-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, JBmXOhQWXVJ2GuA9VuuwtoNv5+h8yLmtwOMB8ET2zhIig29Z3UYXrcnJZKZuxUZj 2Yt8+FxfveFh8bUgeKiPaQ== 0001012870-98-000500.txt : 19980219 0001012870-98-000500.hdr.sgml : 19980219 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001012870-98-000500 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 6-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19971231 FILED AS OF DATE: 19980218 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL SA CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001032975 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: COMPUTER PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT, NEC [3577] FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 6-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-29174 FILM NUMBER: 98544643 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6505 KAISER DR STREET 2: C/O LOGITECH INC CITY: FREMONT STATE: CA ZIP: 94555 BUSINESS PHONE: 5107958500 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6505 KAISER DR CITY: FREMONT STATE: CA ZIP: 94555 6-K 1 FORM 6-K File Number: 0-29174 ================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 -------- FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL S.A. (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) -------- NOT APPLICABLE (TRANSLATION OF REGISTRANT'S NAME INTO ENGLISH) CANTON OF VAUD, SWITZERLAND (JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) -------- LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL S.A. APPLES, SWITZERLAND C/O LOGITECH INC. 6505 KAISER DRIVE FREMONT, CALIFORNIA 94555 (510) 795-8500 (ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) -------- INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT FILES OR WILL FILE ANNUAL REPORTS UNDER COVER FORM 20-F OR FORM 40-F. [X] FORM 20-F FORM 40-F INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT BY FURNISHING THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM IS ALSO THEREBY FURNISHING THE INFORMATION TO THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO RULE 12g3-2(b) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. YES [X] NO IF "YES" IS MARKED, INDICATE BELOW THE FILE NUMBER ASSIGNED TO THE REGISTRANT IN CONNECTION WITH RULE 12g3-2(b). NOT APPLICABLE ================================================================================ LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL S.A. FORM 6-K TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ---- Financial Information (unaudited): Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1997............................................. 3 Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 1997 and 1996............................... 4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended December 31, 1997 and 1996............................... 5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements....................... 6 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations............................................ 8 Signatures......................................................... 18 2 LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL S.A. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, 1997 1997 -------- -------- ASSETS (UNAUDITED) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents.............................. $ 50,532 $ 38,504 Accounts receivable.................................... 83,690 71,634 Inventories............................................ 40,412 63,377 Other current assets................................... 15,627 9,253 -------- -------- Total current assets.............................. 190,261 182,768 Property, plant and equipment, net...................... 28,824 32,135 Other assets............................................ 5,964 1,520 -------- -------- Total assets...................................... $225,049 $216,423 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term debt........................................ $ 7,696 $ 17,849 Current maturities of long-term debt................... - 162 Accounts payable....................................... 40,953 44,406 Accrued liabilities.................................... 40,881 38,690 -------- -------- Total current liabilities......................... 89,530 101,107 Long-term debt, net of current maturities............... 3,227 3,188 Other liabilities....................................... 578 437 -------- -------- Total liabilities................................. 93,335 104,732 ======== ======== Shareholders' equity: Registered shares, par value CHF 20 - 2,101,688 authorized, 353,312 conditionally authorized, 2,001,688 issued and outstanding at December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1997............................... 28,738 28,738 Additional paid-in capital............................. 75,110 73,430 Less registered shares in treasury, at cost, 90,571 at December 31, 1997 and 182,839 at March 31, 1997........................................ (8,275) (16,813) Retained earnings...................................... 46,617 31,730 Cumulative translation adjustment...................... (10,476) (5,394) -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity........................ 131,714 111,691 -------- -------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........ $255,049 $216,423 ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 3 LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ---------------------- ------------------------ 1997 1996 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) Net sales................................ $ 114,826 $ 128,757 $ 304,143 $ 305,367 Cost of goods sold....................... 79,685 90,689 215,210 214,727 ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Gross profit............................. 35,141 38,068 88,933 90,640 Operating expenses: Marketing and selling................ 15,449 15,509 40,036 40,309 Research and development............. 6,803 6,755 20,913 18,749 General and administrative........... 4,711 5,388 14,432 15,093 ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Operating income......................... 8,178 10,416 13,552 16,489 Interest income (expense), net........... 325 (69) 743 (572) Gain on sale of product line............. 285 - 285 - Other income, net........................ 1,065 272 2,068 1,615 ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Income before income taxes............... 9,853 10,619 16,648 17,532 Provision for income taxes............... 740 122 1,760 1,172 ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Net income............................... $ 9,113 $ 10,497 $ 14,888 $ 16,360 ========== ========== =========== ========== Net income per share: Basic............................... $ 4.78 $ 6.50 $ 7.88 $ 10.06 Diluted............................. $ 4.58 $ 6.25 $ 7.52 $ 9.73 Weighted average registered shares and equivalents: Basic............................... 1,905,239 1,604,769 1,876,541 1,626,689 Diluted............................. 1,988,055 1,679,789 1,972,223 1,681,681
