<PAGE>   1
 
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                            ------------------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
(MARK ONE)
 
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934
    FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 OR
 
[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM           TO           .
 
     COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-26660
 
                            ------------------------
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
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<S>                                           <C>
                  CALIFORNIA                                    94-2928582
       (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                       (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
        INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                     IDENTIFICATION NO.)
 
   48401 FREMONT BLVD., FREMONT, CALIFORNIA                       94538
   (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)                     (ZIP CODE)
</TABLE>
 
              Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
                                 (510) 492-1088
 
          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                      NONE
 
          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                           COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE
                                (TITLE OF CLASS)
 
     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 [X]  No [ ]
 
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ ]
 
     The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of
the Registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the Common Stock on January
31, 1997 ($32.375) as reported on the Nasdaq National Market, was approximately
$868,886,000. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and by
each person who owned 5% or more of the Registrant's outstanding Common Stock on
that date have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be
affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a
conclusive determination for other purposes.
 
     As of January 31, 1997, Registrant had outstanding 38,307,036 shares of
Common Stock.
 
                            ------------------------
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
     Portions of the Proxy Statement for Registrant's 1997 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III.
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
                                 1996 FORM 10-K
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
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<S>          <C>                                                                           <C>
             PART I
Item 1.      Business....................................................................     2
Item 2.      Properties..................................................................    11
Item 3.      Legal Proceedings...........................................................    11
Item 4.      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........................    12
Item 4A.     Executive Officers of the Registrant........................................    12
 
             PART II
Item 5.      Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters....    14
Item 6.      Selected Financial Data.....................................................    14
Item 7.      Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
             and Results of Operations...................................................    15
Item 8.      Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................................    23
Item 9.      Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
             and Financial Disclosures...................................................    40
 
             PART III
Item 10.     Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..........................    41
Item 11.     Executive Compensation......................................................    41
Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management..............    41
Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..............................    41
 
             PART IV
Item 14.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K............    42
Signatures...............................................................................    45
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<PAGE>   3
 
     Statements contained in this filing that are not statements of historical
fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. A number of important
factors could cause actual events or the Company's actual results to differ
materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including
dependence on continued growth in demand for PC audio, video and other
multimedia capabilities for notebook and desktop computers, as well as consumer
electronic products; the Company's ability to take advantage of new markets;
increased competition and pricing pressures, general economic conditions and
conditions specific to the semiconductor industry; the timing and market
acceptance of new product introductions; the timely development of new products;
continued availability of quality foundry capacity; and other risks set forth in
this filing and in the Company's filings from time to time with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
 
                                     PART I
 
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
 
     ESS Technology, Inc. ("ESS" or the "Company"), a California corporation,
designs, markets and supports highly integrated mixed signal semiconductor and
software solutions for multimedia applications in the personal computer ("PC")
and consumer marketplaces. The Company offers comprehensive solutions for audio,
video, and fax/modem applications. ESS has established itself as a leading
supplier of mixed signal PC audio solutions that integrate all essential audio
components on a single chip. During 1996, ESS introduced a family of integrated
circuits that incorporate advanced decompression technology for digital video
products and began marketing a line of highly integrated V.34bis modem
solutions.
 
PRODUCTS
 
     ESS leverages a leadership position in PC audio, its video and fax/modem
technology, a diverse customer base, recognized quality, and dependable on-time
delivery to provide high quality, cost effective, and highly integrated
multimedia solutions for the personal computer and consumer markets. The Company
has three major families of products: the AudioDRIVE(TM) family addressing the
PC digital audio device market; the VideoDRIVE(TM) family targeting MPEG-1 and
MPEG-2 decompression-based consumer products, such as Video Compact Disk ("VCD")
player, Digital Versatile Disk ("DVD") player and set-top box; and the
Tele(TM)DRIVE family, focusing on the integrated audio-fax/modem applications,
including full duplex speakerphone, digital simultaneous voice and data (DSVD)
and videoconferencing.
 
  Audio Products
 
     ESS' single chip AudioDRIVE products enable PC manufacturers to provide
audio capabilities on sound cards and directly on the motherboards of desktop
and notebook computers. The Company has established itself as a leader in
integrated audio solutions and counts many of the leading manufacturers of
personal computers and sound cards among its customers.
 
     ESS' single chip AudioDRIVE products provide comprehensive PC audio
solutions that offer higher performance and functionality, consume less power
and board space, and cost less than other commercially available PC audio
solutions.
 
     Recently, demand for multimedia desktop and notebook computers with high
quality sound, graphics and video capabilities has increased due to three
dynamic factors: (1) advances in semiconductor technology; (2) growth in
interactive PC entertainment, educational and business software applications;
and (3) increases in use of on-line services. These factors have created market
opportunities for highly integrated multimedia semiconductor solutions that can
be placed on the PC motherboard and on multi-function sound cards.
 
     The Company's AudioDRIVE products are based on ESS' proprietary audio
technologies, design methodologies, and software and firmware expertise. ESS has
developed a set of product solutions for desktop and notebook PCs and other
consumer electronics applications.
 
     The AudioDRIVE product family integrates ESFM(TM), a proprietary FM sound
synthesis technology, that produces superior sound quality by enhancing
traditional FM synthesis techniques, with hardware, software
 
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<PAGE>   4
 
and music database technology. ESS also utilizes its proprietary advanced analog
and mixed signal design methodologies, together with its library of audio
semiconductor designs, to produce highly integrated mixed signal audio chips.
ESS software technology is bundled as part of its comprehensive solution and
consists of its AudioDRIVE device drivers for Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 3.1,
Windows NT(R) Windows 95(R), IBM OS/2(R) Warp(R), DirectX(TM)PC games, and audio
applications, including ESS AudioRack(TM) controller, an integrated graphical
controller for the entire PC audio system.
 
  AudioDRIVE Products
 
     ES688: a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio chip.  The ES688
integrates digital logic and a microcontroller with audio CODEC and other analog
functions onto one chip and, when coupled with the Yamaha OPL3 FM synthesizer
chip, provides a low cost solution for high performance multimedia PC audio. The
ES688 is PC games compatible in SB Pro mode with the Yamaha OPL3 and is
compatible with Microsoft Windows and other operating systems. The ES688
provides power management capability and is packaged in a 100 pin PQFP package.
 
     ES1488: a single mixed signal 16-bit mono audio chip with integrated ESFM
synthesizer.  The ES1488 integrates digital logic and a microcontroller with
audio CODEC and other analog functions onto one chip, and includes ESFM
synthesis. The ES1488 is PC games compatible in SB mode and is compatible with
Microsoft Windows and other operating systems. The ES1488 is socket compatible
with the ES488 and provides a single chip alternative for the combined solution
offered by the ES488 and the Yamaha OPL2 FM synthesis chip.
 
     ES1688: a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio chip with integrated ESFM
synthesizer.  The ES1688 integrates digital logic and a microcontroller with
audio CODEC and other analog functions onto one chip, and includes ESFM
synthesis. The ES1688 is PC games compatible in SB and SB Pro modes and is
compatible with Microsoft Windows and other operating systems. The ES1688 is
socket compatible with the ES688 and provides a single chip alternative for the
combined solution offered by the ES688 and the Yamaha stereo OPL3 FM synthesis
chip.
 
     ES1788: a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio chip with integrated ESFM
synthesizer and game support.  The ES1788 integrates digital logic and a
microcontroller with audio CODEC and other analog functions onto one chip, and
includes ESFM synthesis. The ES1788 is PC games compatible in SB and SB Pro
modes and is compatible with Microsoft Windows and other operating systems. The
ES1788 includes hardware volume control, 64 step volume control and dual
game/joystick port for game support.
 
     ES1868: a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio chip with integrated ESFM
synthesizer, plug-and-play, full-duplex operation and game support.  The ES1868
integrates digital logic and a microcontroller with audio CODEC and other analog
functions onto one chip, and includes ESFM synthesis. The ES1868 is PC games
compatible in SB and SB Pro modes and is compatible with Microsoft Windows and
other operating systems. The ES1868 provides full ISA plug-and-play support and
includes hardware volume control, 64 step volume control and dual game/joystick
port for game support. The ES1868 also supports full-duplex operation with
simultaneous record and playback with two DMA channels.
 
     ES1869: a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio chip with integrated ESFM
synthesizer, plug-and-play, full-duplex operation, Zoom Video support, game
support and three-dimensional sound effect.  The ES1869 integrates digital logic
and a microcontroller with audio CODEC and other analog functions onto one chip,
and includes ESFM synthesis. The ES1869 is PC games compatible in SB and SB Pro
modes and is compatible with Microsoft Windows and other operating systems. The
ES1869 provides full ISA plug-and - play support and includes hardware volume
control, 64 step volume control and dual game/joystick port for game support.
The ES1869 supports full-duplex operation with simultaneous record and playback
with two DMA channels and contains an I(2)S interface to support Zoom Video port
for MPEG audio. It also integrates circuitry to produce a three-dimensional
sound effect from two speakers. Currently sampling.
 
     ES1878: a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio chip with integrated ESFM
synthesizer, full-duplex operation, Zoom Video support, and game support.  The
ES1878 integrates digital logic and a microcontrol-
 
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<PAGE>   5
 
ler with audio CODEC and other analog functions onto one chip, and includes ESFM
synthesis. The ES1878 is PC games compatible in SB and SB Pro modes and is
compatible with Microsoft Windows and other operating systems. The ES1878
includes hardware volume control, 64 step volume control and dual game/joystick
port for game support. The ES1878 provides full plug-and-play support. The
ES1878 also includes support for full-duplex operation with simultaneous record
and playback, and it contains an I(2)S interface to support the PCMCIA Zoom
Video port specification for MPEG input to PCs. The ES1878 provides full
plug-and-play support and provides interface to a docking station unit.
 
     ES1879: a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio chip with integrated ESFM
synthesizer, full-duplex operation, Zoom Video support, telegaming and game
support and three-dimensional sound effect. The ES1879 also integrates hardware
volume control, 64 steps volume control, dual game port for game, I(2)S
interface for Zoom Video support, as well as circuitry to produce
three-dimensional sound effect from two speakers. The ES1879 provides full
plug-and-play support and provides interface to a docking station unit. Sampling
in Q2 1997.
 
     ES1887: a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio chip with integrated ESFM
synthesizer, full-duplex operation, game support and plug-and-play through the
PC's BIOS.  The ES1887 integrates digital logic and a microcontroller with audio
CODEC and other analog functions onto one chip, and includes ESFM synthesis. The
ES1887 is PC games compatible in SB and SB Pro modes and is compatible with
Microsoft Windows and other operating systems. The ES1887 includes hardware
volume control, 64 step volume control and dual game/joystick port for game
support. The ES1887 also includes support for full-duplex operation with
simultaneous stereo record and playback with two DMA channels. The ES1887
supports plug-and-play through the PC's BIOS.
 
     ES1888: a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio chip with integrated ESFM
synthesizer which supports full-duplex operation.  The ES1888 integrates digital
logic and a microcontroller with audio CODEC and other analog functions onto one
chip, and includes ESFM synthesis. The ES1888 is PC games compatible in SB and
SB Pro modes and is compatible with Microsoft Windows and other operating
systems. The ES1888 includes hardware volume control, 64 step volume control and
dual game/joystick port for game support. The ES1888 also includes support for
full-duplex operation with simultaneous stereo record and playback with two DMA
channels.
 
  Wavetable Synthesizer Products
 
     ES689: a wavetable music synthesizer chip.  The ES689 is a high performance
wavetable music synthesizer chip that is General MIDI compatible and offers 32
note polyphony. It provides a serial interface to the ES1688 internal
digital-to-analog converter ("DAC") to provide an audio implementation that
includes both wavetable and ESFM synthesis, or external DAC for wavetable
synthesis. The ES689 interfaces to the ES981 or ES982 for one or two megabyte
sound sample sets, respectively.
 
     ES690: a wavetable music synthesizer chip with chorus and reverb sound
effects.  The ES690 is a high performance wavetable music synthesizer chip with
chorus and reverb sound effects for enriched sound. The ES690 is General MIDI
compatible and offers 32 note polyphony. It provides a serial interface to the
ES1688 internal DAC to provide an audio implementation that includes both
wavetable and ESFM synthesis, or external DAC for wavetable synthesis. The ES690
interfaces to the ES981 or ES982 for one or two megabyte sound sample sets,
respectively.
 
     ES981: a 512K x 16 wavetable ROM.  The ES981 is a 512K x 16 read only
memory ("ROM") with a General MIDI sound sample set for use with the ES689 and
ES690.
 
     ES982: a 1M x 16 wavetable ROM.  The ES982 is a 1M x 16 ROM with a General
MIDI sound sample set for use with the ES689 and ES690.
 
  Multimedia System Chipsets
 
     ES938: a sound effects processor.  The ES938 provides enhanced sound
effects by expanding monophonic and stereo sound to 3-D spatial soundfields. The
ES938 also integrates bass and treble control.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
     ES968: a multi-function chip for multimedia add-in cards.  The ES968
integrates plug-and-play support, MPU401 interface, dual game/joystick port and
CD-ROM interface for Sony, Panasonic, Mitsumi and IDE drives in one chip.
 
     ES978: a mixer expansion chip to support the ES1878 and ES1879 when
building a PC Notebook and Docking Station PC system.  The ES978 is an analog
mixer chip which is placed in a docking station and interfaces directly with the
ES1878 and ES1879 located inside the notebook. This interface provides an
efficient structure for notebook and docking stations systems, requiring only
six pins of the notebook to connect with all communications paths to the docking
station.
 
  Fax/modem Products
 
     Internet-related applications, such as voice e-mail, Internet radio, audio
home pages, and news on demand, are increasing the demand for integrated audio
and computer fax/modem functions on the personal computer. ESS is using its
highly efficient fax/modem technology, in combination with its leadership in
audio technology, to provide high speed modem products integrated with audio
capabilities. The ESS V.34 TeleDRIVE modem solutions for PC and add-in card
manufacturers take advantage of this unique combination of technologies to
deliver a cost-effective, upgradable communications solution.
 
  TeleDRIVE Products
 
     ES336V: a V.34bis chipset data/fax/voice controller-less modem solution.
The ES336V provides base data, full duplex speaker phone, telephone answer
machine ("TAM") and V.80 support for H.324 video conferencing applications.
Currently sampling.
 
     ES336D: a V.34bis chipset data/fax/voice controller-less modem solution
with ITU-T computable V.70 Digital Simultaneous Voice and Data ("DSVD"). The
ES336D is a superset of the ES336V and contains a programmable bus interface for
support of both ISA and PCI busses. Currently sampling.
 
     ES336CV/ES336DV: a ES336V/ES336D modem solution with 16-bit full duplex
stereo. The ES336CV/ ES336CD combines a single mixed signal 16-bit stereo audio
chip with integrated ESFM synthesizer, plug-and-play full-duplex operation and
game support. Currently sampling.
 
  Video Products
 
     Multimedia applications are evolving at a rapid pace, primarily in response
to increasing acceptance and use of the Internet and the introduction of new
applications such as VCD, DVD, Digital set-top boxes and video conferencing. In
its VideoDRIVE(TM)video chips, ESS offers integrated solutions to consumer
electronics and PC manufacturers for use in a wide variety of next-generation
multimedia applications utilizing MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 technology.
 
     ESS provides OEM manufactures of VCD players with a programmable
single-chip processor which includes MPEG-1 video, audio and system decoder. It
delivers full-screen, full-motion video at 30 frames per second with selectable
CD-quality audio and can be combined with memory and video/audio DACs.
 
