WOLFSPEED INC

Previous wording

•Our business may be adversely affected by the state of the global economy, uncertainties in global financial markets, our ability, or our customers', suppliers' or vendors' ability, to access funding, and possible trade tariffs and trade restrictions.

Current wording

•Our business may be adversely affected by the state of the global economy, uncertainties in global financial markets, our ability, or our customers' or suppliers' ability, to access funding, and possible trade tariffs and trade restrictions.

Previous wording

Our business may be adversely affected by the state of the global economy, uncertainties in global financial markets, our ability or our customers', suppliers' or vendors' ability to access funding, and possible trade tariffs and trade restrictions.

Current wording

Our business may be adversely affected by the state of the global economy, uncertainties in global financial markets, our ability or our customers' or suppliers' ability to access funding, and possible trade tariffs and trade restrictions.

Previous wording

Our operations and performance depend significantly on worldwide economic and geopolitical conditions. Uncertainty about global economic conditions could result in customers postponing purchases of our products and services in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news, higher interest rates and/or declines in income or asset values and other macroeconomic factors, which could have a material negative effect on demand for our products and services and, accordingly, on our business, results of operations or financial condition. For example, current global financial markets continue to reflect uncertainty, including, among other things, the ongoing military conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Given these uncertainties, there could be further disruptions to the global economy, financial markets and consumer confidence. If economic conditions deteriorate unexpectedly, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. For example, our customers, including our distributors and their customers, may experience difficulty obtaining the working capital and other financing necessary to support historical or projected purchasing patterns, which could negatively affect our results of operations.

Current wording

Our operations and performance depend significantly on worldwide economic and geopolitical conditions. Uncertainty about global economic conditions could result in customers postponing purchases of our products and services in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news, higher interest rates and/or declines in income or asset values and other macroeconomic factors, which could have a material negative effect on demand for our products and services and, accordingly, on our business, results of operations or financial condition. For example, current global financial markets continue to reflect uncertainty, including, as a result of the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, as well as a slowdown of the economy in China, which has impacted and could continue to impact demand for our products used in industrial and energy applications. Given these uncertainties, there could be further disruptions to the global economy, financial markets and consumer confidence. If economic conditions deteriorate unexpectedly, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. For example, our customers, including our distributors and their customers, may experience difficulty obtaining the working capital and other financing necessary to support historical or projected purchasing patterns, which could negatively affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

Various global economic slowdowns could occur and potentially result in certain economies dipping into economic recessions, including in the United States. Additionally, increased inflation around the world, including in the United States, applies pressure to our costs. Continued economic slowdowns or recessions and inflationary pressures could have a negative impact on our business, including decreased demand, increased costs, and other challenges. Government actions to address economic slowdowns and increased inflation, including increased interest rates, also could result in negative impacts to our growth.

Current wording

Various global economic slowdowns could occur and potentially result in certain economies dipping into economic recessions, including in the United States. Additionally, increased inflation around the world, including in the United States, applies pressure to our costs. Economic slowdowns or recessions and inflationary pressures could have a negative impact on our business, including decreased demand, increased costs, and other challenges. Government actions to address economic slowdowns and increased inflation, including increased interest rates, also could result in negative impacts to our growth.

Previous wording

General trade tensions between the United States and China continue, and any economic and political uncertainty caused by the United States tariffs imposed on goods from China, among other potential countries, and any corresponding tariffs or currency devaluations from China or such other countries in response, has negatively impacted, and may in the future negatively impact, demand and/or increase the cost for our products. Additionally, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 triggered significant sanctions from the U.S. and European countries. Resulting changes in U.S. trade policy could trigger retaliatory actions by Russia, its allies and other affected countries, including China, resulting in a potential trade war. Furthermore, if the current conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East continue for a prolonged period of time, or if other countries, including the U.S., become involved in these conflicts, we could face significant adverse effects to our business and financial condition. For example, if our supply or customer arrangements are disrupted due to expanded sanctions or involvement of countries where we have operations or relationships, our business could be materially disrupted. Further, the use of cyberattacks could expand as part of the conflict, which could adversely affect our ability to maintain or enhance our cyber-security and data protection measures.

