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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 31, 2010

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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   ¨     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, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer   x     Accelerated filer   ¨      Non-accelerated filer   ¨     Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant (based upon the closing sale price of $18.23 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market) as of July 24, 2009 was approximately $802 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 25, 2010 was 61,773,804.

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 24, 2010, to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year ended January 31, 2010.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

SEMTECH CORPORATION

INDEX TO FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 2010

 

PART I

  

Item 1

   Business    2

Item 1A

   Risk Factors    10

Item 1B

   Unresolved Staff Comments    19

Item 2

   Properties    19

Item 3

   Legal Proceedings    20

Item 4

   (Removed and Reserved)    20

PART II

     

Item 5

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    20

Item 6

   Selected Financial Data    22

Item 7

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation    24

Item 7A

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    35

Item 8

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    36

Item 9

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    70

Item 9A

   Controls and Procedures    70

Item 9B

   Other Information    70

PART III

     

Item 10

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance    71

Item 11

   Executive Compensation    71

Item 12

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    71

Item 13

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence    71

Item 14

   Principal Accounting Fees and Services    71

PART IV

     

Item 15

   Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules    72
   Signatures    77

 

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Special Note Regarding 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

Unless the context otherwise requires, the use of the terms “Semtech,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K refers to Semtech Corporation and, as applicable, its consolidated subsidiaries. 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 into applications within the high-end consumer, industrial, computing and communications end-markets.

High-End Consumer: handheld products, set-top boxes, digital televisions, digital video recorders and other consumer equipment.

Industrial: automated meter reading, military and aerospace, medical, security systems, automotive, industrial and home automation, and other industrial equipment.

Computing: desktops, notebooks, servers, graphic boards, monitors, printers and other computer peripherals.

Communications: 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, Huawei, Hewlett Packard, Intel, LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Phonak, Quanta Computer, Research In Motion, Samsung, Sanyo, and Sony.

In connection with internal restructuring resulting from the acquisition and integration of Sierra Monolithics, Inc. in December 2009, and other management changes over the past few years, we determined that the results of our operations are most appropriately reported in one business segment, which is consistent with internal management reporting. All current and prior year data reported herein have therefore been presented on a consolidated basis in one enterprise-wide segment.

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.

 

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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.

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.

Business Strategy

Our objective is to be a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor devices to the fastest growing areas 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 areas or to gain entry into these areas. 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 customer 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 us to identify and capitalize on cross-selling opportunities.

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 of these markets are characterized by their need for leading-edge, high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductor technologies.

The computing, communications, high-end consumer and industrial end markets we supply are characterized by several trends that we believe drive demand for our products. The key trends that we target include:

 

 

Increasing bandwidth over high-speed networks, fueling growth in high speed voice, video and data transmission

 

 

Increasing electronic system requirements for smaller, lighter, highly integrated and feature rich devices

 

 

Increasing need for more efficient energy management in the home and in industrial environments and the proliferation of ”green” standards

Our products address these market trends by providing solutions that are ultra-low power thus extending battery life, small form factor enabling smaller devices, highly integrated enabling more functionality within devices and high performance enabling product differentiation within our customer base. 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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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.

Products and Technology

We design, develop, manufacture and market high-performance analog and mixed signal semiconductor products. We operate and account for results in one reportable segment. Our product lines include:

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. Our power management products feature highly integrated devices for the telecom industry and low-power, small form factor and high-efficiency products for mobile phones, notebook computers, computer peripherals and other portable devices. 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 feature low capacitance, providing robust protection while preserving signal integrity in high-speed voice and video interfaces and are low leakage, thus increasing battery life in electronic devices. Our protection products can be found in a broad range of applications including computer, data-communications, telecommunications and industrial applications.

Advanced Communication and Sensing Products . We design, develop and market a portfolio of proprietary advanced wired communication, wireless communication and sensing integrated circuits (“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 and consumer applications. Our advanced communications products feature a leading integrated timing solution for packet based communications networks. Our wireless and sensing products feature industry leading and longest range ISM radio enabling low cost of ownership and increased reliability in all environments. Our unique sensing interface platforms can interface to any sensor and output digital data in any form. Our advanced communications and sensing products can be found in a broad range of applications including communications, industrial, medical and consumer applications.

Transport and Datacom Products. We design, develop and market ultra high speed Serializer/Deserializer (“SerDes”) products for transport communication, including 40Gbps and 100Gbps chips and transceivers for short reach, metro and long haul applications and high performance transceivers for datacenter applications. These products can be found primarily in communications applications.

Microwave and High-Reliability Products. We design, develop and market transceivers for wireless communications infrastructure, including 2G/3G/4G cellular repeaters, WiMAX CPE and base stations and defense and aerospace products, including satellite communication, ground to air beacons and unmanned air vehicles (“UAV”). This product segment also includes our line of high-reliability discrete semiconductor 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. Our microwave and high-reliability products can be found in a broad range of applications including industrial, military, medical and communications systems.

 

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Semtech End-Markets

Our products are sold to customers in the computing, communications, high-end consumer, and industrial markets. Our estimates of sales by major end-markets are detailed below:

 

(percentage of net sales)       
     Fiscal Years  
     2010     2009     2008  

Computing

   14   18   19

Communications

   23   18   17

High-End Consumer

   40   37   39

Industrial and Other

   23   27   25
                  
   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-market and product applications:

 

 

Semtech’s Main Product Lines

 

 

 

Specific End-Product Applications

 

     

 

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   Smart phones, PDAs, digital still/video cameras, handheld games, TVs   Power supplies, industrial systems
         
Protection   Notebook computers, USB ports, LAN cards   Base stations, DSL equipment, routers and hubs  

Smart phones, PDAs, digital still/video cameras, handheld games, TVs

 

  Handheld measurement or instrumentation devices
         
Advanced Communications and Sensing   Notebook computers, servers, printers   SONET networks, routers, hubs, switches, fiber modems and wireless headsets, cellular base stations   Smart phones, media players, personal navigation, digital still/video cameras  

Automated meter reading, industrial control and hearing aids (medical); Automated test equipment

 

         
Transport and Datacom   -      

Routers, switches, 40G/100G line cards

 

  -       -    
         
Microwave and High- Reliability   -       Base stations, routers, repeaters   -      

Military, aerospace, medical

 

Historically, our results have reflected some seasonality, with demand levels generally being slightly 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.

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. As a result, we have design centers throughout the world.

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.

In fiscal year 2010, we incurred $44.8 million of product development and engineering expense. This represents 16% of net sales. Product development and engineering costs were $41.4 million or 14% of net sales and $43.1 million or 15% of net sales in fiscal years 2009 and 2008, 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 2010 were approximately 52% of net sales. The remaining 48% of net sales were made through independent distributors. We have direct sales personnel located throughout the United States, Europe and Asia who manage the sales activities of independent sales representative firms and independent distributors. We expense our advertising costs as they are incurred.

 

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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 offices, either directly or through one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, in Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Semtech International also maintains a representative office in 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    LG Electronics    Honeywell
       

Hewlett Packard

   Cisco    Research in Motion    Itron
       

Lenovo

   Ericsson    Samsung    Raytheon
       

Quanta

   Huawei    Sony Ericsson    Siemens
       

Samsung

   Motorola    Panasonic    Phonak
       

Lexmark

   Nokia Siemens         General Atomics
       

Epson

 

  

Samsung

 

         

Our customers include major original equipment manufacturers (“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 2010, 2009 and 2008, U.S. sales contributed 19%, 20% and 18%, respectively to our net sales. Foreign sales constituted 81%, 80%, and 82% of our net sales during fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. A majority of foreign sales were to customers located in the Asia-Pacific region, with sales to customers located in South Korea and China (including Hong Kong) comprising 18% and 26% of our net sales, respectively, in fiscal year 2010. No other foreign country comprised more than 10% of net sales in fiscal year 2010.

A summary of net sales by region follows.

 

Sales by Region                                  
(in thousands)                                  
     Fiscal Years  
     2010     2009     2008  

North America

   $ 72,818    25   $ 72,072    24   $ 53,367    19

Asia-Pacific

     165,880    58     172,054    59     186,395    65

Europe

     47,862    17     50,694    17     45,028    16
                                       

Total Net Sales

   $ 286,560    100   $ 294,820    100   $ 284,790    100
                                       

The following table sets forth the concentration of net sales and accounts receivable among the customers that accounted for more than 10% of our net sales in fiscal year 2010:

 

Concentration of Net Sales - Significant Customers       
(percentage of net sales)       
     Fiscal Years  
     2010     2009     2008  

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   17   15   13

Frontek Technology Corp

   13   13   16

 

Concentration of Accounts Receivable - Significant Customers     
(percentage of net accounts receivable as of fiscal year end)     
     Fiscal years  
     2010     2009  

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   13   18

Frontek Technology Corp

   14   12

 

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For fiscal year 2010, end-market concentration for our significant customers was as follows:

 

(percentage of net sales)     
     Samsung
Electronics (and
affiliates)
    Frontek
Technology Corp
 

Computing

   3   4

Communications

   2   3

High-end Consumer

   12 % (1)     5

Industrial

   0   1
            
   17   13
            
(1) For Samsung Electronics, approximately 50% of the sales into the High-end Consumer end-market relate to products focused on the handheld market,
which includes cell phones.

Our backlog of orders as of the end of fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $78.8 million, $34.0 million and $70.8 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 limited amount of internal probe and final test activities at our facilities in Camarillo, Irvine, Redondo Beach and San Diego, California; Neuchatel, Switzerland; and Reynosa, Mexico. These activities accommodate situations in which tight coupling with product design is desirable or where there are unique requirements. Our packaged discrete rectifier products are packaged and tested in-house in Reynosa, Mexico. 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 2010, the Reynosa facility provided almost all of the silicon for our packaged discrete rectifier products, which were approximately 9% of our end product sales. The remaining 91% of our end products were supported with finished silicon wafers purchased from outside wafer foundries in China, Taiwan, the United States, Canada, Europe and Israel. We anticipate that more than 90% of all silicon wafers we require will come from outside foundries in fiscal year 2011.

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 2010, we purchased the vast majority of our wafers from approximately nine different third-party wafer foundries and used various manufacturing processes, including Bipolar, High-Speed Bipolar, CMOS, RF-CMOS, Bi-CMOS and SiGe processes.

While we do have some redundancy of fabrication 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 this 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 these 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 2010, this Chinese foundry provided 50% 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.

Our Transport and Datacom products and most of our microwave and high-reliability products are dependent on a single fabrication facility, located within the United States, for wafers.

 

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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. We have 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 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 numerous 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 respect to our protection products, our primary competitors are ST Microelectronics N.V., NXP, ON Semiconductor, Protek and Infineon. 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 transport and datacom products, our primary competitors are Core Optics, Inphi and internal solutions. Our primary competitors with respect to our microwave and high-reliability products include Microsemi Corporation, Hittite Microwave Corporation, L3 Communications and Gallium Arsenide product manufacturers.

Intellectual Property and Licenses

We have been granted 84 U.S. patents and 32 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 2013 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.

We license 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 2010. 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 31, 2010, we had 915 full-time employees. There were 252 employees in research and development, 170 in sales, marketing and field services, and 105 in general, administrative and finance. The remaining employees support operational activities, including product and test engineering, assembly, manufacturing, distribution and quality functions.

We have not had a work stoppage in at least the last decade and the only unionized employees are approximately 159 Mexican nationals who work at our manufacturing facility in Reynosa, Mexico. Our employee relations during the last fiscal year have been, and remain, satisfactory.

 

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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 our Microwave and High-Reliability products 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 Microwave and High-Reliability product line. The U.S. State Department has determined that a small number of special assemblies from the Microwave and High-Reliability product line are subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”). We have a Technical Assistance Agreement in place that permits us to assemble certain of these products in Mexico. Other products subject to ITAR regulations are manufactured in our Redondo Beach, CA facilities. International shipments of these products require a State Department license.

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 2010, 2009 and 2008 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 we have used (see Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report). During fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, the expense incurred with respect to these clean up matters was not material.

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. In September 2009, the regulatory agency issued supplemental instructions to the Company and the current site owner regarding previously ordered site assessments, surveys and groundwater monitoring. The costs to perform all site work directed by the regulatory agency are not anticipated to be material. The Company and the site owner have agreed on an equitable cost sharing arrangement for current site work. At January 31, 2010, accrued liabilities includes approximately $401,000 of fees payable in connection with pending testing and monitoring activities at this site. It is not currently possible to determine the ultimate amount, if any, of future site clean-up costs that may be directed by the regulatory agency following the current site assessments and surveys. Accordingly, no reserve for site clean-up costs has been provided at this time.

Available Information

General information about us can be found on our website at www.semtech.com. The information on our website is for informational purposes 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 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 Exchange Act, 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.

 

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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 “Special Note Regarding 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.

Risks Relating to General Business Conditions

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.

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.

Current global economic conditions could reduce demand for our products

Current global economic conditions pose a risk to the overall economy as consumers and businesses may continue to defer purchases in response to the uncertainty around tighter credit and negative financial news. These conditions have reduced and could continue to reduce demand for our products. Such demand could be different from our expectations due to many factors including changes in business and economic conditions, conditions in the credit market that affect consumer confidence, customer acceptance of our products, changes in customer order patterns, including order cancellations, and changes in the level of inventory held by vendors.

 

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Business interruptions could harm our business

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 our business could be harmed in the event of a major earthquake. We generally do not maintain flood coverage, including for our Asian locations where certain of our operations support and sales offices are located. Such flood coverage has become very expensive; as a result the Company has elected not to purchase this coverage. If one of these locations was to experience a major flood, our business may be harmed.

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 by one or more of our end customers. Any such loss of revenue due to a slowdown or cessation of end customer demand is uninsured.

We rely on third party freight firms for nearly all of our shipments from vendors to assembly and test sites, primarily in Asia, and for shipments of our final product to customers. This includes ground and air. Any significant disruption of such freight business globally or in certain parts of the world, particularly where our operations are concentrated, could materially affect our ability to generate revenues. Business interruption insurance may not provide enough protection to compensate us for losses that may occur. Accordingly, any of these disruptions could significantly harm our business.

Terrorist attacks, wars 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. 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.

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. An outbreak of 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.

Risks Relating to Production Operations

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

Our reliance on a limited number of subcontractors and suppliers for wafers, packaging, testing 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.

 

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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 2010, approximately 50% 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 2009, approximately 40% of our silicon in terms of cost of wafers was supplied by this third-party foundry in China. While our utilization of multiple outside foundries does create some redundancy of fabrication processes, 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 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 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.

Our Transport and Datacom products and most of our microwave and high-reliability products are dependent on a single fabrication facility, located within the United States, for wafers. Any extended or continued interruption of supply by this supplier facility could materially impact our ability to ship these products to customers. An extended or protracted failure by us to deliver products to customers in accordance with contractual delivery commitments could result in lost business opportunities and may in certain circumstances trigger contractual penalties or other contractual liabilities to customers, including stipulated delay fees and/or the cost differential of substitute products.

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 in the ordinary course of our business 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.

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.

Risks Relating to Research and Development, Engineering, Intellectual Property and New Technologies

We may be unsuccessful in developing and selling new products, which is a critical component of maintaining and expanding 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.

 

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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 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 trade secret protections through 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 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 on a third party’s rights, we may have liability for past infringement and may need to seek a license to use such intellectual property 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 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.

Risks Relating to International Operations

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

Sales to foreign customers accounted for approximately 81% of net sales in the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010. Sales to our customers located in China (including Hong Kong) and Korea constituted 26% and 18%, respectively, of net sales for fiscal year 2010. 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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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 31, 2010, 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 are subject to export restrictions and laws affecting trade and investments

As a global company headquartered in the United States, we are subject to U.S. laws and regulations that limit and restrict the export of some of our products. Compliance with these laws has not significantly limited our operations or our sales in the recent past, but could significantly limit them in the future. We maintain an export compliance program but there are risks that the compliance controls could be circumvented, exposing us to legal liabilities. We must also comply with export restrictions and laws imposed by other countries affecting trade and investments. Although these restrictions and laws have not significantly restricted our operations in the recent past, there is a risk that they could do so in the future.

Risks Relating to Sales, Marketing and Competition

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; and ST Microelectronics N.V., NXP, ON Semiconductor, Protek and Infineon, with respect to our protection products. Our primary competitors with respect to our advanced communications and sensing products are Silicon Laboratories, IDT, Zarlink Semiconductor, and Micrel Semiconductor; and with respect to our transport and datacom products, our primary competitors are Core Optics, Inphi and internal solutions; Our primary competitors with respect to our microwave and high-reliability products include Microsemi Corporation, Hittite Microwave Corporation and L3 Communications. 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;

 

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marketing, manufacturing and distribution capability; and

 

 

financial strength.

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

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.

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

Our largest customers have 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. One of our authorized distributors regularly accounts 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 - Significant Customers

  

(percentage of net sales)       
     Fiscal Years  
     2010     2009     2008  

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   17   15   13

Frontek Technology Corp

   13   13   16

 

Concentration of Accounts Receivable - Significant Customers

  

(percentage of net accounts receivable)     
     Fiscal Years  
     2010     2009  

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   13   18

Frontek Technology Corp

   14   12

In addition to those customers representing greater than 10% of net sales listed above, we had several end-customers in fiscal year 2010 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.

Most of our authorized distributors, which together represent approximately 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 2010, authorized distributors accounted for approximately half 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 2010, our two largest distributors were based in Asia.

The termination of any of our distributor relationships 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 held by that 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 accounts receivable from the particular distributor would be subject to significant collection risk.

 

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Risks Relating to Governmental Regulations, including Taxes, Financial Reporting Rules and Regulations, and Environmental Regulations

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 International Traffic in Arms controls, 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.

Changes in tax laws may materially impact tax liabilities and our effective tax rate

We do not provide U.S. federal or state taxes for our unremitted income of wholly owned foreign subsidiaries that is considered to be permanently reinvested offshore and is not otherwise subject to current domestic taxation. The current U.S. Administration and Congress have proposed changes to current U.S. tax law, including international tax reform that, if enacted, could materially impact our tax liabilities and effective tax rate.

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. Changes to our tax filings could materially impact our tax liabilities and effective tax rate.

Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or disclosure controls and procedures 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.

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

 

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

See Note 11 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. 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 11 with respect to class action litigation and other matters related to our historical stock option practices .

We may be required to further amend our financial statements

With the filing of the Form 10-K/A for fiscal year 2006 to restate our historical financial statements in order to reflect additional non-cash stock-based compensation following a review of our stock option practices (the “restatement”) 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 stockholder 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 for failure to meet listing maintenance requirements.

Risks Relating to our Business Strategies, Personnel and Other Operations

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.

If our stock price declines below the exercise price of stock options held by our 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.

