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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4)
File No. 333-100080
600,000 Shares
Common Stock
The prospectus relates to the resale of up to
600,000 shares of our common stock which is held by the selling stockholders identified in this prospectus. We are registering shares of our common stock for resale by the selling stockholders. The prices at which the selling stockholders may sell
the shares will be determined by the prevailing market for the shares or in negotiated transactions. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares offered under this prospectus.
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol “PCOM.” The last reported sales price of our common stock on October 4, 2002 was $0.20
per share.
The shares
of our common stock offered or sold under this prospectus involve a high degree of risk. See “
Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 of this prospectus to read about important factors you should consider before buying the common stock.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is October 9, 2002.
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This summary highlights some information from this prospectus, and
it may not contain all of the information that is important to you. It is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and consolidated financial statements, including the notes to the consolidated financial statements, incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. You should read the full text of, and consider carefully the more specific details contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Our Business
We develop, manufacture and market
point-to-multipoint, point-to-point and spread spectrum radio systems for the worldwide telecommunications market. Cellular and personal communications services, or PCS, providers employ our point-to-point systems for backhaul between remote tower
sites and switching centers in their growing global markets. Network service providers and Internet service providers are able, through the deployment of our equipment and systems, to respond to the increasing global demands for high-speed wireless
access services, such as Internet access associated with business-to-business and e-commerce business processes. Through deployment of our systems, network providers can quickly and efficiently establish integrated Internet, data, voice, and video
services for their customers, and expand and grow those services as demand increases. Our market is a subset of the global telecom, cellular, PCS, wireless Internet access, and private network markets.
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, P-Com Network Services, Inc., or PCNS, provides engineering, installation support, program management and
maintenance support services to the telecommunications industry in the United States. Network service providers, including wireless and traditional wireline, outsource these tasks to approved service suppliers on a project-by-project basis.
Microwave service projects are typically short in duration, lasting one to two weeks, and primarily involve logistical installation or maintenance of millimeter wave radio systems. Central office services projects involve ordering materials and
substantial man-hour commitments and can last up to three months.
Our executive offices are located at 3175 S.
Winchester Boulevard, Campbell, California 95008, and our telephone number is (408) 866-3666.
The Offering
On March 1, 2002, we issued a warrant to purchase up to 600,000 shares of our common stock to Cagan McAfee Capital Partners,
LLC for consideration of financial advisory services provided to us. The exercise price for the common stock underlying the warrant is $1.02 per share. The closing sale price of our common stock on October 4, 2002 was $0.20. The warrant is
immediately exercisable and may be exercised either by payment of the exercise price or by net exercise. On July 11, 2002, Cagan McAfee Capital Partners, LLC transferred 20,000 shares underlying the warrant to Alta Partners Discount Convertible
Arbitrage Holdings, Ltd. Under the terms of the warrant, we agreed to register all of the shares of common stock underlying the warrant. This prospectus relates to the resale of up to 600,000 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of
the warrant. The prices at which the selling stockholders may sell the shares will be determined by the prevailing market for the shares or in negotiated transaction. See “Selling Stockholders.”
| Name of Selling Stockholders |
Number of Shares of Common
Stock | |
| Cagan McAfee Capital Partners, LLC |
580,000 | |
| Alta Partners Discount Convertible Arbitrage Holdings, Ltd. |
20,000 |
Use of Proceeds
The selling stockholders will receive all of the proceeds from the sale of the common stock pursuant to this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from sales
by the selling stockholders of the offered shares of common stock.
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An investment in our common stock is subject to many risks. You should
carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including the financial statements and the related notes, before you decide whether to purchase
shares of our common stock. Our business, operating results and financial condition could be harmed by any of the following risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you could lose all or part of your
investment.
Continuing uncertainty in the communications equipment industry and the United States economy may have serious
implications for the growth and stability of our business and may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
A severe worldwide slowdown in the telecommunications equipment and services sector is affecting us. Our customers, specifically systems operators and integrated system providers, are deferring capital spending and orders to
suppliers such as our company, canceling orders, and, in general, not building out any significant additional infrastructure at this time because of the overall slowdown in incremental demand for services from consumers and businesses. In addition,
our accounts receivable, inventory and stability can be jeopardized if our customers experience financial distress. Our services business’ largest customer began a slowdown and deferral of previously committed work orders as of the end of the
second quarter of 2001. We do not think our own product sales levels can likely recover while an industry-wide slowdown in demand persists.
Our business and financial positions have deteriorated significantly.
Our business and
financial positions have deteriorated significantly. From inception to June 30, 2002, our aggregate net loss to date is approximately $317 million. Our June 30, 2002 cash, working capital, accounts receivable, inventory, total assets, employee
headcount, backlog and total stockholders’ equity were all substantially below levels of one year before. In addition to $1.7 million of 4.25% convertible subordinated notes maturing in November 2002, we have $22.4 million of 4.25% convertible
subordinated notes maturing in November 2005 or 2007, depending upon the occurrence of certain events, that our current resources would not enable us to pay.
Our independent accountants’ opinion on our 2001 consolidated financial statements includes an explanatory paragraph indicating substantial doubt, on the basis described in that paragraph, about
our ability to continue as a going concern. We currently are able generally to pay our debts and meet our obligations as they become due. Nevertheless, to continue long-term as a going concern, we will have to increase our sales, and possibly induce
other creditors to forebear or to convert to equity, raise additional equity financing, and/or raise new debt financing. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to accomplish these tasks.
Our failure to comply with Nasdaq’s listing standards could result in our delisting by Nasdaq from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market and severely limit the ability to sell any of our common
stock.
To maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq National Market, we were required to meet
certain listing requirements, including a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share. We received a letter of notice dated June 20, 2001 from the Nasdaq National Market stating that due to our minimum bid price levels remaining under the $1.00 level for
30 consecutive trading days, we were therefore, on notice that we could be subject to a delisting procedure should the bid price continue to remain under the $1.00 level for an additional 90-day period, unless our stock attained a bid price of $1.00
or more for a period of 10 consecutive days during such 90-day period. Shortly after September 11, 2001, Nasdaq issued a moratorium on the delisting process until January 2, 2002. We received a new letter of notice on March 16, 2002 from Nasdaq
stating that due to our minimum bid price levels remaining under $1.00 for 30 consecutive days, we are again on notice that we were subject to delisting procedures. We filed a request for an appeal of the letter of notice and a hearing of our appeal
was heard on June 28, 2002. On May 21, 2002, we received an additional letter from Nasdaq stating that our net tangible assets and stockholders’ equity levels were being reviewed for eligibility for continued listing on the Nasdaq National
Market. On July 5, 2002, we received an additional letter from Nasdaq indicating that we failed to comply with Rule 4350(i)(D)(ii), based upon the consummation of the equity financing in June 2002 as the issuance had the potential to result in a
discounted issuance of 20% or greater of our total stock outstanding on a pre-issuance basis due to the inclusion of a price protection provision and the Company’s failure to obtain shareholder approval for such discounted issuance. It was also
stated that a second violation may have occurred based on the restructured notes. We received stockholders’ approval for a reverse stock split calling for 1 newly issued share of common stock to be issued in place of each 5 outstanding
shares of common stock as of the date at which the reverse stock split is effected. The reverse split was implemented in June 2002. Despite the reverse stock split, our stock price has continued to be below the required minimum $1.00 bid price. On
August 26, 2002, we received stockholders’ approval for a second reverse split of our common stock for ratios up to 1 for 10. This reverse stock spit has not been implemented.
On August 23, 2002, we received a letter from the Nasdaq Listings Qualification Panel (the “Panel”) outlining Nasdaq’s determination for
our request for continued listing on the Nasdaq National Market, pursuant to an exception to the bid price, net tangible assets/shareholder’s equity/market value of listed securities/total assets and total revenue and shareholder approval
requirements. The Panel acknowledged that as of June 30, 2002 we were in compliance with the $10,000,000 shareholder’s equity standard, but were concerned about our ability to sustain compliance with this requirement over the long term.
Notwithstanding, the Panel felt the Company would be able to achieve and sustain compliance with all requirements of continued listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. With respect to shareholder approval issues, the Panel determined that the
violation did not warrant delisting.
The Panel’s overall determination was to transfer our listing to the
Nasdaq SmallCap Market effective August 28, 2002, pursuant to the following exceptions: (1) on or before September 8, 2002, we must immediately notify the Hearings Department of the consummation of any transaction that may trigger the application of
any price protection provision; (2) on or before November 18, 2002, we must publicly file the form 10-Q for the quarter ending September 30, 2002 with the SEC and Nasdaq evidencing shareholders equity of at least $2,500,000; and (3) on or before
February 10, 2003, we must demonstrate a closing bid price of at least $1.00 per share; and immediately thereafter, we must evidence a closing bid price of at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive trading days.
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In order to fully comply with the terms of the exception, we must be able to
demonstrate compliance with all requirements for continued listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. Even if we are able to comply with the minimum requirement for continued listing, there is no assurance that in the future we will continue to satisfy
the Nasdaq listing requirements, with the result that our common stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, and if delisted from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, would likely be traded on the so-called “pink sheets” or on the
“Electronic Bulletin Board” of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. However, this alternative could result in a less liquid market available for existing and potential shareholders to trade shares of our stock and could
ultimately further depress the trading price of our common stock.
We have entered into a merger agreement with Telaxis Communications
Corporation and there are significant uncertainties and risks associated with the consummation of the merger.
On September 9, 2002, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Telaxis Communications Corporation and our merger sub. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, the merger sub will be merged with and into Telaxis, a
public company currently listed on the Nasdaq National Market and operating in the fiber optic network industry.
In connection with the merger, each outstanding share of Telaxis common stock will be converted into the right to receive 1.117 shares of our common stock. The exchange ratio will not be adjusted for changes in the price of
either Telaxis common stock or our common stock. Each outstanding option and warrant to purchase shares of Telaxis common stock will be assumed by us and converted into an option or warrant, as the case may be, to purchase shares of our common
stock. The exercise price and number of shares obtainable upon exercise of each such option or warrant will be adjusted based on the exchange ratio.
We are exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties that may inhibit our ability to close the merger and realize any benefit from the merger, including, some or all of the following:
• |
We may not be able to close the merger if all the conditions to the merger are not satisfied, including the approval of the merger and merger agreement by the
stockholders of Telaxis, approval of the issuance of shares of our common stock in the merger by our stockholders, regulatory approvals and satisfaction of the other closing conditions set forth in the merger agreement.
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If the merger is not completed, our stock price and future business and operations could be adversely affected. The price of our common stock may decline to the
extent that the current market price of our common stock reflects a market assumption that the merger will be completed and the costs related to the merger, such as legal, accounting and some of the fees of our financial advisor, must be paid even
if the merger is not completed. |
• |
We expect to incur significant costs associated with the merger. We will incur direct transaction costs in connection with the merger that will be expensed. The
combined entity may incur charges to operations in the quarter in which the merger is completed or the following quarters, to reflect costs associated with integrating the two companies. There can be no assurance that the combined company will not
incur additional material changes in subsequent quarters to reflect additional costs associated with the merger. |
• |
The combined company will continue to have the risks that each of P-Com and Telaxis were subject to before the merger. Telaxis will represent a substantial
portion of the operations, businesses and results of the combined company. As a result, the combined company will be susceptible to the risks to which both P-Com and Telaxis are subject. The risks Telaxis is subject include the following: dependence
on a limited number of customers, the expense of defending and the outcome of current and future stockholder litigation, newly created and developed narrow product initiatives and the delays and difficulties of establishing regulatory approval and
market acceptance of such initiatives. You can learn more about the risks of Telaxis’ business by reviewing its publicly available 10-K annual report for the year-ended December 31, 2001 and 10-Q quarterly report for the quarter-ended June 30,
2002. |
• |
Customer and employee uncertainty related to the merger could harm the combined company if we are able to close the merger. Our customers may, in response to
the announcement or consummation of the merger, delay or defer purchasing decisions. Any delay or deferral in purchasing decisions by our customers could adversely affect the business of the combined company. Similarly, our employees may experience
uncertainty about their future role with the combined company until or after strategies with regard to Telaxis are announced or executed. This may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain key management, marketing and technical personnel.