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 4 LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL S.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ---------------------- 1997 1996 -------- -------- (UNAUDITED) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income........................................ $ 14,888 $ 16,360 Non-cash items included in net income: Depreciation and amortization..................... 10,774 8,524 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment. (360) 319 Write-down of investments......................... 42 1,335 Gain on sale of product line.................. (285) - Stock compensation expense........................ 255 2,271 Deferred income taxes............................. 3,518 (3,037) Changes in current assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable............................... (13,585) (32,601) Inventories....................................... 12,245 (7,377) Other current assets.............................. (5,792) (461) Accounts payable.................................. (4,974) 23,653 Accrued liabilities............................... 1,774 14,662 -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities......... 18,470 23,648 -------- -------- Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment........ (10,017) (10,919) Cash proceeds from sale of product line........ 5,000 - Other investing activities........................ 42 105 -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities............. (4,975) (10,814) -------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Decrease in short-term debt....................... (10,315) (11,054) Borrowings of long-term debt...................... - 2,146 Repayment of long-term debt....................... - (3,400) Purchase of treasury shares....................... - (13,210) Proceeds from sale of treasury shares............. 9,962 5,101 Dividends paid................................... - (1,571) -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities............. (353) (21,988) -------- -------- Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents........................................ (1,114) (336) -------- -------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents............................... 12,028 (9,490) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.... 38,504 28,564 -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.......... $ 50,532 $ 19,074 ======== ======== Supplemental cash flow information: Interest paid..................................... $ 480 $ 1,486 Income taxes paid................................. $ 1,760 $ 2,934
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5 LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL S.A. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1 -- THE COMPANY: Logitech International S.A. (the "Company") designs, manufactures and markets Senseware peripherals, products that serve as primary physical interfaces between users and their personal computers and other multimedia devices. Senseware peripherals include: professional pointing devices such as 2D, 3D, and cordless mice; trackballs and touchpads; control devices for entertainment such as joysticks, gamepads, and 3D game controllers; and imaging devices such as digital video cameras and, until December 1997, personal color scanners. The Company sells its products to both original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and a network of retail distributors and retailers. NOTE 2 -- INTERIM FINANCIAL DATA: The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's 1997 Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial information includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period. The Company reports quarterly results on thirteen-week periods, each ending on a Friday. For purposes of presentation, the Company has indicated its quarterly periods as ending on the month end. NOTE 3 -- INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING IN THE U.S.: On March 27, 1997, the Company sold 200,000 registered shares from treasury in a U.S. initial public offering in the form of 2,000,000 American Depositary Shares ("ADS"). Total proceeds from the offering amounted to $32.0 million, or $16 per ADS. Underwriting discounts and commissions, share issue and other taxes and other offering expenses amounted to $5.2 million, which resulted in net proceeds to the Company of $26.8 million. On April 25, 1997, the Company sold an additional 30,000 registered shares from treasury under an option granted to the underwriters to cover over-allotments. Such sale generated net proceeds of $4.5 million. NOTE 4 -- SALE OF PRODUCT LINE.: On December 18, 1997, the Company sold its scanner product line to Storm Technology, Inc. ("Storm") for $5 million in cash, a $4 million note, and a 10% common stock ownership in Storm. In addition, the Company entered into an agreement with Storm under which it will market and sell Storm products in Europe in 1998, and may earn additional cash, notes and Storm common stock based on its sales of Storm products in Europe during that period. Such amounts, if any, will be recognized as earned. The Company will continue to sell Logitech scanner inventory outside of Europe through February 15, 1998. The gain on the sale of the scanner product line of $285,000 in the accompanying financial statements reflects sale proceeds, less the cost of inventory and capital assets sold, costs to conclude certain contractual obligations, and other exit costs. The note receivable from Storm is non- interest bearing and is due March 27, 1998. If not paid at that time, the note will be extended one year, will bear interest at 10%, and will be convertible at the Company's option into Storm common stock using the Storm closing price at March 27, 1998. The Company's common stock ownership in Storm, however, may not exceed 20% without Storm shareholder approval and is subject to certain resale restrictions. NOTE 5 -- NET INCOME PER SHARE: The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS 128"), effective for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1997. All previously reported amounts were restated to conform to SFAS 128. 6 Under SFAS 128, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding registered shares. Diluted earnings per share is computed using weighted average registered shares and, if dilutive, weighted average registered share equivalents. Registered share equivalents include registered shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options (using the treasury stock method). Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") guidelines, the Company's net income per share calculation for all periods through December 31, 1996 included additional dilution from certain registered share equivalents issued prior to the Company's U.S. public offering. In February 1998, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 98 (SAB 98) under which these shares are now included in basic and diluted net income per share pursuant to the requirements of SFAS 128. As a result of applying the provisions of SAB 98, diluted net income per share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 1996 increased to $6.25 per share and $9.73 per share, respectively, from net income per share previously reported during these periods of $5.97 per share and $9.29 per share, respectively. NOTE 6 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES: In December 1996, the Company was advised of the intention to begin implementing a value added tax ("VAT") on goods manufactured in certain parts of China since July 1995, including where the Company's operations are located, and intended for export. The Company has not previously paid any such VAT on its exported Chinese manufactured products. The Company is in discussion with Chinese officials and has been assured that, not withstanding statements made by tax authorities, the VAT would not be applied to the Company. The Company therefore believes this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. Were the VAT to be applied to the Company, the Company could incur a significant charge to operations, as well as an increase in its cost of goods sold. As a result, the Company would seek to mitigate the future effect by reorganizing its operations in China. There can be no assurance that any application of the VAT to the Company would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's current or future results of operations, or that the Company's efforts to mitigate any impact of the VAT would be successful. The Company is involved in various legal actions and claims. In the opinion of management, the future settlements of such actions and claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. 7 LOGITECH INTERNATIONAL S.A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERVIEW The Company's net sales are primarily derived from sales of two product lines, control devices and imaging solutions, and to a lesser extent from the sale of other products. Control devices include mice, trackballs, six degrees of freedom ("6DOF") controllers, touchpads, joysticks, gamepads, 3D game controllers and remote controls. Net sales of control devices account for a substantial majority of the Company's total net sales. Imaging solutions include color digital video cameras and, until December 1997, color personal scanners. Other products include partner products, as well as product lines that are being phased out for strategic reasons. On December 18, 1997, the Company sold its scanner product line to Storm Technology, Inc. ("Storm") for $5 million in cash, a $4 million note, and a 10% common stock ownership in Storm. In addition, the Company entered into an agreement with Storm under which it will market and sell Storm products in Europe in 1998, and may earn additional cash, notes and Storm common stock based on its sales of Storm products in Europe during that period. Such amounts, if any, will be recognized as earned. The Company will continue to sell Logitech scanner inventory outside of Europe through February 15, 1998. The Company decided to dispose of its scanner product line because of fundamental changes in the scanner market. The market has evolved from one driven by new technology and innovation, where Logitech was a leader, to one driven by cost, with prices dropping steeply. In addition, unit growth has been dominated by the flatbed form factor, where Logitech was a new entrant, rather than in color sheetfed scanners where Logitech was the leader. This transaction will allow Logitech to focus on its profitable control device product line and pursue new opportunities in emerging areas such as digital video cameras. The following tables set forth net sales for each of the Company's product lines and net sales for each product line as a percentage of total net sales:
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------------ ----------------------------- 1997 1996 1997 1996 ------------- ----------- ----------- ------------- (IN THOUSANDS) (IN THOUSANDS) Net sales: Control devices.............. $ 98,899 $ 99,293 $267,410 $241,799 Imaging solutions............ 15,446 26,007 34,464 58,852 Other........................ 481 3,457 2,269 4,716 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total net sales................. $114,826 $128,757 $304,143 $305,367 ======== ======== ======== ======== Net sales: Control devices.............. 86% 77% 88% 79% Imaging solutions............ 13% 20% 11% 19% Other........................ 1% 3% 1% 2% -------- -------- -------- -------- Total net sales................. 100% 100% 100% 100% ======== ======== ======== ========
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING IN THE U.S. On March 27, 1997, the Company sold 200,000 registered shares from treasury in a U.S. initial public offering in the form of 2,000,000 American Depositary Shares ("ADS"), with net proceeds to the Company of $26.8 million. On April 25, 1997, the Company sold an additional 30,000 shares from treasury under an option granted to the underwriters to cover over-allotments, generating net proceeds of $4.5 million. 8 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth certain consolidated financial statement amounts as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, --------------------- ------------------- 1997 1996 1997 1996 ------ ------ ------ ------ Net sales................................ 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of goods sold....................... 69.4% 70.4% 70.8% 70.3% ------ ------ ------ ------ Gross profit............................. 30.6% 29.6% 29.2% 29.7% Operating expenses: Marketing and selling................. 13.5% 12.1% 13.2% 13.2% Research and development.............. 5.9% 5.2% 6.9% 6.1% General and administrative............ 4.1% 4.2% 4.7% 5.0% ------ ------ ------ ------ Operating income......................... 7.1% 8.1% 4.4% 5.4% Interest income (expense), net........... .3% (.1)% .3% (.2)% Gain on sale of product line............. .2% - .1% - Other income, net........................ .9% .2% .7% .5% ------ ------ ------ ------ Income before income taxes............... 8.5% 8.2% 5.5% 5.7% Provision for income taxes............... .6% .1% .6% .4% ------ ------ ------ ------ Net income............................... 7.9% 8.1% 4.9% 5.3% ====== ====== ====== ======
