10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

 

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

For the Transition Period from              to             

Commission File Number 000-50553

 

 

LOGO

ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   56-2354935

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

8900 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin, TX 78757

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(512) 454-9531

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    NO  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  ¨    NO  x

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding as of September 30, 2008, was 46,835,358.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.

FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT

QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets – September 30, 2008 (unaudited) and December 31, 2007    3
   Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007    4
   Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007    5
   Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007    6
   Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)    7

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    21

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    38

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    39
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    40

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    40

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    59

Item 3.

   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    59

Item 4T.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    59

Item 5.

   Other Information    59

Item 6.

   Exhibits    60

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

EXCEPT FOR THE HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, THE MATTERS DISCUSSED IN THIS REPORT ON FORM 10-Q (AS WELL AS DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE) MAY BE CONSIDERED “FORWARD-LOOKING” STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDE DECLARATIONS REGARDING THE INTENT, BELIEF OR CURRENT EXPECTATIONS OF ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND ITS MANAGEMENT, AND MAY BE EVIDENCED BY WORDS SUCH AS WE “EXPECT,” “ANTICIPATE,” “TARGET,” “PROJECT,” “BELIEVE,” “GOALS,” “ESTIMATE,” “POTENTIAL,” “PREDICT,” “MAY,” “MIGHT,” “COULD,” “INTEND,” VARIATIONS OF THESE TYPES OF WORDS AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS. YOU ARE CAUTIONED THAT ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE NOT GUARANTIES OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE AND INVOLVE A NUMBER OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE INDICATED BY THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE OR CONTRIBUTE TO THESE DIFFERENCES INCLUDE THOSE DISCUSSED UNDER “RISK FACTORS” AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS REPORT. ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC. DISCLAIMS ANY INTENTION OR OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE.

ALL PERCENTAGE AMOUNTS AND RATIOS WERE CALCULATED USING THE UNDERLYING DATA IN THOUSANDS.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     (unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,490     $ 34,013  

Investments

     1,636       27,912  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $572 in 2008 and $8 in 2007

     9,068       5,681  

Inventories

     10,825       2,921  

Prepaid expenses

     789       633  

Income tax recoverable

     2,473       1,969  

Deferred tax asset

     143       143  

Other current assets

     1,389       916  
                

Total current assets

     40,813       74,188  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     6,027       9,212  

Long-term investments

     6,978       —    

Goodwill

     4,530       4,953  

Other intangible assets, net

     12,692       10,826  

Other assets

     89       234  
                

Total assets

   $ 71,129     $ 99,413  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 4,860     $ 3,348  

Accrued compensation

     1,355       1,428  

Accrued liabilities

     6,218       3,077  

Deferred revenue

     1,490       —    
                

Total current liabilities

     13,923       7,853  

Other accrued liabilities

     206       253  

Deferred tax liabilities

     38       38  

Convertible notes payable

     3,847       —    

Related party convertible notes payable

     6,805       —    

Redeemable preferred stock; $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized

     —         —    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock; $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007; 53,230,669 shares and 52,876,038 shares issued at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     53       52  

Additional paid-in capital

     148,816       163,298  

Treasury stock, at cost; 6,395,311 shares and 6,172,650 shares at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

     (25,822 )     (25,601 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (758 )     44  

Accumulated deficit

     (75,979 )     (46,524 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     46,310       91,269  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 71,129     $ 99,413  
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data; unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Revenue:

    

Product

   $ 17,750     $ 8,756  

License

     713       2,185  
                

Total revenue

     18,463       10,941  

Cost of revenue:

    

Product (1)

     16,861       6,522  

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

     970       1,120  

Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets

     3,937       —    
                

Total cost of revenue

     21,768       7,642  
                

Gross profit (loss)

     (3,305 )     3,299  

Operating expenses:

    

Selling, general and administrative (1)

     5,132       4,101  

Research and development (1)

     2,089       1,373  

Restructuring

     192       356  

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

     165       183  

Impairment of acquisition intangibles

     4,312       —    

Goodwill impairment

     4,952       —    
                

Total operating expenses

     16,842       6,013  
                

Loss from operations

     (20,147 )     (2,714 )

Other income (expense):

    

Interest income

     218       798  

Interest expense

     (195 )     (2 )

Other, net

     6       (34 )
                

Total other income, net

     29       762  
                

Loss before income taxes

     (20,118 )     (1,952 )

Benefit for income taxes

     (528 )     (695 )
                

Net loss

   $ (19,590 )   $ (1,257 )
                

Loss per share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.03 )
                

Diluted

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.03 )
                

Shares used in computing loss per share:

    

Basic

     46,852       46,997  

Diluted

     46,852       46,997  

 

(1)    Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:

    

Cost of revenue

   $ 97     $ 109  

Selling, general and administrative expense

   $ 388     $ 1,280  

Research and development expense

   $ 108     $ 180  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data; unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Revenue:

    

Product

   $ 32,639     $ 23,402  

License

     3,349       4,456  
                

Total revenue

     35,988       27,858  

Cost of revenue:

    

Product (1)

     34,156       18,099  

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

     2,161       3,239  

Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets

     4,097       684  
                

Total cost of revenue

     40,414       22,022  
                

Gross profit (loss)

     (4,426 )     5,836  

Operating expenses:

    

Selling, general and administrative (1)

     12,088       10,829  

Research and development (1)

     4,486       4,642  

Restructuring

     406       356  

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

     518       459  

Impairment of acquisition intangibles

     4,312       —    

Goodwill impairment

     4,952       —    
                

Total operating expenses

     26,762       16,286  
                

Loss from operations

     (31,188 )     (10,450 )

Other income (expense):

    

Interest income

     1,076       2,473  

Interest expense

     (201 )     (10 )

Other, net

     63       (87 )
                

Total other income, net

     938       2,376  
                

Loss before income taxes

     (30,250 )     (8,074 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     (795 )     227  
                

Net loss

   $ (29,455 )   $ (8,301 )
                

Loss per share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.63 )   $ (0.18 )
                

Diluted

   $ (0.63 )   $ (0.18 )
                

Shares used in computing loss per share:

    

Basic

     46,784       47,274  

Diluted

     46,784       47,274  

 

(1)    Includes stock-based compensation expense as follows:

    

Cost of revenue

   $ 264     $ 320  

Selling, general and administrative expense

   $ 1,356     $ 3,793  

Research and development expense

   $ 339     $ 664  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands; unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (29,455 )   $ (8,301 )

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

    

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

     5,546       6,845  

Impairment of intangibles and fixed assets

     13,361    

Stock-based compensation expense

     1,961       5,096  

Other non-cash charges

     400       346  

Deferred income taxes

     (1 )     177  

Net change in operating assets and liabilities

     (5,598 )     (494 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (13,786 )     3,669  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of investments

     (4,418 )     (25,904 )

Sales and maturities of investments

     22,881       30,900  

Additions to property, plant and equipment

     (1,149 )     (386 )

Proceeds from sale of equipment

     34       90  

Acquisition of Southland Micro Systems, Inc., net of cash acquired

     —         (21,441 )

Acquisition of Augmentix Corporation, net of cash acquired

     (13,021 )     —    

Patent application costs

     (270 )     (334 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     4,057       (17,075 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock

     103       184  

Excess tax benefit related to the exercise of employee stock options

     —         67  

Share repurchases

     (219 )     (4,159 )

Return of capital related to the acquisition of Augmentix Corporation

     (9,662 )     —    

Payments on capitalized lease obligations

     (16 )     (13 )
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (9,794 )     (3,921 )
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (19,523 )     (17,327 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     34,013       40,797  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 14,490     $ 23,470  
                

Noncash investing and financing activities:

    

Issuance of long-term convertible debt in connection with the acquisition of Augmentix

   $ 10,652     $ —    

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

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ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements of Entorian Technologies Inc., formerly Staktek Holdings, Inc. (we, us, our), have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. In addition, operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008, or for any other period.

Following our acquisition of Augmentix Corporation (Augmentix) on July 14 2008, we divided our operations into two reportable segments, Memory Solutions and Rugged Technology Solutions. As a result of creating two reportable segments, our 2007 financial information has been reclassified to conform to our 2008 presentation. See Note 10, “Augmentix Corporation Acquisition,” and Note 17, “Segment Information,” for additional information regarding our Augmentix acquisition and segment reporting, respectively.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which we filed with the SEC on March 14, 2008.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-3 to clarify the application of fair value measurements of a financial asset when the market for that asset is not active. This clarifying guidance became effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements had not been issued, such as the period ended September 30, 2008 for us. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 did not significantly impact our financial position or results of operations.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, which delayed the effective date of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157) to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 for our non-financial assets and liabilities to have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141R). This standard establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, including goodwill, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The impact of adopting SFAS 141R will depend on the future business combinations that we may pursue after its effective date.

 

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2. Fair Value Measurements

On January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 157 for our financial assets. This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The following table details the fair value measurements within the fair value hierarchy of our financial assets (in thousands):

 

          Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2008 Using:

Description

   Fair Value at
September 30,
2008
   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
Using Identical

Assets (Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable

Inputs (Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)

Available-for-sale securities

   $ 8,614    $ 1,636    $ —      $ 6,978

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008
 

Beginning balance

   $ 9,538     $ —    

Transfers in (out) of Level 3

     —         10,250  

Total losses included in other comprehensive loss

     (60 )     (772 )

Purchases, issuances and settlements

     (2,500 )     (2,500 )
                

Balance at September 30, 2008

   $ 6,978     $ 6,978  
                

We have included our investments related to auction rate securities (ARS) of approximately $7.0 million in the Level 3 category. See Note 4, “Investments,” for additional information regarding our auction rate securities.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS 159). This standard allows entities to voluntarily choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The fair value option may be elected on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable, unless a new election date occurs. SFAS 159 was effective during the first quarter of 2008; however, we did not elect to adopt the fair value option for eligible financial instruments under SFAS 159.

 

3. Accounts Receivable, net

The following are the components of accounts receivables (in thousands):

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 

Gross accounts receivable

   $ 9,640     $ 5,689  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (572 )     (8 )
                
   $ 9,068     $ 5,681  
                

As a result of management’s review of our accounts receivable balance at September 30, 2008, we recorded an additional $0.6 million, or $0.01 per share, in allowance for doubtful accounts during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

4. Investments

As of September 30, 2008, we held approximately $7.0 million of auction rate securities (ARS), which are classified as long-term investments, in the Level 3 category.

Our auction rate securities are investments in student loans. The final maturity dates of the ARS that we own are between 2034 and 2041 and the securities are rated Aaa and AA. Approximately 70% of our ARS are guaranteed by the federal government under the Federal Family Education Loans Program (FFELP). The FFELP guarantees between 95% and 98% of the par value of these loans. The remaining 30% of our ARS are private loans, of which 85% are insured.

 

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Our auction rate securities have historically traded at par and are callable at par at the option of the issuer. As of September 30, 2008, there was insufficient observable ARS market information available to determine the fair value of these investments. Therefore, our auction rate securities were valued based on a pricing model that included certain assumptions, such as our ARS tax-exempt status, an interest rate of 1.75% of the S&P index, a discount rate of approximately 4.7%, credit quality, a maturity date of four to five years, insurance wraps and the portfolio composition. Based on this assessment of fair value, as of September 30, 2008, we determined there was a decline in the fair value of our ARS investments of approximately $0.8 million, which we deemed temporary and recorded in other comprehensive loss due to our intent and ability to hold these securities until we can realize the par value.

Beginning in February 2008, auctions for these securities began to fail, and the interest rates for these ARS reset to the maximum rate according to the applicable investment offering document. As of September 30, 2008, the maximum auction rates for our ARS ranged from 3.2% to 7.0%. Through September 30, 2008, we have continued to receive interest payments on our ARS in accordance with their terms and believe we will continue to receive interest payments as long as we hold these securities. During the third quarter of 2008, one of our auction-rate securities was called at par by the issuer for $2.5 million. In addition, during November 2008, we accepted an offer provided to us by the investment firm through which we hold our ARS to sell our auction rate securities to them at par value at any time over a two-year period, beginning June 30, 2010 and ending July 2, 2012.

 

5. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands) at the respective dates:

 

     September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Raw materials

   $ 9,827    $ 2,565

Work in process

     165      15

Finished goods

     833      341
             
   $ 10,825    $ 2,921
             

Of the $10.8 million inventory on hand at September 30, 2008, $3.7 million and $7.1 million are related to our Memory Solutions segment and our Rugged Technology Solutions segment, respectively. At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, our reserve for excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory was approximately $1.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

 

6. Property, Plant and Equipment

We evaluate our long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be associated with these assets are less than their carrying value. Due to a decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our dual in-line memory module (DIMM) business unit, we reviewed our long-lived assets associated with this business unit for impairment as of September 30, 2008. As a result of this review, we recorded a non-cash charge of $2.4 million, which is included in Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets in cost of revenue, for the write-down of the lab equipment related to our DIMM business unit.

 

7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in our acquisition of Southland Micro Systems, Inc. (Southland) on August 31, 2007 and our acquisition of Augmentix on July 14, 2008. We allocate goodwill to reporting units for goodwill impairment testing. A reporting unit is defined as a component of an entity for which the operating results are regularly reviewed by management and discrete financial information is available.

We assess whether goodwill is impaired on an annual basis. Upon determining the existence of goodwill impairment, we measure that impairment based on the amount by which the book value of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Additional impairment assessments may be performed on an interim basis if we encounter events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that, more likely than not, the book value of goodwill has been impaired. The decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit, which is a separate reporting unit of the Company, during the third quarter of 2008 was an indicator of potential goodwill impairment, and because of this decline, we undertook an assessment to determine the fair value of our DIMM business. As a

 

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result of this review, we have recorded a non-cash charge of $5.0 million for the write off of the goodwill related to our DIMM business unit, which we established in connection with our Southland acquisition. The impairment charge, which was recorded in a separate line in cost of revenue, reflects the changing business prospects for our DIMM business and declining demand for our products.

Critical estimates made in determining the fair value of our DIMM business included expected future cash flows from product sales, customer turnover and future overhead expenses. Management’s best estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions we believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.

We evaluate our other intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. When these factors and circumstances exist, we compare the projected undiscounted future cash flows of these assets to their respective carrying values to determine if impairment exists. Impairment, if any, is measured as the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value, based on discounted cash flows. As of June 30, 2008, as a result of the anticipated reduction in the future cash flow from our license agreement with Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Samsung), we impaired the remaining residual value of the customer relationship intangible asset and recorded a charge of approximately $0.2 million, which is included in Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets in cost of revenue. The value was initially recorded based upon the projected discounted net cash flows attributable to this relationship. In addition, as of September 30, 2008, as a result of a decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit, we impaired the remaining residual value of the trade name intangible asset acquired through our Southland acquisition and recorded a charge of approximately $1.6 million, which is included in Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets in cost of revenue. We also impaired the remaining residual value of our customer relationship and non-compete agreements acquired through our Southland acquisition as a result of the decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit, and recorded a charge of approximately $4.3 million, which is included Impairment of acquisition intangibles in operating expenses.

 

8. Income Taxes

We accrue a provision for federal, state and foreign income taxes at the applicable statutory rates adjusted for non-deductible expenses, tax-exempt income and the application of a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets, for which we believe there is uncertainty regarding their realization. Foreign income tax includes withholding tax on certain royalty income received from foreign customers. The provision for income taxes may include amounts intended to satisfy unfavorable adjustments by tax authorities in any current or future examination of our income tax returns. We recorded a benefit for income taxes of $0.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, and we recorded a provision for income taxes of $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 reflects our estimated annual effective tax rate of 3% and includes a discrete benefit of $0.3 million due to the inclusion of a research and development tax credit in our 2007 tax return that was not reflected in our 2007 year-end tax accrual. The nine months ended September 30, 2007 reflects our estimated annual effective tax rate of (6)%, excluding discrete items. The nine months ended September 30, 2007 also included a discrete tax charge of $0.3 million to establish a valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets and a $0.2 million benefit due to the amendment of a prior-year tax return for a research and development tax credit.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to the application of a valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets as we believe there is uncertainty regarding their realization. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, our effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to the tax implications of our stock-based compensation, tax-exempt interest income, the application of a valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets as we believed there was uncertainty regarding their realization, a tax credit related to 2003 research and development costs and a reversal of a liability for an uncertain tax position.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003. The tax years 2003 through 2007 remain open to examination by all the major taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject, though we are not currently under examination by any major taxing jurisdictions.

We had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007 or September 30, 2008.

