Biggest changeWe may not be able to maintain or increase sales to certain of our key customers for a variety of reasons, including: - most of our customers can stop incorporating our products into their own products with limited notice to us and suffer little or no penalty; - our agreements with our customers typically do not require them to purchase a minimum quantity of our products; - many of our customers have pre-existing or concurrent relationships with our current or potential competitors that may affect the customers’ decisions to purchase our products; - many of our customers have sufficient resources to internally develop technology solutions and semiconductor components that could replace the products that we currently supply in our customers’ end products; - our customers face intense competition from other manufacturers that do not use our products; and - our customers regularly evaluate alternative sources of supply in order to diversify their supplier base, which increases their negotiating leverage with us and their ability to either obtain or dual source components from other suppliers.
Biggest changeWe may not be able to maintain or increase sales to certain of our key customers for a variety of reasons, including: - most of our customers can stop incorporating our products into their own products with limited notice to us and suffer little or no penalty; - our agreements with our customers typically do not require them to purchase a minimum quantity of our products; - many of our customers have pre-existing or concurrent relationships with our current or potential competitors that may affect the customers’ decisions to purchase our products; - many of our customers have sufficient resources to internally develop technology solutions and semiconductor components that could replace the products that we currently supply in our customers’ end products; - our customers face intense competition from other manufacturers that do not use our products; - our customers may be subject to investigations and litigation that could result in injunctive or other relief that negatively impacts sales of their products, which in turn would result in a decrease in demand for our products; - our customers regularly evaluate alternative sources of supply in order to diversify their supplier base, which increases their negotiating leverage with us and their ability to either obtain or dual-source components from other suppliers; and - our current customers may be hesitant in some cases to award new business to us based on their desire to manage their supply chain risks around any potential over-dependence on a supplier or supply chain.
In an effort to alleviate some of our future expected supply constraints, the Company entered into a Capacity Reservation and Wafer Supply Commitment Agreement with GlobalFoundries on July 28, 2021 to reserve capacity and set wafer pricing for products purchased pursuant to the agreement through 2026.
In 2021, in an effort to alleviate some of our future expected supply constraints, the Company entered into a Capacity Reservation and Wafer Supply Commitment Agreement with GlobalFoundries on July 28, 2021 to reserve capacity and set wafer pricing for products purchased pursuant to the agreement through 2026.
Since low yields may result from either design or process technology failures, yield problems may not be effectively determined or resolved until an actual product exists that can be analyzed and tested to identify process sensitivities relating to the design rules that are used.
Since low yields may result from either design or process technology failures, yield problems may not be effectively determined or resolved until an actual product exists that can be analyzed and tested to identify process sensitivities relating to the design rules that are used.
As a result, we are subject to risks associated with these third parties, including: - insufficient capacity available to meet our demand on time; - inability for our suppliers to obtain the equipment or replacement parts necessary to fully operate their facilities or expand available manufacturing capacity; - inadequate manufacturing yields and excessive costs; - inability of these third parties to obtain an adequate supply of raw materials; - extended lead times on supplies used in the manufacturing of our products; - difficulties selecting and integrating new subcontractors; - limited warranties on products supplied to us; - potential increases in prices (including the cost of freight); and - increased exposure to potential misappropriation of our intellectual property.
As a result, we are subject to risks associated with these third parties, including: - insufficient capacity available to meet our demand on time; - inability of our suppliers to obtain the equipment or replacement parts necessary to fully operate their facilities or expand available manufacturing capacity; - inadequate manufacturing yields and excessive costs; - inability of these third parties to obtain an adequate supply of raw materials; - extended lead times on supplies used in the manufacturing of our products; - difficulties selecting and integrating new subcontractors; - limited warranties on products supplied to us; - potential increases in prices (including the cost of freight); and - increased exposure to potential misappropriation of our intellectual property.
Our international sales operations involve a number of other risks including, but not limited to: 13 Table of Contents - unexpected changes in government regulatory requirements; - sales, VAT, or other indirect tax regulations and treaties and potential changes in regulations and treaties in the United States and in and between countries in which we manufacture or sell our products; - changes to countries’ banking and credit requirements; - changes in diplomatic and trade relationships, including as a result of geopolitical conflict; - delays resulting from difficulties in obtaining export licenses for technology, particularly in China; - any changes in U.S. trade policy, including potential adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, higher tariffs, or cross border taxation by the U.S. government involving other countries, particularly China, that might impact overall customer demand for our products or affect our ability to manufacture and/or sell our products overseas; - tariffs and other barriers and restrictions, particularly in China; - competition with non-U.S. companies or other domestic companies entering non-U.S. markets in which we operate; - longer sales and payment cycles; - problems in collecting accounts receivable; - the burdens of complying with a variety of non-U.S. laws; and - changes to economic, social, or political conditions in countries such as China, where we have significant operations.
Our international sales operations involve a number of other risks including, but not limited to: - unexpected changes in government regulatory requirements; - sales, VAT, or other indirect tax regulations and treaties and potential changes in regulations and treaties in the United States and in and between countries in which we manufacture or sell our products; - changes to countries’ banking and credit requirements; - changes in diplomatic and trade relationships, including as a result of geopolitical conflict; - delays resulting from difficulties in obtaining export licenses for technology, particularly in China; - any changes in U.S. trade policy, including potential adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, higher tariffs, or cross border taxation by the U.S. government involving other countries, particularly China, that might impact overall customer demand for our products or affect our ability to manufacture and/or sell our products overseas; 17 Table of Contents - tariffs and other barriers and restrictions, particularly in China; - competition with non-U.S. companies or other domestic companies entering non-U.S. markets in which we operate; - longer sales and payment cycles; - problems in collecting accounts receivable; - the burdens of complying with a variety of non-U.S. laws; and - changes to economic, social, or political conditions in countries such as Taiwan and China, where we have significant operations.