     ESS also provides a programmable single chip processor which includes
MPEG-2 audio/video/system and transport layer decoder, AC3 and video
post-processing. These chips are designed for a variety of applications in
consumer electronics such as set-top boxes and DVD player.
 
  VideoDRIVE Products
 
     ES3204: Single chip processor which includes MPEG-1 audio/video/system
decoder for use in VCD players.  The ES3204 incorporates video standards
(NTSC/PAL) conversion, on-screen display, Karaoke functions, programmable
playback control for VCD 2.0 and trick play mode features.
 
     ES3207: Analog companion chip to MPEG decoder chips. The ES3207 provides
echo, surround sound, 3D audio, TV encoder with clock generation and audio DAC
functions. Sampling in Q2 1997.
 
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<PAGE>   7
 
     ES3208: Single chip processor which includes MPEG-1 audio/video/system
decoder for use in VCD players with an integrated SRAM and remote control
interface logic.  The ES3208 incorporates video standards (NTSC/PAL) conversion,
on-screen display, Karaoke functions, programmable playback control for VCD 2.0,
trick play mode features, an integrated SRAM and remote control interface logic.
Currently sampling.
 
     ES3210: Single chip processor which includes MPEG-1 audio/video/system
decoder for use in portable VCD players.  The ES3210 incorporates the ES3208
features of video standards (NTSC/PAL) conversion, on-screen display, Karaoke
functions, programmable playback control for VCD 2.0, trick play mode features,
an integrated SRAM and remote control interface logic in a smaller form factor
allowing a more compact portable designs. Currently sampling.
 
     ES3308: Single chip processor which includes MPEG-2 audio/video/system
decoder for use in digital set-top boxes.  The ES3308 incorporates video
standards (NTSC/PAL) conversion, on-screen display and transport layer compliant
with Digital Broadcast Signal standards. Currently sampling.
 
     ES3309: Single chip processor which includes MPEG-2 audio/video/system
decoder for use in DVD players.  The ES3309 incorporates Dolby AC-3 decoder,
video standards (NTSC/PAL) conversion, sub-picture unit, letter box conversion,
on-screen display, navigation 1.0 and is compliant with DVD specifications.
Sampling in Q2 1997.
 
  Software and Support
 
     ESS provides comprehensive support for its multimedia products including
software that can be bundled with products that incorporate ESS AudioDRIVE
chips. This software includes device drivers for Microsoft Windows 3.1, Windows
NT and Windows 95, IBM OS/2 Warp, Intel NSP and PC games. Other support software
that is available to customers includes localization software and installation
software that allows customers to tailor their products for specific
applications and needs.
 
     Customer development support includes an Evaluation Kit that contains a
reference add-in card design with all the necessary information to incorporate
an ESS chip in the customer's product. To assist customers in further reducing
their time to market, ESS also provides a Manufacturing Kit that contains
manufacturing information, including a bill-of-materials, printed circuit board
layout and production test software.
 
CUSTOMERS
 
     ESS sells its product principally to manufacturers of PCs and add-in
boards. The following table shows representative customers worldwide:
 
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  UNITED STATES       TAIWAN       JAPAN(1)      REST OF THE WORLD
------------------    ------     ------------    -----------------
<S>                   <C>        <C>             <C>
AST                   Acer       Fujitsu           ICL
Compaq                BTC        Hitachi           Eastbase
Dell                  ECS        Matsushita        JK Micro
Digital Equipment     FIC        NEC               Samsung
Gateway 2000          GVC        Seiko-Epson       Trigem
Hewlett Packard       Inventec   Sony              Xirlink
IBM                   Labway     Toshiba
Texas Instruments     Mitac
                      Quanta
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) Sales in Japan are made through a distributor.
 
     A limited number of customers have historically accounted for a substantial
portion of the Company's net revenues. In 1994, 1995 and 1996, sales to the
Company's top five customers, including sales to the Company's international
distributor, accounted for approximately 51%, 48% and 40%, respectively, of the
Company's net revenues. In 1994, two customers, Compaq and Western Publishing,
accounted for approxi-
 
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mately 20% and 14%, respectively, of the Company's net revenues. In 1995, Compaq
and Universe Electron Corporation, the Company's Japanese distributor, each
accounted for approximately 17% of the Company's net revenues. The decline in
the percentage of net revenues attributable to Western Publishing was a result
of the Company's shift in product mix from toy and other consumer products to PC
audio products. In 1996, Compaq and Universe Electron Corporation each accounted
for approximately 12% and 13%, respectively, of the Company's net revenues. The
Company expects that a limited number of customers may continue to account for a
substantial portion of its net revenues for the foreseeable future. For example,
Compaq has been a significant customer of the Company since 1994. The Company
has experienced changes from year to year in the composition of its major
customer base and believes this will continue in the future.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
     The Company sells and markets to leading PC and consumer OEM manufacturers
worldwide. In the United States, the Company markets its products through its
direct sales force and manufacturer representatives.
 
     In 1994, 1995 and 1996, international sales comprised approximately 72%,
73% and 92% of the Company's net revenues, respectively. The majority of the
Company's international revenues in 1994, 1995 and 1996 have been derived from
Asian customers who manufacturer PCs and PC-related add-in boards. A large
percentage of the worldwide supply of these products is manufactured by
suppliers in Asia. ESS has direct sales personnel and technical staff located in
Taipei, Taiwan. To date, a significant portion of the Company's Asian sales have
been to customers located in Taiwan. See "Factors That May Affect Future
Results -- International Operations." The Company is continuing to expand its
Taiwan sales force and opened new customer and technical support centers in
Beijing and Tokyo in order to support its broadening customer base. The
Company's products are also sold internationally through a distributor located
in Japan and manufacturer representatives located in China, Taiwan, Singapore,
Korea, Hong Kong and Germany. To date, the Company has not had substantial sales
to customers located in Europe, and the Company is seeking to expand its sales
and distribution activities in Europe. The Company's manufacturer
representatives and distributor are not subject to minimum purchase requirements
and can discontinue marketing any of the Company's products at any time. In
addition, the Company's manufacturers' representatives, distributors and
customers typically are authorized certain rights of return for unsold product
or pricing allowances to compensate for rapid, unexpected prices changes. See
"Factor That May Effect Future Results -- Customer Concentration."
 
     The Company believes that customer service and technical support are
important competitive factors in selling to major customers. The Company
provides technical support to its customers worldwide. Manufacturers'
representatives and distributors supplement the Company's efforts by providing
additional customer service at the local level. The Company believes that close
contact with its customers not only improves the customers' level of
satisfaction, but also provides important insight into future market direction.
 
     Sales of the Company's products are generally made pursuant to standard
purchase orders, which are frequently revised to reflect changes in the
customer's requirements. Product deliveries are scheduled upon the Company's
receipt of purchase orders. Generally, these purchase orders allow customers to
reschedule delivery dates and cancel purchase orders without significant
penalties. For these reasons, the Company believes that its backlog, while
useful for scheduling production, is not necessarily a reliable indicator of
future revenues.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
 
     In order to compete successfully, the Company believes that it must
continually design, develop and introduce new products that take advantage of
market opportunities and address emerging standards. The Company's strategy is
to leverage its substantial base of audio technology and design expertise,
analog, digital and mixed signal design and process technologies, and software
and systems expertise to develop new PC audio solutions as well as other new
products targeting opportunities in the multimedia PC and consumer market. The
Company is currently engaged in the development of new PC audio products that
provide
 
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<PAGE>   9
 
advanced sound effects. ESS has also developed new multimedia products for
video, and fax/modem/voice applications. The Company intends to continue to
provide comprehensive solutions for its customers by developing state of the art
semiconductor chips, device drivers, firmware and application software.
 
     ESS utilizes a design environment based on workstations, dedicated product
simulators, system simulation with hardware and software modeling, and a high
level design description language. The Company invests regularly in new advanced
equipment and software tools and intends to maintain and enhance its library of
core cells. In addition, the Company opened a new design center in Austin, Texas
in order to gain access to additional talented design engineers.
 
     At December 31, 1996, ESS had a staff of 114 research and development
personnel, 76 of which were involved in semiconductor design and process
development and 38 of which were involved in software development. In addition,
ESS has, on occasion, engaged outside developers to develop certain technologies
to the Company's specifications and intends to increase its reliance on outside
developers in the future. During 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company spent
approximately $3.7 million, $8.7 million and $20.3 million, respectively, on
research and development activities, excluding a one-time pre and post-tax
charge of $30.4 million related to acquired research and development in-process
from the acquisition of VideoCore Technology, Inc. ("VideoCore") and OSEE
Technology, Inc. ("OSEE") in the first quarter of 1996.
 
     ESS has in the past acquired and in the future will consider acquiring
technology and product lines to enhance its own product offerings and to
accelerate its time-to-market. In January 1996, the Company completed its
acquisition of VideoCore pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the
outstanding capital stock of VideoCore in exchange for approximately 525,000
shares of the Company's Common Stock and $5.7 million in cash. VideoCore, now a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is developing integrated circuits which
will incorporate advanced compression technology for digital video products. In
March 1996, the Company completed its acquisition of OSEE pursuant to which the
Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of OSEE in exchange for
approximately 217,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and $3.6 million in
cash. OSEE, now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is developing an
advanced fax/modem V.34 and V.34bis algorithm technology which will enable the
Company to offer fax/modem applications to its customers. The Company may
continue to utilize cash and equity to acquire or invest in complementary
businesses or products or to obtain the right to use complementary technologies.
From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, the Company may evaluate
potential acquisitions of or investments in such businesses, products or
technologies owned by third parties.
 
MANUFACTURING
 
     The Company contracts with independent foundries to manufacture all of its
products. This manufacturing strategy enables the Company to focus on its design
strengths, minimize fixed costs and capital expenditures and gain access to
advanced manufacturing capabilities. The Company's products are currently
manufactured by four independent foundries, all of which utilize advanced
manufacturing technologies. A substantial majority of the Company's products are
manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. ("TSMC"), which
has manufactured certain of the Company's products since 1989. The Company also
has foundry arrangements with United Microelectronics Corporation ("UMC") in
Taiwan, Sharp Corporation ("Sharp") in Japan and IC Works ("ICW") in California.
Most of the Company's devices are currently fabricated using a mixed signal CMOS
0.6 and 0.5 micron process technology. The Company is currently developing new
products and converting some existing products which will be manufactured
utilizing a 0.35 micron process technology.
 
     The Company is dependent on its foundries to allocate to the Company a
portion of their foundry capacity sufficient to meet the Company's needs and to
produce products of acceptable quality and with acceptable manufacturing yields
in a timely manner. These foundries fabricate products for other companies and,
with the exception of TSMC, manufacture products of their own design. In
November 1995, the Company entered into long-term agreements with two of its
foundries, TSMC and UMC. The Company intends to continue to work with its other
foundries and to qualify new foundries to obtain additional
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
manufacturing capacity. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company
will be able to obtain additional capacity when necessary.
 
     Under the Company's agreement with TSMC, in exchange for TSMC's wafer
capacity commitments for the years 1996 through 1999, the Company is obligated
to pay approximately $32 million in two installments in 1996 and 1997. The
Company also obtained an option to expand the TSMC wafer capacity commitments
further for years 1997 through 2000. If the Company exercises its option, it
would be obligated to pay an additional $31 million in two installments in 1997
and 1998. The Company is obligated to make payments whether or not it takes the
wafers.
 
     Under the Company's agreement with UMC, the Company entered into a joint
venture arrangement with UMC and other U.S. semiconductor companies to build a
separate semiconductor manufacturing facility to be located in Taiwan at an
estimated cost of $1 billion. The Company will invest approximately $26.4
million in three installments over the projected eighteen month period required
to build the facility. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will
receive a 5% equity ownership in the joint venture company and capacity rights.
The new fabrication facility is currently projected to commence production of
8-inch wafers in 1997.
 
     All of the Company's semiconductor products are assembled and tested by
third-party vendors, primarily Amkor ANAM in Korea, Advanced Semiconductor
Engineering in Taiwan, ASAT in Hong Kong, Astra Microtronics in Indonesia and
OSE in Taiwan. The Company has internally designed and developed its own test
software and certain test equipment, which is provided to the Company's test
vendors. Shortages of raw materials or disruptions in the provision of services
by the Company's assembly vendors could lead to supply constraints or delays in
the delivery of the Company's products. Such constraints or delays might result
in the loss of customers, limitations or reductions in the Company's revenues or
other material adverse effects on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations. The Company's reliance on third-party assembly and
testing vendors involves a number of other risks, including reduced control over
delivery schedules, quality assurance and costs. The inability of such third
parties to deliver products of acceptable quality and in a timely manner could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The markets in which the Company competes are intensely competitive and are
characterized by rapid technological change, price declines and rapid product
obsolescence. The Company currently competes with add-in card suppliers and
semiconductor manufacturers. The Company expects competition to increase in the
future from existing competitors and from other companies that may enter the
Company's existing or future markets with products that may be at lower costs or
provide higher levels of integration, higher performance or additional features.
The Company is unable to predict the timing and nature of any such competitive
product offerings. The announcement and commercial shipment of competitive
products could adversely affect sales of the Company's products and may result
in increased price competition that would adversely affect the average selling
price ("ASPs") and margins of the Company's products. In general, product prices
in the semiconductor industry have decreased over the life of a particular
product. The markets for most of the applications for the Company's products,
particularly the PC market, are characterized by intense price competition. The
willingness of prospective customers to design the Company's products into their
products depends to a significant extent upon the ability of the Company to sell
its products at a price that is cost-effective for such customers. As the
markets for the Company's products mature and competition increases, the Company
anticipates that prices for its products will continue to decline. If the
Company is unable to reduce its costs sufficiently to offset declines in product
prices or is unable to introduce more advanced products with higher product
prices, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations
would be materially adversely affected.
 
     The Company's existing and potential competitors consist principally of
large domestic and international companies that have substantially greater
financial, manufacturing, technical, marketing, distribution and other
resources, greater intellectual property rights, broader product lines and
longer-standing relationships with customers than the Company. The Company's
competitors also include a number of smaller and
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
emerging companies. The Company's principal audio competitors include Cirrus
Logic, Creative Technology, OPTi and Yamaha. The Company's principal video
competitors include C-Cube, Hyundai, LSI Logic and SGS Thompson. The Company's
principal fax/modem competitors include Cirrus Logic, Lucent, Rockwell and Texas
Instruments. Certain of the Company's current and potential competitors maintain
their own semiconductor foundries and may therefore benefit from certain
capacity, cost and technical advantages. The Company believes that its ability
to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, both within and outside
of its control, including the price, quality and performance of the Company's
and its competitors' products, the timing and success of new product
introductions by the Company, its customers and its competitors, the emergence
of new multimedia standards, the development of technical innovations, the
ability to obtain adequate foundry capacity and sources of raw materials, the
efficiency of production, the rate at which the Company's customers design the
Company's products into their products, the number and nature of the Company's
competitors in a given market, the assertion of intellectual property rights and
general market and economic conditions. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to compete successfully in the future.
 
     Each successive generation of microprocessors has provided increased
performance, which could in the future result in a microprocessor capable of
performing multimedia functions. In this regard, Intel Corporation has developed
Native Signal Processing ("NSP") capability and an extended multimedia system
architecture ("MMX") for use in conjunction with its Pentium microprocessor, and
is promoting the processing power of the Pentium for data and signal intensive
functions such as graphics acceleration and other multimedia functions. There
can be no assurance that the increased capabilities of microprocessors will not
adversely affect demand for the Company's products.
 