Current wording

General trade tensions between the United States and China continue, and any economic and political uncertainty caused by the United States tariffs imposed on goods from China, among other potential countries, and any corresponding tariffs or currency devaluations from China or such other countries in response, has negatively impacted, and may in the future negatively impact, demand and/or increase the cost for our products. Additionally, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 triggered significant sanctions from the United States and European countries. Resulting changes in United States trade policy could trigger retaliatory actions by Russia, its allies and other affected countries, including China, resulting in a potential trade war. Furthermore, if the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East continue for a prolonged period of time, or if other countries, including the United States, become involved in these conflicts, we could face significant adverse effects to our business and financial condition. For example, if our supply or customer arrangements are disrupted due to expanded sanctions or involvement of countries where we have operations or relationships, our business could be materially disrupted. Further, the use of cyberattacks could expand as part of the conflict, which could adversely affect our ability to maintain or enhance our cyber-security and data protection measures.

Previous wording

Although we believe we have adequate liquidity and capital resources to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months, we expect to need additional funding to fully complete all of our intended expansion initiatives, which we may seek to obtain through, among other avenues, government funding in both the United States and Europe, public or private equity offerings, and debt financings (which may involve retiring some of our existing debt). If unfavorable capital market conditions exist, we may not be able to raise sufficient capital on favorable terms and on a timely basis, if at all. If we issue equity or convertible debt securities to raise additional funds, our existing shareholders may experience dilution and the new equity or debt securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our then-existing shareholders. If we incur additional debt, it may impose financial and operating covenants that could restrict the operations of our business. In a rising interest rate environment, debt financing will become more expensive and may have higher transactional and servicing costs. In addition, our existing indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. The potential inability to obtain adequate funding from debt or capital sources in the future could force us to self-fund strategic initiatives or even forego certain opportunities, which in turn could potentially harm our performance.

Current wording

Although we believe we have adequate liquidity and capital resources to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months, we expect to need additional funding to fully complete all of our intended expansion initiatives, which we may seek to obtain through, among other avenues, government funding, equity offerings or other non-debt funding sources, and debt financings (which may involve retiring, refinancing or modifying some of our existing debt). As discussed in Note 14, "Subsequent Events," to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report, in connection with the PMT we entered into with the United States Department of Commerce for proposed direct capital grants under the CHIPS Act, we have agreed to raise additional capital from non-debt sources over the next 12 months and to restructure or refinance our outstanding convertible notes at specified intervals. If unfavorable capital market conditions exist, we may not be able to raise sufficient capital or restructure or refinance our outstanding convertible notes on favorable terms and on a timely basis, if at all, which would impact our ability to access government funds and issue additional 2030 Senior Notes. If we issue equity or convertible debt securities to raise additional funds, our existing shareholders may experience dilution and the new equity or debt securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of our then-existing shareholders. If we incur additional debt, it may impose financial and operating covenants that could restrict the operations of our business. In a rising interest rate environment, debt financing will become more expensive and may have higher transactional and servicing costs. In addition, our existing indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future. The potential inability to obtain adequate funding from debt or capital sources in the future could force us to self-fund strategic initiatives or even forego certain opportunities, which in turn could potentially harm our performance.

Previous wording

In fiscal 2023, approximately 80% of our revenue was from outside the United States and we expect that revenue from international sales will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenue. As such, a significant slowdown or instability in relevant foreign economies or lower investments in new infrastructure could have a negative impact on our sales. We also purchase a portion of the materials included in our products from overseas sources.

Current wording

In fiscal 2024, 86% of our revenue was from outside the United States and we expect that revenue from international sales will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenue. As such, a significant slowdown or instability in relevant foreign economies or lower investments in new infrastructure could have a negative impact on our sales. We also purchase a portion of the materials included in our products from overseas sources.

Previous wording

Our international sales and purchases are subject to numerous United States and foreign laws and regulations, including, without limitation, tariffs, trade sanctions, trade barriers, trade embargoes, regulations relating to import-export control, technology transfer restrictions, the International Traffic in Arms Regulation promulgated under the Arms Export Control Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the anti-boycott provisions of the U.S. Export Administration Act. The U.S. Government has imposed, and in the future may impose, restrictions on shipments to some of our current customers. Government restrictions on sales to certain foreign customers will reduce company revenue and profit related to those customers in the short term and could have a potential long-term impact.