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• |
We may not realize any benefits from the merger if we do not successfully meet the challenges necessary to realize any potential benefits of the merger,
including the successful integration of the two companies. Achieving the benefits of the merger will depend in part on the integration of the technology, operations and personnel of P-Com and Telaxis. The integration process will be a complex,
time-consuming and expensive process and may disrupt our business if not completed in a timely and efficient manner. Some of the specific challenges include the following: demonstrating to our customers that the merger will not result in adverse
changes in client service standards or business focus, persuading our employees that our business cultures are compatible and timely release of products to market. There is no assurance that we will successfully integrate the business, operations or
product lines of P-Com and Telaxis, or that we will realize any of the anticipated benefits of the merger. |
Our stockholders will be substantially diluted in connection with the consummation of the merger.
We do not have the
customer base or other resources of more established companies, which makes it more difficult for us to address the liquidity and other challenges we face.
We do not have the customer base or other resources of more established companies, which makes it more difficult for us to address the liquidity and other challenges we face. Although we have installed
and have in operation over 150,000 radio units globally, we have not developed a large installed base of our equipment or the kind of close relationships with a broad base of customers of a type enjoyed by larger, more developed companies, which
would provide a base of financial performance from which to launch strategic initiatives and withstand business reversals. In addition, we have not built up the level of capital often enjoyed by more established companies, so from time to time we
may face serious challenges in financing our continued operation. We may not be able to successfully address these risks.
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Our prospects for obtaining additional financing, if required, are uncertain and failure to obtain
needed financing could affect our ability to pursue future growth and harm our business operations.
Even if
we resolve our short term going concern difficulties, our future capital requirements will depend upon many factors, including an inspired telecommunications market, development costs of new products and related software tools, potential acquisition
opportunities, maintenance of adequate manufacturing facilities and contract manufacturing agreements, progress of research and development efforts, expansion of marketing and sales efforts, and status of competitive products. Additional financing
may not be available in the future on acceptable terms or at all. The continued existence of a substantial amount of debt (including notes which come due November 1, 2002) could also severely limit our ability to raise additional financing. In
addition, given the recent price for our common stock, if we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, significant dilution to our stockholders could result.
If adequate funds are not available, we may be required to close business or product lines, restructure or refinance our debt or delay, scale back or eliminate our research
and development program or manufacturing operations. We may also need to obtain funds through arrangements with partners or others that may require us to relinquish rights to certain of our technologies or potential products or other assets. Our
inability to obtain capital, or our ability to obtain additional capital only upon onerous terms, could very seriously damage our business, operating results and financial condition and further erode our stock price.
Market acceptance of our products might suffer if we are unable to keep pace with rapid technological changes and industry standards.
Rapid technological change, frequency of new product introductions and enhancements, product obsolescence, changes in end-user
requirements and period-to-period demand, and evolving industry standards characterize the communications market. Our ability to compete in this market will depend upon successful development, introduction and sale of new systems and enhancements
and related software tools, on a timely and cost-effective basis, in response to changing customer requirements. Any success in developing new and enhanced systems and related software tools will depend upon a variety of factors. Such factors
include:
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new product development to respond to market demand; |
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integration of various elements of complex technology; |
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timely and efficient implementation of manufacturing and assembly processes at turnkey suppliers and design and manufacturing cost reduction programs for
existing product lines; |
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development and completion of related software tools, system performance, quality and reliability of systems; and |
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timely, efficient and cost-effective completion of system design process. |
We may not be successful in selecting, developing, manufacturing and marketing new systems or enhancements or related software tools. For example, to date, revenue generated through the sales of
Point-to-Multipoint systems has not met original expectations, and sales were down sharply in all product categories in the second half of 2001 and the first half of 2002. Also, errors could be found in our systems after commencement of commercial
quantity shipments. Such errors could result in the loss of or delay in market acceptance, as well as expenses associated with re-work of previously delivered equipment.
We rely on a limited number of customers for a material portion of our sales and the loss of sales to any of those customers could harm our business, financial conditions, and results of operation.
In the first half of 2002, sales to two customers accounted for approximately 28% of sales. Our ability to
maintain or increase our sales in the future will depend, in part upon our ability to obtain orders from new customers as well as the financial condition and success of our customers, the telecommunications industry and the global economy. Our
customer concentration also results in concentration of credit risk. As of June 30, 2002, two customers accounted for almost 38% of our total accounts receivable balances.
Many of our significant recurring customers are located outside of the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom, Europe and the Asia-Pacific rim. Some of these
customers are implementing new networks and are themselves in the early stages of development. They may require additional capital to fully implement their planned networks, which may be unavailable to them on an as-needed basis, and which we cannot
supply in terms of long-term financing.
If our customers cannot finance their purchases
of our products or services, this may materially adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition. Financial difficulties of existing or potential customers may also limit the overall demand for our products and services. Current
customers in the telecommunications industry have, from time to time, reportedly undergone financial difficulties and may therefore limit their future orders or find it difficult to pay for products sold to them. Any cancellation, reduction or delay
in orders or shipments, for example, as a result of manufacturing or supply difficulties or a customer’s inability to finance its purchases of our products or services, may materially adversely affect our business. Difficulties of this nature
have occurred in the past and we believe they can occur in the future.
Finally, acquisitions in the
telecommunications industry are common, which tends to further concentrate the potential customer base and in some cases may cause orders to be delayed or cancelled.
