Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

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 January 25, 2009

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 number 1-6395

SEMTECH CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   95-2119684
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, California, 93012-8790

(Address of principal executive offices, Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (805) 498-2111

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

  

Name of each exchange
on which registered

Common Stock par value $.01 per share    The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

Yes  ¨    No  x

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 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.  ¨

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer  x    Accelerated Filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (based upon the closing sale price of $14.95 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market) as of July 27, 2008 was approximately $755 million. Stock held by directors, officers and shareholders owning 5% or more of the outstanding common stock (as reported by shareholders on Schedules 13D and 13G) were excluded as they may be deemed affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not a conclusive determination for any other purpose.

The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding at March 18, 2009 was 61,064,611.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference in Part III, Item numbers 11, 12, 13 and 14 and portions of Item 10 of this report: Definitive Proxy Statement in connection with registrant’s annual meeting of shareholders to be held on June 25, 2009.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SEMTECH CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 25, 2009

 

PART I

  
Item 1    Business    2
Item 1A    Risk Factors    8
Item 1B    Unresolved Staff Comments    16
Item 2    Properties    16
Item 3    Legal Proceedings    16
Item 4    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    16

PART II

  
Item 5    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    16
Item 6    Selected Financial Data    18
Item 7    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation    20
Item 7A    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    30
Item 8    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    31
Item 9    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    56
Item 9A    Controls and Procedures    57
Item 9B    Other Information    57

PART III

  
Item 10    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance    58
Item 11    Executive Compensation    58
Item 12    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    58
Item 13    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence    58
Item 14    Principal Accounting Fees and Services    58

PART IV

  
Item 15    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    59
   Signatures    62

 

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Forward Looking and Cautionary Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We may also make forward-looking statements in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in materials delivered to shareholders and in press releases. In addition, Company representatives may make oral forward-looking statements from time to time. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical information or statements of current condition and relate to matters such as our future financial performance, future operational performance, and our plans, objectives and expectations. Some forward-looking statements may be identified by use of terms such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “believes,” “projects,” “should,” “will,” “plans” and similar words.

Forward-looking statements should be considered in conjunction with the cautionary statements contained in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, in our other filings with the SEC, and in material incorporated herein and therein by reference. In light of the risks and uncertainties inherent in all such projected matters, forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that our objectives or plans will be achieved or that any of our operating expectations or financial forecasts will be realized. Financial results could differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements due to known or unknown risks. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In addition to regarding forward-looking statements with caution, you should consider that the preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires us to draw conclusions and make interpretations, judgments, assumptions and estimates with respect to certain factual, legal, and accounting matters. Our financial statements might have been materially impacted if we had reached different conclusions or made different interpretations, judgments, assumptions or estimates.

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

We are a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products and were incorporated in Delaware in 1960. We design, produce and market a broad range of products that are sold principally to customers in the high-end consumer, industrial, computing and communications end-markets. The high-end consumer market includes handheld products, set-top boxes, digital televisions, digital video recorders, Bluetooth headsets and other consumer equipment. Included in the industrial customer base is automated meter reading, military and aerospace, medical, automated test equipment, security, automotive, home automation, and other industrial equipment. The computing market includes desktops, servers, notebooks, graphics, printers, and other computer peripherals. The communications market includes base stations, optical networks, switches and routers, wireless LAN, and other communication infrastructure equipment. Our long-standing and strategic end-customers are primarily original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers, including Alcatel-Lucent, Apple, Cisco, Compal Electronics, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Intel, LG Electronics, Motorola, Phonak, Quanta Computer, Research In Motion, Samsung, Sanyo, Siemens, and Sony.

Overview of the Semiconductor Industry

The semiconductor industry is broadly divided into analog and digital semiconductor products. Analog semiconductors condition and regulate “real world” functions such as temperature, speed, sound and electrical current. Digital semiconductors process binary information, such as that used by computers. Mixed-signal devices incorporate both analog and digital functions into a single chip and provide the ability for digital electronics to interface with the outside world.

The market for analog and mixed-signal semiconductors differs from the market for digital semiconductors. The analog and mixed-signal industry is typically characterized by longer product life cycles than the digital industry. In addition, analog semiconductor manufacturers tend to have lower capital investment requirements for manufacturing because their facilities tend to be less dependent than digital producers on state-of-the-art production equipment to manufacture leading edge process technologies. The end-product markets for analog and mixed-signal semiconductors are more varied and more specialized than the relatively standardized digital semiconductor product markets.

Another difference between the analog and digital markets is the amount of available talented labor. The analog industry relies more heavily than the digital industry on design and applications talent to distinguish its products from one another. Digital expertise is extensively taught in universities due to its overall market size, while analog and mixed-signal expertise tends to be learned over time based on experience and hands-on training. Consequently, personnel with analog training are scarcer than digital trained engineers. This has historically made it more difficult for new suppliers to quickly develop products and gain significant market share.

The electronics market is characterized by several trends that we believe drive demand for our products. Electronic systems are being designed to operate at increasingly lower operating voltages, battery-powered systems such as handheld computers and cellular telephones are proliferating, and these systems are becoming smaller and requiring higher levels of integration. Our products are designed to address these needs by providing solutions that protect low voltage circuits, extend battery life, meet tighter voltage requirements, improve interfaces between systems, and support higher transmission and processor speeds. Additionally, as communications functions are increasingly integrated into a range of systems and devices, these products require analog sensing, processing and control capabilities, which increases the number and size of our end-markets. Finally, industrial, medical, high-end consumer and other end-market applications have increasingly incorporated data processing and communications features into their end systems resulting in more complex power and protection requirements, which in turn has broadened the opportunities for selling our power and protection devices.

 

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Advancements in digital processing technology typically drive the need for corresponding advancements in analog and mixed-signal solutions. We believe that the diversity of our applications allows us to take advantage of areas of relative market strength and reduces our vulnerability to competitive pressure in any one area.

Semtech End-Markets

A majority of our products are sold to customers in the computing, communications, high-end consumer, and industrial markets. Until the mid-1990s, we largely focused on serving the military and aerospace end-market. In the 1990’s, the majority of our revenues were derived from the computing sector driven by desktop computers and related applications. In recent years, we have seen relative growth from the handheld communications, communications infrastructure and industrial markets as a percentage of the total. We have also seen a greater diversification within our computer market segment, beyond our initial focus on desktop computer applications.

Our estimates of sales by major end-markets are detailed below:

End-Market

(% of net sales)

     Fiscal Years  
     2009     2008     2007  

Computing

   18 %   19 %   19 %

Communications

   18 %   17 %   19 %

High-End Consumer

   37 %   39 %   34 %

Industrial and Other

   27 %   25 %   28 %
                  
   100 %   100 %   100 %

We believe that our diversity in end-markets provides stability to our business and opportunity for growth.

The following table depicts our main product lines and their end-product applications:

 

    

Specific End-Product Applications

Semtech’s Main Product Lines   

Computing

  Communications   High-End Consumer   Industrial / Other
Power Management   Desktop PCs, servers, workstations, notebook computers, add-on cards, computer gaming systems   Network cards, routers and hubs, telecom network boards  

Cellular phones, PDAs, digital still/video cameras, handheld

games

  Power supplies, industrial systems
Protection   Notebook computers, USB ports, LAN cards   Base stations, DSL equipment, routers and hubs  

Cellular phones, PDAs, digital still/video cameras, handheld

games

  Handheld measurement or instrumentation devices
Advanced Communications and Sensing   Workstations   SONET networks, routers, hubs, switches, fiber modems and wireless headsets, cellular base stations   —     Automated meter reading, industrial control and hearing aids (medical); Automated test equipment
Power Discretes   —     —     —     Military, aerospace, medical

Historically, our results have reflected some seasonality, with demand levels generally being higher in the computer and high-end consumer products segments during the third and fourth quarters of our fiscal year in comparison to the first and second quarters.

Business Strategy

Our objective is to be a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor devices to the fastest growing segments of our target markets. We intend to leverage our pool of skilled technical personnel to develop new products, or, where appropriate, use acquisitions to either accelerate our position in the fastest growing segments or to gain entry into these segments. In order to capitalize on our strengths in analog and mixed-signal processing design, developing and marketing, we intend to pursue the following strategies:

Leverage our rare analog design expertise

We have developed a strategy to invest heavily in human resources needed to define, design and market high-performance analog platform products. We have built a team of experienced engineers who combine industry expertise with advanced semiconductor design expertise to meet customer requirements and enable our customers to get their products to market rapidly. We intend to leverage this strategy to achieve new levels of integration, power reduction and performance, enabling our customers to achieve differentiation in their end systems.

Continue to release proprietary new products, achieve new design wins, and cross-sell products

We are focused on developing unique, new, proprietary products that bring value to our target customers in our target markets. These products typically are differentiated in performance but are priced competitively. We also focus on achieving design wins for our products with current and future customers. Design wins are indications by the customers that they intend to incorporate our products into their new designs. Our technical talent works closely with our customers in securing design wins, defining new products and in implementing and integrating our products into their systems. We also focus on selling our complete portfolio of products to our existing customers, as we believe the technical expertise of our marketing and sales team allows it to identify and capitalize on cross-selling opportunities.

 

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Focus on fast-growing market segments and regions

We have chosen to target the analog segments of some of the fastest growing end-markets. We participate in these markets by focusing on specific product areas within the analog and mixed-signal market, including products for handheld equipment, high-end consumer equipment, and communications infrastructure and certain broad-based industrial markets. All these markets are characterized by their need for leading-edge, high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductor technologies.

We believe that certain geographic markets, such as China, Japan and Europe represent opportunities for added sales and end-customer diversity. Accordingly, we have bolstered our efforts in these regions to enhance our ability to expand our customer base.

Leverage outsourced semiconductor fabrication capacity

We outsource most of our manufacturing in order to focus more of our resources on defining, developing and marketing our products. We use outside wafer foundries. Our primary outside wafer foundries are based in Asia, the United States, Canada and Europe. Our largest wafer source is a foundry based in China. We believe that outsourcing provides us numerous benefits, including capital efficiency, the flexibility to adopt and leverage emerging process technologies without significant investment risk and a more variable cost of goods, which provides us with greater operating flexibility.

Product Segments

We have two product segments, both of which are comprised of semiconductor products: Standard Semiconductor Products and Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products. A majority of our sales come from our Standard Semiconductor Products, which we consider to be our most strategic product segment. The balance of sales comes from our Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products segment. The products in that segment are older-technology products, in many cases dating back to the earliest days of our Company when our focus was primarily the military and aerospace end-markets.

Standard Semiconductor Products Segment. Included in Standard Semiconductor Products are integrated circuits (ICs) and discrete components designed for use in standard and specific applications. Standard Semiconductor Products represented approximately 89% of our overall net sales in fiscal year 2009 and 91% and 94% of our overall net sales in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively. The main product lines within our Standard Semiconductor Products are described below.

Power Management Products. Power management products control, alter, regulate and condition the power supplies within electronic systems. The highest volume product types within the power management product line are switching voltage regulators, combination switching and linear regulators, smart regulators and charge pumps. The primary application for these products is power regulation for computer, communications, high-end consumer and industrial systems.

Protection Products. We design, develop and market high performance protection devices, which are often referred to as transient voltage suppressors (TVS). TVS devices provide protection for electronic systems where voltage spikes (called transients), such as electrostatic discharge generated by the human body, can permanently damage voltage-sensitive components. Our portfolio includes filter and termination devices that can be sold as a complement to TVS devices. Our protection products can be found in a broad range of applications including computer, data-communications, telecommunications and industrial applications.

Test and Measurement Products. We design, develop and market a wide variety of test and measurement products. These products drive the pin electronics, timing circuits, clock distribution circuits and parametric measurement circuits in automatic test equipment (ATE) systems, workstations and communication infrastructure equipment.

Advanced Communication and Sensing Products. We design, develop and market a portfolio of proprietary advanced wired communication, wireless communication and sensing ICs. These ICs perform specialized timing and synchronization functions used in high-speed networks, specialized radio frequency (RF) functions used in a wide variety of industrial, medical and networking applications, and specialized sensing functions used in industrial applications.

Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products Segment. We design, develop, and market a line of power discrete products comprised of rectifiers, assemblies (packaged discrete rectifiers) and other products. These products are typically used to convert alternating currents (AC) into direct currents (DC) and to protect circuits against very high voltage spikes or high current surges. These products are used in a broad range of military, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products represented approximately 11% of our overall net sales in fiscal year 2009 and 9% and 6% of our overall net sales in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively.

For further financial information on these segments, refer to the information contained in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.

Intellectual Capital and Product Development

The design of intellectual property (IP) and the resulting development of proprietary products is a critical success factor for us. The recruiting and retaining of key technical talent is the foundation for designing, developing and selling this IP, in the form of new proprietary products, in the global marketplace. One of our strategies to recruit this talent is the establishment of multiple design center locations. We have design centers in Camarillo, San Jose and San Diego, California; Raleigh, North Carolina; Neuchatel, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Circuit design engineers, layout engineers, product and test engineers, application engineers and field application engineers are our most valuable employees. Together they perform the critical tasks of designing and laying out integrated circuits, turning these circuits into silicon devices, and conferring with customers about designing these devices into their applications. The majority of our engineers fit into one of these categories. Most of these engineers have many years of experience in the design, development and layout of circuits targeted for use in power management, protection, and advanced communications and sensing applications. We also employ a number of software engineers and systems engineers that specialize in the development of software and systems architecture, who enable us to develop systems oriented products in select markets.

 

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In fiscal year 2009, we incurred $41.4 million of product development and engineering expense. This represents 14% of net sales. Product development and engineering costs were $43.1 million or 15% of net sales and $41.3 million or 16% of net sales in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively. We intend to make further investments in research and development in the future, which may include increasing our employee headcount and investing in design and development equipment.

Sales and Marketing

Sales made directly to customers during fiscal year 2009 were approximately 45% of net sales. The remaining 55% of net sales were made through independent distributors. We have direct sales personnel located throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and elsewhere in Asia who manage the sales activities of independent sales representative firms and independent distributors. We expense our advertising costs as they are incurred.

We operate internationally primarily through our wholly-owned Swiss subsidiary, Semtech International AG. Semtech International AG serves the European markets from its headquarters in St. Gallen, Switzerland and through its wholly-owned subsidiaries based in France, Germany, Neuchatel – Switzerland, the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. Semtech International AG maintains branch sales offices, either directly or through one of it’s wholly owned subsidiaries, in Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Semtech International also has a representative office located in Shanghai, China. Independent representatives and distributors are also used to serve customers throughout the world. Some of our distributors and sales representatives also offer products from our competitors, as is customary in the industry.

Customers, Sales Data and Backlog

As a result of the breadth of our products and markets, we have a broad range of customers.

Representative Customers by End-Markets:

 

Computing

  

Communications

  

High-End Consumer

  

Industrial

Apple    Alcatel-Lucent    Samsung    Phonak
Dell    Motorola    Research in Motion    Honeywell
Hewlett Packard    Cisco    Sony Ericsson    Raytheon
Intel    Nokia Siemens    LG Electronics    Siemens

Our customers include major OEMs and their subcontractors in the computing, communications, high-end consumer and industrial and military end-markets. Our products are typically purchased by these customers for our performance, price, or technical support, as compared to our competitors.

During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, U.S. sales contributed 21%, 19%, and 23%, respectively to our net sales. Foreign sales constituted 79%, 81%, and 77% during fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, of our net sales. A majority of foreign sales were to customers located in the Asia-Pacific region, with sales to customers located in Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong comprising 50% of our net sales. No other foreign country comprised more than 10% of net sales.

A summary of net sales by region follows. The Company does not track customer sales by region for each individual reporting segment:

Sales by Region

(in thousands)

 

     Fiscal Years  
     2009     2008     2007  

North America

   $ 72,072    24 %   $ 53,367    19 %   $ 56,710    23 %

Asia-Pacific

     172,054    59 %     186,395    65 %     157,687    62 %

Europe

     50,694    17 %     45,028    16 %     38,141    15 %
                                       

Total Net Sales

   $ 294,820    100 %   $ 284,790    100 %   $ 252,538    100 %
                                       

Concentration of Net Sales - Key Customers

(percentage of net sales)

 

     Fiscal Years  
     2009     2008     2007  

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   15 %   13 %   10 %

Frontek Technology Corp

   13 %   16 %   12 %

Concentration of Accounts Receivable - Key Customers

(percentage of net accounts receivable)

 

     Fiscal years  
     2009     2008  

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   18 %   8 %

Frontek Technology Corp

   12 %   14 %

 

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Our backlog of orders as of the end of fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $34.0 million, $70.8 million and $54.4 million, respectively. The majority of our backlog is typically requested for delivery within six months. In markets where the end system life cycles are relatively short, customers typically request delivery in four to eight weeks. A backlog analysis at any given time gives little indication of our future business except on a short-term basis, principally within the next 45 days. We do not have any significant contracts with our customers calling for shipments over a period of more than 18 months.

Manufacturing Capabilities

Our strategy is to outsource the majority of our manufacturing functions to third-party foundries and assembly and test contractors. The third-party foundries fabricate silicon wafers and the assembly and test contractors package and test our products. We believe this outsourcing permits us to take advantage of the best available technology, leverage the capital investment of others, and reduce our operating costs associated with manufacturing assets.

We perform a very limited amount of probe and final test activities in our Camarillo and San Diego, California; Neuchatel, Switzerland; and Reynosa, Mexico facilities to accommodate situations in which tight coupling with product design is desirable or where there are unique requirements. Our power discrete products are packaged and tested in-house in Reynosa. Almost all of our other products are packaged and tested by outside subcontractors.

In keeping with our mostly fabless business model, we have no wafer fabrication facilities except for our operation in Reynosa, Mexico. For fiscal year 2009, the Reynosa facility provided almost all of the silicon for our power discrete products, which were approximately 11% of our end product sales. The remaining 89% of our end products were supported with finished silicon wafers purchased from outside wafer foundries in Asia, the United States, Canada, Europe, and Israel. We anticipate that virtually all the silicon wafers we require will come from outside foundries in fiscal year 2010.

Despite our use of outside wafer foundries for sourcing a majority of our silicon needs, we do maintain internal process development capabilities. Our process engineers work closely with our outside foundries on the improvement and development of process capabilities. In fiscal year 2009, we purchased the vast majority of our wafers from approximately eight different third-party wafer foundries and used various manufacturing processes, including Bipolar, High-Speed Bipolar, CMOS, RF-CMOS and Bi-CMOS processes.

While we do have some redundancy of fab processes by using multiple outside foundries, any interruption of supply by one or more of these foundries could materially impact us. As a result, we maintain some amount of business interruption insurance to help reduce the risk of wafer supply interruption, but we are not fully insured against such risk.

Although our products are made from basic materials (principally silicon, metals and plastics), all of which are available from a number of suppliers, capacity at wafer foundries sometimes becomes constrained. The limited availability of certain materials, such as silicon wafer substrates, may impact our suppliers’ ability to meet our demand needs or impact the price we are charged. The prices of certain other basic materials, such as metals, gases and chemicals used in the production of circuits have all increased in recent years as demand has grown for these basic commodities. In most cases we do not procure these materials ourselves but we are nevertheless reliant on such materials for producing our products because our outside foundry and package and test subcontractors must procure them. To help minimize risks associated with constrained capacity, we use multiple foundries and have taken other steps to reserve capacity at certain foundries.

Our largest wafer source is a foundry in China. In fiscal year 2009, this Chinese foundry provided 40% of our total silicon requirements in terms of cost of wafers purchased. We have consigned certain equipment to this foundry to support our specialized processes run at the foundry and to ensure a specified level of capacity over the next few years. The provision of these assets to the wafer foundry is factored into our pricing arrangement with the foundry.

We use third-party subcontractors to perform almost all of our assembly and test operations. A majority of our assembly and test activity is conducted by third-party subcontractors based in Malaysia, the Philippines and China. Our subsidiary, Semtech International AG, has operations offices located in the Philippines and Malaysia that support and coordinate some of the worldwide shipment of products. We have installed our own test equipment at some of our packaging and testing subcontractors in order to ensure a certain level of capacity, assuming the subcontractor has ample employees to operate the equipment.