PATENTS AND PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
 
     The Company relies on a combination of patents, trademarks, copyrights,
trade secret laws and confidentiality procedures to protect its intellectual
property rights. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had 10 patents granted in
the United States, which expire over time, commencing in 1997 and ending in
2011, and 9 corresponding foreign patents. In addition, the Company intends to
seek further United States and international patents on its technology. There
can be no assurance that patents will be issued from any of the Company's
pending applications or applications in preparation or that any claims allowed
from pending applications or applications in preparation will be of sufficient
scope or strength, or be issued in all countries where the Company's products
can be sold, to provide meaningful protection or any commercial advantage to the
Company. Also, competitors of the Company may be able to design around the
Company's patents. The laws of certain foreign countries in which the Company's
products are or may be manufactured or sold, including various countries in
Asia, may not protect the Company's products or intellectual property rights to
the same extent as do the laws of the United States and thus make the
possibility of piracy of the Company's technology and products more likely.
Although the Company is not aware of the development, distribution or sales of
any illegal copies of the Company's hardware or software, any infringements of
its patents, copyrights or trademarks, or any violation of its trade secrets,
confidentiality procedures or licensing agreements to date, there can be no
assurance that the steps taken by the Company to protect its proprietary
information will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of its technology or
that the Company's competitors will not independently develop technologies that
are substantially equivalent or superior to the Company's technology.
 
     The semiconductor industry is characterized by vigorous protection and
pursuit of intellectual property rights or positions, which have resulted in
significant and often protracted and expensive litigation. There is no pending
intellectual property litigation against the Company. However, the Company or
its foundries may from time to time receive notice of claims that the Company
has infringed patents or other intellectual property rights owned by others. The
Company may seek licenses under such patents or other intellectual property
rights. However, there can be no assurance that licenses will be offered or that
the terms of any offered licenses will be acceptable to the Company. The failure
to obtain a license from a third party for technology used by the Company could
cause the Company to incur substantial liabilities and to suspend the
manufacture of products or the use by the Company's foundries of processes
requiring the technology. Furthermore, the Company may initiate claims or
litigation against third parties for infringement of the
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
Company's proprietary rights or to establish the validity of the Company's
proprietary rights. Litigation by or against the Company could result in
significant expense to the Company and divert the efforts of the Company's
technical and management personnel, whether or not such litigation results in a
favorable determination for the Company. In the event of an adverse result in
any such litigation, the Company could be required to pay substantial damages,
cease the manufacture, use and sale of infringing products, expend significant
resources to develop non-infringing technology, discontinue the use of certain
processes or obtain licenses for the infringing technology. There can be no
assurance that the Company would be successful in such development or that such
licenses would be available on reasonable terms, or at all, and any such
development or license could require expenditures by the Company of substantial
time and other resources. Although patent disputes in the semiconductor industry
have often been settled through cross-licensing arrangements, there can be no
assurance that, in the event that any third party makes a successful claim
against the Company or its customers, a cross-licensing arrangement could be
reached. In such a case, if a license is not made available to the Company on
commercially reasonable terms, the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
 
     The Company currently licenses certain of the technology utilized by the
Company in its products, and expects to continue to do so in the future. The
Company has no current plans to grant licenses with respect to its products or
technology; however, it may become necessary for the Company to enter into
product licenses in the future in order, among other things, to secure foundry
capacity. Although the Company has in the past granted licenses to certain of
its technology, some of which have expired, such licenses have been limited and
the Company has not derived material revenues from such licenses in recent
periods.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of December 31, 1996, the Company had 253 full-time employees, including
114 in research and development, 60 in marketing, sales and support and 79 in
operations, finance and administration. The Company's future success will
depend, in part, on its ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate
highly qualified technical and management personnel, particularly highly skilled
semiconductor design personnel and software engineers involved in new product
development, for whom competition is intense. The Company's employees are not
represented by any collective bargaining unit, and the Company has never
experienced a work stoppage.
 
ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES
 
     Prior to October 1996, the Company leased two facilities in Fremont,
California. The leases for such facilities expired on June 30 and October 31,
1996. The facilities consisted of two buildings comprising approximately 62,000
square feet, which were used as the Company's headquarters. In October 1995, the
Company purchased approximately 16 acres of land near its previous Fremont
headquarters and constructed a new headquarters facility of 93,000 square feet.
The Company relocated its operations from the leased facility to the new
facility in September 1996. The Company anticipates that it will begin
construction of additional buildings on the existing land in the spring of 1997.
 
ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     In March 1995, Yamaha filed a lawsuit against the Company alleging that the
Company's FM synthesis products infringe two of Yamaha's patents, U.S. Patent
No. 4,249,447 and U.S. Patent No. 4,813,326 (the "Yamaha Patents"). Yamaha
initiated suit with a motion for a temporary restraining order and a request for
a preliminary injunction. In addition, in its complaint, Yamaha sought a
permanent injunction against future infringement, damages for past infringement,
attorneys' fees and costs. Yamaha's lawsuit alleged infringement by all of the
Company's FM synthesis chips, consisting at that time of the ES1488, ES1688,
ES1788, ES1868 and ES1888. For 1995, the Company had revenues of approximately
$52.9 million attributable to sales of these products, constituting
approximately 50% of net revenues. Further, a substantial majority of the
Company's revenues for the foreseeable future was, and still is expected to be
dependent upon sales of these and future products incorporating FM synthesis.
The lawsuit, entitled Yamaha Corporation vs. ESS
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
Technology, Inc., was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District
of California in Los Angeles, California.
 
     Yamaha's requests for a temporary restraining order and preliminary
injunction were denied on March 17, 1995 and May 1, 1995, respectively. In its
order denying the request for preliminary injunction, the District Court stated
that its decision was based on an assessment of the likelihood of Yamaha's
success on the merits, as well as a balance of the relative hardships that would
be suffered by ESS or Yamaha as a result of the granting or denial of the
preliminary injunction. Yamaha appealed the District Court's denial of the
request for preliminary injunction to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit. The hearing at the Federal Circuit took place on January 8, 1996, and
on March 29, 1996 that Court confirmed the denial of the request for preliminary
injunction.
 
     On August 18, 1995 the District Court granted in part and denied in part a
motion for summary judgment which had been filed by the Company. The District
Court held that the Company's FM synthesis products did not literally infringe
Yamaha's U.S. Patent No. 4,249,447, but held that there was a triable issue of
fact as to the infringement of such patent on another basis. The Court also
found triable issues of fact and, therefore, denied the Company's motion for
summary judgment with regard to U.S. Patent No. 4,813,326.
 
     On May 17, 1996, the Company and Yamaha settled all patent infringement
litigation between the two companies. The settlement agreement did not have a
material adverse affect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations or on the Company's ability to sell its products or conduct its
operations.
 
ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
     No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the quarter
ended December 31, 1996.
 
ITEM 4A.  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's
current executive officers:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   NAME                      AGE                    POSITION
-------------------------------------------  ---   -------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>   <C>
Fred S.L. Chan.............................  50    President, Chief Executive Officer and
                                                   Chairman of the Board of Directors
John H. Barnet.............................  61    Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
                                                   Secretary
Chi-Shin Wang..............................  50    Chief Technical Officer
Robert L. Blair............................  49    Executive Vice President, Operations
Bo Ericsson................................  39    Vice President, Marketing
Nicholas A. Aretakis.......................  35    Vice President, Sales
</TABLE>
 
     Mr. Chan joined the Company in November 1985 as President and has been a
director since January 1986. He was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors
in October 1992 and Chief Executive Officer in June 1994. Mr. Chan has been
serving as President since February 1997. Mr. Chan served as Secretary from
October 1992 to August 1995 and Chief Financial Officer from October 1992 to May
1995. From 1984 to 1985, Mr. Chan was founder, President and Chief Executive
Officer of AC Design Inc., a VLSI chip design center providing CAD, engineering
and design services. From 1982 to 1984, he was co-founder, President and Chief
Executive Officer of CADCAM Technology, Inc., a company in the business of CAE
systems development. Mr. Chan holds B.S.E.E. and M.S.C. degrees from the
University of Hawaii. Mr. Chan is the husband of Annie M. H. Chan, a director of
the Company.
 
     Mr. Barnet joined the Company in September 1996 as Vice President, Finance,
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Prior to joining the Company, he was
Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Trimble
Navigation Limited from 1993. From mid 1992 to mid 1993 he served as Senior Vice
President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Centex Telemanagement, Inc., a
telecommunications management company. From 1988 to 1992, he was Vice President,
Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Acurex Corporation, a conglomerate
engaged in military and commercial aerospace, environmental systems,
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
and industrial process controls. Previously he held executive positions at
BankAmerica Corporation, Signetic Corporation and Teledyne, Inc. Mr. Barnet
received a BS degree in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University in 1957
and an MBA degree from Columbia University Graduate Business School in 1961.
 
     Dr. Wang has been Chief Technical Officer of the Company since December
1995. Prior to joining the Company he was a co-founder of Integrated Information
Technology, a semiconductor company, and served as President and Chief Executive
Officer from 1987 to December 1995. From 1981 to 1986, he was a co-founder of
Weitek Corporation and served as Vice President of Engineering. Dr. Wang was a
member of the technical staff of Hughes Aircraft Company from 1973 to 1976 and a
project manager of Hewlett Packard from 1976 to 1981. He holds a M.S. degree in
Physics from the California Institute of Technology and a Ph.D.E.E. from
Stanford University.
 
     Mr. Blair has been Executive Vice President, Operations of the Company
since February 1997. From December 1994 to January 1997, he was Vice President
of Operations of the Company. From December 1991 to November 1994, he was Senior
Vice President Operations (Software Packaging & Printing Division) of Logistix
Corporation, a software turnkey company, and, from 1989 to November 1991, he was
Vice President and co-owner of Rock Canyon Investments, a real estate
development planning firm in California. From 1986 to 1989, he held various
positions at Xidex Corporation, a computer diskette manufacturer, including
President/General Manager, at XEMAG, a division of Xidex Corporation. From 1973
to 1986 he was Vice President, High Reliability Operations at Precision
Monolithics, Inc.
 
     Mr. Ericsson joined the Company in November 1996 as Vice President of
Marketing. Prior to joining the Company, he held various engineering and
management positions with Cirrus Logic between 1990 and 1996. Mr. Ericsson's
most recent position at Cirrus Logic was Vice President, Desktop PC Marketing,
Planning and Business Development. From May 1995 to March 1996, Mr. Ericsson was
Director of Strategic Marketing, Visual and Systems Interface Division. Mr.
Ericsson held the position of Director of Marketing, Personal Systems Division
between 1993 and 1995. From 1992 to 1993, Mr. Ericsson was Director of
Multimedia, Strategic Planning. In 1990, Mr. Ericsson joined Cirrus Logic as
Director of Software and Systems Architecture. Prior to joining Cirrus Logic,
Mr. Ericsson was Software Engineering Manager at Chips and Technologies, a
company he joined in 1987 as Senior Software Engineer. In 1984, Mr. Ericsson
founded Micro Systemation AB, a communications software company in Stockholm,
Sweden. From 1977 to 1981, Mr. Ericsson attended the Stockholm School of
Economics. Between 1989 and 1994, Mr. Ericsson served in various functions
within the Video Electronics Standards Association, including the position of
Vice Chairman in 1991-92.
 
     Mr. Aretakis has been Vice President, Sales of the Company since August
1994. Prior to joining the Company, he held sales positions in various
semiconductor companies, including Director of OEM Sales at Media Vision, a
computer peripherals manufacturer, from March 1993 to July 1994 and Director of
Sales at SEEQ from 1988 to January 1993. From 1984 through 1988, Mr. Aretakis
held various marketing positions at Microchip Technology Inc. Mr. Aretakis holds
a B.S.E.E. degree from Columbia University and a B.A. degree in Mathematics from
Hobart College.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
         STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
     The Company's Common Stock has been trading on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "ESST" since October 6, 1995. The following table sets forth
the high and low last reported sales prices for the Common Stock as reported by
the Nasdaq National Market during the period indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        HIGH     LOW
                                                                        ----     ---
        <S>                                                             <C>      <C>
        FISCAL 1995:
        Fourth Quarter (since October 6, 1995)........................  $ 39     $14 /16
        FISCAL 1996:
        First Quarter.................................................  $ 24     $16
        Second Quarter................................................  25 1/4    16 1/4
        Third Quarter.................................................  18 1/2     9 1/4
        Fourth Quarter................................................    30      15 1/8
</TABLE>
 
     As of January 31, 1997, there were approximately 126 record holders of the
Company's Common Stock.
 
     The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common
Stock. The Company currently anticipates that it will retain all future earnings
for use in its business and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the
foreseeable future.
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------
                                          1992        1993        1994         1995         1996
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------     --------
                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
 
Net revenues...........................  $23,675     $15,218     $33,435     $105,744     $226,455
Cost of revenues.......................    9,588       6,733      12,047       39,584      106,818
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------     --------
  Gross profit.........................   14,087       8,485      21,388       66,160      119,637
Operating expenses:
  Research and development.............    3,529       2,915       3,711        8,665       20,270
  Research and development
     in-process........................       --          --          --           --       30,355
  Selling, general and
     administrative....................    2,799       3,005       3,233        9,758       16,814
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------     --------
Operating income.......................    7,759       2,565      14,444       47,737       52,198
Nonoperating income (expense), net.....     (266)        598         283        2,694        3,241
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------     --------
Income before income taxes.............    7,493       3,163      14,727       50,431       55,439
Provision for income taxes.............   (2,654)     (2,880)     (6,346)     (20,545)     (33,813)
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------     --------
Net income.............................  $ 4,839     $   283     $ 8,381     $ 29,886     $ 21,626
                                         =======     =======     =======     ========     ========
Net income per share...................  $  0.08     $  0.01     $  0.22     $   0.79     $   0.52
                                         =======     =======     =======     ========     ========
Weighted average common and common
  equivalent shares(1).................   57,220      35,849      37,413       37,775       41,588
                                         =======     =======     =======     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------------------------
                                          1992        1993        1994         1995         1996
                                         -------     -------     -------     --------     --------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term
  investments..........................  $10,964     $ 8,114     $10,860     $ 78,124     $ 69,204
Working capital........................    3,924       2,940      11,135       70,602       65,207
Total assets...........................   19,949      15,108      24,014      162,703      211,985
Long-term debt, less current portion...    3,220          --          --       15,960           --
Total shareholders' equity.............      517       5,889      14,458      105,208      143,176
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 
(1) See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation
    of weighted average common and common equivalent shares used to compute net
    income per share.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
     ESS designs, develops and markets highly integrated mixed signal
semiconductor multimedia solutions for sale to desktop and notebook personal
computer manufacturers and consumer product companies. In 1996, ESS experienced
four quarters of strong sequential growth, with revenues totaling a record
$226.5 million, a 114% increase from the 1995 total of $105.7 million and
seven-times revenues in 1994 of $33.4 million. Similarly, net income rose to
$52.0 million excluding a one-time pre and post-tax charge of $30.4 million
related to acquired research and development in-process for the VideoCore and
OSEE acquisitions, a 74% increase over 1995 net income of $29.9 million and
six-times 1994 net income of $8.4 million. The gross margin for 1996 was 53%,
declining from 63% in 1995 primarily due to price competition in the audio
segment offset in part by manufacturing cost reductions.
 