We expect our quarterly revenue and operating results to fluctuate, and it is difficult to predict our future revenue and results of operations.
We have experienced and will continue to experience significant fluctuations in sales, gross margins and operating results. The
procurement process for most of our current and potential customers is complex and lengthy. As a result, the timing and amount of sales is often difficult to predict reliably. The sale and implementation of our
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products and services generally involves a significant commitment of senior management, as well as our sales force and other resources. The sales cycle for our products and services typically
involve technical evaluation and commitment of our cash and other resources for extended periods of time prior to the realization of any significant sales, and delays often occur. Delays have been associated with, among other things:
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customers’ seasonal purchasing and budgetary cycles, as well as their own buildout schedules; |
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compliance with customers’ internal procedures for approving large expenditures and evaluating and accepting new technologies;
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compliance with governmental or other regulatory standards; |
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difficulties associated with customers’ ability to secure financing; |
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negotiation of purchase and service terms for each sale; |
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price negotiations required to secure purchase orders; and |
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education of customers as to the potential applications of our products and services, as well as related product-life cost savings.
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Failure to maintain satisfactory shipping and delivery schedules could increase our costs, disrupt our supply chain, and result
in our inability to deliver our products, which would adversely affect our results of operations.
Due to
logistics of production and inventory, a delay in a shipment near the end of a particular quarter for any reason may cause sales in a particular quarter to fall significantly below our and stock market analysts’ expectations. A single
customer’s order scheduled for shipment in a quarter can represent a large portion of our potential sales for the quarter. Such delays have occurred in the past due to unanticipated shipment rescheduling, cancellations or deferrals by
customers, competitive and economic factors, unexpected manufacturing or other difficulties, delays in deliveries of components, subassemblies or services by suppliers and failure to receive anticipated orders. We cannot determine whether similar or
other delays might occur in the future, but expect that some or all of such problems might recur.
Our operating results could
be adversely affected by a continued decline in capital spending in the telecommunications market.
Although
much of the anticipated growth in the telecommunications infrastructure is expected to result from the entrance of new service providers, many new providers do not have the financial resources of existing service providers. For example, in the
United States most competitive local exchange carriers are experiencing financial distress, and some have declared bankruptcy. If these new service providers are unable to adequately finance their operations, they may cancel or delay orders.
Moreover, purchase orders are often received and accepted far in advance of shipment and, as a result, we typically permit orders to be modified or canceled with limited or no penalties. Any failure to reduce actual costs to the extent anticipated
when an order is received substantially in advance of shipment or an increase in anticipated costs before shipment could materially adversely affect our gross margin for such orders. Ordering materials and building inventory based on customer
forecasts or non-binding orders can also result in large inventory write-offs, such as what occurred in 2000 and 2001.
Global economic conditions have had a depressing effect on sales levels in past years, including a significant slowdown in 1998. The soft economy and slowdown in capital spending in 2001 and into the first half of 2002 in the United
States and the United Kingdom telecommunications markets again had a significant depressing effect on the sales levels of products and services for such periods and is continuing into the second half of 2002.
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Failure to maintain adequate levels of inventory could result in a reduction or delay in sales and
harm our results of operations.
In a competitive industry such as broadband wireless, the ability to effect
quick turnaround and delivery on customer orders can make the difference in maintaining an ongoing relationship with our customers. This competitive market condition requires us to keep inventory on hand to meet such market demands. Given the
variability of customer requirements and purchasing power, it is difficult to closely predict the amount of inventory needed to satisfy demand. If we over or under-estimate inventory requirements to fulfill customer needs, our results of operations
could continue to be adversely affected. If market conditions continue to change swiftly, as was the case in 2001, it may not be possible to terminate purchasing contracts in a timely fashion to prevent periodic inventory increases. In particular,
increases in inventory could materially adversely affect operations if such inventory is ultimately not used or becomes obsolete. This risk was realized in the large inventory write-downs in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
Difficulties in reducing our operating expenses could harm our results of operations.
A material portion of our manufacturing related operating expenses is fixed. If we experience a reduction or delay in sales, we may find it difficult to reduce our
manufacturing related operating expenses on a timely basis. Difficulties of this nature would adversely affect our financial condition and harm our operating results.
Our limited manufacturing capacity and sources of supply may affect our ability to meet customer demand, which would harm our sales and damage our reputation.
Our internal manufacturing capacity, by design, is very limited. Under certain market conditions, as for example when there is high
capital spending and rapid system deployment, our internal manufacturing capacity will not be sufficient to fulfill customers’ orders. We would therefore rely on contract manufacturers to produce our systems, components and subassemblies. Our
failure to manufacture, assemble and ship systems and meet customer demands on a timely and cost-effective basis could damage relationships with customers and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
In addition, certain components, subassemblies and services necessary for the manufacture of our
systems are obtained from a sole supplier or a limited group of suppliers. Our reliance on contract manufacturers and on sole suppliers or a limited group of suppliers involves risks. Currently, many of these suppliers are experiencing the same
effects of the significant slowdown in the industry as we have. We have from time to time experienced an inability to obtain, or to receive in a timely manner, an adequate supply of finished products and required components and subassemblies. As a
result, we have reduced control over the price, timely delivery, reliability and quality of finished products, components and subassemblies.
If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our infrastructure, management, and resources could be strained, our ability to effectively manage our business could be diminished, and our results of operations could suffer.
To maintain a competitive market position, we are required to continue to invest resources for growth. As a
result, we continue to devote significant resources to the development of new products and technologies and are continuously conducting evaluations of these products. We will continue to invest additional resources in plant and equipment, inventory,
personnel and other items, to begin production of these products and to provide any necessary marketing and administration to service and support bringing these products to commercial production stage. Accordingly, in addition to the effect our
recent performance has had on gross profit margin and inventory levels, our gross profit margin and inventory management may be further adversely impacted in the future by start-up costs associated with the initial production and installation of
these new products. Start-up costs may include additional manufacturing overhead, additional allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory and warranty reserve requirements and the creation of service and support organizations. Additional inventory on
hand for new product development and customer service requirements also increases the risk of further inventory write-downs if such products do not gain reasonable market acceptance at normal gross profit margin. Although we, through monitoring our
operating expense levels relative to business plan revenue levels, try to maintain a given level of operating results, there are many market condition changes which have and may continue to challenge our ability to maintain given levels of operating
expenses to revenue ratios.