Current wording

Our international sales and purchases are subject to numerous United States and foreign laws and regulations, including, without limitation, tariffs, trade sanctions, trade barriers, trade embargoes, regulations relating to import-export control, technology transfer restrictions, the International Traffic in Arms Regulation promulgated under the Arms Export Control Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the anti-boycott provisions of the United States Export Administration Act. The United States Government has imposed, and in the future may impose, restrictions on shipments to some of our current customers. Government restrictions on sales to certain foreign customers will reduce our revenue and profit related to those customers in the short term and could have a potential long-term impact.

Previous wording

•tariffs, customs, trade sanctions, trade embargoes and other barriers to importing/exporting materials and products in a cost-effective and timely manner, or changes in applicable tariffs or custom rules, such as the additional customs duties accrued related to our former Lighting Products business unit;

Current wording

•tariffs, customs, trade sanctions, trade embargoes and other barriers to importing/exporting materials and products in a cost-effective and timely manner, or changes in applicable tariffs or custom rules, such as the additional customs duties incurred in fiscal 2024 related to our former Lighting Products business unit;

Previous wording

For example, the United States has imposed significant tariffs on Chinese-made goods, which the Biden administration has largely left in place. The tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, among other potential countries and any corresponding tariffs from China or such other countries in response has, and may in the future, negatively impact demand and/or increase the costs for our products. In some instances, we have received and may continue to receive incentives from foreign governments to encourage our investment in certain countries, regions or areas outside of the United States. Government incentives may include tax rebates, reduced tax rates, favorable lending policies and other measures, some or all of which may be available to us due to our foreign operations. Any of these incentives could be reduced or eliminated by governmental authorities at any time or as a result of our inability to maintain minimum operations necessary to earn the incentives. Any reduction or elimination of incentives currently provided for our operations could adversely affect our business and results of operations. These same governments also may provide increased incentives to or require production processes that favor local companies, which could further negatively impact our business and results of operations.

Current wording

For example, the United States has imposed significant tariffs on Chinese-made goods, which the Biden administration has largely left in place, and in certain instances increased or proposed to increase such tariffs. The tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, among other potential countries and any corresponding tariffs from China or such other countries in response has, and may in the future, negatively impact demand and/or increase the costs for our products. In some instances, we have received and may continue to receive incentives from foreign governments to encourage our investment in certain countries, regions or areas outside of the United States. Government incentives may include tax rebates, reduced tax rates, favorable lending policies and other measures, some or all of which may be available to us due to our foreign operations. Any of these incentives could be reduced or eliminated by governmental authorities at any time or as a result of our inability to maintain minimum operations necessary to earn the incentives. Any reduction or elimination of incentives provided for our operations could adversely affect our business and results of operations. These same governments also may provide increased incentives to or require production processes that favor local companies, which could further negatively impact our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

Changes in regulatory, geopolitical, social, economic, or monetary policies and other factors may have a material adverse effect on our business in the future, or may require us to exit a particular market or significantly modify our current business practices. Abrupt political change, terrorist activity and armed conflict pose a risk of general economic disruption in affected countries, which could also result in an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Changes in regulatory, geopolitical, social, economic, or monetary policies and other factors, including those which may result from the outcome of the 2024 United States Presidential election, if any, may have a material adverse effect on our business in the future, or may require us to exit a particular market or significantly modify our current business practices. Abrupt political change, terrorist activity and armed conflict pose a risk of general economic disruption in affected countries, which could also result in an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

•maintain, expand, construct and purchase adequate manufacturing facilities and equipment, as well as secure sufficient third-party manufacturing resources, to meet customer demand, including specifically the expansion of our silicon carbide capacity with the opening and ramping of a state-of-the-art, automated 200mm capable silicon carbide device fabrication facility in New York, an expansion of our materials factory in Durham, North Carolina, the construction of a new materials manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina, the renovation of an epitaxy facility in Farmers Branch, Texas, and the planned construction of a new 200mm capable silicon carbide device fabrication facility in Saarland, Germany;

