UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended DecemberJune 28, 20132014

or

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

For the transition period from ________to _________

Commission File Number: 1-12696

Plantronics, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware77-0207692
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

345 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(831) 426-5858
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 S No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes S No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer S
Accelerated filer £
Non-accelerated filer £
Smaller reporting company £
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes £ No S

As of January 25,July 26, 2014, 42,998,15947,846,934 shares of the registrant's common stock were outstanding.


1



Plantronics, Inc.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATIONPage No.
  
 
  
  
  
  
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the NineThree Months Ended December 31,June 30, 2014 and 2013 and 2012
  
  
  
  
  
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 
  
  
  
  
Item 6. Exhibits
  

Plantronics®, Clarity®, and Simply Smarter Communications® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc.

DECT™ is a trademark of ETSI registered for the benefit of its members in France and other jurisdictions.

The Bluetooth name and the Bluetooth® trademarks are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and are used by Plantronics, Inc. under
license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Table of Contents

Part I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

PLANTRONICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

December 31,
2013
 March 31,
2013
June 30,
2014
 March 31,
2014
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$235,534
 $228,776
$235,250
 $232,704
Short-term investments86,397
 116,581
93,187
 102,717
Accounts receivable, net133,379
 128,209
150,765
 138,301
Inventory, net66,569
 67,435
60,968
 57,132
Deferred tax assets14,351
 10,120
11,507
 11,776
Other current assets16,875
 15,369
13,949
 13,657
Total current assets553,105
 566,490
565,626
 556,287
Long-term investments106,800
 80,261
108,784
 100,342
Property, plant, and equipment, net124,933
 99,111
137,046
 134,402
Goodwill and purchased intangibles, net16,215
 16,440
16,115
 16,165
Other assets2,317
 2,303
2,149
 4,619
Total assets$803,370
 $764,605
$829,720
 $811,815
      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 
  
 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
 
  
Accounts payable$26,728
 $37,067
$36,751
 $30,756
Accrued liabilities66,615
 66,419
61,489
 66,851
Total current liabilities93,343
 103,486
98,240
 97,607
Deferred tax liabilities2,024
 1,742
Long-term income taxes payable13,460
 12,005
13,195
 12,719
Other long-term liabilities2,295
 925
4,556
 2,825
Total liabilities111,122
 118,158
115,991
 113,151
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)

 

Stockholders' equity: 
  
 
  
Common stock768
 757
776
 770
Additional paid-in capital652,503
 612,283
673,545
 663,483
Accumulated other comprehensive income1,773
 5,567
3,577
 2,638
Retained earnings99,713
 28,344
145,672
 123,389
Total stockholders' equity before treasury stock754,757
 646,951
823,570
 790,280
Less: Treasury stock, at cost(62,509) (504)(109,841) (91,616)
Total stockholders' equity692,248
 646,447
713,729
 698,664
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$803,370
 $764,605
$829,720
 $811,815

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

PLANTRONICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
December 31, December 31,Three Months Ended June 30,
2013 2012 2013 20122014 2013
Net revenues$212,739
 $197,402
 $609,537
 $558,047
$216,662
 $202,818
Cost of revenues102,412
 95,238
 293,964
 260,959
101,952
 97,186
Gross profit110,327
 102,164
 315,573
 297,088
114,710
 105,632
Operating expenses:

 

 

 



  
Research, development, and engineering21,018
 20,248
 62,328
 59,525
22,520
 20,863
Selling, general, and administrative51,467
 45,442
 148,071
 134,476
56,429
 48,097
Gain from litigation settlement(2,000) 
Restructuring and other related charges
 1,868
 547
 1,868

 723
Total operating expenses72,485
 67,558
 210,946
 195,869
76,949
 69,683
Operating income37,842
 34,606
 104,627
 101,219
37,761
 35,949
Interest and other income, net186
 177
 59
 464
Interest and other income (expense), net1,020
 (486)
Income before income taxes38,028
 34,783
 104,686
 101,683
38,781
 35,463
Income tax expense3,645
 6,577
 20,212
 23,990
10,109
 8,510
Net income$34,383
 $28,206
 $84,474
 $77,693
$28,672
 $26,953
          
Earnings per common share:          
Basic$0.81
 $0.68
 $1.98
 $1.87
$0.69
 $0.63
Diluted$0.80
 $0.66
 $1.94
 $1.82
$0.68
 $0.62
          
Shares used in computing earnings per common share:Shares used in computing earnings per common share:      Shares used in computing earnings per common share:  
Basic42,441
 41,745
 42,647
 41,629
41,619
 42,692
Diluted43,228
 42,618
 43,554
 42,579
42,466
 43,650
          
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.10
 $0.10
 $0.30
 $0.30
$0.15
 $0.10



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.





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Table of Contents

PLANTRONICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
December 31, December 31,Three Months Ended June 30,
2013 2012 2013 20122014 2013
Net income$34,383
 $28,206
 $84,474
 $77,693
$28,672
 $26,953
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:       
Other comprehensive income (loss):   
Foreign currency translation adjustments(73) 61
 (114) (58)63
 (352)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges:          
Unrealized cash flow hedge gains (losses) arising during the period(218) (944) (3,794) 590
73
 (1,663)
Net (gains) losses reclassified into income for revenue hedges114
 (262) 258
 (3,281)
Net (gains) losses reclassified into income for cost of revenue hedges63
 (399) (176) (109)
Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges(41) (1,605) (3,712) (2,800)
Net losses reclassified into income for revenue hedges870
 16
Net gains reclassified into income for cost of revenue hedges(108) (270)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges835
 (1,917)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments:          
Unrealized holding gains (losses) during the period(1) (33) 5
 25
77
 (214)
Other comprehensive loss(115) $(1,577) (3,821) $(2,833)
   
Aggregate income tax benefit (expense) of the above items(36) $97
Other comprehensive (income) loss939
 $(2,386)
Comprehensive income$34,268
 $26,629
 $80,653
 $74,860
$29,611
 $24,567



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.





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Table of Contents

PLANTRONICS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
December 31,June 30,
2013 20122014 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net income$84,474
 $77,693
$28,672
 $26,953
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization11,671
 12,104
4,624
 4,108
Stock-based compensation16,996
 14,173
6,305
 4,988
Provision for excess and obsolete inventories4,419
 1,306
379
 1,783
Deferred income taxes530
 (1,030)2,715
 5,703
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation(4,434) (930)(992) (3,573)
Other operating activities1,345
 1,639
581
 1,065
Changes in assets and liabilities: 
   
  
Accounts receivable, net(6,539) (1,215)(12,631) 5,916
Inventory, net(3,135) (13,943)(3,983) 228
Current and other assets826
 (4,928)(970) 703
Accounts payable(10,339) 1,723
5,995
 (4,340)
Accrued liabilities1,388
 3,840
(4,520) (7,277)
Income taxes(5,080) 2,822
3,363
 (2,117)
Cash provided by operating activities92,122
 93,254
29,538
 34,140
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
   
  
Proceeds from sales of investments89,682
 38,078
5,014
 30,815
Proceeds from maturities of investments95,210
 117,665
50,900
 35,200
Purchase of investments(181,836) (188,062)(54,867) (57,121)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 (1,926)
Capital expenditures(37,657) (29,378)(7,312) (13,014)
Cash used for investing activities(34,601) (63,623)(6,265) (4,120)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
   
  
Repurchase of common stock(56,754) (23,626)(12,438) (10,766)
Proceeds from issuances under stock-based compensation plans19,599
 13,091
2,832
 13,163
Employees' tax withheld and paid for restricted stock and restricted stock units(6,014) (2,848)(5,787) (4,026)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit
 18,000
Repayments of revolving line of credit
 (35,000)
Payment of cash dividends(13,105) (12,756)(6,389) (4,368)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation4,434
 930
992
 3,573
Cash used for financing activities(51,840) (42,209)(20,790) (2,424)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents1,077
 (101)63
 (29)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents6,758
 (12,679)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents2,546
 27,567
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period228,776
 209,335
232,704
 228,776
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$235,534
 $196,656
$235,250
 $256,343

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

PLANTRONICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

TheIn the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (“("financial statements”statements") of Plantronics, Inc. (“Plantronics”("Plantronics" or "the Company”Company") have been prepared on a basis consistent with the Company's March 31, 2014 audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the information set forth herein.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”("SEC") applicable to interim financial information.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with the Company's March 31, 2013 audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the information set forth herein.  The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’sCompany's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 20132014, which was filed with the SEC on May 24, 201316, 2014.  The results of operations for the interim period ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 are not indicative of the results to be expected for the entire fiscal year or any future period.

The financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to the last day of March.  The Company’s current fiscal year ends on March 29, 201428, 2015 and consists of 52 weeks. The Company's prior fiscal year ended on March 30, 201329, 2014 and also consisted of 52 weeks.  The Company’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended DecemberJune 28, 20132014 and DecemberJune 29, 20122013 both contain 13 and 39 weeks, respectively.weeks. For purposes of presentation, the Company has indicated its accounting year as ending on March 31 and its interim quarterly periods as ending on the applicable calendar month end.

Out of Period Corrections of Immaterial Errors

During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company identified immaterial out of period errors related to its estimated warranty obligation and return material authorization ("RMA") reserves, the correction of which decreased its cost of revenues by approximately $2.4 million and increased net income by approximately $2.1 million. The Company recorded these corrections in the quarter ended December 31, 2013 because the errors were not material, either individually or in the aggregate, to any of the prior reporting periods. In addition, the Company expects the cumulative amount of these adjustments, both individually and in the aggregate, will not be material for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently Issued Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements issued byIn May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") andissued additional guidance to clarify the SEC did not and are not expected byprinciples used to recognize revenue for all entities. This guidance will be effective for the Company toin the first quarter of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company's presentits financial position, results of operations, or future consolidated financial statements.cash flows.



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Table of Contents

3. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND INVESTMENTS

The following table representstables summarize the Company’s cash and available-for-sale securities’ adjusted cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and fair value by significant investment category recorded as cash and cash equivalents, andshort-term, or long-term investments as of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and March 31, 20132014 (in thousands):

(in thousands) December 31, 2013 March 31, 2013
  
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Cash and cash equivalents:                
Cash $225,310
 $
 $
 $225,310
 $118,881
 $
 $
 $118,881
Cash equivalents 10,223
 1
 
 10,224
 109,895
 
 
 109,895
Total cash and cash equivalents $235,533
 $1
 $
 $235,534
 $228,776
 $
 $
 $228,776
                 
Short-term investments (due in 1 year or less):                
U.S. Treasury Bills and Government Agency Securities $19,227
 $6
 $(1) $19,232
 $66,092
 $18
 $(3) $66,107
Commercial paper 43,792
 13
 
 43,805
 15,670
 9
 
 15,679
Corporate bonds 22,353
 6
 (2) 22,357
 34,766
 31
 (2) 34,795
Certificates of deposit ("CDs") 1,002
 1
 
 1,003
 
 
 
 
Total short-term investments $86,374
 $26
 $(3) $86,397
 $116,528
 $58
 $(5) $116,581
                 
Long-term investments (due in 1 to 3 years):                
U.S. Treasury Bills and Government Agency Securities $36,929
 $23
 $(14) $36,938
 $55,317
 $42
 $(1) $55,358
Corporate bonds 69,772
 116
 (26) 69,862
 23,878
 23
 (3) 23,898
 CDs 
 
 
 
 1,002
 3
 
 1,005
Total long-term investments $106,701
 $139
 $(40) $106,800
 $80,197
 $68
 $(4) $80,261
                 
Total cash, cash equivalents and investments $428,608
 $166
 $(43) $428,731
 $425,501
 $126
 $(9) $425,618
June 30, 2014 Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Cash & Cash Equivalents Short-term investments (due in 1 year or less) Long-term investments (due in 1 to 3 years)
Cash $230,752
 $
 $
 $230,752
 $230,752
 $
 $
Level 1:              
Mutual Funds 3,418
 126
 
 3,544
 
 3,544
 
Level 2:              
Government Agency Securities 51,329
 48
 (7) 51,370
 
 5,812
 45,558
Commercial Paper 55,762
 12
 
 55,774
 4,498
 51,276
 
Corporate Bonds 94,537
 245
 (3) 94,779
 
 31,553
 63,226
Certificates of Deposits ("CDs") 1,002
 
 
 1,002
 
 1,002
 
Subtotal 202,630
 305
 (10) 202,925
 4,498
 89,643
 108,784
               
Total cash, cash equivalents
and investments measured at fair value
 $436,800
 $431
 $(10) $437,221
 $235,250
 $93,187
 $108,784

March 31, 2014 Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Cash & Cash Equivalents Short-term investments (due in 1 year or less) Long-term investments (due in 1 to 3 years)
Cash $232,704
 $
 $
 $232,704
 $232,704
 $
 $
Level 1:              
Mutual Funds 1,779
 31
 (3) 1,807
 
 1,807
 
Level 2:              
Government Agency Securities 53,976
 43
 (9) 54,010
 
 21,325
 32,685
Commercial Paper 47,766
 7
 
 47,773
 
 47,773
 
Corporate Bonds 98,289
 195
 (17) 98,467
 
 30,810
 67,657
CDs 1,002
 
 
 1,002
 
 1,002
 
Subtotal 201,033
 245
 (26) 201,252
 
 100,910
 100,342
               
Total cash, cash equivalents
and investments measured at fair value
 $435,516
 $276
 $(29) $435,763
 $232,704
 $102,717
 $100,342

As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013,2014, all of the Company’sCompany's investments are classified as available-for-sale securities. The carrying value of available-for-sale securities included in cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

The Company did not incur any material realized or unrealized net gains or losses in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 2012.


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4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following tables present the Company’s cash and financial assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013.

Fair Values as of December 31, 2013:
(in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Total
Cash and cash equivalents:      
Cash $225,310
 $
 $225,310
Mutual funds 1,227
 
 1,227
Commercial paper 
 8,997
 8,997
Short-term investments:      
Government Agency Securities 
 19,232
 19,232
Commercial paper 
 43,805
 43,805
Corporate bonds 
 22,357
 22,357
CDs 
 1,003
 1,003
Long-term investments:      
Government Agency Securities 
 36,938
 36,938
Corporate bonds 
 69,862
 69,862
Other current assets:      
Derivative assets 
 967
 967
Total assets measured at fair value $226,537
 $203,161
 $429,698
       
Accrued liabilities:      
Derivative liabilities $
 $3,841
 $3,841

Fair Values as of March 31, 2013:
(in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Total
Cash and cash equivalents:      
Cash $118,881
 $
 $118,881
U.S. Treasury Bills 104,995
 
 104,995
Commercial paper 
 4,900
 4,900
Short-term investments:      
U.S. Treasury Bills and Government Agency Securities 7,243
 58,864
 66,107
Commercial paper 
 15,679
 15,679
Corporate bonds 
 34,795
 34,795
Long-term investments:      
U.S. Treasury Bills and Government Agency Securities 22,904
 32,454
 55,358
Corporate bonds 
 23,898
 23,898
CDs 
 1,005
 1,005
Other current assets:      
Derivative assets 
 1,665
 1,665
Total assets measured at fair value $254,023
 $173,260
 $427,283
       
Accrued liabilities:      
Derivative liabilities $3
 $291
 $294

There were no transfers between fair value measurement levels during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 2012.2013.

Refer to Note 12, Foreign Currency Derivatives, which discloses the nature of the Company's derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013.

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All financial assets and liabilities are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements. Fair value is estimated by applying the following hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:

Level 1
The Company's Level 1 financial assets consist of Mutual Funds. The fair value of Level 1 financial instruments is measured based on the quoted market price of identical securities.

Level 2
The Company's Level 2 financial assets and liabilities consist of Government Agency Securities, Commercial Paper, Corporate Bonds, CDs, and derivative foreign currency call and put option contracts and cross-currency swaps.contracts. The fair value of Level 2 investment securities is determined based on other observable inputs, including multiple non-binding quotes from independent pricing services. Non-binding quotes are based on proprietary valuation models that are prepared by the independent pricing services and use algorithms based on inputs such as observable market data, quoted market prices for similar securities, issuer spreads, and internal assumptions of the broker. The Company corroborates the reasonableness of non-binding quotes received from the independent pricing services using a variety of techniques depending on the underlying instrument, including: (i) comparing them to actual experience gained from the purchases and maturities of investment securities, (ii) comparing them to internally developed cash flow models based on observable inputs, and (iii) monitoring changes in ratings of similar securities and the related impact on fair value. The fair value of Level 2 derivative foreign currency contracts is determined using pricing models that use observable market inputs.

