Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

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

 

     For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2003

 

or

 

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

 

     For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number: 0-15086

 


 

SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   94-2805249
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

4150 Network Circle, Santa Clara, CA 95054

(Address of principal executive offices with zip code)

 

(650) 960-1300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).    YES  x    NO  ¨

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

    Class    


 

Outstanding at November 5, 2003


Common Stock - $0.00067 par value   3,266,763,548

 



Table of Contents

INDEX

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    

Item 1.

    

Financial Statements:

    
      

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

   3
      

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

   4
      

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   5
      

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   6
      

Independent Accountants’ Review Report

   17

Item 2.

    

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

   18

Item 3.

    

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   41

Item 4.

    

Controls and Procedures

   42

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

    

Item 1.

    

Legal Proceedings

   43

Item 6.

    

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   44

SIGNATURES

   45

 

 

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Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


 

Net revenues:

                

Products

   $ 1,634     $ 1,880  

Services

     902       867  
    


 


Total net revenues

     2,536       2,747  

Cost of sales:

                

Cost of sales-products

     965       1,093  

Cost of sales-services

     555       522  
    


 


Total cost of sales

     1,520       1,615  
    


 


Gross margin

     1,016       1,132  

Operating expenses:

                

Research and development

     467       437  

Selling, general and administrative

     798       882  

Restructuring charges

     1       24  

Purchased in-process research and development

     1       —    
    


 


Total operating expenses

     1,267       1,343  
    


 


Operating loss

     (251 )     (211 )

Loss on equity investments, net

     (25 )     (31 )

Interest income, net

     21       39  
    


 


Loss before income taxes

     (255 )     (203 )

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     31       (92 )
    


 


Net loss

   $ (286 )   $ (111 )
    


 


Net loss per common share-basic and diluted

   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.04 )
    


 


Shares used in the calculation of net loss per common share - basic and diluted

     3,235       3,168  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions)

 

    

September 28,

2003


  

June 30,

2003


     (unaudited)     

ASSETS

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,481    $ 2,015

Short-term marketable debt securities

     1,039      1,047

Accounts receivable, net.

     1,905      2,381

Inventories

     426      416

Deferred and prepaid tax assets

     132      133

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     758      787
    

  

Total current assets

     5,741      6,779

Property, plant and equipment, net

     2,152      2,267

Long-term marketable debt securities

     3,006      2,679

Goodwill

     389      326

Other acquisition-related intangible assets, net

     94      91

Other non-current assets, net

     731      843
    

  

     $ 12,113    $ 12,985
    

  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

             

Current liabilities:

             

Current portion of long-term debt and short-term borrowings

   $ 263    $ —  

Accounts payable

     780      903

Accrued payroll-related liabilities

     524      479

Accrued liabilities and other

     869      1,027

Deferred revenues

     1,214      1,453

Warranty reserve

     259      267
    

  

Total current liabilities

     3,909      4,129

Long-term debt

     1,215      1,531

Long-term deferred revenues

     462      450

Other non-current obligations

     364      384

Total stockholders’ equity

     6,163      6,491
    

  

     $ 12,113    $ 12,985
    

  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited, in millions)

 

     Three Months Ended

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net loss

   $ (286 )   $ (111 )

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

                

Depreciation and amortization

     194       241  

Amortization of acquisition-related other intangible assets and unearned equity compensation

     24       31  

Tax benefits from employee stock plans

     —         2  

Deferred taxes

     —         (92 )

Loss on equity investments, net

     25       31  

Purchased in-process research and development

     1       —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable, net

     470       612  

Inventories

     (11 )     82  

Prepaid and other assets

     39       (82 )

Accounts payable

     (126 )     (246 )

Other liabilities

     (379 )     (286 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     (49 )     182  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Purchases of marketable debt securities

     (3,491 )     (1,245 )

Proceeds from sales of marketable debt securities

     3,156       1,387  

Proceeds from maturities of marketable debt securities

     —         111  

Proceeds from sales (purchases) of equity investments

     2       (1 )

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, net

     (55 )     (83 )

Acquisition of spare parts and other assets

     (19 )     (44 )

Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (85 )     1  
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (492 )     126  
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Acquisition of common stock

     —         (499 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

     7       4  

Principal payments on borrowings and other obligations

     —         (201 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     7       (696 )
    


 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (534 )     (388 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     2,015       2,024  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 1,481     $ 1,636  
    


 


Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

                

Interest paid (net of interest received from swap agreements of $36 million and $36 million, respectively)

   $ 13     $ 20  
    


 


Income taxes paid (net of refunds of $60 million and $7 million, respectively)

   $ 42     $ 26  
    


 


Supplemental schedule of noncash investing activities:

                

Stock and options issued in connection with acquisitions

   $ 1     $ 27  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Sun’s business is singularly focused on providing products and services for network computing. Network computing has been at the core of the company’s offerings for the 21 years of our existence and is based on the premise that the power of a single computer can be increased dramatically when interconnected with other computer systems for the purposes of communication and sharing of computing power. Together with our partners, we provide network computing infrastructure solutions that comprise computer systems (hardware and software), network storage systems (hardware and software), support services and professional and educational services. Our customers use our products and services to build mission-critical network computing environments on which they operate essential elements of their businesses. Our network computing infrastructure solutions are used in a wide range of technical/scientific, business and engineering applications in industries such as telecommunications, government, financial services, manufacturing, education, retail, life sciences, media and entertainment and healthcare.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Fiscal year

 

Sun’s first three quarters in fiscal year 2004 end on September 28, December 28, and March 28. In fiscal year 2003 the quarters ended on September 29, December 29, and March 30. The fourth quarter in all fiscal years ends on June 30.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements (Interim Financial Statements) include the accounts of Sun and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

These Interim Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP) for interim financial information, the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial statements and accounting policies, consistent, in all material respects, with those applied in preparing our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. These Interim Financial Statements are unaudited but reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) management considers necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, operating results and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2003 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. The information included in this report should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2003.

 

Computation of net loss per common share

 

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding (adjusted for treasury stock and common stock subject to repurchase activity) during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period; dilutive common equivalent shares consist primarily of stock options.

 

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If we had earned a profit during the three months ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002, we would have added 25 million and 33 million common equivalent shares, respectively, to our basic weighted-average shares outstanding to compute the diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

 

Stock Option Plans

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123) amended by SFAS 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure” permits companies to measure compensation cost of stock-based awards based on their estimated fair value at the date of grant and recognize that amount over the related service period. We believe the existing stock option valuation models do not necessarily provide a transparent measure of the fair value of stock-based awards. Therefore, as permitted by SFAS 148, we apply the existing accounting rules under APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related Interpretations. In general, as the exercise price of all options granted under our stock option plans is equal to the market price of the underlying common stock on the grant date, no stock-based employee compensation cost is recognized in net income (loss). In addition, under these plans, options to purchase shares of common stock may be granted at less than fair market value, which results in compensation expense equal to the difference between the market value on the date of grant and the purchase price. This expense is recognized in net income (loss) over the vesting period of the shares. As required by SFAS 148, we provide pro forma net income (loss) and pro forma net income (loss) per common share disclosures for stock-based awards, as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS 123 had been applied.

 

The fair value of the following stock-based awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the three months ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002, respectively:

 

     Options

    Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


   

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


 

Expected life (in years)

   6.5     6.7     0.5     0.5  

Interest rate

   3.20 %   3.89 %   1.12 %   1.89 %

Volatility

   66.96 %   64.64 %   60.50 %   91.00 %

Dividend yield

   —       —       —       —    

 

The estimated weighted-average fair value at the grant date for options granted under Sun’s various stock option plans during the three months ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002 was $2.51 and $2.41 per option, respectively. The estimated weighted-average fair value at the date of grant for shares granted under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan during the three months ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002 was $0.99 and $2.57 per option, respectively.

 

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If the fair values of the options granted during a fiscal year had been recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the grant, stock-based compensation costs would have impacted our pretax loss, after tax loss and earnings per common share, as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

     Three Months Ended

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


 

Pro forma net loss:

                

Net loss after tax

   $ (286 )   $ (111 )

Add: stock-based compensation costs included in reported net loss (net of tax effects of none and $4, respectively)

     10       6  

Deduct: stock-based compensation costs (net of tax effects of none and $105, respectively) under SFAS 123

     (222 )     (162 )
    


 


Pro forma net loss after tax

   $ (498 )   $ (267 )

Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per common share:

                

Pro forma shares used in the calculation of pro forma net loss per common share basic and diluted

     3,235       3,168  

Pro forma net loss per common share basic and diluted

   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.08 )

Reported net loss per common share basic and diluted

   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.04 )

 

Recent pronouncements

 

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46). This interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities (VIEs) that either: (1) do not have sufficient equity investment at risk to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (2) the equity investors lack an essential characteristic of a controlling financial interest. This interpretation applies immediately to VIEs created after January 31, 2003. It also applies in the first fiscal year or interim period ending after December 15, 2003, to VIEs created before February 1, 2003 in which an enterprise holds a variable interest. FIN 46 requires disclosure of VIEs in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003, if it is reasonably possible that as of the transition date: (1) the company will be the primary beneficiary of an existing VIE that will require consolidation or, (2) the company will hold a significant variable interest in, or have significant involvement with, an existing VIE. We are currently in the process of completing our review of the requirements of FIN 46. However, we have not yet identified any entities that require disclosure or new consolidation as a result of FIN 46.

 

In November 2002, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Elements” (EITF No. 00-21), which addresses certain aspects of accounting for arrangements that include multiple products or services. Specifically this issue states that in an arrangement with multiple deliverables, the delivered items should be considered a separate unit of accounting if: (1) the delivered items have value to the customer on a standalone basis, (2) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items, and (3) the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, delivery or performance of the undelivered items is considered probable and substantially in the control of Sun. Additionally, the issue states that the consideration should be allocated among the separate units of accounting based upon their relative fair values. If there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items in an arrangement but no such evidence for the delivered items, then the residual method should be used to allocate the consideration. Under the residual method, the amount of consideration allocated to the delivered items equals the total consideration less the aggregate fair value of the undelivered items. Accordingly, the application of EITF No. 00-21 may impact the timing of revenue recognition as well as the allocation between products and services. The adoption of EITF No. 00-21 for transactions entered into after July 1, 2003 did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

We completed two acquisitions during the three months ended September 28, 2003. The acquisitions of Pixo, Inc. (Pixo) and CenterRun, Inc. (CenterRun) are described below. Our consolidated financial statements include the operating results of each business from the date of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of these acquisitions were not material on either an individual or aggregate basis. In accordance with SFAS 141, “Business Combinations”, these transactions were each accounted for as purchase business combinations.

 

Pixo

 

On July 15, 2003, we acquired Pixo, a corporation located in San Jose, California, by means of a merger. Pixo develops Java technology-based server software for the mobile device market. We purchased Pixo to strengthen our end-to-end Java content delivery solutions and to facilitate our ability to distribute all types of rich and compelling content to both mobile consumers and the mobile enterprise.

 

We purchased Pixo for approximately $23 million in cash, including approximately $2 million in transaction costs. The total purchase price was allocated as follows (in millions):

 

Goodwill

   $ 17

Developed technology

     4

Customer base and other intangibles

     1

Purchased in-process research and development

     1
    

Total

   $         23
    

 

The developed technology is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year period and such amortization is included in cost of sales. Customer base and other intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year period and such amortization is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

CenterRun

 

On August 20, 2003, we acquired CenterRun, a corporation located in Redwood Shores, California, by means of a merger. CenterRun provides provisioning technology for data centers. We acquired CenterRun to enhance our N1 product line offering. CenterRun was acquired by means of a merger pursuant to which all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of CenterRun were exchanged for cash. In addition, all outstanding options to purchase CenterRun common stock were converted into options to purchase shares of our stock.

 

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We purchased CenterRun for approximately $64 million in cash and $1 million of assumed options, including approximately $1 million in transaction costs. The total purchase price of $65 million was allocated as follows (in millions):

 

Goodwill

   $ 46

Developed technology

     9

Customer base and other intangibles

     4

Tangible assets acquired and net liabilities assumed

     6
    

Total

   $         65
    

 

The developed technology is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year period and such amortization is included in cost of sales. Customer base and other intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year period and such amortization is included in selling, general and administration expenses.

