Altera_2011Q2_10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
[x]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended July 1, 2011
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 0-16617
 
 
 
ALTERA CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
DELAWARE
 
77-0016691
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization) 
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
101 INNOVATION DRIVE
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95134
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
408-544-7000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
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 Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See 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]

Number of shares of common stock outstanding at July 13, 2011: 324,000,618
 
 
 

 
PAGE
NUMBER
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1:     Financial Statements

ALTERA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except par value amount)
 
July 1,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
Assets
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,267,370

 
$
2,765,196

Accounts receivable, net
 
383,510

 
363,614

Inventories
 
123,312

 
146,524

Deferred income taxes — current
 
67,859

 
66,839

Deferred compensation plan — marketable securities
 
57,300

 
54,419

Deferred compensation plan — restricted cash equivalents
 
17,899

 
19,817

Other current assets
 
71,607

 
114,601

Total current assets
 
3,988,857

 
3,531,010

Property and equipment, net
 
162,295

 
164,155

Deferred income taxes — non-current
 
27,928

 
37,319

Other assets, net
 
28,669

 
27,353

Total assets
 
$
4,207,749

 
$
3,759,837

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
52,688

 
$
86,061

Accrued liabilities
 
25,888

 
23,278

Accrued compensation and related liabilities
 
62,021

 
83,773

Deferred compensation plan obligations
 
75,199

 
74,236

Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors
 
380,788

 
428,711

Income taxes payable
 
—

 
428

Total current liabilities
 
596,584

 
696,487

Income taxes payable — non-current
 
245,182

 
231,833

Long-term credit facility
 
500,000

 
500,000

Other non-current liabilities
 
8,892

 
7,865

Total liabilities
 
1,350,658

 
1,436,185

Commitments and contingencies
 


 


(See “Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies”)
 
 
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock: $.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding - 323,966 at July 1, 2011 and 319,494 shares at December 31, 2010
 
324

 
319

Capital in excess of par value
 
1,047,694

 
908,989

Retained earnings
 
1,809,073

 
1,414,344

Total stockholders' equity
 
2,857,091

 
2,323,652

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
4,207,749

 
$
3,759,837


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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ALTERA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
Net sales
 
$
548,383

 
$
469,300

 
$
1,084,196

 
$
871,595

Cost of sales
 
159,716

 
132,811

 
306,626

 
247,747

Gross margin
 
388,667

 
336,489

 
777,570

 
623,848

Research and development expense
 
80,260

 
65,625

 
154,668

 
129,965

Selling, general, and administrative expense
 
70,182

 
64,767

 
139,204

 
126,948

Compensation expense (benefit) — deferred compensation plan
 
54

 
(3,642
)
 
1,716

 
(1,414
)
(Gain) loss on deferred compensation plan securities
 
(54
)
 
3,642

 
(1,716
)
 
1,414

Interest income and other
 
(957
)
 
(710
)
 
(1,842
)
 
(1,302
)
Interest expense
 
870

 
1,103

 
1,911

 
2,394

Income before income taxes
 
238,312

 
205,704

 
483,629

 
365,843

Income tax expense
 
23,685

 
25,097

 
44,933

 
32,063

Net income
 
$
214,627

 
$
180,607

 
$
438,696

 
$
333,780

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.66

 
$
0.59

 
$
1.36

 
$
1.11

Diluted
 
$
0.65

 
$
0.58

 
$
1.33

 
$
1.09

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares used in computing per share amounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
323,271

 
304,531

 
322,145

 
301,532

Diluted
 
329,904

 
310,757

 
328,874

 
307,526

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends per common share
 
$
0.06

 
$
0.05

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.10


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


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ALTERA CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
438,696

 
$
333,780

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
15,214

 
13,504

Stock-based compensation
37,432

 
29,749

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
4,897

 
(11,296
)
Tax effect of employee stock plans
17,048

 
6,996

Excess tax benefit from employee stock plans
(14,589
)
 
(6,465
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
(19,896
)
 
(139,862
)
Inventories
23,212

 
(30,250
)
Other assets
43,638

 
(15,637
)
Accounts payable and other liabilities
(53,532
)
 
63,756

Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors
(47,923
)
 
113,544

Income taxes payable
12,921

 
24,146

Deferred compensation plan obligations
(754
)
 
(3,374
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
456,364

 
378,591

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
(9,796
)
 
