Quarterlytics / Technology / Semiconductors / Diodes

Diodes

diod · NASDAQ Technology
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Ticker diod
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Technology
Industry Semiconductors
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY1999 Annual Report · Diodes
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moving into

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
competitive prices

on-time delivery

top quality products

dependable customer support

80$

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

$1.20

1.00

.80

.60

.40

.20

0

95

96

97

98

99

N E T  S A L E S
(in millions)

95

96

97

98

99

E A R N I N G S   P E R   S H A R E
(diluted)

$35

30

25

20

15

10

0

95

96

97

98

99

S T O C K H O L D E R S (cid:213)   E Q U I T Y
(in millions)

FINANCIAL  HIGHLIGHTS 

(in thousands except per share data)

1998

1999

change

Net sales

Gross profit

$ 61,328

$ 79,251 

15,402 

20,948

Selling, general and

administrative expenses

Income from operations

Interest expense, net

Other income

Income before taxes and 

minority interest

Provision for income taxes 

11,016

4,386

281

93

4,198

1,511

13,670

7,278

292

182

7,168

1,380

Minority interest in joint               

venture earnings

Net income

Earnings per share: 

Basic

Diluted

(14)

2,673

(219)

5,569

$

$

0.53

0.50

$

$

1.10

1.02

Number of shares used in computation: 

Basic

Diluted

5,029

5,3 7 1

5,084

5,469

+29%

+36%

+24%

+66%

+4%

+96%

+71%

-9%

+108%

+108%

+104%

+1%

+2%

1998

1999

change

Total assets                        $ 45,389

$62,407

Working capital

Long-term debt

Stockholders(cid:213) equity

16,639

8,102

27,460

15,903

6,984

34,973 

+37%

-4%

-14%

+27%

AA  CChhaannggiinngg  WWoorrlldd

to our shareholders

Raymond Soong
Chairman of the Board

With our steadfast commitment to business growth through manufacturing capabilities
and customer service, 1999 was a year of record performance for Diodes Incorporated.  We
are  pleased  to  report  strong  increases  in  both  revenues  and  net  income  for  1999. 
The  steps  taken  in  1998, aimed  at  providing  a  solid  basis  for  future  growth,  paid  off 
handsomely. Revenues for 1999 grew to a record $79.3 million, compared to $61.3 million for
1998, an increase of 29%. Net income for 1999 increased 108% to a record $5.6 million, or
$1.02 per share, compared to $2.7 million, or $0.50 per share, last year.

The  record  operating  results  are  largely  due  to  a  combination  of  increased  demand 
for  the  Company(cid:213)s  products,  improved  product  mix,  and  better  inventory  management. 
In addition, Diodes-China, our manufacturing facility in Shanghai, was a major contributor 
to  our  performance  as  manufacturing  profits  from  this  facility,  combined  with  stronger 
average  selling  prices  toward  the  latter  part  of  the  year,  contributed  to  higher  gross 
margins. Finally, demand was strong across all product lines, especially in the Far East, which
accounted for approximately 45% of total sales.  

As important as our record financial performance in 1999 were the considerable invest-
ments made in personnel and capital equipment to help set the strategic course for Diodes
Incorporated into the new millennium, and to provide our customers:

¥ CONSISTENTLY COMPETITIVE PRICES (cid:209)  our  Diodes-China  facility  with  its  state-of-the-
art  manufacturing  equipment,  access  to  a  large  labor  pool  and  low  cost  structures, 
is becoming a stronger world-class manufacturer of discrete semiconductor devices.

¥ TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS THAT PERFORM TO SPECIFICATION (cid:209)  our  Diodes-China  (QS-9000 and 
ISO-9002 certified)  and  Diodes-Taiwan  (ISO-9002 certified)  manufacturing  facilities  are 
diligently monitored to assure product quality.

¥ RELIABLE PRODUCT AVAILABILITY (cid:209) Information Technology (IT) enhancements to our warehouse
and  distribution  networks  facilitate  further  efficiencies  in  inventory  control  to  assure
immediate product availability and timely delivery of customer orders.

¥ DEPENDABLE CUSTOMER SUPPORT (cid:209)  dedicated  to  matching  our  products  to  customer  require-
ments, our sales, marketing and engineering teams provide a level of customer service that
is key to our continued success.

