver of Defaults, dated as of December 29, 2006, a Seventh Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2007, an Eighth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2007, and a Ninth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2008 (as so amended , the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used in these recitals have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement unless otherwise specified.

 

WFBCI has merged with and into Lender and Lender is the surviving corporation.

 

The Borrowers are in default of the following provision of the Credit Agreement (the “Existing Default”) (numbers appearing between “< >“ are negative):

 

 

 

Required Performance

 

Actual Performance

 

Section/Covenant

 

3 Months
Ended

 

Maximum Net
Loss

 

3 Months
Ended

 

Net Loss

 

Section 6.2(b) – Minimum Net Income (Maximum Net Loss)

 

9/30/08

 

<$3,200,000>

 

9/30/08

 

<$7,421,435>

 

 

The Borrowers have requested that the Lender waive the Existing Default and make certain amendments to the Credit Agreement, which the Lender is willing to do pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, it is agreed as follows:

 

1



 

1.              Defined Terms .

 

(a)            Capitalized terms used in this Amendment which are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the same meanings as defined therein, unless otherwise defined herein.

 

(b)            The definition of “Letter of Credit Sublimit” set forth in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted.

 

(c)            The following definitions set forth in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement are hereby amended in their entirety as follows:

 

“Default Rate” means an annual interest rate equal to one and one-half percent (1.5%) over the Floating Rate, which interest rate shall change when and as the Prime Rate changes.

 

“Floating Rate” means an annual interest rate equal to the greater of (i) the sum of the Prime Rate plus the applicable Margin, which interest rate shall, in each case, change when and as the Prime Rate changes, or (ii) five percent (5.0%).

 

“Security Documents” means this Agreement, the Lockbox and Collection Account Agreement, the Security Agreements, the Securities Account Control Agreement, and any other document delivered to the Lender from time to time to secure the Obligations.

 

(d)            The following new definitions are hereby added to Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement in appropriate alphabetical order:

 

“BA” means a banker’s acceptance issued by the Lender pursuant to Section 2.5A.

 

“BA Amount” means the aggregate face amount of any issued and outstanding BAs.

 

“L/C and BA Sublimit” means Nine Million Dollars ($9,000,000).

 

“Tenth Amendment” means that certain Tenth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of October 30, 2008, between the Borrowers and the Lender, amending this Agreement.

 

“Securities Account Control Agreement” means that certain Securities Account Control Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2008, by and among Netlist, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, acting through its Investment Group, and Wells Fargo.

 

“Securities Collateral” has the meaning of “Collateral” as defined in the Securities Account Control Agreement.

 

2.              Amendment to Section 2.4(b) .  Section 2.4(b) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

 

(b)            The initial notice sent by the Lender shall be sent as promptly as practicable after such Lender learns that its Return has been reduced, shall include

 

2



 

a demand for payment of the amount necessary to restore such Lender’s Return for the quarter in which the notice is sent, and shall state in reasonable detail the cause for the reduction in its Return and its calculation of the amount of such reduction. Thereafter, such Lender may send a new notice during each calendar quarter setting forth the calculation of the reduced Return for that quarter and including a demand for payment of the amount necessary to restore its Return for that quarter. The Lender’s calculation in any such notice shall be conclusive and binding absent demonstrable error.

 

3.              Amendment to Section 2.5(a)(i) .  Clause (i) of Section 2.5(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

 

(i)             The L/C and BA Sublimit less the sum of (x) the L/C Amount, and (y) the BA Amount, or

 

4.              New Section 2.5A .  A new Section 2.5A is hereby added to the Credit Agreement immediately following Section 2.5 thereof as follows:

 

Section 2.5A          Banker’s Acceptances .  The Lender agrees, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to issue, at any time after the effectiveness of the Tenth Amendment and prior to the Termination Date, one or more BAs for the Borrowers’ account.  The Lender shall have no obligation to issue any BA during any Default Period or if the face amount of the BA to be issued would exceed the lesser of:

 

(i)             The L/C and BA Sublimit less the sum of (x) the L/C Amount, and (y) the BA Amount, or

 

(ii)            Availability.

 

Each BA may be used for financing acceptance transactions for a maximum tenor of ninety (90) days but not to extend beyond the Termination Date.  In calculating the principal amount outstanding hereunder, the calculation shall include the face amount of any BA outstanding. The Borrowers agree:

 

(a)            Each BA shall be in an amount not less than Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000).

 

(b)            Any sum owed to the Lender under a BA may, at the option of the Lender, be added to the principal amount outstanding under the Revolving Note and Section 2.1.  The amount will bear interest and be due as described elsewhere in this Agreement.

 

(c)            Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, to immediately prepay and make the Lender whole for any and all outstanding BAs.

 

(d)            The issuance of any BA is subject to the Lender’s express approval and must be in form and content satisfactory to the Lender.

 

3



 

(e)            To sign the Lender’s standard form agreement for BAs, and to pay any issuance and/or other fees that the Lender notifies the Borrowers will be charged for issuing and processing BAs for the Borrowers.

 

(f)             To allow the Lender to automatically charge its checking account for applicable fees, discounts, and other charges.