(4,350
)
Sales of deferred compensation plan securities, net
754

 
3,374

Net cash used in investing activities
(9,042
)
 
(976
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock through various stock plans
87,122

 
175,386

Shares withheld for employee taxes
(8,178
)
 
(6,159
)
Payment of dividends to stockholders
(38,681
)
 
(30,137
)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
14,589

 
6,465

Principal payments on capital lease obligations
—

 
(2,627
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
54,852

 
142,928

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
502,174

 
520,543

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
2,765,196

 
1,546,672

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
3,267,370

 
$
2,067,215


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



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ALTERA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1 — Organization and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Altera Corporation and its subsidiaries, collectively referred to herein as “Altera”, “we”, “us”, or “our”, have been prepared by us in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. This financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of our management, of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. The December 31, 2010 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The consolidated financial statements include our accounts as well as those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant inter-company balances and transactions.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed on February 16, 2011 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The consolidated operating results for the three or six months ended July 1, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

Note 2 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued amended guidance on fair value measurement and related disclosures. The new guidance clarified the concepts applicable for fair value measurement of non-financial assets and requires the disclosure of quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in a fair value measurement. This guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and will be applied prospectively. We are in the process of evaluating the financial and disclosure impact of this guidance. We do not anticipate a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of this amended guidance.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance eliminates one of the presentation options provided by current U.S. GAAP, that is to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. In addition, it gives an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and will be applied retrospectively. We are in the process of evaluating the disclosure impact of this guidance.

Note 3 — Accounts Receivable, Net and Significant Customers

Accounts receivable, net was comprised of the following:

(In thousands)
 
July 1,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
Gross accounts receivable
 
$
384,010

 
$
364,114

Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(500
)
 
(500
)
Accounts receivable, net
 
$
383,510

 
$
363,614









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We sell our products to original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, and to electronic components distributors who resell these products to OEMs, or their subcontract manufacturers. Net sales by customer type and net sales to significant customers were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
(Percentage of Net Sales)
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales to distributors
 
70
%
 
84
%
 
73
%
 
85
%
Sales to OEMs
 
30
%
 
16
%
 
27
%
 
15
%
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant Distributors(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Arrow Electronics, Inc. ( “Arrow”)
 
36
%
 
48
%
 
39
%
 
48
%
Macnica, Inc. (“Macnica”)
 
20
%
 
20
%
 
20
%
 
19
%

(1)    Except as presented above, no other distributor accounted for greater than 10% of our net sales for the quarterly or year-to-date periods ended July 1, 2011 or July 2, 2010.

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., an OEM, accounted for 14% and 13% of our net sales for the quarterly and year-to-date periods ended July 1, 2011, respectively. No other individual OEM accounted for more than 10% of our net sales for the quarterly or year-to-date periods ended July 1, 2011. No individual OEM accounted for more than 10% of our net sales for the quarterly or year-to-date periods ended July 2, 2010.

As of July 1, 2011, accounts receivable from Arrow, Macnica and Avnet, Inc. including its affiliates (“Avnet”) individually accounted for approximately 41%, 32% and 11%, respectively, of our total accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2010, accounts receivable from Arrow, Macnica and Avnet individually accounted for approximately 18%, 51% and 12%, respectively, of our total accounts receivable. No other distributor or OEM accounted for more than 10% of our accounts receivable as of July 1, 2011 or December 31, 2010. Accounts receivable from distributors may not be proportionate to net sales and may fluctuate on a quarterly basis due to varying factors, including inventory levels held by distributors and timing of price concessions and payments.
 
Note 4 — Inventories

Inventories were comprised of the following:

(In thousands)
 
July 1,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
Raw materials
 
$
8,651

 
$
9,833

Work in process
 
71,563

 
90,627

Finished goods
 
43,098

 
46,064

Total inventories
 
$
123,312

 
$
146,524


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Note 5 — Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net was comprised of the following:

(In thousands)
 
July 1,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
Land and land rights
 
$
23,108

 
$
23,108

Buildings
 
146,964

 
146,604

Equipment and software
 
215,210

 
206,935

Office furniture and fixtures
 
23,036

 
22,952

Leasehold improvements
 
6,538

 
6,773

Construction in progress
 
4,339

 
3,406

Property and equipment, at cost
 
419,195

 
409,778

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(256,900
)
 
(245,623
)
Property and equipment, net
 
$
162,295

 
$
164,155


Depreciation expense includes the amortization of assets recorded under capital leases. Depreciation expense was $6.9 million and $13.7 million for the three and six months ended July 1, 2011, respectively. Depreciation expense was $6.4 million and $13.4 million for the three and six months ended July 2, 2010, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense as presented in our consolidated statements of cash flows includes the above amounts, together with amortization expense on our intangible assets. Intangible asset amortization expense was not significant for any period presented in our consolidated statements of income.