 

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9. Restructuring

During the second quarter of 2008, we recorded a restructuring charge of approximately $0.2 million due to a workforce reduction of approximately 60 positions as a result of transferring our Memory Solutions manufacturing operations in Irvine, California to Reynosa, Mexico. We completed this transition during the third quarter of 2008, resulting in an additional charge of approximately $0.2 million. The following table details the changes in the related restructuring accrual (in thousands) during the nine months ended September 30, 2008:

 

Restructuring accrual at December 31, 2007

   $ —    

Restructuring expenses accrued

     406  

Payments of restructuring expenses

     (406 )
        

Restructuring accrual at September 30, 2008

   $ —    
        

 

10. Augmentix Corporation Acquisition

On July 14, 2008, we acquired all of the outstanding ownership interests in Augmentix Corporation, a provider of rugged computing solutions, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among us, Augmentix, August Merger Sub Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Entorian, and the stockholders of Augmentix (Sellers) dated July 11, 2008 (the Merger Agreement). Through this acquisition, we expect to further expand into high-growth markets, which contributed to a purchase price that was in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired and, as a result, we recorded goodwill. The purchase price we paid for all outstanding shares at the effective time of the merger was approximately $23.5 million in cash and approximately $10.7 million in convertible notes, subject to a post-closing adjustment based on Augmentix’s working capital and transaction costs of approximately $0.9 million. See Note 11, “Convertible Notes Payable,” for additional information regarding the convertible notes issued. The notes and funds were distributed as follows, including escrow amounts (in thousands):

 

     Augmentix
Liabilities paid at
Closing
   Distributed/Allocated
to Common Control
Owner
   Distributed/Allocated
to Minority
Shareholders
   Totals

Cash

   $ 8,313    $ 8,883    $ 6,304    $ 23,500

Notes

     —        6,805      3,847      10,652

Transaction costs

     —        478      442      920
                           
   $ 8,313    $ 16,166    $ 10,593    $ 35,072
                           

This acquisition was a transaction between commonly controlled entities, as Entorian’s majority owner also owned a majority ownership percentage of Augmentix. Under a transaction between commonly controlled entities, the acquired assets related to the common owner are recorded at historical cost, similar to a pooling of interest transaction, while the purchase of the minority interests is recorded at fair value. The purchase price allocable to the common control owner in excess of the book value of the assets acquired has been presented as a return of capital to the common control owner in our financial statements. The purchase of the minority interests of Augmentix was recorded as a purchase business combination, with the purchase price allocated to the fair value of assets, including acquired intangible assets and liabilities acquired, with the excess recorded as goodwill. For the intangible assets acquired, fair value was determined by management using a discounted cash flow model. The difference between the book, fair and allocated values is as follows:

 

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     Augmentix
Book Value
    Fair Value     Allocated
Purchase Price
   

Notes

Cash

   $ 1,737     $ 1,737     $ 1,737     No adjustment

Accounts receivable, net

     3,858       3,858       3,858     No adjustment

Inventory

     6,557       6,557       6,557     No adjustment

Property, plant and equipment

     1,011       1,247       1,124     47.9% of difference capitalized

Other assets

     56       56       56     No adjustment

Goodwill

     —         9,457       4,530     47.9% capitalized

Developed technology

     —         6,850       3,281     47.9% capitalized

Trade name

     —         2,027       971     47.9% capitalized

Customer relationships

     —         13,037       6,245     47.9% capitalized

Current liabilities

     (9,754 )     (9,754 )     (9,754 )   No adjustment
                          
   $ 3,465     $ 35,072     $ 18,605    
                          

Approximately $4.3 million of the purchase price was deposited into an escrow account as security for working capital adjustments and indemnification obligations of the Sellers under the Merger Agreement. This amount held in escrow is subject to be released over a period of two years, less any amounts for unresolved and settled claims.

We granted certain Augmentix employees employment inducement stock options to purchase a total of 1,459,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350(i)(1)(A)(iv). All of these options have an exercise price equal to the closing sales price per share of Entorian common stock on July 14, 2008, will vest over a period of up to four years and are recorded as compensation expense in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123(R)).

The following table summarizes the purchase price of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at July 14, 2008. The allocation of the purchase price is subject to change due to a working capital adjustment to be made during the fourth quarter of 2008. The preliminary purchase price allocation is based upon management’s best estimates of the relative fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The preliminary purchase price was allocated as follows (in thousands):

 

     Amount     Useful Life
(in years)

Cash

   $ 1,737    

Accounts receivable, net

     3,858    

Inventory

     6,557    

Property, plant and equipment

     1,124     1-3

Other assets

     56    

Goodwill

     4,530    

Customer relationships

     6,245     5

Trade name

     971     10

Developed technology

     3,281     3

Current liabilities

     (9,754 )  
          

Purchase price for acquisition of minority interest

     18,605    

Return of capital to common control owner

     16,467    
          

Total purchase price, including transaction costs

   $ 35,072    
          

 

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We included Augmentix’s results of operations with ours subsequent to the acquisition date, which was July 14, 2008.

Pro Forma Results

The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined results of operations of Entorian and Augmentix for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 as if the merger had been consummated at the beginning of the respective fiscal years. The information is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that actually would have occurred if the merger had been consummated at the beginning of the respective fiscal years, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results.

The following table sets forth the required pro forma information (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Net sales

   $ 18,986     $ 14,183     $ 63,755     $ 38,567  

Net loss

   $ (24,612 )   $ (3,374 )   $ (36,000 )   $ (13,148 )

Net loss per share - basic

   $ (0.53 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.77 )   $ (0.28 )

Net loss per share - diluted

   $ (0.53 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.77 )   $ (0.28 )

 

11. Convertible Notes Payable

In connection with our acquisition of Augmentix, we issued approximately $10.7 million in convertible notes with an annual interest rate of 6% to the Sellers. Interest payments are due each January 31 and July 30, with the principal due on December 31, 2010. The Sellers have the right to convert the principal and any unpaid interest into our common stock at a conversion price of $2.50 at any time prior to the earlier of (i) December 31, 2010, (ii) a change of control or (iii) the redemption of all of the outstanding principal amount of the notes. At any time subsequent to the issuance of the convertible notes, we have the right to redeem the notes for the redemption amount, which is equal to the outstanding principal balance plus accrued interest, with at least 30 days prior written notice.

 

12. Commitments and Contingencies

At September 30, 2008, approximately 74% of our employees in Mexico, or approximately 53% of our total employees, were represented by a labor organization that has entered into a labor contract with us.

We have indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers. The agreements do not set monetary limits on our indemnity obligations. We have a director and officer insurance policy that enables us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid in respect of our indemnity obligations to our directors and officers.

Samsung License Agreement

We have a license arrangement with Samsung, pursuant to which we have licensed certain technologies to Samsung, and Samsung provides to us quarterly reports of its license usage and pays corresponding royalty amounts in accordance with the terms of the agreement. We have primarily relied on these reports from Samsung and subsequent cash payment to record revenue from this license agreement.

During the second quarter of 2008, Samsung sent us a letter asserting that it made errors in the royalty reports that it previously delivered to us during the period beginning in the fourth quarter of 2005 and ending in the first quarter of 2008. Samsung believes that these errors resulted in an overpayment to us of an aggregate of approximately $2.9 million, and Samsung has requested that we refund this amount. Samsung paid to us a total of $14.2 million during this time period.

Because of information provided to us by Samsung regarding excessive yield loss and independent information we have obtained, we do not believe it would be appropriate to make any changes to our financial reports or book allowances related to this refund request, and we believe that our revenue recognition has been correct. Currently we are in discussions with Samsung regarding this matter.

 

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Southland Earn-Out Consideration

As part of our purchase of Southland on August 31, 2007, we offered compensation of up to $7 million to the sellers if certain financial goals are achieved over the two years subsequent to closing the acquisition. We must estimate, on a quarterly basis, if these goals will be met, but final determination of achieving the goals will only be known on the first and second anniversary dates of the effective date. As a result, from quarter to quarter, changes in our estimates could result in reversing or recognizing significant amounts of compensation expense. In addition, the sellers may elect to receive payment in either cash or stock. We must, based on our current stock price compared to the earn-out exercise price, predict which form of payment the sellers will elect to receive. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we reversed the liability associated with the first earn-out period of approximately $1.2 million. As of the first anniversary of the closing, the sellers did not achieve the financial milestones and we made no payment. As of September 30, 2008, we have no expense recorded for the second earn-out period.

Currently we are not involved in any material legal proceedings. Refer to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2008, which was filed with the Commission on August 14, 2008 for a discussion of our past legal proceeding settled during 2008.

From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings, claims in the ordinary course of business, claims in foreign jurisdictions where we operate, and non-contractual customer claims we may agree to in the interest of maintaining business relationships.

 

13. Common Stock

As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we had 53,230,669 and 52,876,038 shares of common stock issued, respectively.

During the first nine months of 2008, we purchased 222,661 shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase program at a total cost of approximately $0.2 million. As of September 30, 2008, we may purchase up to an additional $6.8 million of our stock under this program.

 

14. Stock-Based Compensation

In July 2003, we adopted our 2003 Stock Option Plan, which we have amended and which currently has 15,030,000 authorized shares. Options generally vest over a four-year period and are exercisable for a period of ten years from the date of grant.

We account for all forms of our share-based payments to employees, including stock options, under SFAS 123(R), utilizing the Black-Scholes method of valuation.

Information with respect to stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is as follows:

 

     Outstanding Options
     Number of
Options
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

   5,333,260     $ 3.31      

Granted

   3,106,000     $ 0.99      

Exercised

   (231,624 )   $ 0.45      

Cancelled or forfeited

   (857,382 )   $ 3.03      
              

Outstanding at September 30, 2008

   7,350,254     $ 2.45    7.95    $ 114
              

Options exercisable at September 30, 2008

   3,209,287     $ 3.54    6.26    $ 114

As of September 30, 2008, there was approximately $3.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding stock options. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the total intrinsic value of exercised stock options was approximately $95,000.

 

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For grants issued during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the weighted average assumptions used in determining fair value under the Black-Scholes model are outlined in the following table:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2008
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008

Expected volatility

   67.4 %   64.3% - 67.4%

Dividend yield

   0.0 %   0.0%

Expected term (in years)

   7.0     7.0

Risk-free interest rate

   3.3 %   2.6% – 3.9%

The computation of expected volatility is based on historical volatility of our common stock. The expected term of options is estimated based on the average of the vesting period and contractual term of the options. The risk-free rate is based on U.S. Treasury yields for securities in effect at the time of grant, with terms approximating the expected term until exercise of the option. The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $0.65 per share. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded share-based compensation expense for options of approximately $0.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

During the second quarter of 2006, we adopted our Equity-Based Compensation Plan, which provides for granting restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs), bonus stock and dividend equivalents to eligible employees. As of September 30, 2008, we had 800,000 authorized shares under this plan. RSUs vest over a four-year period.

Information with respect to RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is as follows:

 

     Number of RSUs     Weighted Average Grant
Date Fair Value

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

   505,995     $ 5.55

Granted

   —       $ —  

Vested

   (178,443 )   $ 5.50

Forfeited

   (34,525 )   $ 5.42
        

Outstanding at September 30, 2008

   293,027     $ 5.59
        

Share-based compensation related to RSUs is recorded based on our stock price as of the grant date. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, RSU compensation expense was $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

 

15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)

The components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows (in thousands) at the respective dates:

 

     September 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities, net of tax

   $ (758 )   $ 44
              

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (758 )   $ 44
              

 

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The components of our comprehensive loss, net of tax, were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Net loss

   $ (19,590 )   $ (1,257 )

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities, net of tax

     (60 )     38  
                

Comprehensive loss, net of tax

   $ (19,650 )   $ (1,219 )
                
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Net loss

   $ (29,455 )   $ (8,301 )

Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities, net of tax

     (802 )     22  
                

Comprehensive loss, net of tax

   $ (30,257 )   $ (8,279 )
                

 

16. Loss Per Share

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of vested common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share is computed under the treasury method giving effect to all potential dilutive common stock, including options, RSUs, warrants and common stock subject to repurchase. The treasury method assumes that estimated proceeds received from exercising potential dilutive common stock instruments will be used to repurchase shares of treasury stock on the open market.

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Numerator:

    

Net loss

   $ (19,590 )   $ (1,257 )
                

Denominator:

    

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     46,852       47,020  

Less: Weighted average common shares subject to repurchase

     —         23  
                

Total weighted average common shares used in computing basic loss per share

     46,852       46,997  

Effect of dilutive securities:

    

Common shares subject to repurchase, stock options, RSUs and warrants

     —         —    
                

Total weighted average common shares used in computing diluted loss per share

     46,852       46,997  
                

Loss per share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.03 )
                

Diluted

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.03 )
                

 

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     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Numerator:

    

Net loss

   $ (29,455 )   $ (8,301 )

Denominator:

    

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     46,784       47,331  

Less: Weighted average common shares subject to repurchase

     —         57  
                

Total weighted average common shares used in computing basic loss per share

     46,784       47,274  

Effect of dilutive securities:

    

Common shares subject to repurchase, stock options, RSUs and warrants

     —         —    
                

Total weighted average common shares used in computing diluted loss per share

     46,784       47,274  
                

Loss per share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.63 )   $ (0.18 )
                

Diluted

   $ (0.63 )   $ (0.18 )
                

 

17. Segment Information

We determine our operating segments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (SFAS 131). As a result of the Augmentix acquisition, we now have two operating segments, Memory Solutions and Rugged Technology Solutions. Our Memory Solutions segment produces advanced module and system-level technologies for demanding high-reliability and high-performance markets. Our Rugged Technology Solutions segment produces rugged computing technologies. Our segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. These segments are managed separately because each business requires different technologies and marketing strategies. The accounting policies for each of our segments are the same as those described in Note 2 from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Management evaluates the performance of our segments based on income or loss before income taxes, excluding stock-based compensation expense, goodwill impairment, amortization of acquisition intangibles and impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets. Future changes to our internal structure may result in changes to our reportable segments disclosed.

 

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Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
   September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 
         

Revenues:

         

Memory Solutions

   $ 8,084     $ 10,941    $ 25,609     $ 27,858  

Rugged Technology Solutions

     10,379       —        10,379       —    
                               

Consolidated revenue

   $ 18,463     $ 10,941    $ 35,988     $ 27,858  
                               

Income (loss) from operations

         

Memory Solutions

   $ (5,538 )   $ 158    $ (13,509 )   $ (1,291 )

Rugged Technology Solutions

     320       —        320       —    
                               

Total segment income (loss) from operations

   $ (5,218 )   $ 158    $ (13,189 )   $ (1,291 )
                               

 

     September 30,
2008
   December 31,
2007

Total assets:

     

Memory Solutions

   $ 42,679    $ 99,413

Rugged Technology Solutions

     28,450      —  
             

Consolidated total assets

   $ 71,129    $ 99,413
             

Reconciliations of our segment income (loss) from operations to our consolidated loss from operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2007
 

Total segment income (loss) from operations

   $ (5,218 )   $ 158     $ (13,189 )   $ (1,291 )

Stock-based compensation expense

     (593 )     (1,569 )     (1,959 )     (4,777 )

Goodwill impairment

     (4,952 )     —         (4,952 )     —    

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

     (1,135 )     (1,303 )     (2,679 )     (3,698 )

Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets

     (8,249 )     —         (8,409 )     (684 )
                                

Consolidated loss from operations

   $ (20,147 )   $ (2,714 )   $ (31,188 )   $ (10,450 )
                                

 

18. Related-Party Transactions

In connection with our Southland acquisition, on September 1, 2007, we entered into a lease agreement with an entity owned by two of our current Entorian employees (former Southland principals) to lease our Irvine facility for a term of three years. We incurred approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million in total operating expense related to this lease during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.

As a result of the relocation of our manufacturing operations from Irvine, California to Reynosa, Mexico and our plan to sublease the Irvine facility, we determined the useful life of the leasehold improvements related to our Irvine facility did not extend beyond June 30, 2008. As a result of our review, we accelerated the depreciation associated with our Irvine leasehold improvements, resulting in an additional depreciation charge of approximately $0.6 million, or $0.01 per share, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

In addition, our Augmentix acquisition was a transaction between commonly controlled entities, as Entorian’s majority owner also owned a majority ownership percentage of Augmentix. As a result of the acquisition, the common control owner received approximately $16.5 million of the purchase price consideration, of which $6.8 million is reported as notes payable on our balance sheet. This amount does not correspond to the ownership split between the common control owner and minority shareholders, primarily due to the accrued dividends due to the preferred holders upon completion of the acquisition.

 

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19. Subsequent Events

Auction Rate Securities

In October 2008, we received a settlement offer from one of our investment providers to sell at par value our auction rate securities at any time during a two-year period beginning June 30, 2010 and ending July 2, 2012. We accepted the terms of this offer in November 2008, and are in the process of determining the impact of the settlement on our consolidated financial statements.

Settlement and Release Agreement

On November 3, 2008, we entered into a settlement agreement with John R. Meehan and Joseph C. Meehan, the principal stockholders of Southland at the time we acquired it (the Meehans). In this settlement agreement:

 

  1. we agreed to pay 35% of our remaining two-year lease obligation on the building we are leasing from the Meehans in Irvine, California in exchange for a release from this lease;

 

  2. we agreed to release the remaining escrow held in the escrow account set up at the time of the Southland acquisition;

 

  3. the Meehans are waiving their rights to the earn-out set up at the time of the closing of the acquisition for the second (and last) year for which they are eligible to participate in the earn-out; and

 

  4. the Meehans’ employment was terminated, and they each will receive one year of severance in accordance with their employment agreements, and have agreed not to compete with us for one year except in certain circumstances regarding DRAM brokerage activities. As stated above, we previously relocated our California manufacturing operations from Irvine, California to Reynosa, Mexico, and now are vacating the facility in Irvine.