     The Company is a leader in single-chip audio solutions for both personal
computers and consumer electronics products. Having established itself as a
leading supplier of mixed signal PC audio components on a single chip, ESS
entered both the video and fax/modem markets. In January 1996, the Company
completed its acquisition of VideoCore pursuant to which the Company acquired
all of the outstanding capital stock of VideoCore in exchange for approximately
525,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and $5.7 million in cash. VideoCore
develops integrated circuits which incorporate advanced compression technology
in digital video products under the trade-name VideoDRIVE. In March 1996, the
Company completed its acquisition of OSEE pursuant to which the Company acquired
all of the outstanding capital stock of OSEE in exchange for approximately
217,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and $3.6 million in cash. OSEE
develops advanced fax/modem V.34 and V.34bis algorithm technology which will
enable the Company to provide modem and computer fax/modem products under the
trade-name TeleDRIVE. Both acquisitions were accounted for as a purchase, and
the portion of the purchase prices attributable to research and development
in-process was expensed in the first quarter of 1996.
 
     After completing development of its first video product, the Company
introduced its first VideoDRIVE product, a single-chip MPEG-1 video/audio/system
decorder that provides full-screen, full-motion video and selectable CD-quality
audio for a variety of digital video playback applications, such as karaoke
players, VCD players, PC MPEG playback cards, and CD-XA video playback systems.
Shipments of these chips to the VCD player market began in the second quarter of
1996. The Company also announced its first MPEG-2 video chip solution, a fully
programmable, single-chip processor that incorporates the additional features
needed for consumer electronics applications such as set-top boxes, multimedia
personal computers and home entertainment units. By year-end 1996, ESS had sold
approximately 800,000 chips in the VideoDRIVE product line, comprising 7% of the
Company's revenues for 1996.
 
     The TeleDRIVE products for the Internet and other modem markets followed
the Company's first quarter acquisition of OSEE. The Company introduced its
integrated V.34bis modem solutions, the Company's first modem digital signal
processor which is scheduled for production volumes in the first half of 1997.
 
     As the Company expanded during 1996, the number of employees increased to
253 from 158, and it became increasingly important to invest in the Company's
infrastructure to broaden and deepen the Company's management team. New senior
executives have been hired whose skills and experience will help to continue
ESS' growth.
 
     1996 also marked significant physical expansion for the Company. At the end
of 1995, ESS purchased 16 acres of land in Fremont, California, near ESS'
previous facilities. By the end of 1996, the Company completed and occupied a
two-story, 93,000-square-foot, world headquarters. The site has expansion
capacity for three additional buildings, and the Company plans to begin
construction of two of these buildings in the spring of 1997 to house additional
engineering capacity and other needs.
 
     With the Company's growth focused on the rapidly expanding Asia/Pacific
region, ESS supplemented its existing sales and technical support centers with
new centers in Beijing and Tokyo. The new centers are supporting the Company's
new MPEG video products for VCD player, DVD player and set-top box products.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
In addition, the Company opened a new design center in Austin, Texas, in order
to gain access to additional talented design engineers.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth certain items from the Company's
consolidated statement of operations as a percentage of net revenues for the
periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  -------------------------
                                                                  1994      1995      1996
                                                                  -----     -----     -----
    <S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>
    Net revenues................................................  100.0%    100.0%    100.0%
    Cost of revenues............................................   36.0      37.4      47.2
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
      Gross margin..............................................   64.0      62.6      52.8
    Operating expenses:
      Research and development..................................   11.1       8.2       9.0
      Research and development in-process.......................     --        --      13.4
      Selling, general and administrative.......................    9.7       9.2       7.4
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
    Operating income............................................   43.2      45.2      23.0
    Nonoperating income, net....................................    0.8       2.5       1.5
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
    Income before income taxes..................................   44.0      47.7      24.5
    Income taxes................................................  (19.0)    (19.4)    (14.9)
                                                                  ------    ------    ------
    Net income..................................................   25.0%     28.3%      9.6%*
                                                                  ======    ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 
* Includes a one-time pre and post-tax charge of 13.4% related to acquired
  research and development in-process.
 
     Net Revenues.  Net revenues were $33.4 million, $105.7 million and $226.5
million in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Net revenues for 1996 increased
114% from 1995 primarily as a result of the increased sales growth of the
Company's existing PC audio products as well as from the introduction of new PC
audio and video semiconductor products. The Company's PC audio semiconductor
products accounted for 92% of the Company's net revenues for 1996. Net revenues
for 1995 increased 216% from 1994 primarily as a result of the sales growth of
the Company's PC audio semiconductor products. The increase in PC audio
semiconductor product sales was partially offset by a continued decrease in
sales of the Company's consumer speech/sound semiconductors. International
revenues accounted for approximately 72%, 73% and 92% of net revenues for 1994,
1995 and 1996, respectively. The increase in international sales as a percentage
of net revenues between 1995 and 1996 primarily reflects the transfer of
production by U.S. based PC customers from U.S. to Asia and growth in the sales
of video products which are sold in Asian markets.
 
     Gross Margin.  Gross profit was $21.4 million, $66.2 million and $119.6
million in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, representing 64.0%, 62.6% and
52.8% of net revenues for such years. Gross margin declined from 1995 to 1996 as
a result of lower ASPs on existing products arising from highly competitive
market conditions and manufacturing startup costs associated with the Company's
new PC audio, video, and fax/modem products. Lower ASPs were partially offset by
manufacturing cost reductions on existing products and higher ASPs associated
with the introduction of new PC audio and video products. Gross margins declined
from 1994 to 1995 as a result of a decrease in ASPs of the Company's PC audio
products and manufacturing startup costs associated with the Company's new PC
audio products. The Company's overall gross profit and margin are subject to
change due to various factors, including among others, competitive product
pricing, unit volumes shipped, new product introductions, yields, wafer costs,
assembly costs and product mix. The Company has encountered increased
competition from other suppliers who are offering competitive single chip
products and new features. In addition, the Company expects the overall average
selling prices for its existing products to decline significantly over the life
of the products. The Company believes that in order to maintain or increase
gross profit, it must achieve higher unit volume shipments, cost reductions, new
features and
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
product introductions. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will
be able to ship higher volumes, reduce costs, add new features or introduce new
products that gain market acceptance.
 
     Research and Development Expenses.  Research and development expenses were
$3.7 million, $8.7 million and $20.3 million, or 11.1%, 8.2% and 9.0% of net
revenues, in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively, excluding a one-time pre and
post-tax charge of $30.4 million related to acquired research and development
in-process from the acquisition of VideoCore and OSEE in the first quarter of
1996. The increase in absolute dollars was primarily due to the increase in the
Company's engineering staff, engineering test runs, masks, internal and external
consulting expenses and one-time licensing fees associated with the research and
development efforts to support the introduction of new multimedia products. The
increase in absolute dollars in research and development expenses from 1994 to
1995 primarily reflected increases in the Company's engineering staff and
internal and outside consulting expenses associated with increased research and
development efforts to support the introduction of new PC audio products and
multimedia products. The Company expects to incur higher absolute research and
development expenses in 1997, although these expenses are expected to remain
relatively constant as a percentage of net revenues. There can be no assurance,
however, that revenues will grow at the same rate as the anticipated research
and development expenses.
 
     Selling, General and Administration Expenses.  Selling, general and
administrative expenses were $3.2 million, $9.8 million and $16.8 million, or
9.7%, 9.2% and 7.4% of net revenues, in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The
increase in absolute dollars in selling, general and administration expenses
from 1995 to 1996 was primarily due to increase in commissions and bonuses on
higher sales volumes, increased personnel and related expenses resulting from
Company's status as a public company. The increase in absolute dollars in
selling, general and administrative expenses from 1994 to 1995 was primarily due
to legal expenses associated with the Company's litigation with Yamaha. See
"Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements. The increase in these expenses was also due to commissions on higher
sales levels, added personnel and related expenses and, to a lesser extent,
promotional expenses and costs associated with the expansion of the Company's
sales activities. The Company expects to incur higher selling, general and
administrative expenses due to increased selling activities and reporting and
other requirements of a public company, although these expenses are expected to
remain relatively constant as a percentage of net revenues. There can be no
assurance, however, that revenues will grow at the same rate as the anticipated
selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
     Non-Operating Income (Expense), Net.  Non-operating income, net was
$283,000, $2,694,000 and $3,241,000 in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. In
1994, 1995 and 1996 non-operating income (expense), net consisted of interest
income net of interest expense and gains on sale of securities.
 
     Provision for Income Taxes.  The Company's effective tax rate was 43%, 41%
and 61% for 1994, 1995 and 1996. The Company's tax rate for 1994 was higher than
the combined federal and state statutory rate of 41% as a result of federal
taxes provided on foreign earnings. The Company's tax rate for 1995 was at the
combined federal and state statutory rate of 41%. The tax rate for 1996 of 61%
includes the one-time pre and post-tax charge of $30.4 million related to
acquired research and development in-process from the acquisition of VideoCore
and OSEE in the first quarter 1996. Pro forma tax rate excluding this one-time
pre and post-tax charge of $30.4 million was 39%. The Company's pro forma tax
rate for 1996 was lower than the combined federal and state statutory rate of
41% as a result of tax exempt interest income and research and development
credits. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     Since its inception, the Company has financed its cash requirements from
cash generated by operations, the sale of equity securities, bank lines of
credit and short-term and long-term debt. At December 31, 1996, ESS had cash and
cash equivalents and short-term investments of $69.2 million and working capital
of $65.2 million. As of December 31, 1996, the Company had two $10.0 million
bank lines of credit expiring on March 31, 1997 and May 1, 1997. These lines of
credit require the Company to achieve certain financial ratios and operating
results. There were no borrowing under these lines of credit as of December 31,
1996.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
     In 1996, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $36.4
million. This resulted from net income of $21.6 million, a one-time non-cash
charge for research and development in-process of $30.4 million and depreciation
and amortization of $3.2 million, less a gain on sale of short-term investments
of $1.0 million and investment in working capital of $17.8 million. The Company
received net proceeds of $7.1 million from sale of marketable equity securities,
$3.8 million from the issuance of common stock from exercise of stock options
and employee stock purchase plan, and $8.9 million in income tax credits from
disqualifying disposition of common stock options. The Company invested $14.0
million in property and equipment, repurchased stock for $19.7 million, paid
$16.0 million on capacity commitments and $9.3 million for acquisition of
VideoCore and OSEE. For the year, cash and cash equivalents declined $2.8
million.
 
     In 1995, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $13.5
million. This resulted from net income of $29.9 million, depreciation and
amortization of $0.9 million less a gain on sale of marketable equity securities
of $1.3 million and investments in working capital of $16.0 million. The Company
received net proceeds of $60.8 million from the issuance of common stock related
to its initial public offering. The Company purchased $24.9 million in
short-term investments and invested $8.4 million in property and equipment. For
the year, cash and cash equivalents increased $41.0 million.
 
     In 1994, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of $5.1
million. This resulted from net income of $8.4 million, depreciation or
amortization of $0.6 million less investments in working capital of $3.8
million. The Company received $1.3 million from the sale of marketable equity
securities. The Company paid $2.7 million in short-term debt and invested $1.1
million in property and equipment. For the year, cash and cash equivalents
increased $2.7 million.
 
     The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents as of
December 31, 1996, together with the cash generated from operations and
available borrowings under its line of credit, will be sufficient to fund
acquisitions of property and equipment and provide adequate working capital
through at least the next twelve months. Capital expenditures for the next
twelve months are anticipated to be approximately $17 million of which
approximately $7 million will be used to fund construction of additional
facilities and approximately $10 million will be used to acquire capital
equipment. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay approximately $16
million over the next 6 months to TSMC in exchange for certain wafer capacity
commitments and will invest approximately $20 million in 2 installments over the
next 6 months in exchange for equity ownership in a joint venture with UMC. The
Company may also utilize cash to acquire or invest in complementary businesses
or products or to obtain the right to use complementary technologies. From time
to time, in the ordinary course of business, the Company may evaluate potential
acquisitions of or investment in such businesses, products or technologies owned
by third parties. The Company also has bank lines of credit which may be
utilized to provide additional cash.
 
                     FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS
 
     Except for the historical information contained in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K, the matters discussed in this report are forward looking statements
which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
from those indicated by such forward looking statements. Such risks and
uncertainties include but are not limited to those set forth below. In any
event, the matters set forth below should be carefully considered when
evaluating the Company's business and prospects.
 
     Potential Fluctuations in Operating Results.  The Company's operating
results are subject to quarterly and other fluctuations due to a variety of
factors, including the gain or loss of significant customers, increased
competitive pressures, changes in pricing policies by the Company, its
competitors or its suppliers, including decreases in unit ASPs of the Company's
products, the timing of new product announcements and introductions by the
Company or its competitors and market acceptance of new or enhanced versions of
the Company's and its customers' products. Other factors include the
availability of foundry capacity, fluctuations in manufacturing yields,
availability and cost of raw materials, changes in the mix of products sold, the
cyclical nature of both the semiconductor industry and the market for PCs,
seasonal customer demand, the timing of significant orders and significant
increases in expenses associated with the expansion of operations. The Company's
operating results could also be adversely affected by economic conditions
generally in various
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
geographic areas where the Company or its customers do business, or order
cancellations or rescheduling. These factors are difficult to forecast, and
these or other factors could materially affect the Company's quarterly or annual
operating results. There can be no assurance as to the level of sales or
earnings that may be attained by the Company in any given period in the future.
See "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
 
     Competition; Pricing Pressures.  The markets in which the Company competes
are intensely competitive and are characterized by rapid technological change,
price declines and rapid product obsolescence. See "Item 1.
Business -- Competition."
 
     Dependence on Single Product Line and PC Industry.  In 1995 and 1996, sales
of PC audio semiconductors accounted for approximately 98% and 92%,
respectively, of the Company's net revenues, and the Company expects that sales
of audio semiconductors will continue to account for a majority of its net
revenues for the foreseeable future. Any reduction in ASPs for audio products or
demand for the Company's audio semiconductors, whether because of a reduction in
demand for PCs in general or PC audio, increased competition or otherwise, would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations.
 
     The Company is currently engaged in the development and introduction of new
PC audio products as well as new multimedia products for the PC and consumer
markets that provide capabilities such as video and fax/ modem/voice
applications. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
identify market trends or new product opportunities, develop and market new
products, achieve design wins or respond effectively to new technological
changes or product announcements by others. A failure in any of these areas
would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
 
     The Company's audio products are sold for incorporation into multimedia
desktop and notebook computers. ESS audio semiconductors are incorporated into
motherboards by multimedia PC original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") or in
add-in sound cards. Therefore, the Company is heavily dependent on the continued
growth of the markets for multimedia desktop and notebook computers and
multimedia applications utilizing high quality audio. There can be no assurance
that these markets will be able to sustain continued growth. A slowing in unit
volume and a decrease in ASPs could result in a decline in market revenues in
the PC industry which could result in a corresponding decline in demand for the
Company's products, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Item 1.
Business -- Products."
 