There are risks inherent in expanding our presence into non-U.S. regions, including, but not limited to: - difficulties in staffing and managing non-U.S. operations, including compliance with local employment regulations; 17 Table of Contents - failure in non-U.S. regions to adequately protect our intellectual property, patent, trademarks, copyrights, know-how, and other proprietary rights and the risk of potential theft or compromise of our intellectual property; - global health conditions and potential natural disasters, including those resulting from climate change; - power or water shortages or other operational disruptions, including those resulting from extreme weather conditions; - political, social and economic instability in international regions, including wars; - international currency controls and exchange rate fluctuations; - financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities; - vulnerability to terrorist groups targeting U.S. interests abroad; - legal uncertainty regarding liability and compliance with non-U.S. laws and regulatory requirements; and - changing U.S. regulation of foreign operations, including potential sanctions.
There are risks inherent in expanding our presence into non-U.S. regions, including, but not limited to: - difficulties in staffing and managing non-U.S. operations, including compliance with local employment regulations; - failure in non-U.S. regions to adequately protect our intellectual property, patent, trademarks, copyrights, know-how, and other proprietary rights and the risk of potential theft or compromise of our intellectual property; - global health conditions and potential natural disasters, including those resulting from climate change; - power or water shortages or other operational disruptions, including those resulting from extreme weather conditions; - political, social and economic instability in international regions, including wars; - international currency controls and exchange rate fluctuations; - financial accounting and reporting burdens and complexities; - vulnerability to terrorist groups targeting U.S. interests abroad; - legal uncertainty regarding liability and compliance with non-U.S. laws and regulatory requirements; and - changing U.S. regulation of foreign operations, including potential sanctions.
Additionally, export restrictions imposed by the U.S. government, including the addition of licensing requirements by the United States Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security ("BIS") through the addition of companies to the BIS Entity List, as well as trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. related to goods imported from regions in China with records of forced labor and other human rights issues, may require us to suspend our business with certain international customers and/or manufacturing entities if we conclude or are notified by the U.S. government that such business presents a risk of noncompliance with U.S. regulations.
Additionally, export restrictions imposed by the U.S. government, including the addition of licensing requirements by the United States Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security ("BIS") through the addition of companies to the BIS Entity List, as well as trade restrictions imposed by the U.S. related to goods imported from regions in China with records of forced labor and other human rights issues, may require us to suspend our business with certain international customers and/or manufacturing entities 11 Table of Contents if we conclude or are notified by the U.S. government that such business presents a risk of noncompliance with U.S. regulations.
Successful product development and introduction depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to: - proper new product definition; - timely completion of design and testing of new products; - assisting our customers with integration of our components into their new products, including providing support from the concept stage through design, launch and production ramp; 18 Table of Contents - successfully developing and implementing software necessary to integrate our products into our customers’ products; - achievement of acceptable manufacturing yields; - availability of wafer fabrication, assembly, and test capacity; and - market acceptance of our products and the products of our customers.
Successful product development and introduction depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to: - proper new product definition; - timely completion of design and testing of new products; - assisting our customers with integration of our components into their new products, including providing support from the concept stage through design, launch and production ramp; - successfully developing and implementing software necessary to integrate our products into our customers’ products; - achievement of acceptable manufacturing yields; - availability of wafer fabrication, assembly, and test capacity; and - market acceptance of our products and the products of our customers.
Business & Operational Risks • Risks related to dependence on a limited number of customers and distributors and a lack of diversification in our revenue base, including risks related to the loss of, or a significant reduction in orders from, or pricing on products sold to, any key customer or distributor • Risks related to third-party manufacturing and supply chain relationships • Risks related to our long-term capacity reservation and wafer supply agreement with GlobalFoundries • Risks related to fluctuation in sales in the consumer electronics and smartphone markets • Risks related to global economic conditions, including economic downturns or recessions and the effects of inflationary pressures • Risks related to our international operations, including government trade policies and delays or disruptions to our international subcontractors, which may be impacted by political/economic factors • Risks related to system security, cyber-attacks, and data breaches • Risks related to strong competition in the semiconductor market, including competition to attract, hire, and retain highly qualified personnel • Risks related to our fabless business model • Risks related to acquiring other companies or technologies • Risks related to product concentration, difficulty in forecasting sales due to customers' ability to cancel or reschedule orders, and declining average selling prices Strategic & Industry Risks • Risks related to joint development or other custom product collaborations, including the development of products for specific system architectures • Risks related to the timely development, production, and acceptance of new and advanced technologies • Risks related to increasing complexity of our products and the potential for security vulnerabilities or other product defects and difficulties in transitioning to advanced manufacturing process technologies • Risks related to changes in the system architecture of our customers' end products • Risks related to our ability to protect our intellectual property rights Financial Risks • Risks related to exposure to tax liabilities and changes in tax laws • Risks related to fluctuations in inventory, including risks related to our customers’ ability to cancel/reschedule orders on short notice • Risks related to fluctuations in operating results, stock price, and foreign currency exposures • Risks related to debt obligations, including under our Second Amended Credit Agreement 8 Table of Contents Legal & General Risks • Risks related to intellectual property claims and litigation and export control regulations • Risks related to certain provisions of Delaware law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws • Risks related to corporate social responsibility initiatives and ESG matters • Risks related to owning real property Business and Operational Risks We depend on a limited number of customers and distributors for a substantial portion of our sales, and the loss of, or a significant reduction in orders from, or pricing on products sold to, any key customer or distributor could significantly reduce our sales and our profitability.