Current wording

•maintain, expand, construct and purchase adequate manufacturing facilities and equipment, as well as secure sufficient third-party manufacturing resources, to meet customer demand, including specifically the expansion of our silicon carbide capacity with the ramping of our state-of-the-art, automated 200mm capable silicon carbide device fabrication facility in New York, an expansion of our materials factory in Durham, North Carolina and the construction of a new materials manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina;

Previous wording

•access capital markets to fund our growth initiatives, including our ongoing and planned capacity expansions;

Current wording

•access capital markets to fund our growth initiatives, including our ongoing and planned capacity expansions, and to satisfy conditions relating to availability of government funding based on the PMT and access to additional funds under the 2030 Senior Notes Indenture;

Previous wording

•confirm our eligibility for and receive the expected benefits from refundable income tax credits and capital grants through the CHIPS Act, and receive and potentially sell any tax credits for which we may apply under the Inflation Reduction Act;

Current wording

•confirm our eligibility for and receive the expected benefits from refundable income tax credits through the CHIPS Act, and receive and potentially sell any tax credits for which we may apply under the IRA;

Previous wording

We are also increasingly dependent on information technology to enable us to improve the effectiveness of our operations and to maintain financial accuracy and efficiency. Allocation and effective management of the resources necessary to successfully implement, integrate, train personnel and sustain our information technology platforms will remain critical to ensure that we are not subject to transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, loss of customers or suppliers, business disruptions or loss of or damage to intellectual property through a security breach in the near term. Additionally, we face these same risks if we fail to allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build, implement, upgrade, integrate and sustain appropriate technology infrastructure over the longer term.

Current wording

We are also increasingly dependent on information technology to enable us to improve the effectiveness of our operations and to maintain financial accuracy and efficiency. Allocation and effective management of the resources necessary to successfully implement, integrate, train personnel and sustain our information technology platforms will remain critical to ensuring that we are not subject to transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, loss of customers or suppliers, business disruptions or loss of or damage to intellectual property through a security breach in the near term. Additionally, we face these same risks if we fail to allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build, implement, upgrade, integrate and sustain appropriate technology infrastructure over the longer term.

Previous wording

As customer demand for our products changes, we must be able to adjust our production capacity to meet demand. We are continually taking steps to address our manufacturing capacity needs for our products. Currently, we are focusing on increasing production capacity. If we are not able to increase our production capacity at our targeted rate, if there are unforeseen costs associated with increasing our capacity levels, or if we are unable to obtain advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment in a timely manner, we may not be able to achieve our financial targets. We may be unable to build or qualify new capacity on a timely basis to meet customer demand and customers may fulfill their orders with one of our competitors instead. In addition, as we introduce new products and change product generations, we must balance the production and inventory of prior generation products with the production and inventory of new generation products, whether manufactured by us or our contract manufacturers, to maintain a product mix that will satisfy customer demand and mitigate the risk of incurring cost write-downs on the previous generation products, related raw materials and tooling. Significant or prolonged shortages or delivery delays of our products to our customers could delay their manufacturing and negatively impact our relationships with these customers, including triggering the potential payment of penalties on certain agreements.

Current wording

As customer demand for our products changes, we must be able to adjust our production capacity to meet demand. We are continually taking steps to address our manufacturing capacity needs for our products. Currently, we are focusing on increasing production capacity that utilizes 200mm substrates. If we are not able to increase our production capacity at our targeted rate, if there are unforeseen costs associated with increasing our capacity levels, or if we are unable to obtain advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment in a timely manner, we may not be able to achieve our financial targets. We may be unable to build or qualify new capacity on a timely basis to meet customer demand and customers may fulfill their orders with one of our competitors instead. In addition, as we introduce new products and change product generations, we must balance the production and inventory of prior generation products with the production and inventory of new generation products, whether manufactured by us or our contract manufacturers, to maintain a product mix that will satisfy customer demand and mitigate the risk of incurring cost write-downs on the previous generation products, related raw materials and tooling. Significant or prolonged shortages or delivery delays of our products to our customers could delay their manufacturing and negatively impact our relationships with these customers, including triggering the potential payment of penalties on certain agreements.