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 Sierra Monolithics, Inc. (“SMI”) in December 2009, and we may continue to expand and diversify our operations with additional acquisitions. Acquisitions have used and could use in the future a significant portion of our available liquid assets 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. 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;

 

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consolidation of facilities and functions;

 

 

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 recently completed acquisition of Sierra Monolithics, Inc. may not be accretive and may cause dilution to our earnings per share, which may negatively affect the market price of our common stock

On an adjusted basis, which excludes expenses related to the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and, includes the expected synergies, the acquisition of Sierra Monolithics, Inc, in December 2009 is expected to be earnings per diluted share accretive in fiscal year 2011. These expectations are based on preliminary estimates which may materially change, including higher-than-expected transaction and integration-related costs or a failure to realize all of the benefits anticipated in the acquisition. All of these factors could cause dilution to our earnings per share or decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the acquisition and cause a decrease in the price of our common stock.

We rely on certain critical information systems for the operation of our business

We maintain and rely upon certain critical information systems for the effective operation of our business. These information systems include telecommunications, the Internet, our corporate intranet, various computer hardware and software applications, network communications, and e-mail. These information systems may be owned by us or by our outsource providers or even third parties such as vendors and contractors and may be maintained by us or by such providers or third parties. These information systems are subject to attacks, failures, and access denials from a number of potential sources including viruses, destructive or inadequate code, power failures, and physical damage to computers, hard drives, communication lines and networking equipment. To the extent that these information systems are under our control, we have implemented security procedures, such as virus protection software and emergency recovery processes, to address the outlined risks; however, security procedures for information systems cannot be guaranteed to be failsafe and our inability to use or access these information systems at critical points in time could unfavorably impact the timely and efficient operation of our business.

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

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 we 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. 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. Since fiscal year 2007, in conjunction with the review of our historical stock option practices and related litigation, we have 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 our Board of Directors 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 11 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. We cannot estimate the amount of potential future payments, if any, that we might be required to make with respect to other matters as a result of these agreements, corporate documents, and statutes.

 

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

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

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

Historically, 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 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 14 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 our 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 matters arising from the aforementioned SEC investigation, grand jury subpoena and class action litigation, as well as by press commentary on our situation and option granting practices in general.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

Item 2. Properties

Our headquarters are located in Camarillo, California where we own an approximately 85,000 square foot facility that was completed in 2002. The parcel on which our headquarters is located can accommodate substantial expansion. The Camarillo facility houses inside sales, marketing and administrative offices as well as a very limited amount of test and probe activity.

We own a 30,000 square foot building in Reynosa, Mexico that supports some of the assembly and production needs of the Microwave and High-Reliability product line.

We lease an approximately 10,000 square foot building in San Diego, California that houses design, test and administrative functions and serves as a development center for our Advanced Communications and Sensing product line. The lease on this facility runs through September 2014, with an option to extend for an additional five years.

Our Redondo Beach, California facilities consist of approximately 20,000 total square feet of leased space which house general offices for business functions relating to our recently acquired subsidiary, SMI, as well as assembly and production space for certain products of our Microwave and High-Reliability product line. The leases on these facilities expire in 2010 which we expect to be able to renew on reasonable terms. We also lease approximately 15,000 square feet in Irvine, California which facility houses design, test and administrative functions for our Transport & Datacom and Microwave & High-Reliability Product Groups. The lease on this facility expires in June 2014, with a one-time right to terminate early in June 2012 with advance notice.

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 Advanced Communications and Sensing product line. The leases on these facilities expire in 2013.

 

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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; South Korea; the Philippines; Taiwan; and the United Kingdom. The space we lease in New York City 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 11 to the financial statements included in this report are incorporated by reference to this Item 3.

 

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Market Information

During fiscal years 2010 and 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 NASDAQ market, giving effect to all stock splits through the date hereof.

 

     High    Low

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

Fiscal year ending January 31, 2010:

     

First Quarter

   $ 15.01    $ 10.82

Second Quarter

   $ 18.43    $ 13.61

Third Quarter

   $ 19.16    $ 15.93

Fourth Quarter

   $ 17.55    $ 14.66

On March 25, 2010, the reported last sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $17.33 per share.

Holders

As of March 25, 2010, we had 513 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 at least 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.

 

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Purchases of Equity

Information with respect to purchases by the Company of shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010 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 2009 (10/26/09-11/22/09)

   —        —      —      $ 15.0 million

December 2009 (11/23/09-12/20/09)

   —      $ —      —      $ 15.0 million

January 2010 (12/21/09-1/31/10)

   —      $ —      —      $ 15.0 million

Total fourth quarter

   —        —      —     

 

1) On March 4, 2008, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of our common stock from time to time through negotiated or open market transactions. This stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
2) The table does not include shares surrendered to us in connection with the cashless exercise of stock options by employees and directors or shares surrendered to us to cover tax liabilities 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 2010.

 

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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 2005 in (i) the Company’s common stock, (ii) the NASDAQ Composite Index, and (iii) the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. Note that historic stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

LOGO

 

Fiscal Year    2005    2006    2007    2008    2009    2010

Semtech

   100    106    74    70    64    83

NASDAQ

   100    113    120    115    73    105

PHLX

   100    138    116    88    53    79

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 Exchange Act, 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 Exchange Act, or the Securities Act, 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 2010, 2009 and 2008 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of the end of fiscal years 2010 and 2009 are derived from, and qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. The consolidated statement of income data for fiscal years 2007 and 2006 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of the end of fiscal years 2008, 2007 and 2006 are 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 for fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007 and in our Form 10-K/A for fiscal year 2006 (the “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.

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 ending April 20, 2006, July 30, 2006, and October 29, 2006 which were filed concurrently with the Form 10-K/A (the “FY 2007 Form 10-Qs”); and in reports filed with the SEC subsequent to the filing of Form 10-K/A.

 

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The fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 consisted of fifty-three weeks with the extra week falling in the fourth quarter. All other fiscal years presented consisted of fifty-two weeks. Our past results are not necessarily indicative of our future performance.

Income Statement Data

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

     Fiscal Year Ended
     January 31
2010
   January 25
2009
   January 27
2008
   January 28
2007
   January 29
2006

Net Sales

   $ 286,560    $ 294,820    $ 284,790    $ 252,538    $ 239,338

Cost of Sales

     130,514      135,233      128,513      115,564      105,236
                                  

Gross Profit

     156,046      159,587      156,277      136,974      134,102

Operating costs and expenses:

              

Selling, general and administrative

     77,448      72,890      68,924      70,661      45,471

Product development and engineering

     44,847      41,405      43,064      41,256      37,928

Intangible amortization (1)

     2,348      1,091      1,102      1,192      4,954

Restructuring costs

     486      2,310      —        —        —  
                                  

Total operating costs and expenses

     125,129      117,696      113,090      113,109      88,353
                                  

Operating income

     30,917      41,891      43,187      23,865      45,749

Interest and other income, net

     3,054      4,287      15,120      13,546      7,286
                                  

Income before taxes

     33,971      46,178      58,307      37,411      53,035

Provision for taxes

     33,014      8,657      10,524      6,283      11,084
                                  

Net income

   $ 957    $ 37,521    $ 47,783    $ 31,128    $ 41,951
                                  

Earnings per share:

              

Basic

   $ 0.02    $ 0.61    $ 0.72    $ 0.43    $ 0.57

Diluted

   $ 0.02    $ 0.61    $ 0.71    $ 0.42    $ 0.55

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

              

Basic

     60,779      61,249      66,424      72,372      73,436

Diluted

     61,676      61,999      67,709      74,017      76,114

 

(1) Intangible amortization is related to the June 2005 acquisition of XEMICS SA and the December 2009 acquisition of Sierra Monolithics, Inc.

Balance Sheet Data

(In thousands)

     Balances as of
     January 31
2010
   January 25
2009
   January 27
2008
   January 28
2007
   January 29
2006

Cash, cash equivalents and investments

   $ 162,223    $ 258,815    $ 213,397    $ 338,480    $ 275,493

Working capital

     143,786      279,887      255,562      325,443      236,486

Total assets

     514,294      420,795      395,412      521,654      472,946

Other long-term liabilities

     33,525      8,960      10,680      7,450      5,478

Total stockholders’ equity

     405,741      378,020      348,710      481,181      437,653

 

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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 Item 6 “Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

As discussed in “Special Note Regarding 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 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 into applications within 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 and other consumer equipment. Applications for the industrial market include automated meter reading, military and aerospace, medical, security systems, automotive, industrial and home automation, and other industrial equipment. Computing product markets include desktops, notebooks, servers, graphic boards, monitors, printers, and other computer peripherals. Communications market applications include 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, Huawei, Hewlett Packard, Intel, LG Electronics, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Phonak, Quanta Computer, Research In Motion, Samsung, Sanyo, and Sony.

We operate our business in one enterprise-wide reportable segment. 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 2010 were 52% of net sales. The remaining 48% of net sales were made through independent distributors.

Our business relies 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 31, 2010, approximately 50% of our silicon, in terms of cost of wafers purchased, was manufactured in China. Foreign sales for fiscal year 2010 constituted approximately 81% of our net sales. Approximately 58% of foreign sales in fiscal year 2010 were to customers located in the Asia-Pacific region. The remaining foreign sales were primarily to customers in Europe, Canada, and Mexico.

Results of Operations

Fiscal Year 2010 Compared With Fiscal Year 2009

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

(fiscal years, in thousands)

     January 31, 2010     January 25, 2009        
     Net Sales    % total     Net Sales    % total     Change  

Computer

   $ 40,875    14   $ 52,860    18   (23 )% 

Communications

     66,038    23     52,479    18   26

High-End Consumer

     113,240    40     111,341    37   2

Industrial/Other

     66,407    23     78,140    27   (15 )% 
                            

Net sales

   $ 286,560    100   $ 294,820    100   (3 )% 
                            

 

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Net Sales . Net sales for fiscal year 2010 were $286.6 million, a decrease of 3% from $294.8 million for fiscal year 2009. While fiscal year 2010 revenue decreased modestly, revenue during the first half of fiscal year 2010 was $126.4 million, down 17% when compared to the first half 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 during the first half of fiscal year 2010. Demand and orders increased during the second half of fiscal year 2010 as business conditions began to improve. Revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010 also benefited from an extra week in the fiscal quarter and from $6.1 million of revenue attributable to the acquisition of SMI which was generated during the period December 10, 2009 through January 31, 2010.

Higher revenue in the communications end market was driven by higher unit volumes of Advanced Communications & Sensing products and Power Management products and the contribution of unit volumes from the Transport and Datacom product group. Higher revenues in the high-end consumer end market were driven by strengthening demand for Protection products. The reduction in computing revenues was attributed to the overall softness in the macro-economy and the strategy to exit lower margin areas of the computing end market. Within the industrial category, lower revenue was attributed to the overall softness in the macro-economy and the impact of a slowdown in military funding which impacted the Microwave and High-Reliability product group.

Gross Profit . Gross profit was $156.0 million and $159.6 million for fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. Gross profit for fiscal year 2010 was negatively impacted by a 3% decrease in net sales. Our gross margin was 54.5% for fiscal year 2010, up from 54.1% in fiscal year 2009. Gross profit margins for fiscal year 2010 were positively impacted by product revenue mix with higher communications and high-end consumer activity and lower computing activity. The contribution of new product revenue from our Power Management product line also helped fiscal year 2010 gross margins.

Operating Costs and Expenses.

Operating Costs & Expenses

(fiscal years, in thousands)

 

     January 31, 2010     January 25, 2009        
     Costs/Exp.    % sales     Costs/Exp.    % sales     Change  

Selling, general and administrative

   $ 77,448    26   $ 72,890    25   6

Product development and engineering

     44,847    15     41,405    14   8

Intangible amortization

     2,348    1     1,091    0   115

Restructuring costs

     486    0     2,310    1      100
                            

Total operating costs and expenses

   $ 125,129    40   $ 117,696    40   6
                            

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 2010 and 2009 were $77.4 million and $72.9 million, respectively or an increase of $4.6 million or 6% in fiscal year 2010. Stock-based compensation expense was $13.6 million and $10.4 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. The year over year increase in equity compensation was principally driven by the impact of inducement and replacement awards issued to employees that joined the Company as a result of the SMI acquisition. Additionally, 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. Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2010 includes approximately $4.0 million of transaction and integration expenses attributed to the acquisition of SMI. Selling, general administrative expenses were partially offset by an insurance recovery in the amount of approximately $1.4 million related to the fire at our Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility in fiscal year 2009. These expenses were partially offset by reduced selling and marketing expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 2010 and 2009 include approximately $3.3 million (net of insurance recoveries of $10.0 million) and $2.5 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 associated matters. Included in the fiscal year 2010 expense is a $10.0 million charge related to a settlement offer that was extended to the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit. These expenses also include claims for advancement of legal expenses to current and former directors, officers and employees. See Notes 11 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for additional information regarding expenses related to the class action lawsuit and historical stock option matters.

 

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Product Development and Engineering Expenses

Product development and engineering expenses for fiscal years 2010 and 2009 were $44.8 million and $41.4 million, respectively or an increase of 8%. The increase in fiscal year 2010 is principally driven by the impact of the additional product development and engineering expenses resulting from the acquisition of SMI and a $1.3 million increase in stock-based compensation expense (which includes the impact of inducement and replacement awards issued to employees that joined the company as a result of the SMI acquisition).

Intangible Amortization

Intangible amortization, which reflects amortization costs associated with acquired intangibles, increased by $1.3 million in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009 as a result of the amortization of intangibles associated with our acquisition of SMI in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.

Interest and Other Income, Net . Interest and other income, net was $3.1 million for fiscal year 2010, down from $4.3 million in fiscal year 2009. For fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the primary source of income was interest from investments and secondarily, gain (loss) from foreign currency transactions, gain/(loss) on sale of assets, and insurance proceeds recorded as other income.

Interest income decreased in fiscal year 2010 as a result of the continued environment of low interest rates and the focus on protecting principal by limiting the investment of new and maturing funds to the highest quality yet lower yielding investments.

The year over year decrease in interest income was partially mitigated by net gains related to foreign currency transactions and sale of assets and the receipt of insurance property claims recorded as other income.

Provision for Taxes . The provision for income taxes was $33.0 million for fiscal year 2010 compared to $8.7 million for fiscal year 2009. The effective tax rates for fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2009 were 97% and 19%, respectively. The dramatic increase in the effective tax rate in fiscal year 2010 resulted from the change in management’s assertions regarding the amount of foreign subsidiary earnings that are considered to be permanently reinvested offshore. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for additional information.

Fiscal Year 2009 Compared With Fiscal Year 2008

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

(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
                            

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% from the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008 and down 21% 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.

Within the industrial category, higher revenue was driven by increased capacity to service strong demand for our packaged discrete rectifier 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.

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.

 

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Operating Costs and Expenses.

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 )% 

Intangible amortization

     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

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 associated matters. 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 11 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for additional information regarding expenses related to the historical stock option matters.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2009 also includes $859,000 (net of $370,000 of insurance recovery) expenses related to retooling and retrofit and the write-off of damaged equipment resulting from the fire at our Reynosa, Mexico facility. See Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for additional information regarding the Reynosa fire.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal year 2008 include $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 in that dispute.

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.

Product Development and Engineering Expenses

Product development and engineering expenses for fiscal years 2009 and 2008 were $41.4 million and $43.1 million, respectively. The decrease in fiscal year 2009 was principally driven by restructuring activities that occurred in fiscal year 2009.

Restructuring Costs

Fiscal year 2009 includes a $2.3 million charge. See Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for additional information regarding restructuring costs.

Interest and Other Income Net . Interest and other income net was $4.3 million for fiscal year 2009, down from $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.

 

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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 31, 2010, our total shareholders’ equity was $405.7 million. At that date we also had approximately $136.1 million in cash and short-term investments, as well as $26.2 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 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Sources of Cash

     

Operating activities, including working capital changes

  $ 83.3      $ 78.0      $ 61.3   

Proceeds from exercise of compensatory stock plans, including tax benefits

    11.7        11.4        26.5   

Net (increase) decrease in investments

    29.9        (70.5     136.0   

Proceeds from sale of land

    —          —          9.5   
                       

Total sources of cash

  $ 124.9      $ 18.9      $ 233.3   
                       

Uses of Cash

     

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

  $ (8.6   $ (9.0   $ (3.2

Purchase of intangibles

    (2.3     —          —     

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

    (175.8     —          —     

Stock repurchases

    (2.9     (35.1     (219.9

Repayment of long-term debt

    (2.4     —          —     
                       

Total uses of cash

  $ (192.0   $ (44.1   $ (223.1
                       

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  $ (67.1   $ (25.2   $ 10.2   
                       

We incur significant expenditures in order to fund the development, design, and manufacture of new products. 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 31, 2010, our foreign subsidiaries held approximately $108.0 million of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments compared to $196.5 million at January 25, 2009. If we needed these funds for investment in domestic operations, any repatriation, such as that which occurred in fiscal year 2010 to partially fund the acquisition of SMI, could result in increased tax liabilities.

One of our primary goals is to constantly improve the cash flows from our existing business activities. Our cash, cash equivalents and investments noted above, when combined with the lack of any outstanding debt obligations, give us the flexibility to leverage our free cash flow to return value to shareholders (in the form of stock repurchases) while also pursuing business improvement opportunities.

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 might be made for either cash or stock consideration, or a combination of both.

 

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Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to net income adjusted by non-cash items plus fluctuations in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash adjustments include deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation expense, depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, and tax benefits from stock-based awards.

Stock based compensation increased to $19.9 million in fiscal year 2010 from $15.7 million in fiscal year 2009. The $4.2 million increase is attributable to inducement and replacement awards issued to employees that joined the Company as a result of the acquisition of SMI. Also, in fiscal year 2009, we reversed $1.7 million of stock based compensation expense associated with performance grants that were no longer expected to vest.

Excluding the impact of the increase in assets and liabilities associated with the acquisition of SMI, fluctuations in operating assets and liabilities generated cash in fiscal year 2010, driven primarily by the following:

 

 

Accounts receivable declined by $2.7 million due to lower year over year sales

 

 

Inventory declined by $4.3 million due to tighter management of inventory levels and faster inventory turns at the end of fiscal year 2010 compared to higher inventory levels and slower inventory turns at the end of fiscal year 2009 due to the economic slowdown

 

 

Accounts payable increased by $10.7 million due to higher manufacturing levels tied to stronger product demand

 

 

Accrued liabilities increased by $10.2 million primarily due to the accrual of expenses related to our historical stock option practices

 

 

Income taxes payable increased by $6.4 million primarily due to the repatriation of foreign earnings to the U.S. in fiscal year 2010

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities is primarily attributable to capital expenditures, purchases and sales of investments, purchases of intangible assets, and the acquisition of SMI.