Our arrangements with both outside wafer foundries and package and test subcontractors are designed to provide some assurance of capacity but are not expected to assure access to all the manufacturing capacity we may need in the future.

Competition

The analog and mixed-signal semiconductor industry is highly competitive, and we expect competitive pressures to continue. Our ability to compete effectively and to expand our business will depend on our ability to continue to recruit key engineering talent, our ability to execute on new product developments and our ability to persuade customers to design in these new products into their applications. Our industry is characterized by decreasing unit selling prices over the life of a product as the volumes typically increase. However, price decreases can sometimes be quite rapid and faster than the rate of increase of the associated product volumes. We believe we compete effectively based upon our ability to capitalize on efficiencies and economies of scale in production and sales, and our ability to maintain or improve our productivity and product yields to reduce manufacturing costs.

We are in direct and active competition, with respect to one or more of our product lines, with at least 30 manufacturers of varying size, technical capability and financial strength. A number of these competitors are dependent on semiconductor products as their principal source of income, and some are much larger than we are. The number of competitors has grown due to expansion of the market segments in which we participate. We consider our primary competitors with respect to our power management products to include Texas Instruments, National Semiconductor, Linear Technology, Maxim Integrated Products, Advanced Analogic Technologies, and Monolithic Power Systems. With

 

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respect to our protection products, our primary competitors are ST Microelectronics N.V., NXP, ON Semiconductor, Protek and California Micro Devices. Our primary competitors with respect to our advanced communications and sensing products are Silicon Laboratories, IDT, Zarlink Semiconductor, and Micrel Semiconductor. With respect to our power discrete products, there is one primary competitor, Microsemi Corporation.

Intellectual Property and Licenses

We own many U.S. and foreign patents and have numerous patent applications pending with respect to our products and to technologies associated with our business. The expiration dates of issued patents range from 2009 to 2026. Although we consider patents to be helpful in maintaining a competitive advantage, we do not believe they create definitive competitive barriers to entry. There can be no assurance that our patent applications will lead to issued patents, that others will not develop or patent similar or superior products or technologies, or that our patents will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented by others.

Semtech Neuchatel, a subsidiary of Semtech International AG, licenses certain patents and other intellectual property to others in exchange for use of the other party’s intellectual property and/or royalties or other fees which, in the aggregate, were not material in fiscal year 2009.

We license some intellectual property from other companies and we believe the duration and other terms of the licenses are appropriate for our needs.

We have registered many of our trademarks in the U.S. and in various foreign jurisdictions. Registration generally provides rights in addition to basic trademark protections and is typically renewable upon proof of continued use. We have registered, or are in the process of registering, our SEMTECH trademark in many jurisdictions. In one location use of this trademark is prohibited, but we are permitted to use our Semtech International trade name. This restriction has not had a material impact on our business to date and we do not anticipate it will have a material impact in the future.

We also have registered certain materials in which we have copyright ownership, which provides additional protection for this intellectual property.

Employees

As of January 25, 2009, we had 827 full-time employees. There were 179 employees in research and development, 153 in sales, marketing and field services, and 94 in general, administrative and finance. The remaining employees support operational activities, including product and test engineering, assembly, manufacturing, distribution and quality functions. Approximately 28% of our employees are assigned to the Standard Semiconductor Products segment and approximately 38% are assigned to the Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products segment, with the remaining employees, approximately 34%, serving both segments.

We have not had a work stoppage in at least the last decade and the only unionized employees are approximately 301 Mexican nationals who work at our Reynosa facility, a part of our Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products segment. Our employee relations during the last fiscal year have been, and remain, satisfactory.

We adjust our workforce from time to time to meet the changing needs of our business. Competition for key design engineering talent globally is significant.

Government Regulations

We are required to comply, and it is our policy to comply, with numerous government regulations that are normal and customary to businesses in our industry and that operate in our markets and operating locations.

Our sales that serve the military and aerospace markets primarily consist of products from the Rectifier, Assembly, and Other Products segment that have been qualified to be sold in these markets by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). In order to maintain these qualifications, we must comply with certain specifications promulgated by the DOD. As part of maintaining these qualifications, we are routinely audited by the DOD. Based on current specifications, we believe we can maintain our qualifications for the foreseeable future. However, these specifications could be modified by the DOD in the future or we could become subject to other government requirements, which could make the manufacturing of these products more difficult and thus could adversely impact our profitability in the power discrete product line. The U.S. State Department has determined that a small number of special assemblies from the Rectifier, Assembly, and Other Products segment are subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). We have a Technical Assistance Agreement in place that permits us to assemble these products in Mexico. International shipments of these products require a State Department license. Sales of products subject to ITAR are not material relative to the total sales of the Company.

Our facilities throughout the world are subject to various environmental laws and regulations and we believe our operations are in substantial compliance with those laws and regulations. Due to our limited manufacturing operations, the expense related to environmental compliance for our ongoing operations was immaterial for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 and has not had any material adverse effect on our capital expenditures, net income, or competitive position. New laws or regulations or changes to existing laws or regulations could subject our ongoing operations to different or additional environmental standards that could increase our cost of compliance in the future. In addition, our cost of doing business could increase if our suppliers increase prices to recoup the cost of their compliance with environmental laws or regulations.

We have incurred, and may continue to incur, liabilities under various statutes for the cleanup of pollutants at locations we have operated and at third-party disposal and recycling sites (see Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8). During fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, the expense incurred with respect to these clean up matters was not material.

 

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We used an environmental firm, specializing in hydrogeology, to perform monitoring of the groundwater at our former facility in Newbury Park, California that we leased for approximately forty years. We vacated the building in May 2002. Certain contaminants have been found in the local groundwater. Monitoring results over a number of years indicate that contaminants are from adjacent facilities. It is currently not possible to determine the ultimate amount of future clean-up costs, if any, that may be required of us for this site. There are no claims pending with respect to environmental matters at the Newbury Park site. Therefore, no reserve for clean-up has been provided at this time. At January 25, 2009, accrued liabilities includes approximately $75,000 of fees payable in connection with pending testing and monitoring activities at this site.

Available Information

General information about us can be found on our website at www.semtech.com. The information on our website is for information only and should not be relied on for investment purposes. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report and should not be considered part of this or any other report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

We make available free of charge, either by direct access on our website or a link to the SEC website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Our reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC are also available directly at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider and evaluate all of the information in this report, including the risk factors listed below. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks not now known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these risks actually occur, our business could be materially harmed. If our business is harmed, the trading price of our common stock could decline.

As discussed earlier in “Forward Looking and Cautionary Statements,” this report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward looking statements as a result of certain factors including the risks faced by us described below and elsewhere in this report, in our other filings with the SEC, and in material incorporated herein and therein by reference. We undertake no duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Downturns in the business cycle could adversely affect our revenues and profitability

The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and has experienced significant downturns, which are characterized by reduced product demand, production overcapacity, increased levels of inventory, industry-wide fluctuations in the demand for semiconductors and the significant erosion of average selling prices. The cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry may cause us to experience substantial period-to-period fluctuations in our results of operations. The growth rate of the global economy is one of the factors affecting demand for semiconductor components. Many factors could adversely affect regional or global economic growth including increased price inflation for goods, services or materials, rising interest rates in the United States and the rest of the world, or tight credit markets. In addition, economic slowdowns may also affect our customers’ ability to pay for our products. Accordingly, economic slowdowns may harm our business.

We compete against larger, more established entities and our market share may be reduced if we are unable to respond to our competitors effectively

The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and is characterized by price erosion, rapid technological change, and design and other technological obsolescence. We compete with domestic and international semiconductor companies, many of which have substantially greater financial and other resources with which to pursue engineering, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of their products. Some of these competitors include: Texas Instruments, National Semiconductor, Linear Technology, Maxim Integrated Products, Advanced Analogic Technologies, and Monolithic Power Systems, with respect to our power management products; ST Microelectronics N.V., NXP, ON Semiconductor, Protek and California Micro Devices, with respect to our protection products; Analog Devices and Maxim Integrated Products, with respect to our advanced communications and sensing products. With respect to our power discrete products, there is one primary competitor, Microsemi Corporation. We expect continued competition from existing competitors as well as competition from new entrants in the semiconductor market. Our ability to compete successfully in the rapidly evolving area of integrated circuit technology depends on several factors, including:

 

   

success in designing and manufacturing new products that implement new technologies;

 

   

protection of our processes, trade secrets and know-how;

 

   

maintaining high product quality and reliability;

 

   

pricing policies of our competitors;

 

   

performance of competitors’ products;

 

   

ability to deliver in large volume on a timely basis;

 

   

marketing, manufacturing and distribution capability; and

 

   

financial strength.

 

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To the extent that our products achieve market success, competitors typically seek to offer competitive products or lower prices, which, if successful, could harm our business.

A majority of our net sales are into larger, vertical end-market applications. Fluctuations, seasonality and economic downturns in any of our end-markets may have adverse consequences for our business

A majority of our net sales are into larger, vertical end-market applications such as notebook computers, desktop computers and cellular phones. Vertical end-market applications tend to be highly cyclical over time and highly competitive given the significant unit opportunities they represent. Horizontal markets tend to be less cyclical, but unit volume opportunities are much lower. We consider the industrial market to be a horizontal end-market, because it is much more broad-based and comprised of many non-standardized end-applications.

Many of our products are used in personal computers and related peripherals. For fiscal year 2009, we estimate that 18% of our sales were used in computer applications. Industry-wide fluctuations in demand for computers have in the past, and may in the future, harm our business. In addition, our past results have reflected some seasonality, with demand levels being higher in computer segments during the third and fourth quarters of the year in comparison to the first and second quarters.

We estimate that sales related to communications applications represented 18% of our sales in fiscal year 2009. In fiscal year 2008, sales tied to communications applications were estimated at 17% of our sales. Any decline in the number of cellular phones made, especially feature-rich phones with color displays, could adversely affect our business.

We receive a significant portion of our revenues from a small number of customers and the loss of any one of these customers or failure to collect a receivable from them could adversely affect our business

The identity of our largest customers has varied from year to year. Historically, we have had significant customers that individually accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenues in certain quarters or represented 10% or more of net accounts receivables at any given date. Several of our authorized distributors have regularly accounted for more than 10% of net sales on an annual basis. Depending on the authorized distributor and their strategic focus, they can support anywhere from a few end-customers to many end-customers.

Concentration of Net Sales - Key Customers

(percentage of net sales)

 

     Fiscal Years  
     2009     2008     2007  

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   15 %   13 %   10 %

Frontek Technology Corp

   13 %   16 %   12 %

Concentration of Accounts Receivable - Key Customers

(percentage of net accounts receivable)

 

     Fiscal Years  
     2009     2008  

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   18 %   8 %

Frontek Technology Corp

   12 %   14 %

In addition to those customers representing greater than 10% of net sales listed above, we had several end-customers in fiscal year 2009 that, on an annual basis, accounted for more than 5% of net sales, but less than 10% of net sales.

Sales to our customers are generally made on open account, subject to credit limits we may impose, and the receivables are subject to the risk of being uncollectible.

We primarily conduct our sales on a purchase order basis, rather than pursuant to long-term contracts. The loss of any significant customer, any material reduction in orders by any of our significant customers, the cancellation of a significant customer order or the cancellation or delay of a customer’s significant program or product could harm our business.

We sell and trade with foreign customers, which subjects our business to increased risks

Sales to foreign customers accounted for approximately 79% of net sales in the fiscal year ended January 25, 2009. Sales to our customers located in, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong constituted 22%, 19% and 9%, respectively, of net sales for fiscal year 2009. International sales are subject to certain risks, including unexpected changes in regulatory requirements, tariffs and other barriers, political and economic instability, difficulties in accounts receivable collection, difficulties in managing distributors and representatives, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign subsidiary and branch operations and potentially adverse tax consequences. These factors may harm our business. Our use of the Semtech name may be prohibited or restricted in some countries, which may negatively impact our sales efforts. In addition, substantially all of our foreign sales are denominated in U.S. dollars and currency exchange fluctuations in countries where we do business could harm us by resulting in pricing that is not competitive with prices denominated in local currencies.

 

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Most of our authorized distributors, which together represent more than half of our net sales, can terminate their contract with us with little or no notice. The termination of a distributor could negatively impact our business, including net sales and accounts receivable

In fiscal year 2009, authorized distributors accounted for approximately 55% of our net sales. We generally do not have long-term contracts with our distributors and most can terminate their agreement with us with little or no notice. For fiscal year 2009, our two largest distributors were based in Asia.

The termination of any distributor could impact our net sales and limit our access to certain end-customers. It could also result in the return of excess inventory of our product they hold as the distributor. Since many distributors simply resell finished products, they generally operate on very thin profit margins. If a distributor were to terminate an agreement with us or go out of business, our unsecured accounts receivable from the particular distributor would be subject to significant collection risk.

Our foreign currency exposures may change over time as the level of activity in foreign markets grows and could have an adverse impact upon financial results

As a global enterprise, we face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. Certain of our assets, including certain bank accounts, exist in non U.S. dollar-denominated currencies, which are sensitive to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The non U.S. dollar-denominated currencies are principally the Swiss Franc, Euro, Mexican Peso and British Pound Sterling. We also have a significant number of employees that are paid in foreign currency, the largest groups being United Kingdom-based employees who are paid in British Pound Sterling, Swiss-based employees who are paid in Swiss Francs, and Mexican nationals who are paid in Mexican Pesos.

If the value of the U.S. dollar weakens relative to these specific currencies, as it has done in recent years, the cost of doing business in terms of U.S. dollars rises. With the growth of our international business, our foreign currency exposures may grow and under certain circumstances, could harm our business.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly the Swiss Franc, also impact our provision for income taxes and other tax-related balance sheet accounts. By impacting our provision for income taxes, foreign currency exchange rates impact our reported earnings per share.

From time to time, we do a limited amount of hedging of our foreign exchange exposure. As of January 25, 2009 we had no foreign currency hedging contracts in place. As a means of managing our foreign exchange exposure, we routinely convert U.S. dollars into foreign currency in advance of the expected payment. Any future use of forward contracts to hedge foreign exchange exposure may be required to be marked-to-market each quarter and can create volatility in net income not directly tied to our operating results.

We obtain many essential components and materials and certain critical manufacturing services from a limited number of suppliers and subcontractors, which are principally foreign-based entities

Our reliance on a limited number of subcontractors and suppliers for wafers, packaging, test and certain other processes involves several risks, including potential inability to obtain an adequate supply of required components and reduced control over the price, timely delivery, reliability and quality of components. These risks are attributable to several factors, including limitations on resources, labor problems, equipment failures or the occurrence of natural disasters. The good working relationships we have established with our suppliers and subcontractors could be disrupted, and our supply chain could suffer, if a supplier or subcontractor were to experience a change in control. There can be no assurance that problems will not occur in the future with suppliers or subcontractors. Disruption or termination of our supply sources or subcontractors could significantly delay our shipments and harm our business. Delays could also damage relationships with current and prospective customers. Any prolonged inability to obtain timely deliveries or quality manufacturing or any other circumstances that would require us to seek alternative sources of supply or to manufacture or package certain components internally could limit our growth and harm our business.

We are subject to risk from fluctuating market prices of certain commodity raw materials, particularly gold, that are incorporated into our end products or used by our suppliers to process our end products. Increased commodity prices are passed on to us in the form of higher prices from our suppliers, either in the form of general price increases or commodity surcharges. Although we generally deal with our suppliers on a purchase order basis rather than on a long-term contract basis, we generally attempt to obtain firm pricing for volumes consistent with planned production. Our gross margins may decline if we are not able to increase selling prices of our products or obtain manufacturing efficiencies to offset the increased cost. We do not enter into formal hedging arrangements to mitigate against commodity risk.

Most of our outside subcontractors and suppliers, including third-party foundries that supply silicon wafers, are located in foreign countries, including China, Malaysia, Korea, the Philippines and Germany. For fiscal year 2009, approximately 40% of our silicon in terms of cost of wafers, was supplied by a third-party foundry in China, and this percentage could be even higher in future periods. For fiscal year 2008, approximately 39% of our silicon in terms of cost of wafers was supplied by this third-party foundry in China. While we do have some redundancy of fab processes by using multiple outside foundries, any interruption of supply by one or more of these foundries could materially impact us. Likewise, we maintain some amount of business interruption insurance to help reduce the risk of wafer supply interruption, but we are not fully insured against such risk.

A majority of our package and test operations are performed by third-party contractors based in Malaysia, Korea, the Philippines and China. Our international business activities, in general, are subject to a variety of potential risks resulting from political and economic uncertainties. Any political turmoil or trade restrictions in these countries, particularly China, could limit our ability to obtain goods and services from these suppliers and subcontractors. The effect of an economic crisis or a political turmoil on our suppliers located in these countries may impact our ability to meet the demands of our customers. If we find it necessary to transition the goods and services received from our existing suppliers or

 

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subcontractors to other firms, we would likely experience an increase in production costs and a delay in production associated with such a transition, both of which could have a significant negative effect on our operating results, as these risks are substantially uninsured.

We must commit resources to product production prior to receipt of purchase commitments and could lose some or all of the associated investment

Sales are made primarily on a current delivery basis, pursuant to purchase orders that may be revised or cancelled by our customers without penalty, rather than pursuant to long-term contracts. Some contracts require that we maintain inventories of certain products at levels above the anticipated needs of our customers. As a result, we must commit resources to the production of products without binding purchase commitments from customers. Our inability to sell products after we devote significant resources to them could harm our business.

We may be unsuccessful in developing and selling new products required to maintain or expand our business

We operate in a dynamic environment characterized by price erosion, rapid technological change, and design and other technological obsolescence. Our competitiveness and future success depend on our ability to achieve design wins for our products with current and future customers and introduce new or improved products that meet customer needs while achieving favorable margins. A failure to achieve design wins, to introduce these new products in a timely manner, or to achieve market acceptance for these products could harm our business.

The introduction of new products presents significant business challenges because product development commitments and expenditures must be made well in advance of product sales. The success of a new product depends on accurate forecasts of long-term market demand and future technological developments, as well as on a variety of specific implementation factors, including:

 

   

timely and efficient completion of process design and development;

 

   

timely and efficient implementation of manufacturing and assembly processes;

 

   

product performance;

 

   

the quality and reliability of the product; and

 

   

effective marketing, sales and service.

The failure of our products to achieve market acceptance due to these or other factors could harm our business.

We face risks associated with companies we have acquired in the past and may acquire in the future

We have expanded our operations through strategic acquisitions, such as the acquisition of XEMICS SA in June 2005, and we may continue to expand and diversify our operations with additional acquisitions. Acquisitions could use a significant portion of our available liquid assets and/or we could incur debt or issue equity securities to fund acquisitions. Issuance of equity securities could be dilutive to existing shareholders. Debt financing could subject us to restrictive covenants that could have an adverse effect on our business. Although we undertake detailed reviews of proposed acquisition candidates and attempt to negotiate acquisition terms favorable to us, we may encounter difficulties or incur liabilities for which we have no recourse against the selling party. We cannot provide any assurance that any acquisition will have a positive impact on our future performance.

If we are unsuccessful in integrating acquired companies into our operations or if integration is more difficult than anticipated, then we may not achieve anticipated cost savings or synergies and may experience disruptions that could harm our business. Some of the risks that may affect our ability to successfully integrate acquired companies include those associated with:

 

   

conforming the acquired company’s standards, processes, procedures and controls with our operations;

 

   

coordinating new product and process development, especially with respect to highly complex technologies;

 

   

assuring acquired products meet our quality standards;

 

   

loss of key employees or customers of the acquired company;

 

   

hiring additional management and other critical personnel;

 

   

increasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our operations;

 

   

consolidation of facilities and functions; and

 

   

the geographic distance between the companies; and disparate corporate cultures.

Acquisitions could have a negative impact on our future earnings by way of poor performance by the acquired company or, if we later conclude we are unable to use or sell an acquired product or technology, we could be required to write down the related intangible assets and goodwill.