Business & Operational Risks • Risks related to dependence on a limited number of customers and distributors and a lack of diversification in our revenue base, including risks related to the loss of, or a significant reduction in orders from, or pricing on products sold to, any key customer or distributor • Risks related to third-party manufacturing and supply chain relationships • Risks related to our long-term capacity reservation and wafer supply agreement with GlobalFoundries • Risks related to fluctuation in sales in the consumer electronics and smartphone markets • Risks related to global economic conditions, including economic downturns or recessions and the effects of inflationary pressures • Risks related to our international operations, including government trade policies and delays or disruptions to our international subcontractors, which may be impacted by political/economic factors • Risks related to system security, cyber-attacks, and data breaches • Risks related to strong competition in the semiconductor market, including competition to attract, hire, and retain highly qualified personnel • Risks related to our fabless business model • Risks related to the use or application of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence • Risks related to acquiring other companies or technologies • Risks related to product concentration, difficulty in forecasting sales due to customers' ability to cancel or reschedule orders, and declining average selling prices Strategic & Industry Risks • Risks related to joint development or other custom product collaborations, including the development of products for specific system architectures • Risks related to the timely development, production, and acceptance of new and advanced technologies while complying with increasingly stringent environmental regulations • Risks related to increasing complexity of our products and the potential for security vulnerabilities or other product defects and difficulties in transitioning to advanced manufacturing process technologies • Risks related to changes in the system architecture of our customers' end products • Risks related to our ability to protect our intellectual property rights Financial Risks • Risks related to exposure to tax liabilities and changes in tax laws • Risks related to fluctuations in inventory, including risks related to our customers’ ability to cancel/reschedule orders on short notice • Risks related to fluctuations in operating results, stock price, and foreign currency exposures 8 Table of Contents • Risks related to debt obligations, including under our Second Amended Credit Agreement Legal & General Risks • Risks related to intellectual property claims and litigation and export control regulations • Risks related to certain provisions of Delaware law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws • Risks related to corporate social responsibility initiatives and ESG matters • Risks related to owning real property Business and Operational Risks We depend on a limited number of customers and distributors for a substantial portion of our sales, and the loss of, or a significant reduction in orders from, or pricing on products sold to, any key customer or distributor could significantly reduce our sales and our profitability.
Accordingly, we have in the past and may in the future devote a substantial amount of resources to strategic relationships, which could detract from or delay our completion of other important development projects or the development of next generation products and technologies, and notwithstanding our efforts, our customers may not be obligated to purchase new products that we develop for them, which could impact our operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.
Accordingly, we have in the past and may in the future devote a substantial amount of resources to strategic relationships, which could detract from or delay our completion of other important development projects or the development of next-generation products 9 Table of Contents and technologies, and notwithstanding our efforts, our customers may not be obligated to purchase new products that we develop for them, which could impact our operating results, financial condition, and cash flows.
Further, we have made commitments not to exceed certain pricing with some key customers on some of our products, and as a result, we may not be able to pass on any unexpected or additional costs increases or fees associated with our suppliers.
Further, we have made commitments not to exceed certain pricing with some key customers on some of our products, and as a result, we may not be able to pass on any unexpected or additional cost increases or fees associated with our suppliers.
Our reliance on certain customers may continue to increase, which could heighten the risks associated with having key 9 Table of Contents customers, including making us more vulnerable to significant reductions in revenue, margins and earnings, pricing pressure, and other adverse effects on our business. We are dependent on third-party manufacturing and supply chain relationships for all of our products.
Our reliance on certain customers may continue to increase, which could heighten the risks associated with having key customers, including making us more vulnerable to significant reductions in revenue, margins, and earnings; pricing pressure; and other adverse effects on our business. We are dependent on third-party manufacturing and supply chain relationships for all of our products.
Because we operate a fabless business model, we may not be eligible for such incentives from the U.S. government at this time. However, many of our current and future competitors maintain their own 15 Table of Contents fabrication facilities and may secure such funding, which could benefit them in connection with cost, capacity, and technical issues.
Because we operate a fabless business model, we may not be eligible for such incentives from the U.S. government at this time. However, many of our current and future competitors maintain their own fabrication facilities and may secure such funding, which could benefit them in connection with cost, capacity, and technical issues.
Despite our receipt of licenses, BIS Entity List restrictions may also encourage foreign customers to seek a greater supply of similar or substitute products from competitors or other third parties who are not subject to these restrictions or to develop their own solutions, especially as the Chinese government develops its domestic semiconductor 12 Table of Contents industry.
Despite our receipt of licenses, BIS Entity List restrictions may also encourage foreign customers to seek a greater supply of similar or substitute products from competitors or other third parties who are not subject to these restrictions or to develop their own solutions, especially as the Chinese government develops its domestic semiconductor industry.
Manufacturing defects that we do not discover during the manufacturing or testing process may lead to costly product recalls. These risks may lead to increased costs or delayed product delivery, which would harm our profitability and customer relationships. 10 Table of Contents In some cases, our requirements may represent a small portion of the total production of the third-party suppliers.
Manufacturing defects that we do not discover during the manufacturing or testing process may lead to costly product recalls. These risks may lead to increased costs or delayed product delivery, which would harm our profitability and customer relationships. In some cases, our requirements may represent a small portion of the total production of the third-party suppliers.
As a result, delays in our production or shipping by the parties to whom we outsource these functions could reduce our sales, damage our customer relationships, and damage our reputation in the marketplace, any of which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. 16 Table of Contents For example, we rely on several third-party suppliers located in Taiwan.
As a result, delays in our production or shipping by the parties to whom we outsource these functions could reduce our sales, damage our customer relationships, and damage our reputation in the marketplace, any of which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. For example, we rely on several third-party suppliers located in Taiwan.