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Expansion of our operations and acquisitions in prior periods caused a
significant strain on our management, financial, manufacturing and other resources and has from time to time disrupted our normal business operations. Our ability to manage any possible future growth may again depend upon significant expansion of
our executive, manufacturing, accounting and other internal management systems and the implementation of a variety of systems, procedures and controls, including improvements or replacements to inventory and management systems designed to help
control and monitor inventory levels and other operating decision criteria. In particular, we must successfully manage and control overhead expenses and inventories, the development, introduction, marketing and sales of new products, the management
and training of our employee base, the integration and coordination of a geographically and ethnically diverse group of employees and the monitoring of third party manufacturers and suppliers. We cannot be certain that attempts to manage or again
expand our marketing, sales, manufacturing and customer support efforts will be successful or result in future additional sales or profitability.
Any failure to coordinate and improve systems, procedures and controls, including improvements relating to inventory control and coordination with subsidiaries, at a pace consistent with our business,
could cause inefficiencies, additional operational expenses and inherent risks, greater risk of billing delays, inventory write-downs and financial reporting difficulties.
A significant ramp-up of production of products and services could require us to make substantial capital investments in equipment and inventory, in recruitment and
training additional personnel and possibly in investment in additional manufacturing facilities. If undertaken, we anticipate these expenditures would be made in advance of increased sales. In such event, gross margins would be adversely affected
from time-to-time due to short-term inefficiencies associated with the addition of equipment and inventory, personnel or facilities, and such cost categories may periodically increase as a percentage of revenues.
A decline in the selling prices of our products would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We believe that average selling prices and gross margins for our systems and services will tend to decline in both the near and the long
term relative from the point at which a product is initially marketed and priced. Reasons for such decline may include the maturation of such systems, the effect of volume price discounts in existing and future contracts and the intensification of
competition.
If we cannot develop new products in a timely manner or fail to achieve increased sales of new
products at a higher average selling price, then we would be unable to offset declining average selling prices. If we are unable to offset declining average selling prices, or achieve corresponding decreases in manufacturing operating expenses, our
gross margins will decline.
Difficulties in receiving payment from customers could adversely affect our financial condition and
results of operations.
We are subject to credit risk in the form of trade accounts receivable. We could be
unable to enforce a policy of receiving payment within a limited number of days of issuing bills, especially for customers in the early phases of business development. Our current credit policy typically allows payment terms between 30 and 120 days
depending upon the customer and the economic norms of the region. We could have difficulties in receiving payment in accordance with our policies, particularly from customers awaiting financing to fund their expansion and from customers outside of
the United States.
Our business depends on the acceptance of our products and services, and it is uncertain whether the market will
accept and demand our products and services at levels necessary for our success.
Our future operating results
depend upon the continued growth and increased availability and acceptance of microcellular, personal communications networks/personal communications services, or PCN/PCS, and wireless local loop access telecommunications services in the United
States and internationally. The volume and variety of wireless telecommunications services or the markets for and acceptance of such services may not continue to grow as expected. The growth of such services may also fail to create anticipated
demand for our systems. Predicting
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which segments of these markets will develop and at what rate these markets will grow is difficult. In addition to our other products, we have recently invested significant time and resources in
the development of Point-to-Multipoint radio systems. If the licensed millimeter wave, spread spectrum microwave radio or Point-to-Multipoint microwave radio market and related services for our systems fails to grow, or grows more slowly than
anticipated, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected.
Certain sectors of the telecommunications market will require the development and deployment of an extensive and expensive telecommunications infrastructure. In particular, the establishment of PCN/PCS networks requires very large
capital expenditure levels. Communications providers may not make the necessary investment in such infrastructure, and the creation of this infrastructure may not occur in a timely manner. Moreover, one potential application of our technology, the
use of our systems in conjunction with the provision of alternative wireless access in competition with the existing wireline local exchange providers, depends on the pricing of wireless telecommunications services at rates competitive with those
charged by wireline operators. Rates for wireless access must become competitive with rates charged by wireline companies for this approach to be successful. Absent that, consumer demand for wireless access will be materially adversely affected. If
we allocate resources to any market segment that does not grow, we may be unable to reallocate capital and other resources to other market segments in a timely manner, ultimately curtailing or eliminating our ability to enter such other segments.
Certain current and prospective customers are delivering services and features that use competing transmission
media such as fiber optic and copper cable, particularly in the local loop access market. To successfully compete with existing products and technologies, we must offer systems with superior price/performance characteristics and extensive customer
service and support. Additionally, we must supply such systems on a timely and cost-effective basis, in sufficient volume to satisfy such prospective customers’ requirements, in order to induce the customers to transition to our technologies.
Any delay in the adoption of our systems and technologies may result in prospective customers using alternative technologies in their next generation of systems and networks.
Prospective customers may design their systems or networks in a manner which excludes or omits our products and technology. Existing customers may not continue to include
our systems in their products, systems or networks in the future. Our technology may not replace existing technologies and achieve widespread acceptance in the wireless telecommunications market. Failure to achieve or sustain commercial acceptance
of our currently available radio systems or to develop other commercially acceptable radio systems would materially adversely affect us.
We face substantial competition and may not be able to compete effectively.
We are
experiencing intense competition worldwide from a number of leading telecommunications equipment and technology suppliers. Such companies offer a variety of competitive products and services and some offer broader telecommunications product lines,
and include Alcatel Network Systems, Bosch Telekom, DMC Stratex Networks, Cerragon, Ericsson Limited, Harris Corporation-Farinon Division, Lucent T.R.T., NEC, Nokia Telecommunications, SIAE, Siemens, and Proxim/Western Multiplex Corporation.