The loss of any of our key personnel or the failure to attract or retain specialized technical and management personnel could impair our ability to grow our business

Our future success depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical, marketing and managerial personnel. We are dependent on a relatively small group of key technical personnel with analog and mixed-signal expertise. Personnel with highly skilled managerial capabilities, and analog and mixed-signal design expertise, are scarce and competition for personnel with these skills is intense. There can be no assurance that we will be able to retain key employees or that we will be successful in attracting, integrating or retaining other highly qualified personnel in the future. If we are unable to retain the services of key employees or are unsuccessful in attracting new highly qualified employees, our business could be harmed.

 

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If our stock price declines below the exercise price of stock options held by employees, which is now the case for many options held by many employees, the retention incentive aspect of the stock options is lost and there is a greater likelihood we will be unable to retain key talent.

Our products may be found to be defective, product liability claims may be asserted against us and we may not have sufficient liability insurance

One or more of our products may be found to be defective after shipment, requiring a product replacement, recall, or a software solution that would cure the defect but impede performance of the product. We may also be subject to product returns which could impose substantial costs and harm our business. Beyond the potential direct cost associated with product failures, loss of confidence by major customers could cause sales of our other products to drop significantly.

Product liability claims may be asserted with respect to our technology or products. Our products are typically sold at prices that are significantly lower than the cost of the modules or end-products into which they are incorporated. A defect or failure in our product could give rise to failures in the module or the ultimate end-product, so we may face claims for damages that are disproportionately higher than the revenues and profits we receive from the products involved, especially if our customer seeks to recover for damage claims made against it by its own customers. While we maintain some insurance for such events, there can be no assurance that we have obtained a sufficient amount of insurance coverage, that asserted claims will be within the scope of coverage of the insurance, or that we will have sufficient resources to satisfy any asserted claims not covered by insurance.

The costs associated with our general product warranty policy and our indemnification of certain customers, distributors, and other parties could be higher in future periods

Our general warranty policy provides for repair or replacement of defective parts. In some cases a refund of the purchase price is offered. In certain instances, we have agreed to other warranty terms, including some indemnification provisions, which could prove to be significantly more costly than repair, replacement or refund. If there is a substantial increase in the rate of customer claims, if our estimate of probable losses relating to identified warranty exposures prove inaccurate, or if our efforts to contractually limit liability prove inadequate, we may record a charge against future cost of sales.

In the normal course of our business, we indemnify other parties, including customers, distributors, and lessors, with respect to certain matters. These obligations typically arise pursuant to contracts under which we agree to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations and covenants related to certain matters, such as acts or omissions of our employees, infringement of third-party intellectual property rights, and certain environmental matters. We have not incurred any significant expense as a result of agreements of this type in at least a decade, but there can be no assurances that the Company will not incur expense under these indemnification provisions in the future.

We have also entered into agreements with our current and former directors and certain of our current and former executives indemnifying them against certain liabilities incurred in connection with their duties. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain similar indemnification obligations with respect to our current and former directors and employees, as does the California Labor Code. In some cases there are limits on and exceptions to our potential indemnification liability. We cannot estimate the amount of potential future payments, if any, that we might be required to make as a result of these agreements. Prior to fiscal year 2007, we had not incurred any significant expense as a result of agreements of this type for at least a decade. In fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009, in conjunction with the review of our historical stock option practices and related litigation, we incurred significant expense by advancing legal expenses to current and former directors, officers and executives under pre-existing indemnification agreements and to other current and former employees under the California Labor Code and a resolution of the Board authorizing such advances. We expect that these expenses will continue to be significant until the government inquiries and option-related litigation are resolved. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for information regarding indemnification arrangements associated with the restatement and its underlying circumstances. The Company cannot estimate the amount of potential future payments, if any, that it might be required to make with respect to other matters as a result of these agreements, corporate documents, and statutes.

We may be unable to adequately protect our intellectual property rights

We pursue patents for some of our new products and unique technologies, but we rely primarily on a combination of nondisclosure agreements and other contractual provisions, as well as our employees’ commitment to confidentiality and loyalty, to protect our know-how and processes. We intend to continue protecting our proprietary technology, including through trademark and copyright registrations and patents. Despite this intention, we may not be successful in achieving adequate protection. Our failure to adequately protect our material know-how and processes could harm our business. There can be no assurance that the steps we take will be adequate to protect our proprietary rights, that our patent applications will lead to issued patents, that others will not develop or patent similar or superior products or technologies, or that our patents will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented by others. Furthermore, the laws of the countries in which our products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold may not protect our products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as laws in the United States.

The semiconductor industry is characterized by frequent claims of infringement and litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. Due to the number of competitors, intellectual property infringement is an ongoing risk since other companies in our industry could have intellectual property rights that may not be identifiable when we initiate development efforts. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our

 

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intellectual property rights and we may have to defend ourselves against infringement claims. Any such litigation could be very costly and may divert our management’s resources. If one of our products is found to infringe, we may have liability for past infringement and may need to seek a license going forward. If a license is not available or if we are unable to obtain a license on terms acceptable to us, we would either have to change our product so that it does not infringe or stop making the product.

We are subject to review by taxing authorities, including the Internal Revenue Service

We are subject to review by domestic and foreign taxing authorities, including the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Tax years prior to 2006 (fiscal year 2007) are generally not subject to examination by the IRS except for items with tax attributes that could impact open tax years. The IRS completed its examination of tax years 2004 (fiscal 2005) through 2005 (fiscal 2006) in fiscal year 2009, resulting in a $24.2 million reduction of our net operating loss carryforward. No tax was payable as a result of this adjustment and there was no tax provision impact since the affected tax attributes were fully reserved.

We could be required to register as an investment company and become subject to substantial regulation that would interfere with our ability to conduct our business

The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires the registration of companies which are engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, or which are engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and which own or propose to acquire investment securities with a value of more than 40% of the company’s assets on an unconsolidated basis (other than U.S. government securities and cash). We are not engaged primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities, and we intend to invest our cash and cash equivalents in U.S. government securities to the extent necessary to take advantage of the 40% safe harbor. To manage our cash holdings, we invest in short-term instruments consistent with prudent cash management and the preservation of capital and not primarily for the purpose of achieving investment returns. U.S. government securities generally yield lower rates of income than other short-term instruments in which we have invested to date. Accordingly, investing substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents in U.S. government securities could result in lower levels of interest income and net income.

If we were deemed an investment company and were unable to rely upon a safe harbor or exemption under the Investment Company Act, we would among other things be prohibited from engaging in certain businesses or issuing certain securities. Certain of our contracts might be voidable, and we could be subject to civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance.

We are subject to government regulations and other standards that impose operational and reporting requirements

We, our suppliers, and our customers are subject to a variety of United States federal, foreign, state and local governmental laws, rules and regulations, including those related to the use, storage, handling, discharge or disposal of certain toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals and the incorporation of such substances into products available for sale. If we or our suppliers were to incur substantial additional expenses to acquire equipment or otherwise comply with environmental regulations, product costs could significantly increase, thus harming our business. We are also subject to laws, rules, and regulations related to export licensing and customs requirements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement and State Department and Commerce Department rules.

The SEC and NASDAQ have revised, and continue to revise, their regulations and listing standards. These developments have increased, and may continue to increase, our legal compliance and financial reporting costs. These developments also may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. This, in turn, could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors, or qualified executive officers.

Failure to comply with present or future laws, rules and regulations of any kind that govern our business could result in suspension of all or a portion of production, cessation of all or a portion of operations, or the imposition of significant administrative, civil, or criminal penalties, any of which could harm our business.

Failure to maintain effective internal controls or disclosure controls could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires an annual management assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and an annual report by our independent registered public accounting firm opining on our internal controls over financial reporting. Management is similarly required to review disclosure controls, which are controls established to ensure that information required to be disclosed in SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner.

Management’s report on internal controls as of the end of fiscal year 2009 is included in Item 9A of this report and the required attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm is included in Part II, Item 8 of this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also discussed in Item 9A of this report.

If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting. Effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important in the prevention of financial fraud. If we cannot produce reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our

 

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reported financial information, and there could be a material adverse effect on our stock price. If we fail to maintain adequate disclosure controls, the reports we file with the SEC, including the financial statements contained therein, could be inaccurate or misleading.

We are subject to an SEC inquiry, a Federal Grand Jury subpoena, and shareholder litigation related to our historical stock option practices

See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for information regarding inquiries into our historical stock option practices being conducted by the SEC and under a Federal Grand Jury subpoena. The filing of the Form 10-K/A for fiscal year 2006 does not resolve these matters. In the event that either or both of these investigations lead to action against any of our current or former directors, officers, or employees, or the Company itself, the trading price of our common stock may be adversely impacted. If we are subject to adverse findings in either of these matters, we could be required to pay damages or penalties or have other remedies imposed upon us which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Also see Note 10 with respect to class action litigation and other matters related to the restatement and its underlying circumstances that could have a material adverse effect on our business and the price of our common stock.

If one or more of these matters continues for a prolonged period, they may have the same impact regardless of the ultimate outcome.

We may be required to further amend our financial statements

With the filing of the Form 10-K/A and the fiscal year 2007 Form 10-Qs in March 2007, we believe we have corrected the accounting errors arising from our past stock option practices. However, if the SEC disagrees with the accounting methods we used, objects to the manner in which we disclosed the restated financial information or related qualitative information, or otherwise imposes additional requirements with respect to our restated financial statements or stock option restatements in general, we could be required to further amend these filings. Further restatement could also be required if new facts become available as a result of the SEC inquiry, the Federal Grand Jury subpoena, the shareholder litigation or through other means. A further revision of our financial statements could negatively affect our business and the price of the Company’s common stock. Also, a further revision of our financial statements could delay the filing of subsequent SEC reports which, in turn, might result in the delisting of our stock from the NASDAQ Stock Market.

We could face claims by individuals whose options have been cancelled or re-priced by the Special Litigation Committee of the Board

We could face claims from individuals whose options have been cancelled or re-priced by the Special Litigation Committee of the Board (“Special Litigation Committee”) that was charged with determining the consequences of the behavior of certain individuals who were found by a separate Special Committee of the Board (“Special Committee”) to have various degrees of culpability with regard to past improper stock option practices.

Our future results may fluctuate, fail to match past performance or fail to meet expectations

Our results may fluctuate in the future, may fail to match our past performance or fail to meet the expectations of analysts and investors. Our results and related ratios, such as gross margin, operating income percentage and effective tax rate may fluctuate as a result of:

 

   

general economic conditions in the countries where we sell our products;

 

   

seasonality and variability in the computer market and our other end-markets;

 

   

the timing of new product introductions by us and our competitors;

 

   

product obsolescence;

 

   

the scheduling, rescheduling or cancellation of orders by our customers;

 

   

the cyclical nature of demand for our customers’ products;

 

   

our ability to develop new process technologies and achieve volume production;

 

   

changes in manufacturing yields;

 

   

capacity utilization;

 

   

product mix and pricing;

 

   

movements in exchange rates, interest rates or tax rates;

 

   

the availability of adequate supply commitments from our outside suppliers;

 

   

the manufacturing and delivery capabilities of our subcontractors; and

 

   

litigation and regulatory matters.

As a result of these factors, our past financial results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.

Our share price could be subject to extreme price fluctuations, and shareholders could have difficulty trading shares

The market for the stock of high technology companies has been volatile, and the market price of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to significant fluctuations. Fluctuations could be in response to items such as operating results, announcements of technological

 

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innovations, or market conditions for technology stocks in general. Additionally, the stock market in recent years has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated to the operating performance of individual companies. These market fluctuations, as well as general economic conditions, may adversely affect the price of our common stock.

In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against a company following periods of volatility in the company’s stock price. See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for information regarding a class action suit filed in fiscal year 2008 relating to the company’s past stock option practices. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources.

In addition, the future sale of a substantial number of shares of common stock by us or by our existing stockholders or option holders (including directors, officers, and employees, many of whom hold stock options that are approaching their expiration date) may have an adverse impact on the market price of the shares of common stock. There can be no assurance that the trading price of our common stock will remain at or near its current level. The market price of our common stock may be adversely affected by the restatement and matters arising from its underlying circumstances, including the aforementioned SEC investigation, grand jury subpoena, and derivative and class action litigation, as well as by press commentary on the Company’s situation and option granting practices in general.

Terrorist attacks, war and other acts of violence may negatively affect our operations and your investment

Terrorist attacks, such as the attacks that took place on September 11, 2001, wars, such as the war in Iraq, and other acts of violence, such as those that may result from the tension in the Middle East and the Korean peninsula, or any other national or international crisis, calamity or emergency, may result in interruption to the business activities of many entities, business losses and overall disruption of the U.S. economy at many levels. These events may directly impact our physical facilities or those of our customers and suppliers. Additionally, these events or armed conflicts may cause some of our customers or potential customers to reduce the level of expenditures on their services and products that ultimately may reduce our revenue. The consequences of these reductions are unpredictable, and we may not be able to foresee events that could have an adverse effect on our business. For example, as a result of these events, insurance premiums for businesses may increase and the scope of coverage may be decreased. Consequently, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for our business and properties. A “high” or “Orange” or “severe” or “Red” threat condition announced by the Homeland Security Advisory System or similar agency and any consequent effect on the transportation industry may adversely affect our ability to timely import materials from our suppliers located outside the United States or impact our ability to deliver our products to our customers without incurring significant delays. To the extent that these disruptions result in delays or cancellations of customer orders, a general decrease in corporate spending, or our inability to effectively market our services and products, our business and results of operations could be harmed.

The outbreak of an avian influenza (bird flu) pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), or other heath related issues, could impact our customer or supply base, especially in Asia

A large percentage of our sales are to customers located in Asia and a large percentage of our products are manufactured in Asia. One of our largest customer bases in Asia is located in Taiwan. Our largest wafer source is located in China. SARS or other health related issues, such as an avian influenza (bird flu) pandemic, could have a negative impact on consumer demand, on travel needed to secure new business or manage our operations, on transportation of our products from our suppliers or to our customers, or on workers needed to sell or manufacture our products or our customers’ products.

Earthquakes or other natural disasters may cause us significant losses

Our corporate headquarters, a portion of our assembly and research and development activities and certain other critical business operations are located near major earthquake fault lines. We do not maintain earthquake insurance and could be harmed in the event of a major earthquake. We generally do not maintain flood coverage, including in our Asian locations where we have certain operations support and sales offices. Such flood coverage has become very expensive; as a result the Company has elected not to purchase this coverage.

Our business could be harmed if natural disasters interfere with production of wafers by our suppliers, assembly and testing of products by our subcontractors, or our distribution network. We maintain some business interruption insurance to help reduce the effect of such business interruptions, but we are not fully insured against such risks. Likewise, our business could be adversely impacted if a natural disaster were to shut down or significantly curtail production at one or more of our end customers. Any such loss of revenue due to a slowdown or cessation of end customer demand is uninsured.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the information in this report and in the documents that are incorporated by reference, including the risk factors in this section, contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical information or statements of current condition and relate to matters such as our future financial performance, future operational performance, and our plans, objectives and expectations. Some forward-looking statements may be identified by use of terms such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “believes,” “projects,” “should,” “will,” “plans” and similar words. In light of the risks and uncertainties inherent in all such projected matters, forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that our objectives or plans will be achieved or that any of our operating expectations or financial forecasts will be realized. Financial results could differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our headquarters is located in Camarillo, California where we own an approximately 85,000 square foot facility that was completed in 2002. The original parcel on which the headquarters is located will accommodate substantial expansion, and we purchased a vacant lot adjacent to the headquarters when it became available in fiscal year 2003. The Camarillo facility houses a very limited amount of test and probe activity, as well as inside sales, marketing and administrative offices. The Camarillo facility serves as the business headquarters for our Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products segment and all of the product lines that make up the Standard Semiconductor Products segment, with the exception of our advanced communication and sensing and our test and measurement (ACS&T) product lines that are headquartered in Neuchatel, Switzerland.

We own a 30,000 square foot building in Reynosa, Mexico that supports the assembly and production needs of our rectifier and assembly product lines.

Our San Diego, California facility is an approximately 25,000 square foot building that houses design, test and administrative functions and serves as a development center for our test and measurement product line (part of the Standard Semiconductor Product segment). The lease on this facility runs through September 2009, with an option to extend for an additional five years.

We lease a facility in St. Gallen, Switzerland which serves as corporate headquarters for our Semtech International AG subsidiary and houses finance, administrative and other general functions. The lease on this facility runs through June 2011. In addition, we lease office and warehouse space in Neuchatel, Switzerland, the headquarters for our AC&S product line, which is part of the Standard Semiconductor Product segment. The leases on these facilities run through 2013.

We also lease space to house certain of our other design, sales and marketing and operations in San Jose, California; Raleigh, North Carolina; China; France; Germany; Japan; Korea; the Philippines; Taiwan; and the United Kingdom. The space in New York City that previously housed our HID product group has been sublet.

We believe that our existing leased and owned space is more than adequate for our current operations, and that suitable replacement and additional space will be available in the future on commercially reasonable terms.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The descriptions of the legal proceedings in Note 10 to the financial statements included in this report are incorporated by reference to this Item 3.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report, no matter was submitted to a vote of security holders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

For most of fiscal year 2008, our common stock traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SMTC.” On January 2, 2008, our common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the same symbol. During fiscal year 2009, our common stock traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SMTC.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sale prices of our common stock, as reported on the applicable NASDAQ market, giving effect to all stock splits through the date hereof.

 

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     High    Low

Fiscal year ending January 27, 2008:

     

First Quarter

   $ 15.47    $ 13.12

Second Quarter

   $ 18.37    $ 14.23

Third Quarter

   $ 21.11    $ 15.04

Fourth Quarter

   $ 17.62    $ 11.66

Fiscal year ending January 25, 2009:

     

First Quarter

   $ 16.56    $ 11.27

Second Quarter

   $ 18.56    $ 12.95

Third Quarter

   $ 16.52    $ 9.34

Fourth Quarter

   $ 12.41    $ 8.80

On March 18, 2009, the reported last sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $13.77 per share.

Holders

As of March 18, 2009, we had 553 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividends

The payment of dividends on our common stock is within the discretion of our board of directors. Currently, we intend to retain earnings to finance the growth of our business. We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock during the two most recent fiscal years and our board of directors has not indicated an intent to declare a cash dividend on the common stock in the foreseeable future.

Purchases of Equity

Information with respect to purchases by the Company of shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 follows:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Fiscal Month/Year

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased (2)
   Average Price
Paid per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Program
   Approximate Dollar Value of
Shares That May Yet Be
Purchased Under The
Program (1)

November 2008

           

(10/27/08 - 11/23/08)

   —        —      —      $ 19.8 million

December 2008

           

(11/24/08 - 12/21/08)

   229,300    $ 10.6600    229,300    $ 17.4 million

January 2009

           

(12/22/08 - 1/25/09)

   90,050    $ 11.0600    90,050    $ 16.4 million

Total fourth quarter

   319,350      —      319,350   

 

1) In the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time through negotiated or open market transactions (the “2008 Program”). The 2008 Program does not have an expiration date.

 

2) The table does not include shares surrendered to the Company in connection with the cashless exercise of stock options by employees and directors or shares surrendered to the Company to cover tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

See the information set forth in Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

We did not make any unregistered sales of equity securities during fiscal year 2009.

 

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Performance Graph

This chart and graph show the value of a $100 cash investment on the last day of fiscal year 2004 in (i) the Company’s Common Stock, (ii) the NASDAQ Composite Index, and (iii) the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. All values assume reinvestment of all dividends and are calculated as of the last day of each of our fiscal years. Note that historic stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

LOGO

 

Fiscal year

   2004    2005    2006    2007    2008    2009

Semtech Corporation

   $ 100    $ 69    $ 73    $ 51    $ 48    $ 44

NASDAQ Composite Index

   $ 100    $ 96    $ 108    $ 115    $ 110    $ 70

Philadelphia Semiconductor Index

   $ 100    $ 76    $ 105    $ 88    $ 67    $ 40

The information contained in this Item 5 under the heading “Performance Graph” (i) is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and (ii) shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing to this Item 5 Performance Graph information.