Separation and Release Agreement

On November 6, 2008, we entered into a separation and release agreement with Wayne R. Lieberman, our chief executive officer. Mr. Lieberman resigned his position as chief executive officer and director on our board of directors. Mr. Lieberman will receive the following as severance benefits:

 

  1. severance of the total of his base salary and bonuses received over the previous 12 months, paid out over the 12 months following his termination on the Company’s regular payroll periods;

 

  2. 50% acceleration of his unvested options to purchase common stock;

 

  3. a lump-sum payment of one year of the costs of his medical coverage that was provided by the Company until his termination; and

 

  4. an extended exercise period of 18 months from the date of his termination to exercise his vested stock options.

We entered into a consulting agreement for a period of one month with Mr. Lieberman to assist us with the transition from Mr. Lieberman to Mr. Godevais, our new president and chief executive officer, with respect to certain issues.

New President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

On November 6, 2008, we announced that Stephan Godevais was appointed our new president, chief executive officer and director. Mr. Godevais entered into an employment agreement (the Employment Agreement) with the Company, pursuant to which he will receive the following:

 

  1. an annualized base salary of $300,000;

 

  2. a bonus of up to 100% of his base salary under the terms of Augmentix Corporation’s bonus plan for 2008, and the Entorian 2009 bonus plan after 2008, which will include Augmentix and Entorian results on a combined basis;

 

  3. an option to purchase 1 million shares of common stock of the Company granted on November 6, 2008, with an exercise price of $0.54 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on NASDAQ on the date of grant;

 

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  4. an option to purchase an additional 1 million shares of common stock of the Company following stockholder approval to increase the authorized shares in our stock option plan and the related notification of stockholders; and

 

  5. other benefits made available to executives generally.

In addition, in the event of his termination without cause (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and resignation for good reason (also as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Godevais is entitled to receive:

 

  1. severance of the total of his base salary and bonuses received over the previous 12 months, paid out over the 12 months following his termination on the Company’s regular payroll periods;

 

  2. 50% acceleration of his unvested options to purchase common stock;

 

  3. a lump-sum payment of one year of the costs of his medical coverage that was provided by the Company until his termination; and

 

  4. an extended exercise period of 18 months from the date of his termination to exercise his vested stock options.

New Chairman of the Board

Effective November 6, 2008, Joseph C. Aragona resigned his position as chairman of the board of directors, and will remain serving as a director. The board elected Joseph Marengi as its chairman of the board to replace Mr. Aragona. Mr. Marengi will receive an annual base salary of $60,000 to serve in this position, as well as our standard board retainer fees and meeting fees, and he will be eligible to participate in our bonus plan beginning in 2009, with a maximum bonus potential of 100% of his base salary. In addition, he received an option to purchase up to 200,000 shares of our common stock on November 6, 2008, with an exercise price of $0.54 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on NASDAQ on the date of grant. He will receive an additional option to purchase up to 200,000 shares of our common stock following stockholder approval to increase the authorized shares in our stock option plan and the related notification to stockholders.

Increase in Stock Option Pool

On November 6, 2008, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the authorized option pool pursuant to our 2003 Stock Option Plan by 1.8 million shares, and Austin Ventures approved this increase as the majority stockholder. We plan to mail the required information to stockholders of record within the next few weeks. All employees of the Company, including our executive officers, are eligible to receive grants under this plan.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The terms “Entorian,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Entorian Technologies Inc. and all of its subsidiaries that are consolidated in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

Cautionary Statement

The following discussion should be read along with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the audited consolidated financial statements and notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which we filed with the SEC on March 14, 2008. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections, and the beliefs and assumptions of our management including, without limitation, our expectations regarding the following: the sales of our products to a limited number of customers and with a limited number of key technologies; deriving a portion of our future revenue from license royalties; the lack of significant credit losses from our customers; manufacturing delays as we develop or refine new manufacturing technologies and methods; our belief that our current assets, including cash, cash equivalents and investments, and expected cash flows from operating activities, will be sufficient to fund our operations, our anticipated additions to property, plant and equipment and any share repurchases under our stock repurchase program for at least the next 12 months; our belief that our package-stacking technologies and manufacturing processes are directly applicable to the Flash memory market; our belief that our facilities are suitable and adequate to meet our current operating needs; our belief that a ten percent change in interest rates will not have a significant impact on our interest income; our belief that our strong patent portfolio and intellectual property (IP) position will allow us to expand our business; our belief that the strength of our intellectual property rights is, and will continue to be, critical to the success of our business and will allow us to compete favorably against our competition; our intent to vigorously protect our intellectual property; our intent to grow our business through business combinations or other acquisitions; our belief that our future success will depend upon our ability to attract and retain personnel; our expectation that adopting SFAS 157 for our non-financial assets and liabilities will not have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations; our belief that we will continue to receive interest payments on our auction rate securities as long as we hold these securities; our belief that our ability to deliver memory stacking and module technologies in high volume and with short turnaround times distinguishes us from other similar service providers; our belief that it would not be appropriate to make any changes to our financial reports or book allowances related to Samsung’s refund request; our belief that our revenue recognition has been correct regarding Samsung’s refund request; our belief that the current liquidity issues related to our auction rate securities will not impact our ability to fund our ongoing business operations; our believe that our future success will depend in large part on our relationship with key Dell personnel; our expectation that revenue from Dell will represent a substantial percentage of our total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2008; and our expectation regarding expanding our business by focusing on various growth markets, including government and military applications, as well as first responders and mobile service applications in utilities, telecommunications and industrial manufacturing. . Words such as we “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “believe,” “goals,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “may,” “might,” “could,” “intend,” variations of these types of words and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by our forward-looking statements are those discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and elsewhere in this report. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason. Readers should carefully review the risk factors described in Item 1A, as well as in the documents filed by us with the SEC, specifically our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which we filed with the SEC on March 14, 2008, as well as our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other SEC filings, as they may be amended from time to time.

 

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Overview

Until July 2008, we focused exclusively on providing advanced module and system-level products for high-reliability and high-performance markets by offering stacking services, as well as memory module services, as explained in more detail below. Historically, we reported our revenue under one segment.

On July 14, 2008, we acquired Augmentix Corporation. Augmentix primarily re-engineers and “ruggedizes” certain Dell™ products to provide solutions with the latest technologies, high performance levels, enhanced functionality and reliability, and the potential for a low total cost of ownership for mission-critical, rugged computing solutions.

As a result of this acquisition, we are now reporting our revenue under two segments, Memory Solutions and Rugged Technology Solutions.

Memory Solutions

Our development and implementation of thin, small outline package (TSOP) and ball grid array (BGA) package-stacked technologies have resulted in core competencies in thermal management, high-density package stacking, electrical interconnect and standard assembly process. This technical expertise has provided a natural progression toward high-density technology innovations for enterprise and emerging consumer electronics markets.

Stacking - Performance and High Performance Stakpak® and FlashStak®

Our Stakpak® memory solutions increase operational performance by doubling, tripling or quadrupling the amount of capacity in the same physical footprint as required by standard packaging technology.

Module Technologies

Our module technologies enable high-density, small-profile and thermally-enhanced memory modules that are not possible using conventional designs. Electrical, mechanical and thermal characteristics are combined to meet evolving system design complexities for increasing memory capacity and throughput rates of emerging applications.

Our customers can outsource their manufacturing needs to us, license our technologies for their in-house stacking of memory units, buy memory units from one of our licensees, such as Samsung, SMART Modular Technologies, Inc. (SMART), and Toshiba Corporation (Toshiba), or optimize their needs through a combination of these approaches.

As of September 30, 2008, our patent portfolio consisted of more than 200 patents and patent applications pending.

Through an acquisition and internal development efforts, we worked to diversify our products and markets. On August 31, 2007, we acquired Southland, a provider of memory products and services to OEMs since 1987. Southland is located in Irvine, California. Through this acquisition, one of our goals was to increase the opportunity to deploy IP to top-tier server OEMs and data center end customers.

We believe that our ability to deliver memory stacking and module technologies in high volume and with short turnaround times distinguishes us from other similar service providers. Our sophisticated manufacturing processes combine proprietary assembly equipment with standard, back-end automation in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Reynosa, Mexico. Since we began manufacturing our products, we have been increasing the degree of automation, overall efficiency and production yields of our manufacturing processes. We have been ISO certified to the ISO9001:2000 standard since 2001, as assessed by Bureau Veritas Quality International (N.A.) Inc.

The market to provide memory solutions is intensely competitive. Within that market, we believe that we compete primarily with other providers of high-capacity technologies and services to OEMs and manufacturers of high-density memory chips. The primary factors upon which we compete are product quality and reliability, manufacturing capacity, cycle times, price and prompt and effective customer service.

 

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Most of our customers, including Hewlett-Packard (HP), Micron Technology, Inc. (Micron), Samsung and SMART, also are competitors of ours, and may have the ability to manufacture competitive products at lower costs. Our current or potential competitors may also sell bundled arrangements offering a more complete or cost-effective product despite the technical merits or advantages of our services or technologies. We also face competition from current and prospective customers that continually evaluate our capabilities against the merits of manufacturing products internally. Competition may also arise due to the development of cooperative relationships among our current and potential competitors or third parties. In addition, we expect to face competition from existing competitors and new and emerging companies that may enter our existing or future markets with similar or alternative products, which may be less costly or provide additional features. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share.

As a result of the competitive factors set forth above, in addition to other factors regarding the current difficult market conditions, our Board of Directors is considering whether to explore strategic alternatives for our Memory Solutions business.

Rugged Technology Solutions

As set forth above, Augmentix re-engineers and ruggedizes certain Dell products to provide computing solutions for use in harsh environments.

Our business model allows us to challenge traditional rugged industry providers while enabling our customers to enjoy extensive benefits, including a common IT platform with industry-leading Dell systems. We provide:

 

 

efficient, cost-effective IT deployment, management and maintenance;

 

 

expanded functionality;

 

 

tier-one quality and parts consistency;

 

 

the potential for lower product lifecycle costs; and

 

 

next-generation performance in highly secure and fully rugged computing systems.

Rugged technologies are becoming more commonplace, and customers are demanding better performance and functionality, as well as seamless integration with existing technologies. We are recognizing these requirements and have developed, and are continuing to develop, a product portfolio of rugged computing systems that has been designed, engineered and independently tested to meet fully rugged requirements as defined by select military standards (MIL-STD-810F).

Our products include:

 

 

A+ Rugged Servers

The A+1950 2U and A+R200 1U rugged servers provide advanced server technologies for use in harsh environmental conditions.

 

 

A+SAMP Embedded Server Management

Our Server Availability Management Processor™ (A+SAMP) card is a self-contained, independent management card that can enhance the availability and manageability of our servers and other qualifying server platforms.

 

 

Latitude XFR D630

The Latitude XFR is Dell Inc.’s (Dell) first fully ruggedized notebook, designed for reliable performance in the harshest environments. It meets the military specification MIL-STD-810F for extreme temperatures, shock and drop, moisture, altitude, among other specifications.

Our rugged server solutions are sold through leading systems integrators as well as directly to U.S. government agencies. Our rugged notebooks are developed with and distributed exclusively through Dell.

 

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We plan to expand our business by focusing on various growth markets, including government and military applications, as well as first responders and mobile service applications in utilities, telecommunications and industrial manufacturing. Additional target markets include healthcare, aeronautics and professional service applications. In these markets, heat, vibration/shock, moisture and dust can impact reliability.

Samsung Update

We have a license arrangement with Samsung, pursuant to which we have licensed certain technologies to Samsung, and Samsung provides to us quarterly reports of its license usage and pays corresponding royalty amounts in accordance with the terms of the agreement. We have primarily relied on these reports from Samsung and subsequent cash payment to record revenue from this license agreement.

During the second quarter of 2008, Samsung sent us a letter asserting that it made errors in the royalty reports that it previously delivered to us during the period beginning in the fourth quarter of 2005 and ending in the first quarter of 2008. Samsung believes that these errors resulted in an overpayment to us of an aggregate of approximately $2.9 million, and Samsung has requested that we refund this amount. Samsung paid to us a total of $14.2 million during this time period.

Because of information provided to us by Samsung regarding excessive yield loss and independent information we have obtained, we do not believe it would be appropriate to make any changes to our financial reports or book allowances related to this refund request, and we believe that our revenue recognition has been correct. Currently we are in discussions with Samsung regarding this matter.

Results of Operations—a comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

The following table presents our results of operations for the periods indicated expressed as a percentage of total revenue:

 

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     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Revenue:

    

Product

   96.1 %   80.0 %

License

   3.9     20.0  
            

Total revenue

   100.0     100.0  

Cost of revenue:

    

Product

   91.3     59.6  

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

   5.3     10.2  

Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets

   21.3     —    
            

Total cost of revenue

   117.9     69.8  
            

Gross profit (loss)

   (17.9 )   30.2  

Operating expenses:

    

Selling, general and administrative

   27.8     37.5  

Research and development

   11.3     12.5  

Restructuring

   1.0     3.3  

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

   0.9     1.7  

Impairment of acquisition intangibles

   23.4     —    

Goodwill impairment

   26.8     —    
            

Total operating expenses

   91.2     55.0  
            

Loss from operations

   (109.1 )   (24.8 )

Other income, net

   0.2     7.0  
            

Loss before income taxes

   (108.9 )   (17.8 )

Benefit for income taxes

   (2.8 )   (6.3 )
            

Net loss

   (106.1 )%   (11.5 )%
            

Total revenue

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
      
     2008    2007    Change  
     (in thousands, except %)       

Product revenue

   $ 17,750    $ 8,756    102.7 %

License revenue

     713      2,185    (67.4 )%
                    

Total revenue

   $ 18,463    $ 10,941    68.8 %
                    

Our consolidated product revenue for the third quarter of 2008 was $17.8 million, an increase of 102.7% from $8.8 million for the third quarter of 2007. License revenue for the third quarter of 2008 was $0.7 million, a decrease of 67.4% from $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2007.

Memory Solutions total revenue decreased $2.8 million, from $10.9 million in the third quarter of 2007 to $8.1 million in the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in our Memory Solutions revenue was primarily due to the decline in demand for our memory stacking products during the third quarter of 2008, as compared to the third quarter of 2007, as a result of a decrease in both leaded-package and BGA stacks. This decline was driven by the shift from DDR-1 to DDR-2 technologies. DDR-2 devices are enclosed in BGA packages and the demand for stacks of this technology has not grown to offset the decline in leaded packages. The demand for BGA stacks has been hindered by the availability of other competitive solutions, including dual-die and planar technologies. The decline in stacking product revenue was partially offset by revenue generated from our memory module products, which began in September 2007 as a result of our Southland acquisition.

 

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As a result of the Augmentix acquisition in July 2008 and in accordance with SFAS 131, we added a second segment, Rugged Technology Solutions, during the third quarter of 2008. Revenue in this segment is primarily generated from the sale of ruggedized computer solutions. Our Rugged Technology Solutions revenue increased from $0 in the third quarter of 2007 to $10.4 million in the third quarter of 2008. This increase more than offset the $2.8 million decline in Memory Solutions revenue.

The following table summarizes sales to customers that represented 10% or more of consolidated total revenue for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Dell

   41 %   *  

SMART

   13 %   24 %

Synnex

   11 %   *  

Micron

   *     31 %

Intel

   *     13 %

 

* Amount does not equal or exceed 10% for the indicated period.

Gross profit (loss)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
       
     2008     2007     Change  
     (in thousands, except %)        

Gross profit (loss)

   $ (3,305 )   $ 3,299     (200.2 )%

Percent of total revenue

     (17.9 )%     30.2 %  

Gross loss for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $3.3 million, or 17.9% of our total revenue, as compared to gross profit of $3.3 million, or 30.2% of our total revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2007. For the third quarter of 2008 and 2007, cost of sales included stock-based compensation expense of $0.1 million and amortization and impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets of $4.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

The change in our gross loss for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to a gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2007, was primarily due to recording an impairment charge related to our trade name intangible asset and lab equipment for our DIMM business unit for approximately $3.9 million, as a result of a decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to this business unit. In addition, the increase in gross loss was due to a shift towards the sale of memory modules, which carry a lower gross margin than our historical stacking products. In addition, the gross margin on our stacking products declined due to lower license revenue and fixed costs being spread over lower volumes. These declines were partially offset by the gross profit generated from our rugged notebook and server products. To improve the gross margin, we consolidated our manufacturing to one location. In the first half of 2008, we began transitioning manufacturing from our Irvine facility to our facility in Reynosa, Mexico. We completed this transition at the end of the third quarter of 2008.