Assets held under capital leases, included in Equipment and software as presented above, totaled $2.1 million (net of accumulated amortization of $13.4 million) as of July 1, 2011 and $5.0 million (net of accumulated amortization of $11.3 million) as of December 31, 2010.

Note 6 — Deferred Income and Allowances on Sales to Distributors
 
Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors was comprised of the following:

(In thousands)
 
July 1,
2011
 
December 31,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred revenue on shipment to distributors
 
$
413,031

 
$
529,332

Deferred cost of sales on shipment to distributors
 
(36,377
)
 
(42,044
)
Deferred income on shipment to distributors
 
376,654

 
487,288

Advances to distributors
 
(4,683
)
 
(66,495
)
Other deferred revenue (1)
 
8,817

 
7,918

Total
 
$
380,788

 
$
428,711


(1)    Principally represents revenue deferred on our software and intellectual property licenses.
 














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The deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors activity for the six months ended July 1, 2011 and July 2, 2010 was as follows:

 
 
Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
428,711

 
$
281,885

Deferred revenue recognized upon shipment to distributors
 
2,633,755

 
4,216,374

Deferred costs of sales recognized upon shipment to distributors
 
(169,519
)
 
(246,151
)
Decrease/(increase) in advances to distributors
 
61,812

 
(96,456
)
Revenue recognized upon sell-through to end customers
 
(654,099
)
 
(744,607
)
Costs of sales recognized upon sell-through to end customers
 
162,787

 
217,260

Earned distributor price concessions (1)
 
(1,990,272
)
 
(3,188,650
)
Returns
 
(93,286
)
 
(43,300
)
Increase/(decrease) in other deferred revenue
 
899

 
(926
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
380,788

 
$
395,429


(1)    Average aggregate price concessions typically range from 65% to 80% of our list price on an annual basis, depending upon the composition of our sales, volumes, and factors associated with timing of shipments to distributors.

We sell the majority of our products to distributors worldwide at a list price. However, distributors resell our products to end customers at a very broad range of individually negotiated prices based on a variety of factors, including customer, product, quantity, geography and competitive differentiation. The majority of our distributors' sales to their customers are priced at a discount from our list price. Under these circumstances, we remit back to the distributor a portion of its original purchase price after the resale transaction is completed and we validate the distributor's resale information, including end customer, device, quantity and price, against the distributor price concession that we have approved in advance. To receive price concessions, distributors must submit the price concession claims to us for approval within 60 days of the resale of the product to an end customer. It is our practice to apply these negotiated price discounts to future purchases, requiring the distributor to settle receivable balances, on a current basis, generally within 30 days, for amounts originally invoiced. This practice has an adverse impact on the working capital of our distributors. As such, we have entered into agreements with certain distributors whereby we advance cash to the distributors to reduce the distributor's working capital requirements. These advances are settled in cash at least on a quarterly basis and are estimated based on the amount of ending inventory as reported by the distributor multiplied by a negotiated percentage. Such advances have no impact on revenue recognition or our consolidated statements of income and are a component of Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors on our consolidated balance sheets. We continuously process discounts taken by distributors against our Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors. We adjust the recorded amount of the distributor advances based on cash settlements at the end of each quarter. These advances are set forth in binding legal agreements and are unsecured, bear no interest on unsettled balances, and are due upon demand. The agreements governing these advances can be canceled by us at any time.

Total price concessions earned by distributors were $2.0 billion and $3.2 billion for the six months ended July 1, 2011 and July 2, 2010, respectively. The 2011 decrease in price concessions results from proportionately higher sales to OEMs in 2011 and higher sales to certain distributors at prices reflecting negotiated discounted end customer prices.
    
We also enter into arrangements that, in substance, finance distributors' accounts receivable and inventory. The amounts advanced are classified as Other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets and totaled $24.2 million as of July 1, 2011 and $66.3 million as of December 31, 2010. These arrangements are set forth in binding legal agreements and are unsecured, bear no interest on unsettled balances, and are due upon demand.