Many of these companies have greater installed bases, financial resources and production, marketing,
manufacturing, engineering and other capabilities than we do. We face actual and potential competition not only from these established companies, but also from start-up companies that are developing and marketing new commercial products and
services.
Some of our current and prospective customers and partners have developed, are currently developing or
could manufacture products competitive with our products. Nokia and Ericsson have developed competitive radio systems, and new technology featuring free space optical systems is now in the marketplace.
The principal elements of competition in our market and the basis upon which customers may select our systems include price, performance,
software functionality, perceived ability to continue to be able to meet delivery requirements, and customer service and support. Recently, certain competitors have announced the introduction of new competitive products, including related software
tools and services, and the acquisition of other competitors and
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competitive technologies. We expect competitors to continue to improve the performance and lower the price of their current products and services and to introduce new products and services or new
technologies that provide added functionality and other features. New product and service offerings and enhancements by our competitors could cause a decline in sales or loss of market acceptance of our systems. New offerings could also make our
systems, services or technologies obsolete or non-competitive. In addition, we are experiencing significant price competition and expect such competition to intensify.
International sales and operation risks could adversely affect our results of operations.
Because of our currently heavy dependence on international markets, we face economic, political and foreign currency fluctuations that are more volatile than those commonly experienced in the United
States. The majority of our sales to date have been made to customers located outside of the United States.
Historically, our international sales have been denominated in British pounds sterling, Euros or United States dollars. A decrease in the value of foreign currencies relative to the United States dollar could result in decreased
margins from those transactions if such decreases are not hedged. For international sales that are United States dollar-denominated, such a decrease in the value of foreign currencies could make our systems less price-competitive if competitors
choose to price in other currencies and could have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition.
We
fund our Italian subsidiary’s operating expenses which are denominated in Euro. An increase in the value of Euro currency if not hedged relative to the United States dollar could result in more costly funding for our Italian operations, and as
a result higher cost of production to us as a whole. Conversely, a decrease in the value of Euro currency will result in cost savings for us.
Additional risks are inherent in our international business activities. Such risks include:
• |
changes in regulatory requirements; |
• |
costs and risks of localizing systems (homologation) in foreign countries; |
• |
delays in receiving and processing components and materials; |
• |
availability of suitable export financing; |
• |
timing and availability of export licenses, tariffs and other trade barriers; |
• |
difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, branches and subsidiaries; |
• |
difficulties in managing distributors; |
• |
potentially adverse tax consequences; |
• |
the burden of complying with a wide variety of complex foreign laws and treaties; |
• |
difficulty in accounts receivable collections, if applicable; and |
• |
political and economic instability. |
In addition, many of our customer purchase and other agreements are governed by foreign laws, which may differ significantly from United States laws. Therefore, we may be limited in our ability to
enforce our rights under such agreements and to collect damages, if awarded.
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In many cases, local regulatory authorities own or strictly regulate
international telephone companies. Established relationships between government-owned or government-controlled telephone companies and their traditional indigenous suppliers of telecommunications often limit access to such markets. The successful
expansion of our international operations in certain markets will depend on our ability to locate, form and maintain strong relationships with established companies providing communication services and equipment in designated regions. The failure to
establish regional or local relationships or to successfully market or sell our products in international markets could limit our ability to expand operations.
Some of our potential markets include developing countries that may deploy wireless communications networks as an alternative to the construction of a limited wireline infrastructure. These countries
may decline to construct wireless telecommunications systems or construction of such systems may be delayed for a variety of reasons. Also, in developing markets, economic, political and foreign currency fluctuations may be even more volatile than
conditions in developed areas.
Countries in the Asia-Pacific, African, and Latin American regions have recently
experienced weaknesses in their currency, banking and equity markets. These weaknesses have adversely affected and could continue to adversely affect demand for our products.
Governmental regulation affecting markets in which we compete could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Radio communications are extensively regulated by the United States and foreign governments as well as by international treaties. Our systems must conform to a variety of
domestic and international requirements established to, among other things, avoid interference among users of radio frequencies and to permit interconnection of equipment.
Historically, in many developed countries, the limited availability of radio frequency spectrum has inhibited the growth of wireless telecommunications networks. Each
country’s regulatory process differs. To operate in a jurisdiction, we must obtain regulatory approval for our systems and comply with differing regulations.
Regulatory bodies worldwide continue to adopt new standards for wireless communications products. The delays inherent in this governmental approval process may cause the
cancellation, postponement or rescheduling of the installation of communications systems by us and our customers. The failure to comply with current or future regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing regulations could result in the
suspension or cessation of operations. Such regulations or such changes in interpretation could require us to modify our products and services and incur substantial costs to comply with such regulations and changes.
In addition, we are also affected by domestic and international authorities’ regulation of the allocation and auction of the radio
frequency spectrum. Equipment to support new systems and services can be marketed only if permitted by governmental regulations and if suitable frequency allocations are auctioned to service providers. Establishing new regulations and obtaining
frequency allocation at auction is a complex and lengthy process. If personal communication services operators and others are delayed in deploying new systems and services, we could experience delays in orders. Similarly, failure by regulatory
authorities to allocate suitable frequency spectrum could have a material adverse effect on our results. In addition, delays in the radio frequency spectrum auction process in the United States could delay our ability to develop and market equipment
to support new services.
We operate in a regulatory environment subject to significant change. Regulatory
changes, which are affected by political, economic and technical factors, could significantly impact our operations by restricting our development efforts and those of our customers, making current systems obsolete or increasing competition. Any
such regulatory changes, including changes in the allocation of available spectrum, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may also find it necessary or advisable to modify our systems
and services to operate in compliance with such regulations. Such modifications could be expensive and time-consuming.