As a result, yield problems may not be identified until well into the production process, and resolution of yield problems may require cooperation between our manufacturer and us. This risk could be compounded by the offshore location of certain of our manufacturers, increasing the effort and time required to identify, communicate, and resolve manufacturing yield problems.
As a 10 Table of Contents result, yield problems may not be identified until well into the production process, and resolution of yield problems may require cooperation between our manufacturer and us. This risk could be compounded by the offshore location of certain of our manufacturers, increasing the effort and time required to identify, communicate, and resolve manufacturing yield problems.
Although we are not aware of any violation of any export control regulations, a failure to comply with any of these regulations could have an adverse effect on our business. Potential intellectual property claims and litigation could subject us to significant liability for damages and could invalidate our proprietary rights.
Although we are not aware of any violation of any export control regulations, a failure to comply with any of these 25 Table of Contents regulations could have an adverse effect on our business. Potential intellectual property claims and litigation could subject us to significant liability for damages and could invalidate our proprietary rights.
See further discussion of the research and development expenditure credit in the U.K. in Note 2, "Government Assistance." 21 Table of Contents Shifts in industry-wide capacity and our practice of ordering and purchasing our products based on sales forecasts may result in significant fluctuations in inventory and our quarterly and annual operating results.
See further discussion of the research and development expenditure credit in the U.K. in Note 2, "Government Assistance." Shifts in industry-wide capacity and our practice of ordering and purchasing our products based on sales forecasts may result in significant fluctuations in inventory and our quarterly and annual operating results.
The Company makes estimates of the RDEC receivable as of each balance sheet date, based upon facts known at the time. Although the Company does not expect its estimates to be materially different from the amounts ultimately recognized, its estimates could differ from actual results.
The Company makes estimates of the RDEC receivable as of each balance sheet date, based upon facts known at the time. Although the 22 Table of Contents Company does not expect its estimates to be materially different from the amounts ultimately recognized, its estimates could differ from actual results.
If we do not hedge against these risks, or our attempts to hedge against these risks are not successful, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Our debt obligations may be a burden on our future cash flows and cash resources.
If we do not hedge against these risks, or our attempts to hedge against these risks are not successful, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. 24 Table of Contents Our debt obligations may be a burden on our future cash flows and cash resources.
The ownership of our U.S. properties subjects us to the risks of owning real property, which may include: - the possibility of environmental contamination and the costs associated with correcting any environmental problems; - adverse changes in the value of these properties, due to interest rate changes, changes in the neighborhood in which the property is located, or other factors; and - the risk of financial loss in excess of amounts covered by insurance, or uninsured risks, such as the loss caused by damage to 26 Table of Contents the buildings as a result of fire, floods, or other natural disasters.
The ownership of our U.S. properties subjects us to the risks of owning real property, which may include: - the possibility of environmental contamination and the costs associated with correcting any environmental problems; - adverse changes in the value of these properties, due to interest rate changes, changes in the neighborhood in which the 27 Table of Contents property is located, or other factors; and - the risk of financial loss in excess of amounts covered by insurance, or uninsured risks, such as the loss caused by damage to the buildings as a result of fire, floods, or other natural disasters (including those related to changes in climate).
This forum selection provision may increase costs to bring a claim, discourage claims, or limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholder finds favorable for disputes with the Company or the Company’s directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against the Company or the Company’s directors, officers, and other employees.
This forum selection provision may increase costs to bring a claim, discourage claims, or limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholder finds favorable for disputes with the Company or the Company’s directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against the Company 26 Table of Contents or the Company’s directors, officers, and other employees.
Factors that could cause fluctuations and materially and adversely affect our net sales, gross margin and/or operating results include, but are not limited to: - the volume and timing of orders received; - changes in the mix of our products sold; - market acceptance of our products and the products of our customers; - excess or obsolete inventory; - pricing pressures from competitors and key customers; - our ability to introduce new products on a timely basis; - the timing and extent of our research and development expenses; - the failure to anticipate changing customer product requirements; - disruption in the supply of wafers, assembly, or test services; - reduction of manufacturing yields; - certain production and other risks associated with using independent manufacturers, assembly houses, and testers; and - product obsolescence, price erosion, competitive developments, and other competitive factors. 22 Table of Contents Our stock price has been and is likely to continue to be volatile.
Factors that could cause fluctuations and materially and adversely affect our net sales, gross margin and/or operating results include, but are not limited to: - the volume and timing of orders received; - changes in the mix of our products sold; - market acceptance of our products and the products of our customers; - excess or obsolete inventory; - pricing pressures from competitors and key customers; - our ability to introduce new products on a timely basis; - the timing and extent of our research and development expenses; - the failure to anticipate changing customer product requirements; - disruption in the supply of wafers, assembly, or test services; - reduction of manufacturing yields; 23 Table of Contents - certain production and other risks associated with using independent manufacturers, assembly houses, and testers; and - product obsolescence, price erosion, competitive developments, and other competitive factors.
Although we believe that our existing insurance coverage is consistent with common practices of companies in our industry, our insurance coverage may be inadequate to protect us against product recalls, natural disasters, cybersecurity and/or information security breaches, and other unforeseen catastrophes that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Although we believe that our existing insurance coverage is consistent with common practices of companies in our industry, our insurance coverage may be inadequate to protect us against product recalls, natural disasters (including those related to changes in climate), cybersecurity and/or information security breaches, and other unforeseen catastrophes that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, our dependence on a limited number of key customers may make it easier for them to pressure us on price reductions or to not accept price increases resulting from unexpected or additional cost increases or fees associated with our suppliers.