As we move into the year 2000 and beyond, we hold every confidence that our strate-
gic investments will set a strong foundation for the Company(cid:213)s success. Our strategic objec-
tives for Diodes Incorporated include: 

¥ Continuing to invest in our manufacturing capabilities as guided by inputs from our sales,
marketing  and  engineering  teams,  with  a  focus  on  serving  the  technical  requirements  of
our customers.  

¥ Implementing  a  company-wide  Enterprise  Resource  Planning  (ERP)  system  to  drive  new 
business value by energizing our organization and operations, and a compatible Manufacturing
Execution System (MES) to streamline our manufacturing logistics methodology.

¥ Implementing  a  system  of  order  placement  and  prompt  fulfillment  using  the  Internet, 
and  harnessing  new  technologies  that  allow  Diodes  Incorporated  to  conduct  business 
efficiently and effectively in our global environment. 

¥ Increasing our engineering staff and the resulting stream of new products and packages.

¥ Strengthening our strategic partnerships with wafer fabrication facilities to support future

requirements.

¥ Developing new markets in China and Europe. 

page no.

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As  we  begin  the  year  2000,  the  Company(cid:213)s  book-to-bill  ratio  remains  solid,  and  with  our
backlog  at  some  of  its  highest  levels  ever,  we  are  optimistic  that  we  will  achieve 
further  top-and  bottom-line  growth.  With  our  recently  announced  investments  at  Diodes-
China (bringing our total investment in plant and equipment to close to $40 million) combined
with  strong  demand  for  our  products,  the  year  2000 could  be  another  banner  year  for 
Diodes Incorporated.

MOVING FORWARD . . . We are encouraged by the agreement that the Lite-On Group has made
to repurchase from Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. ((cid:210)Vishay(cid:211)) the latter’s interest in Lite-On
Power Semiconductor Corporation ((cid:210)LPSC(cid:211)), a major shareholder in Diodes Incorporated since
1991. Our optimism is based on our longstanding alliance with both the Lite-On Group and
LPSC,  and  while  we  believe  that  our  affiliation  with  Vishay  has  been  mutually  beneficial,
Diodes  Incorporated  has  and  will  continue  to  operate  independently.  We  remain  confident 
that  with  our  competitive  pricing,  internal  manufacturing  capabilities  and  capacity, 
customer/applications  engineering,  and  strong  customer  service  reputation,  Diodes
Incorporated  has  proven  itself  to  be  a  valuable  discrete  component  manufacturer  and 
supplier and we will continue to build on our strengths and customer relationships.

We are further encouraged with the appointment of  C.H. Chen as President and Chief
Executive  Officer  of  Diodes  Incorporated.  This  appointment  was  announced  following  the 
resignation  of  Michael  Rosenberg  in  March  2000.  While  we  extend  our  appreciation  to 
Mr. Rosenberg for his achievements that moved the Company forward over the last few years,
we  are  delighted  that  an  individual  of  Mr.  Chen(cid:213)s  caliber  and  experience  of  more  than 
thirty years in the semiconductor industry, including twenty years with Texas Instruments,
has  accepted  this  leadership  position.  Mr.  Chen  is  exceptionally  well  qualified  to  oversee 
the  continuing  advancement  of  the  Company(cid:213)s  technology  and  the  enhancement  of  its 
customer base.

IT(cid:213)S  A  CHANGING  WORLD . . . Characterized  by  high-powered  hand-held  products  such  as
wireless  and  cellular  phones,  Palm  Pilots,  and  laptop  computers  resulting  from  small 
powerful discrete semiconductor devices, the millennium represents a new time of impres-
sive  opportunities  for  Diodes  Incorporated.  Focused  on  customer  service,  manufacturing
capabilities,  and  new  products,  we  are  optimistically  moving  forward  with  prospects  for 
significant growth.

AND, WE(cid:213)RE READY . . . Our record financial performance along with our strategic investments
and new corporate leadership set the stage for Diodes Incorporated into the new millennium.
We have high expectations for the future as we embark on a new and exciting phase for our
Company, our customers, and our shareholders.

Today, we are in a better position than ever to assure our customers timely delivery of
top-quality products at competitive prices.  We are equally fortunate in now having what are
unquestionably the finest sales, marketing, and engineering teams in the Company’s history.
With  more  than  forty  years  of  experience  in  providing  quality  discrete  semiconductors to
telecommunications, computer, automotive, consumer and industrial electronics industries,
we look forward to supporting our customers in advancing their technologies. 