Previous wording

Due to the proportionately high fixed cost nature of our business (such as facility costs), if demand does not materialize at the rate forecasted, we may not be able to scale back our manufacturing expenses or overhead costs quickly enough to correspond to the lower than expected demand. This could result in lower margins and adversely impact our business and results of operations. Additionally, if product demand decreases or if we fail to forecast demand decreases or changes accurately, which could lead to a mismatch between current product demand and manufactured product mix, our results may be adversely impacted, including due to higher costs resulting from lower factory utilization, causing higher fixed costs per unit produced. For example, in fiscal 2024, we and other semiconductor companies have been experiencing softer demand for power products in industrial and energy applications than we expected, causing us to shift capacity to products for automotive applications. Changes in product demand from our customers' forecasts may also cause variability in our supply costs if significant adjustments are needed to our forecasted or committed procurement and supply plans. Further, we may be required to recognize impairments on our long-lived assets or recognize excess inventory write-off charges, or excess capacity charges, which would have a negative impact on our results of operations.

Current wording

Due to the proportionately high fixed cost nature of our business (such as facility costs), if demand does not materialize at the rate forecasted, we may not be able to scale back our manufacturing expenses or overhead costs quickly enough to correspond to the lower than expected demand. This could result in lower margins and adversely impact our business and results of operations. Additionally, if product demand decreases or if we fail to forecast demand decreases or changes accurately, we may experience a mismatch between current product demand and manufactured product mix, adversely impacting our results, including due to higher costs resulting from lower factory utilization, causing higher fixed costs per unit produced. For example, in fiscal and calendar 2024, we and other semiconductor companies experienced and have continued to experience softer demand for power products in industrial and energy applications than expected. In response, we adjusted our production mix in our North Carolina fab to manufacture power products for automotive applications, which have higher unit costs in this fab. Changes in product demand from our customers' forecasts may also cause variability in our supply costs if significant adjustments are needed to our forecasted or committed procurement and supply plans. Further, we may be required to recognize impairments on our long-lived assets or recognize excess inventory write-off charges, or excess capacity charges, which would have a negative impact on our results of operations.

Previous wording

With the opening of the Mohawk Valley Fab, we have experienced and will continue to experience increased pressure on margins during the period when production begins but before the facility is at full utilization, and in the initial periods we expect these underutilization costs to be substantial as we ramp up the facility. Additionally, our large upfront investment in the facility, or any other new facility, to increase capacity does not guarantee we will need the capacity and we may experience lower than expected capacity once the facility is in production, which could result in further margin pressures.

Current wording

With the opening of the Mohawk Valley Fab, we have experienced and will continue to experience increased pressure on margins during the period when production begins but before the facility is at full utilization, and in the initial periods we expect these underutilization costs will continue to be substantial as we ramp up the facility. Additionally, our large upfront investment in the facility, or any other new facility, to increase capacity does not guarantee we will need the capacity and we may experience lower than expected capacity once the facility is in production, which could result in further margin pressures.

Previous wording

•equipment failure, power outages, fires, flooding, information or other system failures or variations in the manufacturing process;

Current wording

•equipment failure, power outages, fires, flooding, information or other system failures or variations in the manufacturing process, such as the equipment incident we experienced in our Durham fab in late fiscal 2024;

Previous wording

In addition, our ability to convert volume manufacturing to larger diameter substrates can be an important factor in providing a more cost-effective manufacturing process. We continue to prepare for production using 200mm substrates and if we are unable to make this transition in a timely or cost-effective manner, our results could be negatively impacted.

Current wording

In addition, our ability to convert volume manufacturing to larger diameter substrates is an important factor in providing a more cost-effective manufacturing process. We continue to prepare for production using 200mm substrates and if we are unable to make this transition in a timely or cost-effective manner, our results could be negatively impacted.