 

4. GOODWILL AND OTHER ACQUISITION-RELATED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

At September 28, 2003, we had goodwill with a carrying value of $389 million. Information regarding our goodwill by reportable segment is as follows (in millions):

 

     Product Group

   Sun Services

    Total

    

June 30,

2003


   Additions

  

September 28,

2003


  

June 30,

2003


    Additions

    

September 28,

2003


   

September 28,

2003


Goodwill

   $ 240    $ 63    $ 303    $ 86     $ —        $ 86     $ 389
    

  

  

  


 


  


 

Information regarding our other acquisition-related intangible assets is as follows (in millions):
     Gross Carrying Amount

   Accumulated Amortization

    Net

    

June 30,

2003


   Additions

  

September 28,

2003


  

June 30,

2003


    Additions

    

September 28,

2003


   

September 28,

2003


Developed technology

   $ 300    $ 13    $ 313    $ (256 )   $ (8 )    $ (264 )   $ 49

Customer base

     43      5      48      (42 )     (1 )      (43 )     5

Acquired workforce and other

     74      —        74      (28 )     (6 )      (34 )     40
    

  

  

  


 


  


 

     $ 417    $ 18    $ 435    $ (326 )   $ (15 )    $ (341 )   $ 94
    

  

  

  


 


  


 

 

Amortization expense of other acquisition-related intangible assets was $15 million for the three months ended September 28, 2003, and $24 million for the three months ended September 29, 2002.

 

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Estimated amortization expense for acquisition-related intangible assets for the fiscal years ending June 30, are as follows (in millions):

 

2004 (including $15 million of amortization expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2004)

   $ 53

2005

     44

2006

     11

2007

     1
    

     $         109
    

 

5. BALANCE SHEET DETAILS

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of the following (in millions):

 

    

September 28,

2003


  

June 30,

2003


Raw materials

   $ 133    $ 114

Work in process

     73      75

Finished goods

     220      227
    

  

     $ 426    $ 416
    

  

 

Warranty Reserve

 

We accrue for our products warranty costs at the time of shipment. The products warranty costs are estimated based upon our historical experience and specific identification of the products requirements.

 

The following table sets forth an analysis of the warranty reserve activity for the three months ended September 28, 2003 (in millions):

 

Balance at June 30, 2003

   $ 267  

Charged to costs and expenses

     81  

Utilization

     (89 )
    


Balance at September 28, 2003

   $ 259  
    


 

6. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

 

We committed to restructuring plans in fiscal 2003 and 2002 (Fiscal 2003 Restructuring Plan and Fiscal 2002 Restructuring Plan, respectively) and a facility exit plan in fiscal 2001 (Fiscal 2001 Facility Exit Plan). We recorded initial restructuring charges in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 based on assumptions and related estimates that we deemed appropriate for the economic environment that existed at the time these estimates were made. However, due to the continued deterioration of the commercial real estate market, primarily in the U.S., and the final settlement of certain lease obligations, we have made appropriate adjustments to the initial restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we recorded a net charge of $1 million, primarily related to our Fiscal 2002 Restructuring Plan.

 

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Our accrued liability for all plans of $346 million at September 28, 2003, was net of approximately $153 million of estimated sublease income to be generated from sublease contracts not yet negotiated. Our ability to generate this amount of sublease income, as well as our ability to terminate lease obligations at the amounts we have estimated, is highly dependent upon the economic conditions, particularly commercial real estate market conditions in certain geographies, at the time we negotiate the lease termination and sublease arrangements with third parties. While the amount we have accrued represents our best estimate of the remaining obligations we expect to incur in connection with these plans, estimates are subject to change. Routine adjustments are required and may be required in the future as conditions and facts change through the implementation period. If adverse macroeconomic conditions continue, particularly as they pertain to the commercial real estate market, we may be required to reduce our estimated future sublease income and, accordingly, increase our estimated cost to exit certain facilities.

 

The following table sets forth an analysis of the restructuring accrual activity for the three months ended September 28, 2003 (in millions):

 

     Fiscal 2003
Restructuring Plan


    Fiscal 2002
Restructuring Plan


    Fiscal
2001
Facility
Exit
Plan


    Total

 
    

Severance

and

Benefits


   

Facilities

Related


   

Severance

and

Benefits


  

Facilities

Related


   

Facilities

Related


   

Balance as of June 30, 2003

   $ 24     $ 110     $ —      $ 181     $ 60     $ 375  

Provision adjustments

     1       (1 )     —        1       —         1  

Cash paid

     (10 )     (5 )     —        (7 )     (6 )     (28 )

Non-cash charges

     —         (1 )     —        (1 )     —         (2 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Balance as of September 28, 2003

   $ 15     $ 103     $ —      $ 174     $ 54     $ 346  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

The remaining cash expenditures relating to workforce reductions are expected to be paid over the next few quarters. Our accrual as of September 28, 2003 for abandoned leases (net of anticipated sublease proceeds) will be paid over their respective lease terms through fiscal 2018. As of September 28, 2003, $110 million of the $346 million accrual was classified as current and the remaining $236 million was classified as non-current.

 

The above restructuring charges are based on estimates that are subject to change. Changes to the estimates have been reflected as “Provision adjustments” on the above table in the period the changes in estimates were made.

 

7. COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

The components of comprehensive loss, net of related taxes, were as follows (in millions):

 

     Three Months Ended

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


 

Net loss

   $ (286 )   $ (111 )

Change in unrealized value on investments, net

     (2 )     21  

Change in unrealized fair value of derivative instruments, net

     1       9  

Translation adjustments, net

     (59 )     49  
    


 


     $ (346 )   $ (32 )
    


 


 

 

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The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related taxes, were as follows at (in millions):

 

    

September 28,

2003


   

June 30,

2003


 

Unrealized gains on investments, net

   $ 29     $ 31  

Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net

     (19 )     (20 )

Cumulative translation adjustments, net

     107       166  
    


 


     $ 117     $ 177  
    


 


 

8. INCOME TAX

 

For the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we recorded an income tax provision of $31 million. This tax provision was recorded for taxes due on income generated in certain state and foreign tax jurisdictions. Income tax benefits have been recorded on the quarter’s pre-tax loss and we have provided a full valuation allowance against such benefits.

 

9. INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

 

We design, manufacture, market and service network computing infrastructure solutions that consist of computer systems (hardware and software) and network storage systems. Our organization is primarily structured in a functional manner. Our Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) as defined by SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (SFAS 131). The CODM is managing our company based primarily on broad functional categories of sales, services, manufacturing, product development and engineering and marketing and strategy. The CODM reviews consolidated financial information on revenues and gross margins for products and services. The CODM also reviews operating expenses certain of which have been allocated to our two segments.

 

We operate in two segments: Product Group and Sun Services. Our Product Group segment comprises our end-to-end networking architecture of computing products including our Computer Systems and Network Storage product lines. In the Sun Services segment, we provide a full range of services to existing and new customers, including Support services and Professional and Educational services.

 

We have a Worldwide Operations (WWOPS) organization and a Global Sales Operations (GSO) organization that, respectively, manufacture and sell all our products. The CODM holds the GSO accountable for overall products and services revenue and margins on a consolidated level. GSO and WWOPS manage the majority of our accounts receivable and inventory, respectively. In addition, we have a Marketing Strategy Organization (MSO) that is responsible for developing and executing Sun’s overall business strategy. The CODM looks to this functional organization for advertising, pricing and other marketing strategies for the products and services being delivered to market. Operating expenses (primarily sales, marketing and administrative) related to the GSO and the MSO are not allocated to the reportable segments and, accordingly, are included under the Other segment reported below.

 

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Segment information

 

The following table presents revenues, interdivision revenues and operating income (loss) for our segments. The Other segment consists of certain functional groups that did not meet the requirements for a reportable segment as defined by SFAS 131, such as GSO and MSO and other miscellaneous functions such as Corporate (in millions):

 

    

Product

Group


  

Sun

Services


   Other

    Total

 

Three Months Ended September 28, 2003

                              

Revenues

   $ 1,634    $ 902    $ —       $ 2,536  

Interdivision revenues

     148      110      (258 )     —    

Operating income (loss)

     153      258      (662 )     (251 )

Three Months Ended September 29, 2002

                              

Revenues

   $ 1,880    $ 867    $ —       $ 2,747  

Interdivision revenues

     136      121      (257 )     —    

Operating income (loss)

     259      254      (724 )     (211 )

 

10. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On February 11, 2002, Eastman Kodak Company (Kodak) filed a civil lawsuit against us, Eastman Kodak Company v. Sun Microsystems, Inc., Civil Action No. 02-CV-6074, in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. On March 22, 2002, Kodak filed a First Amended Complaint, which asserts that some of our products, including those relating to our Java technology, infringe one or more claims of U.S. Patent No. 5,206,951, U.S. Patent No. 5,421,012, and U.S. Patent No. 5,226,161 (collectively, the Kodak Patents). Kodak further alleges that we have contributed to and induced infringement of one or more claims of the Kodak Patents. Kodak seeks injunctive relief against future infringement, unspecified damages for past infringement, and attorney’s fees and costs. We have filed an Answer with the court, denying infringement of any valid and enforceable claim of any of the Kodak Patents. We also filed counter-claims, seeking a declaratory judgment of noninfringement, invalidity and/or unenforceability of the Kodak Patents. We further allege that Kodak’s claims are barred in whole or in part by the doctrines of estoppel, laches and patent exhaustion, and that we have license and/or sublicense rights to the Kodak Patents. On October 22, 2003, the court issued a “Markman” ruling, which describes the court’s construction of the Kodak Patents. The ruling governs only the construction of the disputed patent claims. It does not determine whether those claims are valid or whether any Sun product infringes those claims. Trial has not yet been scheduled. Based on the court’s patent claim construction, our analysis of the Kodak patent claims, applicable law, and discussions over many months with Kodak, we continue to believe that our products do not infringe any valid and enforceable Kodak Patent and, accordingly, we will defend ourselves and pursue our counterclaims vigorously. At this time, we cannot forecast with reasonable certainty the potential costs associated with an adverse outcome of this matter.

 

On March 8, 2002, we filed suit against Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, pursuant to United States and State of California antitrust and other laws. In our complaint and as modified in subsequent filings, we allege that Microsoft has engaged in illegal conduct, including efforts to acquire, maintain and expand a number of illegal monopolies; illegal tying arrangements; illegal exclusive dealings; copyright infringement; unreasonable restraints of trade; and unfair competition. We have requested various remedies, including (1) preliminary injunctions requiring Microsoft to distribute our binary implementation of the Java Runtime Environment as part of Windows XP and Internet Explorer (“must carry” remedy) and to stop the unlicensed distribution of Microsoft’s Virtual Machine for Java technology

 

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(“copyright infringement” remedy); (2) a permanent injunction to restore competition to the markets in which Microsoft is unlawfully attempting to acquire, maintain and expand a number of monopolies; and (3) compensation for losses we have suffered as a result of Microsoft’s unlawful actions. The case was transferred to the District of Maryland and combined for pretrial proceedings with other cases against Microsoft, in the case entitled Microsoft Corp. Windows Operating System Antitrust Litigation, MDL-1332. At the conclusion of the pretrial proceedings, the case will return for trial to the Northern District of California. On June 26, 2003, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a ruling granting our requested “must carry” preliminary injunction, and upheld a ruling granting our requested “copyright infringement” preliminary injunction. In February 2003, Microsoft filed four counterclaims against Sun alleging unfair competition and breach of a settlement agreement regarding Java. The presiding judge dismissed two of those claims. On October 29, 2003, the Court of Appeals heard, but has not yet ruled upon, an appeal by Microsoft regarding the extent to which Microsoft will be precluded from contesting findings made against it in the United States’ antitrust case. Discovery is ongoing. The case has not been scheduled for trial. We believe that Microsoft’s counterclaims are without merit and intend to present a vigorous defense. At this time, we cannot forecast with reasonable certainty the potential costs associated with an adverse outcome with respect to Microsoft’s counterclaims.