Note 7 — Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended July 1, 2011 or July 2, 2010 is equal to net income as presented in our consolidated statements of income. There were no other items representing comprehensive income for the three or six month periods ended July 1, 2011 or July 2, 2010.


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Note 8 — Income Per Share

A reconciliation of basic and diluted income per share is presented below:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
214,627

 
$
180,607

 
$
438,696

 
$
333,780

Basic weighted shares outstanding
 
323,271

 
304,531

 
322,145

 
301,532

Net income per share
 
$
0.66

 
$
0.59

 
$
1.36

 
$
1.11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
214,627

 
$
180,607

 
$
438,696

 
$
333,780

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted shares outstanding
 
323,271

 
304,531

 
322,145

 
301,532

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options, ESPP, and restricted stock unit shares
 
6,633

 
6,226

 
6,729

 
5,994

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted weighted shares outstanding
 
329,904

 
310,757

 
328,874

 
307,526

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share
 
$
0.65

 
$
0.58

 
$
1.33

 
$
1.09


In applying the treasury stock method, we excluded 0.8 million and 0.6 million stock option shares for the three and six months ended July 1, 2011, respectively, and 2.5 million and 6.6 million stock option shares for the three and six months ended July 2, 2010, respectively, because their effect was anti-dilutive. While these stock option shares have been anti-dilutive, they could be dilutive in the future. All restricted stock units outstanding as of July 1, 2011 and July 2, 2010 were included in our treasury stock method calculation.
 
Note 9 — Long-term Credit Facility

Our total borrowings under our $750 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) as of July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were $500 million. Borrowings under the Facility bear interest at either a Eurodollar rate (“LIBOR”) or a Prime rate, at our option, plus an applicable margin based upon certain financial ratios, determined and payable quarterly. The interest rate as of July 1, 2011 was LIBOR plus 0.27%. In addition, we pay a facility fee on the entire Facility. This facility fee varies with certain financial ratios and was 0.08% as of July 1, 2011. The principal amount of borrowings, together with accrued interest, is due on the maturity date in August 2012. As of July 1, 2011, $250 million was available under the Facility.

The terms of the Facility require compliance with certain financial covenants that require us to maintain specified financial ratios related to interest coverage and financial leverage. As of July 1, 2011, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies

Indemnification and Product Warranty

We indemnify certain customers, distributors, suppliers, and subcontractors for attorney's fees and damages and costs awarded against these parties in certain circumstances in which our products are alleged to infringe third party intellectual property rights including patents, trade secrets, trademarks, or copyrights. We cannot estimate the amount of potential future payments, if any, that we might be required to make as a result of these agreements. To date, we have not paid any claim or been required to defend any action related to our indemnification obligations, and accordingly, we have not accrued any amounts for such indemnification obligations. However, we may record charges in the future as a result of these indemnification obligations.

We generally warrant our devices for one year, against defects in materials, workmanship and material non-conformance to our specifications. We accrue for known warranty issues if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated, and accrue for

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estimated but unidentified issues based on historical activity. If there is a material increase in customer claims compared with our historical experience or if the costs of servicing warranty claims are greater than expected, we may record a charge against cost of sales. Warranty expense was not significant for any period presented in our consolidated statements of income.

Purchase Obligations

We depend entirely upon subcontractors to manufacture our silicon wafers and provide assembly and test services. Due to lengthy subcontractor lead times, we must order these materials and services from these subcontractors well in advance, and we are obligated to pay for the materials and services once they are completed. As of July 1, 2011, we had approximately $196.3 million of outstanding purchase commitments to such subcontractors. We expect to receive and pay for these materials and services over the next six months.

Operating Leases

We lease facilities under non-cancelable lease agreements expiring at various times through 2021. In June 2011, we entered into an operating lease with a term of 10 years and a total lease payment commitment of $11.4 million.

Legal Proceedings

We are named as a party to a lawsuit concerning our historical stock option practices and related accounting and reporting.