     Importance of New Products and Technological Change.  The markets for the
Company's products are characterized by evolving industry standards, rapid
technological change and product obsolescence. The Company's success is highly
dependent upon the successful development and timely introduction of new
products at competitive price and performance levels. The success of new
products depends on a number of factors, including timely completion of product
development, market acceptance of the Company's and its customers' new products,
securing sufficient foundry capacity for volume manufacturing of wafers,
achievement of acceptable wafer fabrication yields by the Company's independent
foundries and the Company's ability to offer new products at competitive prices.
In order to succeed in having the Company's products incorporated into new
products being designed by desktop and notebook computer manufacturers, the
Company must anticipate market trends and performance and functionality
requirements of such manufacturers and must successfully develop and manufacture
products that meet these requirements. In addition, the Company must meet the
timing and price requirements of such manufacturers and must make such products
available in sufficient quantities. Accordingly, in selling to OEMs, the Company
can often incur significant expenditures prior to volume sales of new products,
if any. In order to help accomplish these goals, the Company has in the past and
will continue to consider in the future the acquisition of other companies or
the products and technologies of other companies. Such acquisitions carry
additional risks such as a lack of integration with existing products and
corporate culture, the potential for large write-offs and the diversion of
management attention. The Company is currently engaged in the development of new
PC audio products as well as new multimedia products that provide telephony
capabilities such as fax/modem/voice and video applications. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to identify market trends or new
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
product opportunities, develop and market new products, achieve design wins or
respond effectively to new technological changes or product announcements by
others. A failure in any of these areas would have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Item
I. Business -- Research and Development."
 
     Dependence on TSMC and Other Third Parties.  The Company relies on
independent foundries to manufacture all of its products. A substantial majority
of the Company's products are currently manufactured by TSMC, which has
manufactured certain of the Company's products since 1989. The Company also has
foundry arrangements with Sharp, ICW, and UMC, which have been manufacturing
certain of the Company's products since 1986, 1991 and 1995, respectively. TSMC,
in particular, provides the Company with access to advanced process technology
necessary for the manufacture of the Company's products. These foundries
fabricate products for other companies and, with the exception of TSMC,
manufacture products of their own design. In November 1995, the Company entered
into long-term agreements with TSMC and UMC in which the Company has secured
access to additional capacity and to leading edge technology. See "Item I.
Business -- Manufacturing."
 
     While the Company has entered into long-term agreements with two of its
foundries, the Company's reliance on these and other independent foundries
involves a number of risks, including the absence of adequate capacity, the
unavailability of, or interruption in access to, certain process technologies
and reduced control over delivery schedules, manufacturing yields and costs, and
the international risks more fully described below. The Company expects to rely
upon TSMC and UMC to manufacture a substantial majority of the Company's
products for the foreseeable future. In the event that TSMC and UMC are unable
to continue to manufacture the Company's key products in required volumes, the
Company will have to identify and secure additional foundry capacity. In such an
event, the Company may be unable to identify or secure additional foundry
capacity from another manufacturer, particularly at the levels that the Company
currently expects TSMC and UMC to provide. Even if such capacity is available
from another manufacturer, the qualification process could take six months or
longer. The loss of any of its foundries as a supplier, the inability of the
Company to acquire additional capacity at its current suppliers or qualify other
wafer manufacturers for additional foundry capacity should additional capacity
be necessary, or any other circumstances causing a significant interruption in
the supply of semiconductors to the Company would have a material adverse effect
on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
     To address potential foundry capacity constraints in the future, ESS will
continue to consider and may be required to enter into additional arrangements,
including equity investments in or loans to independent wafer manufacturers in
exchange for guaranteed production capacity, joint ventures to own and operate
foundries, or "take or pay" contracts that commit the Company to purchase
specified quantities of wafers over extended periods. Any such arrangements
could require the Company to commit substantial capital and grant licenses to
its technology. The need to commit substantial capital may require the Company
to obtain additional debt or equity financing, which could result in dilution to
the Company's shareholders. There can be no assurance that such additional
financing, if required, will be available when needed or, if available, will be
obtained on terms acceptable to the Company.
 
     Customer Concentration.  A limited number of customers have accounted for a
substantial portion of the Company's net revenues. In 1994, 1995 and 1996, sales
to the Company's top five customers, including sales to the Company's
international distributor, accounted for approximately 51%, 48% and 40%
respectively, of the Company's net revenues. In 1994, two customers, Compaq and
Western Publishing, accounted for approximately 20% and 14%, respectively, of
the Company's net revenues. In 1995, Compaq and Universe Electron Corporation,
the Company's Japanese distributor, each accounted for approximately 17% of the
Company's net revenues. The decline in the percentage of sales attributable to
Western Publishing reflects the Company's shift in product mix from toy and
other consumer products to PC audio products. In 1996, Compaq and Universe
Electron Corporation each accounted for approximately 12% and 13%, respectively,
of the Company's net revenues. Sales to distributors are generally subject to
agreements allowing limited rights of return and price protection with respect
to unsold products. While the Company has not experienced returns and allowances
in excess of the Company's reserves, returns and allowances in excess of
reserves could have a material adverse impact on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operation. The
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
Company expects that a limited number of customers may account for a substantial
portion of its net revenues for the foreseeable future. The Company has
experienced changes from year to year in the composition of its major customer
base and believes this pattern may continue. For example, Compaq has been a
significant customer of the Company since 1994. The Company does not have
long-term purchase agreements with any of its customers. The reduction, delay or
cancellation of orders from one or more major customers for any reason or the
loss of one or more of such major customers could materially and adversely
affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. In
addition, since the Company's products are often sole sourced to its customers,
the Company's operating results could be materially and adversely affected if
one or more of its major customers were to develop other sources of supply.
There can be no assurance that the Company's current customers will continue to
place orders with the Company, that orders by existing customers will not be
canceled or will continue at the levels of previous periods or that the Company
will be able to obtain orders from new customers. The Company currently places
noncancelable orders to purchase its products from independent foundries on an
approximately three month rolling basis, while its customers generally place
purchase orders with the Company less than four weeks prior to delivery that may
be canceled without significant penalty. Consequently, if anticipated sales and
shipments in any quarter are canceled or do not occur as quickly as expected,
expense and inventory levels could be disproportionately high and the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially
adversely affected.
 
     Management of Growth.  The Company has recently experienced significant
growth in revenues and the addition of multiple product lines that require
additional management systems and processes. To manage its future operations and
growth effectively, the Company will need to continue to improve its
operational, financial and management information systems, implement additional
systems and controls, and hire, train, motivate, manage and retain its
employees. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to manage
such growth effectively, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
     International Operations.  During 1994, 1995 and 1996, international sales,
accounted for approximately 72%, 73% and 92% of the Company's net revenues,
respectively. Substantially all of the Company's international sales were to
customers in Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. The Company expects that
international sales will continue to represent a significant portion of its net
revenues for the foreseeable future. In addition, substantially all of the
Company's products are manufactured, assembled and tested by independent third
parties in Asia. Due to its reliance on international sales and foreign
third-party manufacturing, assembly and testing operations, the Company is
subject to the risks of conducting business outside of the United States. These
risks include unexpected changes in, or impositions of legislative or regulatory
requirements, delays resulting from difficulty in obtaining export licenses for
certain technology, tariffs, quotas and other trade barriers and restrictions,
longer payment cycles, greater difficulty in accounts receivable collection,
potentially adverse taxes, the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign
laws and other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company is also subject
to general geopolitical risks in connection with its international trade
relationships. In particular, mainland China, which represents a large potential
market for the Company's products, has recently experienced the death of its
leader Deng Xiaoping. Should the death of Deng Xiaoping result in instability in
the government, it is possible that sales to mainland China will be impeded.
Such instability could also lead to disruption in the Company's ability to trade
with Taiwan, which represents a majority of the Company's sales and is the
location of its major foundries and two test facilities. Should such disruption
occur, it is possible that purchases by Taiwanese customers will decline and
semiconductor manufacturing in Taiwan will be impeded, cutting off the Company's
main supply of guaranteed wafer production. This could also lead to capacity
constraints at non-Taiwanese foundries. Although the Company has not to date
experienced any material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or
results of operations as a result of such regulatory, geopolitical and other
factors, there can be no assurance that such factors will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations in the future or require the Company to modify its current business
practices.
 
     In addition, the laws of certain foreign countries in which the Company's
products are or may be manufactured or sold, including various countries in
Asia, may not protect the Company's products or
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United
States and thus make the possibility of piracy of the Company's technology and
products more likely. Currently, all of the Company's product sales and all of
its arrangements with foundries and assembly and test vendors, other than its
foundry arrangement with Sharp Corporation, provide for pricing and payment in
U.S. dollars. To date, although the effect of currency fluctuations have been
insignificant, there can be no assurance that fluctuations in currency exchange
rates will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. In addition, to date the Company
has not engaged in any currency hedging activities, although the Company may do
so in the future. Further, there can be no assurance that one or more of the
foregoing factors will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations or require the Company
to modify its current business practices.
 
     Semiconductor Industry.  The semiconductor industry has historically been
characterized by rapid technological change, cyclical market patterns,
significant price erosion, periods of over-capacity and production shortages,
variations in manufacturing costs and yields and significant expenditures for
capital equipment and product development. In addition, the industry has
experienced significant economic downturns at various times, characterized by
diminished product demand and accelerated erosion of product prices. Although
the semiconductor industry in recent periods has experienced increased demand,
it is uncertain how long these conditions will continue. The Company may
experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in operating results due to
general semiconductor industry conditions.
 
     Patents and Proprietary Rights.  The Company relies on a combination of
patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secret laws and confidentiality
procedures to protect its intellectual property rights. See "Item 1.
Business -- Patents and Proprietary Rights."
 
     Dependence on Key Personnel.  The Company's success depends to a
significant degree upon the continued contributions of Fred S.L. Chan, the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors. As of
January 31, 1997, Mr. Chan, together with his spouse, Annie M.H. Chan, a
director of the Company and certain trusts for the benefit of the Chan's
children and certain charities beneficially own, in the aggregate, approximately
41% of the Company's Common Stock. The future success of the Company depends on
its ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified senior
management, sales and technical personnel, particularly highly skilled
semiconductor design personnel and software engineers, for whom competition is
intense. Recently, the Company has hired a number of key executives and
management personnel. The loss of Mr. Chan, other key executive officers, key
design personnel or software engineers or the inability to hire and retain
sufficient qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be
no assurance that the Company will be able to retain these employees. The
Company currently does not maintain any key man life insurance on the life of
any of its key employees.
 
     Control by Existing Shareholders.  As of January 31, 1997, Fred S.L. Chan,
the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors,
together with his spouse, Annie M. H. Chan, a director of the Company, and
certain other shareholders related to Mr. and Mrs. Chan owned, in the aggregate,
41% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock. As a result, these shareholders,
acting together, possess significant voting power over the Company, giving them
the ability among other things to influence significantly the election of the
Company's Board of Directors and approve significant corporate transactions.
Such control could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of the Company,
impede a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving
the Company, or discourage a potential acquiror from making a tender offer or
otherwise attempting to obtain control of the Company.
 
     Shares Eligible for Future Sale.  As of January 31, 1997, the Company had
approximately 38,307,036 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Of such shares,
22,406,639 shares are freely tradable and the remaining 15,900,397 shares are
restricted shares ("Restricted Shares") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act") and are eligible for sale in the public market,
subject to certain volume and resale restrictions pursuant to Rule 144.
 
     Possible Volatility of Stock Price.  The price of the Company's Common
Stock has in the past and may continue in the future to fluctuate widely. Future
announcements concerning the Company, its competitors or
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
its principal customers, including quarterly operating results, changes in
earnings estimates by analysts, technological innovations, new product
introductions, governmental regulations or litigation may cause the market price
of the Common Stock to continue to fluctuate substantially. Further, in recent
years the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations
that have particularly affected the market prices of equity securities of many
high technology companies and that often have been unrelated or disproportionate
to the operating performance of such companies. These fluctuations, as well as
general economic, political and market conditions such as recessions or
international currency fluctuations, may materially adversely affect the market
price of the Common Stock.
 
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     Report of Independent Accountants
 
     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
 
     Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
        1996, 1995 and 1994
 
     Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended
        December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
 
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
        1996, 1995 and 1994
 
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
  ESS Technology, Inc.
 