 

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The consolidated statement of income data set forth below for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of the end of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, are derived from, and qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this report. The consolidated statement of income data for fiscal years 2006 and 2005 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of the end of fiscal years 2007, 2006 and 2005 is derived from the audited financial statements previously filed with the SEC on Forms 10-K and 10-K/A.

This information should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis contained in Item 7 of this report, the audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in Item 8 of this report, and the corresponding items included in our Form 10-K/A. Information that has been previously filed or otherwise reported for the periods presented in this Item 6 (and opinions of our independent public accounting firms thereon), other than as reported in our Form 10-K/A or subsequently filed reports, should no longer be relied upon.

The fiscal year ended January 30, 2005 consisted of fifty-three weeks and all other fiscal years presented consisted of fifty-two weeks. Our past results are not necessarily indicative of our future performance.

 

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Income Statement Data

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Fiscal Year Ended
     January 25
2009
(1)
   January 27
2008
(1)
    January 28
2007
(1)
   January 29
2006
    January 30
2005

Net Sales

   $ 294,820    $ 284,790     $ 252,538    $ 239,338     $ 253,612

Cost of Sales

     135,233      128,513       115,564      105,236       106,407
                                    

Gross Profit

     159,587      156,277       136,974      134,102       147,205

Operating costs and expenses:

            

Selling, general and administrative

     72,890      74,263       70,249      45,600       46,935

Product development and engineering

     41,405      43,064       41,256      37,928       35,312

Acquisition related items

     1,091      1,102       1,192      4,954       —  

Restructuring costs

     2,310      —         —        —         —  

(Insurance recovery) legal expenses, net

     —        (5,339 )     412      (129 )     629
                                    

Total operating costs and expenses

     117,696      113,090       113,109      88,353       82,876
                                    

Operating income

     41,891      43,187       23,865      45,749       64,329

Interest and other income, net

     4,287      15,120       13,546      7,286       6,304
                                    

Income before taxes

     46,178      58,307       37,411      53,035       70,633

Provision for taxes

     8,657      10,524       6,283      11,084       15,725
                                    

Net income

   $ 37,521    $ 47,783     $ 31,128    $ 41,951     $ 54,908
                                    

Earnings per share:

            

Basic

   $ 0.61    $ 0.72     $ 0.43    $ 0.57     $ 0.74

Diluted

   $ 0.61    $ 0.71     $ 0.42    $ 0.55     $ 0.70

Weighted average number of shares used in computing earnings per share:

            

Basic

     61,249      66,424       72,372      73,436       74,187

Diluted

     61,999      67,709       74,017      76,114       78,257

 

1) Beginning with fiscal year 2007, we are required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”), to measure compensation cost for all share-based payments (including stock options) at fair value. We have adopted the new standard using the modified prospective transition method.

 

2) Intangible amortization is related to the June 2005 acquisition of XEMICS SA.

 

3) The (insurance recovery) legal expenses, net for fiscal years 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 relate to litigation against our insurers to recoup costs related to a customer dispute settled in fiscal year 2004 and paid by the Company in fiscal years 2004 and 2005.

Balance Sheet Data

(In thousands)

 

     Balances as of
     January 25
2009
   January 27
2008
   January 28
2007
   January 29
2006
   January 30
2005

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

   $ 258,815    $ 213,397    $ 338,480    $ 275,493    $ 299,590

Working capital

     279,887      255,562      325,443      236,486      222,886

Total assets

     420,795      395,412      521,654      472,946      458,984

Other long-term liabilities

     8,960      10,680      7,450      5,478      2,410

Total stockholders’ equity

     378,020      348,710      481,181      437,653      425,329

Financial statements and the related reports of our independent public accountants, earnings press releases, and similar communications issued prior to July 20, 2006 should no longer be relied upon and have been superseded by the information contained in the Form 10-K/A for fiscal year 2006 filed on March 29, 2007 (“Form 10-K/A”) that was filed to reflect additional non-cash stock-based compensation following a review of our historical stock option practices (the “restatement”); our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended April 30, 2006, July 30, 2006, and October 29, 2006 which were filed concurrently with the Form 10-K/A (the “FY2007 Form 10-Qs”); and in reports filed with the SEC subsequent to the filing of the Form 10-K/A.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with “Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

As discussed in “Forward Looking and Cautionary Statements” earlier in this report, this Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements, including as a result of the risks described in the cautionary statements in Item 1A “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, in our other filings with the SEC, and in material incorporated herein and therein by reference. We undertake no duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

We design, produce and market a broad range of products that are sold principally to customers in the high-end consumer, industrial, computing and communications end-markets. The high-end consumer market includes handheld products, set-top boxes, digital televisions, digital video recorders, Bluetooth headsets and other consumer equipment. Included in the industrial customer base are automated meter reading, military and aerospace, medical, automated test equipment, security, automotive, home automation, and other industrial equipment. The computing market includes desktops, servers, notebooks, graphics, printers, and other computer peripherals. The communications market includes base stations, optical networks, switches and routers, wireless LAN, and other communication infrastructure equipment. Our end-customers are primarily original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers, including Alcatel, Apple, Cisco, Compal Electronics, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Intel, LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Phonak, Quanta Computer, Research In Motion, Samsung, Sanyo, Siemens, and Sony.

We recognize product revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is probable. Product design and engineering revenue is recognized during the period in which services are performed. We defer revenue recognition on shipment of certain products to distributors where return privileges exist until the products are sold through to end-users. Gross profit is equal to our net sales less our cost of sales. Our cost of sales includes materials, depreciation on fixed assets used in the manufacturing process, shipping costs, direct labor and overhead. We determine the cost of inventory by the first-in, first-out method. Our operating costs and expenses generally consist of selling, general and administrative (SG&A), product development and engineering costs (R&D), costs associated with acquisitions, and other operating related charges.

Most of our sales to customers are made on the basis of individual customer purchase orders. Many customers include liberal cancellation provisions in their purchase orders. Trends within the industry toward shorter lead-times and “just-in-time” deliveries have resulted in our reduced ability to predict future shipments. As a result, we rely on orders received and shipped within the same quarter for a significant portion of our sales. Sales made directly to customers during fiscal year 2009 were 45% of net sales. The remaining 55% of net sales were made through independent distributors.

We divide and operate our business based on two reportable segments: Standard Semiconductor Products and Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products. We evaluate segment performance based on net sales and operating income of each segment. We do not track segment data or evaluate segment performance on additional financial information. We do not track balance sheet items by individual reportable segments. As such, there are no separately identifiable segment assets nor are there any separately identifiable statements of income data (below operating income). The Standard Semiconductor Products segment makes up the vast majority of overall sales and includes our Power Management, Protection, Advanced Communication and Sensing product lines. The Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products segment includes our line of assembly and rectifier devices, which are the remaining products from our founding as a supplier into the military and aerospace market.

Our business involves reliance on foreign-based entities. Most of our outside subcontractors and suppliers, including third-party foundries that supply silicon wafers, are located in foreign countries, including China, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Germany, Israel and Canada. For the fiscal year ended January 25, 2009, approximately 40% of our silicon, in terms of cost of wafers purchased, was manufactured in China. Foreign sales for fiscal year 2009 constituted approximately 79% of our net sales. Approximately 58% of foreign sales in fiscal year 2009 were to customers located in the Asia-Pacific region. The remaining foreign sales were primarily to customers in Europe, Canada, and Mexico.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

On an ongoing basis, we evaluate and discuss with our audit committee our estimates, including those related to our allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns, inventory reserves, asset impairments and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, which together form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Our critical accounting policies and estimates do not vary between our two reportable segments. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

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We believe the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect the significant judgments and estimates we use in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:

Accounting for Temporary and Long-Term Investments

Our temporary and long-term investments consist of government, bank and corporate obligations. Temporary investments mature within twelve months of the balance sheet date. Long-term investments have maturities in excess of one year from the date of the balance sheet. We classify our investments as “available for sale” because we expect to possibly sell some securities prior to maturity. We include any unrealized gain or loss, net of tax, in the comprehensive income portion of our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

After determining the fair value of our available-for-sale investments, gains or losses on these investments are recorded to other comprehensive income, until either the investment is sold or we determine that a decline in value is other-than-temporary. Determining whether a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary requires management judgment based on the specific facts and circumstances of each investment. For investments in debt instruments, these judgments primarily consider: the financial condition and liquidity of the issuer, the issuer’s credit rating, and any specific events that may cause us to believe that the debt instrument will not mature and be paid in full; and our ability and intent to hold the investment to maturity. If management decides not to hold an investment until maturity, it may result in the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. If we are aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us, we record an allowance to reduce the net receivable to the amount we reasonably believe we will be able to collect from the customer. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due, the current business environment, the size and number of certain large accounts and our historical experience. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate or if economic conditions worsen, additional allowances may be required in the future.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize product revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is probable. We defer revenue recognition on shipment of products to certain customers, principally distributors, where return privileges exist until these products are sold through to end-users or the return privilege lapses. The estimated deferred gross margin on these sales, where there are no outstanding receivables, are recorded on the balance sheet under the heading of “Deferred Revenue.” We record a provision for estimated sales returns in the same period as the related revenues are recorded. We base these estimates on historical sales returns and other known factors. Actual returns could be different from our estimates and current provisions for sales returns and allowances, resulting in future charges to earnings.

Inventory Valuation

Our inventories are stated at lower of cost or market and consist of materials, labor and overhead. We determine the cost of inventory by the first-in, first-out method. At each balance sheet date, we evaluate our ending inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes analyses of sales levels by product and projections of future demand. In order to state our inventory at lower of cost or market, we maintain reserves against our inventory. If future demand or market conditions are less favorable than our projections, a write-down of inventory may be required, and would be reflected in cost of goods sold in the period the revision is made.

Contingencies and Litigation

We are involved in various disputes and litigation matters as a claimant and as defendant. We record any amounts recovered in these matters when collection is certain. We record liabilities for claims against us when the losses are probable and reasonably estimable. Any amounts recorded are based on reviews by outside counsel, in-house counsel and management. Actual results may differ from estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation

In fiscal year 2007, we adopted SFAS No.123 (revised 2004), “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”), which requires all companies to measure compensation cost for all share-based payments (including stock options) at fair value. SFAS 123(R) requires us to apply a valuation model, which includes estimates and assumptions on the rate of forfeiture and expected life of options and stock price volatility. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the adoption of SFAS 123 (R). If any of the assumptions used in the valuation model change significantly, stock-based compensation expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period and actual results may differ from estimates.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with SFAS 142, the Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if the Company believes indicators of impairment exist. The value of our intangible assets, including goodwill, could be impacted by future adverse changes such as: (i) any future declines in our operating results, (ii) a decline in the valuation of technology company stocks, including the valuation of our common stock, (iii) a significant slowdown in the worldwide economy and the semiconductor industry or (iv) any failure to meet the performance projections included in our forecasts of future operating results. In the process of our annual impairment review, we primarily use the income approach methodology of valuation that includes the discounted cash flow method as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies to determine the fair value of the assets. Significant management judgment is required in the forecasts of future operating results that are used in the discounted cash flow method of valuation. The estimates we have used are consistent with the plans and estimates that we use to manage our business. It is possible, however, that the plans and estimates used may be incorrect. If our actual results, or the plans and estimates used in future impairment analysis, are lower than the original estimates used to assess the recoverability of these assets, we could incur additional impairment charges in a future period.

 

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The Company accounts for other purchased intangible assets, in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), which requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment, such as reductions in demand or significant economic slowdowns in the semiconductor industry, are present. Reviews are performed to determine whether the carrying value of an asset is impaired, based on comparisons to undiscounted expected future cash flows. If this comparison indicates that there is impairment, the impaired asset is written down to fair value, which is typically calculated using: (i) quoted market prices and/or (ii) discounted expected future cash flows utilizing a discount rate consistent with the guidance provided in FASB Concepts Statement No. 7, Using Cash Flow Information and Present Value in Accounting Measurements. Impairment is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets.

Accounting for Income Taxes

As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheet. We must assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. Generally, to the extent we change a valuation allowance, the change is recorded through the tax provision in the statement of operations. For fiscal year 2009 and prior, release of a valuation allowance established against a pre-acquisition XEMICS net operating loss carryforward was recorded to goodwill. After the required adoption of SFAS 141R Business Combinations in fiscal year 2010, any release of valuation allowances related to the XEMICS net operating loss carryforward will be recorded as a reduction to tax expense. Management periodically evaluates our deferred tax assets to assess whether it is likely that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. We are subject to income taxes in both the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant management estimates are required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax impact is uncertain. The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008, we recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on the two-step process prescribed within the interpretation. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as this requires us to determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period of change.

Although we believe the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals. Should additional taxes be assessed as a result of an audit or litigation, a material effect on our income tax provision and net income in the period or periods for which that determination is made could result.

Under SFAS 123(R), the income tax effects of share-based payments are recognized for financial reporting purposes only if such awards are expected to result in a tax deduction. SFAS 123(R) prohibits recognition of a deferred tax asset for an excess tax benefit (that is, a tax benefit that exceeds the amount of compensation cost recognized for the award for financial reporting purposes) that has not been realized. In determining when an excess tax benefit is realized, we have elected to follow the ordering provision of the tax law.

In addition to the risks to the effective tax rate discussed above, the effective tax rate reflected in forward-looking statements is based on current enacted tax law. Significant changes in enacted tax law could materially affect these estimates.

Results of Operations

Fiscal Year 2009 Compared With Fiscal Year 2008

Net Sales. Net sales for fiscal year 2009 were $294.8 million, an increase of 4% from $284.8 million for fiscal year 2008. While fiscal year 2009 revenue grew modestly, revenue during the fourth quarter was $62.7 million, down 20 percent from the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008 and down 21 percent when compared to the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. Deteriorating global economic conditions resulted in reduced demand for our customer’s end products, which caused a severe reduction in orders of our component products. Demand and orders were further reduced during the fourth quarter as our customers began to work down their inventories, resulting in fewer replacement orders.

 

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Presented below is our estimate of sales by end-market.

End-Markets

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 25, 2009     January 27, 2008        
     Net Sales    % total     Net Sales    % total     Change  

Computer

   $ 52,860    18 %   $ 54,293    19 %   (3 )%

Communications

     52,479    18 %     48,537    17 %   8 %

High-End Consumer

     111,341    37 %     112,178    39 %   (1 )%

Industrial/Other

     78,140    27 %     69,782    25 %   12 %
                            

Net sales

   $ 294,820    100 %   $ 284,790    100 %   4 %
                            

Within the industrial category, higher revenue was driven by increased capacity to service strong demand for our Power Discrete products targeted at military, medical and other industrial applications. This strength was partially offset by lower sales in support of the automated test equipment market. Within the high-end consumer and the computing groups, higher unit sales of our protection products were offset by lower average selling prices, and weakness in overall demand for power management products. Within the communications group, revenue benefited from higher unit sales of our protection products.

Details on net sales by reportable segment are presented below.

Reportable Segment

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 25, 2009     January 27, 2008        
     Net Sales    % total     Net Sales    % total     Change  

Standard Semiconductor Products

   $ 263,119    89 %   $ 260,035    91 %   1 %

Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products

     31,701    11 %     24,755    9 %   28 %
                            

Net Sales

   $ 294,820    100 %   $ 284,790    100 %   4 %
                            

Sales of Standard Semiconductor Products were strong in the first three quarters of fiscal year 2009, but demand dropped significantly in the fourth quarter as a result of deteriorating macro economic conditions.

Sales of our Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products increased by 28% in fiscal year 2009 due to strong demand for these products used mostly in military, medical and certain industrial applications.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was $159.6 million and $156.3 million for fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively. Gross profit for fiscal year 2009 was positively impacted by a 4% increase in net sales. Our gross margin was 54.1% for fiscal year 2009, down from 54.9% in fiscal year 2008. Gross profit margins for fiscal year 2009 were negatively impacted by product revenue mix. Our strategy is to develop new products that offer more advanced and more complex features than the competition, which in turn generally provides for higher gross margin. However, margin improvements may be offset by price erosion due to competition and other factors tied to industry conditions.

Operating Costs and Expenses. Operating costs and expenses were $117.7 million and $113.1 million for fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively, an increase of 4%. Detailed below are the operating costs and expenses for fiscal years 2009 and 2008. Fiscal years 2009 and 2008 include $14.3 million and $14.7 million of stock-based compensation expense, respectively. Stock-based compensation in fiscal year 2009 benefited from the reversal of $1.7 million of expense attributable to performance grants that are no longer expected to vest. See Note 8 to the financial statements included in this report for additional information regarding performance awards and the reversal of this equity based compensation expense.

Operating Costs & Expenses

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 25, 2009     January 27, 2008        
     Costs/Exp.    % sales     Costs/Exp.     % sales     Change  

Selling, general and administrative

   $ 72,890    25 %   $ 74,263     26 %   (2) %

Product development and engineering

     41,405    14 %     43,064     15 %   (4) %

Acquisition related items

     1,091    0 %     1,102     0 %   (1) %

Restructuring costs

     2,310    1 %     —       —       100 %

Insurance related legal expenses

     —      —   %     (5,339 )   (1 )%   (100) %
                             

Total operating costs and expenses

   $ 117,696    40 %   $ 113,090     40 %   4 %
                             

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 include approximately $2.5 million and $6.2 million, respectively, for legal, accounting, tax and other professional services in connection with matters related to our historical stock option practices, including the government inquiries, the related litigation, and other matters associated with or stemming from the restatement and the underlying circumstances. These expenses include claims for advancement of legal expenses to current and former directors, officers and employees. These expenses also include charges related to compensating optionees who were prevented from exercising expiring or lapsing options during the restatement process. See Notes 10 and 13 to the financial statements included in this report for additional information regarding expenses related to the historical stock option matters.

 

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Operating costs for fiscal year 2009 include a $2.3 million charge related to restructuring costs. See Note 15 to the financial statements included in this report for additional information regarding restructuring costs.

Operating costs and expenses for fiscal year 2008 includes $1.2 million of legal fees and expenses related to litigation by the Company seeking insurance recovery of amounts associated with resolution of a past customer dispute. Also included in fiscal year 2008 operating expenses is a $6.5 million gain associated with the settlement by the remaining insurance company defendants.

Operating Income. Operating income was $41.9 million in fiscal year 2009, down from operating income of $43.2 million in fiscal year 2008. Operating income in fiscal year 2009 benefited from the $1.7 million reversal of equity based compensation discussed above and a 4% increase in sales. These favorable factors were offset by slightly lower margins resulting from higher sales from lower gross margin products. Operating income in fiscal year 2009 was also unfavorably impacted by a $2.3 million restructuring charge. Fiscal year 2008 operating income benefited from a $6.5 million insurance recovery.

We evaluate segment performance based on net sales and operating income of each segment. Detailed below is operating income by reportable segment.

Reportable Segment

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 25, 2009     January 27, 2008        
     Op. Income    % total     Op. Income    % total     Change  

Standard Semiconductor Products

   $ 30,221    72 %   $ 32,793    76 %   (8) %

Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products

     11,670    28 %     10,394    24 %   12 %
                            

Total operating income

   $ 41,891    100 %   $ 43,187    100 %   (3) %
                            

Certain corporate level expenses not directly attributable to a segment are allocated to the segments based on percentage of sales. Beginning with the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, these allocated expenses include expenses associated with the Company’s investigation into its historical stock option practices, the restatement of its historical financial statements, and related matters. See Notes 10 and 13 to the financial statements included in this report for additional information regarding these expenses.

Operating income for Standard Semiconductor Products decreased in fiscal year 2009 by 8%. This decrease is primarily attributable to the $6.5 million insurance recovery recognized in fiscal year 2008. Excluding this recovery, operating income for Standard Semiconductor Products for fiscal year 2009 would have reflected an increase of 15% over fiscal year 2008. Operating income for Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products increased by 12% in fiscal year 2009 largely due to a 28% increase in sales. Operating income for Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products was unfavorably impacted by recovery costs associated with a fire at our Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility. See Note 14 to the financial statements included in this report for additional information regarding the Reynosa fire.