Selling, general and administrative expense

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
       
     2008     2007     Change  
     (in thousands, except %)        

Selling, general and administrative

   $ 5,132     $ 4,101     25.1 %

Percent of total revenue

     27.8 %     37.5 %  

Selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $5.1 million, or 27.8% of total revenue. This amount reflected an increase of approximately $1.0 million, or 25.1%, as

 

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compared to $4.1 million, or 37.5%, of total revenue in the three months ended September 30, 2007. For the third quarter of 2008 and 2007, selling, general and administrative expense included stock-based compensation expense of $0.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

The increase in selling, general and administrative expense during the third quarter of 2008, compared to the third quarter of 2007, was primarily due to higher personnel-related costs associated with the acquisitions of Southland and Augmentix. In addition, we incurred higher professional services expense associated with the integration of our acquisitions and we recorded additional bad debt expense of approximately $0.5 million. These increases were partially offset by lower stock-based compensation expense of approximately $0.9 million.

Research and development expense

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
       
     2008     2007     Change  
     (in thousands, except %)        

Research and development

   $ 2,089     $ 1,373     52.1 %

Percent of total revenue

     11.3 %     12.5 %  

Research and development expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $2.1 million, or 11.3% of total revenue, which reflected an increase of $0.7 million, or 52.1%, as compared with $1.4 million, or 12.5% of total revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2007. For the third quarter of 2008 and 2007, research and development expense included stock-based compensation expense of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

The increase in research and development expense during the third quarter of 2008, relative to the third quarter of 2007, was primarily due to increased development costs associated with the acquisition of Augmentix and the addition of resources to address market opportunities for advanced technologies, partially offset by decreased personnel-related costs related to our traditional stacking business.

Goodwill impairment

We assess whether goodwill is impaired on an annual basis. Upon determining the existence of goodwill impairment, we measure that impairment based on the amount by which the book value of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Additional impairment assessments may be performed on an interim basis if we encounter events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that, more likely than not, the book value of goodwill has been impaired. The decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit during the third quarter of 2008 was an indicator of potential goodwill impairment, and because of this decline, we undertook an assessment to determine the fair value of our DIMM business. As a result of that review, we have recorded a non-cash charge of $5.0 million for the write off of the goodwill related to our DIMM business unit, which we established in connection with our Southland acquisition. The impairment charge reflects the changing business prospects for our DIMM business and declining demand for our products.

Critical estimates made in determining the fair value of our DIMM business included expected future cash flows from product sales, customer turnover and future overhead expenses. Management’s best estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions we believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.

Amortization and impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
      
     2008    2007    Change  
     (in thousands, except %)       

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

   $ 1,135    $ 1,303    (12.9 )%

Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets

   $ 8,249    $ —      100.0 %

 

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Amortization of acquisition intangibles was $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, which reflected a decrease of $0.2 million, or 12.9%, as compared with $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

We originally valued the acquisition intangibles using a discounted cash flow methodology. As a result, the scheduled amortization expense will vary from year to year. For interim periods within each year, amortization expense is recorded on a straight-line basis. The amortization expense for the third quarter of 2008 includes amortization of approximately $0.7 million for intangibles acquired during the quarter in connection with our acquisition of Augmentix.

Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets was $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared with $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2007. As of September 30, 2008, as a result of a decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit, we impaired the remaining residual value of the trade name intangible asset acquired through our Southland acquisition and we impaired the lab equipment for our DIMM business unit and recorded a charge of approximately $3.9 million, which is included in Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets in cost of revenue. In addition, we impaired the remaining residual value of our customer relationship and non-compete agreements intangible assets acquired through our Southland acquisition as a result of the decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit and recorded a charge of approximately $4.3 million, which is included in Impairment of acquisition intangibles in operating expenses.

Other income, net

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
      
     2008    2007    Change  
     (in thousands, except %)       

Other income, net

   $ 29    $ 762    (96.2 )%

Other income, net for the three months ended September 30, 2008, was approximately $29,000. This amount reflected a decrease of approximately $0.7 million, or 96.2%, compared to $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

The change in other income, net from the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the same period of 2007, was primarily due to a lower balance in our cash, cash equivalents and investments as a result of our Southland and Augmentix acquisitions and a reduction in our rate of return. In addition, during the third quarter of 2008 we recorded approximately $0.1 million in interest expense related to our convertible notes payable that we issued in connection with our acquisition of Augmentix and other financing charges.

Benefit for income taxes

We recorded an income tax benefit of $0.5 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The $0.5 million benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2008 reflects our estimated annual effective tax rate of 3% and includes a discrete benefit of $0.3 million due to the inclusion of a research and development tax credit in our 2007 tax return that was not reflected in our 2007 year-end tax accrual. The $0.7 million benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2007 reflects our estimated annual effective tax rate of (6)%, excluding discrete items. The three months ended September 30, 2007 also included discrete benefits of $0.4 million from a reduction in our valuation allowance for our net U.S. deferred tax assets resulting from a change in our forecast and a $0.2 million benefit due to the amendment of a prior-year tax return for a research and development tax credit.

For the third quarter of 2008, our effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to the application of a valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets, as we believe there is uncertainty regarding their realization. For the third quarter of 2007, our effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to the tax implications of our stock-based compensation, tax-exempt interest, the partial reversal of a valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets that was initially recorded in the second quarter of 2007 due to a change in our forecast, a tax credit related to 2003 research and development costs and a reversal of a liability for an uncertain tax position.

 

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Results of Operations—a comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

The following table presents our results of operations for the periods indicated expressed as a percentage of total revenue:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Revenue:

    

Product

   90.7 %   84.0 %

License

   9.3     16.0  
            

Total revenue

   100.0     100.0  

Cost of revenue:

    

Product

   94.9     65.0  

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

   6.0     11.6  

Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets

   11.4     2.5  
            

Total cost of revenue

   112.3     79.1  
            

Gross profit (loss)

   (12.3 )   20.9  

Operating expenses:

    

Selling, general and administrative

   33.6     38.9  

Research and development

   12.5     16.7  

Restructuring

   1.1     1.3  

Goodwill impairment

   13.8     —    

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

   1.4     1.6  

Impairment of acquisition intangibles

   12.0     —    
            

Total operating expenses

   74.4     58.5  
            

Loss from operations

   (86.7 )   (37.6 )

Other income, net

   2.6     8.6  
            

Loss before income taxes

   (84.1 )   (29.0 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   (2.2 )   0.8  
            

Net loss

   (81.9 )%   (29.8 )%
            

Total revenue

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
      
     2008    2007    Change  
     (in thousands, except %)       

Product revenue

   $ 32,639    $ 23,402    39.5 %

License revenue

     3,349      4,456    (24.8 )%
                    

Total revenue

   $ 35,988    $ 27,858    29.2 %
                    

Our product revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $32.6 million, an increase of 39.5% from $23.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. License revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $3.3 million, a decrease of 24.8% from $4.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Our Memory Solutions total revenue decreased $2.3 million from $27.9 million in the first three quarters of 2007 to $25.6 million in the first three quarters of 2008. The decrease in our Memory Solutions revenue was primarily due to the decline in demand for our memory stacking products in both leaded-package and BGA stacks. This decline was driven by the shift from DDR-1 to DDR-2 technologies. DDR-2 devices are enclosed in BGA packages and the demand for stacks of this technology has not grown to offset the decline in leaded

 

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packages. The demand for BGA stacks has been hindered by the availability of other competitive solutions, including dual-die and planar technologies. The decline in stacking product revenue was almost completely offset by the increase in revenue generated from our memory module products, of which we had only one month of revenue in the first nine months of 2007.

As a result of the Augmentix acquisition and in accordance with SFAS 131, we added a second segment, Rugged Technology Solutions, during the third quarter of 2008. Revenue in this segment is primarily generated from the sale of ruggedized computer solutions. Our Rugged Technology Solutions revenues increased from $0 in the first nine months of 2007 to $10.4 million in the first nine months of 2008. This increase more than offset the $2.3 million decline in Memory Solutions revenue.

The following table summarizes sales to customers that represented 10% or more of consolidated total revenue for the periods indicated:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Dell

   21 %   *  

SMART

   17 %   19 %

Micron

   11 %   39 %

Google

   10 %   *  

 

* Amount does not equal or exceed 10% for the indicated period.

Gross profit (loss)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
       
     2008     2007     Change  
     (in thousands, except %)        

Gross profit (loss)

   $ (4,426 )   $ 5,836     (175.8 )%

Percent of total revenue

     (12.3 )%     20.9 %  

Gross loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $4.4 million, or 12.3% of our total revenue, as compared to gross profit of $5.8 million, or 20.9% of our total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, cost of sales included stock-based compensation expense of $0.3 million in both periods and amortization and impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets of $6.3 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

The change in our gross loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to a gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, was primarily due to recording an impairment charge related to our trade name intangible asset and lab equipment for approximately $3.9 million, as a result of a decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit. In addition, the reduction in gross profit was due to a shift towards the sale of memory modules, which carry a lower gross margin than our historical stacking products. In addition, the gross margin on our stacking products declined due to lower license revenue and fixed costs being spread over lower volumes. These declines were partially offset by the gross profit generated from our rugged notebook and server products. To improve the gross margin, we consolidated our manufacturing to one location. In the first half of 2008, we began transitioning manufacturing from our Irvine facility to our facility in Reynosa, Mexico. We completed this transition at the end of the third quarter of 2008.

 

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Selling, general and administrative expense

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
       
     2008     2007     Change  
     (in thousands, except %)        

Selling, general and administrative

   $ 12,088     $ 10,829     11.6 %

Percent of total revenue

     33.6 %     38.9 %  

Selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $12.1 million, or 33.6% of total revenue. This amount reflected an increase of approximately $1.3 million, or 11.6%, as compared to $10.8 million, or 38.9% of total revenue, in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. For the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, selling, general and administrative expense included stock-based compensation expense of $1.4 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

The increase in selling, general and administrative expense during the first nine months of 2008, compared to the first nine months of 2007, was primarily due to higher personnel-related costs associated with the acquisitions of Southland and Augmentix. In addition, we incurred higher professional services expense associated with the integration of our acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by lower stock-based compensation expense.

Research and development expense

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
       
     2008     2007     Change  
     (in thousands, except %)        

Research and development

   $ 4,486     $ 4,642     (3.4 )%

Percent of total revenue

     12.5 %     16.7 %  

Research and development expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $4.5 million, or 12.5% of total revenue, which reflected a decrease of $0.1 million, or 3.4%, as compared with $4.6 million, or 16.7% of total revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. For the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, research and development expense included stock-based compensation expense of approximately $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

The decrease in research and development expense during first nine months of 2008, relative to the first nine months of 2007, was primarily due to decreased personnel-related costs related to our traditional stacking business and lower stock-based compensation expense, partially offset by increased development costs associated with the acquisition of Augmentix and the addition of resources to address market opportunities for advanced technologies.

Goodwill impairment

We assess whether goodwill is impaired on an annual basis. Upon determining the existence of goodwill impairment, we measure that impairment based on the amount by which the book value of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Additional impairment assessments may be performed on an interim basis if we encounter events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that, more likely than not, the book value of goodwill has been impaired. The decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit during the third quarter of 2008 was an indicator of potential goodwill impairment, and because of this decline, we undertook an assessment to determine the fair value of our DIMM business, which is one of our reporting units. As a result of that review, we have recorded a non-cash charge of $5.0 million for the write off of the goodwill related to our DIMM business unit, which we established in connection with our Southland acquisition. The impairment charge reflects the changing business prospects for our DIMM business and declining demand for our products.

Critical estimates made in determining the fair value of our DIMM business included expected future cash flows from product sales, customer turnover and future overhead expenses. Management’s best estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions we believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.

 

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Amortization and impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
      
     2008    2007    Change  
     (in thousands, except %)       

Amortization of acquisition intangibles

   $ 2,679    $ 3,698    (27.6 )%

Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets

   $ 8,409    $ 684    1129.4 %

Amortization of acquisition intangibles was $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 27.6%, compared to $3.7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2007.

The acquisition intangibles were originally valued using a discounted cash flow methodology. As a result, the scheduled amortization expense will vary from year to year. For interim periods within each year, amortization expense is recorded on a straight-line basis. The amortization for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 includes amortization of approximately $0.7 million for intangibles acquired during the third quarter in connection with our acquisition of Augmentix.

Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets was $8.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, an increase of $7.7 million, or 1129.4%, compared to $0.7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2007.

As of September 30, 2008, as a result of a decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit, we impaired the remaining residual value of our trade name intangible asset acquired through our Southland acquisition and we impaired the lab equipment for our DIMM business unit and recorded a charge of approximately $3.9 million, which is included in Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets in cost of revenue. In addition, we impaired the remaining residual value of our customer relationship and non-compete agreements acquired through our Southland acquisition as a result of the decline in revenue and negative cash flow related to our DIMM business unit and recorded a charge of approximately $4.3 million, which is included in Impairment of acquisition intangibles in operating expenses.

As of June 30, 2008, as a result of the anticipated reduction in the future cash flow from our license agreement with Samsung, we tested our customer relationship intangible asset for impairment. As a result of our review, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $0.2 million, which is include in Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets in cost of revenue. The value was initially recorded based upon the projected discounted net cash flows attributable to this relationship.

As of March 31, 2007, as a result of our customers’ increased use of competitive technologies and the associated uncertainty around our future revenue, we tested our trademark intangible asset for impairment. As a result of our review, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $0.7 million, which is included in Impairment of acquisition intangibles and fixed assets in cost of revenue. As of March 31, 2007, we also determined that the trademark intangible asset has an estimated remaining useful life of four years. During the second quarter of 2007, we began amortizing the remaining balance of $1.1 million over its estimated useful life in proportion to the estimated contribution to discounted cash flows during the four-year period.

Other income, net

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
      
     2008    2007    Change  
     (in thousands, except %)       

Other income, net

   $ 938    $ 2,376    (60.5 )%

Other income, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, was $0.9 million, as compared to $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

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The change in other income, net from the first nine months ended September 30, 2008 to the same period of 2007, was due to a lower balance in our cash, cash equivalents and investments as a result of our Southland and Augmentix acquisitions and a reduction in our rate of return. In addition, during the third quarter of 2008 we recorded approximately $0.1 million in interest expense related to our notes payable that we issued in connection with our acquisition of Augmentix and other financing charges.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

We recorded an income tax benefit of $0.8 million and an income tax provision of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 reflects our estimated annual effective tax rate of 3% and includes a discrete benefit of $0.3 million due to the inclusion of a research and development tax credit in our 2007 tax return that was not reflected in our 2007 year-end tax accrual. The nine months ended September 30, 2007 reflects our estimated annual effective tax rate of (6)%, excluding discrete items. The nine months ended September 30, 2007 also included a discrete tax charge of $0.3 million to establish a valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets and a $0.2 million benefit due to the amendment of a prior-year tax return for a research and development tax credit.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, our effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to the application of a valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets, as we believe there is uncertainty regarding their realization. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, our effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to the tax implications of our stock-based compensation, tax-exempt interest income, the application of a valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets as we believed there was uncertainty regarding their realization, a tax credit related to 2003 research and development costs and a reversal of a liability for an uncertain tax position.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2008, we had working capital of $26.9 million, including $16.1 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments, compared to working capital of $66.3 million, including $61.9 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments, as of December 31, 2007. In addition to our working capital, we held approximately $7.0 million in long-term investments at September 30, 2008 and none at December 31, 2007.

Our long-term investments consist of tax-exempt auction rate securities, which have a long-term maturity with the interest rate being reset to the maximum rate according to the applicable investment offering document. During the first quarter of 2008, auctions for certain of these securities began to fail. As of September 30, 2008, we held approximately $7.0 million of auction rate securities. The underlying collateral of our ARS consists primarily of student loans, of which 70% are guaranteed by the federal government as part of the FFELP. The FFELP guarantees between 95% and 98% of the par value of these loans. The remaining 30% of our ARS are private loans, of which 85% are insured. During the third quarter of 2008, one of our auction rate securities was called at par by the issuer for $2.5 million. See Note 4, “Investments,” for additional information.

Net cash used in operating activities was $13.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The change from net cash provided by operating activities to net cash used in operating activities was primarily due to a $21.2 million change in net loss, a net increase of $5.2 million in cash used for operating assets and liabilities and a $3.1 million change in stock-based compensation expense partially offset by an increase in intangible impairment and fixed asset impairment of $10.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, primarily consisted of $18.5 million in proceeds from the sale of investments, net of purchases partially offset by $13.0 million of cash used for the Augmentix acquisition related to the minority interest. Net cash used in investing activities of $17.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 primarily consisted of the $21.4 million purchase of Southland partially offset by $5.0 million in proceeds from the sale of investments, net of purchases.

Net cash used in financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $9.8 million, primarily related to the Augmentix acquisition related to the common control owner of $9.7 million. Net cash used in financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $3.9 million, primarily related to the purchase of our common stock as part of our stock repurchase program for $4.2 million.

 

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Effective July 11, 2008, as part of our acquisition of Augmentix, we terminated our unsecured revolving loan agreement with Guaranty Bank.