Capital expenditures were $8.7 million (net of sale proceeds of $108,000) in fiscal year 2010 compared to $9.0 million (net of sale proceeds of $20,000) in fiscal year 2009. The increases in capital expenditures were made to maintain and expand our test capacity, support engineering and manufacturing functions, and to support our recovery effort related to the fire at our Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility. Insurance recoveries have covered most of the costs related to this fire. Restoration efforts at the Reynosa manufacturing facility were completed in fiscal year 2010 and no additional restoration costs or insurance recoveries are expected.

On February 6, 2009, we acquired certain assets comprising a business line from Leadis Technology Inc. for $2.3 million.

On December 9, 2009, we acquired SMI for $175.8 million, net of cash acquired, in an all cash transaction. Funding of the purchase price was sourced from cash and cash equivalents and required the liquidation of a significant amount of our temporary and long-term investments.

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities is primarily attributable to the proceeds from stock option exercises offset by the repayment of long-term debt assumed as part of the SMI acquisition, the payment of statutory tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock, and stock repurchases.

For fiscal year 2010, cash collected directly from grantee exercises of stock options was $11.7 million compared with $9.1 million in fiscal year 2009. 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 several factors which are not within our control, we believe that such proceeds will remain an important secondary source of cash after cash flow from operations.

We currently have in effect a stock repurchase program. This program represents one of our principal efforts to return value to our shareholders. In fiscal year 2010, we repurchased 105,000 shares under this program for $1.4 million at an average price of $13.30 per share. In addition to the direct repurchase activity, 101,822 shares valued at $1.5 million were withheld in connection with the vesting of restricted stock to cover statutory tax withholding obligations.

As a result of our acquisition of SMI, we assumed $2.4 million of long-term debt. This debt was repaid in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.

 

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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; We do not 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 31, 2010.

Contractual Obligations

Presented below is a summary of our contractual obligations as of January 31, 2010.

 

     Payments due by period
(in thousands)    Less than 1
year
   1-3
years
   4-5
years
   After 5
years
   Total

Operating leases

   $ 3,268    $ 5,283    $ 2,493    $ 124    $ 11,168

Open capital purchase commitments

     2,245      —        —        —        2,245

Other open purchase commitments

     19,268      —        —        —        19,268

Other long-term liabilities

     —        730         6,793      7,523
                                  

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 24,781    $ 6,013    $ 2,493    $ 6,917    $ 40,204
                                  

As of January 31, 2010, we had approximately $11.2 million in operating lease commitments that extend over a five-year period. The portion of these operating lease payments due during fiscal year 2011 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 31, 2010, 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. Our liability for deferred compensation under this plan was $7.1 million as of January 31, 2010 and $5.1 million as of January 25, 2009, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the balance sheet and in the table above. 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 2010, 2009 and 2008 totaled approximately $1.4 million (net of $127,000 of forfeitures), $466,000 (net of $201,000 of forfeitures) and $345,000 (net of $206,000 of forfeitures), respectively.

We have purchased whole life insurance on the lives of some of our 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 $5.5 million as of January 31, 2010 and $4.4 million as of January 25, 2009, and is included in other assets.

We have $13.8 million of accrued taxes for uncertain tax positions. We expect 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 liabilities for uncertain tax positions, 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.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements, included in Item 8, of this report on Form 10-K. We believe that the following accounting estimates are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. We have reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

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, unrealized 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 and Cost of Sales

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 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.

We defer revenue recognition on shipment of products to certain customers, principally distributors, under agreements which provide for limited pricing credits or product return privileges, until these products are sold through to end-users or the return privileges lapse. For sales subject to certain pricing credits or return privileges, the amount of future pricing credits or inventory returns cannot be reasonably estimated given the relatively long period in which a particular product may be held by the customer. Therefore, we have concluded that sales to customers under these agreements are not fixed and determinable at the date of the sale and revenue recognition has been deferred. We estimate the deferred gross margin on these sales by applying an average gross profit margin to the actual gross sales. The average gross profit margin is calculated for each category of material using current standard costs. The deferred gross margin does not include any adjustments for sales returns. The estimated deferred gross margin on these sales, where there are no outstanding receivables, is recorded on the balance sheet under the heading of “Deferred Revenue.” There were no significant impairments of deferred cost of sales in fiscal year 2010 or fiscal year 2009.

 

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The following table summarizes the deferred net revenue balance:

 

Deferred revenue      

(in thousands)

     
     January 31,
2010
   January 25,
2009

Deferred revenues

   $ 4,099    $ 5,198

Deferred cost of revenues

     1,771      2,390
             

Deferred revenue, net

   $ 2,328    $ 2,808

Deferred product design and engineering revenue

     948      0
             

Total deferred revenue

   $ 3,276    $ 2,808
             

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, product development and engineering costs, costs associated with acquisitions, and other operating related charges.

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.

In connection with pending class action litigation (see “Class Action Lawsuit” in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report), we made a firm settlement offer to the plaintiffs in January 2010 in the amount of $10 million, offered as full payment to settle any and all claims arising from or relating to the matters at issue in the litigation. The settlement offer remains pending, and the amount so offered has been recorded as a liability for purposes of our financial statements.

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure compensation cost for all share-based payments (including stock options) at fair value using a valuation model, which considers, among other things, estimates and assumptions on the rate of forfeiture, expected life of options and stock price volatility. 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

We test goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or more frequently if we believe 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 impairment charges in a future period.

We record impairment losses 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. Impairment is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets.

 

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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. Management periodically evaluates our deferred tax assets to assess whether it is likely that the deferred tax assets will be realized.

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. We recognize liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. 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.

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. We do not recognize 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.

New Accounting Standards

Business Combinations —In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that provides companies with principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. This guidance also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. This statement is effective for business combinations occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which required us to adopt these provisions for business combinations occurring in fiscal year 2010 and thereafter. We applied these new standards in recording the acquisition from Leadis Technology Inc. during the quarter ended April 26, 2009 and the acquisition of SMI in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report.

Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets —In April 2008, the FASB issued guidance which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. This statement is currently effective and did not impact the consolidated financial results.

Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments —In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance to improve clarity about the credit and noncredit component of an other-than-temporary impairment event and to more effectively communicate when an other-than-temporary impairment event has occurred. This statement is currently effective and did not impact our financial results.

 

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Subsequent Events —In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance which sets forth: 1) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; 2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and 3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This statement is currently effective.

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification ™ and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles —In June 2009, the FASB issued the Codification, which was launched on July 1, 2009. The Codification became the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) and related literature. The Codification eliminates the GAAP hierarchy previously provided and establishes one level of authoritative GAAP. All other literature is considered non-authoritative. The Codification is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. Our disclosures have been updated to be consistent with the Codification.

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures(Topic 820)-Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements” —In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance to improve the disclosures for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. This standard requires new disclosures for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and level 2 fair value measurements, and requires us to separately report information about purchases, sales issuances and settlements of level 3 fair value measurements. This statement will be effective for our fiscal quarter ending May 2, 2010.

 

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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.

Macro-Economic Conditions

Current global economic conditions pose a risk to the overall economy as consumers and businesses may continue to defer purchases in response to the uncertainty around tighter credit and negative financial news. These conditions have reduced and could continue to reduce demand for our products. Such demand could be different from our expectations due to many factors including changes in business and economic conditions, conditions in the credit market that affect consumer confidence, customer acceptance of our products, changes in customer order patterns, including order cancellations, and changes in the level of inventory held by vendors.

Commodity Risk

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 a commodity surcharge. 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.

Foreign Currency Risk

As a global enterprise, we face exposure to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates and we could experience foreign currency exchange 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 increase over time as the level of activity in foreign markets grows. Changes in the rates could have an adverse impact upon our financial results.

A relatively small amount of our monetary assets and liabilities are denominated in foreign currencies, principally the Swiss Franc, Mexican Peso, British Pound Sterling and the Euro. Fluctuations in these currencies relative to the United States dollar will result in transaction gains or losses included in net earnings.

All of our foreign sales, which amounted to $232.6 million in fiscal year 2010, 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 fiscal year 2010, we spent approximately $5.3 million in British Pound Sterling, $16.4 million in Swiss Francs, $3.0 million in Euros and $7.8 million in Mexican Pesos for operating expenses.

In general, we purchase foreign currencies on a spot basis as needed to fund local operations. As of January 31, 2010, we did not hold a significant amount of foreign currency other than $1.0 million denominated in Mexican Pesos. If rates of these foreign currencies were to strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar, we would realize gains or losses in converting these funds back into U.S. dollars.

Interest Rate and Market Risk

As of January 31, 2010, 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 31, 2010, we had $80.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $81.6 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 $2.0 million in fiscal year 2010. A significant change in interest rates would impact the amount of interest income generated from our 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 prescribe 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, Federal agency securities, and high quality money market funds 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

   37

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

   38

Consolidated Statements of Income 

   39

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

   40

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 

   41

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

   42

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   43

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

   72

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 and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2010, 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 and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.

As indicated in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Sierra Monolithics, Inc., which is included in the January 31, 2010 consolidated financial statements of Semtech Corporation and subsidiaries and constituted $223.3 million and $110.7 million of total and net assets, respectively, as of January 31, 2010 and $6.1 million and $2.1 million of revenues and net loss, respectively, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Semtech Corporation and subsidiaries also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Sierra Monolithics, Inc.

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 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2010 of Semtech Corporation and subsidiaries and our report dated April 1, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Westlake Village, California

April 1, 2010

 

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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 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2010. 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 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2010, 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.

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 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 1, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Westlake Village, California

April 1, 2010

 

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SEMTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except earnings per share)

 

     Year Ended
     January 31
2010
   January 25
2009
   January 27
2008

Net Sales

   $ 286,560    $ 294,820    $ 284,790

Cost of Sales

     130,514      135,233      128,513
                    

Gross Profit

     156,046      159,587      156,277

Operating costs and expenses:

        

Selling, general and administrative

     77,448      72,890      68,924

Product development & engineering

     44,847      41,405      43,064

Intangible amortization

     2,348      1,091      1,102

Restructuring costs

     486      2,310      —  
                    

Total operating costs and expenses

     125,129      117,696      113,090
                    

Operating income

     30,917      41,891      43,187

Interest and other income, net

     3,054      4,287      15,120
                    

Income before taxes

     33,971      46,178      58,307

Provision for taxes

     33,014      8,657      10,524
                    

NET INCOME

   $ 957    $ 37,521    $ 47,783
                    

Earnings per share:

        

Basic

   $ 0.02    $ 0.61    $ 0.72

Diluted

   $ 0.02    $ 0.61    $ 0.71

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

        

Basic

     60,779      61,249      66,424

Diluted

     61,676      61,999      67,709

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 31, 2010 AND JANUARY 25, 2009

(In thousands, except share data)

 

    January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
 

Assets

   

Current assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 80,598      $ 147,666   

Temporary investments

    55,462        98,735   

Receivables, less allowances of $1,302 at January 31, 2010 and $843 at January 25, 2009

    31,163        27,467   

Inventories

    33,819        27,986   

Deferred income taxes

    11,808        4,287   

Other current assets

    5,964        7,561   
               

Total current assets

    218,814        313,702   

Property, plant and equipment, net

    38,063        31,786   

Investments, maturities in excess of 1 year

    26,163        12,414   

Deferred income taxes

    7,153        25,544   

Goodwill

    129,651        25,540   

Other intangibles, net

    84,343        2,091   

Other assets

    10,107        9,718   
               

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 514,294      $ 420,795   
               

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   

Current liabilities:

   

Accounts payable

  $ 23,643      $ 10,653   

Accrued liabilities

    35,656        15,915   

Income taxes payable, net

    8,512        2,108   

Deferred revenue

    3,276        2,808   

Accrued taxes

    2,609        727   

Deferred income taxes

    1,332        1,604   
               

Total current liabilities

    75,028        33,815   

Deferred income taxes

    16,505        101   

Accrued taxes

    9,497        3,563   

Other long-term liabilities

    7,523        5,296   

Commitments and contingencies

   

Stockholders’ equity:

   

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 78,136,144 issued and 61,261,015 outstanding on January 31, 2010 and 78,136,144 issued and 60,287,427 outstanding on January 25, 2009

    784        784   

Treasury stock, at cost, 16,868,879 shares as of January 31, 2010 and 17,817,688 shares as of January 31, 2009

    (279,306     (295,844

Additional paid-in capital

    348,741        338,603   

Retained earnings

    334,704        333,747   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    818        730   
               

Total stockholders’ equity

    405,741        378,020   
               

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

  $ 514,294      $ 420,795   
               

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

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   

Cummulative 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   

Comprehensive income:

                  —     

Net income

   —          —        —          957        —          —          957   

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

   —          —        —          —          —          83        83   

Translation adjustment

   —          —        —          —          —          5        5   
                     

Comprehensive income

   —          —        —          —          —            1,045   

Acquisition consideration, exchanged options

   —          —        458        —          —          —          458   

Stock-based compensation

   —          —        18,977        —          —          —          18,977   

Repurchase of outstanding common stock

   (206,350     —        —          —          (2,931     —          (2,931

Treasury stock reissued

   1,154,938        —        (8,181     —          19,469        —          11,288   

Shares issued under equity award plans

   25,000        —        —          —          —          —          —     

Tax benefit from stock based compensation

   —          —        (1,116     —          —          —          (1,116
                                                     

Balance at January 31, 2010

   61,261,015      $ 784    $ 348,741      $ 334,704      $ (279,306   $ 818      $ 405,741   
                                                     

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 31,     January 25,     January 27,  
     2010     2009     2008  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 957      $ 37,521      $ 47,783   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     8,357        8,324        10,226   

Deferred income taxes

     15,824        (900     (2,140

Stock-based compensation

     19,935        15,724        14,719   

Tax benefit on stock based compensation

     1,603        4,696        9,750   

Excess tax benefits

     (493     (2,287     (9,750

(Gain) Loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment and available for sale securities

     (139     518        (1,392

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Receivables

     2,665        5,508        (8,021

Inventories

     4,269        848        (8,231

Insurance recovery

     —          6,500        —     

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (364     6,469        538   

Accounts payable

     10,686        (3,269     4,013   

Accrued liabilities

     10,194        (2,928     4,527   

Deferred revenue

     (180     1,342        (685

Income taxes payable

     8,850        1,829        730   

Other liabilities

     1,160        (1,920     (718
                        

Net cash provided by operations

     83,324        77,975        61,349   

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchase of available-for-sale investments

     (245,187     (184,639     (111,300

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

     275,056        114,124        247,298   

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     108        20        10,050   

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (8,682     (9,057     (3,765

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (178,061     —          —     
                        

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (156,766     (79,552     142,283   

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Excess tax benefit received on stock options

     493        2,287        9,750   

Exercise of stock options

     11,288        9,087        16,766   

Repurchase of outstanding common stock

     (2,931     (35,063     (219,933

Repayment of debt

     (2,450     —          —     
                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     6,400        (23,689     (193,417

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (26     43        —     
                        

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (67,068     (25,223     10,215   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     147,666        172,889        162,674   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 80,598      $ 147,666      $ 172,889   
                        

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. Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Semtech Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a global supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The end-customers for the Company’s products are primarily original equipment manufacturers (“OEM’s”) that produce and sell electronics.

The Company designs, develops and markets a wide range of products for commercial applications, the majority of which are sold into the computing, communications, high-end consumer and industrial end-markets.

Computing: desktops, notebooks, servers, graphic boards, printers, and other computer peripherals

Communications: base stations, optical networks, switches and routers, wireless LAN, and other communication infrastructure equipment

High-end consumer: handheld products, set-top boxes, digital televisions, digital video recorders and other consumer equipment

Industrial: automated meter reading, military and aerospace, medical, security systems, automotive, industrial and home automation, and other industrial equipment

Historically, the Company’s 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 the Company’s fiscal year in comparison to the first and second quarters.

Significant Accounting Policies

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 year ended January 31, 2010 consisted of fifty-three weeks with the extra week occurring in the fourth quarter of the year. The fiscal years ended January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008 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.

Segment Information

The Company operates and accounts for its results in one reportable segment. The Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets high performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits. The Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker as defined by guidance regarding segment disclosures. See Note 13 for further discussion of segments.

Use of Estimates

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 stockholder’s equity.

 

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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. 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. The Company designates its investments as available for sale (“AFS”). Investments designated as AFS are reported at fair value. The Company records the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, in stockholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income. Realized gains or losses are recorded in “Interest and other income, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

As of January 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $260,000 of deposits that were classified as restricted cash. These deposits are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value or the amount that the Company expects to collect on gross customer trade receivables. 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 13 for a discussion of concentration risks.

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

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or when indicators of potential impairment exist. These indicators would include a significant change in operating performance, the business climate, legal factors, competition, or a planned sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business among other factors. Goodwill is tested under the two-step approach for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or a business unit one level below that operating segment for which discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by management. The Company has determined the reporting units to be at the operating segment level, which is the level at which management regularly reviews operating results and makes resource allocation decisions. Goodwill associated with the Xemics SA acquisition is included in one reporting unit. Goodwill associated with the acquisition of SMI is included in a separate reporting unit.

Step one is the identification of potential impairment. This involves comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount, the goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

 

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Step two is the measurement of the amount of impairment loss. This involves comparison of the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. Once a goodwill impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount becomes the accounting basis.

In fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Company’s impairment reviews indicated that no potential impairment existed as of the testing date. See Note 7 for more information.

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, under agreements which provide for limited pricing credits or return privileges, until these products are sold through to end-users or the return privileges lapse. For sales subject to certain pricing credits or return privileges, the amount of future pricing credits or inventory returns cannot be reasonably estimated given the relatively long period in which a particular product may be held by the customer. Therefore, the Company has concluded that sales to customers under these agreements are not fixed and determinable at the date of the sale and revenue recognition has been deferred.

The estimated deferred gross margins on these sales, where there are no outstanding receivables, are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets 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.

The following table summarizes the deferred revenue balance:

 

(in thousands)    January 31,
2010
   January 25,
2009

Deferred revenues

   $ 4,099    $ 5,198

Deferred cost of revenues

     1,771      2,390
             

Deferred revenue, net

   $ 2,328    $ 2,808

Deferred product design and engineering revenue

     948      —  
             

Total deferred revenue

   $ 3,276    $ 2,808
             

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 $249,000, $1.0 million and $830,000 for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Product Development and Engineering

Product development and engineering costs are charged to expense as incurred. Revenue from nonrecurring engineering services is recorded as an offset to product development expense incurred in support of this effort since these activities do not represent an earnings process core to the Company’s business and the Company expects to benefit from this research.

The Company received approximately $2.7 million, $3.2 million and $528,000 in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively for nonrecurring engineering services. The Company incurred approximately $3.3 million, $1.2 million and $1.2 million in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively in product development and engineering expense related to this nonrecurring engineering effort.