COMPARISON OF THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996 Net Sales Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 1997 decreased 11%. This decline was due to a 37% reduction in scanner revenue compared to the prior year. Scanner revenues were negatively impacted by extremely aggressive price competition combined with consumer preference for the flatbed form factor, in which Logitech did not have a branded product. As previously indicated, the Company sold the scanner product line at the end of the quarter. Sales of control devices were flat. Sales into the retail channel experienced moderate growth. This growth was offset by a decline in sales into the OEM market. The primary reason for this decline was the push towards personal computers priced below $1,000. This trend resulted in higher unit volumes but reduced revenues due to price pressures and a shift in the product mix towards less expensive products. Other sales decreased due to sales of partner products last year that were subsequently phased out in the current year. Gross Profit Gross profit consists of net sales, less cost of goods sold which consists of materials, direct labor and related overhead costs, costs of manufacturing facilities, costs of purchasing finished products from outside suppliers, distribution costs and inventory write-offs. Gross profit decreased 8% to $35.1 million. Gross profit as a percent of net sales improved slightly, from 29.6% to 30.6%. This increase resulted from continuing success in achieving cost reductions in a number of areas, most notably in the Company's high volume manufacturing operation in Suzhou, China. 9 Marketing and Selling Marketing and selling expense consists of personnel and related overhead costs, corporate and product marketing, promotions, advertising, trade shows, customer and technical support and facilities costs. This expense was relatively flat compared to the prior year, declining by less than 1%. Despite the slight decrease, which was caused primarily by a decline in sales expense, the Company continued to invest in a new visual marketing strategy that includes a refreshed logo, new packaging, an updated web site and other associated marketing materials. The Company's strategy in this area is to continue to build brand awareness, thereby strengthening one of its key corporate assets. Research and Development Research and development expense consists of personnel and related overhead costs, contractors and outside consultants, supplies and materials, equipment depreciation and facilities costs. Research and development expense was flat at $6.8 million, or 5.9% of net sales. The Company increased spending in the control device area by 18%, reflecting its ongoing commitment to invest in developing future generations of products in this core business. The offset to this increase was a reduction of 26% in scanner related spending. General and Administrative General and administrative expense consists of personnel and related overhead and facilities costs for the finance, information systems, executive, human resources and legal functions. General and administrative expense decreased by 13% to $4.7 million. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative costs declined slightly to 4.1% from 4.2%, reflecting the Company's continued efforts to control these expenses. Interest Income (Expense) Interest income for the most recent quarter was $0.3 million, compared to expense of $0.1 million in the prior year. The improvement was the result of a reduction in bank borrowings and an increase in interest bearing cash and cash equivalents made possible by the proceeds from the Company's U.S. initial public offering and cash flow from operations. Other Income (Expense) Other income increased to $1.1 million from $0.3 million in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to higher currency exchange gains arising principally from the impact of the strengthening dollar, as well as the writedown of an investment to net realizable value in the prior year. Provision for Income Taxes The provision for income taxes consists of income and withholding taxes. The amount recorded in each period reflects management's best estimate of the effective tax rate for the fiscal year. Estimates are based on factors such as management's expectations as to payments of withholding taxes on amounts repatriated through dividends, the jurisdictions in which taxable income is generated, changes in local tax laws and changes in valuation allowances based upon the likelihood of recognizing deferred tax assets. The Company currently estimates that its effective tax rate for fiscal 1998 will be approximately 11%. The effective rate of 7.5% for the three months ended December 31, 1997 includes the cumulative effect of reducing the estimated fiscal 1998 rate from 15% which was used during the first and second quarters of the year. COMPARISON OF NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996 Net Sales Net sales for the nine months ended December 31, 1997 were flat. Reflected in these results are continued strong sales of control devices, which grew by 11%. Control device sales into the OEM market increased substantially during the period, reflecting growth in the PC market and increased demand for the Company's products from the majority of the leading PC makers. The offset to the growth in control devices was a significant reduction in scanner sales, which dropped by over 41%. 10 Gross Profit Gross profit decreased 2% to $88.9 million, or 29.2% of net sales. Gross profit as a percent of net sales declined slightly compared to the prior year. This decrease primarily resulted from a significant reduction in scanner gross margins. Despite these factors, the Company was able to maintain overall gross profit at the current level due to continuing success in achieving cost reductions in a number of areas, most notably in its high volume manufacturing operation in Suzhou, China. Marketing and Selling Marketing and selling expense was relatively flat compared to the prior year, declining by less than 1%. Despite the slight decrease, which was caused primarily by a reduction in selling expense, the Company has invested in a new visual marketing strategy that includes a refreshed logo, new packaging, an updated web site and other associated marketing materials. The Company's strategy in this area is to continue to build brand awareness, thereby strengthening one of its key corporate assets. Research and Development Research and development expense increased 12% to $20.9 million, or 6.8% of net sales. This includes a 25% increase in the control device area, offset by a slight decline in the scanner area. This reflects the Company's ongoing commitment to invest in developing future generations of products in this core business. General and Administrative General