In addition, our dependence on a limited number of key customers may make it easier for them to demand favorable commercial terms or to pressure us on price reductions or to not accept price increases resulting from unexpected or additional cost increases or fees associated with our suppliers.
In addition, because of procurement lead times, we are limited in our ability to reduce total costs quickly in response to any reductions in prices or sales shortfalls. Because of these factors, we may experience adverse fluctuations in our future operating results on a quarterly or annual basis.
In addition, because of procurement lead times, we are limited in our ability to reduce total costs quickly in response to any reductions in prices or sales shortfalls. Because of these factors, we may experience adverse fluctuations in our future operating results on a quarterly or annual basis. We are subject to risks relating to product concentration.
We also rely on trade secrets, proprietary technology, non-disclosure and other contractual terms, and technical measures to protect our technology and manufacturing knowledge. We actively work to foster continuing technological innovation to maintain and protect our competitive position.
We also rely on trade secrets, proprietary technology, non- 21 Table of Contents disclosure and other contractual terms, and technical measures to protect our technology and manufacturing knowledge. We actively work to foster continuing technological innovation to maintain and protect our competitive position.
As markets mature and components become commoditized, competitors that can tolerate lower margins/operating income pose a risk to our profitability and growth. In the event that competitors succeed in supplanting our products, our market share may not be sustainable and our net sales, gross margin and operating results would be adversely affected. We compete in a number of markets.
As markets mature and components become 13 Table of Contents commoditized, competitors that can tolerate lower margins/operating income pose a risk to our profitability and growth. In the event that competitors succeed in supplanting our products, our market share may not be sustainable and our net sales, gross margin and operating results would be adversely affected.
For the twelve-month periods ending March 25, 2023, March 26, 2022, and March 27, 2021, we had one end customer, Apple Inc., who purchased through multiple contract manufacturers and represented approximately 83 percent, 79 percent and 83 percent of the Company’s total sales, respectively.
For the twelve-month periods ending March 30, 2024, March 25, 2023, and March 26, 2022, we had one end customer, Apple Inc., who purchased through multiple contract manufacturers and represented approximately 87 percent, 83 percent and 79 percent of the Company’s total sales, respectively.
Quality and reliability issues could result in material costs and other adverse consequences to us, including, but not limited to: - reduced margins; - damage to our reputation; - replacement costs for product warranty and support; - payments to our customers related to recall claims, or the delivery of product replacements as part of a recall claim, as a result of various industry or business practices, contractual requirements, or in order to maintain good customer relationships; - an adverse impact to our customer relationships by the occurrence of significant defects; - a delay in recognition or loss of revenues, loss of market share, or failure to achieve market acceptance; - writing off or reserving the value of inventory of such products; and - a diversion of the attention of our engineering personnel from our product development efforts. 19 Table of Contents In addition, any defects or other problems with our products could result in financial losses or other damages to our customers who could seek damages from us for their losses.
Quality and reliability issues could result in material costs and other adverse consequences to us, including, but not limited to: - reduced margins; - damage to our reputation; - replacement costs for product warranty and support; - payments to our customers related to recall claims, or the delivery of product replacements as part of a recall claim, as a result of various industry or business practices, contractual requirements, or in order to maintain good customer relationships; - an adverse impact to our customer relationships by the occurrence of significant defects; - a delay in recognition or loss of revenues, loss of market share, or failure to achieve market acceptance; - writing off or reserving the value of inventory of such products; and - a diversion of the attention of our engineering personnel from our product development efforts.
For example, we receive a research and development expenditure credit in the United Kingdom ("RDEC"), which is recorded for accounting purposes as an offset to research and development expenses in the Company’s consolidated income statement and resulted in a benefit of $26.2 million in fiscal year 2023.
For example, we receive a research and development expenditure credit in the United Kingdom ("RDEC"), which is recorded for accounting purposes as an offset to research and development expenses in the Company’s consolidated income statement and resulted in a benefit of $40.9 million in fiscal year 2024.
We cannot provide assurances that we will ultimately be 24 Table of Contents successful in any lawsuit, nor can we provide assurances that any patent owned by us will not be invalidated, circumvented, or challenged.
We cannot provide assurances that we will ultimately be successful in any lawsuit, nor can we provide assurances that any patent owned by us will not be invalidated, circumvented, or challenged.
In addition to our own systems, our business also is reliant upon the security of various third parties in our supply chain, and any breach of their systems and securities could result in our being subjected to the numerous risks and adverse consequences noted above.
In addition to our own systems, our business also is reliant upon the security of various third parties in our supply chain, and any breach of their systems and securities could result in our being subjected to the numerous risks and adverse consequences noted above. Strong competition in the semiconductor market may harm our business.
Our future effective tax rates could be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, or changes in tax laws or their interpretation, including in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
Our future effective tax rates could be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, or changes in tax laws or their interpretation.
In addition, one or more of our customers have also requested, and other customers may in the future request, that we achieve certain carbon emission reductions and/or commit to the use of renewable energy in the manufacture of our goods.
In addition, one or more of our customers has required, and other customers may in the future request, that we achieve certain carbon emission reductions and/or commit to the use of renewable energy in the manufacture of our goods.
We do not agree with the IRS’s positions and we intend to vigorously dispute the proposed adjustments. We intend to pursue resolution through the administrative process with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals and, if necessary, through judicial remedies. We expect it could take a number of years to reach resolution on these matters.
We do not agree with the IRS’s positions and we are vigorously defending against the proposed adjustments. We are pursuing resolution through the administrative process with the IRS Independent Office of Appeals and, if necessary, through judicial remedies. We expect it could take a number of years to reach resolution on these matters.
Our 23 Table of Contents business may not generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to satisfy our obligations or to make necessary capital expenditures.