 

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Software Development Costs

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.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and their respective tax bases. The Consolidated Balance Sheets include current and long term prepaid taxes under “Other current assets” and “Other assets” and current and long term liabilities for uncertain tax positions 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. 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 Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 10 for further discussion of income taxes.

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. The Company does not recognize 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

Comprehensive income is the change in stockholders’ equity that is not the result of investments by or distributions to stockholders. The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, were as follows:

 

(fiscal years, in thousands)    January 31,
2010
   January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008
 

Net income

   $ 957    $ 37,521    $ 47,783   

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

     83      118      696   

Cummulative effect of initial adoption of accounting for uncertain tax positions

     —        —        (2,074

Gain (loss) for translation adjustment

     5      43      —     
                      

Total comprehensive income

   $ 1,045    $ 37,682    $ 46,405   
                      

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.

Stock-Based Compensation

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 31, 2010, 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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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 31,
2010
   January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008

Net income

   $ 957    $ 37,521    $ 47,783
                    

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     60,779      61,249      66,424

Dilutive effect of employee equity incentive plans

     897      750      1,222

Dilutive effect of accelerated stock buyback

     —        —        63
                    

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

     61,676      61,999      67,709
                    

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.02    $ 0.61    $ 0.72

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.02    $ 0.61    $ 0.71

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 8.9 million, 10.6 million and 10.3 million shares for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, 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.

New Accounting Standards

FASB ASC 805-10, Business Combinations —In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that provides companies with principles and requirements on how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree as well as the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. This guidance also requires certain disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. Acquisition costs associated with the business combination will generally be expensed as incurred. This statement is effective for business combinations occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which required the Company to adopt these provisions for business combinations occurring in fiscal year 2010 and thereafter. The Company applied these new standards in recording the acquisition from Leadis Technology Inc. during the quarter ended April 26, 2009 and the acquisition of SMI in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010. See Note 4 for more information.

FASB ASC 350-30-65, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets —In April 2008, the FASB issued guidance which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset. This statement is currently effective and did not impact the Company’s consolidated financial results.

FSB ASC 320-10-65, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments —In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance to improve clarity about the credit and noncredit component of an other-than-temporary impairment event and to more effectively communicate when an other-than-temporary impairment event has occurred. This statement is currently effective and did not impact the consolidated financial results.

FASB ASC 855-10, Subsequent Events —In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance which sets forth: 1) the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; 2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and 3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This statement is currently effective.

FASB ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures(Topic 820)-Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements” —In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance to improve the disclosures for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. This standard requires new disclosures for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and level 2 fair value measurements, and separately report information about purchases, sales issuances and settlements of level 3 fair value measurements. This statement will be effective for the Company’s fiscal quarter ending May 2, 2010.

 

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The FASB Accounting Standards Codification ™ and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles —In June 2009, the FASB issued the Codification, which was launched on July 1, 2009. The Codification became the single source of authoritative nongovernmental U.S. GAAP, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) and related literature. The Codification eliminates the GAAP hierarchy previously provided and establishes one level of authoritative GAAP. All other literature is considered non-authoritative. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Codification is currently effective. The Company’s disclosures have been updated to be consistent with the Codification.

Note 2. Investments

Certain investments that mature within three months of the balance sheet date, including money market funds, time deposits and U.S. government obligations, are accounted for as cash equivalents. Temporary and long-term investments consist of government, bank and corporate obligations. Temporary investments have maturities in excess of three months, but mature within twelve months of the balance sheet date. Long-term investments mature in excess of one year from the balance sheet date. The Company determines the cost of securities sold based on the specific identification method. Realized gains or losses are reported in “Interest and other income, net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company classifies its investments as “available for sale” because it may sell some securities prior to maturity. The Company’s investments are subject to market risk, primarily interest rate and credit risks. The Company’s investments are managed by a limited number of outside professional managers that operate within investment guidelines set by the Company. These guidelines include specified permissible investments, minimum credit quality ratings and maximum average duration restrictions and are intended to limit market risk by restricting the Company’s investments to high quality debt instruments with relatively short term maturities.

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments as of January 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009:

 

     January 31, 2010    January 25, 2009  
(in thousands)    Market
Value
   Cost Basis    Unrealized
Gain

(Loss)
   Market
Value
   Cost Basis    Unrealized
Gain

(Loss)
 

U.S. government issues

   $ 62,555    $ 62,435    $ 120    $ 89,598    $ 89,222    $ 376   

Corporate issues

     19,070      18,762      308      16,485      16,501      (16

Other

     —        —        —        5,066      5,100      (34
                                           

Total Investments

   $ 81,625    $ 81,197    $ 428    $ 111,149    $ 110,823    $ 326   
                                           

As of January 31, 2010, 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 the end of fiscal years 2010 and 2009:

 

     January 31, 2010    January 25, 2009
(in thousands)    Market
Value
   Cost Basis    Market
Value
   Cost Basis

Within 1 year

   $ 55,462    $ 55,376    $ 98,735    $ 98,424

1 year through 5 years

     26,163      25,821      12,414      12,399
                           

Total Investments

   $ 81,625    $ 81,197    $ 111,149    $ 110,823
                           

In fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company included under Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets $101,000, $125,000 and $696,000 of unrealized gains, respectively (net of tax), on investments. These unrealized gains are the result of fluctuations in the market value of the Company’s investments and are included in the comprehensive income portion of the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. The tax associated with these comprehensive income items was $26,000, $11,000 and $467,000 in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Investments in cash and cash equivalents generated interest income of $2.0 million, $5.7 million and $13.3 million in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

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Note 3. Fair Value Measurements

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. The Company uses the following three levels of inputs in determining the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, focusing on the most observable inputs when available:

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.

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 31, 2010:

 

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

Assets

    

Temporary investments

   $ 55,462      $ 55,462   

Investments, maturities in excess of 1 year

     26,163        26,163   

Other investments-deferred compensation

     5,520        5,520   
                
   $ 87,145      $ 87,145   
                

Liabilities

    

Deferred compensation

   $ (7,136   $ (7,136
                
   $ (7,136   $ (7,136
                

Note 4. Acquisitions

Sierra Monolithics, Inc.

On December 9, 2009, the Company acquired all outstanding equity interests of Sierra Monolithics, Inc. (‘SMI”), a supplier of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit solutions for optical communications, wireless and microwave/millimeter wave applications. Under the terms of the acquisition, the Company paid an aggregate of $180.0 million in cash in exchange for all the outstanding shares of SMI common and preferred stock, as well as all vested stock options. Of the total consideration, $18.0 million was placed in escrow for twelve months in order to satisfy any indemnifiable claims that may arise as a result of, among other things, inaccuracies in or breaches of representations, warranties and covenants pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreement. The Company also assumed the existing unvested stock options of SMI in exchange for options to purchase approximately 669,769 shares of the Company’s common stock with an approximate estimated fair value of $8.0 million, of which approximately $458,000 was attributed to services performed prior to the acquisition and has been included in the consideration paid. The remaining $7.5 million in compensation expense will be recognized post-acquisition over the remaining vesting period of these equity awards, which ranges from one month to four years, subject to adjustment based on estimated forfeitures.

In connection with the acquisition, the Company has granted 551,000 service vested restricted stock unit awards to SMI employees which will vest over a four year period and 135,500 performance unit awards. The performance awards are subject to a performance condition in addition to a service condition. The performance condition relates to revenue and operating income over a two-year period measured against internal goals. The maximum number of performance unit awards that could be earned in the aggregate is 135,500 shares. The total value of such awards will be recognized as compensation expense in the post-acquisition periods based on the number of shares that are expected to vest (subject to adjustment based on estimated forfeitures and the likelihood of meeting performance criteria for awards that are subject to such conditions).

 

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The total acquisition consideration is as follows:

 

(in thousands)     

Cash

   $ 180,000

Sierra Monolithics unvested stock options exchanged for 669,769 Semtech stock options

     458
      

Total acquisition consideration

   $ 180,458
      

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the acquisition consideration is allocated to the acquired tangible and intangible assets and assumed liabilities of SMI based on their respective estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Any excess of the acquisition consideration over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill. The Company’s allocation of the total purchase price is summarized below:

 

(in thousands)       

Current assets, principally cash and accounts receivable

   $ 10,711   

Inventories

     10,043   

Property, plant and equipment

     3,681   

Deferred tax assets and other assets

     18,281   

Amortizable intangible assets:

  

Core technology

     59,900   

Customer relationships

     12,100   

In-process research and development

     10,300   

Goodwill

     104,111   

Deferred tax liabilities

     (33,628

Other liabilities

     (15,041
        

Total acquisition consideration allocation

   $ 180,458   
        

The Company’s primary reasons for the acquisition were to integrate SMI’s world-class engineering team to create a portfolio of wireless capability from ultra low power, sub 1Ghz platforms targeted at industrial applications, through Microwave RF and Millimeter wave technology platforms targeted at the highest performance communication challenges in the industry. In addition, SMI’s leadership position in 50Gbps and 100Gbps communications will elevate the Company’s importance to the communications infrastructure customers who already purchase the Company’s leading Protection, Power Management and Timing Synchronization products. These significant factors were the basis for the recognition of goodwill. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The Company recognized approximately $4.0 million of acquisition related costs that were expensed in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2010. These costs are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period ended January 31, 2010 under “Selling, general and administrative.”

For fiscal year 2010, net revenues attributable to SMI since the acquisition date were $6.1 million and net loss was $2.1 million.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The results of operations of SMI have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations since the acquisition date of December 9, 2009. The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations as if the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of each period presented, after giving effect to certain adjustments including the following for the fiscal years ended January 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009:

 

 

increase in cost of goods sold associated with the fair value adjustment related to the acquired inventory;

 

 

increase in amortization expense as a result of acquired intangible assets;

 

 

decrease in interest income as a result of cash paid for the acquisition;

 

 

increase in equity compensation expense associated with the SMI unvested stock options assumed in the acquisition and the restricted stock units granted to SMI employees in connection with the acquisition; and

 

 

the related tax effects

 

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Pro-forma Unaudited Consolidated Results of Operations

(in thousands)

 

     January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
     (unaudited)     (unaudited)

Revenue

   $ 325,933      $ 341,511

Net income (loss)

     (9,196     21,847

The pro forma information presented does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have been achieved had the acquisition been consummated at the beginning of each period presented nor of the results which may occur in the future.

Leadis Technology Inc.

On February 6, 2009, the Company acquired certain assets, comprising a business line, from Leadis Technology Inc. The acquired assets are in the development stage. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred was $2.3 million. No additional consideration is due under the acquisition agreement.

 

(in thousands)     

Cash paid at acquisition date

   $ 2,000

Contingent consideration paid

     300
      

Total fair value consideration

   $ 2,300
      

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the acquired assets at the acquisition date. No liabilities were assumed.

 

(in thousands)     

In-process research and development

   $ 2,070

Convenant not to compete

     230
      

Total allocated fair value

   $ 2,300
      

The Company recognized approximately $75,000 of acquisition related costs that were expensed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010. These costs are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the period ended January 31, 2010 under “Selling, general and administrative.”

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:

 

     January 31,    January 25,
(in thousands)    2010    2009

Raw materials

   $ 3,445    $ 2,076

Work in progress

     17,488      17,670

Finished goods

     12,886      8,240
             

Inventories

   $ 33,819    $ 27,986
             

 

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Note 6. Property, Plant and Equipment

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

 

     January 31,     January 25,  
(in thousands)    2010     2009  

Property

   $ 5,991      $ 6,139   

Buildings

     18,022        16,410   

Leasehold improvements

     1,701        2,455   

Machinery and equipment

     63,701        56,649   

Furniture and office equipment

     17,489        16,594   

Construction in progress

     1,964        1,926   
                

Property, plant and equipment, gross

     108,868        100,173   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (70,805     (68,387
                

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 38,063      $ 31,786   
                

Depreciation expense was $6.0 million, $7.2 million, and $9.1 million in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Note 7. Intangible Assets

Goodwill— Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment using a two-step method on an annual basis and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The recoverability of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair market value of the reporting unit.

The following is a summary of goodwill activity for fiscal years 2010 and 2009:

 

(in thousands)       

January 27, 2008

  

Gross goodwill

   $ 32,418   

Accumulated impairment

     —     
        

Net goodwill

     32,418   

Tax adjustment

     (6,878
        

January 25, 2009

  

Gross goodwill

     25,540   

Accumulated impairment

     —     
        

Net goodwill

     25,540   

Additions

     104,111   
        

January 31, 2010

  

Gross goodwill

     129,651   

Accumulated impairment

     —     
        

Net goodwill

   $ 129,651   
        

The Company has not recorded any impairment against goodwill for Xemics S.A. or Sierra Monolithics, Inc.

Goodwill associated with the purchase of Xemics SA

In fiscal year 2010, the goodwill associated with the acquisition of Xemics SA was tested as of November 30, 2009, the date of the Company’s annual impairment review. The Company concluded that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeded the carrying value and no impairment existed.

The Company’s estimates of fair value were determined using a weighted combination of two market-based approaches and an income approach, as this combination was deemed to be the most indicative of the reporting unit’s fair value in an orderly transaction between market participants and it is consistent in principle with the methodology used in prior years. A market approach estimates the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit based on comparable market prices including guideline public company and guideline transactions. The Income approach estimates the fair value of the reporting unit based on the future discounted cash flows. Factors requiring significant judgment include assumptions related to future growth rates, discount factors, market multiples and tax rates. Changes in economic and operating conditions that occur after the annual impairment analysis or an interim impairment analysis, and that impact these assumptions, may result in a future goodwill impairment charge.

Goodwill associated with the purchase of SMI

A fair value method of testing goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment is completed on an annual basis subsequent to acquisition, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of goodwill below its carrying value. Since December 9, 2009, there have been no events or circumstances that would reduce the fair value of goodwill associated with this reporting unit. The Company concluded that the fair value of this reporting unit exceeded the carrying value and no impairment existed as of January 31, 2010.

 

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Purchased Intangibles— Purchased intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. In-process research and development is recorded at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. Upon completion of development, acquired in-process research and development assets are transferred to finite-lived assets and amortized over their useful lives.

Intangible assets consist of the following:

 

     Gross Carrying Amount    Accumulated Amortization     Net
     Estimated    January 31,    January 25,    January 31,     January 25,     January 31,    January 25,
(in thousands)    Useful Life    2010    2009    2010     2009     2010    2009

Core technologies

   2-10 years    $ 65,900    $ 6,000    $ (5,953   $ (3,909   $ 59,947    $ 2,091

In-process research and development

   Indefinite      12,370      —        —          —          12,370      —  

Customer relationships

   8-10 years      12,130      30      (214     (30     11,916      —  

Other intangibles

   2 years      230      —        (120     —          110      —  
                                              

Other Intangibles

      $ 90,630    $ 6,030    $ (6,287   $ (3,939   $ 84,343    $ 2,091
                                              

Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $2.4 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008. Assuming no subsequent impairment of the underlying assets, the annual amount of future amortization expense will be as follows:

 

(in thousands)                    
To be recognized in:    Xemics SA    Leadis    Sierra
Monolithics
   Total

Fiscal year 2011

   $ 1,000    $ 110    $ 8,668    $ 9,778

Fiscal year 2012

   $ —      $ 414    $ 9,413    $ 9,827

Fiscal year 2013

   $ —      $ 414    $ 9,240    $ 9,654

Fiscal year 2014

   $ —      $ 414    $ 9,240    $ 9,654

Fiscal year 2015

   $ —      $ 414    $ 9,240    $ 9,654

Thereafter

   $ —      $ 414    $ 35,362    $ 35,776
                           

Total expected amortization expense

   $ 1,000    $ 2,180    $ 81,163    $ 84,343
                           

Note 8. Accrued Liabilities

The following is a summary of accrued liabilities for fiscal years 2010 and 2009:

 

(in thousands)    January 31,
2010
   January 25,
2009

Compensation

   $ 14,054    $ 10,487

Shareholder litigation

     10,421      127

Warranty allowance

     2,250      50

Liability awards

     1,648      633

Other

     7,283      4,618
             
   $ 35,656    $ 15,915
             

Note 9. Stock Based Compensation

Share-based Payment Arrangements. The Company has various equity award 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 31, 2010, the Company has granted Options and restricted stock under the plans and has also issued some stock-based compensation outside of the plans, including Options and restricted stock issued as inducements to join the Company.

 

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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.

 

     Fiscal Years Ended
     January 31,    January 25,    January 27,
     2010    2009    2008

Expected lives, in years

   5.0    4.0 - 5.0    4.0 - 5.0

Estimated volatility

   40% - 41%    38% - 65%    40% - 59%

Dividend yield

   —      —      —  

Risk-free interest rate

   1.9% - 2.7%    1.6% - 4.6%    3.5% - 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 by the Company are classified as liabilities rather than equity. For awards classified as liabilities, the value of these awards was re-measured on January 31, 2010.

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 31, 2010, January 25, 2009 and January 27, 2008, respectively.

 

Allocation of Stock-based Compensation

       

(fiscal years, in thousands)

       
     January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008

Cost of sales

   $ 1,168      $ 1,389    $ 1,304

Selling, general and administrative

     13,566        10,400      9,430

Product development and engineering

     5,201        3,935      3,985
                     

Stock-based compensation, pre-tax

   $ 19,935      $ 15,724    $ 14,719

Stock-based compensation capitalized into inventory

   $ (58   $ 67    $ 231
                     

Total stock-based compensation

   $ 19,877      $ 15,791    $ 14,950
                     

 

Impact of Stock-based Compensation

(fiscal years, in thousands)

      
     January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Stock-based compensation

   $ 19,935      $ 15,724      $ 14,719   

Associated tax effect

     (4,800     (3,452     (4,186
                        

Net effect on net income

   $ 15,135      $ 12,272      $ 10,533   
                        

The tax benefit realized from option exercise activity for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1.6 million, $4.7 million and $5.2 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 2010, 2009 and 2008 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
Value (1)
   Aggregate
Unrecognized
Compensation
   Number of
Shares
Exercisable

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

Grants (2)

   1,334      $ 10.05    $ 8.72         

Exercises

   (830         $ 2,324      

Cancellations and forfeitures

   (747              
                    

January 31, 2010

   9,151            $ 8,998    9,436    6,302
                    

 

(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.
(2) Includes the replacement awards issued to employees of SMI who held unvested SMI options on December 9, 2009.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at January 31, 2010.