 

In early February 2002, Sun and two of its subsidiaries received several charging letters from the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement (BIS) claiming that we had violated export control regulations. The letters relate to sales in 1998 in Egypt and in 1997 to a reseller in Hong Kong for subsequent resale in the People’s Republic of China. On April 16, 2003, the BIS provided us with notice of nineteen additional proposed charges, which involved alleged violations of certain record keeping requirements on export licenses to various countries. The relevant export statutes provide for monetary penalties and in some cases denial of export privileges and exclusion from practice before the BIS if a violation is found. The BIS has submitted a settlement proposal, which would include a monetary penalty and a suspended one-year denial of export privileges. The proposed denial would not be enforced if there were no violations during the one year suspension period. In addition, BIS approval would be required for transactions involving export, re-export or transfer of items subject to the relevant export regulations and involving the specific entities involved in the Egyptian and People’s Republic of China transactions which were the subject of the original 2002 charging letters. We would be entitled to an administrative hearing in the event the BIS should allege that a further violation has taken place. In August 2003, we received verbal notice from the BIS that they were considering filing two additional charges, both of which would address alleged violations related to certain record keeping requirements with respect to past exports to Syria. The BIS has since informed us that they do not intend to bring a charge with respect to one of the two alleged violations, and has proposed that Sun agree to pay a small monetary penalty to settle the charge related to the other violation. In order to fully investigate and address all these matters, we requested and received an extension of time until December 1, 2003 to file a formal response to all the charging letters or otherwise resolve the matters through a negotiated resolution. We are involved in ongoing settlement discussions with the BIS and continue to believe it is reasonably likely that we will reach a negotiated resolution. Absent a negotiated resolution, an administrative hearing would be set and, in such case, we would assert a vigorous defense. We believe that any monetary penalties would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for any fiscal year or fiscal quarter. A denial of export privileges, including any revocation of the proposed suspended denial, would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

11. RELATED PARTIES

 

We conduct transactions with two companies that are or were considered related parties. Time Warner, Inc. (formerly AOL Time Warner) is considered a related party because James L. Barksdale, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Netscape Communications Corporation is a member of the Board of Directors of

 

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both Sun and Time Warner. General Electric Company (GE) and its subsidiaries was considered a related party because our Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer, Scott G. McNealy, was a member of GE’s Board of Directors until January 1, 2003 when he resigned from the GE Board of Directors. Therefore, in fiscal 2004, GE is no longer considered a related party. The amount of revenues and costs recognized for GE and Time Warner are as follows (in millions):

 

     Three Months Ended

    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


Net revenues — GE

   N/A (1)   291

Net revenues — Time Warner

   12     6

Expenses — GE

   N/A (1)   2

Expenses — Time Warner

   —       1

 

Accounts receivable and accounts payable balances with GE and AOL were as follows at (in millions):

 

    

September 28,

2003


   

June 30,

2003


Accounts receivable from GE

   N/A (1)   277

Accounts receivable from Time Warner

   11     7

Accounts payable to GE

   N/A (1)   5

Accounts payable to Time Warner

   —       —  

(1) In fiscal 2004, GE is no longer considered a related party.

 

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INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS’ REVIEW REPORT

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders, Sun Microsystems, Inc.

 

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Sun Microsystems, Inc. as of September 28, 2003, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month periods ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended September 28, 2003 and September 29, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which will be performed for the full year with the objective of expressing an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated balance sheet of Sun Microsystems, Inc. as of June 30, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and in our report dated July 21, 2003 (except for the last paragraph of Note 11, as to which the date is September 26, 2003), we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2003, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/  Ernst & Young LLP

 

San Jose, California

October 15, 2003

 

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

 

This quarterly report, including the following sections, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, particularly statements related to our expectations regarding component cost reductions, our expectations as to cash expenditures relating to workforce reductions, our belief that we continue to make substantial progress related to the development and commercialization of acquired technologies, our estimate for full year tax provision, inventory management continuing to be an area of focus, our expectation to generate positive cash flow from operations for the full fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, our long-term strategy to maintain a minimum amount of cash and cash equivalents in subsidiaries and to invest the remaining amount of cash in interest bearing and highly liquid cash equivalents and marketable debt securities, our belief that we will not need to repatriate funds to our U.S. operations, our belief that the liquidity provided by existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable debt securities and cash generated from operations will provide sufficient capital to meet our requirements for at least the next 12 months, our belief that our level of financial resources is a significant competitive factor in our industry, our belief that the Kodak suit is without merit and our intent to defend ourselves and pursue counterclaims vigorously, our belief that the Microsoft counterclaims are without merit and our intent to present a vigorous defense, and our belief that we will be able to reach a negotiated resolution with the BIS.

 

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and the cautionary statements set forth below and those contained in “RISK FACTORS,” identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, increased competition, continued adverse economic conditions in the U.S. and internationally, including adverse economic conditions in the specific markets for our products, adverse business conditions, failure to design, develop and manufacture new products, lack of success in technological advancements, lack of acceptance of new products and services, unexpected changes in the demand for our products and services, the inability to successfully manage inventory pricing pressures, failure to reduce costs or improve operating efficiencies, changes to and compliance with international laws and regulations, currency fluctuations and our ability to attract, hire and retain key and qualified employees.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Net Revenues

 

(dollars in millions)

     Three Months Ended

    Change

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


   

Computer Systems products

   $ 1,282     $ 1,512     (15.2 )%

Network Storage products

     352       368     (4.3 )%
    


 


     

Products net revenue

   $ 1,634     $ 1,880     (13.1 )%

Percentage of total net revenues

     64.4 %     68.4 %      

Support services

   $ 731     $ 683     7.0 %

Professional and Educational services

     171       184     (7.1 )%
    


 


     

Services net revenue

   $ 902     $ 867     4.0 %

Percentage of total net revenues

     35.6 %     31.6 %      

Total net revenue

   $ 2,536     $ 2,747     (7.7 )%

 

Due to the general weakening of the U.S. dollar in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003, our total net revenues for the quarter were favorably impacted by foreign exchange as compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2003. The net foreign currency impact to our total net revenues is difficult to precisely measure, however, our best estimate of the foreign exchange benefit in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003 approximated 3% on total net revenues.

 

Products Net Revenue

 

Products net revenue consists of revenue generated from the sale of Computer Systems and Network Storage products.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, our Computer Systems and Network Storage products net revenue decreased, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003, primarily as a result of an intense competitive environment in continued adverse macroeconomic conditions. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we responded to competitive pressures for both Computer Systems and Network Storage products with planned list price reductions and additional discounts which also negatively impacted our revenue.

 

Services Net Revenue

 

Services net revenue consists of revenue generated from Sun Services, which includes Support services, Professional and Educational services.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the growth in services net revenue, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003, was due to an increase in revenue from Support services of approximately 7% or $48 million, partially offset by decreases in revenue from Professional and Educational services of approximately 7% or $13 million. Support services revenue, which represents over 75% of services net revenue for all periods presented, consists of maintenance contract revenue, which is recognized ratably over the contractual period. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003, Support services revenue

 

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growth was primarily a result of: (1) an increase in the number of systems under contract (of approximately 4%) as we renewed contracts with existing customers and entered into new contracts in conjunction with the sales of new systems; and (2) an increased proportion of gold and silver service level contracts (which are higher priced service contracts). Professional and Educational services revenue is generated from technical consulting to help customers plan, implement, and manage distributed network computing environments and from development and delivery of integrated learning solutions for enterprises, IT organizations, and individual IT professionals. The Professional and Educational services revenue decrease during the first quarter of fiscal 2004 was due to a combination of: (1) a reduction in customers’ discretionary spending, and (2) the continuing decline in new product sales.

 

A significant portion of our services net revenue is generated by contracts related to new product sales; as a result, our services net revenue could be negatively impacted over time by decreases in our products revenues.

 

Net Revenues by Geographic Area

 

(dollars in millions)

     Three Months Ended

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


    Change

 

U.S

   $ 1,162     $ 1,242     (6.4 )%

Americas-Other (Canada and Latin America)

     116       122     (4.9 )%
    


 


     

Americas-Total

   $ 1,278     $ 1,364     (6.3 )%

Percentage of net revenues

     50.4 %     49.7 %      

EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

   $ 822     $ 852     (3.5 )%

Percentage of net revenues

     32.4 %     31.0 %      

APAC (Asia, Australia and New Zealand)

   $ 436     $ 531     (17.9 )%

Percentage of net revenues

     17.2 %     19.3 %      

Total net revenues

   $ 2,536     $ 2,747     (7.7 )%
     Three Months Ended

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


    Change

 

U.S

   $ 1,162     $ 1,242     (6.4 )%

Percentage of net revenues

     45.8 %     45.2 %      

International

   $ 1,374     $ 1,505     (8.7 )%

Percentage of net revenues

     54.2 %     54.8 %      

Total net revenues

   $ 2,536     $ 2,747     (7.7 )%

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, our total net revenues decreased by 6.4% in the U.S. and 8.7% internationally, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003. The decrease in the U.S. and internationally is primarily the result of an intense competitive environment in continued adverse macroeconomic conditions.

 

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The following table sets forth net revenues in countries or regions contributing significantly to changes in international net revenues this quarter:

 

(dollars in millions)

     Three Months Ended

 
    

September 28,

2003


  

September 29,

2002


   Change

 

Germany

   $ 191    $ 216    (11.6 )%

United Kingdom (UK)

   $ 198    $ 198    —   %

Northern Europe *

   $ 127    $ 130    (2.3 )%

Japan

   $ 185    $ 250    (26.0 )%

* Northern Europe consists primarily of the Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Eastern European countries and Russia.

 

During the current fiscal period, we experienced lower revenue in Germany as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003 primarily from reductions in the high-end system volume and an increase in the length of sales cycles. In the UK and Northern Europe, revenues remained relatively flat. Revenue from certain large projects and strong Support services revenue in these regions were largely offset by decreases in revenues due to the challenging economic conditions and intense competitive environments. The net foreign currency impact is difficult to precisely measure, however, our best estimate of the foreign exchange benefit in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003 approximated 8% on EMEA net revenues for the period.

 

Revenue in Japan declined during the first quarter of fiscal 2004 as compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2003. Economic conditions in Japan have declined substantially in recent years and we, together with our channel partners, have continued to experience intense competitive pressure when responding to the changing requirements of the Japanese market. If the adverse economic conditions in Japan continue or worsen and competition continues to intensify, our results of operations and cash flows could be further adversely affected.

 

Gross Margin

 

(dollars in millions)

     Three Months Ended

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


    Change

 

Products gross margin

   $ 669     $ 787     (15.0 )%

Percentage of products net revenue

     40.9 %     41.9 %   (1.0 )pts

Services gross margin

   $ 347     $ 345     0.6 %

Percentage of services net revenue

     38.5 %     39.8 %   (1.3 )pts

Total gross margin

   $ 1,016     $ 1,132     (10.2 )%

Percentage of net revenues

     40.1 %     41.2 %   (1.1 )pts

 

Products Gross Margin

 

There are numerous factors that can influence the gross margin percentage including product mix, pricing, geography mix, the mix between sales to resellers and end-users, currency exchange rates, third-party costs (including both raw material and manufacturing costs), volume, warranty costs and charges related to excess

 

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and obsolete inventory. Many of these factors influence, or are interrelated with, other factors. As a result, it is difficult to precisely quantify the impact of each item individually. Accordingly, the following quantification of the reasons for the change in the products gross margin percentage are estimates only.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003, the 1.0 percentage point decrease in our products gross margin percentage was primarily the result of: (1) reductions in product pricing (planned list price reductions and sales discounting actions), negatively impacting products gross margin by approximately 7 percentage points; and (2) changes in the sales products mix, negatively impacting products gross margin by approximately 1 percentage point. These negative factors were substantially offset by component costs reductions and other cost reductions benefiting products gross margin by approximately 7 percentage points.

 

We have experienced significant component cost reductions over the last several years, which have benefited our products gross margin. However, in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the additional cost reductions we were able to achieve were less than those achieved in prior periods. In the future, we do not expect to achieve the same level of additional cost reductions as we have achieved historically. In addition, should the pricing pressures associated with competition worsen, or the current global macroeconomic conditions remain unfavorable or deteriorate further affecting the demand for our products, products gross margin could be adversely impacted.