Previous wording

•our customers’ ability to develop competitive products incorporating our products; and

Current wording

•our customers' ability to develop competitive products incorporating our products;

Previous wording

•our ability to develop repeatable processes to manufacture new products in sufficient quantities, with the desired specifications and at competitive costs;

Current wording

•our ability to develop repeatable processes to manufacture new products in sufficient quantities, with the desired specifications and at competitive costs; and

Previous wording

We generally purchase these sole or limited source items with purchase orders, and we have limited guaranteed supply arrangements with such suppliers, including take-or-pay arrangements and capacity reserve deposit agreements. Some of our sources can have variations in attributes and availability which can affect our ability to produce products in sufficient volume or quality. We do not control the time and resources that these suppliers devote to our business, and we cannot be sure that these suppliers will perform their obligations to us. Additionally, general shortages in the marketplace of certain raw materials or key components may adversely impact our business. In the past, we have experienced decreases in our production yields when suppliers have varied from previously agreed upon specifications or made other modifications we do not specify, which impacted our cost of revenue.

Current wording

We generally purchase these sole or limited source items with purchase orders, and we have limited guaranteed supply arrangements with such suppliers, including take-or-pay arrangements and capacity reserve deposit agreements. Some of our sources can have variations in attributes and availability which can affect our ability to produce products in sufficient volume or quality. We do not control the time and resources that these suppliers devote to our business, and we cannot be sure that these suppliers will perform their obligations to us. Additionally, general shortages in the marketplace of certain raw materials or key components may adversely impact our business. In the past, we have experienced decreases in our production yields when suppliers have varied from previously agreed upon specifications or made other modifications we did not specify, which impacted our cost of revenue.

Previous wording

We sell a portion of our products to distributors, including a distributor that represented more than 10% of our revenue in fiscal 2023. We rely on distributors to develop and expand their customer base as well as to anticipate demand from their customers. If they are not successful, our growth and profitability may be adversely impacted. Distributors must balance the need to have enough products in stock in order to meet their customers’ needs against their internal target inventory levels and the risk of potential inventory obsolescence. The risks of inventory obsolescence are especially relevant to technological products. The distributors’ internal target inventory levels vary depending on market cycles and a number of factors within each distributor over which we have very little, if any, control. Distributors also have the ability to shift business to different manufacturers within their product portfolio based on a number of factors, including new product availability and performance. Similarly, we have the ability to add, consolidate, or remove distributors.

Current wording

We sell a portion of our products to distributors, including a distributor that represented more than 10% of our revenue in fiscal 2024. We rely on distributors to develop and expand their customer base as well as to anticipate demand from their customers. If they are not successful, our growth and profitability may be adversely impacted. Distributors must balance the need to have enough products in stock in order to meet their customers’ demand against their internal target inventory levels and the risk of potential inventory obsolescence. The risks of inventory obsolescence are especially relevant to technological products. The distributors’ internal target inventory levels vary depending on market cycles and a number of factors within each distributor over which we have very little, if any, control. Distributors also have the ability to shift business to different manufacturers within their product portfolio based on a number of factors, including new product availability and performance. Similarly, we have the ability to add, consolidate, or remove distributors.

Previous wording

We typically recognize revenue on products sold to distributors when the item is shipped and title passes to the distributor (sell-in method). Certain distributors have limited rights to return inventory under stock rotation programs and have limited price adjustment rights for which we make estimates. We evaluate inventory levels in the distribution channel, current economic trends and other related factors in order to account for these factors in our judgments and estimates. As inventory levels and product return trends change or we make changes to our distributor roster, we may have to revise our estimates and incur additional costs, and our gross margins and operating results could be adversely impacted.

Current wording

We typically recognize revenue on products sold to distributors when an item is shipped and title passes to the distributor (sell-in method). Certain distributors have limited rights to return inventory under stock rotation programs and have limited price adjustment rights for which we make estimates. We evaluate inventory levels in the distribution channel, current economic trends and other related factors in order to account for these factors in our judgments and estimates. As inventory levels and product return trends change or we make changes to our distributor roster, we may have to revise our estimates and incur additional costs, and our gross margins and operating results could be adversely impacted.