Interest and Other Income (Expense), Net. Interest and other income (expense), net was income of $4.3 million for fiscal year 2009, down from income of $15.1 million in fiscal year 2008. For fiscal years 2009 and 2008, a vast majority of interest and other income was interest income from investments. The dramatic drop in interest earnings resulted from overall lower market rates and our focus on maximizing protection of investment principal in fiscal year 2009.

Provision for Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $8.7 million for fiscal year 2009 compared to $10.5 million for fiscal year 2008. The effective tax rates for fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2008 were 19% and 18%, respectively. The decrease in income and the regional mix of income resulted in decreased tax expense in fiscal year 2009.

Fiscal Year 2008 Compared With Fiscal Year 2007

Net Sales. Net sales for fiscal year 2008 were $284.8 million, an increase of 12.8% from $252.5 million for fiscal year 2007.

The semiconductor and electronics industry showed signs of improvement in the second half of fiscal year 2007. This strength continued throughout most of fiscal year 2008 exiting the year with only a modest slowing.

Presented below is our estimate of sales by end-market. End-products in the computer end-market include notebook and desktop computers, graphics applications, servers, PDAs, and computer gaming systems. Communications end products include cellular phone handsets, wireless base stations, set-top boxes, and networking, broadband and long-haul communications infrastructure equipment. Industrial and other applications include military and aerospace equipment, power supplies, hearing aids and other medical devices, meter reading and factory automation systems and automated test equipment (ATE).

End-Markets

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 27, 2008     January 28, 2007        
     Net Sales    % total     Net Sales    % total     Change  

Computer

   $ 54,293    19 %   $ 49,216    19 %   10 %

Communications

     48,537    17 %     47,693    19 %   2 %

High-End Consumer

     112,178    39 %     86,041    34 %   30 %

Industrial/Other

     69,782    25 %     69,588    28 %   0 %
                            

Net sales

   $ 284,790    100 %   $ 252,538    100 %   13 %
                            

 

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Within the computer end-market category, revenue increased 10%, driven largely by sales of products used in notebook computers and servers. Sales in the high-end consumer end-market grew 30% during fiscal year 2008 driven by strength in sales of the Company’s protection and power management parts into cellular handsets. Sales in networking and communications infrastructure applications were up 2% for the fiscal year 2008. The industrial end-market category experienced a 52% increase in sales for the company’s military and aerospace products as well as a 17% increase for general industrial and medical products for the fiscal year 2008. The strength within the industrial end-market was offset by a greater than 50% decline in sales into the automated test equipment (ATE) market.

Standard Semiconductor Products represented 91% of net sales in fiscal year 2008, with the Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products segment contributing the remaining 9%.

Details on net sales by reportable segment are presented below.

Reportable Segment

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 27, 2008     January 28, 2007        
     Net Sales    % total     Net Sales    % total     Change  

Standard Semiconductor Products

   $ 260,035    91 %   $ 236,220    94 %   10 %

Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products

     24,755    9 %     16,318    6 %   52 %
                            

Net Sales

   $ 284,790    100 %   $ 252,538    100 %   13 %
                            

The 10% increase in sales of Standard Semiconductor Products reflected the broad based strength in the overall Semiconductor and electronic industry for the fiscal year 2008. For the fiscal year 2008 all end markets serviced by the company grew with the exception of sales into the automated test equipment (ATE) end market.

Sales of our Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products increased by 52% in fiscal year 2008 due to strong demand for these products used mostly in military, medical and certain industrial applications.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for fiscal year 2008 was $156.3 million, compared to $137.0 million for the prior year. Gross profit was positively impacted by a 13% increase in net sales for the fiscal year 2008. Our gross margin was 54.9% for fiscal year 2008, up from 54.2% in fiscal year 2007. Our margins were positively impacted by favorable product revenue mix for the year as well as higher absorption of fixed overhead manufacturing costs related to higher production volumes for fiscal year 2008. Additionally, for fiscal year 2007 the Company took a significant write down of obsolete and excessive inventory relating to the decline in our Power Management business year over year of nearly 30%. For fiscal year 2008 the write down for obsolete and excessive inventory was down significantly. Our strategy is to develop new products that offer more advanced and more complex features than the competition, which in turn generally provides for higher gross margin. However, margin improvements may be offset by price erosion due to competition and other factors tied to industry conditions.

Operating Costs and Expenses. Operating costs and expenses were $113.1 million for fiscal year 2008, flat compared to fiscal year 2007. Detailed below are the operating costs and expenses for fiscal years 2008 and 2007. Fiscal years 2008 and 2007 include $14.7 million and $14.9 million of stock-based compensation expense, respectively.

Operating Costs & Expenses

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 27, 2008     January 28, 2007        
     Costs/Exp.     % sales     Costs/Exp.    % sales     Change  

Selling, general and administrative

   $ 74,263     26 %   $ 70,249    28 %   6 %

Product development and engineering

     43,064     15 %     41,256    16 %   4 %

Acquisition related items

     1,102     —   %     1,192    1 %   8 %

Insurance related legal expenses

     (5,339 )   (1 )%     412    —   %   (1,396) %
                             

Total operating costs and expenses

   $ 113,090     40 %   $ 113,109    45 %   (0) %
                             

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 2008 and 2007 include approximately $6.2 million and $12.1 million, respectively, for legal, accounting, tax and other professional services in connection with matters related to our historical stock option practices, including the internal investigation (completed in fiscal year 2007), the government inquiries, the preparation of the restated financial statements, the related litigation, and other matters associated with or stemming from the restatement and the underlying circumstances. These expenses include claims for advancement of legal expenses to current and former directors, officers and employees. These expenses also include charges related to compensating optionees who were prevented from exercising expiring or lapsing options during the restatement process. See Notes 10 and 13 to the financial statements included in this report for additional information regarding expenses related to the restatement.

Operating costs and expenses for fiscal years 2008 and 2007 include $1.2 million and $412,000, respectively, of legal fees and expenses related to litigation by the Company seeking insurance recovery of amounts associated with resolution of a past customer dispute. Also included in fiscal year 2008 operating expenses is a $6.5 million gain associated with the settlement by the remaining insurance company defendants.

Operating expenses in absolute spending, net of the insurance recovery expense noted above, increased as a percentage of sales. Overall operating expenses declined by 3% in fiscal year 2008 as compared to fiscal year 2007.

Operating Income. Operating income was $43.2 million in fiscal year 2008, up from operating income of $23.9 million in fiscal year 2007. Operating income benefited from a 13% increase in sales and slightly higher margins due to favorable product mix, favorable manufacturing absorption and less obsolete and excess inventory reserves taken in fiscal year 2008.

 

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We evaluate segment performance based on net sales and operating income of each segment. Detailed below is operating income by reportable segment.

Reportable Segment

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 27, 2008     January 28, 2007        
     Op. Income    % total     Op. Income    % total     Change  

Standard Semiconductor Products

   $ 32,793    76 %   $ 18,948    79 %   73 %

Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products

     10,394    24 %     4,917    21 %   111 %
                            

Total operating income

   $ 43,187    100 %   $ 23,865    100 %   81 %
                            

Certain corporate level expenses not directly attributable to a segment are allocated to the segments based on percentage of sales. Beginning with the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, these allocated expenses include expenses associated with the Company’s investigation into its historical stock option practices, the restatement of its historical financial statements, and related matters. See Notes 10 and 13 to the financial statements included in this report for additional information regarding these expenses.

Operating income for Standard Semiconductor Products increased in fiscal year 2008 by 73% due to a 10% increase in sales levels and improved gross margins. For fiscal year 2008, operating expenses included $14.7 million of stock-based compensation. Operating income for the Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products increased by 111% in fiscal year 2008 largely due to an increase in sales of greater than 50% and improved manufacturing efficiencies in the company’s Reynosa manufacturing facility.

Interest and Other Income (Expense), Net. Interest and other income (expense), net was income of $15.1 million for fiscal year 2008, up from income of $13.5 million in fiscal year 2007. For fiscal years 2008 and 2007, a vast majority of interest and other income was interest income from investments. The improvement in fiscal year 2008 was due primarily to higher rates of return on investments.

Provision for Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $10.5 million for fiscal year 2008 compared to $6.3 million for fiscal year 2007. The effective tax rates for fiscal year 2008 and fiscal year 2007 were 18% and 17%, respectively. The increase in income and the regional mix of income resulted in increased tax expense in fiscal year 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our capital requirements depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the rate of increase or decrease in our existing business base; the success, timing and amount of investment required to bring new products to market; revenue growth or decline; and potential acquisitions. We believe that we have the financial resources necessary to meet business requirements for the next 12 months, including funds needed for working capital requirements. As of January 25, 2009, our total shareholders’ equity was $378.0 million. At that date we also had approximately $246.4 million in cash and short-term investments, as well as $12.4 million in long-term investments. We have no outstanding debt.

Our primary sources and uses of cash during the comparative fiscal years are presented below:

 

 

      Fiscal Years Ended  

(in millions)

   January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 
      

Sources of Cash

      

Operating activities, including working capital changes

   $ 78.0     $ 61.3     $ 74.2  

Proceeds from exercise of compensatory stock plans, including tax benefits

     11.4       26.5       4.7  

Proceeds from sale of land

     —         9.5       —    
                        
   $ 89.4     $ 97.3     $ 78.9  
                        

Uses of Cash

      

Business improvement investments

      

Capital expenditures, net of sale proceeds (excluding land sale)

   $ (9.0 )   $ (3.2 )   $ (2.5 )

Returned to shareholders

      

Stock repurchases

   $ (35.1 )   $ (219.9 )   $ (14.2 )

Cash/Investment Management Activities

      

Net (increase) decrease in investments and foreign exchange effects

   $ (70.5 )   $ 136.0     $ 35.0  
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (25.2 )   $ 10.2     $ 97.2  
                        

Our cash from operating activities was $78.0 million in fiscal year 2009, a 27% increase over the $61.3 million generated from operating activities in fiscal year 2008. Fiscal year 2009 cash from operating activities, as compared to fiscal year 2008, benefited from a $6.5 million insurance recovery received in fiscal year 2009, and lower overall accounts receivable and prepaid balances. These favorable factors were

 

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partially offset by lower net income, lower tax benefits from stock based compensation, lower accounts payable balances, and lower levels of accrued liabilities. During fiscal year 2009, approximately $1.2 million of recovery expenditures were incurred for repairs at our Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility which suffered fire damage in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. These fire related expenditures were partially offset by receipt of related insurance recoveries of $370,000.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, we initiated a restructuring plan within the Standard Semiconductor Products segment to reorganize certain operations, consolidate research and development activities and reduce our workforce. The reorganization and consolidation were completed in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. During fiscal year 2009, we recorded costs of $2.3 million for employee severance and other facility consolidation costs, including $781,000 of asset write-downs and $1.0 million of cash payments. Restructuring charges are presented separately in operating costs and expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

In order to develop, design and manufacture new products, we have incurred significant expenditures during the past five years. We intend to continue to focus on those areas that have shown potential for viable and profitable market opportunities, which may require additional investment in equipment and will require continued, and perhaps additional, investment in design and application engineers aimed at developing new products. Certain of these expenditures, particularly the addition of design engineers, do not generate significant payback in the short-term. We plan to finance these expenditures with cash generated by our operations and our existing cash balances.

A meaningful portion of our capital resources, and the liquidity they represent, are held by our foreign subsidiaries. As of January 25, 2009, the amount held by our foreign subsidiaries was approximately $196.5 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments compared to $143.5 million as of January 27, 2008. If we needed these funds for investment in domestic operations, any repatriation could result in increased tax liabilities.

One of the primary goals of the Company is to constantly improve the cash flows from our existing business activities. As discussed above, we have historically used, and intend to continue to use, cash flow to fund the repurchase of our common stock. Additionally, we will continue to seek to maintain and improve our existing business performance with necessary capital expenditures and, potentially, acquisitions that may further improve our base business with prospects of a proper return. Acquisitions, should we undertake them to improve our business, might be made for either cash or stock consideration, or a combination of both.

Our cash, cash equivalents and investments noted above, when combined with lack of any outstanding debt obligations, give us the flexibility to continue to leverage our free cash flow to return value to shareholders (in the form of stock repurchases) while also pursuing business improvement opportunities.

Non-cash Working Capital

Trade accounts receivable, less valuation allowances, decreased by $5.5 million to $27.5 million at January 25, 2009 from $33.0 million at January 27, 2008 primarily as a result of lower revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008. Inventories decreased by $916,000 to $28.0 million at January 25, 2009 from $28.9 million at January 27, 2008. We believe non-cash working capital ratios, relative to our revenue and cost of revenue, will remain at levels approximately the same as they currently are.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $9.0 million (net of sale proceeds of $20,000) in fiscal year 2009 compared to $3.2 million (net of sale proceeds of $550,000) in fiscal year 2008. The increases in capital expenditures were made to expand our test capacity and support engineering functions, and to support our recovery effort related to the fire at our Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility. We expect insurance recoveries to cover most of the costs related to our fire recovery effort.

Most of the restoration efforts at our Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility are complete. Accordingly, we don’t expect to incur any additional significant restoration costs at this facility in fiscal year 2010.

Proceeds from exercises of Stock Options

For fiscal year 2009, cash collected directly from grantee exercises of stock options was $9.1 million as compared with $16.8 million in fiscal year 2008. We do not directly control the timing of the exercise of vested stock options by our grantees. Such exercises are decisions made by those grantees and are influenced most directly by the level of our stock price and, indirectly, by other considerations of those grantees. Such proceeds are difficult to forecast. While the level of such cash inflow to us is subject to these factors which we don’t control, we believe that such proceeds will remain an important secondary source of cash after cash flow from operations.

Stock Repurchases

We currently have in effect an active stock repurchase program. This program represents one of our major efforts to return value to our shareholders.

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock. In fiscal year 2009, we repurchased 2.5 million shares under this program for $33.7 million. In addition to the repurchase activity, 81,868 shares were withheld from vested restricted stock to cover employee payroll and income tax liabilities.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as those arrangements are defined by the SEC, that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

We do not have any unconsolidated subsidiaries or affiliated entities. We have no special purpose or limited purpose entities that provide off-balance sheet financing, liquidity or market or credit risk support, engage in leasing, hedging, research and development services, or other relationships that expose us to liability that is not reflected on the face of the financial statements.

Noted below under “Contractual Obligations” are various commitments we have associated with our business, such as lease commitments and open purchase obligations, which are not recorded as liabilities on our balance sheet because we have not yet received the related goods or services as of January 25, 2009.

Contractual Obligations

Presented below is a summary of our contractual obligations as of January 25, 2009.

 

      Payments due by period

(in thousands)

   Less than 1
years
   1-3 year    4-5 years    After 5
years
   Total

Operating leases

   $ 3,295    $ 5,862    $ 1,624    $ —      $ 10,781

Open capital purchase commitments

     891      —        —        —        891

Other open purchase commitments

     17,664      —        —        —        17,664

Accrued taxes

     727      —        —        —        727

Other long-term liabilities

     —        440         4,856      5,296
                                  

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 22,577    $ 6,302    $ 1,624    $ 4,856    $ 35,359
                                  

As of January 25, 2009, we had approximately $10.8 million in operating lease commitments that extend over a five year period. The portion of these operating lease payments due during fiscal year fiscal 2010 is approximately $3.3 million.

Capital purchase commitments and other open purchase commitments are for the purchase of plant, equipment, raw material, supplies and services. They are not recorded as liabilities on our balance sheet as of January 25, 2009, as we have not yet received the related goods or taken title to the property.

We maintain a deferred compensation plan for certain officers and key executives that allows participants to defer a portion of their compensation for future distribution at various times permitted by the Plan. The Plan provides for a discretionary Company match up to a defined portion of the employee’s deferral, with any match subject to a vesting period. Compensation expense under this plan for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 totaled approximately $466,000 (net of $201,000 of forfeitures), $345,000 (net of $206,000 of forfeitures) and $62,000 (net of $640,000 of forfeitures), respectively.

Our liability for deferred compensation under this plan was $5.1 million as of January 25, 2009 and $6.2 million as of January 27, 2008, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the balance sheet and in the table above. We have purchased whole life insurance on the lives of certain current and former deferred compensation plan participants. This company-owned life insurance is held in a grantor trust and is intended to cover a majority of our costs of the deferred compensation plan. The cash surrender value of our Company-owned life insurance was $4.4 million as of January 25, 2009 and $6.2 million as of January 27, 2008, and is included in other assets.

In addition to the current accrued taxes for uncertain tax positions reflected in the contractual obligations table above, the Company has $11.7 million of long-term FIN 48 taxes for uncertain tax positions. The Company expects that any tax increases from audits would be substantially offset by carryforward tax attributes (i.e., tax credits). Due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the amounts and timing of possible future cash outflows associated with these FIN 48 liabilities, and the likelihood that any tax liability would be substantially offset by utilizing carryforward tax attributes, we are unable to make reasonable estimates of the period of possible cash settlement.

Inflation

Inflationary factors have not had a significant effect on our performance over the past several years. A significant increase in inflation would affect our future performance.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS 162”). SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements. SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”). SFAS 141R applies to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. The standard requires the fair value of the purchase price, including the issuance of equity securities, to be determined on the acquisition date. SFAS 141R requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions specified in the statement. SFAS 141R requires acquisition costs to be expensed as incurred and restructuring costs to be expensed in periods after the acquisition date. Earn-outs and other forms of contingent consideration are to be recorded at fair value on the acquisition date. Changes in accounting for deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after the measurement period will be recognized in earnings rather than as an adjustment to the cost of the acquisition. SFAS 141R generally applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 with early adoption prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of SFAS 141R may have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires non-controlling interests or minority interests to be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability or other item outside of permanent equity. Upon a loss of control, the interest sold, as well as any interest retained, is required to be measured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. Based on SFAS 160, assets and liabilities will not change for subsequent purchase or sale transactions with non-controlling interests as long as control is maintained. Differences between the fair value of consideration paid or received and the carrying value of noncontrolling interests are to be recognized as an adjustment to the parent interest’s equity. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal year beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is generally effective for years beginning after December 15, 2007. SFAS 157 was effective for us on January 28, 2008; however, in February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. SFAS 157-2 (FSP 157-2), which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, for one year. The adoption of SFAS 157 on January 28, 2008 with respect to our financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We intend to adopt the provisions of SFAS 157 with respect to our non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities effective January 26, 2009 pursuant to the requirements of FSP 157-2. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to a variety of market risks, such as the foreign exchange and interest rate risks that are detailed below. Many of the factors that can impact our market risk are external to the company, and so we are unable to fully predict them.

Foreign Currency Risk

As a global enterprise, we face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates and we could experience currency gains or losses. Historically, we have not considered our foreign currency exposure to be material. Therefore, we have not utilized foreign currency hedging products to mitigate foreign currency risks. Our foreign currency exposures may change over time as the level of activity in foreign markets grows. Changes in the rates could have an adverse impact upon our financial results.

Certain of our bank accounts and current assets are held in non-U.S. dollar currencies. The non-U.S. dollar currencies are principally the Swiss Franc, Euro, Mexican Peso, and British Pound Sterling. Additionally, certain of our liabilities are denominated in the Swiss Franc, Euro, Mexican Peso, and British Pound Sterling subjecting them to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that may result in transaction gains or losses.

All of our foreign sales, which amounted to $234.6 million in fiscal year 2009, are denominated in United States dollars. Currency exchange rate fluctuations in foreign countries where we do business could harm our business by resulting in pricing that is not competitive with prices denominated in local currencies.

For the fiscal year ended January 25, 2009, approximately $14.8 million of expenses were settled in British Pound Sterling, $14.3 million of expenses were settled in Swiss Francs, $3.7 million of expenses were settled in Euros and $10.1 million of expenses were settled in Mexican Pesos.

In general, we purchase foreign currencies on a spot basis as needed to fund local operations. As of January 25, 2009, we held cash funds of $2.0 million denominated in British Pound Sterling and $1.9 million denominated in Mexican Pesos. We did not hold a material amount of other foreign currencies as of January 25, 2009. If rates of these foreign currencies were to strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar, the Company would realize gains or losses in converting these funds back into U.S. dollars.