 

Stock Options

   Shares    Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
   Remaining
Contract Life
(years)

Price Range Analysis - Outstanding

        

$ 1.03 - 4.60

   197    $ 1.56    7.05

$ 4.61 - 9.20

   437    $ 7.76    8.60

$ 9.21 - 13.80

   1,022    $ 12.26    4.45

$ 13.81 - 18.40

   6,243    $ 16.36    3.88

$ 18.41 - 23.00

   230    $ 21.00    4.13

$ 23.01 - 27.60

   801    $ 25.23    1.33

$ 27.61 - 32.20

   136    $ 29.46    1.98

$ 32.21 - 36.80

   48    $ 33.87    1.80

$ 36.81 - 41.40

   37    $ 38.26    0.42
          

Total outstanding

   9,151      
          

Price Range Analysis - Exercisable

      $ 1.37    6.95

$ 1.03 - 4.60

   29    $ 7.84    8.74

$ 4.61 - 9.20

   43    $ 12.80    3.35

$ 9.21 - 13.80

   400    $ 16.38    3.68

$ 13.81 - 18.40

   4,580    $ 21.03    4.10

$ 18.41 - 23.00

   227    $ 25.23    1.33

$ 23.01 - 27.60

   801    $ 29.46    1.98

$ 27.61 - 32.20

   136    $ 33.87    1.80

$ 32.21 - 36.80

   48    $ 38.26    0.42

$ 36.81 - 41.40

   37      
          

Total exercisable

   6,301      
          

 

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Table of Contents

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 January 25, 2009

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

Granted

   1,334      $ 10.05    $ 8.72       $ 11,632

Vested

   (1,531   $ 15.39    $ 7.67       $ 11,743

Forfeited

   (278   $ 15.06    $ 7.05       $ 1,960
                 

Unvested at January 31, 2010

   2,849      $ 13.31    $ 7.48    1.9    $ 21,311
                 

Restricted Stock . In fiscal year 2010, the Company did not grant any restricted stock to employees. For grants of restricted stock made in years prior to fiscal year 2010, the grant date for these awards is equal to the measurement date. These awards are valued as of the measurement date and recognized as compensation expense over the requisite vesting period (typically 3-4 years). A summary of the activity for restricted stock awards in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 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 28, 2007

   100.0      $ 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

Granted

   —                

Vested

   (305      $ 4,619.0      

Forfeited

   (40           
                 

January 31, 2010

   418      $ 15.15       $ 3,193    1.2
                 

 

(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 1,052,500. In this scenario, the maximum number of shares that could be issued there under would be 592,500 and the Company would have a liability accrued in the Consolidated Balance Sheet equal to the value of 460,000 shares on the settlement date, which would be settled in cash. At January 31, 2010, none of the units from the fiscal year 2009 or 2008 grants are expected to vest. At January 31, 2010, the performance metrics associated with the awards issued in fiscal year 2010 are expected to be met at a level which would result in 100% vesting. The following table summarizes performance unit award activity during fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008:

(in thousands, except for per share amount)

           Subject to
Share Settlement
    Subject to
Cash Settlement
    Weighted Average
Grant Date

Fair Value
(per share)
  Aggregate
Unrecognized
Compensation
  Weighted Average
Period Over

Which Expected
to be Recognized
(in years)
   Total
Units
    Units     Units     Recorded
Liability
       

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

Granted

   318      227      91        $ 13.92    

Vested

   —        —        —             

Cancelled/forfeited

   (32   (18   (14        

Change in liability

         $ 258.8      $ 11.23    
                                

January 31, 2010

   593      363      230      $ 258.8      $ 14.29   $ 580.3   1.3
                                

 

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Stock Unit Awards, Non-Employee Directors . The Company grants stock unit awards to non-employee directors. These RSU’s are accounted for as liabilities and accrued in the Consolidated Balance Sheets 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 award activity for fiscal years 2010, 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

     $ 218.8         
                     

January 27, 2008

   32      $ 218.8    $ 17.61    $ 177    0.4

Granted

   41         $ 13.81      

Vested

   (32           

Forfeited

   —                

Change in Liability

     $ 414.2         
                     

January 25, 2009

   41      $ 633.0    $ 13.81    $ 239    0.4

Granted

   35         $ 16.18      

Vested

   (41           

Forfeited

   —                

Change in Liability

     $ 756.1         
                     

January 31, 2010

   35      $ 1,389.1    $ 16.18    $ 232    0.4
                     

Stock Unit Awards, Employees . The Company issues stock unit awards to employees which are expected to be settled with stock. 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 award activity for fiscal years 2010 and 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

Granted

   1,205      $ 15.84         

Vested

   (66      $ 1,136.6      

Forfeited

   (45           
                 

January 31, 2010

   1,410      $ 15.72       $ 17,713    3.4
                 

 

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

 

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Note 10. Income Taxes

The provision for taxes consists of the following:

 

(fiscal years, in thousands)    January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 17,790      $ 4,446      $ 11,222   

State

     725        157        786   

Foreign

     5,867        10,080        656   
                        

Subtotal

     24,382        14,683        12,664   

Deferred:

      

Federal

     7,027        336        (12,685

State

     (2,058     (387     10,438   

Foreign

     3,663        (5,975     107   
                        

Subtotal

     8,632        (6,026     (2,140
                        

Provision for taxes

   $ 33,014      $ 8,657      $ 10,524   
                        

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 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Federal income tax at statutory rate

   $ 11,890      $ 16,162      $ 20,407   

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

     (554     571        3,164   

Foreign taxes at rates less than federal rates

     (1,381     (6,097     (5,752

Tax credits generated

     (4,245     (2,805     (986

Changes in valuation reserve

     (7,564     653        (1,672

Deemed dividend

     532        1,105        1,818   

Equity compensation

     958        2,601        114   

Permanent differences

     (607     572        358   

Sales exclusion—foreign jurisdiction

     (5,575     (3,745     (5,080

Foreign exchange loss—foreign jurisdiction

     (1,285     —          (2,461

Dividend and U.S. tax on foreign earnings

     40,205        —          —     

Non-deductible acquisition costs

     853        —          —     

Other

     (213     (360     614   
                        

Provision for taxes

   $ 33,014      $ 8,657      $ 10,524   
                        

The effective tax rate differs from the 35% statutory corporate tax rate in part due to the impact of lower foreign tax rates. Additionally, in connection with the acquisition of SMI, the Company reviewed its prior assertions regarding the amount of foreign subsidiary earnings that were considered to be permanently reinvested offshore and concluded that $120 million of foreign earnings were no longer permanently reinvested offshore. This change in assertion resulted in a $38.3 million increase in the tax provision in fiscal year 2010. The impact of this change in assertion was partially offset by the release of $6.4 million of valuation allowances. The released valuation allowances were related to research and development credits that the Company did not expect to be able to utilize as a result of expectations of insufficient generation of domestic income. With the anticipated repatriation of foreign subsidiary earnings, these utilization concerns were no longer applicable.

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).

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. The Company does not recognize 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.

 

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The deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:

 

(in thousands)    January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
 

Deferred tax assets

    

Current

   $ 11,808      $ 4,287   

Non-current

     7,153        25,544   
                

Subtotal

     18,961        29,831   

Deferred tax liabilities

    

Current

     (1,332     (1,604

Non-current

     (16,505     (101
                

Subtotal

     (17,837     (1,705
                

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 1,124      $ 28,126   
                

ASC 740 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. The components of the net deferred income tax assets at January 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009 are as follows:

 

(in thousands)    January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
 

Current deferred tax asset:

    

Deferred revenue

   $ 1,937      $ 1,941   

Inventory reserve

     2,389        2,841   

Payroll and related

     2,191        361   

Bad debt reserve

     676        325   

Accrued service fees

     3,882        78   

Other deferred assets

     2,000        428   

Valuation reserve

     (537     (1,591
                

Total current deferred tax asset

     12,538        4,383   
                

Non-current deferred tax asset

    

Research and development charges

     6,636        7,501   

Research credit carryforward

     15,161        15,171   

Acquired NOL carryforward - foreign

     13,881        428   

Payroll and related

     2,857        2,097   

Stock-based compensation

     11,094        9,694   

Other deferred assets

     2,173        1,373   

Valuation reserve

     (5,965     (10,463
                

Total non-current deferred tax asset

     45,837        25,801   
                

Current deferred tax liability:

    

Inventory reserve - Foreign

     (892     (1,054

Other current deferred tax liability

     (439     (645

Non-current deferred tax liability:

    

Domestic tax on foreign earnings

     (23,443     —     

Purchase accounting deferred tax liability

     (32,027     —     

Other non-current deferred tax liability

     (450     (359
                

Total deferred tax liability

     (57,251     (2,058
                

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 1,124      $ 28,126   
                

As of January 31, 2010, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $33.7 million and $25.9 million which, subject to certain limitations, are available to offset future taxable income through fiscal years 2029 and 2019, respectively. These losses were generated by SMI prior to the Company’s purchase of SMI and therefore are subject to change of control provisions which limit the amount of acquired tax attributes that can be utilized in a given tax year.

 

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As of January 31, 2010, the Company had gross federal and state research credits available of approximately $6.7 million and $12.6 million, respectively, which are available to offset taxable income. These credits will expire between fiscal years 2020 through 2030. As of January 31, 2010, the Company had federal Alternative Minimum Tax credits available of approximately $645,000. As of January 31, 2010, the Company had net deferred tax assets for federal and state capital loss carryforwards of $242,000 and $24,000, respectively. The Company has established a $5.5 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.

Approximately $154,000 of federal tax credit carryforwards have been generated, but not recognized for financial statement reporting, from stock option exercises in prior years. The Company does not recognize a benefit from this activity until the credits are utilized.

Realization of the net deferred tax assets 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.

As of January 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $193.5 million of unremitted earnings related to the Company’s wholly owned foreign subsidiaries. The amount of unremitted foreign earnings where no U.S. federal or state taxes have been provided is summarized below:

 

(in millions)

  
     January 31,
2010
 

Total unremitted foreign earnings

   $ 193.5   

Foreign earnings, U.S. federal and state tax provided

     (120.0

Distribution of foreign earnings, previously provided U.S. federal and state tax

     50.0   
        

Unremitted foreign income, with no U.S federal or state taxes provided

   $ 123.5   
        

Except for the change in assertion discussed above, the Company’s policy is to leave the foreign earnings permanently reinvested offshore. The amount of earnings designated as indefinitely reinvested 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.

Income taxes paid in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $6.5 million, $3.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

The Company uses a two-step approach to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions (“UTP”). 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.

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 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008

Beginning balance

   $ 12,460      $ 11,097      $ 5,825

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     723        1,366        1,270

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     163        —          4,002

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (1,800     (3     —  

Acquisition related additions

     2,249          —  
                      

Ending Balance

   $ 13,795      $ 12,460      $ 11,097
                      

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at January 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009, are $12.1 million and $11.0 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 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009 was $12.1 million and $4.3 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 years 2010 and 2009, a net increase of $159,000 and $8,000 of interest and penalties was recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income, respectively. The Company had approximately $193,000 and $34,000 of net interest and penalties accrued at January 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009, respectively.

As of January 31, 2010, the Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $2.6 million within twelve months as a result of expiring statutes.

 

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Tax years prior to 2006 (the Company’s fiscal year 2007) are generally not subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) except for items involving tax attributes that have been carried forward to tax years whose statute of limitations remain open. The IRS completed an examination of tax years 2004 (the Company’s fiscal year 2005) through 2005 (the Company’s fiscal year 2006) in fiscal year 2009. For state returns, the Company is generally not subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2005 (the Company’s fiscal year 2006). The Company has a primary significant tax presence in Switzerland for which Swiss tax filings have been examined through fiscal year 2009. The Company is also subject to routine examinations by various foreign tax jurisdictions in which it operates.

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The Company leases facilities and certain equipment under operating lease arrangements expiring in various years through fiscal year 2016. The aggregate minimum annual lease payments under leases in effect on January 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

Minimum Annual Lease Payments

 

(in thousands)

  

Fiscal Year Ending:

  

2011

   $ 3,268

2012

     2,759

2013

     2,524

2014

     2,031

2015

     462

Thereafter

     124
      

Total minimum lease commitments

   $ 11,168
      

The Company has not included in operating lease commitments the expected sub-lease income to the Company. Sub-lease agreements are scheduled to provide $158,000 of income for fiscal year 2011. The Company does not anticipate any sub-lease activity after fiscal year 2011.

Rent expense was $3.3 million, $3.5 million, and $3.3 million for fiscal year 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company received $375,000, $366,000 and $352,000 of sub-lease income in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Vendor Commitments

The Company has entered into a technology development agreement with one of its key wafer suppliers. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company is required to pay $9.8 million in fiscal year 2011 and $1.2 million in fiscal year 2012. Approximately $3.5 million of this cost is expected to be reimbursed by a customer in fiscal year 2011.

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.

 

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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 the Company’s 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.

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 Company 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 United States 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. In December 2008, per motions filed by the defendants, 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, as amended. 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. Discovery proceedings are ongoing at this time. In January 2010, the Company made a firm settlement offer to the plantiffs in the amount of $10 million, offered as full payment to settle any and all claims arising from or relating to the matters at issue in the litigation. The settlement offer remains pending and the Company is unable to predict the outcome of this litigation.

In fiscal year 2010, the Company accrued $10.0 million related to the settlement offer that was extended to the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit which is reflected in Accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The expense is reported in Selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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.

The Company has used an environmental firm, specializing in hydrogeology, to perform monitoring of the groundwater at the Company’s former facility in Newbury Park, California that was leased for approximately forty years. The Company 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. In September 2009, the regulatory agency issued supplemental instructions to the Company and the current site owner regarding previously ordered site assessments, surveys and groundwater monitoring. The costs to perform all site work directed by the regulatory agency are not anticipated to be material. The Company and the site owner have agreed on an equitable cost sharing arrangement for current site work. At January 31, 2010, accrued liabilities includes approximately $401,000 of fees payable in connection with pending testing and monitoring activities at this site. It is not currently possible to determine the ultimate amount, if any, of future site clean-up costs that may be directed by the regulatory agency following the current site assessments and surveys. Accordingly, no reserve for site clean-up costs has been provided at this time.

 

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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.

The table below summarizes changes in product warranty allowances in accrued liabilities for fiscal year 2010. There were no changes to product warranty allowances in fiscal year 2009.

 

(in thousands)       

Balance, January 27, 2008

   $ 50.0   
        

Balance, January 25, 2009

     50.0   

Accruals acquired as part of acquisition

     2,779.9   

Settlements made (in cash or in kind) during the period

     (580.0
        

Balance, January 31, 2010

   $ 2,249.9   
        

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.

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 the 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.

Note 12. Interest and Other Income, net

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

 

(fiscal years, in thousands)    January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Interest income

   $ 2,035      $ 5,677      $ 13,255   

Interest expense

     (139     (3     (11

Gain (loss) on sale of fixed assets and available-for-sale securities

     139        (428     1,392   

Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)

     403        (549     316   

Miscellaneous (expense) income

     616        (410     168   
                        

Interest and other income, net

   $ 3,054      $ 4,287      $ 15,120   
                        

Note 13. Segment, Geographic Information and Concentrations of Risk

The Company operates exclusively in the semiconductor industry and primarily within the analog and mixed-signal sector. In connection with the acquisition of SMI in December 2009, and other management changes over the past few years, the Company has restructured its internal reporting, resource allocations and internal performance measurements. Consistent with these changes, the Company has determined that the results of its operations are most appropriately reported in one business segment, which is consistent with internal management reporting. All current and prior year data reported herein has been presented on a consolidated basis in one enterprise-wide segment.

The Company eliminates all intercompany revenues and balances.

 

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Net sales activity by geographic region is as follows.

 

Sales by Region

  

(fiscal years, in thousands)

  
     January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

North America

   $ 72,818    25   $ 72,072    24   $ 53,367    19

Asia-Pacific

     165,880    58     172,054    59     186,395    65

Europe

     47,862    17     50,694    17     45,028    16
                                       

Total Net Sales

   $ 286,560    100   $ 294,820    100   $ 284,790    100
                                       

The Company generally attributes sales to a country based on the ship-to address. A summary of sales activity to countries that represented greater than 10% of total sales in fiscal year 2010 follows:

 

Sales by Country

      

(fiscal years, percentage of total sales)

      
     January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

United States

   19.0   20.0   18.0

China (including Hong Kong)

   26.0   21.0   19.0

South Korea

   18.0   22.0   24.0
                  

Total Net Sales

   63.0   63.0   61.0
                  

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows:

 

(in thousands)    January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
   January 27,
2008

Domestic

   $ (9,157   $ 7,984    $ 18,142

Foreign

     43,128        38,194      40,165
                     

Total

   $ 33,971      $ 46,178    $ 58,307
                     

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets which consist of property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation are summarized as follows:

 

(in millions)    January 31,
2010
   January 25,
2009

Located within the United States

   $ 27.0    $ 20.8

Located outside the United States

   $ 11.1    $ 11.0
             
   $ 38.1    $ 31.8
             

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 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.

 

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Significant Customers

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. The table below sets forth the net sales and accounts receivable for certain significant customers for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008.

Concentration of Net Sales - Significant Customers

(percentage of net sales)

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
    January 27,
2008
 

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   17   15   13

Frontek Technology Corp

   13   13   16

Concentration of Accounts Receivable - Significant Customers

(percentage of net accounts receivable)

 

     Fiscal Year Ended  
     January 31,
2010
    January 25,
2009
 

Samsung Electronics (and affiliates)

   13   18

Frontek Technology Corp

   14   12

Outside Subcontractors and Suppliers

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 14. 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 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, approximately $3.3 million (net of insurance recovery of $8.7 million), $1.6 million (net of insurance recovery of $250,000) and $6.2 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 of Directors authorizing such advances. See Note 11 for additional information regarding indemnification.

 

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Note 15: Fire at Manufacturing Facility in Reynosa, Mexico

On July 31, 2008, a fire occurred at the Company’s Reynosa, Mexico manufacturing facility. In fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the Company recorded the following expenses (insurance recoveries) related to the retooling and retrofit of the factory, the write-off of damaged equipment, and the settlement of a business interruption claim.

 

(in thousands)    Expense
Incurred
   Insurance
Recovery
    Net Expense
(Recovery)
 

Fiscal year 2009

       

SG&A

   $ 1,229    $ (370   $ 859   

Other expense, net

     208      —          208   
                       

Total for fiscal year 2009

   $ 1,437    $ (370   $ 1,067   

Fiscal year 2010

       

SG&A

   $ 196    $ (1,937   $ (1,741

Other expense, net

     27      (730     (703
                       

Total for fiscal year 2010

   $ 223    $ (2,667   $ (2,444

As of January 31, 2010, repair, retooling and retrofit activities were substantially complete. The Company does not expect to incur additional significant costs related to this incident.

The Company received proceeds under the relevant insurance policies that it maintains for both property damage and business interruption. In fiscal year 2010, the Company received a business interruption recovery of $1.4 million that was recorded to Selling, general and administrative. No further insurance proceeds are expected with regards to this incident.

Note 16: Restructuring Costs

During fiscal years 2009 and 2010, the Company initiated restructuring plans to reorganize certain Company operations, consolidate research and development activities and reduce its workforce. 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 31, 2010.