Previous wording

We continue to expand into new markets and new market segments. Many of our existing customers who purchase our silicon carbide substrate materials develop and manufacture devices, die and components using those wafers that are offered in the same power markets. As a result, some of our current customers perceive us as a competitor in these market segments. In response, our customers may reduce or discontinue their orders for our substrate materials. This reduction in or discontinuation of orders could occur faster than our sales growth in these new markets, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Current wording

We continue to expand into new markets and new market segments. Many of our existing customers who purchase our silicon carbide substrate materials develop and manufacture devices, die and components using those wafers that are offered in the same power market. As a result, some of our current customers perceive us as a competitor in these market segments. In response, our customers may reduce or discontinue their orders for our substrate materials. This reduction in or discontinuation of orders could occur faster than our sales growth in these new markets, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Previous wording

•the inability to realize the expected benefits, both from a timing and amount perspective, from our ongoing and planned capacity expansions, including the construction of a new materials manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina, the planned construction of a new 200mm capable silicon carbide device fabrication facility in Saarland, Germany and the renovation of an epitaxy facility in Farmers Branch, Texas;

Current wording

•the inability to realize the expected benefits, both from a timing and amount perspective, from our ongoing and planned capacity expansions, including the construction of a new materials manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina;

Previous wording

We are subject to a number of risks associated with the sale of the RF Business, and these risks could adversely impact our operations, financial condition and business.

Current wording

We are subject to a number of risks associated with our former RF Business, and these risks could adversely impact our operations, financial condition and business.

Previous wording

On December 2, 2023, we completed the sale of our former RF product line (the RF Business) to MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (MACOM) pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated August 22, 2023 (the RF Purchase Agreement). We are subject to a number of risks associated with this transaction, including risks associated with:

Current wording

On December 2, 2023, we completed the sale of the RF Business to MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (MACOM) pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement dated August 22, 2023 (the RF Purchase Agreement). We are subject to a number of risks associated with this transaction, including risks associated with:

Previous wording

•issues, delays or complications in completing required transition activities to allow the RF product line (the RF Business) to operate under MACOM after the closing, including incurring unanticipated costs to complete such activities;

Current wording

•issues, delays or complications in completing required transition activities to allow the RF Business to operate under MACOM, including incurring unanticipated costs to complete such activities;

Previous wording

•the diversion of our management's attention away from the operation of the business we are retaining;

Current wording

•the diversion of our management's attention away from the operation of the business we retained;

Previous wording

•our failure to realize the full purchase price anticipated under the RF Purchase Agreement, including due to fluctuations in the market price of the 711,528 shares of MACOM’s common stock that constitute a portion of the purchase price under the RF Purchase Agreement (the MACOM Shares) before we are able to sell the MACOM Shares following MACOM's assumption of control of the Company's 100mm gallium nitride wafer fabrication facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina approximately two years following the closing of the transaction (the RTP Fab Transfer) and the forfeiture of one-quarter of the MACOM Shares in the event that the RTP Fab Transfer is not completed within four years following the closing of the transaction.

Current wording

•our failure to realize the full purchase price anticipated under the RF Purchase Agreement, including due to fluctuations in the market price of MACOM’s common stock before we are able to sell the shares received as partial consideration for the RF Business (the MACOM Shares) following MACOM's assumption of control of the Company's 100mm GaN wafer fabrication facility in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, approximately two years following the closing of the transaction (the RTP Fab Transfer) and/or the forfeiture of one-quarter of the MACOM Shares in the event that the RTP Fab Transfer is not completed within four years following the closing of the transaction.

Previous wording

We are subject to risks associated with the sale of our former Lighting Products business unit, and these risks could adversely impact our financial condition.

Current wording

We are subject to risks associated with the sale of our former Lighting Products and LED Products business units, and these risks could adversely impact our financial condition.

Previous wording

On May 13, 2019, we closed the sale of our former Lighting Products business unit to IDEAL Industries, Inc. (IDEAL). We are subject to risks associated with this transaction, including risks associated with any required payments of indemnification obligations under the Purchase Agreement with IDEAL for retained liabilities and breaches of representations, warranties or covenants.

Current wording

On May 13, 2019, we closed the sale of our former Lighting Products business unit to IDEAL Industries, Inc. (IDEAL) and on March 1, 2021, we completed the sale of our former LED Products business unit (the LED Business) to SMART Global Holdings, Inc. (SGH). We are subject to risks associated with these transactions, including risks associated with any required payments of indemnification obligations under the Purchase Agreement with IDEAL and the Asset Purchase Agreement with SGH for retained liabilities and breaches of representations, warranties or covenants.

Previous wording

As a result, we may be unable to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction. Our failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction would adversely impact our financial condition and could limit our ability to pursue additional strategic transactions.