 

5.              Amendment to Section 2.12(b) .  Section 2.12(b) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

 

(b)            Margins .   The Margins for all Floating Rate Advances and all LIBOR Advances shall be the Margins set forth in the table below opposite the applicable balance of the Borrowers’ combined account balance maintained at WF Institutional Brokerage Services:

 

Borrowers’ Combined 
Account Balance 
Maintained at WF 
Institutional Brokerage
Services

 

Margin for Floating 
Rate Advances

 

Margin for LIBOR 
Advances

 

$ 12,000,000 or greater

 

2.50 percentage points
(250 basis points)

 

5.00 percentage points
(500 basis points)

 

Less than $12,000,000

 

3.00 percentage points
(300 basis points)

 

6.00 percentage points
(600 basis points)

 

 

Account balances will be tested as of the end of each month based on the statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.1(r).  Any reductions or increases in the Margins will be effective as of the first day of the month following the applicable test date.  In the event that the Borrowers fail to timely deliver the statements required pursuant to Section 6.1(r), in addition to and not in substitution for any of the Lender’s other rights and remedies available upon an Event of Default, all Margins shall be presumed to be based on an account balance of less than $12,000,000 until such statements are delivered to the Lender. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no reduction in any Margin will be made if a Default Period exists at the time that such reduction would otherwise be made.

 

6.              Amendment to Section 2.13(f) .  Section 2.13(f) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

 

(f)             BA Fees .  The Borrowers shall pay to the Lender a fee with respect to each BA, in an amount equal to one percent (1.0%) per annum of the face amount of such BA (but in not event less than $125), pro rated for the tenor of the BA based on a year of 360 days, payable upon issuance; provided , however , if the Lender, in the Lender’s sole discretion and without waiving any of its other rights and remedies, agrees to issue any BA during a Default Period, such fee shall increase to four percent (4.0%) per annum of the face amount of such BA (but in no event less

 

4



 

than $500), pro rated for the tenor of the BA based on a year of 360 days, payable upon issuance. The foregoing fee shall be in addition to any and all fees, commissions and charges of Wells Fargo Bank with respect to or in connection with such BA.

 

7.              Amendment to Section 3.1 .  Section 3.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following at the end thereof:

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Securities Collateral shall secure only the Obligation of Reimbursement and any Indebtedness owed to the Lender with respect to all BAs.

 

8.              Financial Covenants .  Section 6.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

 

Section 6.2              Financial Covenants .

 

(a)            Intentionally Deleted.

 

(b)            Minimum Net Income (Maximum Net Loss) .  The Borrowers will achieve, for each rolling three month period described below, Net Income (or Net Loss) of not less than (or more than, as applicable) the amount set forth for each such period (numbers appearing between “< >“ are negative):

 

Three Months Ending:

 

Minimum Net Income / Maximum Net Loss

 

October 31, 2008

 

<$10,000,000>

 

November 30, 2008

 

<$11,200,000>

 

December 31, 2008

 

<$5,000,000>

 

 

(c)            Capital Expenditures .  The Borrowers will not incur or contract to incur Capital Expenditures of more than $1,300,000 in the aggregate during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008.

 

(d)            Intentionally Deleted .

 

(e)            Intentionally Deleted .

 

(f)             Minimum Liquidity .  The Borrowers will maintain at all times, determined as of the end of each month, the sum of their cash and cash equivalents (including any cash maintained at WF Institutional Brokerage Services that is pledged to the Lender as Collateral for the Indebtedness) at an amount not less than $20,000,000.

 

9.              Amendment to Section 6.10(a) .  Section 6.10(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

 

(a)            The Borrowers will keep accurate books of record and account for themselves pertaining to the Collateral and pertaining to each Borrower’s

 

5



 

business and financial condition and such other matters as the Lender may from time to time request in which true and complete entries will be made in accordance with GAAP and, upon the Lender’s request, will permit any officer, employee, attorney, accountant or other agent of the Lender to audit, review, make extracts from or copy any and all company and financial books and records of the Borrowers at all times during ordinary business hours, to send and discuss with account debtors and other obligors requests for verification of amounts owed to either Borrower, and to discuss each Borrower’s affairs with any of its Directors, Officers, employees or agents.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Lender shall not conduct such audits more than four times per calendar year unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

10.            Waiver of Existing Default .  Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Amendment, the Lender hereby waives the Existing Default.  This waiver of the Existing Default shall be effective only in this specific instance and for the specific purpose for which it is given, and shall not entitle the Borrowers to any other or further waiver in any similar or other circumstances.

 

11.            No Other Changes . Except as explicitly amended by this Amendment, all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall apply to any advance or letter of credit thereunder.

 

12.            Amendment Fee . The Borrowers shall pay Lender as of the date hereof a fully earned, non-refundable fee in the amount of $50,000 in consideration of Lender’s execution and delivery of this Amendment (the “Amendment Fee”).

 

13.            Conditions Precedent . This Amendment, and the waiver of the Existing Default set forth in Paragraph 10, shall be effective when the Lender shall have received an executed original hereof, together with each of the following, each in substance and form acceptable to the Lender in its sole discretion:

 

(a)            Payment in full of the Amendment Fee.

