We strongly believe that ISS reached the wrong conclusion.
iRobot is an innovative consumer technology company that commands 62% market share in the highly competitive robotic vacuuming segment. Maintaining this market share requires vision, technological prowess and significant investment. We spend 12% of our revenue on R&D, similar to other technology-enabled consumer products companies. The rewards for our shareholders are tangible and attractive: 47% gross margins and strong revenue growth, driven by our proven ability to create and enter new market segments.
ISS' report starts from the mistaken premise that technology and innovation are not core to iRobot's success or future. We flatly disagree. We do not believe iRobot would be well-served by operating like traditional, low-tech consumer products companies that regularly change packaging, colors and flavors, but offer limited technological innovation. ISS does not recognize that 62% market share, and the profits and cash flow that come with it, are not a given. We earn it through our R&D and technology leadership every quarter and every year. We believe long-term shareholder value would be put at risk if iRobot were to substantially cut R&D spending, as suggested by ISS and
Our nominees –
iRobot shareholders are reminded that their vote is extremely important, no matter how many or how few shares they own. iRobot strongly recommends that shareholders elect the Company's world-class leaders by voting the WHITE proxy card today "FOR" ALL of iRobot's highly-qualified and experienced director nominees:
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If you have questions about how to vote your shares, or need additional REMEMBER: We urge you NOT to vote using any Green proxy card sent to you by Red Mountain Capital, as doing so will revoke your vote on the WHITE proxy card. |
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Important Stockholder Information
iRobot will hold its 2016 Annual Meeting of stockholders on
COMPANY STOCKHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT SOLICITATION MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
The Company and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of the Company in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2016 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the Company's directors and executive officers is contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K filed with the
The proxy statement and other relevant solicitation materials (when they become available), and any and all documents filed by the Company with the
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this communication that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may be identified with words like "believe," "may," "could," "would," "might," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "target," "anticipate" and "continue," the negative of these words, other terms of similar meaning or the use of future dates. This communication contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the impact of decreasing our R&D spending, and the impact of our strategic actions to enhance stockholder value. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, our ability to enhance stockholder value through our strategic actions. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. iRobot undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this communication, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by iRobot, see the disclosure contained in our public filings with the
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SOURCE
Investor Contacts: Elise Caffrey, Investor Relations, iRobot Corp., (781) 430-3003, ecaffrey@irobot.com; Scott Winter / Jennifer Shotwell, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, (212) 750-5833, or Media Contacts: Matthew Lloyd, Media Relations, iRobot Corp., (781) 430-3720, mlloyd@irobot.com; Andi Rose / Becky McClain, Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, (212) 355-4449