 

Services Gross Margin

 

Services gross margin percentage is influenced by numerous factors including services mix, pricing, geography mix, currency exchange rates and third-party costs. Many of these factors influence, or are interrelated with, other factors. As a result, it is difficult to precisely quantify the impact of each item individually. Accordingly, the following quantification of the reasons for the change in the services gross margin percentage are estimates only.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003, the 1.3 percentage points decrease in our services gross margin percentage reflected the impact of: (1) competitive pricing pressures, negatively impacting services gross margin by approximately 3 points; (2) increases in the amortization expenses on spares inventory, negatively impacting services gross margin by approximately 2 points; and (3) increase in third-party delivery costs, negatively impacting services gross margin by approximately 1 point. The impact of these unfavorable items on services gross margin in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003, was substantially offset by: (1) overall cost reductions, primarily from decreases in discretionary spending, and improved operating efficiencies across all lines of our services business, benefiting services gross margin by approximately 4 points; and (2) changes in services mix, due to Support services increasing as a percentage of total services net revenue (Support services generates a higher gross margin than Professional and Educational services), benefiting services gross margin by approximately 1 point.

 

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Operating Expenses

 

(dollars in millions)

     Three Months Ended

    Change

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


   

Research and development

   $ 467     $ 437     6.9 %

Percentage of net revenues

     18.4 %     15.9 %      

Selling, general and administrative

   $ 798     $ 882     (9.5 )%

Percentage of net revenues

     31.5 %     32.1 %      

Restructuring charges

   $ 1     $ 24     (95.8 )%

Percentage of net revenues

     0.0 %     0.9 %      

Purchased in-process research and development

   $ 1     $ —       N/M  

Percentage of net revenues

     0.0 %     —          

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we implemented cost cutting measures in various business units, including the termination of certain employees. The total costs related to separation activities during the quarter were $25 million and were classified as research and development or selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, R&D expenses increased $30 million, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003. The increase was primarily the result of a $28 million increase in compensation costs primarily due to our fiscal 2003 acquisitions, annual salary adjustments generated during the third quarter of fiscal 2003 and separation costs from our R&D workforce rebalancing efforts.

 

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, SG&A expenses decreased $84 million, as compared with the corresponding period of fiscal 2003. The decrease was primarily the result of: (1) a $20 million reduction associated with lower headcount; (2) a $30 million decrease in discretionary spending in areas such as information technology and marketing; and (3) a $35 million decrease in depreciation and occupancy costs as a result of reductions in capital expenditures and facility exit plans.

 

Restructuring Charges

 

We committed to restructuring plans in fiscal 2003 and 2002 (Fiscal 2003 Restructuring Plan and Fiscal 2002 Restructuring Plan, respectively) and a facility exit plan in fiscal 2001 (Fiscal 2001 Facility Exit Plan). We recorded initial restructuring charges based on assumptions and related estimates that we deemed appropriate for the economic environment that existed at the time these estimates were made. However, due to the continued deterioration of the commercial real estate market, primarily in the U.S., and the final settlement of certain lease obligations, we have made appropriate adjustments to the initial restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we recorded a net charge of $1 million related to our Fiscal 2002 Restructuring Plan.

 

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Our accrued liability for all plans of $346 million at September 28, 2003, was net of approximately $153 million of estimated sublease income to be generated from sublease contracts not yet negotiated. Our ability to generate this amount of sublease income, as well as our ability to terminate lease obligations at the amounts we have estimated, is highly dependent upon the economic conditions, particularly commercial real estate market conditions in certain geographies, at the time we negotiate the lease termination and sublease arrangements with third parties. While the amount we have accrued represents our best estimate of the remaining obligations we expect to incur in connection with these plans, estimates are subject to change. Routine adjustments are required and may be required in the future as conditions and facts change through the implementation period. If adverse macroeconomic conditions continue, particularly as they pertain to the commercial real estate market, we may be required to reduce our estimated future sublease income and, accordingly, increase our estimated cost to exit certain facilities.

 

The following table sets forth an analysis of the restructuring accrual activity for the three months ended September 28, 2003 (in millions):

 

    

Fiscal 2003

Restructuring Plan


   

Fiscal 2002

Restructuring Plan


   

Fiscal 2001

Facility

Exit Plan


   

Total


 
    

Severance

and

Benefits


   

Facilities

Related


   

Severance

and

Benefits


  

Facilities

Related


   

Facilities

Related


   

Balance as of June 30, 2003

   $ 24     $ 110     $ —      $ 181     $ 60     $ 375  

Provision adjustments

     1       (1 )     —        1       —         1  

Cash paid

     (10 )     (5 )     —        (7 )     (6 )     (28 )

Non-cash charges

     —         (1 )     —        (1 )     —         (2 )
    


 


 

  


 


 


Balance as of September 28, 2003

   $ 15     $ 103     $ —      $ 174     $ 54     $ 346  
    


 


 

  


 


 


 

The remaining cash expenditures relating to workforce reductions are expected to be paid over the next few quarters. Our accrual as of September 28, 2003 for abandoned leases (net of anticipated sublease proceeds) will be paid over their respective lease terms through fiscal 2018. As of September 28, 2003, $110 million of the $346 million accrual was classified as current and the remaining $236 million was classified as non-current.

 

The above restructuring charges are based on estimates that are subject to change. Changes to the estimates have been reflected as “Provision adjustments” on the above table in the period the changes in estimates were made.

 

Purchased In-Process Research and Development (IPRD)

 

Overview

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we acquired Pixo, Inc. and CenterRun, Inc. There was $1 million of purchased in-process research and development expenses (IPRD) in connection with the Pixo acquisition. There was no IPRD in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 associated with the acquisition of Afara Websystems, Inc. At the date of the Pixo acquisition, the projects associated with the IPRD efforts had not yet reached technological feasibility and the IPRD had no alternative future uses. Accordingly, this IPRD amount was expensed on the acquisition date. See also Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Overall status of business combinations prior to fiscal 2004

 

With respect to acquisitions completed prior to fiscal 2004, we believe that the projections we used in performing our valuations for each acquisition are still valid in all material respects; however, we cannot assure

 

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you that the projected results will be achieved. We continue to make substantial progress related to the development and commercialization of acquired technologies. Although we have experienced delays in the completion of certain of our development efforts and their related commercialization, the expected total costs to complete such technologies have not materially increased, individually or in the aggregate. We periodically evaluate our product development timeline and modify our overall business plan in response to various factors. Modifications to our business plan include the reallocation of resources among various alternative development projects. The impact of delays in the realization of economic benefits related to acquired technologies, individually or in the aggregate, has not been material to our overall consolidated financial position or results of operations as of and for the quarter ended September 28, 2003.

 

Loss on Equity Investments

 

(dollars in millions)

     Three Months Ended

    Change

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


   

Loss on equity investments, net

   $ (25 )   $ (31 )   19.4 %

Percentage of net revenues

     1.0 %     1.1 %      

 

Our equity investments portfolio, which primarily consists of investments in publicly traded and privately-held technology companies, has continued to be negatively impacted by the adverse macroeconomic conditions, declining equity valuations in our investment portfolio and business failures of the privately-held technology companies in which we have invested during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The loss on equity investments in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 of $25 million, as compared with the $31 million loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2003, was primarily related to a continuing decline in value of the portfolio that was considered other than temporary.

 

The privately-held technology companies in which we have invested are particularly vulnerable to the current adverse economic conditions and the continued low levels of investing activity in the private equity market place. If the current negative economic conditions persist, we may incur additional losses on our investments.

 

Interest Income, net

 

(dollars in millions)

     Three Months Ended

    Change

 
    

September 28,

2003


   

September 29,

2002


   

Interest income, net

   $ 21     $ 39     (46.2 )%

Percentage of net revenues

     1.0 %     1.4 %      

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, interest income, net, decreased $18 million as compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2003. This decrease is primarily due to: (1) a combination of lower interest rates and lower cash and marketable debt securities balances (a decrease of $13 million); and (2) lower realized gains on the sale of certain marketable debt securities.

 

The average duration of our portfolio of marketable securities decreased to 0.78 year in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 from 0.88 year in the corresponding period of fiscal 2003. In general, we would expect the volatility of this portfolio to decrease as its duration decreases.

 

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Our interest income and expense are sensitive primarily to changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates. In this regard, changes in U.S. interest rates affect the interest earned on our cash equivalents and marketable securities, which are predominantly variable interest rate instruments. To better match the interest rate characteristics of our investment portfolio and our issued fixed-rate unsecured senior debt securities, we have entered into interest rate swap transactions so that the interest associated with these debt securities effectively becomes variable.

 

Income Taxes

 

(dollars in millions)

     Three Months Ended

    Change

 
     September 28,
2003


  

September 29,

2002


   

Income tax provision (benefit)

   $ 31    $ (92 )   133.7 %

Percentage of loss before taxes

     N/A      45.5 %      

 

For the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we recorded an income tax provision of $31 million, as compared with an income tax benefit of $92 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2003. This tax provision was recorded for taxes due on income generated in certain state and foreign tax jurisdictions. Income tax benefits have been recorded on the quarter pre-tax loss and we have provided a full valuation allowance against such benefits.

 

We are currently estimating a full year tax provision in the range of $140 million to $180 million, although there can be no assurance of this. This primarily comprises income taxes generated in certain foreign and domestic state tax jurisdictions.

 

Stock Options and Incentive Plans

 

Our stock option program is a broad-based, long-term retention program that is intended to attract and retain talented employees and align stockholder and employee interests. We primarily rely on three stock option plans that provide broad discretion to our Board of Directors to create appropriate equity incentives for members of our board of directors and our employees. Substantially all of our employees participate in our stock option program.

 

Information with respect to stock option and stock purchase rights activity for the three months ended September 28, 2003, is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

      

Shares

Available

for
Grant


    

Outstanding

Options


       

Number

of

Shares


    

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


Balance at June 30, 2003

     305      587      $ 13.95

Grants and assumptions

     (12 )    12        3.90

Exercises

     —        (4 )      1.94

Cancellations

     10      (10 )      15.47
      

  

  

Balance at September 28, 2003

     303      585      $ 13.79
      

  

  

 

 

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The following table summarizes significant ranges of outstanding and exercisable options at September 28, 2003 (shares and aggregate intrinsic value in millions):

 

     Outstanding Options

    Options Exercisable

 

Range of Exercise Prices


   Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Life

in Years


  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value


    

Potential

Dilution

Percentage


    Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value


    

Potential

Dilution

Percentage


 

$0.01 - $3.84

   136    4.2    $ 3.12    $ 98      4.2 %   80    $ 2.85    $ 79      2.5 %

$3.85 - $5.01

   66    6.8      4.16      —        2.0 %   15      4.25      —        0.0 %

$5.02 - $10.00

   156    4.8      7.33      —        4.8 %   90      6.46      —        2.8 %

$10.01 - $15.00

   47    4.6      12.62      —        1.5 %   29      12.66      —        0.1 %

$15.01 - $20.00

   85    5.2      17.94      —        2.6 %   43      17.72      —        0.1 %

$20.01 - $40.00

   50    4.6      37.65      —        1.5 %   31      37.51      —        0.1 %

$40.00 - $108.30

   45    4.8      49.88      —        1.4 %   25      49.75      —        0.1 %
    
              

    

 
         

    

     585    4.9    $ 13.79    $ 98      18.0 %   313    $ 14.02    $ 79      9.7 %
    
              

    

 
         

    

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (i.e., the difference between Sun’s closing stock price of $3.84 at September 26, 2003 (last trading day of our first quarter of fiscal 2004), and the exercise price, times the number of shares) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on September 28, 2003. This amount changes based on the fair market value of Sun’s stock.

 

The potential dilution percentage is computed by dividing the options in the related range of exercise prices by the shares of common stock issued, adjusted for treasury stock, as of September 28, 2003 (3,240 million shares) and does not reflect the potential proceeds from the exercise price of the options.