As  ever,  we  thank  you,  our  shareholders,  for  your  continued  commitment  to  the
Company(cid:213)s  success.  We  also  thank  our  customers,  for  their  continued  patronage,  and  our 
distributors, employees, and suppliers for their dedicated hard work.  

Sincerely,

Raymond Soong ¥ Chairman of the Board

page no.

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page no.

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Going global on the Internet

Serving customers 24 hours a day...

TTeelleeccoommmmuunniiccaattiioonnss

S O T 363

Telecommunications technologies are significantly
transforming our lives. Now we are interacting across
time zones, continents, and cultures in real time.

Vast  and  powerful,  the  Internet  is  catapulting  us 
into  a  new  economy,  with  instantaneous  information
exchange  dramatically  reducing  time  to  market. 
The dynamic electronic network offers endless oppor-
tunities for sales, market research, and personalized
customer services. 

As companies harness telecommunications technologies
and  strengthen  their  networks  and  infrastructures  to
compete,  we  see  remarkable  growth  opportunities  for
Diodes  Incorporated(cid:213)s  efficient,  low-voltage  discrete
semiconductors  (cid:209)  a  necessary  component  in  these
advancing technologies.

FIBER  OPTIC  COMMUNICATION  SYSTEMS

ATM  PROTECTION

HIGH-SPEED  ONLINE  SERVICES

PAGERS

INTERACTIVE  TV

CELLULAR  PHONES

>

As people around the world increasingly communicate over the Internet, using new robust high-

speed online services, from interactive TV to broadband access, such products as cellular phones,

pagers, and fiber optic communication systems are proliferating at accelerated speeds.  

page no.

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DATA  SWITCHES

WIRELESS  COMMUNICATIONS  PRODUCTS

NETWORKS

CB  RADIOS

CALL  CENTERS

SATELLITES

>

To  compete  in  the  digital  economy,  businesses  are  investing  in  telecommunications  technologies,

such  as  data  switches,  servers,  networks,  satellites,  and  a  plethora  of  wireless  communications

products.  For  Diodes  Incorporated,  this  means  added  sales  opportunities  for  efficient  low-

voltage devices.

page no.

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page no.

0007

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Moving into a world

With one bottom line(cid:209)better, faster, cheaper...

CCoommppuuttiinngg

D 2 pak

Running  at  the  speed  of  light,  active  people  and 
businesses are on the move. Internet-enabled
computer  devices  that  fit  in  your  palm  or  pocket 
allow  you  to  excel  in  this  fast-paced  environment. 
You  exchange  information  and  ideas  while  making 
decisions on the go, receiving e-mail, electronic files,
and  facsimiles  on  laptop  computers,  and  messages 
on mobile wireless phones and pagers.

This proliferation of computing technology is an 
exciting  growth  opportunity  for  Diodes  Incorporated. 
We design, engineer, manufacture, and deliver 
high-density discrete components for emerging space-
constrained applications.

ELECTRONIC  NOTEBOOKS

MODEMS

MOTHERBOARDS

CD-ROM  DRIVES

HIGH-DENSITY  COMPONENTS

RAM

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.

s

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d

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>

When it comes to discrete components for computers, smaller and faster is the key. With the trend

to  portable  and  handheld  products,  the  need  for  higher-density  components  in  small  packages  is

growing.  Electronic  notebooks,  laptops,  pagers,  modems,  CD-ROM drives,  RAM,  motherboards  and

more depend on high-density components.

page no.

0008

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TRANSACTIONS

MUSIC

PURCHASES

MESSAGES

INFORMATION  EXCHANGE 

INVENTORY

>

Internet users may go online to check stock quotes and perform transactions. Some may research

product specifications, prices, inventory, and shipping schedules as well as exchange information

before  making  purchases.  Others  may  go  online  to  listen  to  music.  As  the  Internet  enters  every

home and business environment, the need for efficient semiconductors continues to expand.

page no.

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page no.

0010

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Driving on the fast-track to success

in classy comfort and sensational style...

AAuuttoommoottiivvee

S O T 23

Racing down the road of product innovation, automo-
biles  are  using  more  electronics  than  ever  before.
Providing drivers the supreme pleasure of effortless
excursion,  remote  keyless  entries,  automatic  seat 
and  mirror  settings,  and  climate  controls  are  just 
the  beginning.  Cruising  in  ever-increasing  comfort 
and  style,  drivers  chart  their  destinations  with  GPS
devices, relax with cruise control, and listen to music
on high-performance audio systems.