Interest Rate and Market Risk

As of January 25, 2009, we had no long-term debt outstanding. We do not currently hedge any potential interest rate exposure.

Interest rates affect our return on excess cash and investments. As of January 25, 2009, we had $147.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $111.1 million of temporary and long-term investments. A majority of our cash and cash equivalents and investments generate interest income based on prevailing interest rates. Investments and cash and cash equivalents generated interest income of $5.7 million in fiscal year 2009. A significant change in interest rates would impact the amount of interest income generated from our excess cash and investments. It would also impact the market value of our investments.

Our investments are subject to market risks, primarily interest rate and credit risk. Our investments are managed by a limited number of outside professional managers following investment guidelines set by us. Such guidelines include prescribing credit quality, permissible investments, diversification, and duration restrictions. These restrictions are intended to limit risk by restricting our investments to high quality debt instruments with relatively short-term durations. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009, we implemented an investment strategy limiting investment of new funds and maturing securities to U.S. Treasury and Federal agency securities with the objective of lowering the overall credit risk of the portfolio.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The information required by Item 8 is presented in the following order:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

   32

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Consolidated Financial Statements

   33

Consolidated Statements of Income

   34

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   35

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

   36

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   37

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   38

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   59

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The report called for by Item 308(a) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting that is included in Part II, Item 9A of this report.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Semtech Corporation

We have audited Semtech Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 25, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Semtech Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting set forth in Item 9A of this Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Semtech Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 25, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Semtech Corporation and subsidiaries as of January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 25, 2009 of Semtech Corporation and our report dated March 20, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Westlake Village, California

March 20, 2009

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Semtech Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Semtech Corporation and subsidiaries as of January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 25, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Semtech Corporation and subsidiaries at January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 25, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, Semtech Corporation changed its method of accounting for uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48 on January 29, 2007.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Semtech Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 25, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 20, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Westlake Village, California

March 20, 2009

 

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SEMTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except earnings per share)

 

     Year Ended
     January 25
2009
   January 27
2008
    January 28
2007

Net Sales

   $ 294,820    $ 284,790     $ 252,538

Cost of Sales

     135,233      128,513       115,564
                     

Gross Profit

     159,587      156,277       136,974

Operating costs and expenses:

       

Selling, general and administrative

     72,890      74,263       70,249

Product development & engineering

     41,405      43,064       41,256

Acquisition related items

     1,091      1,102       1,192

Restructuring costs

     2,310      —         —  

(Insurance recovery) legal expenses, net

     —        (5,339 )     412
                     

Total operating costs and expenses

     117,696      113,090       113,109
                     

Operating income

     41,891      43,187       23,865

Interest and other income, net

     4,287      15,120       13,546
                     

Income before taxes

     46,178      58,307       37,411

Provision for taxes

     8,657      10,524       6,283
                     

NET INCOME

   $ 37,521    $ 47,783     $ 31,128
                     

Earnings per share:

       

Basic

   $ 0.61    $ 0.72     $ 0.43

Diluted

   $ 0.61    $ 0.71     $ 0.42

Weighted average number of shares used in computing earnings per share:

       

Basic

     61,249      66,424       72,372

Diluted

     61,999      67,709       74,017

See accompanying notes. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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SEMTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF JANUARY 25, 2009 AND JANUARY 27, 2008

(In thousands, except share data)

 

     January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 147,666     $ 172,889  

Temporary investments

     98,735       36,142  

Receivables, less allowances of $843 in 2009 and $369 in 2008

     27,467       32,975  

Inventories

     27,986       28,902  

Deferred income taxes

     4,287       4,350  

Other current assets

     7,561       16,326  
                

Total current assets

     313,702       291,584  

Property, plant and equipment, net

     31,786       30,569  

Investments, maturities in excess of 1 year

     12,414       4,366  

Deferred income taxes

     25,544       26,307  

Goodwill

     25,540       32,418  

Other intangibles, net

     2,091       3,182  

Other assets

     9,718       6,986  
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 420,795     $ 395,412  
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 10,653     $ 13,922  

Accrued liabilities

     15,915       18,843  

Income taxes payable

     2,108       290  

Deferred revenue

     2,808       1,466  

Accrued taxes

     727       —    

Deferred income taxes

     1,604       1,501  
                

Total current liabilities

     33,815       36,022  

Deferred income taxes

     101       111  

Accrued taxes

     3,563       3,400  

Other long-term liabilities

     5,296       7,169  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 78,136,144 issued and 60,287,427 outstanding on January 25, 2009 and 78,079,894 issued and 61,190,587 outstanding on January 27, 2008

     784       784  

Treasury stock, at cost, 17,061,911 shares as of January 25, 2009 and 16,889,307 shares as of January 27, 2008

     (295,844 )     (291,605 )

Additional paid-in capital

     338,603       342,736  

Retained earnings

     333,747       296,226  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     730       569  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     378,020       348,710  
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 420,795     $ 395,412  
                

See accompanying notes. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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SEMTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

     Common Stock    Additional                 Accumulated
Other
       
      Number of
Shares
    Amount    Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Treasury
Stock, at Cost
    Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Stock-holders’
Equity
 

Balance at January 29, 2006

   72,693,804     $ 770    $ 290,932     $ 220,758     $ (73,963 )   $ (844 )   $ 437,653  

Comprehensive income:

               

Net income

   —         —        —         31,128       —         —         31,128  

Change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments

       —        —         —         —         871       871  

Translation adjustment

   —         —        —         —         —         (154 )     (154 )
                     

Comprehensive income

   —         —        —         —         —         —         31,845  

Stock-based compensation

   —         —        12,901       —         —         —         12,901  

Repurchase of outstanding common stock

   (790,700 )     —        —         —         (14,240 )     —         (14,240 )

Treasury stock reissued

   113,820       —        —         (1,342 )     2,248       —         906  

Shares issued under equity award plans

   287,953       4      2,236       —         —         —         2,240  

Tax benefit from stock based compensation

       —        9,748       —         —         —         9,748  

Other

   —         —        155       (27 )     —         —         128  
                                                     

Balance at January 28, 2007

   72,304,877     $ 774    $ 315,972     $ 250,517     $ (85,955 )   $ (127 )   $ 481,181  

Comprehensive income:

               

Net income

   —         —        —         47,783       —         —         47,783  

Cumulative effect related to the initial adoption of FIN48

   —         —        —         (2,074 )     —         —         (2,074 )

Change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments

       —        —         —         —         696       696  
                     

Comprehensive income

   —         —        —         —         —         —         46,405  

Stock-based compensation

   —         —        14,541       —         —         —         14,541  

Repurchase of outstanding common stock

   (12,889,354 )     —        —         —         (219,933 )     —         (219,933 )

Treasury stock reissued

   756,596       —        (5,558 )     —         14,283       —         8,725  

Shares issued under equity award plans

   1,018,468       10      8,031       —         —         —         8,041  

Tax benefit from stock based compensation

       —        9,750       —         —         —         9,750  
                                                     

Balance at January 27, 2008

   61,190,587     $ 784    $ 342,736     $ 296,226     $ (291,605 )   $ 569     $ 348,710  

Comprehensive income:

               

Net income

   —         —        —         37,521       —         —         37,521  

Change in net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale investments

       —        —         —         —         118       118  

Translation adjustment

                43       43  
                     

Comprehensive income

   —         —        —         —         —           37,682  

Stock-based compensation

   —         —        15,432       —         —         —         15,432  

Repurchase of outstanding common stock

   (2,606,098 )     —        —         —         (35,063 )     —         (35,063 )

Treasury stock reissued

   1,677,938       —        (21,737 )     —         30,824       —         9,087  

Shares issued under equity award plans

   25,000       —        —         —         —         —         —    

Tax benefit from stock based compensation

       —        2,172       —         —         —         2,172  
                                                     

Balance at January 25, 2009

   60,287,427     $ 784    $ 338,603     $ 333,747     $ (295,844 )   $ 730     $ 378,020  
                                                     

See accompanying notes. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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SEMTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 37,521     $ 47,783     $ 31,128  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by

      

Depreciation and amortization

     8,324       10,226       11,812  

Deferred income taxes

     (900 )     (2,140 )     (2,623 )

Stock-based compensation

     15,724       14,719       12,901  

Tax benefit on stock based compensation

     4,696       9,750       9,748  

Excess tax benefits

     (2,287 )     (9,750 )     (1,529 )

(Gain) Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment

     518       (1,392 )     39  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Receivables

     5,508       (8,021 )     1,589  

Inventories

     848       (8,231 )     3,173  

Insurance recovery

     6,500       —         —    

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     6,469       538       2,573  

Accounts payable

     (3,269 )     4,013       (2,430 )

Accrued liabilities

     (2,928 )     4,527       3,790  

Deferred revenue

     1,342       (685 )     791  

Income taxes payable

     1,829       730       1,273  

Other liabilities

     (1,920 )     (718 )     1,943  
                        

Net cash provided by operations

     77,975       61,349       74,178  

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchase of available-for-sale investments

     (184,639 )     (111,300 )     (175,998 )

Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments

     114,124       247,298       211,035  

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     20       10,050       752  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (9,057 )     (3,765 )     (3,249 )
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (79,552 )     142,283       32,540  

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Excess tax benefit received on stock options

     2,287       9,750       1,529  

Exercise of stock options

     9,087       16,766       3,146  

Repurchase of outstanding common stock

     (35,063 )     (219,933 )     (14,240 )
                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (23,689 )     (193,417 )     (9,565 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     43       —         1  
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (25,223 )     10,215       97,154  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     172,889       162,674       65,520  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 147,666     $ 172,889     $ 162,674  
                        

See accompanying notes. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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SEMTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Semtech Corporation and its directly and indirectly wholly owned subsidiaries (Semtech International AG, Semtech Corpus Christi Corporation, Semtech San Diego Corporation, Semtech New York Corporation, Semtech Corpus Christi SA de CV, Semtech Limited, Semtech Germany GmbH, Semtech France SARL, Semtech Switzerland GmbH, Semtech Neuchatel SARL, Semtech Semiconductor (Shenzhen) Company Limited, and Swiss Heights Sdn Bhd, together, “the Company”) is a supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The Company designs, develops and markets a wide range of products for commercial applications, the majority of which are sold into the communications, industrial and computer markets. The end-customers for the Company’s products are primarily original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, that produce and sell electronics. The Company’s primary facilities are in Camarillo, San Jose and San Diego, California; Morrisville, North Carolina; St. Gallen and Neuchatel, Switzerland; Reynosa, Mexico; Manila, The Philippines; and Southampton, United Kingdom.

Fiscal Year

The Company reports results on the basis of fifty-two and fifty-three week periods. The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of January. The fiscal years ended January 25, 2009, January 27, 2008 and January 28, 2007 each consisted of fifty-two weeks.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Semtech Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

Estimates Used by Management

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassification

Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported consolidated operating income, net income, net earnings or shareholder’s equity.

Translation

The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries that operate in a local currency environment, where that local currency is the functional currency, are translated to the U.S. dollar using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income statement items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The translation gains or losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Transaction gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement or settlement of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are included in the determination of net income and have not been significant.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash balances and investments in highly qualified financial institutions. At various times such amounts are in excess of insured limits. The Company accounts for its investments, which are all available for sale securities, under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Securities.” Investments consist of government and corporate obligations. The Company’s investment policy restricts investments to high credit quality investments with limits on the length to maturity and the amount invested with any one issuer. These investments, especially corporate obligations, are subject to default risk.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. If the Company becomes aware of a customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations after a sale has occurred, it records an allowance to reduce the net receivable to the amount it reasonably believes it will be able to collect from the customer. For all other customers, the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due, the current business environment and historical experience. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate or if economic conditions worsen, additional allowances may be required in the future. All of the Company’s accounts receivables are trade-related receivables. See Note 12 for a discussion of concentration risks.

 

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Inventories

Inventories are stated at lower of cost or market and consist of materials, labor and overhead. The Company determines the cost of inventory by the first-in, first-out method. The Company evaluates inventories for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes analyses of sales levels by product and projections of future demand. In order to state the inventory at lower of cost or market, the Company maintains reserves against its inventory. If future demand or market conditions are less favorable than the Company’s projections, a write-down of inventory may be required, and would be reflected in cost of goods sold in the period the revision is made.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of the related asset type or term of the operating lease using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and the costs of additions and betterments that increase the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.

The estimated service lives of property and equipment are as follows:

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

   7 to 39 years

Machinery and equipment

   5 to 8 years

Transportation vehicles

   5 years

Furniture and fixtures

   7 years

Computers and computer software

   3 years

Goodwill and Purchased Intangibles

Pursuant to SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”), the Company performs an annual impairment review of intangibles during the fourth quarter of each year (or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist). In fiscal year 2009, our impairment reviews indicated that no impairment existed as of the testing date.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes product revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is probable. Product design and engineering revenue is recognized during the period in which services are performed. The Company defers revenue recognition on shipment of products to certain customers, principally distributors where return privileges exist, until these products are sold through to end-users or the return privilege lapses. The estimated deferred gross margins on these sales, where there are no outstanding receivables, are recorded on the balance sheet under the heading of “Deferred Revenue.” The Company records a provision for estimated sales returns in the same period as the related revenues are recorded. The Company bases these estimates on historical sales returns and other known factors. Actual returns could be different from the estimates and current provisions for sales returns and allowances, resulting in future charges to earnings.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes materials, depreciation on fixed assets used in the manufacturing process, shipping costs, direct labor and overhead.

Sales and Marketing

The Company expenses sales and marketing costs, which include advertising costs, as they are incurred. Advertising costs were $1.0 million, $830,000 and $701,000 for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Product Development and Engineering

Product development and engineering costs are charged to expense as incurred. In fiscal year 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to provide certain nonrecurring engineering services to an existing customer. To date, $3.9 million has been billed under this contract, of which $3.2 million and $528,000 was recorded in fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively, as an offset to product development expense incurred in support of this effort. The remaining $219,000 is included in “Accrued liabilities” and represents prepaid amounts from the customer. The Company incurred approximately $1.2 million in both fiscal 2009 and 2008, in product development and engineering expense related to this nonrecurring engineering effort.

Software Development Costs

In accordance with SFAS No. 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed,” development costs related to software products are expensed as incurred until the technological feasibility of the product has been established. The cost of purchased software is capitalized when related to a product which has achieved technological feasibility or that has an alternative future use. Software development costs incurred prior to achieving technological feasibility as well as certain licensing costs are charged to product development and engineering expense as incurred. For Company products internally developed, software is basically completed once technological feasibility is established and as such, all software development costs have been expensed.

 

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Income Taxes

The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”) and its subsequent modifications and interpretations, which include FIN 48, which was adopted by the Company on January 29, 2007. Current income taxes payable and deferred income taxes resulting from temporary differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities are separately classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The classified Consolidated Balance Sheets also include current and long term prepaid taxes under “Other current assets” and “Other assets” and current and long term FIN 48 liabilities under “Accrued taxes”.

As part of the process of preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves estimating actual current tax liability together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company must assess the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent the Company believes that recovery is not likely, it must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent the Company changes its valuation allowance in a period, the change is generally recorded through the tax provision on the statement of income. See Note 9 for additional discussion regarding valuation allowances.

Under SFAS 123(R), the income tax effects of share-based payments are recognized for financial reporting purposes only if such awards are expected to result in a tax deduction. SFAS 123(R) prohibits recognition of a deferred tax asset for an excess tax benefit (that is, a tax benefit that exceeds the tax benefit for the amount of compensation cost recognized for the award for financial reporting purposes) that has not been realized. In determining when an excess tax benefit is realized, the Company has elected to follow the ordering provision of the tax law.

Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows:

 

(fiscal years, in thousands)

   January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

Net income

   $ 37,521    $ 47,783     $ 31,128  

Change in net unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments

     118      696       871  

Cummulative effect related to the initial adoption of FIN48

     —        (2,074 )     —    

Gain (loss) for translation adjustment

     43      —         (154 )
                       

Total comprehensive income

   $ 37,682    $ 46,405     $ 31,845  
                       

Earnings per Share

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share was as follows:

 

(fiscal years, in thousands, except per share amounts)

   January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008
   January 28,
2007

Net income

   $ 37,521    $ 47,783    $ 31,128
                    

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     61,249      66,424      72,372

Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans

     750      1,222      1,645

Dilutive effect of accelerated stock buyback

     —        63      —  
                    

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

     61,999      67,709      74,017
                    

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.61    $ 0.72    $ 0.43

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.61    $ 0.71    $ 0.42

Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share incorporates the incremental shares issuable, calculated using the treasury stock method, upon the assumed exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock.

Options to purchase 10.6 million, 10.3 million and 8.5 million shares for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share because the grant price of such options was above the average stock price for the period and, therefore, the options were considered anti-dilutive.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R establishes generally accepted accounting principles for stock-based awards exchanged for employee services (See Note 8).

The Company has various equity award plans (Plans) that provide for granting stock based awards to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. The Plans provide for the granting of several available forms of stock compensation. As of January 25, 2009, the Company has granted stock option awards (“Options”), restricted stock awards (“RSA”), and restricted stock unit awards (“RSU”) under the Plans and has also issued some stock-based compensation outside of any plan, including options and restricted stock awards issued as inducements to join the Company.

 

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Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) as amended by FASB Statement of Position (FSP) FAS 157-1, FSP FAS 157-2 and FSP FAS 157-3. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and enhances fair value measurement disclosure. FSP FAS 157-2 delays, until the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, the effective date for SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active. FSP FAS 157-3 was effective upon issuance, including prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or operations. Refer to Note 4 for further discussion regarding fair value.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS 162”). SFAS 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements. SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which replaces SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”). SFAS 141R applies to all transactions and other events in which one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses. The standard requires the fair value of the purchase price, including the issuance of equity securities, to be determined on the acquisition date. SFAS 141R requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions specified in the statement. SFAS 141R requires acquisition costs to be expensed as incurred and restructuring costs to be expensed in periods after the acquisition date. Earn-outs and other forms of contingent consideration are to be recorded at fair value on the acquisition date. Changes in accounting for deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after the measurement period will be recognized in earnings rather than as an adjustment to the cost of the acquisition. SFAS 141R generally applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 with early adoption prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of SFAS 141R may have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires non-controlling interests or minority interests to be treated as a separate component of equity, not as a liability or other item outside of permanent equity. Upon a loss of control, the interest sold, as well as any interest retained, is required to be measured at fair value, with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. Based on SFAS 160, assets and liabilities will not change for subsequent purchase or sale transactions with non-controlling interests as long as control is maintained. Differences between the fair value of consideration paid or received and the carrying value of noncontrolling interests are to be recognized as an adjustment to the parent interest’s equity. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal year beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is generally effective for years beginning after December 15, 2007. SFAS 157 was effective for us on January 28, 2008; however, in February 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. SFAS 157-2 (FSP 157-2), which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, for one year. The adoption of SFAS 157 on January 28, 2008 with respect to our financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We intend to adopt the provisions of SFAS 157-2 with respect to our non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities effective January 26, 2009 pursuant to the requirements of FSP 157-2. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 2. Stock Repurchase Program; Treasury Shares

In the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time through negotiated or open market transactions (the “2008 Program”). The 2008 Program does not have an expiration date. In fiscal year 2009, the Company repurchased 2.5 million shares under this program for $33.7 million.

The Company currently intends to hold the repurchased shares as treasury stock. The Company typically reissues treasury shares as a result of stock option exercises. In addition to the above repurchase activity, 81,868 and 16,888 shares were withheld from vested restricted stock in fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively, for employee payroll and income tax withholding liabilities and are being held as treasury shares.

 

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Note 3. Temporary and Long-Term Investments

Temporary and long-term investments consist of government, bank and corporate obligations. Temporary investments have original maturities in excess of three months, but mature within twelve months of the balance sheet date. Long-term investments have maturities in excess of one year from the balance sheet date. Certain short-term, highly liquid investments, are accounted for as cash and cash equivalents.