 

(in thousands)    Restructuring
charge recorded in
fiscal year 2009
   Asset writedown
and cash
payments
    Restructuring
liability at
January 25, 2009
   Additional
Restructuring
   Cash
Payments /
Other
    Restructuring
liability at
January 31, 2010

Severance and benefits

     876.3      (876.3   $ —      $ 138.1    $ —        $ 138.1

Lease termination costs

     641.5      (206.9     434.6      348.1      (298.8     483.9

Open commitments

     294.1      (294.1     —        —        —          —  

Asset impairment

     486.6      (486.6     —        —        —          —  

Other costs

     11.7      (11.7     —        —        —          —  
                                           
   $ 2,310.2    $ (1,875.6   $ 434.6    $ 486.2    $ (298.8   $ 622.0
                                           

The outstanding liability for restructuring costs is classified on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2010 and January 25, 2009 as follows:

 

(in thousands)    January 31,
2010
   January 25,
2009

Accrued liabilities

   $ 322.2    $ 296.6

Other long-term liabilities

     299.8      138.0
             
   $ 622.0    $ 434.6
             

The portion of lease termination costs reflected in other long-term liabilities includes lease payments due within the next one to four years.

Note 17: Retirement Plans and Deferred Compensation

Retirement Plans

The Company contributed $745,000 and $737,000, respectively, in fiscal years 2009 and 2008 to the 401(k) retirement plan maintained for its employees. No Company contributions were made to this plan in fiscal year 2010. The Company contributed $719,000, $697,000 and $630,000, respectively, in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 to a Swiss defined contribution plan.

 

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Deferred Compensation

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan (“the 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. This 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 2010, 2009 and 2008 totaled approximately $1.4 million (net of $127,000 of forfeitures), $466,000 (net of $201,000 of forfeitures) and $345,000 (net of $206,000 of forfeitures), respectively.

The Company’s liability for deferred compensation under this plan was $7.1 million as of January 31, 2010 and $5.1 million as of January 25, 2009, and is included in other long-term liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company has 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 the Company’s costs of the deferred compensation plan. The cash surrender value of the Company-owned life insurance was $5.5 million as of January 31, 2010 and $4.4 million as of January 25, 2009, and is included in other assets.

Note 18. 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 addition to repurchase activity under the 2008 Program, the Company typically withholds shares from vested restricted stock to pay employee payroll and income tax withholding liabilities.

Summary of Repurchase and Withholding Activity

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

   Fiscal year ended
   January 31, 2010    January 25, 2009    January 27, 2008
   Shares    Value    Shares    Value    Shares    Value

Repurchases under the 2004 program

   —      $ —      —      $ —      3,036,400    $ 50,300

Repurchases under the accelerated stock purchase plan

   —        —      —        —      9,836,066      169,375

Repurchases under the 2008 program

   104,528      1,390    2,524,451      33,665    —        —  

Shares withheld from vested restricted shares

   101,822      1,541    81,868      1,398    16,888      258
                                   

Total activity

   206,350    $ 2,931    2,606,319    $ 35,063    12,889,354    $ 219,933
                                   

The Company currently intends to hold the repurchased and withheld shares as treasury stock. The Company typically reissues treasury shares to settle stock option exercises and restricted share grants.

Note 19. Subsequent Events

The Company has completed an evaluation of all subsequent events through the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements. The Company has concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that required recognition or disclosure.

 

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Note 20. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following tables set forth the Company’s unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income data for each of the eight quarterly periods ended January 31, 2010, as well as that data expressed as a percentage of the Company’s net sales for the quarters presented. All quarters presented consisted of thirteen weeks except for the quarter ended January 31, 2010 which consisted of fourteen weeks. The sum of quarterly per share amounts may differ from year to date amounts due to rounding.

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)    Fiscal Year 2010     Fiscal Year 2009  
   Quarters Ended     Quarters Ended  
   April 26
2009
    July 26
2009
    October 25
2009
    January 31
2010
    April 27
2008
    July 27
2008
    October 26
2008
    January 25
2009
 

Net Sales

   $ 60,077      $ 66,317      $ 75,147      $ 85,019      $ 74,444      $ 77,960      $ 79,721      $ 62,695   

Cost of Sales

     27,345        30,165        33,776        39,228        33,653        35,165        37,070        29,345   
                                                                

Gross Profit

     32,732        36,152        41,371        45,791        40,791        42,795        42,651        33,350   

Operating costs and expenses:

                

Selling, general & administrative

     17,267        16,279        18,521        25,218        18,621        18,787        19,358        16,124   

Product development & engineering

     10,085        10,893        10,467        13,705        11,073        10,434        10,127        9,771   

Acquisition related items

     303        302        303        1,440        273        273        273        273   

Restructuring charges

     188        160        —          —          2,169        140        —          —     
                                                                

Total operating costs and expenses

     27,843        27,634        29,291        40,363        32,136        29,634        29,758        26,168   
                                                                

Operating income

     4,889        8,518        12,080        5,428        8,655        13,161        12,893        7,182   

Interest and other income, net

     1,290        282        1,136        346        1,740        1,241        904        403   
                                                                

Income before taxes

     6,179        8,800        13,216        5,774        10,395        14,402        13,797        7,585   

Income tax expense (benefit) (see Note 1)

     1,236        1,380        34,103        (3,705     2,318        2,738        2,287        1,314   
                                                                

Net income

   $ 4,943      $ 7,420      $ (20,887   $ 9,479      $ 8,077      $ 11,664      $ 11,510      $ 6,271   
                                                                

Earnings per share:

                

Basic

   $ 0.08      $ 0.12      $ (0.34   $ 0.15      $ 0.13      $ 0.19      $ 0.19      $ 0.10   

Diluted

   $ 0.08      $ 0.12      $ (0.34   $ 0.15      $ 0.13      $ 0.19      $ 0.19      $ 0.10   

Weighted average number of shares:

                

Basic

     60,321        60,493        61,030        61,238        61,352        61,839        61,233        60,291   

Diluted

     60,593        61,044        61,030        62,501        62,104        62,584        61,727        60,611   

Note 1:     In the third quarter of fiscal year 2010, the tax provision reflected the benefit of a release of a valuation allowance. The amount of the release was overstated by $1.2 million. The tax provision in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010 has been adjusted to reflect the impact of the correction.

            

     Fiscal Year 2010     Fiscal Year 2009  
     Quarters Ended     Quarters Ended  
     April 26
2009
    July 26
2009
    October 25
2009
    January 31
2010
    April 27
2008
    July 27
2008
    October 26
2008
    January 25
2009
 

Net Sales

     100     100     100     100     100     100     100     100

Cost of Sales

     46     45     45     46     45     45     46     47
                                                                

Gross Profit

     54     55     55     54     55     55     54     53

Operating costs and expenses:

                

Selling, general & administrative

     29     25     25     30     25     24     24     26

Product development & engineering

     17     16     14     16     15     13     13     16

Acquisition related items

     1     0     0     2     0     0     0     0

Restructuring charges

     0     0     0     0     3     0     0     0

(Insurance recovery) legal expenses, net

     0     0     0     0     0     0     0     0
                                                                

Total operating costs and expenses

     47     42     39     48     43     38     37     42
                                                                

Operating income

     8     13     16     6     12     17     16     11

Interest and other income, net

     2     0     2     0     2     2     1     1
                                                                

Income before taxes

     10     13     18     6     14     19     17     12

Income tax expense (benefit)

     2     2     45     -4     3     4     3     2
                                                                

Net income

     8     11     -27     10     11     15     14     10
                                                                

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of January 31, 2010. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, our management has concluded that as of January 31, 2010 the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective 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.

Our management assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Sierra Monolithics, Inc., which is included in the Company’s January 31, 2010 consolidated financial statements and constituted $223.3 million and $110.7 million of total and net assets, respectively, as of January 31, 2010 and $6.1 million and $2.1 million of revenues and net loss, respectively, for the year then ended.

Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included in this report, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2010. Ernst & Young LLP’s attestation report is included in Item 8 of this report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended January 31, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

We believe that all information that was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010 was reported on a Form 8-K during that period.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

We have adopted a written Code of Conduct that applies to everyone in the Company, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller. Our Code of Conduct serves as our written code of ethics for those officers, and for persons performing similar functions. See Exhibit 14, which incorporates by reference the copy of our Code of Conduct filed as Exhibit 14 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2004 filed with the SEC on April 9, 2004. The Code of Conduct is also available at the Corporate Governance section of the Investors page on our website at www.semtech.com. Alternatively, you can request a copy of the Code of Conduct free of charge by sending a written request to the Company’s Secretary at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012. If we make any substantive amendments to the Code of Conduct or grant any waiver, including an implicit waiver, from the Code of Conduct to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Controller, we will within four business days of the event disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website or in a report on Form 8-K.

The information relating to our directors, our nominees for directors, and our executive officers pursuant to Items 401; and Item 407(c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K required by this item will be contained under the caption “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of stockholders to be held on June 24, 2010, to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act and is hereby specifically incorporated by reference thereto.

The information required pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K will be contained under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of stockholders, to be held on June 24, 2010, to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act and is hereby specifically incorporated by reference thereto.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required under this item will appear under the captions “Director Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Executive Compensation” and related discussion and disclosure thereto, in the Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of stockholders to be held on June 24, 2010, to be filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, and is hereby specifically incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required under this item will appear under the captions “Beneficial Ownership of Securities,” “Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans” and related discussion and disclosure thereto, in the Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of stockholders to be held on June 24, 2010, to be filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, and is hereby specifically incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required under this item will appear under the captions “Election of Directors (Proposal Number 1)” “Corporate Governance, Transactions with Related Parties” and related discussion and disclosure thereto, in the Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of stockholders to be held on June 24, 2010, to be filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, and is hereby specifically incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required under this item will appear under the captions “Independent Accountant Fees,” and “Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services” and related discussion and disclosure thereto, in the Definitive Proxy Statement relating to our annual meeting of stockholders to be held on June 24, 2010, to be filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, and is hereby specifically incorporated herein by reference thereto.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)(1) The financial statements, schedules, and reports included in this Form 10-K. are listed in the index under Item 8 in this report.

 

(a)(2) Schedules other than those listed in Item 8 are omitted since they are not applicable, not required, or the information required to be set forth herein is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

SCHEDULE II

SEMTECH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

THREE YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2010

 

     Balance at
Beginning of
Year
   Charged (Reversal)
to Costs and
Expenses
   Deductions     Balance at End
of Year
          

Year ended January 27, 2008

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 336,000    $ 39,000    $ (6,000   $ 369,000

Year ended January 25, 2009

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 369,000    $ 477,000    $ (3,000   $ 843,000

Year ended January 31, 2010

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 843,000    $ 459,000    $ —        $ 1,302,000

 

(a)(3) Exhibits. These exhibits are available without charge upon written request directed to the Company’s Secretary at 200 Flynn Road, Camarillo, CA 93012. Documents that are not physically filed with this report are incorporated herein by reference to the location indicated. Exhibits 10.1 through 10.41 constitute management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

  

Location

  2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 18, 2009, by and among Semtech Corporation, Sierra Monolithics, Inc., SMI Merger Corp. and Shareholder Representative Services    Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 15, 2009
  2.2    First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 9, 2009, by and among Semtech Corporation, Sierra Monolithics, Inc., SMI Merger Corp. and Shareholder Representative Services    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 15, 2009
  3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Semtech Corporation    Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 26, 2003

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

  

Location

  3.2    Bylaws of Semtech Corporation    Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 2008
10.1    Policy Regarding Director Compensation    Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 29, 2007
10.2    The Company’s 1994 Long-term Stock Incentive Plan, as amended    Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (333-44033) filed January 9, 1998
10.3    The Company’s 1994 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended    Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (333-00599) filed January 31, 1996
10.4    The Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated    Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2007
10.5    The Company’s Non-Director and Non-Executive Officer Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated    Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarterly period ended October 29, 2006
10.6    Form of Long Term Stock Incentive Plan Award Agreement for Options Awarded to Non-Employee Directors on December 5, 2002    Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 27, 2002
10.7    Form of Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Award Agreement (Non-Employee Directors)    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 7, 2006
10.8    Form of Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Award Agreement (Executive Officers)    Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 25, 2004
10.9    Form of Non-Director and Non-Executive Officer Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Award Agreement    Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 25, 2004
10.10    Form of Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Award Certificate    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarterly period ended October 29, 2006
10.11    Form of Non-Director and Non-Executive Officer Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Award Certificate    Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarterly period ended October 29, 2006
10.12    Adoption Agreement adopting The Executive Nonqualified “Excess” Plan (known as the Semtech Executive Compensation Plan) as amended and restated effective January 1, 2005    Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 29, 2007
10.13    Amended and Restated Plan Document for The Executive Nonqualified “Excess” Plan (known as the Semtech Executive Compensation Plan), effective January 1, 2005    Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 29, 2007

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

  

Location

10.14    Trust Agreement dated as of January 1, 2004 between Semtech Corporation and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, related to the Semtech Executive Compensation Plan    Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 25, 2004
10.15    Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Executive Officers    Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2005
10.16    Cash Bonus Incentive Plan amended and restated as of January 30, 2006    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 1, 2006
10.17    Semtech Corporation Bonus Plan    Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 28, 2006
10.18    Semtech Corporation Bonus Plan, amended and restated effective January 29, 2007 (also known as the “Executive Bonus Plan”)    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2007
10.19    Employment Offer Letter to Mohan Maheswaran, accepted as of March 12, 2006    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 14, 2006
10.20    Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated April 3, 2006 with respect to inducement award of restricted stock to Mohan Maheswaran    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2006
10.21    Stock Option Award Agreement dated April 3, 2006 with respect to time-vested inducement options awarded to Mohan Maheswaran    Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2006
10.22    Stock Option Award Agreement dated April 3, 2006 with respect to performance-vested inducement options awarded to Mohan Maheswaran    Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2006
10.23    Employment Offer Letter to Emeka Chukwu, accepted as of November 11, 2006    Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2007
10.24    Memo to Emeka Chukwu dated, April 5, 2007    Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2007
10.25    Form of Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Option Award Certificate    Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2007
10.26    Form of Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Certificate    Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2007
10.27    Form of Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Performance Unit Award Certificate    Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2007
10.28    Form of Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Option Award Certificate (Non-Employee Directors)    Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 12, 2007
10.29    Form of Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Non-Employee Director Stock Unit Award Certificate    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 19, 2007

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

  

Location

10.30    Form of Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 20, 2008
10.31    Semtech Corporation Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines    Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 2008
10.32    Semtech Corporation 2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan    Exhibit 10.40 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 2008
10.33    Semtech Corporation Chief Executive Officer Bonus Plan, as amended on March 2, 2010   
10.34    Semtech Corporation 2007 SMI Assumed Plan    Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-163780, filed on December 16, 2009
10.35    Semtech Corporation 2000 SMI Assumed Plan    Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-163780, filed on December 16, 2009
10.36    Semtech Corporation 2009 Long-Term Equity Inducement Plan    Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 15, 2009
10.37    Form of Semtech Corporation 2009 Long-Term Equity Inducement Plan Award Agreements (Performance-Based Vesting)   
10.38    Form of Semtech Corporation 2009 Long-Term Equity Inducement Plan Award Agreements (Time-Based Vesting)   
10.39    Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated March 29, 2010 with respect to time-based restricted stock award to Mohan Maheswaran    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 1, 2010
10.40    Master Confirmation dated May 30, 2007 between Semtech Corporation and Goldman, Sachs & Co.    Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 1, 2007
10.41    Supplemental Confirmation dated May 30, 2007 between Semtech Corporation and Goldman, Sachs & Co.    Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 1, 2007
14    Semtech Corporation Code of Conduct    Exhibit 14 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 25, 2004 filed April 9, 2004
21.1    Subsidiaries of the Company   
23.1    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   

 

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Exhibit No.

  

Description

  

Location

31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended.   
31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended.   
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002 (As set forth in Exhibit 32.1 hereof, Exhibit 32.1 is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed”.)   
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002 (As set forth in Exhibit 32.2 hereof, Exhibit 32.2 is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed”.)   

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: April 1, 2010   Semtech Corporation
  By:  

/s/ Mohan R. Maheswaran

    Mohan R. Maheswaran
    President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ Mohan R. Maheswaran

  Mohan R. Maheswaran
 

President and Chief Executive Officer

Director

 
Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ Emeka Chukwu

  Emeka Chukwu
 

Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ Rockell N. Hankin

  Rockell N. Hankin
  Chairman of the Board
Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ Glen M. Antle

  Glen M. Antle
  Director
Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ W. Dean Baker

  W. Dean Baker
  Director
Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ James P. Burra

  James P. Burra
  Director
Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ Bruce C. Edwards

  Bruce C. Edwards
  Director
Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ James T. Lindstrom

  James T. Lindstrom
  Director
Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ John L. Piotrowski

  John L. Piotrowski
  Director
Date: April 1, 2010  

/s/ James T. Schraith

  James T. Schraith
  Director

 

78

Exhibit 10.33

SEMTECH CORPORATION

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BONUS PLAN

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

This Plan is established to provide a further incentive to the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) of Semtech Corporation (the “Company”) to promote the success of the Company by providing an opportunity to receive additional compensation for beyond normal expected performance measured against corporate goals. The Plan is intended to achieve the following:

 

1. Stimulate the CEO to work to meet objectives consistent with enhancing the Company’s shareholder value.

 

2. Facilitate the Company’s ability to attract, retain, and motivate the CEO.

 

3. Help ensure that the CEO is held accountable, and appropriately rewarded, for both organizational and individual performance.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

 

1. ANNUAL SALARY — The regular annualized rate of base salary of the CEO at the time of calculation of the incentive award payment, but excluding any incentive compensation, commissions, over-time payments, option exercise income, the value of restricted stock vesting, retroactive payments not affecting the base salary or applicable to the current year, and any other payments of compensation of any kind.

 

2. BOARD — The Board of Directors of the Company.

 

3. APPROVED BUSINESS PLAN — The Company’s Annual Business Plan.

 

4. COMMITTEE — The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors as from time to time appointed or constituted by the Board of Directors.

 

5. COMPANY — Semtech Corporation and those subsidiaries of which it owns directly or indirectly 50% or more of the voting stock or other equity interests.

 

6. OPERATING INCOME — Operating income of the Company for the fiscal year as calculated under GAAP, with such adjustments (i) to take into account or disregard any items or events that the Committee determines in its discretion to be non-recurring or extraordinary and (ii) as the Committee determines to be necessary to best reflect the operating income from ordinary business operations.

 

7. PLAN — This Semtech Corporation CEO Bonus Plan.

 

8. PLAN YEAR — The Company’s fiscal year which ends on the last Sunday of January of each year.

ARTICLE III

ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is the only person eligible to participate in this Plan.