     In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash
flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ESS
Technology, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
Price Waterhouse LLP
San Jose, California
January 17, 1997
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     -------------------------
                                                                       1995             1996
                                                                     --------         --------
<S>                                                                  <C>              <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents......................................    $ 51,881         $ 49,055
  Short-term investments.........................................      26,243           20,149
  Accounts receivable, net.......................................      10,236           22,054
  Inventories....................................................      19,169           33,150
  Deferred income taxes..........................................       2,337            3,270
  Prepaid expenses and other assets..............................       2,271            6,338
                                                                      -------          -------
          Total current assets...................................     112,137          134,016
Property and equipment, net......................................      10,371           22,366
Other assets.....................................................      40,195           55,603
                                                                      -------          -------
                                                                     $162,703         $211,985
                                                                      =======          =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses..........................    $ 33,744         $ 58,433
  Income taxes payable...........................................       3,722            4,964
  Deferred income taxes..........................................       4,069            5,412
                                                                      -------          -------
          Total current liabilities..............................      41,535           68,809
                                                                      -------          -------
Long-term advances payable to foundries..........................      15,960               --
                                                                      -------          -------
          Total liabilities......................................      57,495           68,809
                                                                      -------          -------
Commitments and contingencies
  (Notes 8 and 9)
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000 shares authorized;
     none issued and outstanding.................................          --               --
  Common stock, no par value, 100,000 shares authorized;
     35,473 and 38,127 shares issued and outstanding at
     December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively....................      66,891           98,655
  Deferred compensation related to stock options.................         (60)              --
  Retained earnings..............................................      38,377           44,521
                                                                      -------          -------
          Total shareholders' equity.............................     105,208          143,176
                                                                      -------          -------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.......................    $162,703         $211,985
                                                                      =======          =======
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
                (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                                               1994         1995         1996
                                                              -------     --------     --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>          <C>
Net revenues................................................  $33,435     $105,744     $226,455
Cost of revenues............................................   12,047       39,584      106,818
                                                              -------      -------     --------
  Gross profit..............................................   21,388       66,160      119,637
Operating expenses:
  Research and development..................................    3,711        8,665       20,270
  Research and development in-process.......................       --           --       30,355
  Selling, general and administrative.......................    3,233        9,758       16,814
                                                              -------      -------     --------
Operating income............................................   14,444       47,737       52,198
Interest expense............................................     (164)          --           --
Interest income.............................................      305        1,348        2,276
Gain on short-term investments..............................      142        1,346          965
                                                              -------      -------     --------
Income before provision for income taxes....................   14,727       50,431       55,439
Provision for income taxes..................................   (6,346)     (20,545)     (33,813)
                                                              -------      -------     --------
Net income..................................................  $ 8,381     $ 29,886     $ 21,626
                                                              =======      =======     ========
Net income per share........................................  $  0.22     $   0.79     $   0.52
                                                              =======      =======     ========
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares........   37,413       37,775       41,588
                                                              =======      =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    COMMON STOCK
                                                  -----------------       DEFERRED       RETAINED
                                                  SHARES    AMOUNT      COMPOSITION      EARNINGS      TOTAL
                                                  ------    -------     ------------     --------     --------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>         <C>              <C>          <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993....................  29,126    $ 5,959       $   (180)      $    110     $  5,889
  Issuance of common stock upon exercise of
     options....................................   1,122        128             --             --          128
  Amortization of deferred compensation.........      --         --             60             --           60
  Net income....................................      --         --             --          8,381        8,381
                                                  ------    --------         -----        -------     --------
Balance at December 31, 1994....................  30,248      6,087           (120)         8,491       14,458
  Issuance of common stock in initial public
     offering, net of issuance costs of
     $1,081.....................................   4,428     60,682             --             --       60,682
  Issuance of common stock upon exercise of
     options....................................     797        122             --             --          122
  Amortization of deferred compensation.........      --         --             60             --           60
  Net income....................................      --         --             --         29,886       29,886
                                                  ------    --------         -----        -------     --------
Balance at December 31, 1995....................  35,473     66,891            (60)        38,377      105,208
  Issuance of common stock upon exercise of
     options....................................   3,667      3,152             --             --        3,152
  Issuance of common stock for acquisitions.....     743     23,352             --             --       23,352
  Issuance of common stock for employee stock
     purchase plan..............................      47        621             --             --          621
  Amortization of deferred compensation.........      --         --             60             --           60
  Repurchase of common stock....................  (1,803)    (4,249)            --        (15,482)     (19,731)
  Income tax benefit on disqualifying
     disposition of common stock options........      --      8,888             --                       8,888
  Net income....................................      --         --             --         21,626       21,626
                                                  ------    --------         -----        -------     --------
Balance at December 31, 1996....................  38,127    $98,655             --       $ 44,521     $143,176
                                                  ======    ========         =====        =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                                               1994         1995         1996
                                                              -------     --------     --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
  Net income................................................  $ 8,381     $ 29,886     $ 21,626
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
     by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization..........................      656          934        3,234
     Charges for research and development in-process........       --           --       30,355
     Gain on sale of short-term investments.................     (142)      (1,346)        (965)
     Deemed compensation expense and compensation related
       to stock options.....................................       60           60           60
     Change in assets and liabilities (net of effect of
       VideoCore and OSEE acquisitions):
       Accounts receivable..................................   (2,889)      (5,935)     (11,818)
       Inventories..........................................   (2,970)     (15,140)     (13,969)
       Deferred income taxes................................     (654)      (1,061)      (1,430)
       Prepaid expenses and other assets ...................      (45)     (41,837)     (15,969)
       Accounts payable and accrued expenses................    1,558       31,073       24,082
       Long-term advances payable to foundries..............       --       15,960           --
       Income taxes payable.................................    1,199          906        1,242
                                                              -------     --------     --------
          Net cash provided by (used in) operating
            activities......................................    5,154       13,500       36,448
                                                              -------     --------     --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Acquisition of property and equipment.....................   (1,067)      (8,386)     (14,015)
  Sale of marketable equity securities......................    1,261        1,346       17,435
  Purchase of short-term investments........................       --      (26,243)     (10,376)
  Payments associated with capacity commitments.............       --           --      (15,960)
  Cash paid for acquisition of VideoCore and OSEE...........       --           --       (9,288)
                                                              -------     --------     --------
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing
            activities......................................      194      (33,283)     (32,204)
                                                              -------     --------     --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Repayment of short-term debt..............................   (2,730)          --           --
  Repurchase of common stock................................       --           --      (19,731)
  Issuance of common stock..................................      128       60,804        3,773
  Income tax benefit on disqualifying disposition of common
     stock options..........................................       --           --        8,888
                                                              -------     --------     --------
          Net cash provided by (used in) financing
            activities......................................   (2,602)      60,804       (7,070)
                                                              -------     --------     --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents........    2,746       41,021       (2,826)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............    8,114       10,860       51,881
                                                              -------     --------     --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period..................  $10,860     $ 51,881     $ 49,055
                                                              =======     ========     ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Common stock issued for VideoCore and OSEE acquisitions...  $    --     $     --     $ 23,352
  Cash paid for interest....................................  $   307     $     --     $     --
  Cash paid for income taxes................................  $ 5,887     $ 20,702     $ 23,576
                                                              =======     ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  THE COMPANY AND ITS SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     ESS Technology, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in California in
February 1984. The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries design, develop and
market highly integrated mixed signal semiconductors and software solutions for
multimedia applications in the PC and consumer marketplaces.
 
     In October 1995, the Company completed its initial public offering of
8,050,000 shares of common stock including the shares from an over-allotment
option. Of the total shares offered, 4,427,500 were sold by the Company and
3,622,500 shares were sold by shareholders. Net proceeds to the Company were
$61,763,000 before deducting offering expenses of $1,081,000.
 
  Principles of Consolidation
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
 
  Use of Estimates and Assumptions
 
     The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
 
     The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial
maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents and investments with original
maturity dates of greater than 90 days to be short-term investments. The Company
accounts for its short-term investments under Financial Accounting Standard No.
115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt or Equity Securities" (SFAS
115), which requires investment securities to be classified as either held to
maturity, trading or available for sale.
 
     All of the Company's short-term investments, comprising primarily debt
instruments with contractual maturities of less than two years have been
classified as available for sale. Management determines the appropriate
classification of securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates the
classification at each reporting date. Interest income is accrued as earned. At
December 31, 1996, the fair value of the Company's investments approximated
cost.
 
  Inventories
 
     Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being
determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
 
  Property and Equipment
 
     Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property and
equipment is provided using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives
that range from 3 to 5 years for machinery and equipment and furniture and
fixtures and 4 to 30 years for buildings and building improvements.
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
     Revenue from product sales is recognized at the time of shipment. Sales to
distributors are generally subject to agreements allowing limited rights of
return and price protection with respect to unsold products held by the
distributor. Reserves for estimated returns and price adjustments are provided
at the time revenue
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
is recognized. Such reserves are calculated based on historical rates of returns
and allowances, distributor inventory levels and other factors.
 
  Research and Development
 
     Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company accounts for income taxes under an asset and liability approach
that requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying
amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. U.S. deferred income taxes
are provided on unremitted earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiary to the
extent that such earnings are not considered permanently invested.
 
  Stock Based Compensation
 
     The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value
method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related Interpretations. The
Company's policy is to grant stock options with an exercise price equal to the
quoted market price of the Company's stock on the day prior to the grant date.
In 1996, the Company adopted SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation"
for disclosure purpose.
 
  Net Income per Share
 
     Net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of
common and common equivalent shares ("weighted average shares") outstanding
during the period. Common equivalent shares consist of the Company's common
stock issuable upon exercise of stock options (using the treasury stock method),
except when antidilutive. Common stock issued and stock options granted
subsequent to July 31, 1994 through October 5, 1995 (the date of the initial
public offering) have been included in the calculation of weighted average
shares outstanding as if they were outstanding for reporting periods occurring
between these dates. The Company used the treasury stock method and the initial
public offering price of $15.00 per share for these calculations.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
2.  BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                           -------------------
                                                                            1995        1996
                                                                           -------     -------
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>
Cash and cash equivalents:
  Cash and money market accounts.......................................    $15,693     $46,569
  Municipal notes and bonds............................................     36,088       2,386
  Certificates of deposit..............................................        100         100
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                           $51,881     $49,055
                                                                           =======     =======
Short-term investments:
  Municipal notes and bonds............................................    $26,243     $20,149
                                                                           =======     =======
Accounts receivable:
  Accounts receivable..................................................    $10,339     $22,540
  Less: allowance for doubtful accounts................................       (103)       (486)
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                           $10,236     $22,054
                                                                           =======     =======
Inventories:
  Raw materials........................................................    $ 2,790     $ 2,192
  Work-in-process......................................................      9,277      14,302
  Finished goods.......................................................      7,983      18,797
                                                                           -------     -------
  Gross inventories....................................................     20,050      35,291
  Less: inventory reserves.............................................       (881)     (2,141)
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                           $19,169     $33,150
                                                                           =======     =======
Property and equipment:
  Land.................................................................    $ 4,128     $ 4,128
  Buildings and building improvements..................................      2,144      11,809
  Machinery and equipment..............................................      6,451      10,601
  Furniture and fixtures...............................................        298         618
                                                                           -------     -------
  Cost of property and equipment.......................................     13,021      27,156
  Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization......................     (2,650)     (4,790)
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                           $10,371     $22,366
                                                                           =======     =======
Other assets:
  Foundry prepayments and investments..................................    $37,184     $50,057
  Prepaid license fees.................................................      2,773       1,350
  Covenants not to compete.............................................         --       3,507
  Other................................................................        238         689
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                           $40,195     $55,603
                                                                           =======     =======
Accounts payable and accrued expenses:
  Accounts payable.....................................................    $ 7,588     $22,597
  Accrued compensation costs...........................................      1,051       2,513
  Advances payable to vendors..........................................     22,904      28,929
  Accrued commission and royalties.....................................        490       2,074
  Other accrued liabilities............................................      1,711       2,320
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                           $33,744     $58,433
                                                                           =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
3.  DEBT
 
     On November 16, 1995, the Company entered into an unsecured short-term line
of credit agreement with a foreign bank totaling $10 million which expires on
March 31, 1997. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company may borrow at a
fixed rate of LIBOR plus 1% or a variable rate at the foreign bank's reference
rate minus 1%. On May 15, 1996, the Company entered into a second unsecured
short-term line of credit agreement totaling $10 million which expires on May 1,
1997. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company may borrow at a variable
rate of either LIBOR plus 1% or at the bank's reference rate minus 1%. Both
lines of credit require the Company to achieve certain financial ratios and
operating results, and the Company was in compliance with the financial
covenants at December 31, 1996. There were no borrowings under the lines of
credit as of December 31, 1996.
 
4.  INCOME TAXES
 
     Income before provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                        -------------------------------
                                                         1994        1995        1996
                                                        -------     -------     -------
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C>
        Domestic......................................  $13,385     $50,363     $55,191
        Foreign.......................................    1,342          68         248
                                                        -------     -------     -------
                                                        $14,727     $50,431     $55,439
                                                        =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     Provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         ------------------------------
                                                          1994       1995        1996
                                                         ------     -------     -------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                              <C>        <C>         <C>
        Current:
          Federal......................................  $5,358     $18,382     $29,406
          State........................................   1,415       3,200       3,955
          Foreign......................................     228          24          42
                                                         ------     -------     -------
                                                          7,001      21,606      33,403
                                                         ------     -------     -------
        Deferred:
          Federal......................................    (663)     (1,056)        330
          State........................................       8          (5)         80
                                                         ------     -------     -------
                                                           (655)     (1,061)        410
                                                         ------     -------     -------
                  Total................................  $6,346     $20,545     $33,813
                                                         ======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     A reconciliation between the provision for income taxes computed at the
federal statutory rate of 35% for the year ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996 and the provision for income taxes is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                             ------------------------------
                                                              1994       1995        1996
                                                             ------     -------     -------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                      <C>        <C>         <C>
    Provision at statutory rate............................  $5,154     $17,651     $19,404
    Lower rates on earnings of foreign subsidiary..........    (310)         --          --
    Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiary..............     310          --          --
    State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit.........     904       3,048       1,843
    Tax-exempt interest income.............................      --          --        (509)
    General business credit................................      --          --        (371)
    Nondeductible research and development costs...........      --          --      12,758
    Other..................................................     288        (154)        688
                                                             ------     -------     -------
    Provision for income taxes.............................  $6,346     $20,545     $33,813
                                                             ======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                               31,
                                                                       -------------------
                                                                        1995        1996
                                                                       -------     -------
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                                <C>         <C>
    State income taxes...............................................  $ 1,000     $   974
    Accounts receivable and inventory reserves.......................      374       1,006
    Accrued expenses.................................................      195         754
    Legal reserves and other.........................................      768         536
                                                                       -------     -------
         Total deferred tax assets...................................    2,337       3,270
    Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiary........................   (4,069)     (4,069)
    Covenant not to compete..........................................       --      (1,343)
                                                                       -------     -------
         Net deferred tax liability..................................  $(1,732)    $(2,142)
                                                                       =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     The Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the Company's
federal income tax returns for 1991 to 1993. The outcome of these examinations
had no material adverse impact on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
 
5.  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  Common Stock
 
     On July 15, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors authorized repurchase at
management's discretion of up to 2.0 million of the Company's shares of common
stock over the subsequent 12 months at market prices and as the market and
business conditions warrant. At December 31, 1996, the Company had repurchased
1,802,500 shares at market prices ranging from $9.41 to $16.75 per share.
 
  1986 Stock Option Plan
 
     In February 1986, the Company adopted the 1986 Stock Option Plan (the "1986
Plan"). Under the 1986 Plan, 3,600,000 shares of common stock were reserved for
issuance to employees, consultants and investors as approved by the Board of
Directors. The 1986 Plan provides for incentive stock options and the Board may
terminate the 1986 Plan at any time. Options under the Plan are granted, subject
to certain conditions, at estimated fair value as determined by the Board of
Directors. Options granted under the 1986 Plan generally
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
vest 25% each year after the date of grant. Options are adjusted on a pro rata
basis for certain changes in the capitalization of the Company, such as stock
splits and stock dividends. In addition, the outstanding options issued under
the 1986 Plan terminate within 90 days after termination of an option holder's
employment with the Company.
 
  1992 Stock Option Plan
 
     In January 1992, the Company adopted the 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "1992
Plan"). The 1992 Plan authorized 6,966,000 shares to be reserved for issuance.
The terms of the 1992 Plan are generally similar to those of the 1986 Plan
outlined above.
 
  Executive Plan
 
     In January 1990 and March 1991, the Company granted 5,400,000 and 1,080,000
options, respectively, outside of the 1986 Plan to officers of the Company under
the Executive Plan. The options were granted at the then fair value of $0.083
per share, as determined by the Board of Directors. The options generally vested
over periods of one to four years.
 
  Equity Incentive Plan
 
     In August 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Equity Incentive Plan (the
"Incentive Plan"), which provides for the grant of stock options and stock
bonuses and the issuance of restricted stock by the Company to its employees,
directors and others. The Company has reserved 3,000,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock for issuance under the Incentive Plan.
 
     In September of 1996, the Company canceled 326,000 shares under the
Incentive Plan with exercise prices greater than $14.75 and reissued the options
with an exercise price of $14.75.
 
  Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
     In August 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(the "Purchase Plan") and reserved a total of 225,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock for issuance thereunder. The Purchase Plan permits eligible
employees to acquire shares of the Company's Common Stock through payroll
deductions.
 
  Directors Plan
 
     In August 1995, the Company adopted the Directors Plan and reserved a total
of 300,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock for issuance thereunder. The
Directors Plan allows for granting of stock options to members of the Board of
Directors of the Company.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Stock Based Compensation:
 
     Transactions under the Company's various Stock Option Plans are summarized
as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1986     1992     INCENTIVE   EXECUTIVE   DIRECTORS            WEIGHTED AVERAGE
                               PLAN     PLAN       PLAN        PLAN        PLAN      TOTAL     EXERCISE PRICE
                               -----   -------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ------   ----------------
<S>                            <C>     <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>
Outstanding at December 31,
  1993.......................    936     3,508         0       1,485          0       5,929       $   0.31
Grants.......................      0     2,051         0           0          0       2,051           1.40
Exercise.....................   (216)      (96)        0        (810)         0      (1,122)          0.11
Canceled.....................    (22)   (1,023)        0           0          0      (1,045)          0.75
                                ----    ------     -----       -----       ----      ------          -----
Outstanding at December 31,
  1994.......................    698     4,440         0         675          0       5,813           0.65
Grants.......................      0     2,014        34           0          0       2,048           5.88
Exercise.....................    (41)      (83)        0        (675)         0        (799)          0.15
Canceled.....................      0      (295)        0           0          0        (295)          4.97
                                ----    ------     -----       -----       ----      ------          -----
Outstanding at December 31,
  1995.......................    657     6,076        34           0          0       6,767           2.11
Grants.......................      0         0     2,560           0         35       2,595          15.79
Exercise.....................   (634)   (3,021)      (11)          0          0      (3,666)          0.85
Canceled.....................      0      (325)     (538)          0          0        (863)         13.79
                                ----    ------     -----       -----       ----      ------          -----
Outstanding at December 31,
  1996.......................     23     2,730     2,045           0         35       4,833       $   8.30
</TABLE>
 
     The options exercisable at December 31, 1996 was 786,000. The weighted
average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1996 were $2.16 and $8.68, respectively.
 