The Company classifies its investments as “available for sale” because it expects to possibly sell some securities prior to maturity. The Company’s investments are subject to market risk, primarily interest rate and credit risk. The Company’s investments are managed by a limited number of outside professional managers within investment guidelines set by the Company. Such guidelines include security type, credit quality and duration and are intended to limit market risk by restricting the Company’s investments to high quality debt instruments with relatively short-term maturities.

In fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, the Company included $125,000, $696,000, and $871,000 of unrealized net of tax gains on investments, respectively, in the comprehensive income portion of the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. The taxes associated with these comprehensive income items were $11,000, $467,000, and $389,000 in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments as of January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008:

 

     January 25, 2009     January 27, 2008

(in thousands)

   Market
Value
   Cost Basis    Unrealized
Gain(Loss)
    Market
Value
   Cost Basis    Unrealized
Gain(Loss)

U.S. government issues

   $ 89,598    $ 89,222    $ 376     $ 11,203    $ 11,200    $ 3

Corporate issues

     16,485      16,501      (16 )     29,305      29,118      187

Other

     5,066      5,100      (34 )     —        —        —  
                                          

Investments

   $ 111,149    $ 110,823    $ 326     $ 40,508    $ 40,318    $ 190
                                          

As of January 25, 2009, all of the Company’s long-term investments mature on various dates through fiscal year 2012.

The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s investments at fiscal year end:

 

     January 25, 2009    January 27, 2008

(in thousands)

   Market
Value
   Cost Basis    Market
Value
   Cost
Basis

Within 1 year

   $ 98,735    $ 98,424    $ 36,142    $ 36,042

1 year through 5 years

     12,414      12,399      4,366      4,276
                           

Investments

   $ 111,149    $ 110,823    $ 40,508    $ 40,318
                           

Investments in cash and cash equivalents generated interest income of $5.7 million, $13.5 million and $13.2 million in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements

SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. SFAS No. 157 establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities.

To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

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All items recorded or measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the accompanying consolidated financial statements were based on the use of Level 1 inputs and consisted of the following items as of January 25, 2009:

 

(in thousands)

   Total     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Instruments
(Level 1)
 

Assets

    

Temporary investments

   $ 98,735     $ 98,735  

Investments, maturitites in excess of 1 year

     12,414       12,414  

Other investments-deferred compensation

     4,393       4,393  
                
   $ 115,542     $ 115,542  
                

Liabilities

    

Deferred compensation

   $ (5,120 )   $ (5,120 )
                
   $ (5,120 )   $ (5,120 )
                

Note 5. Inventories

Inventories, consisting of material, material overhead, labor, and manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and consist of the following:

 

(in thousands)

   January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008

Raw materials

   $ 2,076    $ 1,681

Work in progress

     17,670      17,565

Finished goods

     8,240      9,656
             

Inventories

   $ 27,986    $ 28,902
             

Note 6. Property, Plant and Equipment

The following is a summary of property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation:

 

(in thousands)

   January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Property

   $ 6,139     $ 6,139  

Buildings

     16,410       16,407  

Leasehold improvements

     2,455       2,053  

Machinery and equipment

     56,649       52,118  

Furniture and office equipment

     16,594       16,199  

Construction in progress

     1,926       662  
                

Property, plant and equipment, gross

     100,173       93,578  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (68,387 )     (63,009 )
                

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 31,786     $ 30,569  
                

Depreciation expense was $7.2 million, $9.1 million, and $10.7 million in fiscal year 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite life and is not amortized, but it is subject to an annual impairment test. If interim indicators of impairment exist, more frequent impairment testing is performed. In fiscal year 2009, our annual impairment review indicated that no impairment existed. We estimate fair value utilizing both an income approach, consisting of a discounted cash flow analysis, and a market approach, using the guideline public company method and the guideline transactions method. A discounted cash flow analysis requires the use of forward looking projections. These forward looking projections utilize assumptions that are based upon historical trends, management’s estimates of economic conditions and our strategic plans, which are consistent with assumptions utilized in evaluating long-lived assets for impairment. Significant assumptions are annual sales increases and the discount rate utilized as well as the overall weighted of the different approaches. The discount rate used is a weighted average cost of capital, which is internally developed.

As a result of the tax consequences associated with an internal restructuring during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, $6.9 million of tax valuation allowance related to the tax attributes obtained through the XEMICS acquisition was released. In accordance with SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”), the release of this valuation allowance was recorded as a reduction to goodwill. See Note 9 for additional discussion of this transaction.

 

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The following is a summary of goodwill activity during fiscal year 2009 (in thousands):

 

     

Goodwill
Balance as of
January 27, 2008

   Adjustments     Goodwill
Balance as of
January 25, 2009
   $ 32,418    $ (6,878 )   $ 25,540

Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     Gross Carrying Amount    Accumulated Amortization     Net
     January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008
   January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008

Core technologies

   $ 6,000    $ 6,000    $ (3,909 )   $ (2,818 )   $ 2,091    $ 3,182

Customer relationships

     30      30      (30 )     (30 )     —        —  
                                           

Other Intangibles

   $ 6,030    $ 6,030    $ (3,939 )   $ (2,848 )   $ 2,091    $ 3,182
                                           

Intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $1.1 million, $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007. Assuming no subsequent impairment of the underlying assets, the annual amount of amortization expense for the next two years is expected to be $1.1 million and $1.0 million for fiscal years 2010 and 2011, respectively, at which time all existing intangible assets will be fully amortized.

Note 8. Stock Based Compensation

Overview. The Company follows the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R establishes generally accepted accounting principles for stock-based awards exchanged for employee services.

Share-based Payment Arrangements. The Company has various equity award plans (Plans) that provide for granting stock based awards to employees and non-employee directors of the Company. The Plans provide for the granting of several available forms of stock compensation. As of January 25, 2009, the Company has granted stock option awards (“Options”), restricted stock awards (“RSA”), and restricted stock unit awards (“RSU”) under the Plans and has also issued some stock-based compensation outside of any plan, including options and restricted stock awards issued as inducements to join the Company.

Grant Date Fair Values and Underlying Assumptions; Contractual Terms. The Company uses the Black-Scholes pricing model to value Options. For awards classified as equity, stock-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s or director’s requisite service period. For awards classified as liabilities, stock based compensation cost is measured at fair value at each reporting date until the date of settlement, and is recognized as an expense over the employee or director’s requisite service period. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility using daily and monthly stock price observations.

Assumptions in Determining Fair Value of Options

 

     Fiscal Years Ended  
     January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

Expected lives, in years

   4.0 - 5.0     4.0 - 5.0     4.36 - 4.85  

Estimated volatility

   38% - 65 %   40% - 59 %   53% - 59 %

Dividend yield

   —       —       —    

Risk-free interest rate

   1.6% - 4.6 %   3.5% - 4.9 %   4.6% - 4.9 %

The estimated fair value of restricted stock (RSA and RSU) awards was calculated based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Some RSU awards made during fiscal year 2009 are classified as liabilities rather than equity. For awards classified as liabilities, the value of these awards was re-measured on January 25, 2009.

 

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The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at January 25, 2009.

 

Stock Options

   Shares    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted Average
Remaining
Contract Life
(years)

Price Range Analysis - Outstanding

        

$ 4.61 - 9.20

   52,666    $ 7.75    0.2250

$ 9.21 - 13.80

   877,136    $ 12.66    4.4490

$ 13.81 - 18.40

   6,914,039    $ 16.21    4.6348

$ 18.41 - 23.00

   346,587    $ 20.45    4.8480

$ 23.01 - 27.60

   965,975    $ 25.23    2.4266

$ 27.61 - 32.20

   153,450    $ 29.46    3.0143

$ 32.21 - 36.80

   48,000    $ 33.87    2.8134

$ 36.81 - 41.40

   37,000    $ 38.26    1.4407
          

Total outstanding

   9,394,853      
          

Price Range Analysis - Exercisable

        

$ 4.61 - 9.20

   52,666    $ 7.75    0.2250

$ 9.21 - 13.80

   421,286    $ 12.83    3.2169

$ 13.81 - 18.40

   4,082,751    $ 16.21    4.4268

$ 18.41 - 23.00

   310,237    $ 20.66    4.6348

$ 23.01 - 27.60

   965,975    $ 25.23    2.4266

$ 27.61 - 32.20

   153,450    $ 29.46    3.0143

$ 32.21 - 36.80

   48,000    $ 33.87    2.8134

$ 36.81 - 41.40

   37,000    $ 38.26    1.4407
          

Total exercisable

   6,071,365      
          

Financial Statement Effects and Presentation. The following table shows total pre-tax, stock-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended January 25, 2009, January 27, 2008 and January 28, 2007, respectively.

Allocation of Stock-based Compensation

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

Cost of sales

   $ 1,389     $ 1,304     $ 1,200  

Selling, general and administrative

     10,400       9,430       9,761  

Product development and engineering

     3,935       3,985       3,975  
                        

Stock-based compensation, pre-tax

   $ 15,724     $ 14,719     $ 14,936  

Stock-based compensation captitalized into inventory

   $ 337     $ 404     $ 196  
                        

Total stock-based compensation

   $ 16,061     $ 15,123     $ 15,132  
                        

Impact of Stock-based Compensation

 

(fiscal years, in thousands)

      
      January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

Stock-based compensation

   $ 15,724     $ 14,719     $ 14,936  

Associated tax effect

     (3,452 )     (4,186 )     (2,035 )
                        

Net effect on net income

   $ 12,272     $ 10,533     $ 12,901  
                        

Effect on earnings per share -

      

Basic

   $ 0.20     $ 0.16     $ 0.18  

Diluted

   $ 0.20     $ 0.16     $ 0.17  

Weighted average number of shares -

      

Basic

     61,249       66,424       72,372  

Diluted

     61,999       67,709       74,017  

The tax benefit realized from option exercise activity for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $4.7 million, $5.2 million, $1.4 million, respectively.

 

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Stock Option Awards. The Company has historically granted stock option awards to both employees and non-employee directors. The grant date for these awards is equal to the measurement date. These awards were valued as of the measurement date and are amortized over the requisite vesting period (typically 3-4 years). A summary of the activity for stock option awards in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 is presented below:

Information regarding outstanding stock option awards

(in thousands, except for per share amounts)

 

      Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(per share)
   Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(per share)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Vaue (1)
   Aggregate
Unrecognized
Compensation
   Number of
Shares
Exercisable

January 29, 2006

   14,241                

Grants

   648     $ 17.28    $ 9.12         

Exercises

   (1,201 )         $ 4,061      

Cancellations and forfeitures

   (402 )              
                    

January 28, 2007

   13,286                 10,313

Grants

   2,823     $ 16.12    $ 7.72         

Exercises

   (1,731 )         $ 13,161      

Cancellations and forfeitures

   (3,550 )              
                    

January 27, 2008

   10,828             9,848    23,446    6,678

Grants

   1,339     $ 14.80    $ 5.69         

Exercises

   (1,456 )         $ 12,153      

Cancellations and forfeitures

   (1,317 )              
                    

January 25, 2009

   9,394           $ 342    16,275    6,070
                    

 

(1) Represents the difference between the exercise price and the value of the Company’s stock at the time of exercise, for exercised grants. For outstanding awards, represents the difference between the exercise price and the value of the Company’s stock at fiscal year end.

Information regarding unvested stock option awards

(in thousands, except for per share amounts)

 

      Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
(per share)
   Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(per share)
   Weighted
Average Remaining
Expense Period
(in years)
   Total Fair Value

Unvested at Jan 27, 2008

   4,150     $ 16.42    $ 8.11       $ 33,657

Granted

   1,339     $ 14.80    $ 5.69       $ 7,622

Vested

   (1,571 )   $ 16.63    $ 8.51       $ 13,363

Forfeited

   (594 )   $ 16.14    $ 7.59       $ 4,390
                     

Unvested at Jan 25, 2009

   3,324     $ 15.72    $ 7.03    2.1    $ 23,367
                 

Restricted Stock Awards. In fiscal year 2009, the Company granted restricted stock awards to select employees. The grant date for these awards is equal to the measurement date. These awards are valued as of the measurement date and amortized over the requisite vesting period (typically 3-4 years). A summary of the activity for restricted stock awards in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 is presented below:

(in thousands, except for per share amounts)

 

      Number of
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(per share)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
   Aggregate
Unrecognized
Compensation
   Weighted Average
Period Over
Which Expected
to be Recognized
(in years)

January 30, 2006

   —               

Granted

   100     $ 17.89         

Vested

   —            —        

Forfeited

   —            —        
                     

January 28, 2007

   100     $ 17.89       $ 1,447   

Granted

   746     $ 16.10         

Vested

   (44 )      $ 788.0      

Forfeited

   (17 )           
                     

January 27, 2008

   785     $ 16.22       $ 10,675    2.9

Granted

   313     $ 13.94         

Vested

   (247 )      $ 4,197.0      

Forfeited

   (88 )           
                     

January 25, 2009

   763     $ 15.36       $ 7,524    2.2
                 

 

(1) Represents the value of Semtech stock on the date that the restricted stock vested.

 

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Performance Unit Awards. The Company grants performance vested RSU’s to select employees. These awards have a performance condition in addition to a service condition. The performance condition generally relates to the Company’s revenue and operating income measured against internal goals. Under the terms of these awards, assuming the highest level of performance with no cancellations due to forfeitures, the maximum number of units that can be earned in the aggregate is 614,000. In this scenario, the maximum number of shares that could be issued thereunder would be 307,000 and the Company would have a liability equal to the value of 307,000 shares on the settlement date, which would be settled in cash. At January 25, 2009, none of the units from the fiscal year 2009 or 2008 grants are expected to vest, resulting in the reversal of $1.7 million of previously recognized compensation expense. The current assessment of the likelihood of meeting the performance measures was materially influenced by the current global economic slowdown and its impact on our performance in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 and its forecasted impact on our fiscal year 2010 performance. The following table summarizes performance unit award activity during fiscal year 2009:

(in thousands, except for per share amount)

 

           Subject to
Share Settlement
    Subject to
Cash Settlement
    Weighted Average
Grant Date
   Aggregate    Weighted Average
Period Over
Which Expected
      Total
Units
    Units     Units     Recorded
Liability
    Fair Value
(per share)
   Unrecognized
Compensation
   to be Recognized
(in years)

January 29, 2007

   —       —       —         —          $ —     

Granted

   175     88     87       $ 16.14      

Vested

   —       —       —              

Cancelled/forfeited

   (12 )   (6 )   (6 )          

Change in liability

         $ 190.2     $ 16.14      
                                      

January 27, 2008

   163     82     81     $ 190.2     $ 16.14    $ 1,783    2.4

Granted

   174     87     87       $ 13.15      

Vested

   —       —       —              

Cancelled/forfeited

   (30 )   (15 )   (15 )          

Change in liability

         $ (190.2 )   $ 11.51      
                                      

January 25, 2009

   307     154     153     $ —       $ 14.64    $ —      1.7
                                  

Stock Unit Awards, Non-Employee Directors. The Company grants stock unit awards to non-employee directors. These RSU’s are accounted for as liabilities because they are cash settled. The value of these awards is remeasured at each reporting period until settlement, which typically occurs upon the Director’s separation from service. Vested awards and the pro-rata vested portion of unvested awards are recognized as a liability. These awards vest after one year of service. The following table summarizes stock unit awards activity for fiscal years 2009 and 2008:

(in thousands, except per share price)

 

      Number of
Units
    Recorded
Liability
   Weighted Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
(per unit)
   Aggregate
Unrecognized
Compensation
   Weighted Average
Period Over
Which Expected
to be Recognized
(in years)

January 28, 2007

   —       $ —           

Granted

   32        $ 17.61      

Vested

   —               

Forfeited

   —               

Change in Liability

     $ 219         
                         

January 27, 2008

   32     $ 219    $ 17.61    $ 177    0.4

Granted

   41        $ 13.81      

Vested

   (32 )           

Forfeited

   —               

Change in Liability

     $ 414         
                         

January 25, 2009

   41     $ 633    $ 13.81    $ 239    0.4
                     

 

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Stock Unit Awards, Employees. In fiscal year 2009, the Company issued, for the first time, stock unit awards to employees. The grant date for these awards is equal to the measurement date. These awards are valued as of the measurement date and amortized over the requisite vesting period (typically 4 years). The following table summarizes stock unit awards activity for fiscal year 2009:

(in thousands, except per share price)

 

      Number of
Units
    Weighted Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
(per unit)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
   Aggregate
Unrecognized
Compensation
   Weighted Average
Period Over
Which Expected
to be Recognized
(in years)

January 27, 2008

   —               

Granted

   331     $ 14.97         

Vested

   —          —        

Forfeited

   (15 )           
                     

January 25, 2009

   316     $ 14.97       $ 3,345    3.6
                 

 

(1) Reflect the value of Semtech stock on the date that the stock unit vested.

Note 9. Income Taxes

The provision for taxes consists of the following:

Provision for Taxes

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 4,446     $ 11,222     $ 760  

State

     157       786       185  

Foreign

     10,080       656       1,874  
                        

Subtotal

     14,683       12,664       2,819  

Deferred:

      

Federal

     336       (12,685 )     3,650  

State

     (387 )     10,438       328  

Foreign

     (5,975 )     107       (514 )
                        

Subtotal

     (6,026 )     (2,140 )     3,464  
                        

Provision for taxes

   $ 8,657     $ 10,524     $ 6,283  
                        

The change in the net deferred tax asset differs from the deferred tax provision as a result of deferred tax assets that do not typically impact the provision. This includes the benefit related to tax deductions from the exercise of non-qualified stock options in excess of compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes (recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital when realized).

Under SFAS 123R, the income tax effects of share-based payments are recognized for financial reporting purposes only if such awards are expected to result in a tax deduction. SFAS 123R prohibits recognition of a deferred tax asset for an excess tax benefit (that is, a tax benefit that exceeds the tax benefit for the amount of compensation cost recognized for the award for financial reporting purposes) that has not been realized. In determining when an excess tax benefit is realized, we have elected to follow the ordering provision of the tax law.

For income taxes paid on intercompany profits on assets remaining within the group, Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” (“ARB 51”) prohibits recognition of a deferred tax asset for the difference between the tax basis of the assets in the buyer’s tax jurisdiction and their cost as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Pursuant to ARB 51, current foreign tax expense and income tax payable on intercompany profits generated as a result of an internal restructuring during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 was effectively offset in consolidation by a $5.8 million reduction to deferred tax expense. This resulted in an increase to prepaid income tax instead of deferred tax assets.

 

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The components of the net deferred income tax assets at January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008 are as follows:

Net Deferred Income Tax Asset

 

(in thousands)

   January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Current deferred tax asset:

    

Deferred revenue

   $ 1,941     $ 1,543  

Inventory reserve

     2,841       2,561  

Other deferred assets

     1,192       1,726  

Valuation reserve

     (1,591 )     (1,375 )
                

Total current deferred tax asset

     4,383       4,455  
                

Non-current deferred tax asset

    

Research and development charges

     7,501       5,967  

Research credit carryforward

     15,171       15,788  

Acquired NOL carryforward - foreign

     428       7,999  

Payroll and related

     2,097       2,253  

Stock-based compensation

     9,694       11,721  

Other deferred assets

     1,373       610  

Valuation reserve

     (10,463 )     (17,264 )
                

Total non-current deferred tax asset

     25,801       27,074  
                

Current deferred tax liability:

    

Inventory reserve - Foreign

     (1,054 )     (1,164 )

Other current deferred tax liability

     (645 )     (441 )

Non-current deferred tax liability:

    

Other non-current deferred tax liability

     (359 )     (879 )
                

Total deferred tax liability

     (2,058 )     (2,484 )
                

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 28,126     $ 29,045  
                

SFAS 109 requires that for a particular tax-paying component of an enterprise, and within a particular tax jurisdiction, (a) all current deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be offset and presented as a single amount and (b) all noncurrent deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be offset and presented as a single amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets attributable to different tax-paying components of the enterprise or to different tax jurisdictions should not be offset. As of January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008, net deferred income tax assets of $28.1 million and $29.0 million, respectively, have been presented on the balance sheet, based on tax jurisdiction, as deferred income tax assets of $29.8 million and $30.1 million and deferred income tax liabilities of $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Therefore, the deferred tax asset and liability totals on the balance sheet differ from the deferred tax asset and liability totals presented in the table above.