5.4. DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Accounts receivable, net:
 December 31, March 31, June 30, March 31,
(in thousands) 2013 2013 2014 2014
Accounts receivable $159,317
 $151,250
 $175,466
 $159,592
Provisions for returns (8,912) (8,957) (6,760) (6,201)
Provisions for promotions, rebates, and other (16,814) (13,675) (17,617) (14,803)
Provisions for doubtful accounts and sales allowances (212) (409) (324) (287)
Accounts receivable, net $133,379
 $128,209
 $150,765
 $138,301

Inventory, net:
 December 31, March 31, June 30, March 31,
(in thousands) 2013 2013 2014 2014
Raw materials $34,258
 $28,743
 $26,406
 $28,071
Work in process 432
 82
 290
 985
Finished goods 31,879
 38,610
 34,272
 28,076
Inventory, net $66,569
 $67,435
 $60,968
 $57,132
  
Accrued Liabilities:
 December 31, March 31, June 30, March 31,
(in thousands) 2013 2013 2014 2014
Employee compensation and benefits $31,779
 $29,796
 $26,400
 $32,280
Warranty obligation 7,963
 13,410
 8,207
 7,965
Accrued advertising, sales, and marketing 4,847
 3,735
Income taxes payable 4,635
 3,092
Accrued other 22,026
 19,478
 22,247
 23,514
Accrued liabilities $66,615
 $66,419
 $61,489
 $66,851


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The Company's warranty obligation is included as a component of accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the warranty obligation during the ninethree months ended December 31,June 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

  Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(in thousands) December 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
Warranty obligation at beginning of period $13,410
 $13,346
Correction of immaterial prior period error (2)
 (5,042) 
Warranty provision relating to products shipped 6,851
 11,856
Deductions for warranty claims processed (7,256) (12,147)
Warranty obligation at end of period $7,963
 $13,055
(2)Refer to Note 1, Basis of Presentation, for details about the prior period error corrected in the quarter ended December 31, 2013.
  Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
(in thousands) June 30, 2014 June 30, 2013
Warranty obligation at beginning of period $7,965
 $13,410
Warranty provision related to products shipped 2,762
 2,441
Deductions for warranty claims processed (1,370) (1,367)
Adjustments related to preexisting warranties (1,150) (1,267)
Warranty obligation at end of period $8,207
 $13,217

6. GOODWILL

Goodwill as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013 was $15.5 million, net of accumulated impairment of $54.6 million.

7.5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Unconditional Purchase Obligations

The Company contracts with several outsourcing partnerspurchases services and components from a variety of suppliers and manufacturers. During the normal course of business and to manufacture sub-assemblies for the Company’s products. These outsourcing partners acquire componentsmanage manufacturing operations and build product based on demand information supplied bygeneral and administrative activities, the Company may enter into firm, non-cancelable, and unconditional purchase obligations for which typically covers periods up to 270 days. The Company also obtains individual components for its products from a wide variety of individual suppliers. Consistent with industry practice,amounts are not recorded in the Company acquires components through a combination of purchase orders, supplier contracts, and open orders based on projected demand information.consolidated balance sheets.  As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, the Company had outstanding off-balance sheet third-party manufacturing, component purchase, and other general and administrative commitments of $215.7 million.$147.0 million.

Other Guarantees and Obligations

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide indemnifications of varying scope and terms to customers, vendors, lessors, business partners, purchasers of assets or subsidiaries and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of the Company's breach of agreements or representations and warranties made by the Company, services to be provided by the Company, intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties or, with respect to the sale of assets orof a subsidiary, matters related to the Company's conduct of business and tax matters prior to the sale. From time to time, the Company indemnifies customers against combinations of loss, expense, or liability arising from various triggering events relating to the sale and use of its products and services.  In addition, the Company also provides protection to customers against claims related to undiscovered liabilities, additional product liability, or environmental obligations.  In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and certain of its officers that will require the Company, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers of the Company. The Company maintains director and officer insurance, which may cover certain liabilities arising from its obligation to indemnify its directors and officers in certain circumstances. It is not possible to determine the aggregate maximum potential loss under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Such indemnification agreements might not be subject to maximum loss clauses. Historically, the Company has not incurred material costs as a result of obligations under these agreements and it has not accrued any liabilities related to such indemnification obligations in the condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Claims and Litigation

On October 12, 2012, GN Netcom, Inc. ("GN") sued Plantronics, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging violations of the Sherman Act, the Clayton Act, and Delaware common law. In its complaint, GN specifically alleges four causes of action: monopolization, attempted monopolization, concerted action in restraint of trade, and tortious interference with business relations. GN claims that the Company dominates the market for headsets sold into contact centers in the United States and that a critical channel for sales of headsets to contact centers is through a limited network of specialized independent distributors (“SIDs”). GN asserts that the Company attracts SIDs through exclusive distributor agreements and alleges that the use of these agreements is illegal. The Company denies each of the allegations in the complaint and is vigorously defending itself. Given the preliminary nature of the case, the Company is unable to estimate an amount or range of any reasonably possible losses resulting from these allegations.


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In March 2014, the Company settled pending patent litigation with Aliph, Inc. and AliphCom, Inc. (collectively, “Aliph”).  As part of this settlement, the Company granted to Aliph a non-exclusive, non-transferable license under the licensed patent and released Aliph from all claims in exchange for a settlement payment of $8 million, payable in four equal installments of $2 million each, commencing in May 2014 and ending in January 2015.  The Company will recognize the gain upon receipt of the settlement proceeds, net of immaterial legal contingency fees, within operating income.

In addition, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of conducting business. For such legal proceedings, where applicable, the Company has accrued an amount that reflects the aggregate liability deemed probable and estimable, but this amount is not material to the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. With respect to proceedings for which no accrual has been made, the Company is not able to estimate an amount or range of any reasonably possible additional losses because of the preliminary nature of many of these proceedings, the difficulty in ascertaining the applicable facts relating to many of these proceedings, the variable treatment of claims made in many of these proceedings, and the difficulty of predicting the settlement value of many of these proceedings. However, based upon the Company's historical experience, the resolution of these proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Company may incur substantial legal fees, which are expensed as incurred, in defending against these legal proceedings.


8.6. CREDIT AGREEMENT

On May 9, 2011, the Company entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("the Bank"), which was most recently amended on January 27, 2014 to extend its term to May 9, 2017 (as amended, "the Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement provides for a $100.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit ("line of credit") and, if requested by the Company, the Bank may increase its commitment thereunder by up to $100.0 million, for a total facility size of up to $200.0 million. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and March 31, 20132014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the line of credit.

Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at the election of the Company (i) at the Bank's announced prime rate less 1.50% per annum, (ii) at a daily one month LIBOR rate plus 1.10% per annum or (iii) at an adjusted LIBOR rate, for a term of one, three or six months, plus 1.10% per annum. Interest on the loans is payable quarterly in arrears. In addition, the Company pays a fee equal to 0.20% per annum on the average daily unused amount of the line of credit, which is payable quarterly in arrears.

Principal,The principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, is due on the amended maturity date, May 9, 2017. The Company may prepay the loans and terminate the commitments in whole at any time, without premium or penalty, subject to reimbursement of certain costs in the case of LIBOR loans.

The Company's obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company's domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions.

The line of credit requires the Company to comply with a maximum ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and a minimum EBITDA coverage ratio, in each case, at each fiscal quarter end and determined on a rolling four-quarter basis. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries are required to maintain unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities plus availability under the Credit Agreement at the end of each fiscal quarter of at least $200.0 million.

The line of credit contains affirmative covenants, including covenants regarding the payment of taxes and other liabilities, maintenance of insurance, reporting requirements and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The line of credit also contains negative covenants, among other things, limiting, subject to certain monetary thresholds, the ability of the Company to incur debt, make capital expenditures, grant liens, make acquisitions, and make investments. The events of default under the line of credit include payment defaults, cross defaults with certain other indebtedness, breaches of covenants, judgment defaults, and bankruptcy and insolvency events involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2013June 30, 2014.



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9.7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recognizes the grant-date fair value of stock-based compensation as compensation expense using the straight-line attribution approach over the service period for which the stock-based compensation is expected to vest. The following table summarizes the amount of stock-based compensation included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 December 31, December 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands) 2013 2012 2013 2012 2014 2013
Cost of revenues $686
 $507
 $1,859
 $1,629
 $535
 $535
 

 

 

 

    
Research, development and engineering 1,688
 1,336
 4,708
 3,715
 1,751
 1,368
Selling, general and administrative 3,669
 2,848
 10,429
 8,829
 4,019
 3,085
Stock-based compensation included in operating expenses 5,357
 4,184
 15,137
 12,544
 5,770
 4,453
Total stock-based compensation 6,043
 4,691
 16,996
 14,173
 6,305
 4,988
Income tax benefit (1,788) (1,342) (5,063) (4,256) (1,789) (1,437)
Total stock-based compensation, net of tax $4,255
 $3,349
 $11,933
 $9,917
 $4,516
 $3,551

Stock Options

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014:

 Options Outstanding
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 (in thousands)   (in years) (in thousands)
Outstanding at March 31, 20132,415
 $27.96
    
Options granted297
 $44.75
    
Options exercised(702) $24.27
    
Options forfeited or expired(13) $33.28
    
Outstanding at December 31, 20131,997
 $31.71
 4.2 $29,100
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 20131,952
 $31.52
 4.1 $28,834
Exercisable at December 31, 20131,364
 $28.40
 3.4 $24,373
 Options Outstanding
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 (in thousands)   (in years) (in thousands)
Outstanding at March 31, 20141,934
 $31.91
    
Options granted154
 $42.66
    
Options exercised(109) $26.01
    
Options forfeited or expired(40) $39.83
    
Outstanding at June 30, 20141,939
 $32.93
 3.9 $28,994
Vested and expected to vest at June 30, 20141,901
 $32.75
 3.8 $28,764
Exercisable at June 30, 20141,390
 $29.96
 3.0 $24,921

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013 was $15.1$2.0 million and $5.1$12.2 million,, respectively.  Intrinsic value is defined as the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price at the time of option exercise. The total cash received as a result of stock option exercises during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 was $17.02.8 million, net of taxes.

As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was $5.84.8 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.


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Restricted Stock

Restricted stock consists of awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units ("RSUs"). The following is a summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014:

Number of
Shares
 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Number of
Shares
 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
(in thousands)  (in thousands)  
Non-vested at March 31, 20131,025
 $33.34
Non-vested at March 31, 20141,172
 $39.52
Restricted stock granted570
 $46.09
573
 $44.79
Restricted stock vested(373) $33.09
(335) $39.10
Restricted stock forfeited(36) $37.07
(56) $40.04
Non-vested at December 31, 20131,186
 $39.43
Non-vested at June 30, 20141,354
 $41.83

The weighted average grant-date fair value of awards of restricted stock is based on the quoted market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock granted during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013 was $46.09$44.79 and $32.13,$46.11, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock that vested during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013 was $12.3$13.1 million and $6.5$7.3 million,, respectively.

As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock was $31.846.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.22.3 years.  

Valuation Assumptions

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) shares using a Black-Scholes option valuation model.  At the date of grant, the Company estimated the fair value of each stock option grant and purchase right granted under the ESPP using the following weighted average assumptions:

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 December 31, December 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
Employee Stock Options 2013
2012 2013 2012 2014
2013
Expected volatility 30.1% 41.2% 32.2% 41.8% 28.4% 34.0%
Risk-free interest rate 1.1% 0.6% 0.9% 0.6% 1.4% 0.6%
Expected dividend yield 0.9% 1.2% 0.9% 1.2% 1.4% 0.9%
Expected life (in years) 4.2
 4.3
 4.2
 4.3
 4.2
 4.2
Weighted-average grant date fair value $10.15
 $10.10
 $11.15
 $10.31
 $9.21
 $11.86
ESPP (1)
        
Expected volatility     24.9% 38.4%
Risk-free interest rate     0.1% 0.1%
Expected dividend yield     0.9% 1.1%
Expected life (in years)     0.5
 0.5
Weighted-average grant date fair value     $9.58
 $8.95
(1)
No purchase rights were granted under the ESPP during the three months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 or 2012.2013.



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10.8. COMMON STOCK REPURCHASES

From time to time, the Company's Board of Directors ("Board"(the "Board") has authorized programs under which the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock, depending on market conditions, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Repurchased shares are held as treasury stock until they are retired or re-issued. Repurchases by the Company pursuant to Board authorizedBoard-authorized programs during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013 are discussed below. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, there remained 600,000650,917 shares authorized for repurchase under the program approved by the Board on November 11, 2013February 20, 2014 and there were no remaining shares authorized under previously approved programs.

Open Market Repurchases

In the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013, the Company repurchased 1,281,907281,583 shares and 743,818235,468 shares, respectively, of its common stock in the open market for a total cost of $56.8$12.4 million and $23.6$10.8 million, respectively, and at an average price per share of $44.27$44.17 and $31.76,$45.72, respectively.

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In addition, the Company withheld shares valued at $6.0$5.8 million and $2.8$4.0 million in the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, and 2012,2013, respectively, in satisfaction of employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock granted under the Company's stock plans. The amounts withheld were equivalent to the employees' minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and are reflected as a financing activity within the Company's condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. These share withholdings have the effect of share repurchases by the Company as they reduce the number of shares that would have otherwise been issued in connection with the vesting of shares subject to the restricted stock grants and did not represent an expense to the Company.

11.9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), net of immaterial tax effects, are as follows:

(in thousands)(in thousands) December 31, 2013 March 31, 2013(in thousands) June 30, 2014 March 31, 2014
Accumulated unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (1)
Accumulated unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (1)
 $(2,335) $1,349
Accumulated unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (1)
 $(593) $(1,411)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustmentsAccumulated foreign currency translation adjustments 4,017
 4,131
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments 3,950
 3,887
Accumulated unrealized gain on investmentsAccumulated unrealized gain on investments 91
 87
Accumulated unrealized gain on investments 220
 162
Accumulated other comprehensive incomeAccumulated other comprehensive income $1,773
 $5,567
Accumulated other comprehensive income $3,577
 $2,638
(1)Refer to Note 12,10, Foreign Currency Derivatives, which discloses the nature of the Company's derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and March 31, 20132014.  

12.10. FOREIGN CURRENCY DERIVATIVES

The Company's foreign currency derivatives consist primarily of foreign currency forward exchange contracts, option contracts, and cross-currency swaps.  The derivatives expose the Company to credit risk to the extent the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the derivative instrument.  The Company's maximum exposure to loss that it would incur due to credit risk that it would incur if parties to derivative contracts failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts was equal to the carrying value of the Company's derivative assets as of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014.  The Company seeks to mitigate such risk by limiting its counterparties to large financial institutions.  In addition, the Company monitors the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk on an ongoing basis.

The Company enters into master netting arrangements with counterparties when possible to mitigate credit risk in derivative transactions. A master netting arrangement may allow each counterparty to net settle amounts owed between Plantronics and the counterparty as a result of multiple, separate derivative transactions. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, the Company has International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreements with three applicable banks and financial institutions which contain netting provisions. Plantronics has elected to present the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities within the Company's consolidated balance sheet on a gross basis even when derivative transactions are subject to master netting arrangements and may otherwise qualify for net presentation. For each counterparty, if netted, the Company would offset the asset and liability balances of all derivatives at the end of the reporting period. Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements are not eligible for net presentation. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013,2014, no cash collateral had been received or pledged related to these derivative instruments.

The gross fair value of our outstanding derivative contracts at the end of each period was as follows:
(in thousands) June 30, 2014 March 31, 2014
Derivative Assets (recorded in 'Other current assets')

    
Non-designated hedges 31.3
 153.3
Cash flow hedges 803.1
 973.4
Total Derivative Assets 834.4
 1,126.7
     
Derivative Liabilities (recorded in 'Other accrued liabilities')

    
Non-designated hedges 193.6
 79.7
Cash flow hedges 1,751.3
 2,803.8
Total Derivative Liabilities 1,944.9
 2,883.5


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Refer to Note 4, Fair Value Measurements, for disclosure of the Company's fair value hierarchy for its derivative instruments and Note 11, AccumulatedOther Comprehensive Income, for further discussion.

Non-Designated Hedges

As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, the Company had foreign currency forward contracts denominated in Euros ("EUR"), British Pound Sterling ("GBP"), and Australian Dollars ("AUD").  The Company does not elect to obtain hedge accounting for these forward contracts. These forward contracts hedge against a portion of the Company’s foreign currency-denominated cash balances, receivables, and payables. The following table summarizes the notional value of the Company’s outstanding foreign exchange currency contracts and approximate U.S. Dollar ("USD") equivalent at December 31, 2013June 30, 2014:
(in thousands)Local Currency USD Equivalent Position MaturityLocal Currency USD Equivalent Position Maturity
EUR24,000
 $33,045
 Sell EUR 1 month18,400
 $25,082
 Sell EUR 1 month
GBP£1,300
 $2,144
 Sell GBP 1 month£4,000
 $6,505
 Sell GBP 1 month
AUDA$3,350
 $2,971
 Sell AUD 1 monthA$7,500
 $7,046
 Sell AUD 1 month

Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Contracts on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

The effect of non-designated derivative contracts on results of operations recognized in interest and other income, net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations was as follows:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 December 31, December 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands) 2013 2012 2013 2012 2014 2013
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange contracts $(372) $(618) $(1,564) $202
Gain on foreign exchange contracts $14
 $74

Cash Flow Hedges

On a monthly basis, the Company enters into option contracts with a one-year term.  The Company hedges a portion of the forecasted EUR and GBP denominated revenues with costless collars. The Company does not purchase options for trading purposes.  As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, the Company had foreign currency option contracts of approximately €53.4€56.5 million and £22.2 million.£25.0 million.  As of March 31, 20132014, the Company had foreign currency option contracts of approximately €50.2€55.7 million and £19.9 million. A loss of $2.4 million, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") as of December 31, 2013 is expected to be reclassified to net revenues during the next 12 months due to the recognition of the hedged forecasted sales.£23.9 million.