and administrative expense was down by 4.4% to $14.4 million, reflecting the Company's commitment to control overhead costs. Interest Income (Expense) Interest income was $0.7 million, compared to expense of $0.6 million in the prior year. The improvement was the result of a reduction in bank borrowings and an increase in interest bearing cash and cash equivalents made possible by cash flow from operations and the proceeds from the Company's U.S. initial public offering. Other Income (Expense) Other income increased to $2.1 million from $1.6 million in the prior year. This increase was primarily due to the writedown of an investment to net realizable value in the prior year, offset partially by lower foreign currency exchange gains this year. Provision for Income Taxes The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended December 31, 1997 was up by $0.6 million to $1.8 million. The effective tax rate was 10.6% compared to 6.7% last year. The Company currently estimates that its effective tax rate for fiscal 1998 will be approximately 11%. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES As of December 31, 1997, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $50.5 million. The Company also had credit lines with several European and Asian banks totaling $48.2 million as of that date. As is common for business in European countries, the Company's credit lines are uncommitted and unsecured. Despite the lack of formal commitments from its banks, the Company believes that these lines of credit will continue to be made available because of its long- standing relationships with these banks. As of December 31, 1997, there was $38.2 million available under these facilities. The Company's operating activities generated cash of $18.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 1997, primarily from net income adjusted for depreciation, partially offset by an increase in the Company's working capital requirements. Operating activities generated cash of $23.6 million for the nine months ended 11 December 31, 1996, primarily from net income adjusted for depreciation, partially offset by an increase in the Company's working capital requirements The Company's investing activities used cash of $5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 1997, consisting of $10 million in capital expenditures, net of $5 million received from the sale of the scanner product line. For the nine months ended December 31, 1996, the Company invested $10.8 million, principally for capital expenditures. Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended December 31, 1997 was $.4 million. This amount includes cash proceeds of $4.5 million received in April 1997 from the sale of additional registered shares under an option granted to the underwriters of the initial public offering in the U.S. to cover over-allotments. These cash proceeds, along with part of the $26.8 million received in March 1997 from the U.S. initial public offering, were used to pay down short-term debt by $12.9 million in the nine months ended December 31, 1997. The Company had additional proceeds of $5.5 million from the sale of treasury shares. In addition, the Company had net borrowings of $2.5 million under its credit lines for capital improvements in China and to meet other short-term working capital needs. The net cash of $22 million used in financing activities for the nine months ended December 31, 1996 represents principally the pay down of short-term debt and the purchase of treasury shares and, to a lesser extent, the payment of dividends. Although the Company paid dividends of $1.6 million in 1996, the Board of Directors subsequently announced its intention not to recommend any payment of cash dividends in the future in order to retain future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of the Company's business. The Company believes that it will continue to make capital expenditures in the future to support ongoing and expanded operations and that such expenditures may be substantial. The Company believes that its cash and cash equivalents, cash from operations, and available borrowings under its bank lines of credit will be sufficient to fund capital expenditures and working capital needs for the foreseeable future. CERTAIN FACTORS AFFECTING OPERATING RESULTS This quarterly report on Form 6-K contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 relating to, among other things, i) price competition, ii) an emerging environment in the digital video camera market, iii) the Company's brand strategy, iv) the Company's research and development strategy, v) bank credit line availability, vi) cash liquidity availability, and vii) the outcome of contingencies. Predictions of future events involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to the following risk factors: Potential Fluctuations in Future Operating Results; Seasonality The Company's operating results in the past have varied significantly from quarter to quarter and these fluctuations are expected to continue in the future. Future quarterly operating results may vary significantly due to a number of factors, including: the volume and timing of orders received during the quarter; the maturation of product lines; the timing of new product introductions by the Company and its competitors and their acceptance by the market; the impact of competition on the Company's average selling prices and operating expenses; the availability and pricing of components for the Company's products; inventory levels at the Company or in the distribution channels; changes in laws or regulations; changes in product or distribution channel mix; price protection charges; product returns from customers; deferrals of customer orders in anticipation of new products or otherwise; changes in technologies and their acceptance by the market; fluctuations in exchange rates; changes in the Company's strategy; changes in personnel; the performance of the Company's suppliers and third-party product manufacturers; the availability of key components; and general economic conditions. Many of these factors are beyond the Company's control. In addition, due to the short product life cycles inherent in the Company's markets, the Company's failure to introduce new, competitive products consistently and in a timely manner would adversely affect results of operations for one or more product cycles. The volume and timing of orders received during a quarter are difficult to forecast. Customers generally order on an as-needed basis. Accordingly, the Company has operated with a relatively small backlog, and net sales in any quarter depend primarily on orders booked and shipped in that quarter. In spite of the difficulty in forecasting sales 12 in advance of a quarter and the relatively small backlog at any given time, the Company