We believe that our current assets, including cash and cash equivalents, investments and expected cash flow from operations, will be sufficient to fund our operations, our anticipated additions to property, plant and equipment and any share repurchases under our stock repurchase program for at least the next 12 months. However, it is possible that we may need or elect to raise additional cash to fund our activities beyond the next year or to acquire other businesses, products or technologies. We could raise these funds by borrowing money or selling more stock to the public or to selected investors. In addition, while we may not need additional funds, we may elect to sell additional equity securities or obtain credit facilities for other reasons. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to obtain additional funds on commercially favorable terms, or at all. If we raise additional funds by issuing more equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership percentages of existing stockholders would be reduced. In addition, the equity or debt securities that we issue may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of the holders of our common stock.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We believe that the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting estimates, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.

Revenue Recognition and Presentation. We engage in transactions where we sell consigned inventory to third parties and where we provide licensees with inventory. We evaluate these transactions and determine if the costs and revenue should be presented on a gross or net basis. In making this determination, we primarily consider the following: (1) we are not adding value to the inventory through our manufacturing processes, (2) we do not take risk of ownership of the inventory and (3) our net revenue from the transaction is predefined. In situations where these conditions are met, we net the expense of the components against the revenue from the transaction. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 we recorded approximately $0.7 million in consigned inventory sales, net of cost.

We recognize initial nonrefundable license fees when (1) we enter into a legally binding arrangement with a customer for the license, (2) we deliver the products, (3) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties and (4) collection is reasonably assured. We may provide training and/or other assistance to our licensees under the terms of the license agreement. The amount of training or assistance provided is limited and incidental to the licensed technology. In instances where training or other assistance is provided under the terms of a license agreement, the estimated fair value of such services is deferred until these services are provided. The associated revenue is included in product revenue. In instances where we provide training or other assistance that is considered inconsequential to the license agreement, the estimated fair value of the services is recognized in connection with the initial license fee and is included in license revenue.

Royalty revenue from our license agreements is recognized in the quarter in which our licensees report royalties to us. Certain licensees do not provide us with forward estimates or current-quarter information concerning their shipments. Because we are not able to reasonably estimate the amount of royalties earned during the period in which these licensees actually ship products using our technologies, we do not recognize royalty revenue until the royalties are reported to us and the collection of these royalties is reasonably assured.

Deferred Revenue. Our agreement with our largest OEM allows for price reductions as certain volume levels are reached. The per-unit price of lower-quantity tiers is not fixed, since the price can be retroactively adjusted downward if certain volume levels are satisfied. Pursuant to EITF 01-9 Issue 6, we consider these pricing changes as a right of return and defer the amount of rebate that could occur until the end of the annual period when the actual volume levels are known. We estimate the amount of units based on experience as well as the six-month rolling forecasts provided by our OEM, and we recognize revenue based on these estimates. Revenue above this amount is deferred until the actual volume levels are achieved, and as a result, the actual price per unit is known at the end of the year. The estimate is revised each reporting period and is ultimately adjusted to actual at the end of the year.

 

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Impairment of Assets. We evaluate the recoverability of losses on long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets are less than the carrying value of these assets, and accordingly, all or a portion of this carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are then measured by comparing the fair value of the assets to the carrying amounts. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of intangible assets require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected future cash flows from, and the expected life of, the intangible asset, as well as the appropriate discount rate. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of intangible assets represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, we could reach a different conclusion regarding whether an intangible asset is impaired and, if so, the amount of the impairment loss.

Goodwill is our only intangible asset that is not amortized. We evaluate goodwill annually for impairment as of October 1 and periodically when indicators of impairment exist. The goodwill impairment test requires judgment regarding the determination of fair value of our reporting units, and the determination of fair value of our assets and liabilities. A reporting unit is defined as a component of an entity for which the operating results are regularly reviewed by management and discrete financial information is available. We periodically assess our goodwill for indications of impairment on a reporting unit level.

Inventory and Inventory Reserves. We value our inventory at standard cost and review our inventory for quantities in excess of production requirements and for obsolescence. We maintain a reserve for excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory, as well as for inventory with a carrying value in excess of its market value. We review inventory on hand quarterly and record a provision for lower of cost or market, excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory, if necessary. The review is based on several factors, including a current assessment of future product demand, historical experience and market conditions. If actual conditions are less favorable than those that we projected, additional inventory reserves may be required.

Warranty. We repair or replace products that have been authorized for repair or replacement by our customers. We utilize a third-party service provider to perform a full range of service and support options, ranging from telephone, online, on-site, return-to-depot, and customer replaceable units (parts) available in the continental U.S. and in select international cities. The costs of such repairs or replacements are expensed as actual costs are incurred. We warrant products for periods ranging from 12 to 37 months following the sale of our products. While we engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers, our warranty obligations are affected by product failure rates, material usage and service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Should actual product failure rates, material usage or service delivery costs increase, our warranty costs to support the products in the field could increase.

Income Taxes. We determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Inherent in the measurement of these deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of existing tax law and other published guidance. We establish valuation allowances when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. Our effective tax rate considers our judgment of expected tax liabilities in the various taxing jurisdictions, within which we are subject to tax as well as the realizability of deferred tax assets. The recorded amounts of income tax are subject to adjustment upon audit, changes in interpretation and changes in judgment utilized in determining estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method and, therefore, we did not restate prior periods’ results. Under this method, we recognize compensation expense for all share-based payments granted after January 1, 2006, as well as those granted prior to but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, in accordance with SFAS 123(R). Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R), we recognize stock-based compensation net of an estimated forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award and only recognize compensation cost for those shares expected to vest. Prior to SFAS 123(R) adoption, we accounted for share-based payments under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25).

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the share-based payment awards and stock price volatility. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards

 

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represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from the amount we have recorded in the current period.

Southland Earn-Out Consideration. As part of the purchase of Southland, we are required to pay up to $7 million to the sellers if certain financial goals are achieved over the two years subsequent to closing the acquisition. We must estimate, on a quarterly basis, if these goals will be met, but final determination of achieving the goals will only be known on the first and second anniversary dates of the closing date. As a result, from quarter to quarter, changes in our estimates could result in reversing or recognizing significant amounts of compensation expense. In addition, the sellers may elect to receive payment in either cash or stock. We must, based on our current stock price compared to the earn-out exercise price, predict which form of payment the sellers will elect to receive. If our stock price is not an accurate indicator of the sellers’ eventual election, our total liabilities could be misstated.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-3 to clarify the application of fair value measurements of a financial asset when the market for that asset is not active. This clarifying guidance became effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements had not been issued, such as the period ended September 30, 2008 for the Company. The adoption of FSP FAS 157-3 did not significantly impact our financial position or results of operations.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 157 for our non-financial assets and liabilities to have a material impact on our financial position and results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141R. This standard establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, including goodwill, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The impact of adopting SFAS 141R will depend on the future business combinations that we may pursue after its effective date.

Subsequent Events

Auction Rate Securities

In October 2008, we received a settlement offer from one of our investment providers to sell at par value our auction rate securities at any time during a two-year period beginning June 30, 2010 and ending July 2, 2012. We accepted the terms of this offer in November 2008, and are in the process of determining the impact of the settlement on our consolidated financial statements.

Settlement and Release Agreement

On November 3, 2008, we entered into a settlement agreement with John R. Meehan and Joseph C. Meehan, the principal stockholders of Southland at the time we acquired it (the Meehans). In this settlement agreement:

 

  1. we agreed to pay 35% of our remaining two-year lease obligation on the building we are leasing from the Meehans in Irvine, California in exchange for a release from this lease;

 

  2. we agreed to release the remaining escrow held in the escrow account set up at the time of the Southland acquisition;

 

  3. the Meehans are waiving their rights to the earn-out set up at the time of the closing of the acquisition for the second (and last) year for which they are eligible to participate in the earn-out; and

 

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  4. the Meehans’ employment was terminated, and they each will receive one year of severance in accordance with their employment agreements, and have agreed not to compete with us for one year except in certain circumstances regarding DRAM brokerage activities.

As stated above, we previously relocated our California manufacturing operations from Irvine, California to Reynosa, Mexico, and now are vacating the facility in Irvine.

Separation and Release Agreement

On November 6, 2008, we entered into a separation and release agreement with Wayne R. Lieberman, our chief executive officer. Mr. Lieberman resigned his position as chief executive officer and director on our board of directors. Mr. Lieberman will receive the following as severance benefits:

 

  1. severance of the total of his base salary and bonuses received over the previous 12 months, paid out over the 12 months following his termination on the Company’s regular payroll periods;

 

  2. 50% acceleration of his unvested options to purchase common stock;

 

  3. a lump-sum payment of one year of the costs of his medical coverage that was provided by the Company until his termination; and

 

  4. an extended exercise period of 18 months from the date of his termination to exercise his vested stock options.

We entered into a consulting agreement for a period of one month with Mr. Lieberman to assist us with the transition from Mr. Lieberman to Mr. Godevais, our new president and chief executive officer, with respect to certain issues.

New President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

On November 6, 2008, we announced that Stephan Godevais was appointed our new president, chief executive officer and director. Mr. Godevais entered into an employment agreement (the Employment Agreement) with the Company, pursuant to which he will receive the following:

 

  1. an annualized base salary of $300,000;

 

  2. a bonus of up to 100% of his base salary under the terms of Augmentix Corporation’s bonus plan for 2008, and the Entorian 2009 bonus plan after 2008, which will include Augmentix and Entorian results on a combined basis;

 

  3. an option to purchase 1 million shares of common stock of the Company granted on November 6, 2008, with an exercise price of $0.54 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on NASDAQ on the date of grant;

 

  4. an option to purchase an additional 1 million shares of common stock of the Company following stockholder approval to increase the authorized shares in our stock option plan and the related notification of stockholders; and

 

  5. other benefits made available to executives generally.

In addition, in the event of his termination without cause (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and resignation for good reason (also as defined in the Employment Agreement), Mr. Godevais is entitled to receive:

 

  1. severance of the total of his base salary and bonuses received over the previous 12 months, paid out over the 12 months following his termination on the Company’s regular payroll periods;

 

  2. 50% acceleration of his unvested options to purchase common stock;

 

  3. a lump-sum payment of one year of the costs of his medical coverage that was provided by the Company until his termination; and

 

  4. an extended exercise period of 18 months from the date of his termination to exercise his vested stock options.

New Chairman of the Board

Effective November 6, 2008, Joseph C. Aragona resigned his position as chairman of the board of directors, and will remain serving as a director. The board elected Joseph Marengi as its chairman of the board to replace

 

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Mr. Aragona. Mr. Marengi will receive an annual base salary of $60,000 to serve in this position, as well as our standard board retainer fees and meeting fees, and he will be eligible to participate in our bonus plan beginning in 2009, with a maximum bonus potential of 100% of his base salary. In addition, he received an option to purchase up to 200,000 shares of our common stock on November 6, 2008, with an exercise price of $0.54 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on NASDAQ on the date of grant. He will receive an additional option to purchase up to 200,000 shares of our common stock following stockholder approval to increase the authorized shares in our stock option plan and the related notification to stockholders.

Increase in Stock Option Pool

On November 6, 2008, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the authorized option pool pursuant to our 2003 Stock Option Plan by 1.8 million shares, and Austin Ventures approved this increase as the majority stockholder. We plan to mail the required information to stockholders of record within the next few weeks. All employees of the Company, including our executive officers, are eligible to receive grants under this plan.

Available Information

We maintain a web site at www.entorian.com, which makes available free of charge our filings with the SEC. Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 are available through the Investor Relations page of our web site as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file this material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our web site and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. Most of our transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars. The functional currency of our subsidiary in Mexico is the U.S. dollar. As a result, we have very little exposure to currency exchange risks and foreign exchange losses have been minimal to date. We do not currently enter into forward exchange contracts to hedge exposure denominated in foreign currencies or any other derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. In the future, if we believe that our currency exposure has increased, we may consider entering into hedging transactions to help mitigate that risk.

Interest Rate Risk. The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while maximizing the related income without significantly increasing risk. Even so, some of the securities in which we invest may be subject to market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates may cause the principal amount of the investment to fluctuate. To minimize this risk in the future, we intend to maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents and short-term investments in a variety of securities, including commercial paper, money market funds, government and non-government debt securities and certificates of deposit. The risk associated with fluctuating interest rates is limited to our investment portfolio and we do not believe that a 10% change in interest rates will have a significant impact on our interest income. As of September 30, 2008, all of our cash was held in deposit or money market accounts, or invested in investment grade securities. At September 30, 2008, we had amounts on deposit with financial institutions that were in excess of the federally insured limit of $100,000. We have not experienced any losses on deposits of cash and cash equivalents.

Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates to our convertible notes. The fair market value of our convertible notes is subject to interest rate risk because of their fixed interest rate and market risk due to the convertible feature of our convertible notes. Generally, the fair market value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall, and decrease as interest rates rise. The fair market value of our convertible notes will also increase as the market price of our stock increases and decrease as the market price falls. The interest and market value changes affect the fair market value of our convertible notes but do not impact their carrying value.

Our long-term investments consist of auction rate securities of approximately $7.0 million. During the first quarter of 2008, auctions for certain of these securities began to fail. The funds associated with failed auctions are not expected to be accessible until a successful auction occurs, the issuer redeems the securities, a buyer is found outside of the auction process or the underlying securities mature. Additionally, if we determine that an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of any of our auction-rate securities has occurred, we may be required to adjust the carrying value of the investments through an impairment charge. See Note 4, “Investments,” for additional information.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, excluding the controls performed at our Augmentix subsidiary, were effective for this purpose. This assessment excluded the controls performed at our Augmentix subsidiary because we acquired it in the second half of 2008. Augmentix’s total assets and total revenue represented approximately 34% of our total assets and 29% of our total revenue, respectively, as of September 30, 2008. While we are addressing Augmentix’s controls and procedures, we are permitted to exclude an acquisition for our assessment if, among other circumstances and factors, there is not adequate time between the closing date of the acquisition and the assessment date to assess its internal controls.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Currently, we are not involved in any material legal proceedings. Refer to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2008, which was filed with the SEC on August 14, 2008, for a discussion of our past legal proceeding settled during 2008.

From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings, claims in the ordinary course of business, claims in foreign jurisdictions where we operate, and non-contractual customer claims or requested concessions we may agree to in the interest of maintaining business relationships.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our business faces significant risks. The risk factors set forth below may not be the only ones that we face. Additional risks that we are not aware of yet or that currently are not material may adversely affect our business operations.

Set forth below are risk factors we face primarily in our memory module and stacking businesses, which are our historical businesses. These risk factors include risks faced by Augmentix Corporation, which we acquired in July 2008, but there are additional risk factors set forth below this section that Augmentix also faces.

We may not be able to increase our revenue and our operating results are likely to fluctuate, which may cause the trading price of our common stock to decline.

We may not be able to increase revenue or generate gross profits or net income. Our revenue and operating results are likely to fluctuate, causing our stock price to fluctuate. If our revenue or operating results fall below the expectations of market analysts or investors, the market price of our common stock could decline substantially.

Factors that may contribute to fluctuations in our revenue and operating results include the risk factors discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the following additional factors:

 

 

the timing and volume of orders received from our customers;

 

 

market demand for, and changes in the average sales prices of, our products and technologies;

 

 

the rate of qualification and adoption of our products and technologies including, but not limited to, the transition from DDR-1 to DDR-2 technologies, as well as from DDR-2 to DDR-3 technologies, and from leaded to non-leaded packages;

 

 

a shortage of critical parts, which may negatively impact our ability to fulfill customer orders;

 

 

the impact of transitions from current-generation products to next-generation products, with each transition resulting in lower unit volumes of memory products to produce the same amount of memory capacity. This is partially offset by increasing demand for memory capacity with each new generation of systems;

 

 

the increasing adoption of planar and dual-die solutions by OEMs as well as memory suppliers, instead of adopting our solutions;

 

 

fluctuating demand for, and life cycles of, the products and systems that incorporate our solutions;

 

 

changes in our relationship with Dell, Inc., Augmentix’s largest customer with which Augmentix has an exclusive sales and marketing agreement regarding certain ruggedized computer notebook products;

 

 

inconsistency in forecasts provided to us by Dell, resulting in increased inventory exposure as we build to the current Dell forecast;

 

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decreases in military spending and the budgets of federal, state and local agencies, impacting sales of our ruggedized products sold;

 

 

the failure of our ruggedized products to meet the military specification MIL-STD-810F, which is the required specification for products to be considered fully rugged;

 

 

operational risks from our reliance on suppliers, subcontractors and third-party manufacturers for the production of products sold by Augmentix;

 

 

changes in OEMs’ memory and DIMM buying processes;

 

 

changes in the level of our operating expenses;

 

 

our ability to develop new products that are successfully qualified and utilized by customers;

 

 

our ability to manufacture and ship products within a particular reporting period;

 

 

deferrals or cancellations of customer orders in anticipation of the development and commercialization of new technologies or for other reasons;

 

 

our ability to enter into new licensing arrangements, and the terms and conditions for payment to us of license fees under those arrangements;

 

 

the timing and compliance with license or service agreements and the terms and conditions for payment to us of license or service fees under these agreements;

 

 

changes in our royalties caused by changes in demand for products incorporating semiconductors that use our licensed technology;

 

 

delays in our introduction of new technologies or market acceptance of these new technologies through new license agreements;

 

 

changes in our products and technologies and revenue mix;

 

 

seasonal purchasing patterns for our products with lower revenue generally occurring in the first and second quarters;

 

 

the timing of the introduction by others of competing, replacement or substitute technologies or manufacturing services;

 

 

our ability, or the ability of our customers, to procure or manufacture memory and other required components or fluctuations in the cost of such components;

 

 

our ability to enforce our intellectual property rights or to defend claims that we infringe the intellectual property rights of others, and the significant costs to us of related litigation;

 

 

new packaging types that we do not support;

 

 

cyclical fluctuations in semiconductor markets generally; and

 

 

general economic conditions that may affect end-user demand for products that use our technologies.