The Company hedges a portion of the forecasted Mexican Peso (“MXN”) denominated expenditures with a cross-currency swap.  There were no material gains or losses in AOCI as of December 31, 2013 expected to be reclassified into cost of revenues during the next 12 months due to the recognition of the hedged forecasted expenditures. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and March 31, 20132014, the Company had foreign currency swap contracts of approximately MXN278.4132.8 million and MXN325.4204.6 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the notional value of the Company’s outstanding MXN cross-currency swaps and approximate USD Equivalent at December 31, 2013June 30, 2014:
(in thousands)Local Currency USD Equivalent Position MaturityLocal Currency USD Equivalent Position Maturity
MXN278,350
 $21,060
 Buy MXN Monthly over12 months132,750
 $9,928
 Buy MXN Monthly over6 months



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Effect of Designated Derivative Contracts on AOCI and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

The following table presents the pre-tax effects of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the accumulated other comprehensive income and condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013:
 Three Months Ended December 31, Nine Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands) 2013 2012 2013 2012 2014 2013
Gain (loss) included in AOCI as of beginning of period $(2,373) $717
 $1,371
 $1,937
 $(1,442) $1,371
            
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI (effective portion) (222) (961) (3,869) 587
 73
 (1,663)
            
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into net revenues (effective portion) (116) 266
 (262) 3,329
 (870) (16)
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into cost of revenues (effective portion) (64) 404
 179
 109
 108
 270
Total amount of gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to income (loss) (effective portion) (180) 670
 (83) 3,438
 (762) 254
            
Loss included in AOCI as of end of period $(2,415) $(914) $(2,415) $(914) $(607) $(546)

The Company will reclassify all amounts accumulated in other comprehensive income into earnings within the next twelve months. The Company recognized an immaterial loss in the consolidated statement operations on the ineffective portion of the cash flow hedges reported in interest and other income, net during the three months ended June 30, 2014. There was no ineffective portion of hedges designated as cash flow hedging instruments during the three months ended June 30, 2013.

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11. INCOME TAXES

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S. and in various foreign and state jurisdictions. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 was 9.6% and 19.3%, respectively,26.1% compared to 18.9% and 23.6%, respectively,24.0% for the same periodsperiod in the prior year. The effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate due primarily to the generationimpact of a foreign tax credit carryover, changes in Mexican tax law that resulted in the reversal of a valuation allowance, a first time tax deduction for qualifying domestic production activities that were not in the same period a year ago, and a larger proportion of income in foreign jurisdictionsoperations taxed at lower rates.  different statutory rates, tax credits, state taxes, and other factors.

Included in long-term income taxes payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and March 31, 20132014 were unrecognized tax benefits of $12.7$13.0 million and $11.112.6 million, respectively, which would favorably impact the effective tax rate in future periods if recognized.

The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.  The accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is $1.8$1.8 million as of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 as compared to $2.01.7 million as of March 31, 20132014.  No penalties have been accrued.

The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for its 2010 tax year and theyear. The California Franchise Tax Board forcompleted its examination of the Company's 2007 and 2008 tax years. The Company received a Notice of Proposed Assessment and responded by filing a protest letter. The amount of the proposed assessment is not material. Foreign income tax matters for material tax jurisdictions have been concluded for tax years prior to fiscal 2007,year 2011, except forin the United Kingdom which haswhere tax matters have been concluded for tax years prior to fiscal year 2012.2013.

The Company believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations; however, the outcome of such examinations cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the tax examinations are resolved in a manner inconsistent with the Company's expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs. The timing of any resolution and/or closure of tax examinations is not certain.

14.12. COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The Company has a share-based compensation plan under which employees, non-employee directors, and consultants may be granted share-based awards, including shares of restricted stock on which non-forfeitable dividends are paid on unvested shares. As such, shares of restricted stock are considered participating securities under the two-class method of calculating earnings per share as described in the Earnings per Share Topic of the FASB ASC. The two-class method of calculating earnings per share did not have a material impact on the Company's earnings per share calculation for the three and nine month periods ending December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 or 20122013.


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The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013:
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 December 31, December 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share data) 2013
2012 2013 2012 2014
2013
Numerator:            
Net income $34,383
 $28,206
 $84,474
 $77,693
 $28,672
 $26,953
            
Denominator:            
Weighted average common shares-basic 42,441
 41,745
 42,647
 41,629
 41,619
 42,692
Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans 787
 873
 907
 950
 847
 958
Weighted average common shares-diluted 43,228
 42,618
 43,554
 42,579
 42,466
 43,650
            
Basic earnings per common share $0.81
 $0.68
 $1.98
 $1.87
 $0.69
 $0.63
Diluted earnings per common share $0.80
 $0.66
 $1.94
 $1.82
 $0.68
 $0.62
            
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per common share because their effect is anti-dilutive 268
 1,210
 173
 1,125
 547
 292

15.

16

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13. REVENUE AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS

The Company designs, manufactures, markets, and sells headsets for business and consumer applications, and other specialty products for the hearing impaired.  With respect to headsets, it makes products for use in offices and contact centers, with mobile and cordless phones, and with computers and gaming consoles.  MajorBeginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, major product categories were revised to include “Office“Enterprise” (formerly Office and Contact Center”Center), which includes corded and cordless communication headsets, audio processors, and telephone systems; “Mobile”and “Consumer” (formerly Mobile, Gaming and Computer Audio, and Clarity), which includes Bluetooth and corded products for mobile phone applications; “Gaming and Computer Audio”, which includesapplications, personal computer ("PC") and gaming headsets;headsets, and “Clarity”, which includes specialty products marketed for hearing impaired individuals. Prior period net revenues have been reclassified to conform to this presentation. 

The following table presents net revenues by product group for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013:

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  December 31, December 31,
(in thousands) 2013
2012 2013 2012
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers:        
Office and Contact Center $146,636
 $139,449
 $437,764
 $406,601
Mobile 52,804
 44,138
 137,113
 113,600
Gaming and Computer Audio 9,360
 9,024
 23,967
 23,610
Clarity 3,939
 4,791
 10,693
 14,236
Total net revenues $212,739
 $197,402
 $609,537
 $558,047
  Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands) 2014
2013
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers:    
Enterprise $152,354
 $151,183
Consumer 64,308
 51,635
Total net revenues $216,662
 $202,818


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For reporting purposes, revenue is attributed to each geographic region based on the location of the customer. Other than the U.S., no country accounted for 10% or more of the Company's net revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013. The following table presents net revenues by geography:

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 December 31, December 31, 2013 Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands) 2013
2012 2013 2012 2014
2013
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers:            
U.S. $113,042
 $111,847
 $350,155
 $323,438
 $124,467
 $121,318
            
Europe and Africa 58,997
 51,095
 146,476
 131,622
 51,262
 44,385
Asia Pacific 25,917
 20,637
 73,077
 64,055
 26,969
 23,880
Americas, excluding U.S. 14,783
 13,823
 39,829
 38,932
 13,964
 13,235
Total international net revenues 99,697
 85,555
 259,382
 234,609
 92,195
 81,500
Total net revenues $212,739
 $197,402
 $609,537
 $558,047
 $216,662
 $202,818

No customer accounted for more than 10% of net revenues for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014. One customer, Ingram Micro, accounted for 10%10.5% of net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2012. June 30, 2013.

No customer accounted for 10% or more of net revenues for the nine months ended December 31, 2012.

Ingram Micro also accounted for 10.5% and 10.3%than 10% of net accounts receivable at December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and March 31, 20132014, respectively.

16.14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 27,July 29, 2014, the Company's BoardCompany announced that the Audit Committee had declared and approved the payment of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.100.15 per share of the Company's common stock, payable on MarchSeptember 10, 2014 to stockholdersholders of record at the close of business on FebruaryAugust 20, 2014.

On July 24, 2014, the Company resolved an insurance coverage dispute with one of its insurance carriers.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will receive $2.2 million, which it will recognize within operating income in the second quarter of its fiscal year 2015.







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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (“("Securities Act”Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“("Exchange Act”Act").  Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of such words as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,”"expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "potential," “will,” “shall”"will," "shall" or variations of such words and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms. Specific forward-looking statements contained within this Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, statements regarding (i) our expectations for new product launches and new Consumer product development efforts in fiscal year 2015 and beyond, (ii) the Unified Communications ("UC") markets (ii)and our position in these markets, (iii) our belief that our innovation and breakthroughs in contextual intelligence for and other product features and enhancements in UC has spurred the growth in the Enterprise market and UC product revenues, (iv) our long-term strategy to invest in UC (iii)and the relationship of added functionality to successful product launches, (v) the future of UC technologies, including the transition of businesses to UC-supported systems, the effect on headset adoption and use, the effects on enterprises that adopt UC and our expectationexpectations concerning our revenue opportunity fromand profit growth, (vi) our belief that our technology capitalizes on the needs of enterprise users in changing business environments and evolving work styles and that our solutions will be an important part of future enterprise UC (iv)environments, (vii) our expectations regarding the slow long-term growth of the traditional office and contact center marketcategory and its correlation to gross domestic product in the United States and Western Europe, (v)impact of UC on the growth of UC in enterprises and the impact to our sales in the office and contact center market, (vi) our expectations for new product launches and new consumer product development efforts in fiscal year 2015 and beyond, (vii)enterprise headset adoption overall, (viii) the Mobile Bluetooth market and the stereo and mono product categories, (viii)(ix) our position in the Mobile Bluetooth market and the effect of our new products on our position in that market, (ix)(x) our research and development strategy, including our investments in software development, (x)(xi) our expectations regarding our sales force and customer service operations, (xi)(xii) the maintenance of our reputation in the industry, (xii)(xiii) our expenses, including research, development and engineering expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses, (xiii)(xiv) our future tax rate (xiv)and payments related to unrecognized tax benefits, (xv) our anticipated capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal year 20142015 and the sufficiency of our cash, cash equivalents, and cash from operations to sustain future operations (xv)and discretionary cash requirements, (xvi) our planned investment of and need for our foreign cash and our ability to repatriate that cash, (xvi)(xvii) our ability to draw funds on our credit facility as needed, (xvii)(xviii) future fluctuations in our cash provided by operating activities, (xviii) the timing for implementation of our new ERP system, and (xix) the outcome and effect of legal proceedings, as well as other statements regarding our future operations, financial condition and prospects and business strategies.  Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements are included, but not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” herein and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), includingthis Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q; in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 16, 2014; and other documents filed with the SEC.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.  Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

OVERVIEW

We are a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of lightweight communications headsets, telephone headset systems, other communication endpoints, and accessories for the worldwide business and consumer markets under the Plantronics brand.  In addition, under our Clarity brand we manufacture and market under our Clarity brand, specialty telephone products, such as telephones for the hearing impaired, and other related products for people with special communication needs.

We ship our products to approximately 6070 countries through a network of distributors, value-add resellers ("VARs"), retailers, wireless carriers, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”), and telephony service providers.  We have well-developed distribution channels in North America, Europe, and in some parts of the Asia Pacific region particularly in China, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.where use of our products is widespread.  Our distribution channels in other geographic regions are less mature, and while we primarily serve the contact center marketscenters in those regions, we continue to expand into the office, mobile, and gaming and computer audio, and specialty telephone markets in those regions and other international locations.  RevenuesBeginning in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2015, major product categories were revised to include “Enterprise” (formerly Office and Contact Center), which includes Unified Communications ("UC"), corded and cordless communication headsets, audio processors, and telephone systems; and “Consumer” (formerly Mobile, Gaming and Computer Audio, and Clarity), which includes Bluetooth and corded products for mobile phone applications, personal computer ("PC") and gaming headsets, and specialty products marketed for hearing impaired individuals. Prior period net revenues have been reclassified to conform to this presentation.  While not always the case, revenues from our retailConsumer products channel are typically seasonal, with the December quarter (our third fiscal quarter) typically being the strongest.


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Table of Contents

Total net revenues increased to $216.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, growing 6.8% over the first quarter of the prior year. UC product revenues increased, growing by 17% over the prior-year quarter to $49.2 million. We believe our innovation and breakthroughs in contextual intelligence and other product features and enhancements spurred this growth. Our increased investments in research and development as compared to the same period in the prior year yielded increased functionality for UC endpoints and successful launches of new consumer products in key markets. We also continued to invest in our global sales force in order to bring these and other products to the marketplace.

We believe UC represents our key long-term driver of revenue and profit growth, and it continues to be our primary focus area. Business communications are being transformedtransforming from voice-centric systems supported by traditional PBX infrastructure to communication systems that are fully integrated with voice, video, and data and are supported by feature-rich UC software. With this transformation, the requirement for a traditional headset used only for voice communications continues to evolve into a need for a device that delivers contextual intelligence, providing the ability to reach people using the mode of communication that is most effective, on the device that is most convenient, and with control over when and how they can be reached. Our portfolio of UC solutions combines hardware with advanced sensor technology and capitalizes on contextual intelligence, addressing the needs of the constantly changing business environments and evolving work styles to make connecting easier and by sharing presence information to convey user availability and other contextual information. We believe UC systems will become more commonly adopted by enterprises to reduce costs and improve collaboration, and we believe our solutions with Simply Smarter Communications® technology will be an important part of the UC environment.


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Table of Contents

The traditional office and contact center market ("Core OCC")category is the most mature in which we participate.participate, and we expect this category to grow slowly over the long-term. Given the migration to UC by corporations globally, we expect the market for headsets for non-UC enterprise applications to grow very slowly, if at all.  We believe the growth of UC will increase overall headset adoption in enterprise environments and we expect most of the growth in our Office and Contact Center ("OCC")Enterprise product category over the next five years to come from headsets designed for UC.

Our prioritiesConsumer products include headsets for fiscal year 2014 are to deliver profitable growth in Unified Communicationsmobile communications and all other areas of our business, extend our brand, expand our consumer reach, scale for growth, and optimize the culture. To execute on the first two priorities, our operating plan for the fiscal year included significant new investments in our global sales force and research and development capabilities, which have largely occurred. To expand our consumer reach, our fiscal year 2014 product development roadmap included expected launches of new products targeted toward the fastest-growing segments of the consumer headset market,entertainment as well as development effortsgaming headsets for more new consumer products to be launched in fiscal year 2015the console and beyond. We are making major capital investments in order to scale for growth.

Total net revenues increased to $212.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, growing 7.8% over the third quarter of the prior year. UC product revenues increased, growing by 20% over the prior-year quarter to $43.2 million, and we believe our innovation and breakthroughs in contextual intelligence and other product features and enhancements spurred this growth. Our increased investments in research and development versus a year ago yielded increased functionality for UC endpoints and successful launches of new consumer products in key markets.  We also continued to invest in our global sales force in order to bring these and other products to the marketplace.
personal computer categories.  In the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2014,2015, our BluetoothConsumer product portfolio includedbenefited from the launch of the Voyager LegendEdge and Marquethe continuing strong performance of the Voyager Legend in the mono Bluetooth category, and BackBeat GOGo 2 and BackBeat Fit are performing well in the stereo Bluetooth category.  These products led acontributed to the strong performance acrossof our Mobile Bluetoothcommunications portfolio in the quarter, allowing us to participate fully in market opportunities around the world. We anticipate that our planned investments in these categories will help position us to maintain market share as opportunities in these markets continue to expand.

Integral to our core research and development have been investments in firmware and software engineering to enhance the broad compatibility of our products in the enterprise systems with which they will be deployed, and development of value-added software applications for business users. We believe these investments in software development will help us to differentiate our products and maintain long-term gross margins within our business model. We continue to strengthen our strategic partnerships with Unified CommunicationsUC platform suppliers to maintain compatibility of our products with all major platforms as UC usage becomes an essential part of a the enterprise communications landscape.

Looking forward, to fiscal 2015, we continue to believe that UC is a key long-term driver of revenue and profit growth. We remain cautious about the macroeconomic environment but note the general improvement in the worldwide economy. We will continue to invest prudently in our long-term growth opportunities. We will continue focusing on innovative product development through our core research and development efforts. We will also continue to grow our sales force and increase marketing and other customer service and support as we expand key strategic partnerships to market our UC products.  We believe we have an excellent position in the market and a well-deserved reputation for quality and service that we will continually strive to earn through ongoing investment and strong execution.