 

The 585 million options outstanding will vest as follows (in millions):

 

     Q1’04 and prior

     2004  

     2005  

     2006  

     2007  

     2008  

     2009  

     Total  

Number of Options

   313    61    81    61    43    24    2    585
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

A summary of our stockholder approved and non-approved equity compensation plans as of September 28, 2003 is as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

Plan Category


  

Number of Securities

to be Issued upon

Exercise of

Outstanding Options,

Warrants and Rights


  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price of

Outstanding Options,

Warrants and Rights

(in dollars)


  

Number of Securities

Remaining Available for

Future Issuance Under

Equity Compensation Plans


Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (excluding ESPP)

   567    $ 13.95    272

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (excluding ESPP)

   18    $ 8.73    31
    
  

  

Total (excluding ESPP)

   585    $ 13.79    303
    
  

  

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (ESPP only)

   N/A      N/A    43

 

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Plan Category


  

Number of Securities

to be Issued upon

Exercise of

Outstanding Options,

Warrants and Rights


  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price of

Outstanding Options,

Warrants and Rights

(in dollars)


  

Number of Securities

Remaining Available for

Future Issuance Under

Equity Compensation Plans


Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders ( ESPP only)

   N/A      N/A    —  
                

Total (ESPP only)

   N/A      N/A    43
                

All Plans

   585    $ 13.79    346
    
         

 

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

(dollars in millions)

    

September 28,

2003


   

June 30,

2003


    Change

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,481     $ 2,015     $ (534 )

Marketable debt securities

     4,045       3,726       319  
    


 


 


Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable debt securities

   $ 5,526     $ 5,741     $ (215 )
    


 


 


Percentage of total assets

     45.6 %     44.2 %     1.4 pts

Days sales outstanding (DSO)

     68       72          

Days of supply in inventory (DOS)

     25       22          

Days payable outstanding (DPO)

     (46 )     (48 )        
    


 


       

Cash conversion cycle

     47       46          
    


 


       

Inventory turns - product only

     9.0       8.6          
     Three Months Ended

    Change

 
     September 28,
2003


   

September 29,

2002


   

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ (49 )   $ 182     $ (231 )

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   $ (492 )   $ 126     $ (618 )

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   $ 7     $ (696 )   $ 703  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (534 )   $ (388 )   $ (146 )

 

Changes in Cash Flow

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we used $49 million of cash in operating activities, as compared with $182 million in cash provided by operating activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2003. In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, our use of cash in non-operating activities was primarily attributable to the $335 million net purchase of marketable debt securities, the $85 million paid for our acquisitions during the quarter and the $74 million of capital and spares investments. As a result, during the three months ended September 28, 2003, our cash, cash equivalents and marketable debt securities decreased by $215 million.

 

Net accounts receivable decreased to $1,905 million at September 28, 2003 from $2,381 million at June 30, 2003. The decrease in net accounts receivable was primarily due to the lower revenue and improvement in our collection efficiencies during the quarter.

 

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We ended the first quarter of fiscal 2004 with a cash conversion cycle of 47 days, a decline of 1 day from June 30, 2003. The cash conversion cycle is the duration between purchase of inventories and services and the collection of the cash for the sale of our products and services and is a metric on which we have focused as we continue to try to efficiently manage our assets. The cash conversion cycle results from the calculation of days of sales outstanding (DSO) added to days of supply in inventories (DOS), reduced by days of payable outstanding (DPO). In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, our days of supply in inventories increased primarily due to lower sales volume during the quarter, our days of payables outstanding were reduced by 2 days and our days of sales outstanding decreased 4 days from the June 30, 2003 levels.

 

Inventories increased to $426 million at September 28, 2003 from $416 million at June 30, 2003 and our inventory turn rate increased to 9.0 times at September 28, 2003 from 8.6 at June 30, 2003. Inventory turns is annualized and represents the number of times inventory is replenished during the year. Inventory management will continue to be an area of focus as we balance the need to maintain strategic inventory levels to help ensure competitive lead times with the risk of inventory obsolescence due to rapidly changing technology and customer requirements.

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased to $758 million at September 28, 2003 from $787 million at June 30, 2003 primarily due to the receipt of a tax refund in one of our foreign tax jurisdictions.

 

Accounts payable decreased to $780 million at September 28, 2003 from $903 million at June 30, 2003. This decrease was primarily due to lower inventory purchases and decreases in related operating activities. Our accrued payroll-related liabilities increased to $524 million at September 28, 2003 from $479 million at June 30, 2003, as a result of an increase in medical accruals and employee tax withholding balances due to timing, partially offset by decreases in vacation and incentive compensation accruals. Accrued liabilities decreased to $869 million at September 28, 2003 from $1,027 million at June 30, 2003, as a result of the overall decrease in our sales and related operational costs. Our total deferred revenues decreased $227 million from June 30, 2003 to September 28, 2003, including a $239 million decrease in the current portion partially offset by a $12 million increase in the non-current portion, due to lower revenue during the quarter. Other non-current obligations decreased to $364 million at September 28, 2003 from $384 million at June 30, 2003 primarily due to decreases in the long-term liability related to our restructuring plans.

 

Liquidity

 

Based on our current plan, we expect to generate positive cash flow from operations for the full fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, although there can be no assurance of this. From time to time, our Board of Directors approves systematic common stock repurchase programs allowing management to repurchase shares of our common stock in the open market pursuant to price-based formulas. These programs are largely intended to manage the dilutive effect generated by the exercise of stock options. In February 2001, we announced our intention to acquire up to $1.5 billion of our outstanding common stock under a stock repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors which was in addition to our ongoing systematic stock repurchase programs. Approval of the February 2001 program by our Board of Directors reflected Sun’s strong belief in its future, our belief at the time that our then current market valuation did not reflect the underlying long term value of the company and our desire to enhance stockholder value. Under the February 2001 program, the timing and actual number of shares subject to repurchase are at the discretion of our management and are contingent on a number of factors, including our projected cash flow requirements, market conditions and our share price. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we did not repurchase common stock under any repurchase programs, while we repurchased common stock under all repurchase programs for an aggregate purchase price of $499 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2003. All such repurchases were made in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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Our $1.3 billion of unsecured senior debt securities (Senior Notes) outstanding are due at various times between August 2004 and August 2009. At September 28, 2003, $250 million of principal has been reclassified as the current portion of long-term debt. The Senior Notes are subject to compliance with certain covenants that do not contain financial ratios. We are currently in compliance with these covenants. If we failed to be in compliance with these covenants, the trustee of the Senior Notes or holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Senior Notes would have the ability to demand immediate payment of all amounts outstanding.

 

Capital Resources and Financial Condition

 

Our long-term strategy is to maintain a minimum amount of cash and cash equivalents in subsidiaries for operational purposes and to invest the remaining amount of our cash in interest bearing and highly liquid cash equivalents and marketable debt securities. Accordingly, in addition to the $1,481 million in cash and cash equivalents we currently have for shorter-term requirements, we have approximately $4,045 million in marketable debt securities that are available for future operating, financing and investing activities, for a total cash and marketable debt securities position of $5,526 million. However, at June 30, 2003, approximately $1,365 million of this balance represents cash generated from operations domiciled in foreign tax jurisdictions that are designated as permanently invested in the respective tax jurisdictions. If these funds are required for our operations in the U.S., we would be required to accrue and pay additional taxes to repatriate these funds. Currently, we do not anticipate a need to repatriate these funds to our U.S. operations.

 

Sun is insured by nationally recognized insurers for certain potential liabilities, including worker’s compensation, general liability, automotive liability, employer’s liability, errors and omissions liability, employment practices liability, property, cargo and crime and directors and officers liability. We self-insure between $2 and $25 million per occurrence on the lines of coverage noted above, and beginning on July 1, 2003 we self-insure for all indemnification or defense payments we, as a company, may make to or on behalf of our directors and officers as a result of known claims under applicable agreements, Sun’s charter documents and applicable law. As our indemnification obligations to directors and officers for these known claims could be substantial, our liability arising out of those known claims could adversely affect Sun’s financial condition, liquidity, cash flows and results of operations if a material claim or loss occurred. Sun performs an annual actuarial analysis to develop an estimate of amounts to be paid for both claims reported and potential losses on activities that have occurred but have not yet been reported. Loss accruals were $25 million as of September 28, 2003.

 

In addition, we have uncommitted lines of credit aggregating approximately $635 million. No amounts were drawn from these lines of credit as of September 28, 2003. Interest rates and other terms of borrowing under these lines of credit vary from country to country depending on local market conditions at the time of borrowing. There is no guarantee that the banks would approve our request for funds under these uncommitted lines of credit.

 

We believe that the liquidity provided by existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable debt securities, and cash generated from operations will provide sufficient capital to meet our requirements for at least the next 12 months. We believe our level of financial resources is a significant competitive factor in our industry and we may choose at any time to raise additional capital to strengthen our financial position, facilitate growth, and provide us with additional flexibility to take advantage of business opportunities that arise.

 

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NON-AUDIT SERVICES OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

 

Our auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, perform the following non-audit services that have been approved by our Audit Committee of the Board of Directors: expatriate tax and relocation services, international and U.S. tax planning and compliance services, and tax due diligence for acquisitions. Starting fiscal 2004, our expatriate officers no longer receive tax services including personal tax return filing from Ernst & Young LLP. In addition, Scott McNealy, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer, retains Ernst & Young LLP to advise him on his personal income taxes.

 

RISK FACTORS

 

If we are unable to compete effectively with existing or new competitors, the loss of our competitive position could result in price reductions, fewer customer orders, reduced revenues, reduced margins, reduced levels of profitability, and loss of market share.

 

We compete in the computer systems (hardware and software) and network storage (hardware and software) products and services markets. These markets are intensely competitive. If we fail to compete successfully in these markets, the demand for our products and services would decrease. Any reduction in demand could lead to fewer customer orders, reduced revenues, pricing pressures, reduced margins, reduced levels of profitability and loss of market share. These competitive pressures could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

Our competitors are some of the largest, most successful companies in the world. They include International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Hewlett-Packard Company, which now owns Compaq Computer Corporation (HP), EMC Corporation (EMC), Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu) and the Fujitsu-Siemens joint venture. We also compete with systems manufacturers and resellers of systems based on microprocessors from Intel Corporation (Intel) and the Windows family of operating systems software from Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft). These competitors include Dell Inc. (Dell) and HP, in addition to Intel and Microsoft. Certain of these competitors compete aggressively on price and seek to maintain very low cost structures. Some of these competitors are seeking to increase their market share in the enterprise server market which creates increased pressure, including pricing pressure, on our workstation and lower-end server product lines. In particular, we are seeing increased competition and pricing pressures from competitors offering systems running Linux software and other open source software. In addition, certain of our competitors, including IBM and HP, have financial and human resources and scale that are greater than ours, which increases the competitive pressures we face.

 

Customers make buying decisions based on many factors, including new product and service offerings and features; product performance; availability and quality of support and other services; price; platform; quality; reliability and availability of products; breadth of product line; ease of doing business; a vendor’s ability to adapt to customers’ changing requirements; responsiveness to shifts in the marketplace; business model (e.g., utility computing, subscription based software usage, consolidation versus outsourcing); contractual terms and conditions; vendor reputation and vendor viability. As competition increases, each factor on which we compete becomes more important and the lack of competitive advantage with respect to one or more of these factors could lead to a loss of competitive position resulting in fewer customer orders, reduced revenues, reduced margins, reduced levels of profitability and loss of market share. We expect competitive pressure to remain intense.

 

Our future competitive performance depends on a number of factors, including our ability to continually develop and introduce new products and services with better prices and performance than those offered by our competitors; offer a wide range of solutions and products from small single processor systems to large complex

 

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enterprise level systems; offer solutions to customers that operate effectively within a computing environment that includes hardware and software from multiple vendors; offer products that are reliable and that ensure the security of data and information; create products for which third party software vendors will develop a wide range of applications; and offer high quality solutions, products and services with high performance and low incidence of defects.