In May and July 2006, we were notified that three shareholder derivative lawsuits had been filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Santa Clara, by persons identifying themselves as Altera shareholders and purporting to act on behalf of Altera, naming Altera Corporation as a nominal defendant and naming some of our current and former officers and directors as defendants. On July 12, 2006, one of these derivative actions was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff shareholder. The remaining two derivative lawsuits pending in Santa Clara Superior Court were consolidated into a single action on September 5, 2006. Plaintiffs filed a second amended consolidated complaint on December 15, 2006. On January 30, 2007, Altera and the defendants filed a motion to stay this action pending resolution of the federal derivative action (discussed below). On February 11, 2009, one of the remaining derivative plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed his derivative claims and, on March 20, 2009, the other remaining derivative plaintiff filed a third amended complaint. In June 2009, Altera and the defendants demurred to the third amended complaint. After the court issued a tentative ruling in favor of Altera, the parties agreed to stay the action in order to allow plaintiff to serve a demand on Altera's board of directors. The plaintiff served the demand on November 4, 2009. In the first quarter of 2010, the board of directors completed its review of the demand and decided to reject plantiff's demand. On June 1, 2010, the plaintiff filed a fourth amended complaint, alleging that the board of director’s decision to reject plaintiff’s demand was wrongful. On July 15, 2010, Altera demurred to the fourth amended complaint. In October 2010, the court dismissed plaintiff's fourth amended complaint and granted plaintiff leave to file a fifth amended complaint. On November 4, 2010, the plaintiff filed a fifth amended complaint, alleging that Altera's board of directors wrongfully refused his demand. On December 10, 2010, Altera, joined by the individual defendants, demurred to the fifth amended complaint. On March 23, 2011, the plaintiff entered into a stipulation agreeing to voluntarily dismiss the action with prejudice.  On April 21, 2011, the court entered an order dismissing the action with prejudice and set a dismissal review hearing for June 24, 2011.  The April 2011 order dismissing the action with prejudice was finalized at the June 2011 dismissal review hearing.

Plaintiff asserts claims against the individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, violations of California Corporation Code section 25402, breach of fiduciary duty for insider selling and misappropriation of information, and deceit. Plaintiff's claims concern the granting of stock options by Altera between 1994 and 2001 and the alleged filing of false and misleading financial statements between 1994 and 2006. All of these claims are asserted derivatively on behalf of Altera. Plaintiff seeks, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants and a judgment directing Altera to reform its corporate governance practices.

During the months of May, June, and July 2006, four other derivative lawsuits were filed by purported Altera shareholders, on behalf of Altera, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. On August 8, 2006, these actions were consolidated, and the plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint on November 30, 2006. On September 15, 2008, the plaintiffs voluntarily agreed to dismiss the case. On September 18, 2008, the court entered an order dismissing the case.

On December 8, 2010, Intellectual Ventures I LLC and Intellectual Ventures II LLC (“Intellectual Ventures”) filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Altera, Microsemi Corporation, and Lattice Semiconductor Corporation alleging that Altera is infringing five patents.  The complaint requests unspecified monetary damages including enhanced damages for willful infringement. In February 2011, Intellectual Ventures filed a First Amended Complaint adding Xilinx, Inc. as a defendant. In March 2011, Altera answered the complaint and asserted counterclaims against Intellectual Ventures

11
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for non-infringement and invalidity of the asserted patents. In April 2011, Altera filed a motion in the District of Delaware to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.  Intellectual Ventures opposed the motion, which is still pending before the court. Because the case is at a very early stage, it is not possible for us to determine whether there is a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred nor can we estimate the range of potential loss.

On June 24, 2011, Altera filed an action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against LSI Corporation and Agere Systems, Inc. (collectively “LSI”). The action alleges that LSI infringes various patents owned by Altera and also seeks a declaratory judgment that Altera does not infringe various patents owned by LSI and/or Agere (the “LSI patents”) and that the LSI patents are invalid. Because the case is at a very early stage, it is not possible for us to determine whether there is a reasonable possibility that a loss has been incurred nor can we estimate the range of potential loss.

Note 11 — Stock-Based Compensation

Our stock-based compensation plans include the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and the 1987 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”).

2005 Plan

Our equity incentive program is a broad-based, long-term retention program intended to attract, motivate, and retain talented employees as well as align stockholder and employee interests. The 2005 Plan provides stock-based incentive compensation (“awards”) to both our eligible employees and non-employee directors. Awards that may be granted under the 2005 Plan include non-qualified and incentive stock options, restricted stock units (“RSU”s), performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSU”s), restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, and stock bonus awards. To date, awards granted under the 2005 Plan consist of stock options, RSUs and PRSUs. The majority of stock-based awards granted under the 2005 Plan vest over four years. Stock options granted under the 2005 Plan have a maximum contractual term of ten years. On May 10, 2011, our stockholders approved an amendment to the 2005 Plan to increase the shares reserved for future issuance by 10 million. As of July 1, 2011, the 2005 Plan had a total of 34.5 million shares reserved for future issuance, of which 24.0 million shares were available for future grants.