2119


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, the condensed consolidated statements of operations data, which is derived from the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.  The financial information and ensuing discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. 
 Three Months Ended December 31, Nine Months Ended December 31, Three Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2013 2012 2013 2012 2014 2013
Net revenues $212,739
 100.0% $197,402
 100.0% $609,537
 100.0% $558,047
 100.0% $216,662
 100.0 % $202,818
 100.0 %
Cost of revenues 102,412
 48.1% 95,238
 48.2% 293,964
 48.2% 260,959
 46.8% 101,952
 47.1 % 97,186
 47.9 %
Gross profit 110,327
 51.9% 102,164
 51.8% 315,573
 51.8% 297,088
 53.2% 114,710
 52.9 % 105,632
 52.1 %
Operating expenses: 

  
 

  
 

   

   

  
    
Research, development, and engineering 21,018
 9.9% 20,248
 10.3% 62,328
 10.2% 59,525
 10.7% 22,520
 10.4 % 20,863
 10.3 %
Selling, general, and administrative 51,467
 24.2% 45,442
 23.0% 148,071
 24.3% 134,476
 24.1% 56,429
 26.0 % 48,097
 23.7 %
Gain from litigation settlement (2,000) (0.9)% 
  %
Restructuring and other related charges 
 % 1,868
 0.9% 547
 0.1% 1,868
 0.3% 
  % 723
 0.4 %
Total operating expenses 72,485
 34.1% 67,558
 34.2% 210,946
 34.6% 195,869
 35.1% 76,949
 35.5 % 69,683
 34.4 %
Operating income 37,842
 17.8% 34,606
 17.5% 104,627
 17.2% 101,219
 18.1% 37,761
 17.4 % 35,949
 17.7 %
Interest and other income, net 186
 0.1% 177
 0.1% 59
 % 464
 0.1%
Interest and other income (expense), net 1,020
 0.5 % (486) (0.2)%
Income before income taxes 38,028
 17.9% 34,783
 17.6% 104,686
 17.2% 101,683
 18.2% 38,781
 17.9 % 35,463
 17.5 %
Income tax expense 3,645
 1.7% 6,577
 3.3% 20,212
 3.3% 23,990
 4.3% 10,109
 4.7 % 8,510
 4.2 %
Net income $34,383
 16.2% $28,206
 14.3% $84,474
 13.9% $77,693
 13.9% $28,672
 13.2 % $26,953
 13.3 %

NET REVENUES
  Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended    
  December 31, Increase December 31, Increase
(in thousands, except percentages) 2013
2012 (Decrease) 2013 2012 (Decrease)
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers:                
Office and Contact Center $146,636
 $139,449
 $7,187
 5.2 % $437,764
 $406,601
 $31,163
 7.7 %
Mobile 52,804
 44,138
 8,666
 19.6 % 137,113
 113,600
 23,513
 20.7 %
Gaming and Computer Audio 9,360
 9,024
 336
 3.7 % 23,967
 23,610
 357
 1.5 %
Clarity 3,939
 4,791
 (852) (17.8)% 10,693
 14,236
 (3,543) (24.9)%
Total net revenues $212,739
 $197,402
 $15,337
 7.8 % $609,537
 $558,047
 $51,490
 9.2 %
  Three Months Ended June 30, Increase
(in thousands, except percentages) 2014
2013 (Decrease)
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers:        
Enterprise $152,354
 $151,183
 $1,171
 0.8%
Consumer 64,308
 51,635
 12,673
 24.5%
Total net revenues $216,662
 $202,818
 $13,844
 6.8%

OCCEnterprise products represent our largest source of revenues, while MobileConsumer products represent our largest unit volumes.  Net revenues may vary due to seasonality, the timing of new product introductions and discontinuation of existing products, discounts and other incentives, and channel mix. Net revenues derived from sales into the Consumer products retail channel typically account for a seasonal increase in net revenues in the third quarter of our fiscal year.

Net revenues increased in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 20142015 over the same period a year ago due primarily to higher Mobile revenues within our Consumer product category, driven by a stronger product portfolio that was well received in the retail market. We also continued to see increased demand for Mobile products in our Asia Pacific ("APAC") region resulting from hands-free legislation in the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), which was introduced into law in January 2013. In addition, OCCEnterprise revenues increased, due to growth in UC product sales. Revenues from our Clarity business have declined, largely as a result of funding weakness among public-sector services that distribute products for the hearing-impaired.

Net revenues increased in the nine months ended December 31, 2013 over the same period a year ago primarily as a result of higher OCC revenues, driven by 30% year on year growth in UC product sales and to a smaller extent, growth in Core OCC product sales. Mobile revenues also increased, resulting from the same factors discussed above for the three-month period. Growth in these areas was partially offset by declines in revenues from our Clarity product line, due to the same reasons discussed above.


22


Geographic Information
 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended   
 December 31, Increase December 31, Increase Three Months Ended June 30, Increase
(in thousands, except percentages) 2013
2012 (Decrease) 2013
2012 (Decrease) 2014
2013 (Decrease)
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers:                       
U.S. $113,042
 $111,847
 $1,195
 1.1% $350,155
 $323,438
 $26,717
8.3% $124,467
 $121,318
 $3,149
 2.6%
As a percentage of net revenues 53.1% 56.7% 

   57.4% 58.0% 



 57.4% 59.8% 

  
Europe and Africa 58,997
 51,095
 7,902
 15.5% 146,476
 131,622
 14,854
11.3% 51,262
 44,385
 6,877
 15.5%
Asia Pacific 25,917
 20,637
 5,280
 25.6% 73,077
 64,055
 9,022
14.1% 26,969
 23,880
 3,089
 12.9%
Americas, excluding U.S. 14,783
 13,823
 960
 6.9% 39,829
 38,932
 897
2.3% 13,964
 13,235
 729
 5.5%
Total international net revenues 99,697
 85,555
 14,142
 16.5% 259,382
 234,609
 24,773
10.6% 92,195
 81,500
 10,695
 13.1%
As a percentage of net revenues 46.9% 43.3% 

   42.6% 42.0% 



 42.6% 40.2% 

  
Total net revenues $212,739
 $197,402
 $15,337
 7.8% $609,537
 $558,047
 $51,490
9.2% $216,662
 $202,818
 $13,844
 6.8%


20


Compared to the same period in the prior year, U.S. net revenues increased in the three months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 due to growth in MobileConsumer product revenue, driven by a strongernew product portfolio. OCCintroductions such as Voyager Edge in the mono Bluetooth market and Backbeat Go 2 and Backbeat Fit products in the stereo Bluetooth market. Enterprise product revenues dropped in the U.S., with a modest increaseyear over year growth in UC product sales more than offset by a decline in revenues from Core OCCtraditional office and contact center products.

U.S. net revenues increased in the nine months ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the same period in the prior year, due mainly to growth in OCC product revenue driven by strong growth in UC product sales and to a lesser extent, growth in revenues from Core OCC products. U.S. Mobile revenues also increased, driven by a stronger product portfolio.

In the three months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, international net revenues increased due primarily to significant growth in OCCEnterprise product revenues in the Europe and Africa ("E&A") region, and to a lesser extent, the APAC region, driven by 65% year over year growth in UC product sales. In addition, we experienced modestsubstantial growth in revenues from Core OCCtraditional office and contact center products primarily in our E&A region.

In the nine months ended December 31, 2013, international net revenues increased due to growth in both OCC and Mobile product sales. Within OCC, the increase was concentrated in our E&A region, driven by strong growth in sales of UC products and a modest increase in revenues from our Core OCC products. Within Mobile, we continued to see increased demand for Mobile products in our APAC region resulting from the hands-free legislation in the PRC. We also experienced strong growth in MobileConsumer product salesrevenue, especially in our E&A region, driven by our improved product portfolio.APAC region.


COST OF REVENUES AND GROSS PROFIT

Cost of revenues consists primarily of direct manufacturing and contract manufacturer costs, warranty expense, freight expense, depreciation, duty expense, reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, royalties, and an allocation of overhead expenses, including facilities, IT, and human resources. 
 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended    
 December 31, Increase December 31, Increase June 30, Increase
(in thousands, except percentages) 2013 2012 (Decrease) 2013
2012 (Decrease) 2014 2013 (Decrease)
Net revenues $212,739
 $197,402
 $15,337
 7.8% $609,537
 $558,047
 $51,490
 9.2% $216,662
 $202,818
 $13,844
 6.8%
Cost of revenues 102,412
 95,238
 7,174
 7.5% 293,964
 260,959
 33,005
 12.6% 101,952
 97,186
 4,766
 4.9%
Gross profit $110,327
 $102,164
 $8,163
 8.0% $315,573
 $297,088
 $18,485
 6.2% $114,710
 $105,632
 $9,078
 8.6%
Gross profit % 51.9% 51.8% 

   51.8% 53.2%     52.9% 52.1% 

  

In the quarter ended December 31, 2013, gross profit asAs a percentage of net revenues, was relatively consistentgross profit increased in the three months ended June 30, 2014, compared to the year-ago quarter. Duringsame period prior year due primarily to the current quarter, we identified immaterial outpositive effects of period errors related to our estimated warranty obligation and return material authorization (“RMA”) reserves, the correction of which favorably impacted our gross profitlower product costs both as a percentageresult of net revenues by 130 basis points. Without this one-time correction,lower component costs and as the result of spreading our gross profit asfixed manufacturing costs over a percentage of net revenues would have been 50.6%, which is within our expected range of long-term gross profit percentages. Excluding the effect of this adjustment, the decrease over the same priorlarger revenue base versus a year quarter is driven primarily by the shift in product mix and higherago. We also had positive margin effects from lower charges for excess and obsolete inventory. For more information regarding this adjustment, refer to Note 1, BasisThese items in combination were partially offset by the mix of Presentation, of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

23



During the nine months ended December 31, 2013, gross profit as a percentage of net revenues declined over the same prior year period due to three primary drivers. First, revenues from Mobile products have grown faster than revenues from OCC products, with the result that Mobile products, which generally have lower gross margins than our OCC products, representrevenue containing a higher proportion of our product mix than was the case a year ago. Second, we are experiencing a shift in our OCC product mix to a higher proportion of revenues from UCConsumer products, which generally havecarry lower gross margins on average than our Core OCCEnterprise products. We expect this shift in product mix and associated impact on gross profit to continue as our revenues from UC products grow. Over the long term, we expect our gross profit percentage to range from 50% to 52%. Third, we recorded a $4.4 million provision for excess and obsolete inventory during the nine months ended December 31, 2013, which is higher than the $1.3 million we recorded in the same prior year period.

There are significant variances in gross profit percentages between our higher and lower margin products; therefore, small variations in product mix, which can be difficult to predict, can have a significant impact on gross profit.  Gross profit may also vary based on distribution channel, return rates, and other factors.


RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND ENGINEERING

Research, development, and engineering costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of compensation costs, outside services, including legal fees associated with protecting our intellectual property, expensed materials, travel expenses, depreciation, and an allocation of overhead expenses, including facilities, IT, and human resources.
 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended    
 December 31, Increase December 31, Increase June 30, Increase
(in thousands, except percentages) 2013 2012 (Decrease) 2013
2012 (Decrease) 2014 2013 (Decrease)
Research, development, and engineering $21,018
 $20,248
 $770
 3.8% $62,328
 $59,525
 $2,803
 4.7% $22,520
 $20,863
 $1,657
 7.9%
% of net revenues 9.9% 10.3% 

   10.2% 10.7%     10.4% 10.3% 

  

During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, research, development, and engineering expenses increased as compared to the same periods aperiod prior year ago due primarily to an increase in our investment in software development and other capabilities related to UC product development. This investment consisted primarily of engineering headcount, resulting in increased compensation and other employee-related expenses.


21


SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Selling, general, and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation costs, marketing costs, travel expenses, litigation and professional service fees, and allocations of overhead expenses, including facilities, IT, and human resources.
 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended    
 December 31, Increase December 31, Increase June 30, Increase
(in thousands, except percentages) 2013 2012 (Decrease) 2013
2012 (Decrease) 2014 2013 (Decrease)
Selling, general, and administrative $51,467
 $45,442
 $6,025
 13.3% $148,071
 $134,476
 $13,595
 10.1% $56,429
 $48,097
 $8,332
 17.3%
% of net revenues 24.2% 23.0% 

   24.3% 24.1%     26.0% 23.7% 

  

Compared to the same period a year ago, selling, general, and administrative expenses increased in the three months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 due primarily to increased compensation expenseheadcount and employee-related expenses of $3.3$5.7 million, related to increased investment in our sales and marketing organizations to support the UC opportunity and growth in emerging markets. We also increased our investmentexperienced an increase of $1.9 million in marketing and promotional activities by $2.0 million comparedadministrative costs which include IT expenses related to the prior year quarter.

In the nine months ended December 31, 2013, selling, general and administrative expenses increased over the same prior year period primarily from higher compensation costsimplementation of $9.1 million, resulting largely from increased headcount in our field sales functions to support UC and growth in emerging markets,new enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system as well as increased investments in marketing and promotional activities of $3.7 million.higher litigation expenses.



24


INCOME TAX EXPENSE
 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended     Three Months Ended    
 December 31, Increase December 31, Increase June 30, Increase
(in thousands except percentages) 2013 2012 (Decrease) 2013 2012 (Decrease) 2014 2013 (Decrease)
Income before income taxes $38,028
 $34,783
 $3,245
 9.3 % $104,686
 $101,683
 $3,003
 3.0 % $38,781
 $35,463
 $3,318
 9.4%
Income tax expense 3,645
 6,577
 (2,932) (44.6)% 20,212
 23,990
 (3,778) (15.7)% 10,109
 8,510
 1,599
 18.8%
Net income $34,383
 $28,206
 $6,177
 21.9 % $84,474
 $77,693
 $6,781
 8.7 % $28,672
 $26,953
 $1,719
 6.4%
Effective tax rate 9.6% 18.9% 

 
 19.3% 23.6%     26.1% 24.0% 

 

The Company'sOur effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 was 9.6% and 19.3%, respectively,26.1% compared to 18.9% and 23.6%24.0% in the same prior year periods.period. The lowerhigher effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year is due primarily to the generationUnited States (“U.S.”) federal tax research credit which expired in December 2013, but was available for the first nine months in our fiscal year 2014, the release of larger tax reserves from the expiration of certain statutes of limitations and a foreign tax credit carryover, changes in Mexican tax law that resultedfavorable transfer pricing adjustment in the reversal of a valuation allowance, and a deduction for qualifying domestic production activities that were not in the same period aprior year ago. Our future tax rates could be impacted by a shift in the mix of domestic and foreign income, tax treaties with foreign jurisdictions, changes in tax laws in the U.S. or internationally, or a change in estimates of future taxable income which could result in a valuation allowance being required.period.

We and our subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S. and in various foreign and state jurisdictions including the U.S.jurisdictions. We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for itsour 2010 tax year and theyear. The California Franchise Tax Board forcompleted its examination of our 2007 and 2008 tax years. We received a Notice of Proposed Assessment and responded by filing a protest letter. The amount of the proposed assessment is not material. Foreign income tax matters for material tax jurisdictions have been concluded for tax years prior to fiscal 2007,year 2011, except forin the United Kingdom which haswhere tax matters have been concluded for tax years prior to fiscal year 2012.2013.


25


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

To supplement our condensed consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, we use non-GAAP measures of operating results, which are adjusted to exclude certain non-cash expenses and charges from non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP diluted EPS, including stock-based compensation related to stock options, restricted stock and employee stock purchases made under our employee stock purchase plan, purchase accounting amortization, accelerated depreciation, and early lease termination charges, all net of the associated tax impact, tax benefits from the release of tax reserves, transfer pricing, tax deduction and tax credit adjustments, and the impact tax law changes.  We exclude these expenses from our non-GAAP measures primarily because Plantronics’ management does not believe they are part of our target operating model.  We believe that the use of non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance and liquidity and helps investors compare actual results with our long-term target operating model goals.  We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods; however, non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, gross margin, operating income, operating margin, net income or EPS prepared in accordance with GAAP. 

We believe that such non-GAAP measures provide meaningful information to assist shareholders in understanding our financial results and assessing our prospects for future performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results and the reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures within our discussion of consolidated performance, below, provide a more complete understanding of our business. We strongly encourage investors and shareholders to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

The following tables reconcile gross profit, operating expenses, operating income, net income, income before taxes, tax expense, and diluted earnings per share for the periods presented (GAAP financial measures) to their equivalent non-GAAP financial measure counterpart for the periods presented.