Fluctuations in the demand for our memory solutions occur as the price of next-generation monolithic memory chips declines and as OEMs respond to demand for their products, which will contribute to volatility in our revenue and operating results and may adversely impact our stock price. The rate at which OEMs adopt our memory products using a particular generation of high-density memory chips, if they adopt our memory products at all, may affect our revenue and operating results. In the past, it has taken several quarters for new, higher-density memory chips to achieve market acceptance. Once accepted by the market, demand for our memory products using these chips can accelerate rapidly and then level off such that rapid growth in sales of these products is not indicative of continued future growth. Likewise, demand for legacy memory chips can quickly

 

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decline when a new, higher-density memory chip is introduced and receives market acceptance. Sales of our products and product lines toward the end of a product’s market life may fluctuate significantly, and the precise timing of these fluctuations is difficult, if not impossible, to predict.

In other cases, revenue may decline as customers anticipate making new product purchases. The need for continued significant expenditures for capital equipment purchases, research and development and ongoing customer service and support, among other factors, makes it difficult for us to reduce our operating expenses in any particular period if our expectations for revenue for that period are not met. Due to the various factors mentioned above, the results of any prior quarterly or annual periods should not be relied upon as an indication of our future operating performance.

Because we do not have long-term agreements with our customers and generally do not have a significant backlog of unfilled orders, our revenue and operating results in any quarter are difficult to forecast and are substantially dependent upon customer orders received and fulfilled in that quarter.

With the exception of our exclusive sales and marketing contract between Augmentix and Dell, we do not have long-term purchase agreements with customers. Our customers generally place purchase orders for deliveries no more than three months in advance and sometimes no more than a day in advance. These purchase orders generally have no cancellation or rescheduling penalty provisions. Therefore, cancellations, reductions or delays of orders from any significant customer could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business model is one in which there typically is not a backlog of unfilled orders. Rather, a majority of our revenue and earnings in any quarter depends upon customer orders for our products that we receive and fulfill in that quarter. Because our expense levels are based in part on our expectations as to future revenue and to a large extent are fixed in the short term, we likely will be unable to adjust spending on a timely basis to compensate for any unexpected shortfall in revenue. Accordingly, any significant shortfall of revenue in relation to our expectations could hurt our operating results and depress our stock price.

We depend on a limited number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenue, and the loss of, or a significant reduction in orders from, any key customer could significantly reduce our revenue.

The loss of any of our key customers, or a significant reduction in sales to any one of them, would significantly reduce our revenue and adversely affect our business. Our five largest customers accounted for 66% of our total revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, 75% of our total revenue in 2007 and 89% of our total revenue in 2006. In particular, Dell, SMART, Micron and Google, Inc. (Google) accounted for 21%, 17%, 11% and 10%, respectively, of our total revenue in the first nine months ended September 30, 2008. Most of the markets for our current products and technologies are dominated by a small number of potential customers. Therefore, our operating results in the foreseeable future will continue to depend on our ability to effect sales to these customers, as well as the ability of these customers to sell products that incorporate memory utilizing our technologies. In the future, these customers may decide not to specify products that incorporate our technologies for use in their systems. In addition, we may be more likely to make concessions to these customers regarding potential returns, repairs, or other issues than we would make if they were not significant customers.

Some of our memory customers have sought or are seeking to design alternative solutions, either internally or through third parties, to address their need for greater memory capacity. The success of these efforts could have an adverse effect on the prices we are able to charge our customers and the volume of units that incorporate our solutions, which would negatively affect our revenue and operating results.

Consolidation in some of our memory customers’ industries may result in increased customer concentration and the potential loss of customers. From time to time, the composition of our major customer base has changed from quarter to quarter as the market demand for our customers’ products has changed, and we expect this variability to continue in the future. We expect that sales of our products to a limited number of customers will continue to represent a majority of our revenue in the foreseeable future. The loss of, or a significant reduction in purchases by, any of our major customers could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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The NASDAQ Stock Market notified us that the bid price of our common stock had closed below the per-share requirement for continued inclusion on NASDAQ, which could result in delisting our securities, and which could limit investors’ ability to trade in our securities.

On July 21, 2008, we received a letter from The NASDAQ Stock Market notifying us that for the 30 consecutive business days preceding the date of the letter, the bid price of our common stock had closed below the $1.00 per share requirement for continued inclusion on The NASDAQ Global Market pursuant to NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4450(a)(5).

In accordance with NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4450(e)(2), we had 180 calendar days from the date of the NASDAQ letter, or until January 20, 2009, to regain compliance. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of our common stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten consecutive business days. NASDAQ may, in its discretion, require us to maintain a bid price of at least $1.00 per share for a period in excess of ten consecutive business days, but generally no more than 20 consecutive business days, before determining that we have demonstrated an ability to maintain long-term compliance. If we do not regain compliance, NASDAQ will notify us of its determination to delist our common stock, which decision we can appeal to a NASDAQ Listings Qualification Panel.

However, effective October 17, 2008, NASDAQ suspended compliance with the minimum bid price rule, and as a result, we now have until April 23, 2009, to comply with this requirement. If we are not able to comply, we may request stockholder approval to effect a reverse stock split, with the intent to comply with NASDAQ’s requirements and remain listed.

If our common stock is delisted by NASDAQ, the trading market for our common stock would likely be adversely affected, as price quotations may not be as readily obtainable, which would likely have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

The price of DRAM is volatile, and excess inventory of DRAM, other components and finished products could adversely affect our gross margin.

Given our acquisition of Southland, we purchase more DRAM for the products we manufacture than we historically have purchased prior to this acquisition. The price of DRAM is subject to rapid fluctuation and variability. The prices of our products are adjusted periodically based largely on the market price of DRAM. Once our prices with a customer are negotiated, we are generally unable to revise pricing with that customer until our next regularly scheduled price adjustment. Consequently, we are exposed to the risks associated with the volatility of the price of DRAM during that period. If the market price for DRAM increases, we generally cannot pass this price increase on to our customer for products purchased under an existing purchase order. As a result, our cost of sales could increase and our gross margin could decrease. Alternatively, if there is a decline in the price of DRAM, we will need to reduce our selling prices for subsequent purchase orders, which may result in a decline in our expected net sales.

If we fail to protect our proprietary rights, our customers or our competitors might gain access to our technologies, which could adversely affect our ability to sell or license our memory solutions or to compete successfully in our markets and harm our operating results.

Our memory solutions rely on our proprietary rights, and we believe that the strength of our intellectual property rights is, and will continue to be, critical to the success of our business. If any of our key patents or other intellectual property rights are invalidated or deemed unenforceable, or if a court limits the scope of the claims in any of our key patents or other intellectual property rights, the likelihood that companies will continue to purchase or license our memory solutions could be significantly reduced. If we fail to obtain patents or if the patents issued to us do not cover all of the claims we asserted in our patent applications, others could use portions of our intellectual property without the payment of license fees and royalties. The resulting loss in revenue could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on a combination of license, development and nondisclosure agreements and other contractual provisions and patent, trademark and trade secret laws, and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. We also enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants and third parties, and control access to and distribution of our documentation and other proprietary information. It is possible that these efforts to protect our intellectual property rights may not:

 

 

prevent challenges to, or the invalidation or circumvention of, our existing patents;

 

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result in patents that lead to commercially viable products or provide competitive advantages for our products;

 

 

prevent our competitors from independently developing similar products, duplicating our products or designing around the patents owned by us;

 

 

prevent third-party patents from having an adverse effect on our ability to do business;

 

 

provide adequate protection for our intellectual property rights;

 

 

prevent disputes with third parties regarding ownership of our intellectual property rights;

 

 

prevent disclosure of our trade secrets and know-how to third parties or into the public domain; or

 

 

result in valid patents, including international patents, from any of our pending applications.

A court invalidation or limitation of our key patents could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our patent portfolio contains some patents that are particularly significant to our ongoing revenue and business. If any of these key patents is invalidated, or if a court limits the scope of the claims in any of these key patents, the likelihood that companies will take new licenses and that current licensees will continue to agree to pay under their existing licenses could be significantly reduced. The resulting loss in license fees and royalties could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our revenue may suffer if we cannot continue to license or enforce our intellectual property rights or if third parties assert that we violate their intellectual property rights.

We rely upon patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws in the United States and similar laws in other countries, and agreements with our employees, customers, suppliers and other parties, to establish and maintain our intellectual property rights in our technology. However, any of our direct or indirect intellectual property rights could be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Further, the laws of certain countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. Therefore, in certain jurisdictions we may be unable to protect our technology adequately against unauthorized third-party use, which could adversely affect our business. Third parties also may claim that we or our customers are infringing upon their intellectual property rights. Even if we believe that the claims are without merit, the claims can be time consuming and costly to defend and divert management’s attention and resources away from our business. Claims of intellectual property infringement also might require us to enter into costly settlement or license agreements or pay costly damage awards. Some of our license agreements provide limited indemnities and we may agree to indemnify others in the future. Our indemnification obligations could result in substantial expenses. In addition to the time and expense required for us to indemnify our licensees, a licensee’s development, marketing and sales of licensed semiconductors could be severely disrupted or shut down as a result of litigation, which in turn could severely hamper our business, financial condition and results of operations. If we cannot or do not license the infringed technology at all or on reasonable terms or substitute similar technology from another source, our business could suffer.

We are subject to risks relating to product concentration and lack of revenue diversification.

Until our acquisition of Augmentix, we derived nearly all of our revenue from sales or licenses of our Stakpak and memory module solutions. We expect these solutions to continue to account for a substantial portion of our total revenue in the near term. Continued market acceptance of these solutions is critical to our future success. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected by:

 

 

any decline in demand for our Stakpak or memory module solutions;

 

 

failure of our products and technologies to achieve continued market acceptance;

 

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the introduction of products and technologies that can serve as a substitute for, replacement of or represent an improvement over, our products and technologies such as planar solutions for small packages or dual-die solutions that do not require stacking;

 

 

technological innovations that we are unable to address with our products and technologies; and

 

 

any inability by us to release new products or enhanced versions of our existing products and technologies on a timely basis or the failure of our products to achieve market acceptance.

The average selling prices of our products and technologies could decrease rapidly, which may negatively impact our revenue and gross margins.

We may experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in our future revenue and operating results due to a decline in the average selling prices for our products and technologies. From time to time, we reduce the average unit price of our products and technologies in anticipation of future competitive pricing pressures, declining memory chip prices, introductions of new products and technologies by us or our memory suppliers and other factors. The high-density memory market is extremely cost sensitive due to potentially high-order volumes combined with memory buyers’ expectations for aggressive price reductions over time. As a consequence, the average selling prices of monolithic memory chips historically have declined as new product generations are commercialized. We expect that these factors will continue to create downward pressure on our average selling prices, which may, in turn, negatively impact our revenue and gross margins, particularly if we are unable to offset reductions in average selling prices by increasing our unit volumes or reducing our manufacturing costs. To improve our gross margins, we will need to develop and introduce new products and technologies on a timely basis and continually reduce our costs. Our failure to do so could cause our revenue and gross margins to decline.

We are a relatively small company with limited resources compared to some of our current and potential competitors, and we may not be able to compete effectively and maintain or increase our market share.

Some of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater resources and name recognition, and a larger base of customers than we have. Some of these companies are better positioned to influence industry acceptance of a particular industry standard or competing technology than we are. These companies may also be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of products, and may be able to deliver competitive products or technologies at a lower price. They also may be able to adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we can adopt. In addition, some of our current and potential competitors have established relationships with the decision makers at our current or potential customers. These competitors may be able to leverage their existing relationships to discourage their customers from purchasing products from us or persuade them to replace our products with their products.

In addition, some of our significant customers are competitors of ours, and may have the ability to manufacture competitive products at lower costs. Our current or potential competitors may also offer bundled arrangements offering a more complete or cost-effective product, despite the technical merits or advantages of our products or technologies. We also face competition from current and prospective customers that continually evaluate our capabilities against the merits of manufacturing products internally. Competition may also arise due to the development of cooperative relationships among our current and potential competitors or third parties to increase the ability of their products to address the needs of our prospective customers. In addition, we expect to face competition from existing competitors and new and emerging companies that may enter our existing or future markets with similar or alternative products, which may be less costly or provide additional features. Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share.

We have many competitors who have developed competing technologies. For example, planar solutions allow additional memory devices to be directly attached on the printed circuit board without the need for stacking. Some of the major OEMs and memory suppliers currently are using planar solutions and we expect them to continue to utilize planar solutions in the near future in legacy DDR technologies, as well as in next-generation DDR-2 and DDR-3 technologies with the migration to smaller footprint packages.

In addition, memory packages have been developed that place multiple memory chips into a single package that allows these memory chips to fit in the same area as a single Stakpak. Other competitors utilize competing technologies that stack standard memory chips. We also could face competition from many new technologies, such as 3D memory cells, stacked wafers, stacked die and module innovations or module stacking. These and other new technologies could change the demand for or performance requirements of memory products, and could provide the market with cost-effective memory solutions that outperform our Stakpak solutions.

 

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We expect our competitors to continue to improve the performance of their current products, reduce their prices and introduce new services and technologies that may offer greater performance and improved pricing, any of which could cause a decline in revenue or loss of market acceptance of our products. In addition, our competitors may develop enhancements to, or future generations of, competitive products that may render our products or technologies obsolete or uncompetitive. These and other competitive pressures may prevent us from competing successfully against current or future competitors, and may materially harm our business. Competition could decrease our prices, reduce our revenue, lower our gross profits or decrease our market share.

If our products and technologies are used in defective products or include defective parts, we may be subject to product liability or other claims.

If we manufacture products that are defective, used in defective or malfunctioning products or contain defective components, we could be subject to product liability claims and product recalls, safety alerts or advisory notices. While we have product liability insurance coverage, we cannot assume that it will be adequate to satisfy claims made against us in the future or that we will be able to obtain insurance in the future at satisfactory rates or in adequate amounts. Product liability claims or product recalls in the future, regardless of their ultimate outcome, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation, and on our ability to attract and retain licensees and customers.

If we acquire other businesses or technologies in the future, these acquisitions could disrupt our business and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As part of our growth and product diversification strategy, we will evaluate opportunities to acquire other businesses, intellectual property or technologies that would complement our current offerings, expand the breadth of our markets or enhance our technical capabilities. For example, on August 31, 2007, we acquired Southland, a provider of memory products and services for leading OEMs, and on July 14, 2008, we acquired Augmentix, a provider of mission-critical mobile and server computing solutions for use in demanding environments. Acquisitions entail a number of risks that could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results, including:

 

 

difficulties in integrating the operations, systems, technologies or products of the acquired companies;

 

 

the risk of diverting management’s time and attention from the normal daily operations of the business;

 

 

insufficient revenue to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions;

 

 

difficulties in retaining business relationships with suppliers and customers of the acquired companies;

 

 

risks of entering markets in which we have no or limited direct prior experience and where competitors in such markets have stronger market positions;

 

 

the potential loss of key employees of the acquired company; and

 

 

the potential need to amortize intangible assets.

Future acquisitions also could cause us to incur additional debt or contingent liabilities or cause us to issue equity securities. These actions could negatively impact the ownership percentages of our existing stockholders, our financial condition and results of operations.

Our limited experience in acquiring other businesses, product lines and technologies may make it difficult for us to overcome problems we may encounter in connection with any acquisitions we undertake.

We continually evaluate and explore strategic opportunities as they arise, including business combinations, strategic relationships, capital investments and the purchase, licensing or sale of assets. Our experience in acquiring other businesses, product lines and technologies is limited. The attention of our small management team may be diverted from our core business if we undertake future acquisitions. Future acquisitions may also require us to incur debt or issue equity securities that may result in dilution of existing stockholders. Potential future acquisitions also involve numerous risks, including, among others:

 

 

problems and delays in successfully assimilating and integrating the purchased operations, personnel, technologies, products and information systems;

 

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unanticipated costs and expenditures associated with the acquisition, including any need to infuse significant capital into the acquired operations;

 

 

adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers, customers and strategic partners;

 

 

risks associated with entering markets and foreign countries in which we have no or limited prior experience;

 

 

contractual, intellectual property or employment issues;

 

 

potential loss of key employees of purchased organizations; and

 

 

potential litigation arising from the acquired company’s operations before the acquisition.