     The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
at December 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         OPTIONS OUTSTANDING                                   OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                     ------------------------------------------------------------     --------------------------------------
                          NUMBER                                                           NUMBER
                      OUTSTANDING AT       AVERAGE REMAINING                           EXERCISABLE AT
    RANGE OF         DECEMBER 31, 1996     CONTRACTUAL LIFE      WEIGHTED AVERAGE     DECEMBER 31, 1996     WEIGHTED AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES       (IN THOUSANDS)            (YEARS)           EXERCISE PRICE       (IN THOUSANDS)        EXERCISE PRICE
----------------     -----------------     -----------------     ----------------     -----------------     ----------------
<S>       <C>        <C>                   <C>                   <C>                  <C>                   <C>
 $ 0.06 - $ 1.40           1,547                  5.51               $   1.10                550                $   1.10
   2.67 -  10.28           1,393                  6.69                   6.08                128                    3.23
  10.67 -  20.25           1,832                  7.12                  15.75                108                   12.25
  20.38 -  29.88              61                  7.56                  21.13                  0                    0.00
                           -----                  ----               --------                ---                --------
 $ 0.06 - $29.88           4,833                  6.48               $   8.30                786                $   2.98
                           =====                  ====               ========                ===                ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Fair Value Disclosures
 
     The Company's net income (loss) and pro forma net income per share would
have been as follows had compensation costs for options granted in 1995 and 1996
under the Company's option plans been determined based on the fair value at the
grant dates, as prescribed in FAS 123, (in thousands except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED
                                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                           -------------------
                                                                            1995        1996
                                                                           -------     -------
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>
Net income (loss:)
  As reported............................................................  $29,886     $21,626
  Pro forma..............................................................  $29,454     $18,902
Net income per share
  As reported............................................................  $  0.79     $  0.52
  Pro forma..............................................................  $  0.78     $  0.46
</TABLE>
 
     The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions used for grants during
the applicable period: dividend yield of 0.0% for both periods; expected
volatility of 0% for the period between January 1, 1995 through October 5, 1995
(the date of the initial public offering), expected volatility of 65% to 69% for
the period between October 6, 1995 and December 31, 1995 and 63% to 65% for the
year ended December 31, 1996; risk-free interest rates of 5.51% to 7.05% during
the year ended December 31, 1995 and 5.97% to 6.69% for options granted during
the year ended December 31, 1996; and a weighted average expected option term of
5 years for both periods.
 
     Sales under the Purchase Plan in 1996 were approximately 47,000 shares at
average price of $13.19 per share. Compensation cost (included in pro forma net
income and net income per share amounts) for the grant date fair value, as
defined by SFAS 123, of the purchase rights granted under the Purchase Plan was
calculated using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions for 1995
and 1996, respectively: an expected life of six months for both periods;
expected volatility of 63% and 69%; expected dividend yield of 0% for both
periods and risk-free interest rate of 5.81% and 5.31%. The weighted average
estimated grant date fair value, as defined by SFAS 123, of rights to purchase
stock under the Purchase Plan in 1995 and 1996 were $7.50 and $5.34 per share,
respectively.
 
     Because additional option grants are expected to be made each year, the
above pro forma disclosures are not representative of pro forma effects of
reported net income for future years.
 
6.  INDUSTRY SEGMENT AND FOREIGN OPERATIONS
 
     The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries are engaged in the design,
manufacture and marketing of semiconductors and software solutions for
multimedia applications in the PC and consumer marketplaces. Sales and purchase
transactions are generally denominated in U.S. dollars.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The following is a summary of the Company's geographic operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               ESS (U.S.)
                                   ----------------------------------                        INTERCOMPANY
                                   DOMESTIC     FOREIGN       TOTAL       ESS (FAR EAST)     ELIMINATIONS     CONSOLIDATED
                                   --------     --------     --------     --------------     ------------     ------------
                                                                   (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>                <C>              <C>
Year ended December 31, 1994:
  Net revenues...................  $ 9,311      $ 19,001     $ 28,312         $5,300            $ (177)         $ 33,435
  Income from operations.........       --            --       13,446            998                --            14,444
  Identifiable assets............       --            --       18,621          5,412               (19)           24,014
Year ended December 31, 1995:
  Net revenues...................  $29,024      $ 76,720     $105,744             --                --          $105,744
  Income from operations.........       --            --       47,737             --                --            47,737
  Identifiable assets............       --            --      157,181          5,522                --           162,703
Year ended December 31, 1996:
  Net revenues...................  $18,790      $207,665     $226,455             --                --          $226,455
  Income from operations.........       --            --       52,198             --                --            52,198
  Identifiable assets............       --            --      206,012         $5,973                --           211,985
</TABLE>
 
     Sales by ESS (Far East) and foreign sales by ESS (U.S.) are primarily to
customers in the Pacific Rim, and to a lesser extent to customers in Europe.
 
7.  SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATION OF RISK
 
     Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration
of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, short-term investments and
trade accounts receivable. Cash equivalents and short-term investments which
primarily comprised of investments in money market funds and municipal debt
instruments, are maintained with high quality institutions and the composition
and maturities are regularly monitored by management.
 
     The following table summarizes the percentage of net revenues accounted for
by the Company's significant customers.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                          31,
                                                                 ----------------------
                                                                 1994     1995     1996
                                                                 ----     ----     ----
        <S>                                                      <C>      <C>      <C>
        Compaq Computer......................................     20%      17%      12%
        Western Publishing...................................     14%      --       --
        Universe Electron....................................      8%      17%      13%
</TABLE>
 
     A majority of the Company's trade receivables are derived from sales to
manufacturers of computer systems. The Company generally extends 30-day credit
terms to its customers, which is consistent with industry business practices.
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial
condition and generally, requires letters of credit from international
customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts on its
receivables based upon the expected collectibility of all accounts receivable.
To date, the Company has not incurred any significant losses due to
uncollectible accounts receivable. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, approximately
30% and 35%, respectively, of trade accounts receivable represent amounts due
from two customers.
 
8.  LITIGATION
 
     In March 1995, the Company was served with a patent infringement claim in
which Yamaha Corporation ("Yamaha") claimed that the Company's ESFM products
infringe upon patents held by Yamaha. The complaint sought an injunction against
future infringement, damages for past infringement, fees and costs. If
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
the Company had been found to be infringing a valid Yamaha patent, then the
Company might have been required to cease the sale of ESFM products, which
represent a significant portion of the Company's revenues.
 
     Management had investigated Yamaha's claims and discussed them with its
patent counsel, who was consulted early during the design and development of the
allegedly infringing ESFM products. On May 1, 1995, the U.S. District Court in
Los Angeles denied the plaintiff's request for a preliminary injunction. Yamaha
appealed the District Court's denial of the request for preliminary injunction
to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The hearing at the Federal
Circuit took place on January 8, 1996, and on March 29, 1996 that Court
confirmed the denial of the request for preliminary injunction.
 
     On August 18, 1995 the District Court granted in part and denied in part a
motion for summary judgment which had been filed by the Company. The District
Court held that the Company's FM synthesis products did not literally infringe
Yamaha's U.S. Patent No. 4,249,447, but held that there was a triable issue of
fact as to the infringement of such patent on another basis. The Court also
found triable issues of fact and, therefore, denied the Company's motion for
summary judgment with regard to U.S. Patent No. 4,813,326.
 
     On May 17, 1996, the Company and Yamaha settled all patent infringement
litigation between the two companies. The settlement agreement did not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.
 
9.  WAFER CAPACITY COMMITMENTS
 
     In November 1995, the Company entered into agreements with two wafer
foundries, TSMC and UMC, in which the Company secured access to additional
manufacturing capacity and to certain technology.
 
     Under the TSMC agreement, in exchange for TSMC's increased wafer capacity
commitments, the Company committed to pay approximately $32 million over two
years as deposits for wafers through 1999. The cash requirements associated with
this agreement are two $16 million payments due on June 30, 1996 and 1997. The
Company issued two promissory notes in the sum of $32 million securing these
payments. The Company made the first $16 million installment payment by making
payments of $12.6 million and $3.4 million on June 28 and July 1, 1996,
respectively. The Company also obtained an option to expand the TSMC wafer
capacity commitments further for years 1997 through 2000. If the Company
exercises its option to commit TSMC to additional wafer capacity, the Company
would be committed to an additional $30.8 million in deposits to be paid in two
$15.4 million payments due on June 30, 1997 and 1998. If the Company is not able
to use, assign, or sell the additional wafer quantities, a portion of the
deposits may be forfeited.
 
     Under the UMC agreement, the Company entered into a joint venture
arrangement with UMC, together with other US semiconductor companies, to build a
separate semiconductor manufacturing facility located in Taiwan at an estimated
cost of $1 billion. The Company will invest approximately $26.4 million in three
installments over the projected eighteen-month period required to build the
facility. The Company made the first installment payment of $6.9 million and
accrued for the second installment payment of $13.0 million in 1996. The Company
will invest the remaining installment of $6.5 million during the next six
months. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will receive a 5% equity
ownership in the joint venture company and certain capacity rights.
 
10.  ACQUISITIONS AND RELATED CHARGES
 
     On January 3, 1996, the Company completed its acquisition of VideoCore
Technology, Inc. ("VideoCore"), a California based company, pursuant to which
the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of VideoCore in
exchange for approximately 525,000 shares of the Company's common stock and $5.7
million in cash. VideoCore, now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is
developing integrated circuits which will incorporate advanced compression
technology for digital video products. On March 29, 1996, the Company completed
its acquisition of OSEE Technology, Inc. ("OSEE"), a California based company,
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
pursuant to which the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of
OSEE in exchange for approximately 217,000 shares of the Company's common stock
and $3.6 million in cash. Also outstanding stock options of OSEE were exchanged
for 85,000 stock options of the Company. OSEE, now a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company, is a developer of advanced fax/modem V.34 and V.34bis algorithm
technology which will enable the Company to provide modem and computer fax/modem
applications on the Company's multimedia processor.
 
     The purchase price of these companies was allocated to assets acquired and
facilities assumed based upon the book value of VideoCore's and OSEE's current
assets, equipment and facilities, which management believes approximates their
fair value, and independent appraisal for all other identifiable assets as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
        <S>                                                              <C>
        Research and development in-process............................     $ 30,355
        Covenants not to compete.......................................        4,600
        Current assets.................................................           12
        Property and equipment.........................................          120
        Current liabilities assumed....................................         (607)
        Other liabilities assumed......................................       (1,840)
                                                                             -------
                                                                            $ 32,640
                                                                             =======
</TABLE>
 
     These acquisitions were recorded using the purchase method of accounting
and accordingly, the results of operations and cash flows of such acquisitions
have been included from the applicable dates of acquisition. The acquired
research and development in-process aggregating $30.4 million was charged to
expense in the first quarter of 1996. Additionally, the pro forma effect of
these acquisitions was not significant on the Company's reported operating
results for 1996 or 1995.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
 
                SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
 
     The following table presents unaudited quarterly financial information for
each of the Company's last eight quarters. This information has been derived
from the Company's unaudited financial statements and has been prepared on the
same basis as the audited Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere
in this Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments,
consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, have been included to present
fairly the quarterly results.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1995                                        1996
                               ----------------------------------------    -----------------------------------------
                                                      SEPT.                                        SEPT.
                               MAR. 31    JUNE 30      30       DEC. 31    MAR. 31     JUNE 30      30       DEC. 31
                               -------    -------    -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------
                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Net revenues.................  $16,141    $21,363    $31,389    $36,851    $ 41,188    $48,450    $60,138    $76,679
Cost of revenues.............    5,168      8,115     11,431     14,871      17,637     21,889     29,540     37,752
                               -------    -------    -------    -------     -------    -------    -------    -------
  Gross profit...............   10,973     13,248     19,958     21,980      23,551     26,561     30,598     38,927
Operating expenses:
  Research and development...    1,229      2,110      2,666      2,659       3,631      4,551      5,577      6,511
  Research and development
    in-process...............       --         --         --         --      30,355         --         --         --
  Selling, general and
    administrative...........    3,040      1,949      1,920      2,849       2,935      3,253      4,352      6,274
                               -------    -------    -------    -------     -------    -------    -------    -------
Operating income (loss)......    6,704      9,189     15,372     16,472     (13,370)    18,757     20,669     26,142
Nonoperating income
  (expense), net.............      359        439        602      1,295         699        640        418      1,484
                               -------    -------    -------    -------     -------    -------    -------    -------
Income (loss) before income
  taxes......................    7,063      9,628     15,974     17,767     (12,671)    19,397     21,087     27,626
Provision for income taxes...   (2,896)    (3,952)    (6,530)    (7,167)     (7,250)    (7,565)    (8,224)   (10,774)
                               -------    -------    -------    -------     -------    -------    -------    -------
Net income (loss)............  $ 4,167    $ 5,676    $ 9,444    $10,600    $(19,921)   $11,832    $12,863    $16,852
                               =======    =======    =======    =======     =======    =======    =======    =======
Net income (loss) per
  share......................  $  0.11    $  0.15    $  0.26    $  0.26    $  (0.55)   $  0.28    $  0.31    $  0.41
                               =======    =======    =======    =======     =======    =======    =======    =======
Weighted average common and
  common equivalent shares...   36,775     37,323     36,940     41,544      36,234     42,414     41,128     41,011
                               =======    =======    =======    =======     =======    =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     The following table sets forth the above quarterly financial information as
a percentage of net revenues:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1995                                        1996
                                ----------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------
                                                       SEPT.                                       SEPT.
                                MAR. 31    JUNE 30      30       DEC. 31    MAR. 31    JUNE 30      30       DEC. 31
                                -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net revenues..................    100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Cost of revenues..............     32.0       38.0       36.4       40.4       42.8       45.2       49.1       49.2
                                  -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
  Gross margin................     68.0       62.0       63.6       59.6       57.2       54.8       50.9       50.8
Operating expenses:
  Research and development....      7.6        9.9        8.5        7.2        8.8        9.4        9.3        8.5
  Research and development in-
    process...................       --         --         --         --       73.7         --         --         --
  Selling, general and
    administrative............     18.9        9.1        6.1        7.7        7.2        6.7        7.2        8.2
                                  -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
Operating income (loss).......     41.5       43.0       49.0       44.7      (32.5)      38.7       34.4       34.1
Nonoperating income
  (expense), net..............      2.2        2.0        1.9        3.5        1.7        1.3        0.7        1.9
                                  -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
Income (loss) before income
  taxes.......................     43.7       45.0       50.9       48.2      (30.8)      40.0       35.1       36.0
Provision for income taxes....    (17.9)     (18.0)     (20.8)     (19.4)     (17.6)     (15.6)     (13.7)     (14.0)
                                  -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----      -----
Net income (loss).............     25.8%      27.0%      30.1%      28.8%     (48.4%)     24.4%      21.4%      22.0%
                                  =====      =====      =====      =====      =====      =====      =====      =====
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
 
                                    PART III
 
     Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this Report since
the Company plans to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission the
definitive proxy statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Proxy Statement") not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year
covered by this Report, and certain information included therein is incorporated
herein by reference.
 
ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
     The information concerning the Company's directors required by this Item is
incorporated by reference to the section in the Company's Proxy Statement
entitled "Proposal No. 1 -- Election of Directors -- Directors/Nominees."
 
     The information concerning the Company's executive officers required by
this Item is incorporated by reference herein to Part I, Item 4A, entitled
"Executive Officers of the Registrant" on page 12 of this Report.
 
     The information concerning compliance with Section 16 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated by reference to the section in the
Company's proxy statement entitled "Compliance under Section 16(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934."
 
ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
sections in the Company's Proxy Statement entitled "Executive Compensation,"
"Compensation of Directors and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation."
 
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
     The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
section in the Company's Proxy Statement entitled "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management."
 
ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the
section in the Company's Proxy Statement entitled "Certain Transactions."
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
     (a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
 
     1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  The following Consolidated Financial Statements
of ESS Technology, Inc. are included in Item 8.
 
     Report of Independent Accountants
     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
     Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
1996,
       1995 and 1994
     Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended
December 31,
       1996, 1995 and 1994
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
1996,
       1995 and 1994
 
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
     2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.  Financial statement schedules have been
omitted because the information called for is not required or is shown either in
the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
 
     3. EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                          EXHIBIT TITLE
------       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>     <C>  <S>
  2.01    -- Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated December 12, 1995 among Registrant, ESS
             Acquisition Corporation and VideoCore Technology, Inc. ("VideoCore") (Incorporated
             herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
             dated January 17, 1996 (the "Form 8-K")).
  2.02    -- Agreement of Merger dated as of January 3, 1996 among Registrant, ESS Acquisition
             Corporation and VideoCore. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the
             Form 8-K).
  3.01    -- Registrant's Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
             3.01 to the Registrant's Form S-1 registration statement (File No. 33-95388)
             declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 1995
             (the "Form S-1")).
  3.02    -- Registrant's Bylaws (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.02 to the Form
             S-1).
  4.01    -- Form of Specimen Certificate for Registrant's Common Stock (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 4.01 to the Form S-1).
  4.02    -- Reference is made to Exhibit 3.01.
  4.03    -- Registrant's Rights Agreement dated May 28, 1993 among the Registrant and certain
             security holders (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.07 to the Form
             S-1).
 10.01    -- Registrant's 1986 Stock Option Plan and related documents (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Form S-1).*
 10.02    -- Registrant's 1992 Stock Option Plan and related documents (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 10.02 to the Form S-1).*
 10.03    -- Registrant's 1995 Equity Incentive Plan and related documents (Incorporated herein
             by reference to Exhibit 10.03 to the Form S-1).*
 10.04    -- Registrant's 1995 Directors Stock Option Plan and related documents (Incorporated
             herein by reference to Exhibit 10.04 to the Form S-1).*
 10.05    -- Registrant's 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and related documents (Incorporated
             herein by reference to Exhibit 10.05 to the Form S-1).*
 10.06    -- Registrant's Amended 401(k) Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.06
             to the Form S-1).*
 10.07    -- Registrant's Rights Agreement dated May 28, 1993 among the Registrant and certain
             security holders (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.07 to the Form
             S-1).
</TABLE>
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                          EXHIBIT TITLE
------       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>     <C>  <S>
 10.08    -- Stock Transfer Agreement dated May 22, 1995 among WK Technology Fund, WK Technology
             Fund II, WK Technology Fund III, Fred S.L. Chan, Annie M.H. Chan and Fred S.L. and
             Annie M.H. Chan Charitable Trust, dated November 20, 1992 (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 10.08 to the Form S-1).
 10.09    -- Stock Transfer Agreement dated May 22, 1995 among Technology Associates
             Corporation, Tekkang Management Consulting Inc., Kummell Investments Limited, Fred
             S.L. Chan, Annie M.H. Chan and Fred S.L. and Annie M.H. Chan Charitable Trust,
             dated November 20, 1992 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.09 to the
             Form S-1).
 10.10    -- Stock Transfer Agreement dated May 22, 1995 among Universe Electron Corporation,
             Fred S.L. Chan, Annie M.H. Chan and Fred S.L. and Annie M.H. Chan Charitable Trust,
             dated November 20, 1992 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the
             Form S-1).
 10.11    -- Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into by Registrant with each of its directors
             and executive officers (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the
             Form S-1).
 10.12    -- Sublease dated October 15, 1992 between Raychem Corporation (as successor in
             interest to Remtek Corporation) and Registrant, as amended November 1, 1993, and
             September 1, 1994; Master Lease dated April 11, 1986 between Renco Equities III and
             Remtek Corporation, as amended January 29, 1994; and Option to Renew Lease dated
             January 25, 1989 between Renco Equities III and Remtek Corporation (Incorporated
             herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Form S-1).
 10.13    -- Standard Industrial/Commercial Multi-Tenant Lease -- Modified Net dated April 3,
             1995 between Gagos Living Trust and Registrant, as amended May 1, 1995; and
             Addendum thereto dated as of April 8, 1995 (Incorporated herein by reference to
             Exhibit 10.13 to the Form S-1).
 10.14    -- Real Property Purchase Agreement and Deposit Receipt dated July 5, 1995 between
             King & Lyons and Registrant (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to
             the Form S-1).
 10.15    -- License Agreement dated November 12, 1987 among Forrest S. Mozer, Registrant and
             Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the
             Form S-1).**
 10.16    -- License Agreement dated September 20, 1991 between Registrant and Zilog, Inc.
             (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form S-1).**
 10.17    -- Software License Agreement dated July 18, 1995 among Registrant, Sensory Circuits,
             Inc. and Forrest Mozer (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the
             Form S-1).**
 10.18    -- Foundry Agreement dated March 29, 1993 between Registrant and Integrated Circuit
             Works Incorporated (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Form
             S-1).**
 10.19    -- Purchase Agreement dated June 17, 1994 between Compaq Computer Corporation and
             Registrant (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Form S-1).**
 10.20    -- International Distributorship Agreement dated July 1, 1994 between Registrant and
             Universe Electron Corporation (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to
             the Form S-1).
 10.21    -- Option I Agreement between Registrant and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.,
             Ltd. ("TSMC") dated November 30, 1995, as amended December 28, 1995. (Incorporated
             herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form
             10-K, dated February 29, 1996 as amended March 29, 1996 (the "1995 Form 10-K").***
 10.22    -- Option II Agreement between Registrant and TSMC dated November 30, 1995.
             (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the 1995 Form 10-K).***
 10.23    -- Foundry Venture Agreement between Registrant and United Microelectronics
             Corporation ("UMC") dated November 28, 1995, as amended January 31, 1996.
             (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the 1995 Form 10-K).***
 10.24    -- FabVen Foundry Capacity Agreement among FabVen, UMC and Registrant dated November
             28, 1995. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the 1995 Form
             10-K).***
 10.25    -- Form of Employment and Non-Competition Agreement among the Registrant, VideoCore
             and Jan Fandrianto dated December 12, 1995. (Incorporated herein by reference to
             Exhibit 2.1 to the Form 8-K).*
 10.26    -- Form of Employment and Non-Competition Agreement among the Registrant, VideoCore
             and Chi-Shin Wang dated December 12, 1995. (Incorporated herein by reference to
             Exhibit 2.1 to the Form 8-K).*
</TABLE>
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                          EXHIBIT TITLE
------       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>     <C>  <S>
 10.27    -- Form of Employment Agreement and Promissory Note among the Registrant and John H.
             Barnet dated August 22 and September 16, 1996, respectively. (Incorporated herein
             by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q, dated
             November 14, 1996.)*
 10.28    -- Form of Consulting and Employment Agreements among the Registrant and Herbert J.
             Martin dated October 23, 1996.*
 10.29    -- Form of Termination and Consulting Agreements among the Registrant and Herbert J.
             Martin dated February 13, 1997.*
 11.01    -- Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.
 21.01    -- List of Registrant's subsidiaries.
 23.01    -- Consent of Independent Accountants.
 27.01    -- Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
---------------
  * Represents a management contract or compensatory plan of arrangement.
 
 ** Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of
    this agreement.
 
*** Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions
    of this agreement.
 
     (b) Reports on Form 8-K: The Company did not file a report on Form 8-K
during the quarter ended December 31, 1996.
 
     With the exception of the information incorporated by reference to the
Company's Proxy Statement for the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Items
10, 11, 12 and 13 of Part III, the Proxy Statement is not deemed to be filed as
part of this Report.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to Report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
 
Dated: March 18, 1997                     By:       /s/ JOHN H. BARNET
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       John H. Barnet
                                              Vice President, Chief Financial
                                                           Officer
                                                       and Secretary
<PAGE>   47
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                            EXHIBIT TITLE
------       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>     <C>  <S>
  2.01    -- Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated December 12, 1995 among Registrant, ESS
             Acquisition Corporation and VideoCore Technology, Inc. ("VideoCore") (Incorporated
             herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
             January 17, 1996 (the "Form 8-K")).
  2.02    -- Agreement of Merger dated as of January 3, 1996 among Registrant, ESS Acquisition
             Corporation and VideoCore. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Form
             8-K).
  3.01    -- Registrant's Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01
             to the Registrant's Form S-1 registration statement (File No. 33-95388) declared
             effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 1995 (the "Form
             S-1")).
  3.02    -- Registrant's Bylaws (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.02 to the Form S-1).
  4.01    -- Form of Specimen Certificate for Registrant's Common Stock (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 4.01 to the Form S-1).
  4.02    -- Reference is made to Exhibit 3.01.
  4.03    -- Registrant's Rights Agreement dated May 28, 1993 among the Registrant and certain
             security holders (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.07 to the Form S-1).
 10.01    -- Registrant's 1986 Stock Option Plan and related documents (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Form S-1).*
 10.02    -- Registrant's 1992 Stock Option Plan and related documents (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 10.02 to the Form S-1).*
 10.03    -- Registrant's 1995 Equity Incentive Plan and related documents (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 10.03 to the Form S-1).*
 10.04    -- Registrant's 1995 Directors Stock Option Plan and related documents (Incorporated herein
             by reference to Exhibit 10.04 to the Form S-1).*
 10.05    -- Registrant's 1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and related documents (Incorporated
             herein by reference to Exhibit 10.05 to the Form S-1).*
 10.06    -- Registrant's Amended 401(k) Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.06 to
             the Form S-1).*
 10.07    -- Registrant's Rights Agreement dated May 28, 1993 among the Registrant and certain
             security holders (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.07 to the Form S-1).
 10.08    -- Stock Transfer Agreement dated May 22, 1995 among WK Technology Fund, WK Technology Fund
             II, WK Technology Fund III, Fred S.L. Chan, Annie M.H. Chan and Fred S.L. and Annie M.H.
             Chan Charitable Trust, dated November 20, 1992 (Incorporated herein by reference to
             Exhibit 10.08 to the Form S-1).
 10.09    -- Stock Transfer Agreement dated May 22, 1995 among Technology Associates Corporation,
             Tekkang Management Consulting Inc., Kummell Investments Limited, Fred S.L. Chan, Annie
             M.H. Chan and Fred S.L. and Annie M.H. Chan Charitable Trust, dated November 20, 1992
             (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.09 to the Form S-1).
 10.10    -- Stock Transfer Agreement dated May 22, 1995 among Universe Electron Corporation, Fred
             S.L. Chan, Annie M.H. Chan and Fred S.L. and Annie M.H. Chan Charitable Trust, dated
             November 20, 1992 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Form S-1).
 10.11    -- Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into by Registrant with each of its directors and
             executive officers (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Form S-1).
 10.12    -- Sublease dated October 15, 1992 between Raychem Corporation (as successor in interest to
             Remtek Corporation) and Registrant, as amended November 1, 1993, and September 1, 1994;
             Master Lease dated April 11, 1986 between Renco Equities III and Remtek Corporation, as
             amended January 29, 1994; and Option to Renew Lease dated January 25, 1989 between Renco
             Equities III and Remtek Corporation (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12
             to the Form S-1).
 10.13    -- Standard Industrial/Commercial Multi-Tenant Lease -- Modified Net dated April 3, 1995
             between Gagos Living Trust and Registrant, as amended May 1, 1995; and Addendum thereto
             dated as of April 8, 1995 (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Form
             S-1).
 10.14    -- Real Property Purchase Agreement and Deposit Receipt dated July 5, 1995 between King &
             Lyons and Registrant (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Form
             S-1).
 10.15    -- License Agreement dated November 12, 1987 among Forrest S. Mozer, Registrant and Sharp
             Kabushiki Kaisha (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Form S-1).**
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   48
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                            EXHIBIT TITLE
------       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>     <C>  <S>
 10.16    -- License Agreement dated September 20, 1991 between Registrant and Zilog, Inc.
             (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form S-1).**
 10.17    -- Software License Agreement dated July 18, 1995 among Registrant, Sensory Circuits, Inc.
             and Forrest Mozer (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Form S-1).**
 10.18    -- Foundry Agreement dated March 29, 1993 between Registrant and Integrated Circuit Works
             Incorporated (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Form S-1).**
 10.19    -- Purchase Agreement dated June 17, 1994 between Compaq Computer Corporation and
             Registrant (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Form S-1).**
 10.20    -- International Distributorship Agreement dated July 1, 1994 between Registrant and
             Universe Electron Corporation (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the
             Form S-1).
 10.21    -- Option I Agreement between Registrant and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
             ("TSMC") dated November 30, 1995, as amended December 28, 1995. (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated
             February 29, 1996 as amended March 29, 1996 (the "1995 Form 10-K").***
 10.22    -- Option II Agreement between Registrant and TSMC dated November 30, 1995. (Incorporated
             herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the 1995 Form 10-K).***
 10.23    -- Foundry Venture Agreement between Registrant and United Microelectronics Corporation
             ("UMC") dated November 28, 1995, as amended January 31, 1996. (Incorporated herein by
             reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the 1995 Form 10-K).***
 10.24    -- FabVen Foundry Capacity Agreement among FabVen, UMC and Registrant dated November 28,
             1995. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the 1995 Form 10-K).***
 10.25    -- Form of Employment and Non-Competition Agreement among the Registrant, VideoCore and Jan
             Fandrianto dated December 12, 1995. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to
             the Form 8-K).*
 10.26    -- Form of Employment and Non-Competition Agreement among the Registrant, VideoCore and
             Chi-Shin Wang dated December 12, 1995. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1
             to the Form 8-K).*
 10.27    -- Form of Employment Agreement and Promissory Note among the Registrant and John H. Barnet
             dated August 22 and September 16, 1996, respectively. (Incorporated herein by reference
             to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q, dated November 14, 1996.)*
 10.28    -- Form of Consulting and Employment Agreements among the Registrant and Herbert J. Martin
             dated October 23, 1996.*
 10.29    -- Form of Termination and Consulting Agreements among the Registrant and Herbert J. Martin
             dated February 13, 1997.*
 11.01    -- Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.
 21.01    -- List of Registrant's subsidiaries.
 23.01    -- Consent of Independent Accountants.
 27.01    -- Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 
  * Represents a management contract or compensatory plan of arrangement.
 
 ** Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of
    this agreement.
 
*** Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions
    of this agreement.
<PAGE>   49
 
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
 
                                    EXHIBITS
                                       TO
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
                                     Under
 
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                            ------------------------
 
                              ESS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
                            ------------------------
 
================================================================================