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 December 31, December 31,

2013 2012 2013 2012
GAAP Gross profit$110,327
 $102,164
 $315,573
 $297,088
Stock-based compensation expense686
 507
 1,859
 1,629
Accelerated depreciation
 318
 261
 760
Lease termination charges
 
 1,388
 
Non-GAAP Gross profit$111,013
 $102,989
 $319,081
 $299,477
Non-GAAP Gross profit %52.2% 52.2% 52.3% 53.7%

       
GAAP Research, development and engineering$21,018
 $20,248
 $62,328
 $59,525
Stock-based compensation expense(1,688) (1,336) (4,708) (3,716)
Accelerated depreciation
 (223) (200) (506)
Lease termination charges
 
 (21) 
Purchase accounting amortization(50) 
 (150) 
Non-GAAP Research, development and engineering$19,280
 $18,689
 $57,249
 $55,303

       
GAAP Selling, general and administrative$51,467
 $45,442
 $148,071
 $134,476
Stock-based compensation expense(3,669) (2,849) (10,428) (8,829)
Lease termination charges
 
 (45) 
Purchase accounting amortization
 
 (106) 
Non-GAAP Selling, general and administrative$47,798
 $42,593
 $137,492
 $125,647

       
GAAP Operating expenses$72,485
 $67,558
 $210,946
 $195,869
Stock-based compensation expense(5,357) (4,185) (15,136) (12,545)
Accelerated depreciation
 (223) (200) (506)
Lease termination charges
 
 (66) 
Purchase accounting amortization(50) 
 (256) 
Restructuring and other related charges
 (1,868) (547) (1,868)
Non-GAAP Operating expenses$67,078
 $61,282
 $194,741
 $180,950

26


 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 
 December 31, December 31, 

2013 2012 2013 2012 
GAAP Operating income$37,842
 $34,606
 $104,627
 $101,219
 
Stock-based compensation expense6,043
 4,692
 16,995
 14,174
 
Accelerated depreciation
 541
 461
 1,266
 
Lease termination charges
 
 1,454
 
 
Purchase accounting amortization50
 
 256
 
 
Restructuring and other related charges
 1,868
 547
 1,868
 
Non-GAAP Operating income$43,935
 $41,707
 $124,340
 $118,527
 

        
GAAP Income before income taxes$38,028
 $34,783
 $104,686
 $101,683
 
Stock-based compensation expense6,043
 4,692
 16,995
 14,174
 
Accelerated depreciation
 541
 461
 1,266
 
Lease termination charges
 
 1,454
 
 
Purchase accounting amortization50
 
 256
 
 
Restructuring and other related charges
 1,868
 547
 1,868
 
Non-GAAP Income before income taxes$44,121
 $41,884
 $124,399
 $118,991
 

        
GAAP Income tax expense$3,645
 $6,577
 $20,212
 $23,990
 
Income tax effect of above items
1,799
 2,066
 5,760
 5,135
 
Income tax effect of unusual tax items5,621
 2,071
 6,782
 2,071
 
Non-GAAP Income tax expense$11,065
 $10,714
 $32,754
 $31,196
 
Non-GAAP Income tax expense as a % of Non-GAAP Income before income taxes25.1% 25.6% 26.3% 26.2% 

        
GAAP Net income$34,383
 $28,206
 $84,474
 $77,693
 
Stock-based compensation expense6,043
 4,692
 16,995
 14,174
 
Accelerated depreciation
 541
 461
 1,266
 
Lease termination charges
 
 1,454
 
 
Purchase accounting amortization50
 
 256
 
 
Restructuring and other related charges
 1,868
 547
 1,868
 
Income tax effect of above items
(1,799) (2,066) (5,760) (5,135) 
Income tax effect of unusual tax items(5,621)
(1) 
(2,071)
(2) 
(6,782)
(1) 
(2,071)
(2) 
Non-GAAP Net income$33,056
 $31,170
 $91,645
 $87,795
 

        
GAAP Diluted earnings per common share$0.80
 $0.66
 $1.94
 $1.82
 
Stock-based compensation expense0.14
 0.11
 0.39
 0.33
 
Accelerated depreciation
 0.01
 0.01
 0.02
 
Lease termination costs
 
 0.03
 
 
Restructuring and other related charges
 0.05
 0.02
 0.05
 
Income tax effect(0.18) (0.10) (0.29) (0.16) 
Non-GAAP Diluted earnings per common share$0.76
 $0.73
 $2.10
 $2.06
 

        
Shares used in diluted earnings per common share calculation43,228
 42,618
 43,554
 42,579
 

(1)
Excluded amount represents tax benefits from release of tax reserves, transfer pricing, tax deduction and tax credit adjustments, and the impact of tax law changes.

(2)
Excluded amount represents tax benefits from the expiration of certain statutes of limitations.


27


FINANCIAL CONDITION

The table below provides a summary of our condensed consolidated cash flow information for the periods presented:
 Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended  
 December 31,   June 30,  
(in thousands) 2013 2012 Change 2014 2013 Change
Net cash provided by operating activities $92,122
 $93,254
 $(1,132) $29,538
 $34,140
 $(4,602)
Net cash used for investing activities (34,601) (63,623) 29,022
 (6,265) (4,120) (2,145)
Net cash used for financing activities (51,840) (42,209) (9,631) (20,790) (2,424) (18,366)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 1,077
 (101) 1,178
 63
 (29) 92
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $6,758
 $(12,679) $19,437
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents $2,546
 $27,567
 $(25,021)

Our primary source of liquidity is cash provided by operating activities. We expect that cash provided by operating activities will fluctuate in future periods as a result of a number of factors, including fluctuations in our revenues and operating expenses, the timing of product shipments during the quarter, accounts receivable collections, inventory and supply chain management, and the timing and amount of tax and other payments. 

22


Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 decreased from the same period prior year period primarily due to a net decreaseincrease in accounts payablereceivable which was driven primarily by the timing of payments madeproduct shipments during the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared withto the same prior year quarter.period as well as slightly longer collection cycles as a result of our focus on the ERP implementation during the first quarter of our fiscal year 2015. This decrease was partially offset by a net decreaseincrease in inventoryaccounts payable and accrued liabilities due primarily to higher shipmentsthe timing of payments made during the period asfirst quarter compared to the same prior year period.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 decreasedincreased from the same prior year period due primarily to an increasea decrease in net proceeds from the sale and maturity of short and long-term investments, which was partially offset by higherlower capital expenditures.

For the remainder of fiscal year 2014,2015, we expect to spend approximately $12.3$20.0 million on capital expenditures for estimated total capital expenditures of $50.0approximately $30.0 million for fiscal year 2014. The increase from fiscal year 2013 capital expenditures of $39.3 million is2015, related to continued costs associated with the purchase and related construction of a new manufacturingSmarter Working office at our European headquarters site in the Netherlands as well as costs associated with building and leasehold improvements at our U.S. headquarters and our facility in Mexico. We completed the required upgrades and moved into the new facility in the first half of fiscal year 2014. We will continue to incur costs related to the implementation of a new ERP system, which we expect to place in service in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2015. The remainder of the anticipated capital expenditures for fiscal year 20142015 consists primarily of building and leasehold improvements atcapital investment in our U.S. headquarters, other IT-related expenditures, andmanufacturing capabilities, including tooling for new products. We will continue to evaluate new business opportunities and new markets; as a result, our future growth within the existing business or new opportunities and markets may dictate the need for additional facilities and capital expenditures to support that growth.

Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 increased from the prior year period due primarily to a decrease in proceeds from issuances under our stock-based compensation plans, an increase in cash used for the repurchase of common stock, partially offset by a decrease in repayments on our revolving line of credit and a netan increase in proceeds from employees' exercisecash used for the payment of stock options.dividends.

On January 27,July 29, 2014, we announced that our Board of Directors ("the Board")Audit Committee had declared a cash dividend of $0.100.15 per share, of our common stock, payable on MarchSeptember 10, 2014 to stockholders of record at the close of business on FebruaryAugust 20, 2014.  We expect to continue paying a quarterly dividend of $0.10$0.15 per share of our common stock;share; however, the actual declaration of dividends and the establishment of record and payment dates are subject to final determination by the Audit Committee of the Board each quarter after its review of our financial performance and financial position.


28


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary discretionary cash requirements have historically been for repurchases of our common stock and to fund stockholder dividends.  At December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, we had working capital of $459.8467.4 million, including $321.9328.4 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, compared with working capital of $463.0$458.7 million,, including $345.4$335.4 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at March 31, 20132014.  

Our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 consisted of bank deposits with third party financial institutions and investments in mutual funds held as part of our deferred compensation plan.Commercial Paper.  We monitor bank balances in our operating accounts and adjust the balances as appropriate.  Cash balances are held throughout the world, including substantial amounts held outside of the U.S.  As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, of our $321.9328.4 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, $26.710.6 million was held domestically while $295.2317.8 million was held by foreign subsidiaries. The costs to repatriate our foreign earnings to the U.S. would be material; however, our intent is to permanently reinvest our earnings from foreign operations and our current plans do not require us to repatriate our earnings from foreign operations to fund our U.S. operations because we generate sufficient domestic operating cash flow and have access to external funding under our revolving line of credit.

Our short and long-term investments are intended to establish a high-quality portfolio that preserves principal and meets liquidity needs.  As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, our investments were composed of Mutual Funds, Government Agency Securities, Commercial Paper, Corporate Bonds, and Certificates of Deposit (“CDs”).CDs.


23


From time to time, our Board of Directors ("Board") has authorized plans under which we may repurchase shares of our common stock, depending on market conditions, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. During the first ninethree months of fiscal year 2014,2015, we repurchased 1,281,907281,583 shares of our common stock in the open market as part of these publicly announced repurchase programs. The total cost of these repurchases was $56.8$12.4 million,, with an average price of $44.27$44.17 per share. In addition, we withheld 133,197128,223 shares with a total value of $6.0$5.8 million in satisfaction of employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock granted under our stock plans.

As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, there remained 600,000650,917 shares authorized for repurchase under the stock repurchase program approved by the Board on November 11, 2013.February 20, 2014. For more information regarding our stock repurchase programs, refer to Note 10,8, Common Stock Repurchases, of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

In May 2011, we entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("the Bank"), as most recently amended in January 2014 to extend its term to May 2017 (as amended, "the Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement provides for a $100.0 million unsecured revolving line of credit (the "line of credit") to augment our financial flexibility and, if requested by us, the Bank may increase its commitment thereunder by up to $100.0 million, for a total facility of up to $200.0 million.  Any outstanding principal, together with accrued and unpaid interest, is due on the amended maturity date, May 9, 2017, and our obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by our domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the line of credit. Loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at our election (1) at the Bank's announced prime rate less 1.50% per annum, (2) at a daily one month LIBOR rate plus 1.10% per annum or (3) at an adjusted LIBOR rate, for a term of one, three or six months, plus 1.10% per annum. The line of credit requires us to comply with the following two financial covenant ratios, in each case at each fiscal quarter end and determined on a rolling four-quarter basis:

maximum ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"); and,
minimum EBITDA coverage ratio, which is calculated as interest payments divided by EBITDA.

As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, we were in compliance with these ratios by a substantial margin.

In addition, we and our subsidiaries are required to maintain, on a consolidated basis, unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities plus availability under the Credit Agreement at the end of each fiscal quarter of at least $200.0 million. The line of credit contains affirmative covenants including covenants regarding the payment of taxes and other liabilities, maintenance of insurance, reporting requirements and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The credit facility also contains negative covenants, among other things, limiting our ability to incur debt, make capital expenditures, grant liens, make acquisitions and make investments. The events of default under the line of credit include payment defaults, cross defaults with certain other indebtedness, breaches of covenants, judgment defaults and bankruptcy and insolvency events involving us or any of our subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, we were in compliance with all covenants under the line of credit.


29


Our liquidity, capital resources, and results of operations in any period could be affected by repurchases of our common stock, the payment of cash dividends, the exercise of outstanding stock options, restricted stock grants under stock plans, and the issuance of common stock under our ESPP.  We receive cash from the exercise of outstanding stock options under our stock plan and the issuance of shares under our ESPP. However, the resulting increase in the number of outstanding shares from these equity grants and issuances could affect our earnings per share. We cannot predict the timing or amount of proceeds from the sale or exercise of these securities or whether they will be exercised, forfeited, canceled or will expire. 

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash provided by operations and the availability of additional funds under the Credit Agreement will be sufficient to fund operations for at least the next 12 months; however, any projections of future financial needs and sources of working capital are subject to uncertainty.  See “Certain Forward-Looking Information”Readers are cautioned to review the risks, uncertainties, and “Risk Factors”assumptions set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the section entitled “Certain Forward-Looking Information” and the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for factors thatthe fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, and other periodic filings with the SEC, any of which could affect our estimates for future financial needs and sources of working capital.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

We have not entered into any transactions with unconsolidated entities whereby we have financial guarantees, subordinated retained interests, derivative instruments, or other contingent arrangements that expose us to material continuing risks, contingent liabilities, or any other obligation under a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides us with financing and liquidity support, market risk, or credit risk support.

24


A substantial portion of the raw materials, components, and subassemblies used in our products are provided by our suppliers on a consignment basis. These consigned inventories are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheet until we take possession of and title to the raw materials, components, and subassemblies, which occurs when they are consumed in the production process. Prior to consumption in the production process, our suppliers bear the risk of loss and retain title to the consigned inventory. Consigned inventory not consumedThe terms of the agreements allow the Company to return parts in excess of maximum order quantities to the production process is returnable to our suppliers in accordanceat the supplier’s expense. Returns for other reasons are negotiated with the terms of our agreements with them.suppliers on a case-by-case basis and to date have been immaterial. If our suppliers were to discontinue financing consigned inventory, it would require us to make cash outlays and we could incur expenses including write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory, which, if material, could negatively affect our business and financial results. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and March 31, 20132014, we had off-balance sheet consigned inventories of $50.3$37.5 million and $31.3$40.0 million,, respectively.

Unconditional Purchase Obligations

We utilize several contract with several outsourcing partnersmanufacturers to manufacture sub-assembliesraw materials, components, and subassemblies for our products. These outsourcing partners acquire components and build product based onWe provide these contract manufacturers with demand information supplied by us, whichthat typically covers periods up to 270 days.13 weeks, and they use this information to acquire components and build products. We also obtain individual components for our products from a wide variety of individual suppliers. Consistent with industry practice, we acquire components through a combination of purchase orders, supplier contracts, and open orders based on projected demand information. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, we had outstanding off-balance sheet third-party manufacturing, component purchase, and other general and administrative commitments of $215.7 million.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

As of December 31, 2013, long-term income taxes payable reported on our condensed consolidated balance sheet included unrecognized tax benefits and related interest of $12.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively.  We are unable to reliably estimate the timing of future payments related to unrecognized tax benefits; however, long-term income taxes payable on our condensed consolidated balance sheets includes these unrecognized tax benefits.  We do not anticipate any material cash payments associated with our unrecognized tax benefits to be made within the next 12 months.$147.0 million.



30


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

For a complete description of what we believe to be the critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 20132014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on May 24, 201316, 2014.  There have been no changes to our critical accounting estimates during the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013 except for the Warranty and RMA errors as described in Note 1, Basis of PresentationJune 30, 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncementsIn May 2014, the FASB issued byadditional guidance to clarify the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") andprinciples used to recognize revenue for all entities. This guidance will be effective for us in the SEC did not andfirst quarter of our fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. We are not expected bycurrently evaluating the Company toimpact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company's presentour financial position, results of operations, or future consolidated financial statements.cash flows.



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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The discussion of our exposure to market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties.  Actual results could vary materially as a result of a number of factors including those set forthdiscussed in “Risk Factors.”Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on May 16, 2014.

INTEREST RATE RISK

We reported the following balances in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and long-term investments as follows:

(in millions) December 31, 2013 March 31, 2013 June 30, 2014 March 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents $235.5
 $228.8
 $235.3
 $232.7
Short-term investments $86.4
 $116.6
 $93.2
 $102.7
Long-term investments $106.8
 $80.3
 $108.8
 $100.3

As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, our investments were composed of Mutual Funds, Government Agency Securities, Commercial Paper, Corporate Bonds, and CDs.


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Our investment policy and strategy are focused on preservation of capital and supporting our liquidity requirements. Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio. Our investment policy generally limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer and requires investments to be high credit quality, primarily rated A or A2 and above, with the objective of minimizing the potential risk of principal loss. All highly liquid investments with initial maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. We classify our investments as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument's underlying effective maturity date. All short-term investments have effective maturities less than 12 months, while all long-term investments have effective maturities greater than 12 months or we do not currently have the ability to liquidate the investment. We may sell our investments prior to their stated maturities for strategic purposes, in anticipation of credit deterioration, or for duration management. No material realized or unrealized net gains or losses were recognized during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 20122013.

Interest rates were relatively unchanged in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 compared to the same periodsperiod in the prior year. During the three and nine month period ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, we generated no significant interest income from our portfolio of cash equivalents and investments and incurred no interest expense from our revolving line of credit. A hypothetical increase or decrease in our interest rates by 10 basis points would have a minimalan immaterial impact on our results of operations.

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK

We are exposed to currency fluctuations, primarily in the Euro ("EUR"), British Pound Sterling ("GBP"), Australian Dollar ("AUD"), Mexican Peso ("MXN"), and the Chinese Renminbi ("RMB"). We use a hedging strategy to diminish, and make more predictable, the effect of currency fluctuations. All of our hedging activities are entered into with large financial institutions, which we periodically evaluate for credit risks. We hedge our balance sheet exposure by hedging EUR, GBP, and AUD denominated cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable balances, and our economic exposure by hedging a portion of anticipated EUR and GBP denominated sales and our MXN denominated expenditures. We can provide no assurance that our strategy will be successful in the future and that exchange rate fluctuations will not materially adversely affect our business.