 

Fujitsu and its subsidiaries have, for many years, been a key strategic channel partner for Sun, distributing substantial quantities of our products throughout the world. However, Fujitsu is also a competitor of Sun and, as a licensee of various technologies from Sun and others, it has developed products that compete directly with our products. While we currently believe that Fujitsu intends to continue as our strategic channel partner, there can be no assurance of this and it is likely that the level of competition between Fujitsu and Sun will further intensify. While we intend to compete vigorously with Fujitsu, our inability to compete successfully with Fujitsu would have an adverse impact on our revenues and margins.

 

Over the last several years, we have invested significantly in our network storage products business with a view to increasing the sales of these products both on a stand-alone basis to customers using the systems of our competitors, and as part of the systems that we sell. The intelligent storage products business is intensely competitive. EMC is currently a leader in this market and our primary competitor.

 

We maintain higher selling, general and administrative and research and development costs, as a percentage of revenues, than many of our competitors and our earnings are dependent upon maintaining gross margins at a sufficient level to offset these costs.

 

One of our business strategies is to derive a competitive advantage and a resulting enhancement of our gross margins from our investments in innovative new technologies which customers value. As a result, as a percentage of revenues, we incur higher fixed R&D costs than many of our competitors. In addition, as a result of investing in a significant direct sales force we incur higher fixed selling costs as a percentage of revenues as compared with some of our competitors. To the extent that we are unable to develop and sell products with attractive gross margins in sufficient volumes, our earnings may be materially adversely affected by our cost structure. During fiscal 2003, we added new products to our entry-level server product line that are offered at a lower price point and, accordingly, provide us with a lower gross margin percentage than our products as a whole. Although our strategy is to sell these products as part of overall systems which include other products with higher gross margin percentages, to the extent that the mix of our overall revenues represented by sales of lower gross margin products increases, our gross margins and earnings may be adversely affected.

 

The products we make are very complex. If we are unable to rapidly and successfully develop and introduce new products and manage our inventory, we will not be able to satisfy customer demand.

 

We operate in a highly competitive, quickly changing environment, and our future success depends on our ability to develop and introduce new products that our customers choose to buy. If we are unable to develop new products, our business and operating results could be adversely affected. We must quickly develop, introduce, and deliver in quantity new, complex systems, software, and hardware products and components. These include products which incorporate our UltraSPARC® III architecture and the Solaris Operating System, the Java platform, Sun Java System portfolio and N1, among others. The development process for these complicated products is very uncertain. It requires high levels of innovation from both our product designers and the suppliers of the components used in our products. The development process is also lengthy and costly. If we fail to accurately anticipate our customers’ needs and technological trends, or are otherwise unable to complete the development of a product on a timely basis, we will be unable to introduce new products into the market on a timely basis, if at all, and our business and operating results would be adversely affected.

 

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The manufacture and introduction of our new products is also a complicated process. Once we have developed a new product we face several challenges in the manufacturing process. We must be able to manufacture new products in sufficient volumes so that we can have an adequate supply of new products to meet customer demand. We must also be able to manufacture the new products at acceptable costs. This requires us to be able to accurately forecast customer demand so that we can procure the appropriate components at optimal costs. Forecasting demand requires us to predict order volumes, the correct mixes of our hardware and software products, and the correct configurations of these products. We must manage new product introductions to minimize the impact of customer-delayed purchases of existing products in anticipation of new product releases. We must also try to reduce the levels of older product and component inventories to minimize inventory write-offs. If we have excess inventory, it may be necessary to reduce our prices and write down inventory, which could result in lower gross margins. Additionally, our customers may delay orders for existing products in anticipation of new product introductions. As a result, we may decide to adjust prices of our existing products during this process to try to increase customer demand for these products. Our future operating results would be adversely affected if such pricing adjustments were to occur and we were unable to mitigate the resulting margin pressure by maintaining a favorable mix of systems, software, service and other products, or if we were unsuccessful in achieving component cost reductions, operating efficiencies and increasing sales volumes.

 

If we are unable to timely develop, manufacture, and introduce new products in sufficient quantity to meet customer demand at acceptable costs, or if we are unable to correctly anticipate customer demand for our new and existing products, our business and operating results could be materially adversely affected.

 

Our reliance on single source suppliers could delay product shipments and increase our costs.

 

We depend on many suppliers for the necessary parts and components to manufacture our products. There are a number of vendors producing the parts and components that we need. However, there are some components that can only be purchased from a single vendor due to price, quality, or technology reasons. For example, we depend on Texas Instruments for the manufacture of our UltraSPARC microprocessors and several other companies for custom integrated circuits. If we were unable to purchase on acceptable terms or experienced significant delays or quality issues in the delivery of necessary parts and components from a particular vendor and we had to find a new supplier for such parts and components, our new and existing product shipments could be delayed, adversely affecting our business and operating results.

 

Our future operating results depend on our ability to purchase a sufficient amount of components to meet the demands of our customers.

 

We depend heavily on our suppliers to design, manufacture, and deliver on a timely basis the necessary components for our products. While many of the components we purchase are standard, we do purchase some components, including color monitors, custom power supplies, application specific integrated circuits (ASICS) and custom memory and graphics devices, that require long lead times to manufacture and deliver. Long lead times make it difficult for us to plan component inventory levels in order to meet the customer demand for our products. In addition, in the past, we have experienced shortages in certain of our components (specifically, ASICS, dynamic random access memories (DRAMS) and static random access memories (SRAMS)). If a component delivery from a supplier is delayed, if we experience a shortage in one or more components, or if we are unable to provide for adequate levels of component inventory, our new and existing product shipments could be delayed and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

 

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Since we may order components from suppliers in advance of receipt of customer orders for our products which include these components, we could face a material inventory risk.

 

As part of our component inventory planning, we may pay certain suppliers in advance of receipt of customer orders. We occasionally enter into negotiated orders with vendors early in the manufacturing process of our microprocessors to make sure we have enough of these components for our new products to meet anticipated customer demand. Because the design and manufacturing process for these components is very complicated it is possible that we could experience a design or manufacturing flaw that could delay or even prevent the production of the components for which we have previously committed to pay. We also face the risk of ordering too many components, or conversely, not enough components, since orders are generally based on forecasts of customer orders rather than actual orders. In addition, in certain cases, we make commitments to our suppliers for Sun custom sub-components, raw materials and work-in-progress that are necessary to meet our lead times for finished goods. If we cannot change or be released from supply orders, we could incur costs from the purchase of unusable custom components, either due to a delay in the production of the components or other supplies or as a result of inaccurately predicting supply orders in advance of customer orders. Our business and operating results could be adversely affected as a result of these increased costs.

 

Delays in product development or customer acceptance and implementation of new products and technologies could seriously harm our business.

 

Generally, the computer systems we sell to customers incorporate various hardware and software products that we sell, such as UltraSPARC microprocessors, various software elements, from the Solaris Operating System to the Java platform, Sun Java System portfolio, N1 and Sun StorEdge array products. Any delay in the development, delivery or acceptance of key elements of the hardware or software included in our systems could delay our shipment of these systems. Delays in the development and introduction of our products may occur for various reasons.

 

In addition, if customers decided to delay the adoption and implementation of new releases of our Solaris Operating System this could also delay customer acceptance of new hardware products tied to that release. Implementing a new release of an operating environment requires a great deal of time and money for a customer to convert its systems to the new release. The customer must also work with software vendors who port their software applications to the new operating system and make sure these applications will run on the new operating system. As a result, customers may decide to delay their adoption of a new release of an operating system because of the cost of a new system and the effort involved to implement it. Such delays in product development and customer acceptance and implementation of new products could adversely affect our business.

 

Our products may have quality issues that could adversely affect our sales and reputation.

 

In the course of conducting our business, we experience and address quality issues. Some of our hardware and software products contain defects, including defects in our engineering, design and manufacturing processes, as well as defects in third-party components included in our products, which may be beyond our control. Often defects are identified during our design, development and manufacturing processes and we are able to correct many of these. Sometimes defects are identified after introduction and shipment of new products or enhancements to existing products.

 

When a quality issue is identified, we work extensively with our customers to remedy such issues. We may test the affected product to determine the root cause of the problem and to determine appropriate solutions. We may find an appropriate solution (often called a “patch”) or offer a temporary fix while a permanent solution is being

 

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determined. If we are unable to determine the root cause, find an appropriate solution or offer a temporary fix, we may delay shipment to customers. We may, however, ship products while we continue to explore a suitable solution if we believe the defect is not significant to the product’s functionality.

 

Finding solutions to quality issues for our customers can be expensive and may result in additional warranty and other costs to Sun, reducing our operating results. In recent periods we have implemented new quality control measures intended to make it more likely that any quality issues are identified prior to product shipment. As a result of these measures, we may delay more product shipments in future periods as a result of the identification of quality issues or potential quality issues. For example, in July 2003, most of our server product line was on stop ship and standard shipment lead times did not recover until the beginning of September. While it is not possible to exactly quantify the impact of these stop ships and we do not believe the stop ships had a material impact on revenue for the quarter, there can be no assurance that future stop shipments will not have a material adverse effect on our revenues, operating results, cash flows from operations and financial condition. These stop ships were, however, disruptive to the quarter in terms of shipment linearity. Delays in product shipments to our customers will delay revenue recognition and could adversely affect our revenues and reported results. If we are unable to fix identified errors or adequately address quality issues, our relationships with customers can be impaired, our reputation can suffer and we can lose customers or sales which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, operating results, cash flows from operations and financial condition.

 

Our international customers and operations subject us to a number of risks.

 

Currently more than half of our revenues come from international sales. In addition, a portion of our operations consists of manufacturing and sales activities outside of the U.S. Our ability to sell our products and conduct our operations internationally is subject to a number of risks. Local economic, political and labor conditions in each country could adversely affect demand for our products and services or disrupt our operations in these markets. We may also experience reduced intellectual property protection or longer and more challenging collection cycles as a result of different customary business practices in certain countries where we do business which could have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial results. Currency fluctuations could also adversely affect our business in a number of ways. Although we take steps to reduce or eliminate certain foreign currency exposures that can be identified or quantified, we may incur currency translation losses as a result of our international operations. Further, in the event that currency fluctuations cause our products to become more expensive in overseas markets in local currencies, there could be a reduction in demand for our products or we could lower our pricing in some or all of these markets resulting in reduced revenue and margins. Alternatively, a weakening dollar could result in greater costs to us for our overseas operations. Changes to and compliance with a variety of foreign laws and regulations may increase our cost of doing business in these jurisdictions. Trade protection measures and import and export licensing requirements subject us to additional regulation and may prevent us from shipping products to a particular market, and increase our operating costs. In addition, we could be subject to regulations, fines and penalties for violations of import and export regulations such as our products being shipped directly or through a third-party to certain countries. Such violations could result in penalties, including prohibiting us from exporting our products to one or more countries, and could adversely affect our business. See Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings for a description of certain matters currently pending before the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement (BIS).

 

We expect our quarterly revenues, cash flows and operating results to fluctuate for a number of reasons.

 

Future operating results and cash flows will continue to be subject to quarterly fluctuations based on a wide variety of factors, including:

 

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Seasonality. Our sequential quarterly operating results usually fluctuate downward in the first quarter of each fiscal year when compared with the immediately preceding fourth quarter.

 

Linearity. Our quarterly sales have historically reflected a pattern in which a disproportionate percentage of such quarter’s total sales occur in the last month and weeks and days of the quarter. This pattern makes prediction of revenues, earnings and working capital for each financial period especially difficult and uncertain and increases the risk of unanticipated variations in quarterly results and financial condition.

 

Deferred Tax Assets. In determining income (loss) for financial statement purposes, we must make certain estimates and judgments. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax liabilities and in the determination of the recoverability of certain of the deferred tax assets, which arise from net operating losses, tax carryforwards and temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” also requires that the deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods.

 

In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets we consider all available positive and negative evidence including our past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent fiscal years and our forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, we are responsible for assumptions utilized, including the amount of state, federal and international pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses.