We may make acquisitions that are dilutive to existing shareholders, result in unanticipated accounting charges or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations.

We may grow our business through business combinations or other acquisitions of businesses, products or technologies that allow us to complement our existing product offerings, expand our market coverage, increase our engineering workforce or enhance our technological capabilities. If we make any future acquisitions, we could issue stock that would dilute our earnings and stockholders’ percentage ownership, reduce our cash reserves, incur substantial debt, or assume contingent liabilities.

Furthermore, acquisitions may require material infrequent charges and could result in adverse tax consequences, deferred compensation charges, substantial depreciation, in-process research and development charges, the amortization of amounts related to deferred compensation and identifiable purchased intangible assets or impairment of goodwill, any of which could negatively impact our results of operations.

We expect a portion of our future revenue to be derived from license royalties, which is inherently risky.

Because we expect a portion of our future revenue to be derived from license royalties, our future success depends on:

 

 

our ability to secure broad patent coverage for our new technologies and enter into license agreements with potential licensees; and

 

 

the ability of our licensees to develop and commercialize successful products that incorporate our technologies.

Although we have engaged in discussions with potential licensees for our Stakpak technologies, we historically have not devoted significant resources to licensing our technologies and currently have only four license arrangements. We face risks inherent in a royalty-based business model, many of which are outside of our control, such as the following:

 

 

the rate of adoption of our technologies by, and the incorporation of our technologies into products of, semiconductor manufacturers and OEMs;

 

 

the extent to which large equipment vendors and materials providers develop and supply tools and materials to enable manufacturing using our technologies on a cost-effective basis and in quantities sufficient to enable volume manufacturing;

 

 

the willingness of our licensees and others to make investments in the manufacturing process that supports our licensed technologies, and the amount and timing of those investments;

 

 

our licensees’ ability to design and assemble memory modules and other system parts that utilize our technologies in components qualified for use by OEMs;

 

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any failure by our licensees to abide by compliance and quality control guidelines with respect to our proprietary rights;

 

 

actions by our licensees that could severely harm our ability to use our proprietary rights;

 

 

the pricing and demand for products incorporating memory modules and other system parts that utilize our licensed technologies;

 

 

our ability to structure, negotiate and enforce agreements for the determination and payment of royalties;

 

 

the cyclicality of supply and demand for products using our licensed technologies; and

 

 

competition we may face with respect to our licensees competing with our services business.

It is difficult to predict when we will enter into additional license agreements, if at all. The time it takes to establish a new licensing arrangement can be lengthy. We may also incur delays or deferrals in the execution of license agreements as we develop new technologies. The timing of our receipt of royalty payments and the timing of how we recognize license revenue under license agreements may fluctuate and significantly impact our quarterly or annual operating results. Because we may recognize a significant portion of license fee revenue in the quarter that the license is signed, the timing of signing license agreements may significantly impact our quarterly or annual operating results. Under our typical license agreements, we also receive ongoing royalty payments, and these may fluctuate significantly from period to period based on sales of products incorporating our licensed technologies.

It is difficult for us to verify royalty amounts owed to us under our license agreements, and this may cause us to lose revenue.

The standard terms of our license agreements require our licensees to document the manufacture and sale of products that incorporate our technologies and report this data to us on a periodic basis. Although our standard license terms give us the right to audit books and records of our licensees to verify this information, audits can be expensive, time consuming and potentially detrimental to our ongoing business relationship with our licensees. As a result, to date, we have primarily relied on the accuracy of the reports themselves without independently verifying the information in them. Our failure to audit our licensees’ books and records may result in us receiving less royalty revenue than we are entitled to under the terms of our license agreements.

Because our licensing cycle is lengthy and costly, it is difficult to predict future revenue, which may cause us to miss market estimates and may result in our stock price declining.

Pursuing and entering into new license agreements generally requires significant marketing and sales efforts. The length of time it takes to establish a new licensing relationship can range from six to 12 months or longer. Because our licensing cycle is a lengthy process, the accurate prediction of future revenue from new licenses is difficult.

In addition, engineering services are dependent upon the varying level of assistance desired by licensees and, therefore, revenue from these services is also difficult to predict as it is recognized in the period in which we render service. There can be no assurance that we can accurately estimate the amount of resources required to complete projects, or that we will have, or be able to expend, sufficient resources required to complete a project. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the product development schedule for these projects will not be changed or delayed. All of these factors make it difficult to predict future licensing revenue that may result in us missing analysts’ estimates and may cause our stock price to decline.

Our marketing and sales efforts may be unsuccessful.

We have limited sales and marketing resources. As our business evolves, we may have to employ more rigorous sales and marketing efforts, hire more sales and marketing personnel and engage in lengthy negotiations to reach agreement with potential customers. As a result, our operating expenses may increase, and we may incur losses in periods that precede the generation of revenue. If the sales and marketing efforts of our technologies are unsuccessful, then we may not be able to sell or license our technologies.

 

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Our reliance on our memory manufacturer customers for the memory chips used in products that incorporate our technologies subjects us to the risk of a shortage of these chips, adversely impacting our ability to fulfill orders from other customers, risks of natural disasters and other factors that could cause disruptions in the supply of memory chips.

Our ability to fulfill customer orders is dependent on a sufficient supply of memory chips to which we apply our manufacturing services. Historically, our customers have shipped on consignment their memory chips to be stacked, which we stack and then return to them. We have no memory supply contracts under which we are currently operating. In acquiring memory chips, supply options are very limited because of the small number of memory manufacturers. Our dependence on our customers’ provision of memory chips to us on a just-in-time basis, rather than through guaranteed supply contracts, subjects our business to risks associated with unforeseen disruptions in the industry availability of memory chips. In the past, there have been shortages of DRAM chips available in the market. These shortages negatively impacted our ability to fulfill customer orders, which resulted in a decrease in shipments in these quarters. Any future shortage could result in a similar decrease in shipments, which would adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, natural disasters or other factors could cause delays or reductions in product shipments that could negatively affect our revenue, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, since the majority of memory chips are manufactured in the Pacific Rim region, we believe that the risk of exposure of memory suppliers to earthquakes, typhoons, political unrest, terrorist activity, infectious diseases or other similar events is of particular concern. Any unexpected interruption in the manufacture of other key electronic components used in association with products that incorporate our technologies could disrupt production of devices that use our services and technologies, thereby adversely affecting either our ability to deliver products to our customers or the customers’ demand for our services and technologies.

We have an indefinite-lived intangible asset and other intangible assets that may become impaired, which could significantly affect our results of operations in the period recognized.

In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we evaluate the recoverability of our indefinite-lived intangible asset (goodwill) on an annual basis and periodically evaluate the recoverability of all of our intangible assets when indicators of impairment exist. The following factors may result in an impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets: significant negative industry or economic trends; disruptions to our business; declines in revenue or market capitalization; or other factors may result in an impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets. Future impairment charges could significantly affect our results of operations in the periods recognized.

If we are unable to manufacture our products efficiently or we experience credit losses or other collections issues, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer.

We are continuously modifying our manufacturing processes in an effort to maintain satisfactory manufacturing yields and product performance, lower our costs and reduce the time it takes to design products based on our technologies. In addition, new manufacturing processes are required as we ramp high-volume production of new technologies. We face increased risks with these new processes and we incur significant start-up costs associated with implementing new manufacturing technologies, methods and processes and purchasing new equipment, which could impact our gross margins. We expect to experience manufacturing delays and inefficiencies as we develop or refine new manufacturing technologies and methods, implement them in volume production and qualify them with customers, which could cause our operating results to decline. As we manufacture more complex products, the risk of encountering delays or difficulties increases.

In addition, if demand for our products increases significantly, we will need to expand our operations to manufacture sufficient quantities of products without increasing our production times or our unit costs. As a result of such expansion, we could be required to purchase new equipment, upgrade existing equipment, develop and implement new manufacturing processes and hire additional personnel. Further, new or expanded manufacturing facilities could be subject to qualification by our customers. We cannot be certain that we will be able to add required manufacturing capacity or that we will be able to maintain control over product quality, delivery schedules, manufacturing yields and costs as we increase our output. Any difficulties in expanding our manufacturing operations could cause product delivery delays and lost sales.

If demand for our products decreases, we could have excess manufacturing capacity. The fixed costs associated with excess manufacturing capacity could cause our operating results to decline. If we are unable to achieve further manufacturing efficiencies and cost reductions, particularly if we are experiencing pricing pressures in the marketplace, our financial condition and results of operations could suffer.

 

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We have not historically recorded a bad debt allowance or established reserves for our accounts receivable because we have not had significant credit losses or other collections issues during the periods for which financial information is presented. As a result of our acquisition of Southland in 2007, we now have an immaterial bad debt allowance. Although we do not believe that we will incur any material credit losses in the foreseeable future, if we were to do so, our financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.

If we are unable to develop new and enhanced solutions that achieve market acceptance in a timely manner, our financial condition, results of operations and competitive position could be harmed.

Our future success will be based in large part on our ability to reduce our dependence on our current Performance Stakpak solution by increasing revenue associated with our other solutions and by developing other new technologies and enhancements that can achieve market acceptance in a timely and cost-effective manner. Successful development and introduction of new technologies on a timely basis require that we:

 

 

identify and adjust to changing requirements of customers within the memory and semiconductor markets generally;

 

 

identify and adapt to emerging technological trends in our target markets;

 

 

maintain effective marketing strategies;

 

 

timely design and introduce cost-effective, innovative and performance-enhancing features that differentiate our services and technologies from those of our competitors;

 

 

timely qualify and certify our technologies for use in our customers’ products; and

 

 

successfully develop our relationships with existing and potential customers, OEMs and supplier and channel partners.

Our research and development efforts are focused primarily on furthering the technologies related to our non-leaded solutions and other new product initiatives. If the development of these technologies is delayed or abandoned, or if these new technologies fail to achieve market acceptance, our growth prospects, financial condition, results of operations and competitive position could be adversely affected. Furthermore, if markets for these new technologies develop later than we anticipate, or do not develop at all, demand for our solutions that are currently in development would suffer, resulting in lower sales of these products than we currently anticipate.

Products that incorporate our technologies generally have long sales and implementation periods, and our customers require that our technologies undergo a lengthy and expensive qualification process without any assurance of revenue.

Products that incorporate our technologies are complex and are typically intended for use in applications that may be critical to the systems being developed by our customers. Prospective customers generally must make a significant commitment of resources to test and evaluate our technologies and to integrate memory modules and other system parts into larger systems. As a result, our sales process is often subject to delays associated with lengthy approval processes that typically accompany the design, testing and adoption of new, technologically complex products. This may delay the time in which we recognize revenue and result in our investing significant resources well in advance of orders for our products.

Prior to incorporating memory products utilizing our technologies, our customers require our processes and technologies to undergo an extensive qualification process, which involves testing products utilizing our technologies, as well as rigorous reliability testing. This qualification process may continue for six months or longer. However, qualification by a customer does not ensure any sales to that customer. Even after successful qualification and sales to a customer of products incorporating our technologies, changes in our technologies may require a new qualification process, which may result in additional delays. After our products are qualified, it can take an additional six months or more before the customer commences production of components or devices that incorporate our products. Despite these uncertainties, we devote substantial resources, including design, engineering, sales, marketing and management efforts, toward qualifying our products with customers in

 

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anticipation of sales. If we are unsuccessful or delayed in qualifying any of our products with a customer, such failure or delay would preclude or delay sales of such products to the customer, which may impede our growth and cause our business to suffer.

If the supply of materials used to manufacture our products is interrupted, or our manufacturing turnaround times are extended, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

In order to manufacture our solutions, we require raw materials and components such as, but not limited to, DRAM, flex circuits, printed circuit boards, aluminum cores, resistors, capacitors, advanced memory buffers, epoxy adhesive, solder, nitrogen, ink marking supplies and tape and reel supplies. We typically procure these materials from limited sources to take advantage of volume pricing discounts. Shortages in these materials may occur from time to time, and have occurred in the past with respect to the supply of flex circuit relating to our ArctiCore product line. In addition to shortages, we could experience quality problems with these materials, which could result in returning them to our suppliers. These shortages and returns could extend the turnaround times of our manufacturing services. If our supply of materials is interrupted for any reason, or our manufacturing turnaround times are extended, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our manufacturing operation to manufacture memory modules and produce stacks is located in Reynosa, Mexico; our failure to continue to manage this operation, as well as issues associated with the location of this facility, could materially and adversely affect our business.

We currently manufacture all of our Stakpak units and our memory modules in Mexico, since we recently completed moving the manufacture of our memory modules from Irvine, California to Mexico. The relocation of our operations has placed, and any future growth of our operations may place, a significant strain on our management personnel, systems and resources. We may need to implement a variety of new and upgraded operational and financial systems, procedures and controls, including the improvement of our accounting and other internal management systems. We also expect that we will need to continue to expand, train, manage and motivate our workforce. All of these endeavors will require substantial management time and attention, and we anticipate that we will require additional management personnel and internal processes to manage these efforts. If we are unable to effectively manage our expanding operations, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, this facility in Mexico is exposed to certain risks as a result of its location, including:

 

 

changes in international trade laws, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, or other governmental regulations or tariffs affecting our import and export activities;

 

 

changes in labor laws and regulations affecting our ability to hire and retain employees;

 

 

fluctuations of foreign currency and exchange controls;

 

 

increases in Mexican tax rates;

 

 

security measures at the United States-Mexico border;

 

 

potential political instability and changes in the Mexican government;

 

 

relations between the governments of the United States and Mexico;

 

 

potential kidnappings of employees;

 

 

natural disasters, such as flooding and other acts of nature;

 

 

strikes by our union employees;

 

 

issues relating to drug-trafficking activities in Mexico; and

 

 

general economic conditions in Mexico.

 

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Any of these risks could interfere with the operation of this facility or restrict or delay our ability to move components, finished products or manufacturing equipment across the United States–Mexico border and result in reduced production, increased costs, or both. In the event that this facility’s production is reduced or we encounter disruptions or delays in moving products across the border, we could fail to ship products on schedule and could face a reduction in future orders from dissatisfied customers. If our costs to operate this facility increase, our gross margins would decrease. Reduced shipments and margins would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate our manufacturing facility in Mexico as a Maquiladora and any loss of this status or change in the laws affecting Maquiladoras, or disputes with the labor union in Mexico, could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We currently manufacture all of our Stakpak products and memory modules at our manufacturing facility in Mexico, since we recently completed moving the manufacture of our memory modules from Irvine, California to Mexico. This facility in Mexico is authorized to operate as a Maquiladora by the Ministry of Economy of Mexico. Mexico has enacted this legislation to promote the use of such manufacturing operations by foreign companies, and continuation of these operations depends upon, among other factors, compliance with applicable laws and regulations of the United States and Mexico. Maquiladora status allows us to import items into Mexico duty-free, provided that such items, after processing, are re-exported from Mexico within 18 months. Maquiladora status is subject to various restrictions and requirements, including:

 

 

compliance with the terms of the Maquiladora authorization program;

 

 

proper utilization of imported materials;

 

 

hiring and training of Mexican personnel;

 

 

compliance with tax, labor, exchange control and notice provisions and regulations, both in the United States and in Mexico; and

 

 

compliance with local and national constraints.

Because assembly operations in Mexico continue to be less expensive than comparable operations in the United States, in recent years many companies have established Maquiladora operations in the Reynosa area to take advantage of lower labor costs. Increasing demand for labor, particularly skilled labor and professionals, from new and existing Maquiladora operations could in the future result in increased labor costs. The loss of our Maquiladora status, changes in the Maquiladora program, the inability to recruit, hire and retain qualified employees, a significant increase in labor costs, unfavorable exchange rates or interruptions in the trade relations between the United States and Mexico could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

While we are not party to any collective bargaining agreements with any of our employees in the United States, as of September 30, 2008, 222, or 74%, of our employees in Mexico were represented by a labor organization that has entered into a labor contract with us. As a result, our Reynosa operations are subject to union activities, including organized strikes or other work stoppages, and cost factors arising from our negotiations of employment terms with the representatives of this union. To date, we have not experienced any organized strikes or other work stoppages at our facility in Reynosa.

Funds associated with our auction rate securities may not be accessible in the short term, and we may be required to adjust the carrying value of these securities through an impairment charge.

As discussed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report, our investment securities consist of auction rate securities, which are not currently liquid or readily available to convert to cash. We do not believe that the current liquidity issues related to our auction rate securities will impact our ability to fund our ongoing business operations. However, we will not be able to access these funds until a future auction for these ARS is successful or until we sell the securities in a secondary market, which currently is not active. During November 2008, we accepted an offer provided to us by the investment firm through which we hold our ARS to sell our auction rate securities to them at par value at any time over a two-year period, beginning June 30, 2010 and ending July 2, 2012.

 

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Austin Ventures controls us, and will continue to control us, as long as it beneficially owns a majority of our common stock.