We experienced immaterial net foreign currency lossesgains in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 and 2012.immaterial net foreign currency losses in the three months ended June 30, 2013. Although we hedge a portion of our foreign currency exchange exposure, the weakening of certain foreign currencies, particularly the EUR and the GBP in comparison to the U.S. Dollar ("USD"), could result in material foreign exchange losses in future periods.


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Non-designated Hedges

We hedge our EUR, GBP, and AUD denominated cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable balances by entering into foreign exchange forward contracts. The table below presents the impact on the foreign exchange gain (loss) of a hypothetical 10% appreciation and a 10% depreciation of the USD against the forward currency contracts as of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 (in millions):
Currency - forward contractsPosition USD Value of Net Foreign Exchange Contracts Foreign Exchange Gain From 10% Appreciation of USD Foreign Exchange Loss From 10% Depreciation of USDPosition USD Value of Net Foreign Exchange Contracts Foreign Exchange Gain From 10% Appreciation of USD Foreign Exchange Loss From 10% Depreciation of USD
EURSell Euro $33.0
 $3.3
 $(3.3)Sell Euro $25.1
 $1.5
 $(1.2)
GBPSell GBP $2.1
 $0.2
 $(0.2)Sell GBP $6.5
 $0.3
 $(0.2)
AUDSell AUD $3.0
 $0.3
 $(0.3)Sell AUD $7.0
 $0.9
 $(0.7)

Cash Flow Hedges

In the ninethree months ended December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, approximately 46.9%42.6% of our net revenues were derived from sales outside of the U.S. and denominated primarily in EUR and GBP.

As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, we had foreign currency put and call option contracts with notional amounts of approximately €53.4€56.5 million and £22.2£25.0 million denominated in EUR and GBP, respectively. Collectively, our option contracts hedge against a portion of our forecasted foreign currency denominated sales. If the USD is subjected to either a 10% appreciation or 10% depreciation versus these net exposed currency positions, we could realize a gain of $5.87.5 million or incur a loss of $9.88.8 million, respectively.


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The table below presents the impact on the Black-Scholes valuation of our currency option contracts of a hypothetical 10% appreciation and a 10% depreciation of the USD against the indicated open option contract type for cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 (in millions):
Currency - option contractsUSD Value of Net Foreign Exchange Contracts Foreign Exchange Gain From 10% Appreciation of USD Foreign Exchange Loss From 10% Depreciation of USDUSD Value of Net Foreign Exchange Contracts Foreign Exchange Gain From 10% Appreciation of USD Foreign Exchange Loss From 10% Depreciation of USD
Call options$109.3
 $2.9
 $(9.8)$121.6
 $1.7
 $(8.3)
Put options$101.6
 $2.9
 $
$113.4
 $5.8
 $(0.5)

Collectively, our swap contracts hedge against a portion of our forecasted MXN denominated expenditures. As of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014, we had cross-currency swap contracts with notional amounts of approximately MXN278.35132.8 million.

The table below presents the impact on the valuation of our cross-currency swap contracts of a hypothetical 10% appreciation and a 10% depreciation of the USD as of December 31, 2013June 30, 2014 (in millions):
Currency - cross-currency swap contractsUSD Value of Net Foreign Exchange Contracts Foreign Exchange Loss From 10% Appreciation of USD Foreign Exchange Gain From 10% Depreciation of USDUSD Value of Net Foreign Exchange Contracts Foreign Exchange Loss From 10% Appreciation of USD Foreign Exchange Gain From 10% Depreciation of USD
Position: Buy MXN$21.1
 $(1.9) $2.3
$9.9
 $(0.9) $1.1


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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a)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 as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were noDuring the quarter ended June 30, 2014, the Company concluded the re-implementation of its ERP system.  The new system resulted in changes in ourto the Company’s processes and procedures affecting its internal control over financial reporting.  Other than as described above, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, ourits internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are presently engaged in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business.  We believe that it is unlikely that any of these actions will have a material adverse impact on our operating results; however, because of the inherent uncertainties of litigation, the outcome of any of these actions could be unfavorable and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.  See Note 7,5, Commitments and Contingencies, of the accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.



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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following risk factors discussed in connection with any investmentPart I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our stock.  Our stock price will reflectAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the performance of our business relative to, among other things, our competition, expectations of securities analysts or investors, and general economic market and industry conditions.  Our business, financial condition, and results of operationsfiscal year ended March 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on May 16, 2014, which could be materially adversely affected if any of the following risks occur.  Accordingly, the trading price of our stock could decline, and investors could lose all or part of their investment.
Adverse or uncertain economic conditions may materially adversely affect us.

Our operations and performance are dependent on worldwide economic conditions. Uncertainty regarding future economic conditions makes it challenging for us to forecast operating results, make business decisions, and identify the risks that may affect our business, including sources and uses of cash, financial condition, andposition or future results of operations. Global economic concerns, such as inconsistent regional economic growth, stagnation or contraction, including the moderate pace of economic growth in the United States, continuing pressure on economic growth in Europe, and uncertain growth prospects in the Asia Pacific region, create unpredictability for our business as consumers and businesses postpone or forego spending, resulting in, amongst other risks, reductions in sales of our products, longer sales cycles, slower adoption of new technologies, increased price competition, and customer and supplier bankruptcies.

Replacement cycles of our Office and Contact Center ("OCC") headset products, in particular, are impacted by lower voluntary employee turnover as new headset demand is typically created when employees change employers and transition to new job opportunities. In the current economic environment, post-recession slow and inconsistent domestic and international business hiring has perpetuated employee reluctance to change jobs and limits the opportunities for unemployed workers to reenter the workforce. As a consequence, voluntary employee turnover rates remain below historic non-recessionary levels which, therefore, impedes sales of our OCC headsets.

U.S. federal government spending cuts under the Budget Control Act of 2011, known as sequestration went into effect at the beginning of March 2013, and while the impact of the spending reductions on our businessThere have not been no material to date, the future impact remains unclear. Likewise, the austerity measures previously implemented by various European governments have reduced, and may in the future further reduce, demand for our products directly by affected governmental agencies and by our customers who derive all or a portion of their revenues from these governmental agencies. Similarly,changes to the extent uncertainty regarding public debt limits or budget negotiations, particularlyrisk factors disclosed therein. The risks described in the United States and Europe, have a destabilizing effectour Annual Report on spending by retail consumers, businesses or governmental agencies, sales of our products may decrease or be delayed. We cannot predict the impact of governmental spending reductions or budget or debt impasses on us or our customers or whether and to what extent our business and results of operations may be adversely harmed.

Further, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may impact our revenues and profitability because we report our financial statements in U.S. Dollars ("USD"), whereas a significant portion of our sales to customers are transacted in other currencies, particularly the Euro and the British Pound Sterling (“GBP”). We hedge a portion of our Euro and GBP forecasted revenue exposureForm 10-K for the future, typically over a 12 month period. We can offer no assurance that such strategies will be effective in minimizing our exposure. Iffiscal year ended March 31, 2014, are not the Euroonly risks we face. Additional risks and GBP fall against the USD, our revenues, gross profit, and profitability in the future could be negatively affected. See also our risk titled, “We are exposeduncertainties not currently known to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates which may adversely affect our revenues, gross profit, and profitability.”


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Our operating results are difficult to predict, and fluctuations may cause volatility in the trading price of our common stock.

Given the nature of the markets in which we compete, our revenues and profitability are difficult to predict for many reasons, including the following:

Our operating results are highly dependent on the volume and timing of orders received during the quarter. Customers generally order on an as-needed basis, and we typically do not obtain firm, long-term purchase commitments from them, making forecasting difficult. As a result, our revenues in any quarter depend primarily on orders booked and shipped in that quarter, which fluctuate for many reasons beyond our control, including customers' sales promotions and campaigns, large customer deployments of Unified Communications ("UC") infrastructure, general economic conditions, seasonality, customer cancellations and rescheduling, and fluctuating employment opportunities that increase or reduce employee turnover and, thereby, new headset demand.

Our gross margins vary for a number of reasons, including customer demand, competition, product life cycle, new product introductions, unit volumes, commodity and supply chain costs, geographic sales mix, foreign currency exchange rates, and the complexity and functionality of new product innovations. Moreover, there are significant variances in gross profit percentages between our higher and lower margin products such that small variations in product mix, which can be difficult to predict, can materially impact gross profit. Additionally, if we are unable to timely introduce new products within projected costs, product demand is less than anticipated, there are product pricing, marketing and other initiatives by our competitors to which we need to react or that are initiated by us to drive sales that lower our margins, then our overall gross margin will decrease. Our gross margins also vary significantly by sales geography and customer type. When the mix of products sold shifts from higher margin product lines to lower margin product lines, to lower margin sales geographies, or to lower margin products within product lines, our overall gross margins and our profitability may be adversely affected and create unanticipated fluctuations in our operating results.

We incur a large portion of our costs in advance of customer orders because we must plan research and production, order materials and components, commence manufacturing, incur sales and marketing expenditures, and other operating commitments prior to obtaining firm commitments from our customers. In the event inventories for one or more products exceed demand, the risk of inventory write-downs increases. Conversely, in the event we have inadequate inventory to timely meet the demand for particular products, we may miss significant revenue opportunities or incur significant expenses such as air freight, costs for expediting shipments, and other negative variances in our manufacturing processes as we attempt to make up for the shortfall.  When a significant portion of our revenue is derived from new products, forecasting appropriate volumes of production is even more difficult.

Increasingly, we are incorporating software features and functionalities into our products, offering firmware and software fixes, updates and upgrades electronically over the Internet and developing standalone software applications. As the nature and extent of software integration in our products increases or if sales of standalone software applications become material to our revenues, the way we report our revenue related to our products could be significantly affected. For example, we are increasingly required to evaluate whether our revenue transactions include multiple deliverables and, as such, whether the revenue generated by each transaction should be recognized upon delivery, over a period of time or apportioned and recognized based on a combination of the two in light of all the facts and circumstances related to each transaction. Moreover, the software revenue recognition rules are complex and dynamic. If we fail to accurately apply these complex rules and policies to our business, we may incorrectly report revenues in one or more quarterly or annual periods. If this were to occur and the error were to be material, we may be required to restate our financial statements, which could materially, negatively impact our results for the affected periods, cause our stock price to decline, and result in securities class actions or other similar litigation.

Fluctuations in our operating results, including the failure to meet our expectations or the expectations of financial analysts, may cause volatility, including material decreases, in the trading price of our common stock.


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The success of our business depends heavily on our ability to effectively market our UC products, and our business could be materially adversely affected if markets do not develop as we expect.

Our OCC products represent our largest source of revenue, and we regard the market for headsets designed for UC as our greatest long-term opportunity in the OCC market. We believe that the implementation of UC technologies by large enterprises will be a significant long-term driver of enterprise UC headset adoption, and, as a result, a key long-term driver of revenue and profit growth. Accordingly, we continue to invest in the development of new products and to enhance existing products to be more appealing in functionality and design for the UC office market; however, we can give no assurance that significant growth in UC will occur or that we will successfully take advantage of any growth that does occur.

Our abilitycurrently deem to realize our UC plans and to achieve the financial results projected to arise from UC adoption could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the following:

As UC becomes more widely adopted, the risk that competitors will offer solutions that will effectively commoditize our headsets, which, in turn, will reduce the sales prices for our headsets.

Our plans are dependent upon the market success of major platform providers and strategic partners such as Microsoft Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc., Avaya, Inc., Alcatel-Lucent, and IBM, and we have limited ability to influence the functionality of their platforms and product offerings, their rate of deployment, and their willingness to integrate their platforms and product offerings with our solutions.

The development of UC solutions is technically complex andimmaterial also may delay or limit our ability to introduce solutions that are cost effective, feature-rich, stable, and attractive to our customers.

Our development of UC solutions is dependent on our ability to implement and execute new and different processes in connection with the design, development, and manufacturing of complex electronic systems composed of hardware, firmware, and software that must work in a wide variety of environments and with multiple devices, which may increase the risk of development delays or errors or require the hiring of new personnel or third party contractors at increased cost.

Because UC offerings involve complex integration of hardware and software with UC infrastructure, our sales model and expertise will need to continue to evolve.  If we fail to anticipate or effectively implement changes in our sales model or channel our selling techniques and efforts at the primary UC decision makers within enterprises, our ability to maintain and grow our share of the UC market may be adversely impacted.

Competition for market share is anticipated to increase, and some competitors may have superior technical and economic resources.

UC solutions may not be adopted with the breadth and speed in the marketplace that we currently anticipate and sales cycles for more complex UC deployments may substantially increase over our traditional OCC products.

UC may evolve rapidly and unpredictably and our inability to timely and cost-effectively adapt to those changes and future requirements may impact our profitability in this market and our overall margins.

Because the major providers of UC software utilize complex and proprietary platforms in which our UC products are integrated, it is necessary to expand our technical support capabilities. This expansion will result in additional expenses to hire and train personnel and develop the infrastructure necessary to adequately serve our UC customers. Our support expenditures may substantially increase over time as these platforms evolve and as UC becomes more commonly adopted.

If our investments and strategic focus on UC do not generate incremental revenue, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.  


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Our reliance on third party suppliers and the failure of such suppliers to provide quality components or services in a timely manner could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our growth and ability to meet customer demand depends in part on our ability to timely obtain sufficient quantities of raw materials, components such as silicon chips and chip-sets, sub-assemblies, and other products (“components or materials”) of acceptable quality from our suppliers. We buy components and materials from a variety of suppliers and assemble them into finished products. In addition, certain components and materials and key portions of our product lines are manufactured for us by original design manufacturers and contract manufacturers ("ODMs"). The cost, quality, and availability of the services, components and materials these ODMS and third parties supply are essential to our success and our reliance on these ODMs and third parties involves significant risks, including the following:

Inability to timely respond to changes specific to us or our industry. For instance, rapid increases in production levels to meet unanticipated product demand could result in higher costs for components or materials, increased expenditures for expedited freight delivery, higher overtime costs and other expenses, and decreases in manufacturing yields, any of which can reduce our profit margins.

We obtain certain components and materials from specific suppliers and ODMs, including a majority of our Bluetooth products from GoerTek, Inc. Financial instability of a supplier may necessitate a transition to alternative suppliers, which could increase our costs and delay product deliveries. Additionally, suppliers and ODMs may choose to discontinue supplying raw materials or manufacturing components, subassemblies or all or a portion of our products for a variety of reasons, which may (i) be difficult, time-consuming, or costly to replace, (ii) force us to redesign or end-of-life certain products, or (iii) render us unable to meet customer demand. Consequently, if one or more suppliers or ODMs is unable or unwilling to meet our demand, delivery, or price requirements, our business and operating results in all or a portion of our product lines could be materially adversely affected in the event it is difficult, costly, or time-consuming to identify and ramp-up alternative ODMs.

Periodically, we purchase large quantities of components or materials being discontinued by our suppliers as part of a last-time buy strategy. For example, we have made last-time purchases in excess of our short-term needs, which are included in inventory and used over a period of several years. We routinely review inventory for usage potential, including fulfillment of customer warranty obligations and spare part requirements, and write down to the lower of cost or market value the excess and obsolete inventory, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Although we generally use standard components and materials for our products, the high development costs associated with existing and emerging wireless and other technologies frequently require us to work with a single source of components or materials on particular products. We, or any of our suppliers, may experience challenges in designing, developing, procuring and manufacturing components or materials using new technologies, which could affect our ability to meet market demand.

In order to accommodate the lead time requirements of our suppliers, we obtain certain components or materials from certain suppliers in advance based on our projections of demand. Consequently, we may be unable to react quickly to changes in demand, potentially resulting in either (i) excess inventories of such components or materials, or (ii) product shortages. Lead times are particularly long for silicon-based components incorporating radio frequency and digital signal processing technologies and such components make up an increasingly larger portion of our product costs.  In particular, many consumer product orders have shorter lead times than component lead times, making it increasingly necessary to carry more inventory in anticipation of future orders, which may not materialize.  Failure to synchronize the timing of purchases of components or materials and other products to meet demand could also increase our inventories or decrease our revenues and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, andposition or future results of operations.

Prices for commodities may rise based on demands from within our industry and other industries with which we compete for components or materials. Additionally, if our suppliers experience increased demand or shortages, it could affect the timeliness of deliveries to us and our customers. Any such shortages or further increases in prices could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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As part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the SEC adopted disclosure requirements regarding the use of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, which are mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries, as well as procedures regarding a manufacturer's efforts to identify and prevent the sourcing of such minerals and metals produced from those minerals. Additional reporting obligations are being considered by the European Union. The implementation of the existing U.S. requirements and any additional requirements in Europe could affect the sourcing and availability of metals used in the manufacture of a limited number of parts contained in our products. For example, the implementation of these disclosure requirements may decrease the number of suppliers capable of supplying our needs for certain metals, thereby negatively affecting our ability to obtain products in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Our material sourcing is broad based and multi-tiered, and we may be unable to conclusively verify the origins for all metals used in our products. We may suffer financial and reputational harm if customers require, and we are unable to deliver, certification that our products are conflict free. Regardless, we will incur additional costs associated with compliance with these disclosure requirements, including time-consuming and costly efforts to determine the source of any conflict minerals used in our products.