On June 23, 2005, Semtech Corporation, through its wholly owned Swiss subsidiary, Semtech International AG, acquired all of the outstanding shares of XEMICS SA (“XEMICS”) in a cash-for-stock transaction pursuant to a share purchase and sales agreement. As a result of pre-acquisition losses, XEMICS maintained substantial net operating loss carryforwards. Given the relatively short lives of these loss carryforwards, a valuation allowance against this deferred tax asset was established at the time of the acquisition. As a result of the tax consequences associated with an internal restructuring during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, $6.9 million of this deferred tax asset was utilized and the related $6.9 million of valuation allowance was released. In accordance with SFAS 109, the release of this valuation allowance was recorded as a reduction to goodwill.

As of January 25, 2009, the Company had gross federal and state research credits available of approximately $9.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively, which are available to offset taxable income. These credits will expire between fiscal years 2020 through 2029. As of January 25, 2009, the Company had federal Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) credits available of approximately $442,000. The Company has established an $11.0 million valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets due to utilization concerns. An additional $1.0 million valuation allowance has been established against various foreign net operating loss carryforwards.

In addition, approximately $1.2 million of federal tax credit carryforwards have been generated from stock option exercises in prior years. As discussed above, SFAS 123R prohibits financial statement recognition until utilized.

Realization of the net deferred tax assets (after the valuation allowances discussed above) is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences will reverse. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. The amount of the net deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the reversal periods are revised.

 

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The provision for taxes reconciles to the amount computed by applying the statutory federal rate to income before taxes as follows:

 

(fiscal years, in thousands)

   January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

Federal income tax at statutory rate

   $ 16,162     $ 20,407     $ 13,094  

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

     571       3,164       1,388  

Foreign taxes at rates less than federal rates

     (6,097 )     (5,752 )     (4,889 )

Tax credits generated

     (2,805 )     (986 )     (1,365 )

Changes in valuation reserve

     653       (1,672 )     1,102  

Deemed dividend

     1,105       1,818       1,069  

Equity compensation

     2,601       114       —    

Permanent differences

     572       358       (167 )

Sales exclusion - foreign jurisdiction

     (3,745 )     (5,080 )     (4,284 )

Foreign exchange loss - foreign jurisdiction

     —         (2,461 )     —    

Other

     (360 )     614       335  
                        

Provision for taxes

   $ 8,657     $ 10,524     $ 6,283  
                        

Income taxes paid in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $3.0 million, $2.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively.

Pretax income in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 from foreign operations was approximately $38.2 million, $40.2 million, and $26.7 million, respectively.

As of January 25, 2009, the Company had approximately $212.2 million of unremitted income related to the Company’s wholly owned foreign subsidiaries for which no U.S. federal or state taxes have been provided. The Company’s policy is to leave the income permanently reinvested offshore. The amount of earnings designated as indefinitely reinvested to offshore is based upon the actual deployment of such earnings in the Company’s offshore assets and expectations of the future cash needs of the Company’s U.S. and foreign entities.

Effective January 29, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS109. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Upon adoption and the conclusion of the initial evaluation of our uncertain tax positions (“UTP”) under FIN 48, the Company recorded a cumulative net increase (after federal impact of state items) in the liability for UTP of $2.1 million which was accounted for as an adoption charge to retained earnings.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits (before federal impact of state items) is as follows:

 

(fiscal year, in thousands)

   January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008

Beginning balance

   $ 11,097     $ 5,825

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     1,366       1,270

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     —         4,002

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (3 )     —  

Settlements

     —         —  
              

Ending Balance

   $ 12,460     $ 11,097
              

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008, are $11.0 million and $9.7 million, respectively, of net tax benefits (after federal impact of state items) that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The UTP liability as of January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008 was $4.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively. This liability is reflected on the balance sheet as “Accrued Taxes.” The Company’s policy is to include net interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income. During fiscal year 2009 and 2008, a net increase of $8,000 and a net interest decrease of $70,000 was recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income, respectively. The Company had approximately $34,000 and $26,000 of net interest and penalties accrued at January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008, respectively.

Tax years prior to 2006 (fiscal year 2007) are generally not subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) except for items with tax attributes that could impact open tax years. The IRS completed an examination of tax years 2004 (fiscal year 2005) through 2005 (fiscal year 2006) in fiscal year 2009, resulting in a $24.2 million reduction of our net operating loss carryforward. No tax was payable as a result of this adjustment and there was no tax provision impact since the affected tax attributes were fully reserved.

For state returns, the Company is generally not subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2004 (fiscal year 2005). Our significant foreign tax presence is in Switzerland. Our material Swiss tax filings have been examined through fiscal year 2008. The Company is also subject to routine examinations by various foreign tax jurisdictions in which it operates.

 

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Table of Contents

As of January 25, 2009, the Company is not aware of any tax positions for which it was reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months, other than an uncertain tax position related to determination of available loss carryforwards in a foreign jurisdiction. This loss carryforward determination is expected to be reviewed by local tax authorities within the next year. The audit resolution of this issue or eventual closure of the statute of limitations will result in a decrease in the liability for uncertain tax positions and a $727,000 tax payment if the position is not sustained or a decrease in the liability for uncertain tax positions and a $727,000 reduction to the tax provision if the tax position is sustained.

Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The Company leases facilities and certain equipment under operating lease arrangements expiring in various years through fiscal year 2015. The aggregate minimum annual lease payments under leases in effect on January 25, 2009 are as follows:

Minimum Annual Lease Payments (in thousands)

 

Fiscal Year Ending:

  

2010

   $ 3,295

2011

     2,263

2012

     1,845

2013

     1,754

2014

     1,342

Thereafter

     282
      

Total minimum lease commitments

   $ 10,781
      

Not included in operating lease commitments is expected sub-lease income to the Company. Sub-lease agreements are scheduled to provide $375,000, $158,000 and $0 of annual income for fiscal year 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Rent expense was $3.5 million, $3.3 million, and $2.9 million for fiscal year 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company received $366,000, $352,000, and $359,000 of sub-lease income in fiscal year 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Retirement Plans

The Company contributed $745,000, $737,000 and $714,000, respectively, in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 to the 401(k) retirement plan maintained for its employees. In addition, the Company contributed $697,000, $630,000 and $593,000, respectively, in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 to a Swiss defined contribution plan.

Legal Matters

From time to time in the ordinary course of its business, the Company is involved in various claims, litigation, and other legal actions that are normal to the nature of its business, including with respect to intellectual property, contract, product liability, employment, and environmental matters.

The Company records any amounts recovered in these matters when collection is certain. Liabilities for claims against the Company are accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can reasonably be estimated. Any amounts recorded are based on periodic reviews by outside counsel, in-house counsel and management and are adjusted as additional information becomes available or assessments change.

While some insurance coverage is maintained for such matters, there can be no assurance that the Company has a sufficient amount of insurance coverage, that asserted claims will be within the scope of coverage of the insurance, or that the Company will have sufficient resources to satisfy any amount due not covered by insurance.

Management is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of such matters now pending will not, individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. However, the outcome of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty.

Some of the Company’s more significant pending legal matters are discussed below:

Government Inquiries. In May 2006, the Company received a letter from the SEC requesting that it voluntarily provide information regarding stock options granted since January 1, 1997 as part of an informal inquiry. Additionally, in June 2006, the Company received a Grand Jury subpoena from the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, requesting documents relating to the Company’s stock option practices since 1996. The Company responded to these requests in a timely manner and intends to continue to fully cooperate in these inquiries.

In the event that either or both of these investigations leads to action against any of our current or former directors, officers, or employees, or the Company itself, the trading price of the Company’s common stock may be adversely impacted. If the Company is subject to adverse findings in either of these matters, it could be required to pay damages or penalties or have other remedies imposed upon it which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, if either or both of these investigations continue for a prolonged period of time, they may have the same impact regardless of the ultimate outcome.

 

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Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit. In fiscal year 2007, the Company was served with five purported shareholder derivative lawsuits making various allegations with respect to stock option improprieties and financial reporting. The Company is named solely as a nominal defendant against whom the plaintiffs sought no monetary recovery. These lawsuits named various current and former directors, officers, and executives as individual defendants from whom various forms of monetary damages are sought.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, the Company reached a tentative settlement in the lawsuits and recorded a charge of $1.6 million, which is net of committed insurance proceeds, for the monetary component of the settlement. Final court approval of the settlement occurred on January 12, 2009. All lawsuits have subsequently been dismissed with prejudice following payments by the Company and its insurance carrier of their respective amount per the terms of the settlement.

Class Action Lawsuit. In Re: Semtech Corporation Securities Litigation, United States District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 2:07-CV-07114-CAS. In August 2007, a purported class action lawsuit was filed against the Company and certain current and former officers on behalf of persons who purchased or acquired Semtech securities from September 11, 2002 until July 19, 2006. The case alleges violations of Federal securities laws in connection with the Company’s past stock option practices. A very similar lawsuit, filed in October 2007 by another plaintiff, was not served. In February 2008, the Mississippi Public Employees’ Retirement System (“MPERS”) filed a motion in the US District Court for the Central District of California for consolidation of the cases described above, appointment of MPERS as lead plaintiff, and approval of selection of counsel. The MPERS motion was granted in late March 2008, and a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint was filed in May 2008, initiating the consolidated action with MPERS as the lead plaintiff. Most recently, motions to dismiss and for other remedial actions filed by the defendants were heard by the Court on December 15, 2008. The Court granted motions to dismiss in favor of defendants Jason Carlson (former Chief Executive Officer of the Company) and Mohan Maheswaran (current Chief Executive Officer of the Company) regarding claims under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Court denied all other motions of all defendants, including other motions to dismiss brought in relation to alternate allegations raised against Messrs. Carlson and Maheswaran, who remain pending as defendants in the matter. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this litigation.

Environmental Matters. In 2001, the Company was notified by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (“State”) that it may have liability associated with the clean-up of the one-third acre Davis Chemical Company site in Los Angeles, California. The Company has been included in the clean-up program because it was one of the companies that used the Davis Chemical Company site for waste recycling and/or disposal between 1949 and 1990. The Company joined with other potentially responsible parties and entered into a Consent Order with the State that required the group to perform a soils investigation at the site and submit a remediation plan. The State has approved the remediation plan, which completes the group’s obligations under the Consent Order. Although the Consent Order does not require the group to remediate the site and the State has indicated it intends to look to other parties for remediation, the State has not yet issued “no further action” letters to the group members. To date, the Company’s share of the group’s expenses has not been material and has been expensed as incurred.

We have used an environmental firm, specializing in hydrogeology, to perform monitoring of the groundwater at our former facility in Newbury Park, California that we leased for approximately forty years. We vacated the building in May 2002. Certain contaminants have been found in the local groundwater. Monitoring results to date over a number of years indicate that contaminants are from adjacent facilities. There are no claims pending with respect to environmental matters at the Newbury Park site. However, the applicable regulatory agency having authority over the site issued joint instructions in November 2008, ordering the Company and the current owner of the site to perform additional assessments and surveys, and to create ongoing groundwater monitoring plans before any final regulatory action for “no further action” may be approved. The anticipated costs to perform the actions most recently ordered by the regulatory body are not anticipated to be material, and may be jointly shared between the Company and the current owner. It is currently not possible to determine the ultimate amount of future clean-up costs, if any, that may be required of us for this site. Accordingly, no reserve for clean-up has been provided at this time.

Product Warranties

The Company’s general warranty policy provides for repair or replacement of defective parts. In some cases a refund of the purchase price is offered. In certain instances the Company has agreed to other warranty terms, including some indemnification provisions.

As of January 25, 2009, the Company’s warranty reserve was $50,000, unchanged from fiscal year 2008. No warranty accrual activity was recorded in fiscal year 2009. The product warranty accrual reflects the Company’s best estimate of probable liability under its product warranties. The Company accrues for known warranty issues if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, and accrues for estimated incurred but unidentified issues based on historical experience.

If there is a substantial increase in the rate of customer claims, if the Company’s estimates of probable losses relating to identified warranty exposures prove inaccurate, or its efforts to contractually limit liability prove inadequate, the Company may record a charge against future cost of sales.

Indemnification

The Company has entered into agreements with its current executive officers and directors indemnifying them against certain liabilities incurred in connection with the performance of their duties. The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain comparable indemnification obligations with respect to the Company’s current directors and employees. Additionally, comparable indemnification agreements and obligations under our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws remain in effect for certain former executive officers and directors of the Company, rights under which are being claimed by certain former executives and former directors in relation to the Class Action Lawsuit discussed above.

 

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Note 11. Interest and Other Income, net

Interest and other income, net, consist of the following:

 

(fiscal years, in thousands)

   January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

Interest income

   $ 5,677     $ 13,255     $ 13,116  

Interest expense

     (3 )     (11 )     (34 )

Gain (loss) on sale of assets

     (428 )     1,392       (39 )

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

     (549 )     316       519  

Miscellaneous (expense) income

     (410 )     168       (16 )
                        

Interest and other income, net

   $ 4,287     $ 15,120     $ 13,546  
                        

Note 12. Business Segments and Concentrations of Risk

The Company operates in two reportable segments: Standard Semiconductor Products and Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products.

The Standard Semiconductor Products segment makes up the vast majority of overall sales and includes the power management, protection, advanced communication and sensing product lines. The Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products segment includes the Company’s line of assembly and rectifier devices, which are the remaining products from its original founding as a supplier into the military, aerospace and industrial equipment markets.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on net sales and operating income of each segment. Management does not track segment data or evaluate segment performance on additional financial information. As such, there are no separately identifiable segment assets nor are there any separately identifiable statements of income data (below operating income).

The Company does not track or assign assets to individual reportable segments. Likewise, depreciation expense and capital additions are also not tracked by reportable segments.

Net sales and operating income, by segment, were as follows:

Net Sales

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008
   January 28,
2007

Standard Semiconductor Products

   $ 263,119    $ 260,035    $ 236,220

Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products

     31,701      24,755      16,318
                    

Net Sales

   $ 294,820    $ 284,790    $ 252,538
                    

Operating Income

 

(fiscal years, in thousands)

        
      January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008
   January 28,
2007

Standard Semiconductor Products

   $ 30,221    $ 32,793    $ 18,948

Rectifier, Assembly and Other Products

     11,670      10,394      4,917
                    

Total Operating Income

   $ 41,891    $ 43,187    $ 23,865
                    

Certain corporate level expenses not directly attributable to a reportable segment are allocated to the segments based on percentage of sales. These include expenses associated with matters related to the Company’s historical stock option practices, including the now completed restatement of past financial statements and the on-going government inquiries, class action litigation, and recently settled derivative litigation. Included in operating income in fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 for the Standard Semiconductor Products segment is approximately $63,000 (net of a $223,000 insurance recovery received in fiscal year 2009 for certain investigative costs), $2.8 million and 8.7 million, respectively, of expense associated with the SEC’s investigation into the Company’s historical stock option practices.

Included in operating income for the Standard Semiconductor Products segment for fiscal years 2009, 2008 and 2007 are legal fees incurred by the Company in suing insurance companies to recover amounts associated with the resolution of a past customer dispute. For fiscal year 2009 and 2008 operating income for the Standard Semiconductor Products segment also included settlement recoveries from the above mentioned insurance companies.

 

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A summary of sales activity by region follows. The Company does not track customer sales by region for each individual reporting segment.

Sales by Region

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

      January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

North America

   $ 72,072    24 %   $ 53,367    19 %   $ 56,710    23 %

Asia-Pacific

     172,054    59 %     186,395    65 %     157,687    62 %

Europe

     50,694    17 %     45,028    16 %     38,141    15 %
                                       

Total Net Sales

   $ 294,820    100 %   $ 284,790    100 %   $ 252,538    100 %
                                       

Sales to the Company’s customers are generally made on open account, subject to credit limits the Company may impose, and the receivables are subject to the risk of being uncollectible.

Concentration of Net Sales - Key Customers

(percentage of net sales)

 

      Fiscal Year Ended  
      January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
    January 28,
2007
 

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   15 %   13 %   10 %

Frontek Technology Corp

   13 %   16 %   12 %

Concentration of Accounts Receivable - Key Customers

(percentage of net accounts receivable)

 

      Fiscal Year Ended  
      January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   18 %   8 %

Frontek Technology Corp

   12 %   14 %

Long-lived assets, net of accumulated depreciation, located within the United States as of January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008 were approximately $20.8 million and $21.6 million, respectively. Long-lived assets located outside the United States as of January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008 was approximately $11.0 million and $8.9 million, respectively. Some of these assets are at locations owned or operated by the Company’s suppliers. The Company has consigned certain equipment to a foundry based in China to support its specialized processes run at the foundry. The provision of these assets to the wafer foundry is factored into the Company’s pricing arrangement with the foundry. The Company has also installed its own equipment at some of its packaging and testing subcontractors in order to ensure a certain level of capacity, assuming the subcontractor has ample employees to operate the equipment.

The Company relies on a limited number of outside subcontractors and suppliers for the production of silicon wafers, packaging and certain other tasks. Disruption or termination of supply sources or subcontractors, due to natural disasters or other causes, could delay shipments and could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Although there are generally alternate sources for these materials and services, qualification of the alternate sources could cause delays sufficient to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Several of the Company’s outside subcontractors and suppliers, including third-party foundries that supply silicon wafers, are located in foreign countries, including China, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Germany, Israel and Canada. The Company’s largest source of silicon wafers is an outside foundry located in China and a significant amount of the Company’s assembly and test operations are conducted by third-party contractors in Malaysia, the Philippines and China.

Note 13. Matters Related to Historical Stock Option Practices

Since May 2006, the Company has incurred substantial expenses for legal, accounting, tax and other professional services in connection with matters associated with or stemming from its historical stock option practices. In fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, approximately $1.6 million (net of insurance recovery of $250,000), $6.2 million and $9.7 million of legal expenses were incurred in relation to these matters. The Company expects to continue to incur significant expense in connection with the on-going government inquiries and class action litigation. These expenses include claims for advancement of legal expenses to current and former directors, officers and executives under pre-existing indemnification agreements and to other current and former employees under the California Labor Code and a resolution of the Board authorizing such advances. See Note 10 for additional information regarding indemnification.

 

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Note 14: Fire at Manufacturing Facility in Reynosa, Mexico

On July 31, 2008, a fire occurred at the Company’s Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility. As of January 25, 2009, the Company has recorded the following expenses (insurance recoveries) related to the retooling and retrofit of the factory and the write-off of damaged equipment.

 

(in thousands)

   Expense Incurred    Insurance
Recovery
    Net Expense

SG&A

   $ 1,229    $ (370 )   $ 859

Other expense, net

     208      —         208
                     
   $ 1,437    $ (370 )   $ 1,067
                     

As of January 25, 2009, repair, retooling and retrofit activities were substantially complete. The Company does not expect to incur additional significant costs related to this recovery.

The Company is actively seeking recovery under the relevant insurance policies that it maintains for both property damage and business interruption. While the Company expects insurance recoveries to cover most of the costs, only $370,000 of recovery was received in fiscal year 2009.

Note 15: Restructuring Costs

During fiscal year 2009, the Company initiated a restructuring plan within the Standard Semiconductor Products segment to reorganize certain Company operations, consolidate research and development activities and reduce its workforce. The reorganization and consolidation was completed in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009. In fiscal year 2009, the Company recorded costs of $2.3 million for employee severance and other facility consolidation costs.

The following table summarizes the restructuring charge and liability balance included in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 25, 2009.

 

(in thousands)

   Restructuring
Charge
   Asset Writedown     Cash Payments     Balance at
January 25, 2009

Severance and benefits

   $ 876.3    $ —       $ (876.3 )   $ —  

Lease termination costs

     641.5      —         (206.9 )     434.6

Open commitments

     294.1      (294.1 )     —         —  

Asset impairment

     486.6      (486.6 )     —         —  

Other costs

     11.7