generally must plan production, order components, and enter into development, sales and marketing, and other operating commitments well before each quarter begins. This is particularly acute because substantially all of the Company's products are manufactured in Asia, and the Company relies on suppliers who are located in many other parts of the world. Consequently, any shortfall in net sales in a given quarter may negatively impact the Company's results of operations due to an inability to adjust expenses during such quarter. Excess inventory may negatively impact cash flows and result in charges associated with inventory write-offs. The Company's product design, manufacturing, distribution and selling cycles are long, relative to the product life cycle, and the available information on sell-through by the channel is incomplete and not necessarily indicative of the current status of inventory levels in the channel. As a result, the Company might need to write off inventory in excess of reserves. The Company's retail sales are seasonal. Net sales are typically higher during the Company's third fiscal quarter, due primarily to the increased demand for the Company's products during the year-end holiday buying season, and to a lesser extent in the fourth fiscal quarter. Net sales in the first and second quarters can vary significantly as a result of new product introductions and other factors. As a result, the Company believes that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of its results of operations should not be relied upon as indications of future performance. In addition, due to the foregoing factors, it is possible that in some future quarter the Company's operating results may be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors. In such event, the price of the Company's ADSs and registered shares would likely be materially and adversely affected. The Company's prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by technology companies participating in rapidly evolving markets. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in addressing these concerns. Concentration of Operations in China and Taiwan Substantially all of the Company's manufacturing operations are located in Suzhou, China and Hsinchu, Taiwan. These operations could be severely impacted by national or regional political instability in China, including instability which may occur in connection with a change in leadership in China, by evolving interpretation and enforcement of legal standards, by strains on Chinese transportation, communications, trade and other infrastructures related to the rapid industrialization of an agrarian economy, by conflicts, embargoes, increased tensions or escalation of hostilities between China and Taiwan, and by other trade customs and practices that are dissimilar to those in the United States. Interpretation and enforcement of China's laws and regulations continues to evolve and the Company expects that differences in interpretation and enforcement will continue in the foreseeable future. In addition, the Company's Chinese employees in Suzhou are subject to a number of government regulations regarding employment practices and customs that are fundamentally different in certain respects from those in the United States and Europe. The Suzhou facility is managed by several key Taiwanese expatriate employees of the Company. The loss of such employees, either voluntarily or because of a deterioration in relations between China and Taiwan, may have a material adverse effect on the Company's Suzhou manufacturing operations. In December 1996, the Company was advised of the intention to begin implementing a value added tax ("VAT") on goods manufactured in certain parts of China since July 1995, including where the Company's operations are located, and intended for export. The Company has not previously paid any such VAT on its exported Chinese manufactured products. The Company is in discussion with Chinese officials and has been assured that, notwithstanding statements made by tax authorities, the VAT would not be applied to the Company. The Company therefore believes this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. Were the VAT to be applied to the Company, the Company could incur a significant charge to operations, as well as an increase in its cost of goods sold. As a result, the Company would seek to mitigate the future effect by reorganizing its operations in China. There can be no assurance that any application of the VAT to the Company would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's current or future results of operations, or that the Company's efforts to mitigate any impact of the VAT would be successful. 13 Risk of Margin Declines The Company's gross margins are affected by a number of factors, including the mix between retail and OEM sales, product mix, product obsolescence, price and cost reductions. The Company believes that gross margins are likely to fluctuate in the near-term, but over the long term are likely to decline due to continued price pressures and a decline in the rate of cost reductions in the Company's manufacturing operations. Risks Associated with International Operations; Currency Fluctuations Logitech transacts a substantial portion of its business outside the United States. There are certain risks inherent to doing business in international markets, including tariffs, customs, duties and other trade barriers, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, problems in collecting accounts receivable, longer accounts receivable payment cycles, political instability, expropriation, nationalization and other political risks, foreign exchange controls, technology export and import restrictions or prohibitions, delays from customs brokers or government agencies, seasonal reductions in business activity, subjection to multiple taxation regimes and potentially adverse tax consequences, any of which could adversely impact the success of the Company's international operations and, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company publishes its consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars, however, a portion of the Company's revenues and expenses are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The functional currencies for the Company's operations are primarily the U.S. dollar, and to a lesser extent, the Dutch guilder, Swiss franc, Taiwanese dollar and Japanese yen. Certain of the Company's operations record revenues in one currency while incurring costs in different currencies. This currency imbalance has, and may continue to, result in foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Further, the Company is subject to risks of currency exchange to the extent of currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and other currencies in