Our business may not generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to satisfy our obligations or to make necessary capital expenditures.
If we are unable to commercialize these technologies, our future results and profits could be negatively affected. Our investments into new markets subject us to additional risks. We may have limited or no experience in these markets, and our customers may not adopt our new offerings.
We continue to invest in research and development efforts for several new markets. If we are unable to commercialize these technologies, our future results and profits could be negatively affected. Our investments into new markets subject us to additional risks. We may have limited or no experience in these markets, and our customers may not adopt our new offerings.
If our customers were to transition to these different system architectures or to eliminate certain functionality in their future end products, our results of operations could be adversely affected, resulting in reduced average selling prices for our components and loss of revenue. We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights.
If our customers were to transition to these different system architectures or to eliminate certain functionality in their future end products, our results of operations could be adversely affected, resulting in reduced average selling prices for our components and loss of revenue.
Our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows could therefore be adversely affected by: - a decline in demand for any of our more significant products; - a decline in the average selling prices of our more significant products; - failure of our products to achieve continued market acceptance; - competitive products; - new technological standards or changes to existing standards that we are unable to address with our products; - manufacturing or supply issues that prevent us from meeting our customers’ demand for these products; - a failure to release new products or enhanced versions of our existing products on a timely basis; - the failure of our new products to achieve market acceptance; and - any changes to a customer's future product plans.
Our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows could therefore be adversely affected by: - a decline in demand for any of our more significant products; - a decline in the average selling prices of our more significant products; - failure of our products to achieve continued market acceptance; - competitive products; - new technological standards or changes to existing standards that we are unable to address with our products; - manufacturing or supply issues that prevent us from meeting our customers’ demand for these products; - a failure to release new products or enhanced versions of our existing products on a timely basis; - the failure of our new products to achieve market acceptance; and - any changes to a customer's future product plans. 16 Table of Contents Our international operations subject our business to additional political and economic risks that could have an adverse impact on our business.
Although we continue to investigate, invest in, and try to develop opportunities to diversify our revenue and customer base, our sales, marketing, and development efforts have historically been focused on a limited number of customers and opportunities. Many companies have the ability to manage their risk by product, market, and customer diversification.
Although we continuously explore opportunities to diversify our revenue and customer base, our sales, marketing, and development efforts have historically been focused on a limited number of customers and opportunities. Many companies have the ability to manage their risk by product, market, and customer diversification.
Additionally, while the industry is experiencing manufacturing capacity constraints, it is possible that some customers may place orders for our products that exceed their actual demand and may cancel all or portions of their order if circumstances change.
Additionally, it is possible that some customers may place orders for our products that exceed their actual demand and may cancel all or portions of their order if circumstances change.
As of March 25, 2023, the Company did not have an outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility.
As of March 30, 2024, the Company did not have an outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Because our expense levels 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 sales and our operating results could be harmed in any particular quarter.
Because our expense levels 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 sales and our operating results could be harmed in any particular quarter. Our products may be subject to average selling prices that decline over time.
Our products are increasingly complex and could contain defects, which could result in material costs to us. Product development in the markets we serve is becoming more focused on the integration of multiple functions on individual devices. There is a general trend towards increasingly complex products, including software or firmware developed by us and/or third parties.
Product development in the markets we serve is becoming more focused on the integration of multiple functions on individual devices. There is a general trend towards increasingly complex products, including software or firmware developed by us and/or third parties.
For the twelve-month period ending March 25, 2023, and each of the twelve-month periods ending March 26, 2022, and March 27, 2021 our ten largest end customers represented approximately 92 percent and 93 percent of our sales, respectively.
For the twelve-month periods ending March 30, 2024, March 25, 2023, and March 26, 2022, our ten largest end customers represented approximately 95 percent, 92 percent and 93 percent of our sales, respectively.
Our products may be subject to average selling prices that decline over time. If we are unable to maintain or increase average selling prices for existing products, increase our volumes, introduce new or enhanced products with higher selling prices, or reduce our costs, our business and operating results could be harmed.
If we are unable to maintain or increase average selling prices for existing products, increase our volumes, introduce new or enhanced products with higher selling prices, or reduce our costs, our business and operating results could be harmed. Historically in the semiconductor industry, average selling prices of products have decreased over time.
Policing infringement of our technology is difficult, and litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights. Any such litigation could be expensive, take significant time, and divert management’s attention. Financial Risks We could be subject to changes in tax laws, the adoption of new U.S. or international tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities.
Any such litigation could be expensive, take significant time, and divert management’s attention. Financial Risks We could be subject to changes in tax laws, the adoption of new U.S. or international tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities.
Our principal competitors in these markets include AKM Semiconductor Inc., Analog Devices Inc., Goodix Technology, Infineon Technologies, Monolithic Power Systems, Inc., Realtek Semiconductor Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation, Shanghai Awinic Technology Co., Ltd., Skyworks Solutions Inc., Southchip Semiconductor Technology (China), ST Microelectronics N.V., Synaptics Incorporated and Texas Instruments, Inc.
We compete in a number of markets. Our principal competitors in these markets include AKM Semiconductor Inc., Analog Devices Inc., Realtek Semiconductor Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation, Shanghai Awinic Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co, Ltd., Skyworks Solutions Inc., ST Microelectronics N.V., Synaptics Incorporated and Texas Instruments, Inc.
In addition, inflationary pressures could also result in a decline in consumer confidence and spending, potentially impacting demand for our customers' end products in the consumer electronics and smartphone markets. Any such decline would likely impact our business, operating results, and financial condition.
In addition, inflationary pressures could also result in a decline in consumer confidence and spending, potentially impacting demand for our customers' end products in the consumer electronics and smartphone markets.