 

(b)            Such other matters as the Lender may require.

 

14.            Representations and Warranties . Each Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Lender as follows:

 

(a)            Such Borrower has all requisite power and authority to execute this Amendment, to perform all of its obligations hereunder, and this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by such Borrower and constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Borrower, enforceable in accordance with their terms.

 

(b)            The execution, delivery and performance by each Borrower of this Amendment has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not (i) require any authorization, consent or approval by any governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, (ii) violate any provision of any law, rule or regulation or of any order, writ, injunction or decree presently in effect, having applicability to such Borrower, or the articles of incorporation or by-laws of such Borrower, or (iii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, lease or instrument to which such Borrower is a party or by which it or its properties may be bound or affected.

 

6



 

(c)            All of the representations and warranties contained in Article V of the Credit Agreement are correct on and as of the date hereof as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date.

 

15.            References . All references in the Credit Agreement to “this Agreement” shall be deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby; and any and all references in the Security Documents to the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

 

16.            No Other Waiver .  Except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 10 hereof, the execution of this Amendment and acceptance of any documents related hereto shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement or breach, default or event of default under any Security Document or other document held by the Lender, whether or not known to the Lender and whether or not existing on the date of this Amendment.

 

17.            Release .

 

(a)            Each Borrower hereby absolutely and unconditionally releases and forever discharges the Lender, and any and all participants, parent corporations, subsidiary corporations, affiliated corporations, insurers, indemnitors, successors and assigns thereof, together with all of the present and former directors, officers, agents and employees of any of the foregoing, from any and all claims, demands or causes of action of any kind, nature or description, whether arising in law or equity or upon contract or tort or under any state or federal law or otherwise, which such Borrower has had, now has or has made claim to have against any such person for or by reason of any act, omission, matter, cause or thing whatsoever arising from the beginning of time to and including the date of this Amendment, whether such claims, demands and causes of action are matured or unmatured or known or unknown.  Each Borrower certifies that it has read the following provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542:

 

A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.

 

(b)            Each Borrower understands and acknowledges that the significance and consequence of this waiver of California Civil Code Section 1542 is that even if it should eventually suffer additional damages arising out of the facts referred to above, they will not be able to make any claim for those damages. Furthermore, each Borrower acknowledges that it intends these consequences even as to claims for damages that may exist as of the date of this release but which it does not know exist, and which, if known, would materially affect its decision to execute this Agreement, regardless of whether its lack of knowledge is the result of ignorance, oversight, error, negligence, or any other cause.

 

18.            Costs and Expenses . The Borrowers hereby reaffirm their agreement under the Credit Agreement to pay or reimburse the Lender on demand for all costs and expenses incurred by the Lender in connection with the Loan Documents, including without limitation all reasonable fees and disbursements of legal counsel. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrowers specifically agree to pay all fees and disbursements of counsel to the Lender for the services performed by such counsel in connection with the preparation of this Amendment and the documents and instruments incidental hereto. The Borrowers hereby agree that the Lender may, at any time or from time to time in its sole discretion and without further authorization by the Borrowers, make a

 

7



 

loan to the Borrowers under the Credit Agreement, or apply the proceeds of any loan, for the purpose of paying any such fees, disbursements, costs and expenses, and the Amendment Fee.

 

19.            Miscellaneous . This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[remainder of this page intentionally left blank]

 

8



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION,
acting through its Wells Fargo
Business Credit operating division


NETLIST, INC .

 

By:

/s/ Chun K. Hong 

 

Name: Chun K. Hong

By:

/s/ John Curry

 

Its: President

Name: John Curry

 

 

Its  Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

NETLIST TECHNOLOGY TEXAS L.P.
By: Netlist Holdings GP, Inc., its general partner

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Chun K. Hong

 

 

Name: Chun K. Hong

 

 

Its: President

 

9


EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) AND RULE 15D-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Chun K. Hong, certify that:

 

1.              I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Registrant”);

 

2.              Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.              Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.              The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Registrant and we have:

 

a)              designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)             Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles:

 

c)              evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)             disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.              The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)              all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)             any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

November 6, 2008

 

/s/ Chun K. Hong

 

 

Chun K. Hong

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the

 

 

Board

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 


EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) AND RULE 15D-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Gail Itow, certify that:

 

1.              I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Registrant”);

 

2.              Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.              Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.              The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Registrant and we have:

 

a)              designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b)             Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles:

 

c)              evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)             disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.              The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)              all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)             any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

November 6, 2008

 

/s/ Gail Itow

 

 

 

Gail Itow

 

 

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 


Exhibit 32

 

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Netlist, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Netlist”) for the quarter ended September 27, 2008 (the “Report”), Chun K. Hong, president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Netlist, and Gail Itow, vice president and chief financial officer of Netlist, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his or her knowledge:

 

(1)            the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)            the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Netlist, Inc.

 

 

November 6, 2008

 

/s/ Chun K. Hong

 

 

Chun K. Hong

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 6, 2008

 

/s/ Gail Itow

 

 

Gail Itow

 

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)