which the Company transacts its business. Currently, the Company does not actively hedge against exchange rate fluctuations, although it may elect to do so in the future. Accordingly, changes in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on the Company's net sales, cost of goods sold, gross margin and net income. Intense Competition; Pricing Pressure The Company's business is characterized by intense competition, a trend of declining average selling prices and performance enhancements of competing products. The Company expects that competition will continue to be intense and may increase from current or future competitors. In sales of control devices, the Company competes primarily with Alps, Kensington/Advanced Gravis, KYE/Mouse Systems, Microsoft, Mitsumi, Primax and Synaptics. In sales of imaging solutions, competitors include 3Com, Connectix, Creative Labs, Intel, Panasonic, Philips, and Sharp. Many of the Company's current and potential competitors have longer operating histories and significantly greater financial, technical, sales, marketing and other resources, as well as greater name recognition and larger customer bases, than the Company. In this regard, Microsoft is the Company's chief competitor in the market for control devices. Microsoft is also a leading producer of operating systems and applications with which the Company's control devices are designed to operate. As a result of its position, Microsoft may be able to make improvements in the functionality of its control devices to correspond with ongoing modifications and enhancements to its operating systems and software applications in advance of the Company. In certain instances, this ability may provide Microsoft with significant lead time advantages for product development. In addition, Microsoft may be able to offer pricing advantages on bundled hardware and software products that the Company is not able to offer. Certain of the Company's competitors may also have patents or intellectual property rights which provide them with an advantage. As a result, these competitors may be able to respond more effectively to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. Consequently, the Company expects to continue to experience increased competition and significant price reductions, which could result in decreased gross margin, loss of market share and lack of acceptance of the Company's products. In the event of significant price competition in the market for the Company's products, the Company would be required to decrease costs at least 14 proportionately to any price decreases in order to maintain its existing margin levels and would be at a significant disadvantage compared to competitors with substantially greater resources, which could more readily withstand an extended period of downward pricing pressure. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully in the future or that competition will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Rapid Technological Change The market for the Company's products is characterized by rapidly changing technology and frequent new product introductions. The Company's success will depend to a substantial degree on its ability to develop and introduce in a timely manner new products and enhancements that meet changing customer requirements and emerging industry standards. The development of new, technologically-advanced products and enhancements is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation as well as the anticipation of technology and market trends. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify, develop, manufacture, market, sell, or support new products and enhancements successfully, that new products or enhancements will achieve market acceptance, or that the Company will be able to respond effectively to technology changes, emerging industry standards or product announcements by competitors. New product announcements by the Company could cause its customers to defer purchases of existing products or cause distributors to request price protection credits or stock rotations. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Dependence on Control Devices; New Product Lines Approximately 88% of the Company's net sales for the nine months ended December 31, 1997 were derived from the sale of mice, trackballs, entertainment and other control devices. This percentage is expected to increase significantly in the fourth quarter, and remain so for the foreseeable future with the sale of the scanner product line in December 1997. The Company is currently developing its video camera business. Net sales and gross margins of the Company's video products are less predictable and may be less favorable than its experience with control devices. In addition, the Company has limited experience in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, and support of these products. These products are based on additional technologies and manufacturing processes, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in this new market, which is still emerging. Many of the announced competitors for one or more of the Company's products have stronger brand names, more extensive retail channel coverage, deeper consumer knowledge and experience, and greater resources. Reliance on Suppliers Certain key components used in the manufacture of the Company's products, as well as certain products, are currently purchased by the Company from single or limited sources that specialize in such components or products. At present, single-sourced components include certain of the Company's application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), certain other integrated circuits and components, and balls used in certain of the Company's trackballs. The Company generally does not have long-term agreements with its single or limited sources of supply. Lead times for materials and components ordered by the Company or its contract manufacturers can vary significantly and depend on factors such as the specific supplier, contract terms and demand for a component at a given time. From time to time the Company has experienced supply shortages and fluctuation in component prices. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of components or subcontracted products, or the inability of the Company to procure these components or products from alternate sources at acceptable prices in a timely manner, could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Dependence on Key Personnel The Company's success depends to a significant degree on the continued contributions of the Company's management and other key design, development, manufacturing, marketing and sales personnel. The loss of any of such personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Certain of the Company's senior management and other key personnel have recently joined the 15 Company. The Company's success will depend in part on successful assimilation of these and other new employees. Assimilation and retention of personnel may be made more difficult by the fact that the Company's management and other key personnel are dispersed throughout various locations worldwide, thus requiring the coordination of oganizations separated by geography and time zone and the integration of personnel with disparate business backgrounds, cultures and languages. In addition, the Company believes that its future success will depend on its ability to attract and retain highly skilled managerial, engineering, operations, marketing and sales personnel, competition for which is intense. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel, and the failure to attract and retain key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Distribution The Company sells its products through a domestic and international network of distributors, resellers and OEM customers, and the Company's success is dependent on the continued viability and financial stability of its customer base. The OEM, distribution and reseller industries have been historically characterized by rapid change, including periods of widespread financial difficulties and consolidations, and the emergence of alternative distribution channels. The Company's distributor and reseller customers generally offer products of several different companies, including products competitive with the Company's products. Accordingly, there is a risk that these distributors and resellers may give higher priority, including greater retail shelf space, to products of other suppliers, and may reduce their efforts in selling the Company's products. The loss of one or more of the Company's OEM customers, distributors or major resellers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Due to its sales to large OEMs, distributors and high volume resellers, the Company maintains individually significant receivable balances with large customers. The Company seeks to control its credit risk through ongoing credit evaluation of its customers' financial condition and by purchasing credit insurance on European retail accounts receivable balances, but generally does not require any collateral from its customers. If any of the Company's major customers were to default in the payment of its receivables owed to the Company, the Company's operating results could be materially adversely affected. Product Return Risks Like other manufacturers of consumer products, the Company is exposed to the risk of product returns, either through the exercise by customers of contractual return rights or as a result of the Company's assistance in balancing inventories. In addition the Company offers price protection to its distributors and retailers. A portion of the Company's net sales may result in increased inventory at its distributors and resellers. As a result, historical net sales may not be indicative of future net sales. Overstocking by Logitech's distributors and retailers may lead to higher than normal returns. The short product life cycles of certain of the Company's products and the difficulty in predicting future sales increase the risk that new product introductions, price reductions or other factors affecting the computer industry would result in significant product returns. Although Logitech believes that it has provided adequate allowances for projected returns, from time to time it has experienced return levels in excess of its accruals and no assurance can be given that such accruals will be sufficient for actual returns in future periods. In addition, there can be no assurance that the accruals for price protection will be sufficient, or that any future price changes will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. Fluctuations in Effective Tax Rates; Potential Tax Increases The Company operates in multiple jurisdictions and its profits are taxed pursuant to the tax laws of such jurisdictions. The Company's effective tax rate may be affected by changes in or interpretations of tax laws in any given jurisdiction, utilization of net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards, changes in transfer pricing that impact the recognition of net sales and allocation of expenses in the Company's various subsidiaries, and changes in management's assessment of matters such as the realizability of deferred tax assets. In the past, the Company has experienced substantial fluctuation in its effective income tax rate. The Company's effective income tax rates reflect a variety of factors that may not be present in the future. As a result, the Company's effective income tax rate may increase in future periods. 16 Outcome of Legal Proceedings Logitech Inc., the Company's U.S. subsidiary, is a defendant in certain lawsuits alleging the plaintiff suffers from symptoms generally known as repetitive stress injury, allegedly incurred while using mice sold by Logitech Inc. Logitech Inc. has denied these claims and intends to defend the suits vigorously. These suits are similar to those filed against other major suppliers of PCs and add-on devices. Ultimate resolution of the various suits against Logitech Inc. may depend on results in other suits of this nature. Should these claims be successful, the claims could have a material adverse impact upon the financial position and results of operations of the Company. Pending and future litigation involving the Company, whether as plaintiff or defendant, regardless of outcome, may result in substantial costs and expenses to the Company and significant diversion of effort by the Company's technical and management personnel. In addition, there can be no assurance that litigation, either instituted by or against the Company, will not be necessary to resolve issues that may arise from time to time in the future. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the Company's efforts to protect its intellectual property through litigation will prevent duplication of the Company's technology or products. Any such litigation could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. Other For discussions identifying other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, see "Description of Business" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 1997. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. 17 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Logitech International S.A. /s/ Guerrino De Luca By: _____________________________ Guerrino De Luca President and Chief Executive Officer /s/ Barry Zwarenstein By: _____________________________ Barry Zwarenstein Chief Finance Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and U.S. Representative February 13, 1998 18 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----