 

1 of 7


ARTICLE IV

INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PAYMENTS

 

1. CALCULATION AND AUTHORIZATION OF AWARDS — Any incentive compensation award (an “Award”) under the Plan shall be calculated, under the supervision of the Chief Financial Officer, in accordance with the formula and procedures set forth in Exhibit A hereto and will be recommended to the Committee for its consideration. No Award is payable for any Plan Year unless and until the Committee authorizes the Award.

 

2. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION FACTORS — Awards under this Plan shall be based on the Company Performance Factors and the Individual Performance Factors that are set forth in the attached Exhibit A.

 

3. The Committee may change the method for calculating Plan payments at any time prior to the end of a Plan Year.

 

4. METHOD AND TIME OF PAYMENT

 

  A. Awards authorized with respect to each Plan Year shall be paid to the CEO in cash following the close of the Plan Year and within two and one-half months after the close of the Plan Year. Awards generally shall be made only to the CEO if he/she is in the employ of the Company on the date of payment or to the estate of or beneficiaries designated by a CEO if the CEO has died at the time of the scheduled payment of any award.

 

  B. In addition, in its sole discretion the Committee may authorize an award to the CEO if the CEO terminates employment after the close of the Plan Year but before awards are paid or a pro-rated award to the CEO if the CEO terminates employment during a Plan Year.

 

  C. All Incentive compensation payments shall be made in cash and paid net of any taxes or other amounts required to be withheld.

 

5. CLAW-BACK RELATING TO FINANCIAL RESTATEMENT – Each Award to the CEO pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to the right of the Company to recover the payment (and reasonable interest thereon) in the event that the Committee determines in good faith that any fraud or misconduct by the CEO has caused or partially caused the need for a material restatement of the Company’s financial statements for the Plan Year to which the Plan payment relates. The Committee’s decision regarding whether the CEO has forfeited awards is final and binding in the absence of demonstrable fraud or bad faith on the part of the Committee in making such a decision.

 

6. RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANTS

 

  A. All Awards are subject to the discretion of the Committee. The CEO shall have no right to require the Committee to authorize Award under the Plan. Even though the CEO’s performance may be assessed periodically during the Plan Year and/or the progress of Operating Income, Revenue performance or performance relative to peers may be tracked, all Award are subject to calculation as set forth in Exhibit A and the discretion of the Committee. The mere existence of periodic assessments or tracking does not give the CEO any basis for claiming any incentive compensation under this Plan on a pro rata basis during the Plan Year or otherwise.

 

  B. Payments properly made under the Plan and distributed to the CEO shall not be recoverable from the CEO by the Company, except as specifically provided under Section 5 of this Article V or as otherwise required by applicable law.

 

  C. Nothing in this Plan gives the CEO the right to remain in the employ of the Company. Except to the extent explicitly provided otherwise in a then effective writing executed by the CEO and the Company, the CEO is an at will employee whose employment may be terminated without liability at any time for any reason.

 

2 of 7


ARTICLE V

ADMINISTRATION

The Plan shall be administered under the direction of the Committee. The Committee shall have the right to construe the Plan, to interpret any provision of the Plan, to make rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to determine any factual question arising in connection with the Plan’s operation after such investigation or hearing as the Committee may deem appropriate. Any decision made by the Committee under the provisions of this Article shall be conclusive and binding on all parties concerned. The Committee may delegate to the officers or employees of the Company the authority to execute and deliver those instruments and documents, to do all acts and things, and to take all other steps deemed necessary, advisable or convenient for the effective administration of this Plan in accordance with its terms and purpose.

ARTICLE VI

AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN

The Board or the Committee shall have the unilateral right to terminate or amend this Plan at any time.

ARTICLE VII

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Plan shall be effective beginning with the Company’s 2011 fiscal year.

 

3 of 7


EXHIBIT A

CALCULATION OF CASH BONUS INCENTIVE PROGRAM PAYMENTS

 

A. AWARD FORMULA

 

  1. It is expected that the business objectives established for this Plan will be accomplished in accordance with the Company’s Core Values and Code of Conduct. The CEO’s commitment and adherence to the Company’s values and ethical standards will be considered in determining awards under this Plan.

 

  2. The CEO’s “Target Award” for a Plan Year is determined by multiplying the Annual Salary by the applicable “Target Level” (as determined pursuant to Section B below). The actual amount of an Award payable with respect to a Plan Year shall be as determined in Section A.3 below. However, anything in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall any Award exceed 200% of the Annual Salary for any given Plan Year.

 

  3. Subject to any discretionary adjustments made pursuant to the Plan and to any limitations contained in the Plan and this Exhibit A, the actual Award amount payable to the CEO for any Plan Year pursuant to the terms of this Plan shall be calculated by multiplying the CEO’s Target Award by the sum of

 

  a. 40% of the Operating Income Performance Factor determined in accordance with Section C and the table in the Operating Income Appendix adopted by the Committee for the applicable Plan Year (with pro rata adjustments being made for whole percentage increments between the levels stated in the table);

 

  b. 25% of the Revenue Performance Factor determined in accordance with Section D below;

 

  c. 20% of the Performance Relative to Peers Factor determined in accordance with Section E below; and

 

  d. 15% of the Individual Performance Factor as defined in Section F below.

 

  4. In the event the Target Level changes during the Plan Year, the Award recommended to the Committee will be based on the Target Level in effect when the calculation is made.

 

B. TARGET LEVEL

The Target Level shall be set by the Committee at its first regularly scheduled quarterly meeting for the Fiscal Year, subject to change during the Plan Year at the Committee’s discretion. The CEO’s Target Level for a Plan Year is set forth in the Target Level Appendix established by the Committee for that Plan Year.

 

C. OPERATING INCOME

After the end of the Plan Year, the Operating Income for the Plan Year, as determined by the Committee, shall be compared against the fiscal year plan targets, and used to determine the Operating Income Performance Factor level to be used pursuant to the table set forth in the Operating Income Appendix established for that Plan Year. Pro rata adjustments will be made for whole percentage increments between the levels stated in the table.

 

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D. REVENUE PERFORMANCE FACTOR

The Revenue Performance Factor for the Plan Year shall be calculated as follows:

Revenue Performance Factor = 100% × (Net Revenue – Prior FY Net Revenue) / (ABP Net Revenue – Prior FY Net Revenue)

For purposes of the above equation, the following definitions apply:

“Net Revenue” means the Company’s Net Revenue for the applicable Plan Year, as determined by the Committee;

“Prior FY Net Revenue” means the Company’s Net Revenue for the fiscal year prior to the applicable Plan Year, as determined by the Committee; and

“ABP Net Revenue” means the Company’s projected Net Revenue for the applicable Plan Year as set forth in the Approved Business Plan for the applicable Plan Year.

However, the Revenue Performance Factor shall be subject to a maximum of 200%.

 

E. PERFORMANCE RELATIVE TO PEERS FACTOR

The Performance Relative to Peers Factor will be based on the Company’s Revenue Growth and Earnings Per Share Growth, each as determined by the Committee, relative to that of a pre-determined list of peer companies (the “Peer Group”), to be specified at the beginning of each Plan Year, and set forth in the Peer Group Appendix for the applicable Plan Year.

The Performance Relative to Peers Factor will be determined according to the table provided in the Peer Group Appendix.

 

F. INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR

After the end of each fiscal year, the CEO’s performance will be assessed by the Board (or the Committee to the extent the Board delegates such responsibility to the Committee), based on such factors as the Board (or Committee) may determine to be appropriate (which may include, without limitation, leadership and contribution to the Company). The performance assessment will be considered by the Committee in determining the Individual Performance Factor, which shall be subject to a maximum of 200%.

 

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SEMTECH CORPORATION

CEO BONUS PLAN

APPENDICES

 

A. OPERATING INCOME APPENDIX FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

Adopted by the Compensation Committee on March 02, 2010

 

FY 2011 Plan

Achievement

  

Operating

Income

Performance

Factor

65%

   50%

75%

   70%

100%

   100%

120%

   130%

130%

   140%

150% or above

   200%

For purposes of this Appendix, Operating Income for each fiscal year is as determined by the Committee in accordance with Exhibit A of the Plan.

 

B. TARGET LEVEL APPENDIX

For Fiscal Year 2011, the CEO’s Target Level is 125% of the CEO’s annual base salary.

 

C. PEER GROUP APPENDIX FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011

The Peer Group for Fiscal Year 2011 shall be the following companies:

Monolithic Power Systems. (MPWR)

Linear Technology Corp. (LLTC)

Intersil Corp. (ISIL)

Maxim Integrated Products Inc. (MXIM)

Micrel Inc. (MCRL)

Microsemi Corp. (MSCC)

Fairchild. (FCS )

On Semiconductor. (ONNN)

Texas Instruments. (TXN)

Integrated Device Technology (IDTI)

 

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The Performance Relative to Peers Factor for Fiscal Year 2011 will be determined according to the following table:

 

Company Revenue Growth

Ranking, Relative to Peer

Group

 

Company Earnings Per Share

Growth Ranking, Relative to Peer

Group

 

Performance Relative to

Peers Factor

Below 50 th percentile

  Below 50 th percentile   0%

Below 50 th percentile

  At or above 50 th percentile   50%

At or above 50 th percentile

  Below 50 th percentile   50%

At or above 50 th percentile, but less than 75 th percentile

  At or above 50 th percentile, but less than 75 th percentile   100%

At or above 75 th percentile

  At or above 50 th percentile, but less than 75 th percentile   150%

At or above 50 th percentile, but less than 75 th percentile

  At or above 75 th percentile   150%

At or above 75 th percentile

  At or above 75 th percentile   200%

 

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Exhibit 10.37

LOGO

2009 LONG-TERM EQUITY INDUCEMENT PLAN

PERFORMANCE-BASED STOCK UNIT AWARD CERTIFICATE

THIS AWARD is made this [Date] (the “Award Date” ) by Semtech Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation” ), to [Name] (the “Participant” ).

R E C I T A L S

A. The Corporation has established the Corporation’s 2009 Long-Term Equity Inducement Plan (the “Plan” ) in order to provide eligible persons of the Corporation with an opportunity to acquire shares of the Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock” ).

B. The Plan Administrator has determined that it would be in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders to grant the restricted stock unit award (the “Award” ) described in this Award Certificate to the Participant as compensation, as an inducement to join and remain in the service of the Corporation, and as an incentive for increasing efforts during such service.

NOW, THEREFORE , this Award is made on the following terms and conditions:

1. Definitions and Incorporation . Capitalized terms used in this Award Certificate and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Plan. The Plan is hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Award Certificate as if fully set forth herein.

2. Award of Stock Units . Pursuant to the Plan, the Corporation hereby awards to the Participant as of the date hereof an Award with respect to [                      ] restricted stock units (subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 8 of the Plan) (the “Stock Units” ), which Stock Units are restricted and subject to forfeiture on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. As used herein, the term “Stock Unit” shall mean a non-voting unit of measurement which is deemed solely for purposes of calculating the amount of payment under the Plan and this Award Certificate to be equivalent to one outstanding share of the Common Stock (subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 8 of the Plan). The Stock Units shall be used solely as a device for the determination of the payment to eventually be paid to the Participant if such Stock Units vest pursuant to Section 4 hereof. The Stock Units shall not be treated as property or as a trust fund of any kind. The Participant acknowledges that the Plan Administrator may use a broker or other third party to facilitate its Stock Unit award recordkeeping and agrees to comply with any administrative rules and procedures regarding Stock Unit awards as may be in place from time to time. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Corporation may require that any Common Stock received under the Award be deposited in a brokerage account (in the name of the Participant) with a broker designated by the Corporation, and the Participant agrees to take such reasonable steps as the Corporation may require to open and maintain such an account.

The Participant hereby agrees that no payment under this Award certificate or any other contract, arrangement, or program shall be made to the Participant if Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, would prevent the Corporation from receiving a deduction for such payment. If, however, any payment is withheld pursuant to the previous sentence, the Corporation shall delay such payment only until the first calendar year that the Corporation may pay Participant and still receive a deduction for such payment, as determined by the Corporation.

 

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3. Rights as a Shareholder; Dividends and Voting .

(a) Limitations on Rights Associated with Units . The Participant shall have no rights as a shareholder of the Corporation, no dividend rights (except as expressly provided in Section 3(b) below with respect to dividend equivalent rights) and no voting rights, with respect to the Stock Units and any shares of Common Stock underlying such Stock Units.

(b) Dividend Equivalent Rights Distributions . In the event that the Corporation pays an ordinary cash dividend on its Common Stock and the related dividend payment record date occurs at any time after the Award Date and before all of the Stock Units subject to the Award have either been paid pursuant to Section 5 or terminated pursuant to Section 4, the Corporation shall credit the Participant as of such record date with an additional number of Stock Units equal to (i) the per-share cash dividend paid by the Corporation on its Common Stock with respect to such record date, multiplied by (ii) the total number of outstanding and unpaid Stock Units (including any dividend equivalents previously credited hereunder) (with such total number adjusted pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan and/or Section 9 hereof) subject to the Award as of such record date, divided by (iii) the fair market value of a share of Common Stock (as determined under the Plan) on such record date. Any Stock Units credited pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3(b) shall be subject to the same vesting, payment and other terms, conditions and restrictions as the original Stock Units to which they relate. No crediting of Stock Units shall be made pursuant to this Section 3(b) with respect to any Stock Units which, as of such record date, have either been paid pursuant to Section 5 or terminated pursuant to Section 4.

4. Vesting; Termination of Employment .

(a) Vesting in General . Subject to Section 4(b) below, the Award shall vest and become nonforfeitable based on the level of Cumulative Net Revenue and Cumulative Operating Income the Administrator determines have been achieved by the Corporation’s Sierra Monolithics Operating Unit (“ Sierra Monolithics ”) during the time period commencing [February 1, 2010 and ending January 29, 2012] (the “ Performance Period ”), according to the following chart:

 

       

Cumulative Operating Income During the Performance Period

(as a percentage of Cumulative Net Revenue)

        < 20%   22%   24%   26%   27%   28%
Cumulative Net Revenue During the Performance Period (expressed in millions of United States Dollars)   165   0%   90%   92%   94%   96%   100%
  163   0%   85%   87%   89%   91%   95%
  161   0%   80%   82%   84%   86%   90%
  159   0%   75%   77%   79%   81%   85%
  157   0%   70%   72%   74%   76%   80%
  < 155   0%   65%   67%   69%   71%   75%

 

2


The shaded portions of the chart indicate the percentage of the Award that will vest, subject to Section 4(b), based on the corresponding levels of Cumulative Net Revenue and Cumulative Operating Income that the Administrator determines that Sierra Monolithics achieved during the Performance Period. If Sierra Monolithic’s Cumulative Operating Income or Cumulative Net Revenue for the Performance Period is between two of the performance levels indicated above, the percentage of the Stock Units that will vest will be determined based on linear interpolation between the two performance levels (for example, if the Administrator determined that Cumulative Net Revenue equaled $160 million and Cumulative Operating Income equaled 22%, 77.5% of the Stock Units would vest (subject to Section 4(b)).

The Participant has no right to pro-rated vesting with respect to the Award if his or her services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries terminates before the end of the Performance Period, regardless of the actual levels of Cumulative Net Revenue or Cumulative Operating Income achieved or any other fact with respect to the Award (regardless of the portion of the Performance Period the Participant was in service to the Corporation and/or any of its Subsidiaries).

For the purposes of this Award, the term “Cumulative Net Revenue” means the combined Net Revenue attributable to the Sierra Monolithics business unit for the Corporation’s 2011 and 2012 fiscal years.

For the purposes of this Award, the term “Cumulative Operating Income” means the combined Operating Income attributable to the Sierra Monolithics business unit for the Corporation’s 2011 and 2012 fiscal years excluding Equity Compensation and costs of intangibles amortization.

Sierra Monolithics’ Cumulative Net Revenue and Cumulative Operating Income shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole and absolute discretion.

The levels of Cumulative net Revenue and Cumulative Operating Income set forth in the above chart may be adjusted by the Administrator in its sole and absolute discretion to take into account acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, the failure of Sierra Monolithics to operate as a stand-alone business unit for the entire Performance Period, extraordinary corporate events, and such other matters as the Administrator determines in good faith should be taken into account.

(b) Effect of Termination of Employment; End of Performance Period . If the service of the Participant with the Corporation or a Subsidiary is terminated for any reason prior to [January 29, 2012], then all of the Stock Units (and related dividends) subject to this Award shall permanently terminate as of the date of the Participant’s termination of service (the “Termination Date” ). Any of the Stock Units that do not vest at the end of the Performance Period shall permanently terminate as of the end of the Performance Period. If any unvested Stock Units are terminated hereunder, such Stock Units shall automatically terminate and be cancelled as of the Termination Date without payment of any consideration by the Corporation and without any other action by the Participant, or the Participant’s beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be.

 

3


5. Timing and Manner of Payment of Stock Units . On or as soon as practicable following (and in all events within thirty (30) days after) the vesting of any portion of the Award pursuant to Section 4(a), the Corporation shall deliver to the Participant a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Stock Units subject to the Award that vested on that particular vesting date; provided, however, that the Corporation reserves the right to settle any Stock Units credited as dividend equivalents pursuant to Section 3(b) by cash payment. In the event of such a cash payment, the cash payable with respect to a Stock Unit shall equal the fair market value of a share of Common Stock (such fair market value determined under the Plan) as of the vesting date of that Stock Unit. The Corporation’s obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock or otherwise make payment with respect to vested Stock Units is subject to the condition precedent that the Participant or other person entitled under the Plan to receive any shares with respect to the vested Stock Units deliver to the Corporation any representations or other documents or assurances required pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Plan. The Participant shall have no further rights with respect to any Stock Units that are paid pursuant to this Section 5 or that terminate pursuant to Section 4(b).

6. Non-Transferability of Award . This Award is personal and, prior to the time they have become vested pursuant to Section 4 hereof or Section 8 of the Plan, neither the Stock Units nor any rights hereunder may be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the Participant in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise), other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, nor shall any such rights be subject to execution, attachment or similar process; provided, however, that such restrictions shall not apply to transfers to the Corporation. Except as otherwise provided herein, any attempted alienation, assignment, pledge, hypothecation, attachment, execution or similar process, whether voluntary or involuntary, with respect to all or any part of the Participant’s unvested rights under this Award shall be null and void.

7. Not a Contract of Employment . Nothing in this Award Certificate gives the Participant the right to remain in the employ of or other service to the Corporation or any Subsidiary or to affect the absolute and unqualified right of the Corporation and any of its Subsidiaries to terminate the Participant’s employment or other service at any time for any reason or no reason and with or without Cause or prior notice. Except to the extent explicitly provided otherwise in a then effective written employment contract executed by the Participant and the Corporation, the Participant is an at will employee whose employment may be terminated without liability at any time for any reason. By accepting this Award, the Participant acknowledges and agrees that (a) any person who is terminated before full vesting of an award, such as the one granted to the Participant by this Award Certificate, could attempt to argue that he or she was terminated to preclude vesting, (b) the Participant promises never to make such a claim, and (c) in any event, the Participant has no right to pro-rated vesting with respect to the Award if his or her employment or other service terminates before any applicable vesting date with respect to the Award (regardless of the portion of the vesting period the Participant was actually employed by the Corporation and/or any of its Subsidiaries).