If we fail to forecast demand for our products or successfully match production to demand, we may lose business or incur adverse purchase commitment charges, both of which would negatively affect our gross margins.

Our industry is characterized by rapid technological changes, evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions, short-term customer commitments and changes in demand. Production levels are forecasted based on anticipated and actual demand for our products. Actual demand depends on many factors, which makes it difficult to forecast. It is particularly difficult to make accurate forecasts because of the uncertainties inherent in global and regional economies. Significant unanticipated fluctuations in product supply or demand could cause operating problems. For example, if forecasted demand does not develop, we could have excess inventory and capacity.  We have experienced differences between actual and forecasted demand in the past and expect differences to arise in the future.

We will lose opportunities to increase revenues and profits, may incur penalties for late delivery, and may be unable to later sell the excess inventory if we are unable to timely deliver products to meet the market window of our retail customers. Conversely, over-estimating demand could result in higher inventories of finished products, components or materials. For example, because our retail business has pronounced seasonality, we typically build inventory well in advance of the December quarter to stock up for the anticipated demand.  If estimated demand fails to convert into actual sales, we may have to write off some or all of our inventories of excess products, unusable components or materials.

We purchase certain materials from third party suppliers and contract with several outsourcing partners to manufacture sub-assemblies for our products. These suppliers and outsourcing partners deliver materials or acquire components and build products based on demand information we periodically provide to them, typically covering periods of up to 270 days. Consistent with industry practice, we acquire components and materials through a combination of purchase orders, supplier contracts, and open orders. Because our markets are competitive and subject to rapid technology and price changes, there exists a risk that we will forecast inaccurately and thereby order or produce excess or insufficient quantities of components or materials, or that we may not fully utilize components or materials subject to firm purchase commitments, resulting in adverse purchase commitment charges.

From time to time, we or our competitors may announce new products, capabilities, or technologies that may replace or shorten the life cycles of our products or cause customers to defer or stop purchasing our products until new products become available. Additionally, the announcement of new products may incite customers to increase purchases of successful legacy products as part of a last-time buy strategy, thereby increasing sales in the short-term while decreasing future sales by delaying adoption of new products. These risks increase the difficulty of accurately forecasting demand for discontinued products as well as new products. Accordingly, we must effectively manage inventory levels to have an adequate supply of the new product and avoid retention of excess legacy product; however, we must also concurrently maintain sufficient levels of older product inventory to support continued sales during the transition. Our failure to effectively manage transitions from old to new products could result in inventory obsolescence, and/or loss of revenue and associated gross profit, which may further result in one or more material adverse effects on our revenues and profitability.
Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.


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Prices of certain components and materials may rise depending upon global market conditions.

We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, volatility in costs from our suppliers, particularly in light of the price fluctuations of oil, gold, copper and other components and materials in the U.S. and around the world, which could negatively affect our profitability or market share. If we are unable to pass cost increases on to our customers or to achieve operating efficiencies that offset these increases, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

We have strong competitors and expect to face additional competition in the future. If we are unable to compete effectively, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

All of the markets in which we sell our products are intensely competitive and market leadership has the potential to change as a result of new product introductions and designs as well as pricing. We face pressure on our selling prices, sales terms and conditions, and in connection with product performance and functionality. Also, aggressive industry pricing practices may result in downward pressure on margins.

Currently, our primary competitor is GN Store Nord A/S (“GN”), a Danish telecommunications conglomerate with whom we experience price competition in the OCC and consumer markets. We are also experiencing competition from consumer electronics companies that currently manufacture and sell mobile phones or computer peripheral equipment. These competitors generally are larger, offer broader product lines, may integrate their products with communications headset devices and adapters manufactured by them or others, offer products containing bases that are incompatible with our headset tops, and have substantially greater financial, marketing, and other resources.

Competitors in audio devices vary by product line.  The most competitive product line is headsets for cell phones where we compete with GN's Jabra brand, Motorola, Samsung, Aliph's Jawbone brand, BlueAnt Wireless, Nokia, Bose, and Sony Ericsson, among many others.  Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources than us, and each of them has established market positions. In the OCC and UC markets, our principle competitors are GN, Logitech, Sennheiser Communications and VXI. In the gaming market our primary competitors are Turtle Beach, Logitech and Razer. For the computer audio market, our primary competitor is Logitech.  In mobile entertainment, our primary competitors are Motorola, Jabra, and LG. 

We are facing additional competition from companies, principally located in the Asia Pacific region, which offer very low cost headset products including products modeled on or direct copies of our products. These competitors offer very low cost products, which results in market pricing pressure. If market prices are substantially reduced by these or other competitors, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

If we do not distinguish our products, particularly our retail products, through distinctive, technologically advanced features and design, as well as continue to build and strengthen our brand recognition, our products may become commoditized and our business could be harmed.  If we do not otherwise compete effectively, demand for our products could decline, our revenues and gross margins could decrease, we could lose market share, and our earnings could decline.

We also compete in the consumer market for the sale of our mobile, gaming, entertainment, computer audio, and Clarity products.  The consumer market is highly competitive, characterized by relatively rapid product obsolescence, and we are at increased risk of market share loss if we do not have the right products available at the right time to meet consumer needs.  In addition, some of our competitors have significant brand recognition, thereby creating barriers to entry or making market share increases difficult and costly. Moreover, price-based competition is typical and can result in significant losses and excess inventory.

If we are unable to stimulate growth in our business or if our expenditures to stimulate demand do not generate incremental profit, our business could suffer.  In addition, failure to effectively market our products could lead to lower and more volatile revenue and earnings, excess inventory, and the inability to recover associated development costs, any of which could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.


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The markets for our consumer products are volatile and failure to compete successfully in one or more of these markets may have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

The markets for our consumer products, which consist primarily of Bluetooth headsets, gaming, and entertainment and computer audio headsets, are highly competitive and present many significant manufacturing, marketing and operational risks and uncertainties. The risks include the following:

The global market for mono Bluetooth headsets is shrinking, which is at least partially attributable to increasing integration of Bluetooth systems into automobiles. The market for stereo Bluetooth headsets is growing rapidly, although it is dominated by lifestyle brands which we do not offer. Our market share has been and is significantly larger in the mono market than in the stereo market and it remains unclear whether we will be able to sufficiently increase share in the stereo market to continue growing in the overall market for Bluetooth headsets.

Reductions in the number of suppliers participating in the Bluetooth market, thereby reducing our sourcing options and potentially increasing our costs at a time when our ability to offset higher costs with corresponding product price increases is limited.

Difficulties retaining or obtaining shelf space and maintaining a robust and compelling eCommerce presence for consumer products in our sales channel, particularly with large "brick and mortar" retailers and Internet "etailers" as the market for mono Bluetooth headsets continues to contract.

The varying pace and scale of global economic recovery creates uncertainty and unpredictability about the demand for consumer products.

Our ability to maintain insight into, and quickly respond to, sudden changes in laws or regulations before our competitors.

Difficulties achieving or maintaining sufficient gross margin and uncertainties forecasting demand for the variety of Bluetooth headsets, gaming, entertainment and computer audio headsets, and new products generally within this category for which relevant data is incomplete or unavailable.

Competition may increase more than we expect and result in product pricing pressures.

Failure to compete successfully in one or more markets for our consumer products may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Our corporate tax rate may increase or we may incur additional income tax liabilities, which could adversely impact our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations.

We have significant operations in various tax jurisdictions throughout the world, and a substantial portion of our taxable income has been generated historically in jurisdictions outside of the U.S. Currently, some of our operations are taxed at rates substantially lower than U.S. tax rates. If our income in these lower tax jurisdictions were no longer to qualify for these lower tax rates, the applicable tax laws were rescinded or changed, or the mix of our earnings shifts from lower rate jurisdictions to higher rate jurisdictions, our operating results could be materially adversely affected. In addition, various governmental tax authorities have recently increased their scrutiny of tax strategies employed by corporations and individuals. If U.S. or other foreign tax authorities change applicable tax laws or successfully challenge the manner in which our profits are currently recognized, our overall taxes could increase, and our business, cash flow, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

We are also subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and other tax authorities, including state revenue agencies and foreign governments. In July 2012, the IRS commenced an examination of our 2010 tax year. While we regularly assess the likelihood of favorable or unfavorable outcomes resulting from examinations by the IRS and other tax authorities to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes, there can be no assurance that the actual outcome resulting from these examinations will not materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.


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We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect our revenues, gross profit, and profitability.

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates impact our revenues and profitability because we report our financial statements in USD, whereas a significant portion of our sales to customers are transacted in other currencies, particularly the Euro and the GBP. Furthermore, fluctuations in foreign currency rates impact our global pricing strategy, resulting in our lowering or raising selling prices in one or more currencies in order to avoid disparity with USD prices and to respond to currency-driven competitive pricing actions. Large or frequent fluctuations in foreign currency rates, coupled with the ease of identifying global price differences for our products via the Internet, increase the likelihood of unauthorized third party sales in varying countries, thereby undermining our established sales channels and operations. We also have significant manufacturing operations in Mexico and fluctuations in the Mexican Peso exchange rate can impact our gross profit and profitability. Additionally, the majority of our suppliers are located internationally, principally in Asia. Accordingly, volatile or sustained increases or decreases in exchange rates of Asian currencies may result in increased costs or reductions in the number of suppliers qualified to meet our standards.

Currency exchange rates are volatile, and although we hedge those exposures we deem material, changes in exchange rates may nonetheless still have a negative impact on our financial results. Among the factors that may affect currency values are trade balances, the level of short-term interest rates, differences in relative values of similar assets in different currencies, long-term opportunities for investment and capital appreciation, and political developments.

We hedge a portion of our Euro and GBP forecasted revenue exposures for the future, typically over 12-month periods. In addition, we hedge a portion of our Mexican Peso forecasted cost of revenues and we have foreign currency forward contracts denominated in Euros, GBP, and Australian Dollars that hedge against a portion of our foreign-currency denominated assets and liabilities. Our foreign currency hedging contracts reduce, but do not eliminate, the impact of currency exchange rate movements and we do not execute hedging contracts in all currencies in which we conduct business. We can offer no assurance that such hedging strategies will be effective. Additionally, even if our hedging techniques are successful in the periods during which the rates are hedged, our future revenues, gross profit, and profitability may be negatively affected both at current rates and by adverse fluctuations in currencies against the USD.

Our business will be materially adversely affected if we are unable to develop, manufacture, and market new products in response to changing customer requirements and new technologies.

The market for our products is characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards, short product life cycles, and frequent new product introductions by us, our competitors and partners, including mobile phone and software application developers. As a result, we must continually introduce new products and technologies and enhance or adapt existing products to work with a wider variety of new and existing devices and applications in order to maintain customer satisfaction and remain competitive.

The technology used in our products is evolving more rapidly now than in the past and we anticipate that this trend will continue. Historically, new products primarily offered stylistic changes and quality improvements rather than significant new technologies. Our increasing reliance and focus on the UC market has resulted in a growing portion of our products that integrate complex, state-of-the-art technology, increasing the risks associated with new product ramp-up, including product performance and defects in the early stages of production. In addition, our participation in the consumer market requires us to rapidly and frequently adopt new technology and changing market trends; thus, our consumer products experience shorter lifecycles. We believe this is particularly true for our newer emerging technology products in the mobile, gaming, entertainment and computer audio, residential, and certain parts of the office markets.  In particular, we anticipate a trend towards more integrated solutions that combine audio, video, and software functionality, while historically our focus was limited to audio products.

Office phones have begun to incorporate Bluetooth functionality, which has opened the market to consumer Bluetooth headsets and reduced the demand for our traditional office telephony headsets and adapters resulting in lost revenue, lower margins, or both. Moreover, the increasing adoption of wireless headsets has also resulted in increased development costs associated with the introduction of new wireless standards and more frequent changes in those standards and capabilities as compared to wired technologies. If sales and margins on our traditional corded and cordless products decline and we are unable to successfully design, develop, and market alternatives at historically comparable margins, our revenue and profits may decrease.

In addition, innovative technologies such as UC have moved the platform for certain of our products from closed proprietary systems to open platforms such as the PC. In turn, the PC has become more open as a result of technologies such as cloud computing and trends toward more open source software code development. As a result, the risk that current and potential competitors could enter our markets and commoditize our products by offering similar products has increased.


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The success of our products depends on several factors, including our ability to timely and correctly:

Anticipate technology and market trends
Develop innovative new products and enhancements
Distinguish our products from those of our competitors
Create industrial designs that appeal to our customers and end-users
Manufacture and deliver high-quality products in sufficient volumes at acceptable margins
Price our products competitively
Hire and retain qualified personnel in the highly competitive software development field
Provide technical product support to our customers
Leverage new and existing channel partners effectively

If we are unable to develop, manufacture, market, and introduce enhanced or new products in a timely manner in response to changing market conditions or customer requirements, including changing fashion trends and styles, it will materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.  Furthermore, as we develop new generations of products more quickly, we expect that the pace of product obsolescence will increase.  The disposition of inventories of excess or obsolete products may result in reductions to our operating margins and materially adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.

We have significant foreign manufacturing operations and rely on third party manufacturers located outside the U.S., and a significant amount of our revenues are generated internationally, which subjects our business to risks of international operations.

We own and operate a manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Mexico. We also have suppliers and other vendors throughout Asia, including GoerTek, Inc., located in Weifang, China, which is the manufacturer of the majority of our Bluetooth products. We furthermore generate a significant amount of our revenues from foreign customers.

Our international operations and sales expose us to various risks including, among others:

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates
Cultural differences in the conduct of business
Greater difficulty in accounts receivable collection and longer collection periods
The impact of recessionary, volatile or adverse global economic conditions
Reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries
Unexpected changes in regulatory requirements
Tariffs and other trade barriers, particularly in developing nations such as Brazil, India, and others
Political conditions, health epidemics, labor activity, civil unrest, or criminal activities within each country
The management, operation, and expenses associated with an enterprise spread over various countries
The burden and administrative costs of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations
Currency restrictions
Compliance with anti-bribery laws, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the United Kingdom's Bribery Act

The above-listed or other inherent risks of international operations could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We sell our products through various distribution channels that can be volatile, and failure to establish and maintain successful relationships with our channel partners could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. In addition, bankruptcies or financial difficulties of our customers may impact our business.

We sell substantially all of our products through distributors, retailers, OEMs, and telephony service providers. Effectively managing these relationships and avoiding channel conflicts is challenging. Our existing relationships with these parties are generally not exclusive and can be terminated by us or them without cause on short notice. In the future, we may be unable to retain or attract a sufficient number of qualified distributors, retailers, OEMs, and telephony service providers. These customers also sell or may sell products offered by our competitors. To the extent that our competitors offer these customers more favorable terms or more compelling products, they may decline to carry, de-emphasize, or discontinue carrying our products. Further, such customers may not recommend or may stop recommending our products. Moreover, our OEMs may elect to manufacture their own products that are similar to ours. The inability to establish or maintain successful relationships with distributors, OEMs, retailers, and telephony service providers or to expand our distribution channels could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

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Additionally, our customers suffer from their own financial and economic challenges. For example, in fiscal year 2012, the bankruptcy of one customer negatively impacted our operating income by $1.2 million. If global or regional economic conditions deteriorate, more customers may become insolvent and it is impossible to reliably determine if additional bankruptcies will occur.

As a result of the evolution of our consumer business, our customer mix is changing, and certain retailers, OEMs, and wireless carriers are more significant.  Our reliance on certain large channel partners could increase the volatility of our revenues and earnings. In particular, we have several large customers whose order patterns are difficult to predict. Offers and promotions by these customers may result in significant fluctuations of their purchasing activities over time.  If we are unable to correctly anticipate the quantities and timing of their purchase requirements, our revenues may be adversely affected, or we may be left holding large volumes of inventory that cannot be sold to other customers.
We may experience difficulties re-implementing our enterprise resource planning system.

We are engaged in a project to re-implement our enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. Our ERP system is critical to the tasks of gathering and aggregating information needed to manage our business, including accurately maintaining books and records, recording transactions, providing important information to management, preparing our financial statements, and forecasting future operations. The re-implementation of the ERP system has required the investment of significant financial and human resources, which will continue for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the re-implementation carries certain risks, including the risk of significant design or deployment errors causing disruptions, delays or deficiencies that could adversely affect our ability to process orders, ship products, provide services and customer support, send invoices and track payments, fulfill contractual obligations or otherwise operate our business. As a result, there is a risk that deficiencies could constitute significant deficiencies, or, in the aggregate, a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting. If this were to occur, we could be subject to one or more investigations or enforcement actions by state or federal regulatory agencies, stockholder lawsuits, or other adverse actions requiring us to incur litigation costs, pay fines, enter into settlements or become subject to judgments. As a result, this may cause investor perceptions to be adversely affected and potentially result in a decline in the market price of our stock.
Our intellectual property rights could be infringed on by others, and we may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others resulting in claims or lawsuits. Even if we prevail, claims and lawsuits are costly and time consuming to pursue or defend and may divert management's time from our business.