The IRS has proposed adjustments that would increase U.S. taxable income related to transfer pricing matters with respect to our U.S. and U.K. affiliated companies and on May 17, 2022, the IRS issued a Revenue Agent’s Report asserting additional tax of approximately $170.5 million, plus interest and imposing penalties of approximately $63.7 million.
The IRS has proposed adjustments that would increase U.S. taxable income related to transfer pricing matters with respect to our U.S. and U.K. affiliated companies. The final Revenue Agent’s Report asserted additional tax of approximately $168.3 million, excluding interest, and imposing penalties of approximately $63.7 million.
In addition, the laws of some non-U.S. countries may not protect our intellectual property as well as the laws of the United States. 20 Table of Contents Any of these events could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition.
In addition, the laws of some non-U.S. countries may not protect our intellectual property as well as the laws of the United States. Any of these events could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition. Policing infringement of our technology is difficult, and litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights.
These developing products and market segments may not grow as significantly or as quickly as projected, or at all, and we may not realize an adequate return on our investments or may be required to write-down the value of certain tangible and intangible assets.
These developing products and market segments may not grow as significantly or as quickly as projected, or at all, and we may not realize an adequate return on our investments or may be required to write-down the value of certain tangible and intangible assets. 20 Table of Contents We may experience difficulties developing and transitioning to advanced manufacturing process technologies, which could materially adversely affect our results.
Our international operations subject our business to additional political and economic risks that could have an adverse impact on our business. In addition to international sales constituting a large portion of our net sales, we maintain international operations, sales, and technical support personnel. International expansion has required, and will continue to require, significant management attention and resources.
In addition to international sales constituting a large portion of our net sales, we maintain international operations, sales, and technical support personnel. International expansion has required, and will continue to require, significant management attention and resources.
Moreover, we regularly maintain cash balances at third-party financial institutions in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limit or at financial institutions located outside the U.S. where FDIC insurance does not apply.
Any such decline would likely impact our business, operating results, and financial condition. 12 Table of Contents Moreover, we regularly maintain cash balances at third-party financial institutions in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance limit or at financial institutions located outside the U.S. where FDIC insurance does not apply.
If such credit is modified or rescinded, or we are no longer eligible for such credit, our financial results could be adversely impacted, including increasing our R&D expenses, decreasing our profitability, and adversely affecting our cash flows.
To date, there have not been any material adjustments to the Company's prior estimates of RDEC receivables. If such credit is modified or rescinded, or we are no longer eligible for such credit, our financial results could be adversely impacted, including increasing our R&D expenses, decreasing our profitability, and adversely affecting our cash flows.
Our hardware and software products, including software tools deployed by our customers, may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. An attack could disrupt the proper functioning of our products, disrupt or cause errors in our customers' products, allow unauthorized access to our or our customers' proprietary information, or cause other destructive outcomes.
An attack could disrupt the proper functioning of our products, disrupt or cause errors in our customers' products, allow unauthorized access to our or our customers' proprietary information, or cause other destructive outcomes.
Historically in the semiconductor industry, average selling prices of products have decreased over time. Moreover, our dependence on a limited number of key customers may make it easier for key customers to pressure us to reduce prices.
Moreover, our dependence on a limited number of key customers may make it easier for key customers to pressure us to reduce prices.
Global economic conditions could make it difficult for our customers, our suppliers, and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities and could cause global businesses to defer or reduce spending on our products, or increase the costs of manufacturing our products. 11 Table of Contents During challenging economic times our customers and distributors may face issues gaining timely access to sufficient credit, which could impact their ability to make timely payments to us.
Global economic conditions could make it difficult for our customers, our suppliers, and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities and could cause global businesses to defer or reduce spending on our products, or increase the costs of manufacturing our products.
We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of these examinations.
We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of these examinations. The Company’s fiscal year 2017, 2018, and 2019 federal income tax returns are under examination by the IRS.
The sophistication, scale and frequency of cyber-attacks has continued to increase and evolve at a rapid pace, and the risk of attack may be heightened when our employees are working remotely or as a result of geopolitical events, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The sophistication, scale and frequency of cyber-attacks has continued to increase and evolve at a rapid pace, and the risk of attack may be heightened when our employees are working remotely. The risk of state-sponsored or geopolitical-related cybersecurity incidents has also increased recently due to geopolitical tensions or incidents, such as the war in Ukraine or the Israel-Hamas war.
We have significant international sales, and risks associated with these sales could harm our operating results. International sales represented 97 percent of our net sales in fiscal year 2023 and 98 percent in each of fiscal years 2022 and 2021. We expect international sales to continue to represent a significant portion of product sales.
International sales represented 99 percent, 97 percent, and 98 percent of our net sales in fiscal year 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. We expect international sales to continue to represent a significant portion of product sales.
We may acquire other companies or technologies, which may create additional risks, including risks associated with our ability to successfully integrate these acquisitions into our business. We continue to consider future acquisitions of other companies, or their technologies or products, to improve our market position, broaden our technological capabilities, and expand our product offerings.
We continue to consider future acquisitions of other companies, or their technologies or products, to improve our market position, broaden our technological capabilities, and expand our product offerings.
Changes in tax laws and regulations may impact both our international and domestic tax liabilities and result in increased complexity and costs.
These and other changes in tax laws and regulations may impact both our international and domestic tax liabilities and result in increased complexity and uncertainty and may adversely affect our provision for income taxes.
Any increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade could have a materially adverse impact on our business and financial results.
Any increased trade barriers or restrictions on global trade could have a materially adverse impact on our business and financial results. Our results may be affected by fluctuation in sales in the consumer electronics and smartphone markets.