8. Tax Consequences.

(a) Tax Consultation . The Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of his or her acquisition or disposition of the Stock Units. The Participant will be solely responsible for satisfaction of any taxes that may arise (including taxes arising under Section 409A of the Code) with respect to the Award. The Corporation shall not have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes. The Corporation has not and will not provide any tax advice to the Participant. The Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax advisors to the extent he or she deems advisable in connection with the acquisition or disposition of the Stock Units.

 

4


(b) Withholding . Upon any distribution of shares of Common Stock in respect of the Stock Units, the Corporation shall automatically reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of whole shares, valued at their then fair market value (with the “fair market value” of such shares determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Plan), to satisfy any withholding obligations of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries with respect to such distribution of shares at the minimum applicable withholding rates. In the event that the Corporation cannot legally satisfy such withholding obligations by such reduction of shares, or in the event of a cash payment or any other withholding event in respect of the Stock Units, the Corporation (or a Subsidiary) shall be entitled to require a cash payment by or on behalf of the Participant and/or to deduct from other compensation payable to the Participant any sums required by federal, state or local tax law to be withheld with respect to such distribution or payment.

9. Adjustments Upon Specified Events . Upon the occurrence of certain events relating to the Corporation’s stock contemplated by Section 8 of the Plan, the Plan Administrator may make adjustments in accordance with such section in the number of Stock Units then outstanding and the number and kind of securities that may be issued in respect of the Award. No such adjustment shall be made with respect to any ordinary cash dividend for which dividend equivalents are credited pursuant to Section 3(b) of this Award Certificate.

10. Severability . In the event that any provision or portion of this Award Certificate shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part, in any jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Award Certificate shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law in such jurisdiction, and such invalidity or unenforceability shall have no effect in any other jurisdiction.

11. Binding Effect . This Award Certificate shall extend to, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Participant and the Participant’s legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns (subject, however, to the limitations set forth in Section 6 with respect to the transfer of this Award Certificate or any rights hereunder or of the Stock Units), and upon the Corporation and its successors and assigns, regardless of any change in the business structure of the Corporation, be it through spin-off, merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or any other transaction.

12. Notices . Any notice to the Corporation contemplated by this Award Certificate shall be in writing and addressed to it in care of its President; and any notice to the Participant shall be addressed to him or her at the address on file with the Corporation on the date hereof or at such other address as he or she may hereafter designate in writing.

13. Entire Agreement . This Award Certificate, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire understanding between the Corporation and the Participant with regard to the subject matter of this Award Certificate. They supersede any other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which relate to the subject matter of this Award Certificate.

14. Waiver . The waiver of any breach of any duty, term or condition of this Award Certificate shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or of any other duty, term or condition of this Award Certificate.

15. Interpretation . The interpretation, construction, performance and enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Award Certificate and the Plan shall lie within the sole discretion of the Plan Administrator, and the Plan Administrator’s determinations shall be conclusive and binding on all interested persons.

 

5


16. Choice of Law; Arbitration . This Award Certificate shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California (disregarding any choice-of-law provisions). Any dispute or disagreement regarding the Participant’s rights under this Award Certificate shall be settled solely by binding arbitration in accordance with applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association.

17. Construction . It is intended that the terms of the Award will not result in the imposition of any tax liability pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. This Award Certificate shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.

 

S EMTECH C ORPORATION
a Delaware Corporation
By:  

 

Title:  

 

 

6

Exhibit 10.38

LOGO

2009 LONG-TERM EQUITY INDUCEMENT PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD CERTIFICATE

THIS AWARD is made this [Date}(the “Award Date” ) by Semtech Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation” ), to [Name] (the “Participant” ).

R E C I T A L S

A. The Corporation has established the Corporation’s 2009 Long-Term Equity Inducement Plan (the “Plan” ) in order to provide eligible persons of the Corporation with an opportunity to acquire shares of the Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock” ).

B. The Plan Administrator has determined that it would be in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders to grant the restricted stock unit award (the “Award” ) described in this Award Certificate to the Participant as compensation, as an inducement to join and remain in the service of the Corporation, and as an incentive for increasing efforts during such service.

NOW, THEREFORE , this Award is made on the following terms and conditions:

1. Definitions and Incorporation . Capitalized terms used in this Award Certificate and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Plan. The Plan is hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Award Certificate as if fully set forth herein.

2. Award of Stock Units . Pursuant to the Plan, the Corporation hereby awards to the Participant as of the date hereof an Award with respect to [                      ] restricted stock units (subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 8 of the Plan) (the “Stock Units” ), which Stock Units are restricted and subject to forfeiture on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. As used herein, the term “Stock Unit” shall mean a non-voting unit of measurement which is deemed solely for purposes of calculating the amount of payment under the Plan and this Award Certificate to be equivalent to one outstanding share of the Common Stock (subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 8 of the Plan). The Stock Units shall be used solely as a device for the determination of the payment to eventually be paid to the Participant if such Stock Units vest pursuant to Section 4 hereof. The Stock Units shall not be treated as property or as a trust fund of any kind. The Participant acknowledges that the Plan Administrator may use a broker or other third party to facilitate its Stock Unit award recordkeeping and agrees to comply with any administrative rules and procedures regarding Stock Unit awards as may be in place from time to time. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Corporation may require that any Common Stock received under the Award be deposited in a brokerage account (in the name of the Participant) with a broker designated by the Corporation, and the Participant agrees to take such reasonable steps as the Corporation may require to open and maintain such an account.

The Participant hereby agrees that no payment under this Award certificate or any other contract, arrangement, or program shall be made to the Participant if Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, would prevent the Corporation from receiving a deduction for such payment. If, however, any payment is withheld pursuant to the previous sentence, the Corporation shall delay such payment only until the first calendar year that the Corporation may pay Participant and still receive a deduction for such payment, as determined by the Corporation.

 

1


3. Rights as a Shareholder; Dividends and Voting .

(a) Limitations on Rights Associated with Units . The Participant shall have no rights as a shareholder of the Corporation, no dividend rights (except as expressly provided in Section 3(b) below with respect to dividend equivalent rights) and no voting rights, with respect to the Stock Units and any shares of Common Stock underlying such Stock Units.

(b) Dividend Equivalent Rights Distributions . In the event that the Corporation pays an ordinary cash dividend on its Common Stock and the related dividend payment record date occurs at any time after the Award Date and before all of the Stock Units subject to the Award have either been paid pursuant to Section 5 or terminated pursuant to Section 4, the Corporation shall credit the Participant as of such record date with an additional number of Stock Units equal to (i) the per-share cash dividend paid by the Corporation on its Common Stock with respect to such record date, multiplied by (ii) the total number of outstanding and unpaid Stock Units (including any dividend equivalents previously credited hereunder) (with such total number adjusted pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan and/or Section 9 hereof) subject to the Award as of such record date, divided by (iii) the fair market value of a share of Common Stock (as determined under the Plan) on such record date. Any Stock Units credited pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 3(b) shall be subject to the same vesting, payment and other terms, conditions and restrictions as the original Stock Units to which they relate. No crediting of Stock Units shall be made pursuant to this Section 3(b) with respect to any Stock Units which, as of such record date, have either been paid pursuant to Section 5 or terminated pursuant to Section 4.

4. Vesting; Termination of Employment .

(a) Vesting in General . Subject to Section 4(b) below, the Award shall vest and become nonforfeitable with respect to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total number of Stock Units (subject to adjustment under Section 8 of the Plan) on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Award Date. The Participant has no right to pro-rated vesting with respect to the Award if his or her services to the Corporation or one of its Subsidiaries terminates before any applicable vesting date with respect to the Award (regardless of the portion of the vesting period the Participant was in service to the Corporation and/or any of its Subsidiaries).

(b) Effect of Termination of Employment . If the service of the Participant with the Corporation or a Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, then the Stock Units (and related dividends) which have not vested as of the date of the Participant’s termination of service (the “Termination Date” ) shall terminate. If any unvested Stock Units are terminated hereunder, such Stock Units shall automatically terminate and be cancelled as of the applicable Termination Date without payment of any consideration by the Corporation and without any other action by the Participant, or the Participant’s beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be.

5. Timing and Manner of Payment of Stock Units . On or as soon as practicable following (and in all events within thirty (30) days after) the vesting of any portion of the Award pursuant to Section 4(a), the Corporation shall deliver to the Participant a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Stock Units subject to the Award that vested on that particular vesting date; provided, however, that the Corporation reserves the right to settle any Stock Units credited as dividend equivalents pursuant to Section 3(b) by cash payment. In the

 

2


event of such a cash payment, the cash payable with respect to a Stock Unit shall equal the fair market value of a share of Common Stock (such fair market value determined under the Plan) as of the vesting date of that Stock Unit. The Corporation’s obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock or otherwise make payment with respect to vested Stock Units is subject to the condition precedent that the Participant or other person entitled under the Plan to receive any shares with respect to the vested Stock Units deliver to the Corporation any representations or other documents or assurances required pursuant to Section 9.1 of the Plan. The Participant shall have no further rights with respect to any Stock Units that are paid pursuant to this Section 5 or that terminate pursuant to Section 4(b).

6. Non-Transferability of Award . This Award is personal and, prior to the time they have become vested pursuant to Section 4 hereof or Section 8 of the Plan, neither the Stock Units nor any rights hereunder may be transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated by the Participant in any way (whether by operation of law or otherwise), other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, nor shall any such rights be subject to execution, attachment or similar process; provided, however, that such restrictions shall not apply to transfers to the Corporation. Except as otherwise provided herein, any attempted alienation, assignment, pledge, hypothecation, attachment, execution or similar process, whether voluntary or involuntary, with respect to all or any part of the Participant’s unvested rights under this Award shall be null and void.

7. Not a Contract of Employment . Nothing in this Award Certificate gives the Participant the right to remain in the employ of or other service to the Corporation or any Subsidiary or to affect the absolute and unqualified right of the Corporation and any of its Subsidiaries to terminate the Participant’s employment or other service at any time for any reason or no reason and with or without Cause or prior notice. Except to the extent explicitly provided otherwise in a then effective written employment contract executed by the Participant and the Corporation, the Participant is an at will employee whose employment may be terminated without liability at any time for any reason. By accepting this Award, the Participant acknowledges and agrees that (a) any person who is terminated before full vesting of an award, such as the one granted to the Participant by this Award Certificate, could attempt to argue that he or she was terminated to preclude vesting, (b) the Participant promises never to make such a claim, and (c) in any event, the Participant has no right to pro-rated vesting with respect to the Award if his or her employment or other service terminates before any applicable vesting date with respect to the Award (regardless of the portion of the vesting period the Participant was actually employed by the Corporation and/or any of its Subsidiaries).

8. Tax Consequences .

(a) Tax Consultation . The Participant may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of his or her acquisition or disposition of the Stock Units. The Participant will be solely responsible for satisfaction of any taxes that may arise (including taxes arising under Section 409A of the Code) with respect to the Award. The Corporation shall not have any obligation whatsoever to pay such taxes. The Corporation has not and will not provide any tax advice to the Participant. The Participant should consult with his or her own personal tax advisors to the extent he or she deems advisable in connection with the acquisition or disposition of the Stock Units.

(b) Withholding . Upon any distribution of shares of Common Stock in respect of the Stock Units, the Corporation shall automatically reduce the number of shares to be delivered by (or otherwise reacquire) the appropriate number of whole shares, valued at their then fair market value (with the “fair market value” of such shares determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Plan), to satisfy any withholding obligations of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries with respect to such distribution of shares at the minimum applicable withholding rates. In the event that the Corporation cannot legally

 

3


satisfy such withholding obligations by such reduction of shares, or in the event of a cash payment or any other withholding event in respect of the Stock Units, the Corporation (or a Subsidiary) shall be entitled to require a cash payment by or on behalf of the Participant and/or to deduct from other compensation payable to the Participant any sums required by federal, state or local tax law to be withheld with respect to such distribution or payment.

9. Adjustments Upon Specified Events . Upon the occurrence of certain events relating to the Corporation’s stock contemplated by Section 8 of the Plan, the Plan Administrator may make adjustments in accordance with such section in the number of Stock Units then outstanding and the number and kind of securities that may be issued in respect of the Award. No such adjustment shall be made with respect to any ordinary cash dividend for which dividend equivalents are credited pursuant to Section 3(b) of this Award Certificate.

10. Severability . In the event that any provision or portion of this Award Certificate shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in whole or in part, in any jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Award Certificate shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect to the fullest extent permitted by law in such jurisdiction, and such invalidity or unenforceability shall have no effect in any other jurisdiction.

11. Binding Effect . This Award Certificate shall extend to, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Participant and the Participant’s legal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns (subject, however, to the limitations set forth in Section 6 with respect to the transfer of this Award Certificate or any rights hereunder or of the Stock Units), and upon the Corporation and its successors and assigns, regardless of any change in the business structure of the Corporation, be it through spin-off, merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or any other transaction.

12. Notices . Any notice to the Corporation contemplated by this Award Certificate shall be in writing and addressed to it in care of its President; and any notice to the Participant shall be addressed to him or her at the address on file with the Corporation on the date hereof or at such other address as he or she may hereafter designate in writing.

13. Entire Agreement . This Award Certificate, together with the Plan, constitutes the entire understanding between the Corporation and the Participant with regard to the subject matter of this Award Certificate. They supersede any other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which relate to the subject matter of this Award Certificate.

14. Waiver . The waiver of any breach of any duty, term or condition of this Award Certificate shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or of any other duty, term or condition of this Award Certificate.

15. Interpretation . The interpretation, construction, performance and enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Award Certificate and the Plan shall lie within the sole discretion of the Plan Administrator, and the Plan Administrator’s determinations shall be conclusive and binding on all interested persons.

16. Choice of Law; Arbitration . This Award Certificate shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California (disregarding any choice-of-law provisions). Any dispute or disagreement regarding the Participant’s rights under this Award Certificate shall be settled solely by binding arbitration in accordance with applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association.

17. Construction . It is intended that the terms of the Award will not result in the imposition of any tax liability pursuant to Section 409A of the Code. This Award Certificate shall be construed and interpreted consistent with that intent.

 

S EMTECH C ORPORATION
a Delaware Corporation
By:  

 

Title:  

 

 

4

Exhibit 21.1

Subsidiaries of Semtech Corporation

 

 

Semtech Corpus Christi Corporation (a Texas corporation)

 

   

Semtech Corpus Christi, S.A. de C.V. (a Mexican corporation)

 

 

Semtech New York Corporation (a Delaware corporation)

 

 

Semtech San Diego Corporation (a California corporation)

 

 

Sierra Monolithics, Inc. (a California corporation)

 

 

Semtech (International) AG (a Swiss company limited by shares)

 

   

Semtech France SARL

 

   

Semtech Germany GmbH

 

   

Semtech Switzerland GmbH

 

   

Semtech Limited (a private limited company under the Companies Act 1948 to 1967 of the United Kingdom, registered in Scotland)

 

   

Semtech Neuchâtel SARL (a Swiss limited liability company)

 

   

Semtech Semiconductor (Shenzhen) Company Limited

 

   

Swiss Heights SdnBhd

 

   

Semtech Semiconductor Holdings Limited

 

   

Semtech Semiconductor (Chengdu) Co. Ltd.

 

   

Semtech Semiconductor (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 033-85156), filed October 14, 1994 with respect to registration of 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s 1994 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 033-85158), with respect to registration of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s 1994 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-00597), filed January 31, 1996 with respect to registration of 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s 1994 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-00599), filed January 31, 1996 with respect to registration of 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s 1994 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-27777) filed May 23, 1997 with respect to registration of 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for the 1994-Long Term Stock Incentive Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-44033), filed January 9, 1998 with respect to registration of 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s 1994 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-80319), filed June 9, 1999 with respect to registration of 2,150,868 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-95183), filed January 21, 2000 with respect to registration of 495,403 shares of the Company’s common stock in conjunction with the acquisition of USAR Systems, Incorporated;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-50448) filed November 22, 2000 with respect to registration of 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s Non-Director and Non-Executive Officer Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-60396) filed May 8, 2001 with respect to registration of 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s Non-Director and Non-Executive Officer Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan and 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for Non-Statutory Stock Option Grants made to Directors in December 1997;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-118802) filed September 3, 2004 with respect to registration of 550,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for Non-Qualified Stock Option Grants made to certain executive officers in November 2002 and April 2004;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-118804) filed September 3, 2004 with respect to registration of 4,902,200 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-142151) filed April 16, 2007 with respect to registration of 3,097,800 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan;

 

the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-142153) filed April 16, 2007 with respect to registration of 600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for Non-Qualified Stock Option Grants and Restricted Stock Awards to Chief Executive Officer Maheswaran; and

 

The Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-152939) filed August 11, 2008 with respect to registration of 11,791,337 shares of the Company’s common stock for the Company’s 2008 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.

 

The Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Semtech Corporation (File No. 333-163780) filed December 16, 2009 with respect to registration of 796,661 shares of Semtech’s common stock for Semtech’s 2009 Long-Term Equity Inducement Plan, 266,020 shares of Semtech’s common stock for Semtech’s 2000 SMI Assumed Plan and 683,205 shares of Semtech’s common stock for Semtech’s 2007 SMI Assumed Plan.

of our reports dated April 1, 2010, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Semtech Corporation, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Semtech Corporation, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 31, 2010.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Westlake Village, California

April 1, 2010

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Mohan R. Maheswaran, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Semtech Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report.

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 1, 2010

/s/ Mohan R. Maheswaran

Mohan R. Maheswaran
President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Emeka Chukwu, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Semtech Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report.

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

 

  (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: April 1, 2010

/s/ Emeka Chukwu

Emeka Chukwu
Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Semtech Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mohan R. Maheswaran, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: April 1, 2010

/s/ Mohan R. Maheswaran

Mohan R. Maheswaran
President and Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Semtech Corporation and will be retained by Semtech Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The information contained in this Exhibit 32.1 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. The information in this Exhibit 32.1 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 to this Exhibit 32.1 in such filing.

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Semtech Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2010 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Emeka Chukwu, Chief Financial Officer, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date: April 1, 2010

/s/ Emeka Chukwu

Emeka Chukwu
Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Semtech Corporation and will be retained by Semtech Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The information contained in this Exhibit 32.2 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. The information in this Exhibit 32.2 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 to this Exhibit 32.2 in such filing.