Current wording

As a result, we may be unable to realize the anticipated benefits of these transactions. Our failure to realize the anticipated benefits of these transactions would adversely impact our financial condition and could limit our ability to pursue additional strategic transactions.

Previous wording

Our intellectual property position is based in part on patents owned by us and patents licensed to us. We intend to continue to file patent applications in the future, where appropriate, and to pursue such applications with U.S. and certain foreign patent authorities.

Current wording

Our intellectual property position is based in part on patents owned by us and patents licensed to us. We intend to continue to file patent applications in the future, where appropriate, and to pursue such applications with United States and certain foreign patent authorities.

Previous wording

•potential changes in tax laws or alterations in the interpretation of such tax laws and changes in generally accepted accounting principles, for example interpretations and U.S. regulations issued as a result of the significant changes to the U.S. tax law included within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the TCJA), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 and the Inflation Reduction Act (the IRA);

Current wording

•potential changes in tax laws or alterations in the interpretation of such tax laws and changes in generally accepted accounting principles, for example interpretations and United States regulations issued as a result of the significant changes to the United States tax law included within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the TCJA), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 and the IRA;

Previous wording

•variations in realized tax deductions for certain stock-based compensation awards (such as non-qualified stock options and restricted stock) from those originally anticipated; and

Current wording

•variations in realized tax deductions for certain stock-based compensation awards (such as restricted stock) from those originally anticipated; and

Previous wording

•the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for taxes or any changes in legislation that may result in these earnings being taxed, regardless of our decision regarding repatriation of funds. For example, the TCJA included a one-time tax on deemed repatriated earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries.

Current wording

•the repatriation of non-United States earnings for which we have not previously provided for taxes or any changes in legislation that may result in these earnings being taxed, regardless of our decision regarding repatriation of funds. For example, the TCJA included a one-time tax on deemed repatriated earnings of non-United States subsidiaries.

Previous wording

As of March 31, 2024, our indebtedness consisted of $575.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 1.75% convertible senior notes due May 1, 2026 (the 2026 Notes), $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 0.25% convertible senior notes due February 15, 2028 (the 2028 Notes), $1,750.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2029 Notes (the 2026 Notes, the 2028 Notes and the 2029 Notes collectively, the Outstanding Convertible Notes) and $1,250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2030 Senior Notes. In addition, on July 5, 2023, we entered into the CRD Agreement with Renesas Electronics America Inc. (Renesas America) pursuant to which Renesas America has provided the Company deposits in an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion with a commitment to provide additional deposits in an aggregate principal amount of up to an additional $500 million at our discretion in calendar year 2024, in connection with our entry into a wafer supply agreement with Renesas Electronics Corporation, an affiliate of Renesas America. Our ability to pay interest and repay the principal for any outstanding indebtedness under the Outstanding Convertible Notes, the 2030 Senior Notes and the CRD Agreement is dependent upon our ability to manage our business operations and generate sufficient cash flows to service such debt. There can be no assurance that we will be able to manage any of these risks successfully.

Current wording

As of September 29, 2024, our indebtedness consisted of $575.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2026 Notes, $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 0.25% convertible senior notes due February 15, 2028 (the 2028 Notes), $1,750.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 1.875% convertible senior notes due December 1, 2029 (the 2029 Notes, and together with the 2026 Notes and the 2028 Notes, the Outstanding Convertible Notes) and $1,250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2030 Senior Notes and an aggregate principal amount of $2,000.0 million of deposits under the CRD Agreement with Renesas America. As discussed in Note 14, "Subsequent Events," to our unaudited consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report, on October 15, 2024, we entered into the 2030 Senior Notes Indenture which amends certain terms and conditions of the 2030 Senior Notes and permits us to issue and sell $750.0 million of additional notes, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions. On October 22, 2024, we issued an additional $250.0 million of 2030 Senior Notes. Our ability to pay interest and repay the principal for any outstanding indebtedness under the Outstanding Convertible Notes, the 2030 Senior Notes and the CRD Agreement is dependent upon our ability to manage our business operations and generate sufficient cash flows to service such debt. There can be no assurance that we will be able to manage any of these risks successfully.