Our success depends in part on our ability to protect our copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade dress, trade secrets, and other intellectual property, including our rights to certain domain names. We rely primarily on a combination of non-disclosure agreements and other contractual provisions as well as patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright laws to protect our proprietary rights. Effective trademark, patent, copyright, and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which our products and media properties are distributed to customers. The process of seeking intellectual property protection can be lengthy, expensive, and uncertain. For example, patents may not be issued in response to our applications, and any patents that may be issued may be invalidated, circumvented, or challenged by others. If we are required to enforce our intellectual property or other proprietary rights through litigation, the costs and diversion of management's attention could be substantial. Furthermore, we may be countersued by an actual or alleged infringer if we attempt to enforce our intellectual property rights, which may materially increase our costs, divert management attention, and result in injunctive or financial damages being awarded against us. In addition, the intellectual property rights granted may not provide us competitive advantages or be adequate to safeguard and maintain our rights. Moreover, the laws of certain countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S. If it is not feasible or possible to obtain, enforce, or protect our intellectual property rights, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets are owned by individuals or entities that may make claims or commence litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. As we have grown, the intellectual property rights claims against us have increased. There has also been a general trend of increasing intellectual property infringement claims against corporations that make and sell products. Our products and technologies may be subject to certain third-party claims and, regardless of the merits of the claim, intellectual property claims are often time-consuming and expensive to litigate, settle, or otherwise resolve. In addition, to the extent claims against us are successful, we may have to pay substantial monetary damages or discontinue the manufacture and distribution of products that are found to be in violation of another party's rights. We also may have to obtain, or renew on less favorable terms, licenses to manufacture and distribute our products, which may significantly increase our operating expenses. In addition, many of our agreements with our distributors and resellers require us to indemnify them for certain third-party intellectual property infringement claims. Discharging our indemnity obligations may involve time-consuming and expensive litigation and result in substantial settlements or damages awards, our products being enjoined, and the loss of a distribution channel or retail partner, any of which may have a material adverse impact on our operating results.


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We cannot guarantee we will continue to repurchase our common stock pursuant to stock repurchase programs or that we will declare future dividend payments at historic rates or at all. The repurchase of our common stock and the payment of dividends may not achieve our objectives or may result in negative side effects.

Since May 2011, we have repurchased approximately 10 million shares of our common stock through multiple share repurchase programs authorized by our Board of Directors. In addition, on November 11, 2013, we announced a new 1 million share repurchase program following completion of a 1 million share repurchase program approved in August 2012. Moreover, our Board of Directors has declared quarterly dividends of $0.10 per share since May 2012 and $0.05 per share prior to May 2012.

Any determination to pay cash dividends at recent rates or at all, or authorization or continuance of any repurchases under share repurchase programs is contingent on a variety of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, business requirements, and our Board of Directors' continuing determination that such dividends or share repurchases are in the best interests of our stockholders and in compliance with all laws and applicable agreements. Additionally, there can be no assurance that the quantities of stock repurchased will continue at recent historical levels or at all, or that our stock repurchase programs or dividend declarations will have a beneficial impact on our stock price. The timing of our stock repurchases varies with fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock such that at any particular time, our domestic cash flow from operations has been, and in the future may be, insufficient to fully cover our stock repurchases and support our working capital needs, causing us to borrow to support our repurchases or other activities. Although we currently have sufficient reserves in our international entities to fund our existing and any future stock repurchase programs, repatriating all or a portion of our foreign cash would likely result in material tax obligations.

We have previously drawn funds and expect to continue drawing funds under our Credit Agreement from time to time, which amounts bear interest. Moreover, the Credit Agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants with which we must comply. These restrictions apply regardless of whether any loans are outstanding and could adversely impact how we operate our business, our operating results, and dividend declarations, which, in turn, may negatively impact our stock price. In addition, as we borrow additional funds under the Credit Agreement, we may be required to increase the borrowing limit under the Credit Agreement or seek additional sources of credit. Given current credit markets, there is no assurance that if we were to seek additional credit, it would be available when needed or if it is available, the cost or terms and conditions would be acceptable.

We are subject to various regulatory requirements, and changes in such regulatory requirements may adversely impact our gross margins as we comply with such changes, reduce our ability to generate revenues if we are unable to comply, or decrease demand for our products if the actual or perceived quality of our products are negatively impacted.

Our products must meet the requirements set by regulatory authorities in the numerous jurisdictions in which we sell them. For example, certain of our OCC products must meet certain standards to work with local phone systems. Certain of our wireless products must work within existing frequency ranges permitted in various jurisdictions. Moreover, competition for limited radio frequency bandwidth as a result of an increasing number of wireless products by us, our competitors, and other third party product manufacturers increases the risk of interference or diminished product performance. In particular, the recent release of a third party wireless device in the U.S. that operates in the unlicensed 903-928 megahertz radio frequency range using significantly higher power than the power used by our wireless products and those of many other users in the unlicensed radio frequency range may cause our wireless products to experience interference which, if material, may harm our reputation and adversely affect our sales.

As regulations and local laws change and competition increases, we must modify our products to address those changes. Regulatory restrictions and competition may increase the costs to design, manufacture, and sell our products, resulting in a decrease in our margins or a decrease in demand for our products if the costs are passed along. Compliance with regulatory restrictions and bandwidth limitations may impact the actual or perceived technical quality and capabilities of our products, reducing their marketability. In addition, if the products we supply to various jurisdictions or which are conveyed by customers or merchants into unauthorized jurisdictions fail to comply with the applicable local or regional regulations, our products might interfere with the proper operation of other devices, and we or consumers purchasing our products may be responsible for the damages that our products cause; thereby causing us to alter the performance of our products, pay substantial monetary damages or penalties, cause harm to our reputation, or cause us to suffer other adverse consequences.


45


We are exposed to potential lawsuits alleging defects in our products and other claims related to the use of our products.

The sales of our products expose us to the risk of product liability, including hearing loss claims. These claims have in the past been asserted against us. None of the previously resolved claims have materially affected our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that similar claims may materially negatively impact our business or result in substantial damages, or both, in the future.

Additionally, our mobile headsets are used with mobile telephones and there has been public controversy over whether the radio frequency emissions from mobile phones are harmful to users of mobile phones. We are unaware of any conclusive proof of any health hazard from the use of mobile phones, but research in this area continues. We have tested our headsets through independent laboratories and have found that use of our corded headsets reduces radio frequency emissions at the user's head to virtually zero and our Bluetooth and other wireless headsets emit significantly less powerful radio frequency emissions than mobile phones; however, if research establishes a health hazard from the use of mobile phones or public controversy grows even in the absence of conclusive research findings, the likelihood of litigation against us may increase.  Likewise, should research establish a link between radio frequency emissions and corded or wireless headsets or should we become a party to litigation claiming such a link and public concern in this area grows, demand for our corded or wireless headsets could be reduced creating a material adverse effect on our financial results.

There is also continuing public controversy over the use of mobile phones by operators of motor vehicles. While we believe that our products enhance driver safety by permitting a motor vehicle operator to generally keep both hands free to operate the vehicle, there is no certainty that this is the case, and we may be subject to claims arising from allegations that use of a mobile phone and headset contributed to a motor vehicle accident.

We maintain product liability insurance and general liability insurance in amounts we believe sufficient to cover any claims, including those described above; however, the coverage provided under the policies could be unavailable or insufficient to cover the full amount of any one or more claims. Therefore, successful product liability claims brought against us could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our stock price may be volatile and the value of an investment in our stock could be diminished.

The market price for our common stock has been affected and may continue to be affected by a number of factors, including:

Uncertain economic conditions, including the length and scope of the recovery from the domestic and global recession, slowing economic growth in Asia, inflationary pressures, and a potential decline in investor confidence in the market place
Failure to meet our forecasts or the expectations and forecasts of securities analysts
Changes in our guidance or published forecasts that may or may not be consistent with the expectations of analysts or investors
Quarterly variations in our or our competitors' results of operations and changes in market share
The announcement of new products, product enhancements, or partnerships by us or our competitors
Our ability to develop, introduce, ship, and support new products and product enhancements and manage product transitions
Repurchases of our common shares under our repurchase plans or public announcement of our intention not to repurchase our common shares
Our decision to declare dividends or increase or decrease dividends over historical rates
The loss of services of one or more of our executive officers or other key employees
Changes in earnings estimates, recommendations, or ratings by securities analysts or a reduction in the number of analysts following our stock
Developments in our industry, including new or increased enforcement of existing governmental regulations related to our products and new or revised communications standards
Concentrated ownership of our common stock by a limited number of institutional investors that may limit liquidity for investors interested in acquiring or selling positions in our common stock, particularly substantial positions
Sales of substantial numbers of shares of our common stock in the public market by us, our officers or directors, or unaffiliated third parties, including institutional investors
General economic, political, and market conditions, including market volatility
Litigation brought by or against us
Other factors unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors


46


Our business could be materially adversely affected if we lose the benefit of the services of key personnel.

Our success depends to a large extent upon the services of a limited number of executive officers and other key employees. The unanticipated loss of the services of one or more of our executive officers or key employees could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We also believe that our future success will depend in large part upon our ability to attract and retain additional highly skilled technical, management, sales, and marketing personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial condition.

We are subject to environmental laws and regulations that expose us to a number of risks and could result in significant liabilities and costs.

There are multiple initiatives in several jurisdictions regarding the removal of certain potential environmentally sensitive materials from our products to comply with the European Union (“EU”) and other Directives on the Restrictions of the use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“RoHS”) and on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“WEEE”).  If it is determined that our products do not comply with RoHs or WEEE, or additional new or existing environmental laws or regulations in the U.S., Europe, or other jurisdictions are enacted or amended, we may be required to modify some or all of our products or replace one or more components in those products, which, if such modifications are possible, may be time-consuming, expensive to implement and decrease end-user demand, particularly if we increase prices to offset higher costs. If any of the foregoing were to happen, our ability to sell one or more of our products may be limited or prohibited causing a material negative effect on our financial results.

We are subject to various federal, state, local, and foreign environmental laws and regulations on a global basis, including those governing the use, discharge, and disposal of hazardous substances in the ordinary course of our manufacturing process. Although we believe that our current manufacturing operations comply in all material respects with applicable environmental laws and regulations, it is possible that future environmental legislation may be enacted or current environmental legislation may be interpreted in any given country to create environmental liability with respect to our facilities, operations, or products.  To the extent that we incur claims for environmental matters exceeding reserves or insurance for environmental liability, our operating results could be negatively impacted.

We have $16.2 million of goodwill and other intangible assets recorded on our balance sheet.  If the carrying value of our goodwill were to exceed its implied fair value, or if the carrying value of intangible assets were not recoverable, an impairment loss may be recognized, which would adversely affect our financial results.

As a result of past acquisitions we have $16.2 million of goodwill and other intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.  It is impossible at this time to determine if any future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge related to these assets would be material. If such a charge is necessary, it may have a material adverse effect our financial results.

If we are unable to protect our information systems against service interruption, misappropriation of data or breaches of security, our operations could be disrupted, our reputation may be damaged, and we may be financially liable for damages.

We rely on networks, information systems, and other technology (“information systems”), including the Internet and third-party hosted services, to support a variety of business activities, including procurement, manufacturing, sales, distribution, invoicing, and collections. We use information systems to process and report financial information internally and to comply with regulatory reporting. In addition, we depend on information systems for communications with our suppliers, distributors, and customers. Consequently, our business may be impacted by system shutdowns or service disruptions during routine operations, such as system upgrades or user errors, as well as network or hardware failures, malicious software, hackers, natural disasters, communications interruptions, or other events (collectively, "network incidents"). Our computer systems have been, and will likely continue to be, subject to network incidents. While, to date, we have not experienced a network incident resulting in material impairment to our operations, nor have we experienced material intentional or inadvertent disclosure of our data or information or the information or data of our customers or vendors, future network incidents could result in unintended disruption of our operations or disclosure of sensitive information or assets. Furthermore, we may experience targeted attacks and although we continue to invest in personnel, technologies, and training to prepare for and reduce the adverse consequences of such attacks, these investments are expensive and do not guarantee that such attacks will be unsuccessful, either completely or partially.


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If our information systems are disrupted or shutdown and we fail to timely and effectively resolve the issues, we could experience delays in reporting our financial results and we may lose revenue and profits. Misuse, leakage, or falsification of information could result in a violation of data privacy laws and regulations, damage our reputation, and have a negative impact on net operating results. In addition, we may suffer financial damage and damage to our reputation because of loss or misappropriation of our confidential information or assets, or those of our partners, customers, or suppliers. We could also be required to expend significant effort and incur financial costs to remedy security breaches or to repair or replace networks and information systems.

War, terrorism, public health issues, natural disasters, or other business interruptions could disrupt supply, delivery, or demand of products, which could negatively affect our operations and performance.

War, terrorism, public health issues, natural disasters, or other business interruptions, whether in the U.S. or abroad, have caused or could cause damage or disruption to international commerce by creating economic and political uncertainties that may have a strong negative impact on the global economy, us, and our suppliers or customers.  Our major business operations and those of many of our vendors and their sub-suppliers (collectively, "Suppliers") are subject to interruption by disasters, including, without limitation, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions or other natural or manmade disasters, fire, power shortages, terrorist attacks and other hostile acts, public health issues, flu or similar epidemics or pandemics, and other events beyond our control and the control of our Suppliers.  Our corporate headquarters, information technology, manufacturing, certain research and development activities, and other critical business operations are located near major seismic faults or flood zones.  While we are partially insured for earthquake-related losses or floods, our operating results and financial condition could be materially affected in the event of a major earthquake or other natural or manmade disaster.

Although it is impossible to predict the occurrences or consequences of any of the events described above, such events could significantly disrupt our operations or the operations of our Suppliers.  In addition, should any of the events above arise we could be negatively impacted by the need for more stringent employee travel restrictions, limitations in the availability of freight services, governmental actions limiting the movement of products between various regions, delays in production, and disruptions in the operations of our Suppliers.  Our operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected by these events.

We are required to evaluate our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and any adverse results from such evaluation could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports and have an adverse effect on our stock price.

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our management and independent registered public accounting firm are required to report annually on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have an ongoing program to perform the system and process evaluation and testing necessary to comply with these requirements.

We have and will continue to consume management resources and incur significant expenses for Section 404 compliance on an ongoing basis. In the event that our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or independent registered public accounting firm determines in the future that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective as defined under Section 404, we may not be able to produce timely and accurate financial statements, and we may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective. If this were to occur, we could be subject to one or more investigations or enforcement actions by state or federal regulatory agencies, stockholder lawsuits, or other adverse actions requiring us to incur defense costs, pay fines, settlements or judgments, and causing investor perceptions to be adversely affected and potentially resulting in a decline in the market price of our stock.

Provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law or a decision by our Board of Directors in the future may delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us, which could decrease the value of our stock.

Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue preferred stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting and conversion rights, of those shares without any further vote or action by the stockholders. The issuance of our preferred stock could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire us. In addition, we are subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which could also have the effect of delaying or preventing our acquisition by a third party. Further, certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws could delay or make more difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.


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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The actual declaration of future dividends and the establishment of record and payment dates are subject to final determination by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company each quarter after its review of our financial performance.

Share Repurchase Programs

The following table presents a month-to-month summary of the stock purchase activity in the thirdfirst quarter of fiscal year 2014:2015:
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased 1
 
Average Price Paid per Share 2
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs 1
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 6
September 29, 2013 to October 26, 201345,709
3 
$45.87
 45,243
 229,631
October 27, 2013 to November 30, 2013537,373
4 
$43.24
 500,254
 729,377
December 1, 2013 to December 28, 2013130,241
5 
$44.32
 129,377
 600,000
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased 1
 
Average Price Paid per Share 2
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs 1
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 6
March 30, 2014 to April 26, 201470,184
3 
$43.27
 70,000
 862,500
April 27, 2014 to May 24, 2014148,866
4 
$43.33
 115,000
 747,500
May 25, 2014 to June 28, 2014190,756
5 
$45.83
 96,583
 650,917

1 

On November 11, 2013,February 20, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized a new program to repurchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock.
  
2 

"Average Price Paid per Share" reflects open market repurchases of common stock only.
  
3 

Includes 466184 shares that were tendered to us in satisfaction of employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock granted under our stock plans.
  
4 

Includes 37,11933,866 shares that were tendered to us in satisfaction of employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock granted under our stock plans.
  
5 

Includes 86494,173 shares that were tendered to us in satisfaction of employee tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock granted under our stock plans.
  
6 

These shares reflect the available shares authorized for repurchase under the November 11, 2013February 20, 2014 program.



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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

We have filed the following documents as Exhibits to this Form 10-Q:
Exhibit Number   Incorporation by Reference Filed Herewith
 Exhibit Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date 
X
             
          X
             
          X
             
          X
             
101.INS* XBRL Instance Document         X
             
101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document         X
             
101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document         X
             
101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document         X
             
101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document         X
             
101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document         X
             


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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.

  PLANTRONICS, INC.
    
Date:January 27,July 29, 2014By:/s/ Pamela Strayer
  Name:Pamela Strayer
  Title:Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 

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