 

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, we increased our valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets to $1,090 million. The realization of our remaining deferred tax assets of approximately $600 million is primarily dependent on forecasted future taxable income. Any reduction in estimated forecasted future taxable income including but not limited to any future restructuring activities may require that we record an additional valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period and could adversely affect our future earnings.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. We perform an analysis on our goodwill balances to test for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events occur that may indicate impairment possibly exists. Goodwill is deemed to be impaired if the net book value of the reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value. The impairment of a long-lived asset is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset are less than the carrying value of the intangible asset we are testing for impairment. If the forecasted cash flows are less than the carrying value, then we must write down the carrying value to its estimated fair value. We recognized a significant impairment charge related to our goodwill and other intangible asset balances during the second quarter of fiscal 2003. Going forward, we will continue to review our goodwill and other intangible assets for possible impairment. Any additional impairment charges could adversely affect our future earnings.

 

Investments. We have an investment portfolio that includes minority equity and debt investments. In most cases, we do not attempt to reduce or eliminate our market exposure on these investments and may incur losses related to the impairment of these investments. Our risk exposure in our marketable securities investments is concentrated across a relatively small number of entities and could be subject to substantial volatility if any of these entities experiences material changes to its business or securities. In addition, we have made and continue to evaluate and make, strategic equity investments in privately-held technology companies. Because these companies are typically early-stage ventures with either unproven business models, products that are not yet fully developed or products that have not yet achieved market acceptance, these investments are inherently risky due to factors beyond our control.

 

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We are dependent on significant customers and specific industries.

 

Sales to General Electric Company (GE) and its subsidiaries in the aggregate accounted for approximately 11%, 12% and 13% of our fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 net revenues, respectively. More than 90% of the revenue attributed to GE was generated through GE subsidiaries acting as either a reseller or financier of our products. Sales through MRA Systems, Inc., a channel development partner and a GE subsidiary, consisted of 9%, 8% and 10% of net revenues in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. As a channel development partner, MRA Systems, Inc. acts as a distributor of our products to resellers who in turn sell those products to end-users. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of revenues. The revenues from GE are generated in the Product Group and Sun Services segments.

 

We also depend on the telecommunications, financial services and manufacturing industries for a significant portion of our revenues. Significant reduction in technology capital spending in these industries, such as we have experienced since the last half of fiscal 2001, may continue to result in decreased revenues and earnings. Our revenues are dependent on the level of technology capital spending in the U.S. and international economies. If the current adverse economic conditions continue, we would expect that the significant reduction and deferrals of capital spending would continue. If capital spending continues to decline in these industries over an extended period of time, our business will continue to be adversely affected. We continue to execute on our strategy to reduce our dependence on these industries by expanding our product reach into new industries, but no assurance can be given that this strategy will be successful.

 

Our business may suffer if it is alleged or found that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of others.

 

From time to time we have been notified that we may be infringing certain patents or other intellectual property rights of others. Responding to such claims, regardless of their merit, can be time consuming, result in costly litigation, divert management’s attention and resources and cause us to incur significant expenses. Several pending claims are in various stages of evaluation. From time to time, we consider the desirability of entering into licensing agreements in certain of these cases. No assurance can be given that licenses can be obtained on acceptable terms or that litigation will not occur. In the event there is a temporary or permanent injunction entered prohibiting us from marketing or selling certain of our products, or a successful claim of infringement against us requiring us to pay royalties to a third party, and we fail to license such technology on acceptable terms and conditions or to develop or license a substitute technology, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected. See Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings for further discussion.

 

Our acquisition and alliance activities could disrupt our ongoing business.

 

We intend to continue to make investments in companies, products, and technologies, either through acquisitions or investments or alliances. For example, we have purchased several companies in the past and have also formed alliances, such as our OEM relationship with Hitachi Data Systems for the collaboration on, and delivery of, a broad range of storage products and services. We also rely on IT services partners and independent software development to enhance the value to our customers of our products and services. Acquisitions and alliance activities often involve risks, including: (1) difficulty in assimilating the acquired operations and employees; (2) difficulty in managing product co-development activities with our alliance partners; (3) retaining the key employees of the acquired operation; (4) disruption of our ongoing business; (5) inability to successfully integrate the acquired technology and operations into our business and maintain

 

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uniform standards, controls, policies, and procedures; and (6) lacking the experience to enter into new product or technology markets. In addition, from time to time, our competitors acquire or enter into exclusive arrangements with companies with whom we do business or may do business in the future. Reductions in the number of partners with whom we may do business in a particular context may reduce our ability to enter into critical alliances on attractive terms or at all, and the termination of an existing alliance by a business partner may disrupt our operations.

 

We depend on key employees and face competition in hiring and retaining qualified employees.

 

Our employees are vital to our success, and our key management, engineering, and other employees are difficult to replace. We generally do not have employment contracts with our key employees. Further, we do not maintain key person life insurance on any of our employees. Because our compensation packages include equity-based incentives, pressure on our stock price could affect our ability to continue to offer competitive compensation packages to current employees. In addition, we must continue to motivate employees and keep them focused on our strategies and goals, which may be difficult due to morale challenges posed by our workforce reductions and general uncertainty about the economy. Should these conditions continue, we may not be able to retain highly qualified employees in the future which could adversely affect our business.

 

Recent and proposed regulations related to equity compensation could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain key personnel.

 

Since our inception, we have used stock options and other long-term equity incentives as a fundamental component of our employee compensation packages. We believe that stock options and other long-term equity incentives directly motivate our employees to maximize long-term stockholder value and, through the use of vesting, encourage employees to remain with Sun. Several agencies and entities are considering, and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has announced that it will propose changes to US GAAP that, if implemented, would require us to record a charge to earnings for employee stock option grants. This pending regulation would negatively impact our earnings. For example, recording a charge for employee stock options under SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” would have increased net loss by $555 million and $647 million for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively, and reduced net income by $533 million for fiscal 2001. See also Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Stock Options Plans. In addition, new regulations implemented by The Nasdaq National Market requiring shareholder approval for all stock option plans as well as new regulations implemented by the New York Stock Exchange prohibiting NYSE member organizations from giving a proxy to vote on equity-compensation plans unless the beneficial owner of the shares has given voting instructions could make it more difficult for us to grant options to employees in the future. To the extent that new regulations make it more difficult or expensive to grant options to employees, we may incur increased compensation costs, change our equity compensation strategy or find it difficult to attract, retain and motivate employees, each of which could materially and adversely affect our business.

 

Business interruptions could adversely affect our business.

 

Our operations and those of our suppliers are vulnerable to interruption by fire, earthquake, power loss, telecommunications failure, terrorist attacks and other events beyond our control. A substantial portion of our facilities, including our corporate headquarters and other critical business operations, are located near major earthquake faults. In addition, some of our facilities are located on filled land and, therefore, may be more susceptible to damage if an earthquake occurs. We do not carry earthquake insurance for direct earthquake-related losses. In addition, we do not carry business interruption insurance nor do we carry financial reserves against business interruptions arising from earthquakes or certain other events. If a business interruption occurs, our business could be seriously harmed.

 

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Adverse economic conditions could affect our ability to sublease properties in our portfolio.

 

In response to the continuing global economic slowdown, we implemented facility exit plans during each of fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, as part of our ongoing efforts to consolidate excess facilities. The continuing general adverse economic conditions in the United States and in many of the countries in which we have significant leased properties have resulted in a surplus of business facilities making it difficult to sublease properties. If the adverse economic conditions continue, we may be unable to sublease our excess properties, or we may not meet our expected estimated levels of subleasing income, and our results of operations could be negatively affected.

 

Environmental regulations and costs could result in significant liabilities for us.

 

Some of our operations are subject to regulation under various federal, state and international laws governing the environment and hazardous substances. While we endeavor to be in compliance with environmental laws at all times, any failure to so comply can subject us to material liability. Also, particularly in Europe, we may be subject to compliance with developing product content requirements relating to recycling as well as product take back requirements that would make us responsible for recycling and/or disposing of products we have sold. These and other environmental laws may become stricter over time and require us to incur substantial costs for compliance. In addition, we could be subject to liability for investigation and remediation of hazardous substances if our operations have caused contamination or any of our owned properties are found to be contaminated. Although costs relating to environmental matters have not resulted in a material adverse effect on us to date, there can be no assurance that we will not be required to incur such costs in the future.

 

Our equity securities are subject to equity price risk and their value may fluctuate.

 

From time to time, we make equity investments for the promotion of business and strategic objectives in publicly traded and privately-held companies. The market price and valuation of the securities that we hold in these companies may fluctuate due to market conditions and other circumstances over which we have little or no control. Many of the companies in which we have invested have experienced significant volatility in their stock prices. We typically do not attempt to reduce or eliminate this equity price risk, through hedging or similar techniques, and market price and valuation fluctuations could impact our financial results. To the extent that the fair value of these securities was less than our cost over an extended period of time, our net income (loss) would be negatively impacted. See Part I, Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk — Equity Security Price Risk for further discussion.

 

Our stock price can be volatile.

 

Our stock price, like that of other technology companies, continues to be volatile. For example, our stock price can be affected by many factors such as quarterly increases or decreases in our earnings, speculation in the investment community about our financial condition or results of operations and changes in revenue or earnings estimates, announcement of new products, technological developments, alliances, acquisitions or divestitures by us or one of our competitors or the loss of key management personnel. In addition, general macroeconomic and market conditions unrelated to our financial performance may also affect our stock price.

 

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Our credit rating is subject to downgrade.

 

In September 2003, Moody’s Investor Services, a credit agency that follows Sun downgraded us from Baa1 to Baa3. In addition, in October 2003, Standard & Poor’s, another credit agency that has a rating of BBB on Sun placed us on CreditWatch. This reflects those credit agencies’ expectations that the intense competitive environment facing Sun in its core markets will continue over at least the near-term to challenge Sun’s sales and profitability. A downgrade by Standard and Poor’s and/or by Moody’s could increase our costs of obtaining, or make it more difficult to obtain, new debt financing or interest rate swap agreements used to modify the interest characteristics of any new debt, or increase our costs of issuing, or make it more difficult to issue, new debt, any of which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

Our use of a self-insurance program to cover certain claims for losses suffered and costs or expenses incurred could negatively impact our business upon the occurrence of an uninsured event.

 

Sun has adopted a program of self-insurance with regard to certain risks such as California earthquakes and as supplemental coverage for certain potential liabilities including general liability, directors and officers liability, workers compensation, errors and omissions liability and property. We self-insure when the lack of availability and high cost of commercially available insurance products do not make the transfer of this risk a reasonable approach. In addition, beginning July 1, 2003, we self-insure the risk for all indemnification or defense payments we, as a company, may make to or on behalf of our directors and officers as a result of known claims. In these instances, we assume the liability to cover claims for losses suffered and from costs or expenses incurred by individuals or entities through the use of a self-insurance program. In the event that the frequency of losses experienced by Sun increased unexpectedly, the aggregate of such losses could materially increase our liability and adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, cash flows and results of operations. In addition, while the insurance market continues to limit the availability of certain insurance products while increasing the costs of such products, we will continue to evaluate the levels of claims we include in our self-insurance program. Any increases to this program increases our risk exposure and therefore increases the risk of a possible material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, cash flows and results of operations. In addition, we have made certain judgments as to the limits on our existing insurance coverage that we believe are in line with industry standards, as well as in light of economic and availability considerations. Unforeseen catastrophic loss scenarios could prove our limits to be inadequate, and losses incurred in connection with the known claims we self-insure could be substantial. Either of these circumstances could materially adversely affect our financial and business condition.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and equity security prices. To mitigate some of these risks, we utilize derivative financial instruments to hedge these exposures. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. All of the potential changes noted below are based on sensitivity analyses performed on our financial position at September 28, 2003. Actual results may differ materially.

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

Our investment portfolio consists primarily of fixed income instruments with an average duration of 0.78 year as of September 28, 2003, as compared with 0.72 year as of June 30, 2003. The primary objective of our investments in debt securities is to preserve principal while maximizing yields, without significantly increasing risk. These available-for-sale securities are subject to interest rate risk. The fair market value of these securities may fluctuate with changes in interest rates. A sensitivity analysis was performed on this investment portfolio based on a modeling technique that measures the hypothetical fair market value changes (using a three month horizon) that would result from a parallel shift in the yield curve of plus 150 basis points (BPS). Based on this analysis, for example, a hypothetical 150 BPS increase in interest rates would result in an approximate $46 million decrease in the fair value of our investments in debt securities as of September 28, 2003.