Emergent automotive electronics require highly reliable
discrete  devices.  At  Diodes  Incorporated(cid:213)s  QS-9000
and  ISO-9000 certified  facilities,  reliability  testing  is 
a  top  priority.  There(cid:213)s  no  faster  way  to  drive  to  the 
competitive  edge.  We  deliver  quality.  We  focus  on 
customer satisfaction.

WINDSHIELD  WIPERS

RPM  CONTROLS

COMFORT

AIR  BAGS

CRUISE  CONTROLS

SUSPENSION  SYSTEM

>

From suspension systems to airbags to windshield wipers to cruise and rpm controls, the electronics

built into cars for convenience, comfort, safety and style are limitless. At Diodes Incorporated, we

design and manufacture high-reliability components for the new wave of automotive electronics.

page no.

0011

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INSTRUMENTATION  PANELS

AUTOMATIC  HEADLIGHTS

SOUND  SYSTEMS

NAVIGATION  SYSTEMS

>

The  new  generation  of  automotive  electronics  is  boosting  the  market  demand  for  efficient 

high-reliability discrete components. Automobiles, with their sophisticated instrumentation panels,

powerful sound systems, automatic headlights, navigation systems, and more are becoming so rich

with electronics that they practically drive themselves.

page no.

0012

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page no.

0013

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Changing our daily lives

with smart consumer and industrial appliances...

EElleeccttrroonniiccss

S O D 123

We(cid:213)re moving into a world of timesaving and convenience
products. Before long, microprocessor-embedded home
and industrial appliances linked through the Internet will
handle our routine tasks. As our cars pull into the drive-
way,  the  lights,  WebTV,  coffeemaker,  and  microwave
oven  will  automatically  turn  on.  To  ensure  that  our
appliances  are  always  up  and  running,  monitoring
devices will automatically perform maintenance checks,
search for low-cost services, and schedule repairs.

In  this  world  of  Internet-enabled  consumer  and
industrial  electronics,  we  see  growth  opportunities
for  Diodes  Incorporated.  With  our  engineering  and
manufacturing expertise and organizational flexibility,
we are confident in our ability to meet our customers(cid:213)
changing needs.

STEREOS

TV  CHANNEL  CHANGING

DVD  SYSTEMS

REMOTE  CONTROL  UNITS

VCR  SYSTEMS

>

Manufacturers  of  garage  door  openers,  power  tools,  stereos,  VCR and  DVD systems,  blenders, 

washers  and dryers, remote control units for everything from TV channel changing to opening

window blinds  and  powering  up  ceiling  fans,  turn  to  Diodes  Incorporated  for  quick  delivery  on 

cost-effective quality discrete components.

page no.

0014

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POWERTOOLS

REMOTE  CONTROL  UNITS

WASHERS

BLENDERS

WINDOW  BLINDS

>

Whether for fire alarm and security systems, ballast lighting systems, home HVAC control systems, 

or a myriad of other consumer and industrial applications, the efficiency and quality of our products

and services allow our customers to deliver their products in short cycle times.

page no.

0016

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SSttaattee--ooff--tthhee--AArrtt

MMaannuuffaaccttuurriinngg

In  the  midst  of  exciting  and  industrious  Shanghai  sits 
our world class Diodes-China manufacturing facility. This
QS-9000 and  ISO-9002 certified  facility  produces 
high-quality  surface  mount  discrete  components  for  the
new generation of smaller, more powerful products.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology as a result of our
nearly $40 million investment since 1995, we reached new
levels  of  productivity  in  1999 and  look  forward  to  even
greater achievements in the year 2000. 

Diodes-China  and  Diodes-Taiwan,  our  two  manufacturing
facilities,  together  accounted  for  about  44% of  Diodes
Incorporated(cid:213)s sales in 1999. As the call for high-circuit
density components continues, the contribution from our
manufacturing facilities is expected to climb.

With  a  commitment  to  quality  products  and  customer
service  excellence,  Diodes  Incorporated  manufactures 
and  supplies  cost-effective  discrete  semiconductor 
components  that  allow  our  customers  to  advance  their
technologies as together we move into the Changing World.