Manufacturing defects that we do not discover during the manufacturing or testing process may lead to costly product recalls. These risks may lead to increased costs or delayed product delivery, which would harm our profitability and customer relationships. We continue to invest in research and development efforts for several new markets.
Manufacturing defects that we do not discover during the manufacturing or testing process may lead to costly product recalls. These risks may lead to increased costs or delayed product delivery, which would harm our profitability and customer relationships. 19 Table of Contents Our products are increasingly complex and could contain defects, which could result in material costs to us.
A product liability or warranty claim brought against us, even if unsuccessful, would likely be time consuming and costly to defend. In particular, the sale of systems and components that are incorporated into certain applications for the automotive industry involves a high degree of risk that such claims may be made.
In particular, the sale of systems and components that are incorporated into certain applications for the automotive industry involves a high degree of risk that such claims may be made.
We are currently making a significant investment to transition our products and intellectual property to next-generation circuit geometries, for example 22 nanometers. If we are unable to reliably model behaviors required for circuit design and product requirements, then our product development may be adversely impacted.
If we are unable to reliably model behaviors required for circuit design and product requirements, then our product development may be adversely impacted.
Accordingly, we expect competition for qualified personnel to intensify because there are only a limited number of individuals in the job market with the skills that we require. There also is a risk that changes in immigration laws and regulations, or their administration or enforcement, can impair our ability to attract and retain qualified engineering personnel.
There also is a risk that changes in immigration laws and regulations, or their administration or enforcement, can impair our ability to attract and retain qualified engineering personnel.
Alternatively, if a court were to find the forum selection provision contained in the Company’s Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Company could incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions. 25 Table of Contents General Risks Corporate social responsibility initiatives, specifically related to environmental, social and governance ("ESG") matters, may impose additional costs and expose us to emerging areas of risk.
Alternatively, if a court were to find the forum selection provision contained in the Company’s Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, the Company could incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions.
We cannot predict the timing, strength, or duration of any economic slowdown or subsequent economic recovery. However, recently, inflation has been a significant issue in the U.S. and overseas, resulting in rising transportation, wages, and other costs. Inflation has and may continue to increase our cost of labor, manufacturing, and other costs.
However, inflation continues to be an issue in the U.S. and overseas, resulting in rising transportation, wages, and other costs. Inflation has and may continue to increase our cost of labor, manufacturing, and other costs.
For example, some of the audio and voice functionality that we have historically provided in smartphones could be performed outside of our customers’ end product.
Some of the audio and voice functionality and/or some of our high-performance mixed-signal functionality that we have historically provided could be performed outside of our components.
Changes in government trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and export restrictions, could have an adverse impact on our business operations and sales. The United States or foreign governments may enact changes in government trade policies that could adversely impact our ability to sell products in certain countries.
The United States or foreign governments may enact changes in government trade policies that could adversely impact our ability to sell products in certain countries. For example, the U.S. government has imposed tariffs on certain Chinese imports and, in return, the Chinese government has imposed or proposed tariffs on certain U.S. products.
Our sales could be materially impacted by the failure of other component suppliers to deliver required parts needed in the final assembly of our customers’ end products. The products we supply our customers are typically a portion of the many components provided from multiple suppliers to complete the final assembly of an end product.
The products we supply our customers are typically a portion of the many components provided from multiple suppliers to complete the final assembly of an end product. If other component suppliers are unable to deliver their required component(s) for the final end product to be assembled, our customers may delay, or ultimately cancel, their orders from us.
If that were to occur, we may be required to increase our allowance for doubtful accounts and our days sales outstanding would increase. Additionally, if our own supply chain or others from whom our customers source are financially impacted and ultimately unable to deliver their required component(s), then our customers may delay or cancel their orders from us.
Additionally, if our own supply chain or others from whom our customers source are financially impacted and ultimately unable to deliver their required component(s), then our customers may delay or cancel their orders from us. We cannot predict the timing, strength, or duration of any economic slowdown or subsequent economic recovery.
Providing public disclosures regarding ESG matters, for example sustainability reporting, is becoming more broadly expected by investors, shareholders, existing and potential employees, customers, and other third parties. Certain organizations currently, and other organizations may in the future, use such disclosures to evaluate companies regarding ESG activities and publish scores or ratings based upon ESG or “sustainability” metrics.
Certain organizations currently, and other organizations may in the future, use such disclosures to evaluate companies regarding ESG activities and publish scores or ratings based upon ESG or “sustainability” metrics.
Further, the loss of the services of key personnel or our inability to hire new personnel with the requisite skills or to assimilate talent could restrict our ability to develop new products or timely enhance existing products, sell products to our customers, or manage our business effectively. Strong competition in the semiconductor market may harm our business.
Further, the loss of the services of key personnel or our inability to hire new personnel with the requisite skills or to assimilate talent could restrict our ability to develop new products or timely enhance existing products, sell products to our customers, or manage our business effectively. 14 Table of Contents Our sales could be materially impacted by the failure of other component suppliers to deliver required parts needed in the final assembly of our customers’ end products.
Further, if there are delays from such development or transition, we may have insufficient capacity to meet customer demand, which may impact our future operating results. Security vulnerabilities may exist in our products, which could expose us to significant costs and damage our business.
Further, if there are delays from such development or transition, we may have insufficient capacity to meet customer demand, which may impact our future operating results. We frequently develop our products for the specific system architecture of our customers’ end products.
If we are unable to successfully manage the demands of our international operations, it may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Strategic and Industry Risks We have entered into, and may enter into in the future, joint development agreements, custom product arrangements, and strategic relationships with some of our largest customers.
If we are unable to successfully manage the demands of our international operations, it may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. We have significant international sales, and risks associated with these sales could harm our operating results.