Austin Ventures beneficially owns approximately 78% of our outstanding common stock. Because Austin Ventures and its affiliates own more than 50% of our common stock, we are considered a “controlled company” under NASD Marketplace Rule 4350(c)(5), and we are exempt from NASD rules that would otherwise require that our board of directors consist of a majority of independent directors. As a “controlled company,” we also are exempt from NASD rules that require the compensation of officers and the nomination of company directors be determined by a committee of independent directors or a majority of independent directors. Our board of directors currently consists of eight directors, of which three qualify as independent directors under NASD rules. As long as Austin Ventures beneficially owns a majority of our outstanding common stock, Austin Ventures will continue to be able to elect all members of our board of directors. Purchasers of our common stock will not be able to affect the outcome of any stockholder vote until Austin Ventures beneficially owns less than a majority of our outstanding common stock. As a result, Austin Ventures will control all matters affecting us, including:

 

   

the composition of our board of directors and, through it, any determination with respect to our business direction and policies, including the appointment and removal of officers;

 

   

any determinations with respect to mergers or other business combinations;

 

   

our acquisition or disposition of assets; and

 

   

our corporate finance activities.

In addition, to the extent that Austin Ventures continues to beneficially own a significant portion of our outstanding common stock, although less than a majority, it will continue to have a significant influence over all matters submitted to our stockholders and to exercise significant control over our business policies and affairs. Under our certificate of incorporation, as amended, if Austin Ventures ceases to own at least 30% of our outstanding common stock, the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of our common stock will be required for stockholders to amend our certificate of incorporation or bylaws, to increase or decrease the authorized number of shares of our capital stock or to remove a director. Furthermore, concentration of voting power could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change of control or other business combination that might otherwise be beneficial to our stockholders. This significant concentration of share ownership may also adversely affect the trading price for our common stock because investors may perceive disadvantages in owning stock in a company that is controlled by a small number of stockholders. Austin Ventures is not prohibited from selling a controlling interest in us to any third party, or from selling its shares at any time, which could adversely affect our stock price.

Austin Ventures and its designees on our board of directors may have interests that conflict with our interests.

Austin Ventures and its designees on our board of directors may have interests that conflict with, or are different from, our own. Conflicts of interest between Austin Ventures and us may arise, and such conflicts of interest may not be resolved in a manner favorable to us, including potential competitive business activities, corporate opportunities, indemnity arrangements, registration rights, sales or distributions by Austin Ventures of our common stock and the exercise by Austin Ventures of its ability to control our management and affairs. Our certificate of incorporation does not contain any provisions designed to facilitate resolution of actual or potential conflicts of interest, or to ensure that potential business opportunities that may become available to both Austin Ventures and us will be reserved for or made available to us. Pertinent provisions of law will govern any such matters if they arise. In addition, Austin Ventures and its director designees could delay or prevent an acquisition or merger even if the transaction would benefit other stockholders.

Our operations could be disrupted by power outages, political unrest, natural disasters or other disasters.

We operate a manufacturing facility in Reynosa, Mexico. This area is subject to earthquakes, fires, flooding and other natural disasters. This facility is also subject to an epidemic, political unrest, war, labor strikes or work stoppages. Interruptions in supply or utilities at these locations would likely result in the disruption of our manufacturing services, cause significant delays in shipments of our products and materially and adversely affect our operating results.

 

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In addition, our disaster recovery plans may not be adequate or effective. We do not carry earthquake insurance. Other insurance that we carry is limited in the risks covered and the amount of coverage. Our insurance would not be adequate to cover all of our resulting costs, business interruption and lost profits if a natural disaster were to occur. A natural disaster rendering one of our manufacturing facilities totally or partially unusable, whether or not covered by insurance, would materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

Products that incorporate our technologies must conform to industry standards in order to be widely accepted by OEMs for use in their products.

Our services and technologies are used to create products that comprise only a part of a larger system. Typically, the components of these systems comply with industry standards in order to operate efficiently together. We depend on companies that provide other components of systems and devices to support prevailing industry standards. Many of these companies are significantly larger and more influential in affecting industry standards than we are. Some industry standards may not be widely adopted or implemented consistently, and competing standards may emerge that may be preferred by our customers or end users. If larger companies do not support the same industry standards that we do, or if competing standards emerge, market acceptance of our products could be adversely affected, which would harm our business.

Industry standards are continually evolving, and our ability to compete in the future will depend on our ability to identify and ensure compliance with these evolving industry standards. The emergence of new industry standards could render our products incompatible with products developed by other suppliers. As a result, we could be required to invest significant time and effort and to incur significant expense to implement new services and technologies to ensure compliance with relevant standards. If our products or those of our customers are not in compliance with prevailing industry standards for a significant period of time, we may not be able to sell our services and technologies and our financial condition and results of operations would suffer. In addition, if we do not correctly anticipate new technologies and standards, or if the products that we develop based on these new technologies and standards fail to achieve market acceptance, our competitors may be better able to address market demand than we would and our business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

We depend on a few key personnel to manage our business effectively, and if we lose the services of any of those personnel or are unable to hire additional personnel, our business could be harmed.

We believe our future success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract and retain highly skilled managerial, engineering, sales and marketing personnel. We believe that our future success will be dependent on retaining the services of our key personnel, developing their successors, modifying our internal processes to reduce our reliance on specific individuals, and on properly managing the transition of key roles should departures or additions to the management team occur. The loss of any of our key employees, or the inability to attract or retain qualified personnel, including engineers and sales and marketing personnel, could delay the development and introduction of, and negatively impact our ability to sell, our services and technologies.

We may be involved in costly legal proceedings to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights or to defend against claims that we infringe the intellectual property rights of others.

Litigation is inherently uncertain, and an adverse outcome could subject us to significant liability for damages or invalidate our proprietary rights. Legal proceedings we initiate to protect our intellectual property rights could also result in counterclaims or countersuits against us. Any litigation, regardless of its outcome, could be time consuming and expensive to resolve and could divert our management’s time and attention. Any intellectual property litigation also could force us to take specific actions, including:

 

 

cease selling products that are claimed to be infringing a third party’s intellectual property;

 

 

obtain licenses to make, use, sell, offer for sale or import the relevant technologies from the intellectual property’s owner, which licenses may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all;

 

 

redesign those products that are claimed to be infringing a third party’s intellectual property; or

 

 

pursue legal remedies with third parties to enforce our indemnification rights, which may not adequately protect our interests.

 

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We have found it necessary to litigate against others, including our customers, to enforce our intellectual property and contractual and commercial rights, as well as to challenge the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others and to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity.

Our failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations could subject us to significant fines and liabilities, and new laws and regulations or changes in regulatory interpretation or enforcement could make compliance more difficult and costly.

We are subject to various and frequently changing federal, state and local, and foreign governmental laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites and the maintenance of a safe workplace. We could incur substantial costs, including clean-up costs, civil or criminal fines or sanctions and third-party claims for property damage or personal injury, as a result of violations of or liabilities under environmental laws and regulations or non-compliance with the environmental permits required for our facilities. These laws, regulations and permits also could require the installation of costly pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit pollutant emissions or decrease the likelihood of accidental releases of hazardous substances.

In addition, new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination at our sites or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require us to curtail our operations, restrict our future expansion, subject us to liability and cause us to incur future costs that would have a negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Economic, political and other risks associated with international sales and operations could adversely affect our revenue.

Since we sell our services and technologies worldwide, our business is subject to risks associated with doing business internationally. Our revenue originating outside the United States as a percentage of our total revenue was 17% during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, 18% in 2007 and 22% in 2006. International turmoil, exacerbated by the war in Iraq, the escalating tensions in North Korea and violence in the Middle East, have contributed to an uncertain political and economic climate, both in the United States and globally, which may affect our ability to generate revenue on a predictable basis. In addition, terrorist attacks and the threat of future terrorist attacks both domestically and internationally have negatively impacted the worldwide economy. As we ship units both in the United States and internationally, the threat of future terrorist attacks may adversely affect our business. These conditions make it difficult for us and for our customers to accurately forecast and plan future business activities and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A portion of our revenue is derived from customers based in Asia. The economies of Asia have been highly volatile and recessionary in the past, resulting in significant fluctuations in local currencies and other instabilities. Some countries in Asia have recently been affected by infectious diseases. These instabilities continue and may occur again in the future. Our exposure to the business risks presented by the economies of Asia will increase to the extent that we continue to expand our customer base and activities in that region. An outbreak of an infectious disease could result in reduced demand for products incorporating our technologies, extend the qualification periods for our technologies or otherwise adversely affect our business.

Our stock price is likely to be volatile and could drop unexpectedly.

Our common stock has been publicly traded since February 2004. The market price of our common stock has been subject to significant fluctuations since the date of our initial public offering. The stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices of securities, particularly securities of technology companies. We have limited liquidity in terms of the number of outstanding shares of our common stock that are publicly traded, which may adversely affect the value of our stock. In addition, we have an ongoing stock repurchase program, which could further decrease our liquidity. As a result, the market price of our common stock may materially decline, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. We may become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Litigation of this type is often expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources.

 

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Additional Risk Factors Associated with Augmentix Corporation

In addition to the risk factors set forth above, we face additional risk factors as a result of our acquisition of Augmentix, as set forth below.

We are substantially dependent upon an exclusive contract with Dell for revenue generated from the sale of our ruggedized notebook products, which represents a significant portion of our revenue, and in the event of any adverse change to our relationship with Dell, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We are heavily dependent on Dell. Pursuant to an exclusive sales and marketing contract, Dell is our primary customer of ruggedized notebook products until 2010. Revenue from Dell is expected to represent a substantial percentage of our total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2008. In addition, this revenue is critical to our growth prospects in 2009 and beyond. If Dell reduces or discontinues its business with us, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

In addition, we rely on the Dell sales force to sell our ruggedized notebook products and the Dell service organization to provide support to us, as well. If we experience issues regarding insufficient training or lack of sales efforts by the Dell sales force, the decline of sales of our ruggedized notebook products could have a material and adverse effect on our operating results.

A substantial portion of our revenue depends on the sale of ruggedized notebook products, and as a result, any significant reduction of sales of these products could materially and adversely affect our operating results.

Because our revenue is derived substantially from sales of our ruggedized notebook products, we are highly dependent upon the continued market acceptance of these products. Continued market acceptance of our ruggedized notebook products is critical to our future success. Any significant reduction of sales of these products could materially and adversely affect our business.

We are dependent on a limited number of suppliers for our ruggedized products, and the loss of these suppliers and our inability to procure new suppliers at comparative costs could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We purchase notebooks and components from a limited number of suppliers. We purchase from Dell as the sole supplier many of the components that are used in our ruggedized laptop computers. While we believe that alternative sources are available, contractual obligations to our current supplier preclude our ability to secure new suppliers and to establish other distribution channels for our ruggedized notebook products. The loss of our supplier could cause a disruption in the availability of these products. In addition, we have a limited number of suppliers for other components, and a disruption in the supply of these components may also cause a disruption in the availability of these components and a delay in manufacturing.

We depend on third parties to supply parts for, and to manufacture, our ruggedized products, subjecting us to certain operational risks.

We rely on third parties to provide notebooks and components for our ruggedized products and ruggedized products under development. Our supply of products may be adversely affected if one or more of our suppliers is unable to provide the agreed-upon supplies or perform the agreed-upon services in a timely and cost-effective manner.

We currently depend on third-party manufacturers to manufacture our ruggedized products and ruggedized products under development, and this reliance subjects us to significant operational risks, any of which could impair our ability to deliver products to our customers should they occur. Our reliance involves a number of risks, including:

 

   

reduced management and control of component purchases;

 

   

reduced control over delivery schedule and quality assurance;

 

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reduced control over manufacturing yields;

 

   

lack of adequate capacity during periods of excess demand;

 

   

limited warranties on products supplied to us;

 

   

potential increases in prices;

 

   

interruption of supplies as a result of fire, natural calamity, strike or other significant events; and

 

   

misappropriation of our intellectual property.

We rely on sales forecasts provided by Dell, subjecting us to certain inventory risks.

We rely on sales forecasts provided by Dell on a monthly basis. We build our rugged notebooks to these forecasts as they are provided to us, which may result in increased inventory exposure in the event Dell reduces its forecast after we have procured materials. Any such reduced forecast by Dell could have a material and adverse effect on our operating results.

Budget constraints of the federal, state and local governments could negatively impact sales of our ruggedized products, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.

We are targeting the U.S. military forces as potential customers of our ruggedized products, as well as other state and local governments. Any decrease in spending by these agencies or a change in the current political situation or overall market conditions may negatively impact sales of our ruggedized products, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.

In the event of a failure of our ruggedized products to meet the military specification MIL-STD-810F, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Augmentix products are ruggedized to meet the military specifications MIL-STD-810F. Created by the U.S. government, the MIL-STD-810F specifications cover a broad range of tests that measure the durability of equipment used under harsh conditions. A failure to meet this standard would result in our products not qualifying as “rugged” products, which could have a material and adverse effect on our operating results.

Some of our suppliers and subcontractors do not have long operating histories or significant financial strength.

Some of the suppliers and subcontractors with which we engage to provide services to us are small companies without a long operating history or significant financial strength. We have selected these third parties because of their flexibility in dealing with our schedules, their prices and expertise, among other factors, but they may not have the reliability or financial position of larger, more well-established suppliers and subcontractors. As a result, we face increased risks in dealing with these third parties in terms of their financial position, ability to continue operations and meet their commitments and quality control, among other issues, which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.

We depend on key Dell personnel, and in the event of changes to these Dell personnel, our business could be harmed.

We believe our future success will depend in large part upon our relationships with key Dell personnel, who have been, and continue to be, instrumental to us in a variety of ways, including selecting Augmentix on an exclusive basis, as well as developing, marketing and selling our ruggedized notebook products. The loss of any of these key employees could jeopardize our future relationship with Dell, as well as delay the development and introduction of, and negatively impact our ability to sell, our ruggedized notebook products.

 

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We rely on Dell to pull products from our inventory hub so that we can receive payment for our products. If Dell does not take possession of these products, we will not be paid, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We stock certain of our products in a hub, from which Dell pulls these products and pays us after Dell takes possession. This arrangement allows us to receive payment for these products on a regular basis, so that we can pay our suppliers on a timely basis without significant exposure to our working capital. A change in this arrangement could result in an increase in our inventory levels, if we stock our hub but Dell does not take possession of our products, as well as an increase in our working capital exposure, since we will be required to pay our suppliers, possibly earlier than receiving payment from Dell because Dell may not take possession of these products. This change could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information with respect to our purchase of our common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2008:

 

Period

   Total
Number of

Shares
Purchased
(1)
   Average
Price
Paid
per
Share
(2)
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   Maximum
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be

Purchased under the
Plans or Programs

July

   44,534    $ 0.76    44,534    Approx. $ 6.8 million

August

   33,435    $ 0.76    33,435    Approx. $ 6.8 million

September

   12,964    $ 0.70    12,964    Approx. $ 6.8 million
                   

TOTAL

   90,933    $ 0.75    90,933   
                   

 

(1) On July 28, 2004, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program for up to $15.0 million to purchase shares of our common stock. On February 2, 2006, our Board of Directors renewed our stock repurchase program for up to $10.0 million to purchase shares of our common stock. On November 14, 2006, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $10.0 million to purchase shares of our common stock.
(2) Excludes commissions paid.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

          Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

   Form    File Number    Exhibit    Filing
Date
   Filed
Herewith
  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 11, 2008, by and among Entorian Technologies Inc., August Merger Sub Corporation, Augmentix Corporation and Centennial Ventures VII, L.P., as Stockholder Representative    8-K    000-50553    2.1    7/16/08   
  2.2    Escrow Agreement dated July 14, 2008, by and among Entorian Technologies Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as escrow agent, and Centennial Ventures VII, L.P., as the Stockholder Representative    8-K    000-50553    2.2    7/16/08   
  3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation    10-Q    000-50553    3.1.1    11/7/05   
  3.2    Certificate of Ownership and Merger    8-K    000-50533    3.1    2/27/08   
  3.3    Amended and Restated Bylaws    10-Q    000-50533    3.3    5/15/08   
  4.2    Specimen certificate for shares of common stock of Staktek Holdings, Inc.    S-1/A    333-110806    4.2    1/20/04   
10.1    Settlement and Release Agreement dated November 3, 2008, by and among Entorian Technologies Inc., John R. Meehan and Joseph C. Meehan                X
10.2    Separation and Release Agreement dated November 6, 2008, by and between Entorian Technologies Inc. and Wayne R. Lieberman                X
10.3    Executive Employment Agreement dated November 6, 23008, by and between Entorian Technologies Inc. and Stephan Godevais                X
31.1    Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)                X
31.2    Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)                X
32.1    Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)                X
32.2    Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)                X

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

ENTORIAN TECHNOLOGIES INC.

/s/ Stephan Godevais

Stephan Godevais
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 13, 2008

/s/ W. Kirk Patterson

W. Kirk Patterson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 13, 2008

 

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