A champion reposter has come through again with lots of info.
Lou,
This afternoon I called and spoke with XXX
regarding a number of items. We spoke for about
45 minutes. I'll re-cap according to topic.
1. SYMETRIX: The cross-licensing agreement is still
in effect although relations are strained. Management
views Symetrix founder as a showboater with promising
technology. When asked if they have researched and
experimented with SBT (Y-1) and if they have any plans
in implementing Y-1 in the future, Mr. Mohr replied that they
have indeed been working with the materials and they have not
ruled it out. There are significant problems with manufacturing
the stuff, so for the time being they are satisfied with the
performance they are getting out of PZT. Rich indicated
that Symetrix's patents deal mostly with materials and do not
encompass architectures, which is a problem for them. Even though
the relationship may be strained, they both need each other in
certain ways, thus the continuing relationship.
2. SUN / MONDEX: No new news.
3. JEDEC STANDARD: Very optimistic. The ESDRAM was balloted in
March with 2 members holding out with very, very minor reasons.
Next meeting is in June. Very confident it will pass.
4. BENTON SHARES: Blackstone Financial is not interested in selling
their portion. If they sell, they figure they will have to do so
at a 15% - 30% discount into the market. They have explored other
options, but no matter what they do, they lose. So they sit tight.
BEA holds approx. 30% of the outstanding shares. They were selling
for a while to adjust their funds, but have stopped and have not
sold since August.
5. PATENT INFRINGEMENT: Not concerned about it. This will go on for
years, and if anything, can be settled with a shared royalty
arrangement.
6. SGS-THOMPSON: As we all know, the MOU is due to expire end of March. They're still talking, and re-signing the MOU is not important. He is very pleased with the progress thus far (although I sensed he wished they would move a bit faster). He is confident an agreement
will be reached.
7. HITACHI: I sensed some frustration here. They are still working onthe 256K FRAM, but at their own Hitachi pace. Hitachi is Hitachi and they're gonna do it their way.
8. ROHM: Like a barn on fire. Very pleased with production levels.
They have achieved 99% package yield and similar Quality Assurance,
which is a tremendous accomplishment.
9. FUJITSU: Unlike Hitachi, they listen and implement. Very pleased
with their progress.
10. IBM: Frustration with IBM stems from the sheer size of the company. Although they are moving ahead, just not as quickly as they can. He said "It's the nature of the beast".
11. SEIMENS: Very pleased with their progress. As a matter of fact,
they will probably beat IBM to market.
12. COMPETITION: They are aware of the research being done by several
other companies (such as MOT and other large companies). They are free to work with and develop the technology, but as soon as they try to sell chips, then they will infringe upon Ramtron's patents. They are confident that the patents presently in place cover most all of the research going on, and adequately provide a level of protection where these companies will have to enter into royalty agreements to share the profits.
Thats about it. Sorry I couldn't squeeze out some actual hard numbers, but I'm new to this game, and my interviewing style needs some polish.
Next earnings announcement is about 3 weeks after the end of the qtr.
They will be having another conference call, although I'm thinking twice about recording it. The last one nearly killed me.
Have a good evening.
Doug |