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Our inability to protect our intellectual property could impair our competitive advantage, reduce our
revenue and increase our costs.
We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights
and other measures to protect our intellectual property rights. We generally enter into confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements with service providers, customers and others to limit access to and distribution of proprietary rights. We also
enter into software license agreements with customers and others. However, such measures may not provide adequate protection for our trade secrets or other proprietary information for a number of reasons.
Any of our patents could be invalidated, circumvented or challenged, or the rights granted thereunder may not provide competitive
advantages to us. Any of our pending or future patent applications might not be issued within the scope of the claims sought, if at all. Furthermore, others may develop similar products or software or duplicate our products or software. Similarly,
others might design around the patents owned by us, or third parties may assert intellectual property infringement claims against us. In addition, foreign intellectual property laws may not adequately protect our intellectual property rights abroad.
A failure or inability to protect proprietary rights could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Even if our intellectual property rights are adequately protected, litigation may be necessary to enforce patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to
determine the validity of and scope of proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. Litigation, even if wholly without merit, could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, regardless of the
outcome. If any claims or actions are asserted against us, we may choose to seek a license under a third party’s intellectual property rights. However, such a license may not be available under reasonable terms or at all.
We depend on key personnel who would be difficult to replace and our business will likely be harmed if we lose their services or cannot hire
additional qualified personnel.
Our future operating results depend in significant part upon the continued
contributions of key technical and senior management personnel, many of who would be difficult to replace. Future operating results also depend upon the ability to attract and retain qualified management and technical personnel. Competition for such
personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting or retaining such personnel. Only a limited number of persons with the requisite skills to serve in these positions may exist and it may be increasingly difficult for us to hire such
personnel.
We have experienced and may continue to experience employee turnover due to several factors, including
the first quarter of 2002 and 2001 layoffs at our United States and United Kingdom locations. Such turnover could adversely impact our business.
Our stock price has been volatile and has experienced a significant decline, and may continue to be volatile and decline.
In recent years, the stock market in general, and the market for shares of small capitalization, technology stocks in particular, have experienced extreme price fluctuations. Such fluctuations have
often been unrelated to the operating performance of individual affected companies. Companies with liquidity problems also often experienced stock price volatility. We believe that factors such as announcements of developments related to our
business (including any financings or any resolution of liabilities), announcements of technological innovations or new products or enhancements by us or our competitors, developments in the emerging countries’ economies, sales by competitors,
sales of our common stock into the public market, developments in our relationships with customers, partners, lenders, distributors and suppliers, shortfalls or changes in revenues, gross margins, earnings or losses or other financial results that
differ from analysts’ expectations, regulatory developments, fluctuations in results of operations and general conditions in our market, or the economy, could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate. The market price of our common
stock may continue to decline substantially, or otherwise continue to experience significant fluctuations in the future, including fluctuations that are unrelated to our performance.
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We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock nor do we anticipate doing so in
the future.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock, and we anticipate that any
future earnings will be retained for investment in the business. Any payment of cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital
requirements, extent of indebtedness and contractual restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends.
We have adopted anti-take
over defenses that could delay or prevent an acquisition of the company.
Our stockholders rights plan,
certificate of incorporation, equity incentive plans, bylaws and Delaware law may have a significant effect in delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of other holders of common
stock.
The rights of the holders of our common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the
rights of any other preferred stock that may be issued in the future, including the Series A junior participating preferred stock that may be issued pursuant to the stockholders rights plan, upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. In
general, the stockholders rights plan provides a mechanism by which the share position of anyone that acquires 15% or more, or 20% or more in the case of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board and Firsthand Capital Management, of our common stock
will be substantially diluted. Future issuance of stock or any additional preferred stock could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock.
Future sales of our securities in the public market could lower our stock price and impair our ability in new stock offerings to raise funds to continue
operations.
Future sales of our common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding
options and warrants or other derivative transactions with respect to our stock, could have a significant negative effect on the market price of our common stock. These sales might also make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities or
equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we would deem appropriate.
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This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that
involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,”
“intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” and “would” or similar words. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they may discuss our future expectations, contain projections of
our future results of operations or of our financial position or state other forward-looking information. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. However, there may be events in the future that we are
not able to accurately predict or control. The factors listed above in the section captioned “Risk Factors,” as well as any cautionary language in this prospectus, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our
actual results to differ materially from any expectations we describe. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those predicted in our forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, including
risks and uncertainties in:
• |
market acceptance of and continuing demand for our products; |
• |
our ability to protect our intellectual property; |
• |
the impact of competitive products, pricing and customer service and support; |
• |
our ability to obtain additional financing to support our operations; |
• |
obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval where required; and |
• |
changing market conditions and other risks detailed in this prospectus. |
You should also consider carefully the statements under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 and other sections of this prospectus and in the other documents filed
with the SEC, which address factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which reflect our management’s view
only as of the date of this prospectus. We will not update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which such statement is made.
We file annual, quarterly and special reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference rooms in Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further
information on the public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from our Web site at http://www.p-com.com or at the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov.
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The SEC allows us to “incorporate by
reference” into this prospectus the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this
prospectus, and information we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made by us with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, until the sale of all of the shares of common stock that are part of this offering. The documents we are incorporating by reference are as follows:
(1) |
our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 filed on April 1, 2002; |
(2) |
our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2002 and June 30, 2002 filed on May 15, 2002 and August 14, 2002, respectively;
|
(3) |
our current reports on form 8-K filed on June 26, 2002, July 9, 2002 and September 12, 2002; |
(4) |
the description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed on January 12, 1995, including any amendments or reports filed for
the purpose of updating such descriptions; and |
(5) |
the description of our preferred stock purchase rights, contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed on October 9, 1997, including any amendments
or reports filed for the purpose of updating such descriptions. |
Any statement contained in a
document incorporated by reference will be modified or superseded for all purposes to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus (or in any other document that is subsequently filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference) modifies
or is contrary to that previous statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed a part of this prospectus except as so modified or superseded.