 

We also entered into various interest-rate swap agreements to modify the interest characteristics of the Senior Notes so that the interest payable on the Senior Notes effectively becomes variable and thus matches the variable interest rate received from our cash and marketable securities. Accordingly, interest rate fluctuations impact the fair value of our Senior Notes outstanding, which will be offset by corresponding changes in the fair value of the swap agreements. However, by entering into these swap agreements, we have a cash flow exposure related to the risk that interest rates may increase. For example, at September 28, 2003, a hypothetical 150 BPS increase in interest rates would result in an approximate $20 million decrease in cash over a year.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

 

The majority of our revenue, expense, and capital purchasing activities are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, since a portion of our operations consists of manufacturing and sales activities outside of the U.S., we enter into transactions in other currencies. We are primarily exposed to changes in exchange rates for the euro, Japanese yen, and British pound. We are a net receiver of currencies other than the U.S. dollar and, as such, can benefit from a weaker dollar, and can be adversely affected by a stronger dollar relative to major currencies worldwide. Accordingly, changes in exchange rates, and in particular a strengthening of the U.S. dollar, may adversely affect our consolidated sales and operating margins as expressed in U.S. dollars. To minimize currency exposure gains and losses, we often borrow funds in local currencies, enter into forward exchange contracts, purchase foreign currency options and promote natural hedges by purchasing components and incurring expenses in local currencies. Currently, we have no plans to discontinue our hedging programs, however, we are evaluating the benefits of our hedging strategies and may choose to discontinue them in the future.

 

Based on our foreign currency exchange instruments outstanding at September 28, 2003, we estimate a maximum potential one-day loss in fair value of approximately $9 million, as compared with $6 million as of June 30, 2003, using a Value-at-Risk (VAR) model. The VAR model estimates were made assuming normal market conditions and a 95% confidence level. We used a Monte Carlo simulation type model that valued foreign currency instruments against three thousand randomly generated market price paths. Anticipated transactions, firm commitments, receivables, and accounts payable denominated in foreign currencies were excluded from the model. The VAR model is a risk estimation tool, and as such is not intended to represent

 

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actual losses in fair value that will be incurred by us. Additionally, as we utilize foreign currency instruments for hedging anticipated and firmly committed transactions, a loss in fair value for those instruments is generally offset by increases in the value of the underlying exposure. Foreign currency fluctuations did not have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position during the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

Equity Security Price Risk

 

We are exposed to price fluctuations on the marketable portion of equity securities included in our portfolio of equity investments. These investments are generally in companies in the high-technology industry sector, many of which are small capitalization stocks. We typically do not attempt to reduce or eliminate the market exposure on these securities. A 20% adverse change in equity prices would result in an approximate $4 million decrease in the fair value of our available-for-sale equity investments as of September 28, 2003, as compared with $2 million as of September 29, 2002. At September 28, 2003, three equity securities represented approximately $14 million of the $21 million total fair value of the marketable equity securities.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On February 11, 2002, Eastman Kodak Company (Kodak) filed a civil lawsuit against us, Eastman Kodak Company v. Sun Microsystems, Inc., Civil Action No. 02-CV-6074, in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York. On March 22, 2002, Kodak filed a First Amended Complaint, which asserts that some of our products, including those relating to our Java technology, infringe one or more claims of U.S. Patent No. 5,206,951, U.S. Patent No. 5,421,012, and U.S. Patent No. 5,226,161 (collectively, the Kodak Patents). Kodak further alleges that we have contributed to and induced infringement of one or more claims of the Kodak Patents. Kodak seeks injunctive relief against future infringement, unspecified damages for past infringement, and attorney’s fees and costs. We have filed an Answer with the court, denying infringement of any valid and enforceable claim of any of the Kodak Patents. We also filed counter-claims, seeking a declaratory judgment of noninfringement, invalidity and/or unenforceability of the Kodak Patents. We further allege that Kodak’s claims are barred in whole or in part by the doctrines of estoppel, laches and patent exhaustion, and that we have license and/or sublicense rights to the Kodak Patents. On October 22, 2003, the court issued a “Markman” ruling, which describes the court’s construction of the Kodak Patents. The ruling governs only the construction of the disputed patent claims. It does not determine whether those claims are valid or whether any Sun product infringes those claims. Trial has not yet been scheduled. Based on the court’s patent claim construction, our analysis of the Kodak patent claims, applicable law, and discussions over many months with Kodak, we continue to believe that our products do not infringe any valid and enforceable Kodak Patent and, accordingly, we will defend ourselves and pursue our counterclaims vigorously. At this time, we cannot forecast with reasonable certainty the potential costs associated with an adverse outcome of this matter.

 

On March 8, 2002, we filed suit against Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, pursuant to United States and State of California antitrust and other laws. In our complaint and as modified in subsequent filings, we allege that Microsoft has engaged in illegal conduct, including efforts to acquire, maintain and expand a number of illegal monopolies; illegal tying arrangements; illegal exclusive dealings; copyright infringement; unreasonable restraints of trade; and unfair competition. We have requested various remedies, including (1) preliminary injunctions requiring Microsoft to distribute our binary implementation of the Java Runtime Environment as part of Windows XP and Internet Explorer (“must carry” remedy) and to stop the unlicensed distribution of Microsoft’s Virtual Machine for Java technology (“copyright infringement” remedy); (2) a permanent injunction to restore competition to the markets in which Microsoft is unlawfully attempting to acquire, maintain and expand a number of monopolies; and (3) compensation for losses we have suffered as a result of Microsoft’s unlawful actions. The case was transferred to the District of Maryland and combined for pretrial proceedings with other cases against Microsoft, in the case entitled Microsoft Corp. Windows Operating System Antitrust Litigation, MDL-1332. At the conclusion of the pretrial proceedings, the case will return for trial to the Northern District of California. On June 26, 2003, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a ruling granting our requested “must carry” preliminary injunction, and upheld a ruling granting our requested “copyright infringement” preliminary injunction. In February 2003, Microsoft filed four counterclaims against Sun alleging unfair competition and breach of a settlement agreement regarding Java. The presiding judge dismissed two of those claims. On October 29, 2003, the Court of Appeals heard, but has not yet ruled upon, an appeal by Microsoft regarding the extent to which Microsoft will be precluded from contesting findings made against it in the United States’ antitrust case. Discovery is ongoing. The case has not been scheduled for trial. We believe that Microsoft’s counterclaims are without merit and intend to present a vigorous defense. At this time, we cannot forecast with reasonable certainty the potential costs associated with an adverse outcome with respect to Microsoft’s counterclaims.

 

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In early February 2002, Sun and two of its subsidiaries received several charging letters from the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement (BIS) claiming that we had violated export control regulations. The letters relate to sales in 1998 in Egypt and in 1997 to a reseller in Hong Kong for subsequent resale in the People’s Republic of China. On April 16, 2003, the BIS provided us with notice of nineteen additional proposed charges, which involved alleged violations of certain record keeping requirements on export licenses to various countries. The relevant export statutes provide for monetary penalties and in some cases denial of export privileges and exclusion from practice before the BIS if a violation is found. The BIS has submitted a settlement proposal, which would include a monetary penalty and a suspended one-year denial of export privileges. The proposed denial would not be enforced if there were no violations during the one year suspension period. In addition, BIS approval would be required for transactions involving export, re-export or transfer of items subject to the relevant export regulations and involving the specific entities involved in the Egyptian and People’s Republic of China transactions which were the subject of the original 2002 charging letters. We would be entitled to an administrative hearing in the event the BIS should allege that a further violation has taken place. In August 2003, we received verbal notice from the BIS that they were considering filing two additional charges, both of which would address alleged violations related to certain record keeping requirements with respect to past exports to Syria. The BIS has since informed us that they do not intend to bring a charge with respect to one of the two alleged violations, and has proposed that Sun agree to pay a small monetary penalty to settle the charge related to the other violation. In order to fully investigate and address all these matters, we requested and received an extension of time until December 1, 2003 to file a formal response to all the charging letters or otherwise resolve the matters through a negotiated resolution. We are involved in ongoing settlement discussions with the BIS and continue to believe it is reasonably likely that we will reach a negotiated resolution. Absent a negotiated resolution, an administrative hearing would be set and, in such case, we would assert a vigorous defense. We believe that any monetary penalties would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for any fiscal year or fiscal quarter. A denial of export privileges, including any revocation of the proposed suspended denial, would have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits

 

See Index to Exhibits on Pages 46 to 47 hereof.

 

(b) Reports on Forms 8-K

 

On July 22, 2003, we filed a report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission furnishing our press release, dated July 22, 2003, announcing our financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC.

BY

/s/ Stephen T. McGowan


Stephen T. McGowan

Chief Financial Officer and Executive

Vice President, Corporate Resources

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

/s/ Robyn M. Denholm


Robyn M. Denholm

Vice President and Corporate Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

Dated: November 11, 2003

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number


 

Description


3.1(1)   Registrant’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
3.2(2)   Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant dated November 8, 2000.
3.3(3)   Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations dated December 13, 2000.
3.4(4)   Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended May 21, 2003.
4.8(5)   Third Amended and Restated Shares Rights Agreement dated July 25, 2002.
4.10(6)   Indenture, dated August 1, 1999 (the “Indenture”) between Registrant and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.
4.11(6)   Form of Subordinated Indenture.
4.12(6)   Officers’ Certificate Pursuant to Section 301 of the Indenture, without exhibits, establishing the terms of Registrant’s Senior Notes.
4.13(6)   Form of Senior Note.
10.64(7)   Registrant’s 1988 Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended on August 11, 1999.
10.65(8)   Registrant’s 1990 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on August 13, 1997.
10.66(9)   Registrant’s 1990 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, as amended on September 17, 2002.
10.66A(10)   Representative form of agreement to Registrant’s 1990 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (LTEIP).
10.66B(10)   French Sub-Plan to 1990 Long Term Equity Incentive Plan.
10.84(11)   Registrant’s Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended June 30, 2002.
10.85(12)   Registrant’s Section 162(m) Executive Officer Performance-Based Bonus Plan, as amended and restated July 1, 2001.
10.87(13)   Registrant’s Equity Compensation Acquisition Plan, as amended on July 25, 2002.
10.89(4)   Form of Change of Control Agreement executed by each executive officer of Registrant.
10.90(4)   Form of Change of Control Agreement executed by Chief Executive Officer of Registrant.
10.96(14)   Promissory Notes issued by Jonathan I. Schwartz dated October 29, 2001 (“Note 1”), Promissory Note issued by Jonathan I. Schwartz dated June 28, 2002 (“Note 2”), cancellation of Notes 1 and 2 dated July 18, 2002, and Promissory Note issued by Jonathan I. Schwartz on July 19, 2002.
10.97(13)   Retirement Transition Agreement dated April 30, 2002, and Resignation dated September 17, 2002, between the Registrant and Michael Lehman.
10.100(13)   Retirement Transition Agreement dated July 25, 2002 between the Registrant and John Shoemaker.
10.101(13)   Employment Agreement dated January 3, 2001 between the Registrant and David Yen, as amended May 17, 2001.
10.102(13)   Retention Bonus Agreement dated September 5, 2002 between the Registrant and Patricia Sueltz.
10.104(13)   Form of Indemnification Agreement executed by each Board member of Registrant.
10.105(15)   Registrant’s 1989 French Stock Option Plan, as amended December 23, 2002.
15.1   Letter of Awareness of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors.
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1   Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer.
32.2   Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Financial Officer.

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

(1) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended March 29, 1998.
(2) Incorporated by reference as Exhibit 3.5 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2000.
(3) Incorporated by reference as Exhibit 2.2 to Registrant’s Form 8-A/ A filed December 20, 2000.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Form 8-A/ A filed September 26, 2002.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 6, 1999.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999.
(8) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 20, 1997.
(9) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed November 20, 2002.
(10) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001.
(11) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2002.
(12) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2001.
(13) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002.
(14) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 9, 2002.
(15) Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on February 3, 2003.

 

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