Upon written or oral request, we will provide without charge a copy of these filings, and a copy of any and all of the information that has been or may be incorporated by
reference in this prospectus. Requests for these copies should be directed to Corporate Secretary, P-Com, Inc., 3175 S. Winchester Boulevard, Campbell, California 95008, telephone (408) 866-3666.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or amendment. We have not authorized
anyone to provide you with different information. No selling stockholder is authorized to make an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any
date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.
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The following table sets forth the name of the selling
stockholders and the number of shares being registered for sale as of the date of this prospectus and sets forth the number of shares of common stock known by us to be beneficially owned by the selling stockholders. The following table assumes that
the selling stockholders will sell all of the shares being offered for its account by this prospectus. However, we are unable to determine the exact number of shares that actually will be sold. In December 2001, we engaged Cagan McAfee Capital
Partners, LLC as our financial advisor with respect to certain matters involving our business. Other than as stated above, the selling stockholders have not had a material relationship with us within the past three years other than as a result of
their ownership of our securities. The shares offered by this prospectus may be offered from time to time by the selling stockholders. This information is based upon information provided by the selling stockholders and public documents filed with
the SEC, and is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. The number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by the selling stockholders is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. The term
“selling stockholders” includes the stockholders listed below and their respective transferees, assignees, pledgees, donees or other successors. The percent of beneficial ownership for the stockholders is based on 30,021,000 shares of
common stock outstanding as of September 16, 2002.
| Name of Selling Stockholders |
Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned Before Offering |
Percent of Outstanding Shares Beneficially Owned Before Offering |
Number of Shares to be Sold
Pursuant to this Prospectus |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering (1) |
Percent of Outstanding Shares Beneficially Owned After the Offering (1) |
||||||
| Cagan McAfee Capital Partners, LLC |
580,000 |
1.9 |
% |
580,000 |
— |
— | |||||
| Alta Partners Discount Convertible Arbitrage Holdings, Ltd. |
20,000 |
* |
|
20,000 |
— |
— |
* |
Less than one percent. |
(1) |
Assumes that all shares being offered by the selling stockholders under this prospectus are sold, and that the selling stockholders acquire no additional shares
of common stock before the completion of this offering. |
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the common
stock by the selling stockholders. All proceeds will be received by the selling stockholders.
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We are registering all 600,000 shares on behalf of the selling
stockholders. The selling stockholders named in the table above or pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares received from the selling stockholders as a gift, partnership distribution or other non-sale related
transfer after the date of this prospectus may sell the shares from time to time. The selling stockholders will act independently of us in making decisions regarding the timing, manner and size of each sale. The sales may be made on the Nasdaq Stock
Market, in the over-the-counter market, through put or call option transactions relating to the shares, in negotiated transactions, or a combination of such methods of sale or otherwise, at prices and on terms then prevailing or at prices related to
the then current market price. The selling stockholders may effect these transactions by selling the shares to or through broker-dealers, or not. The shares may be sold by one or more of, or a combination of, the following:
• |
a block trade in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate
the transaction; |
• |
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by such broker-dealer for its account under this prospectus; |
• |
an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the respective exchange; |
• |
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers; and |
• |
in privately negotiated transactions. |
To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of distribution. In effecting sales, broker-dealers engaged by the selling
stockholders may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate in the resales.
The selling stockholders may
enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers in connection with distributions of the shares or otherwise. In these transactions, broker-dealers may engage in short sales of the shares in the course of hedging the positions they assume with
the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders also may sell shares short and redeliver the shares to close out such short positions. The selling stockholders may enter into options or other transactions with broker-dealers that require the
delivery to the broker-dealer of the shares. The broker-dealer may then resell or otherwise transfer such shares covered by this prospectus. The selling stockholders also may loan or pledge the shares to a broker-dealer. The broker-dealer may sell
the shares so loaned, or upon default the broker-dealer may sell the pledged shares under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of commissions, discounts or concessions from the selling stockholders. Broker-dealers or agents may also receive compensation from the purchasers of the shares for whom
they act as agents or to whom they sell as principals, or both. Compensation as to a particular broker-dealer might be in excess of customary commissions and will be in amounts to be negotiated in connection with the sale. Broker-dealers or agents
and any other participating broker-dealers or the selling stockholders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with sales of the shares. Accordingly,
any such commission, discount or concession received by them and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act. Because the selling stockholders may be
deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, the selling stockholders will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. In addition, any securities covered by this
prospectus which qualify for sale in compliance with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. The selling stockholders have advised us that they have not entered into any agreements,
understandings or arrangements with any underwriters or broker-dealers regarding the sale of their securities and that there is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of shares by the selling stockholders.
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The shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if
required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states the shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification
requirement is available and is complied with.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, any person engaged in the distribution of the shares may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to our common stock for a restricted period before the commencement of such distribution.
In addition, the selling stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act and the associated rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act, including Regulation M, which provisions may limit the timing
of purchases and sales of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders.
We will make copies of this
prospectus available to the selling stockholders and have informed the selling stockholders of the need to deliver copies of this prospectus to purchasers at or before the time of any sale of the shares.
Upon being notified by the selling stockholders that a donee or pledgee intends to sell more than 500 shares, we will file a supplement to
this prospectus. We will bear all costs, expenses and fees in connection with the registration of the shares. The selling stockholders will bear all commissions and discounts, if any, attributable to the sales of the shares. The selling stockholders
may agree to indemnify any broker-dealer or agent that participates in transactions involving sales of the shares against various liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933.
The validity of the common stock offered in this prospectus will be
passed upon for us by Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP, San Diego, California. As of the date of this prospectus, attorneys of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP and family members thereof beneficially owned an aggregate of approximately 8,000
shares of our common stock.
The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as
described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements) of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
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You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent
information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus should not be considered an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
600,000 Shares
Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
October 9, 2002