A summary of activity for our RSUs and PRSUs for the six months ended July 1, 2011 and information regarding RSUs and PRSUs outstanding and expected to vest as of July 1, 2011 is as follows:
(In thousands, except per share
amounts and terms)
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Market Value Per Share
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual
Term (in Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1)
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
 
7,613

 
$
22.95

 
 
 
 
Grants
 
1,240

 
$
42.66

 
 
 
 
Vested
 
(644
)
 
$
20.32

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
(208
)
 
$
24.81

 
 
 
 
Outstanding, July 1, 2011
 
8,001

 
$
26.16

 
1.4

 
$
380,266

Vested and expected to vest, July 1, 2011
 
7,147

 
$
26.16

 
1.3

 
$
339,687


(1)    Aggregate intrinsic value represents the closing price per share of our stock on July 1, 2011, multiplied by the number of RSUs and PRSUs outstanding or vested and expected to vest as of July 1, 2011.















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A summary of stock option activity for the six months ended July 1, 2011 and information regarding stock options outstanding, exercisable, and vested and expected to vest as of July 1, 2011 is as follows:
(In thousands, except per share
amounts and terms)
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual
Term (in Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1)
Outstanding, December 31, 2010
 
10,179

 
$
20.61

 
 
 
 
Grants
 
766

 
$
42.63

 
 
 
 
Exercises
 
(3,626
)
 
$
21.54

 
 
 
 
Forfeited/Cancelled/Expired
 
(27
)
 
$
21.61

 
 
 
 
Outstanding, July 1, 2011
 
7,292

 
$
22.48

 
3.9

 
$
182,629

Exercisable, July 1, 2011
 
6,253

 
$
20.29

 
3.1

 
$
170,319

Vested and expected to vest, July 1, 2011
 
7,139

 
$
22.13

 
3.8

 
$
181,359


(1)    For those stock options with an exercise price below the closing price per share on July 1, 2011, aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the exercise price and the closing price per share of our common stock on July 1, 2011, multiplied by the number of stock options outstanding, exercisable, or vested and expected to vest as of July 1, 2011.

For the three and six months ended July 1, 2011, 1.2 million and 3.6 million non-qualified stock option shares were exercised, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the three and six months ended July 1, 2011 was $33.3 million and $77.3 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the exercise price and the selling price received by option holders upon the exercise of stock options during the period. The total cash received from employees as a result of employee stock option exercises during the three and six months ended July 1, 2011 was $25.4 million and $78.1 million, respectively.

ESPP

Our ESPP has two consecutive, overlapping twelve-month offering periods, with a new period commencing on the first trading day on or after May 1 and November 1 of each year and terminating on the last trading day on or before April 30 and October 31. Each twelve-month offering period generally includes two six-month purchase periods. The purchase price at which shares are sold under the ESPP is 85% of the lower of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on (1) the first day of the offering period, or (2) the last trading day of the purchase period. If the fair market value at the end of any purchase period is less than the fair market value at the beginning of the offering period, each participant is automatically withdrawn from the current offering period following the purchase of shares on the purchase date and is automatically re-enrolled in the immediately following offering period.

We sold 402,913 shares of common stock under the ESPP at a price of $22.40 during the six months ended July 1, 2011, and 595,861 shares of common stock under the ESPP at a price of $13.81 during the six months ended July 2, 2010. On May 10, 2011, our stockholders approved an amendment to the ESPP to increase the shares reserved for future issuance by 1 million. As of July 1, 2011, 2.8 million shares were available for future issuance under the ESPP.

















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VALUATION AND EXPENSE INFORMATION

The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of ESPP, RSUs and PRSUs were as follows:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ESPP purchase rights:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected term (in years)
 
0.8

 
0.7

 
0.8

 
0.7

Expected stock price volatility
 
34.5
%
 
31.2
%
 
34.5
%
 
31.2
%
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.2
%
 
0.3
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.3
%
Dividend yield
 
0.5
%
 
0.8
%
 
0.5
%
 
0.8
%
Weighted-average estimated fair value
 
$
12.88

 
$
6.56

 
$
12.88

 
$
6.56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RSUs and PRSUs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.8
%
 
1.2
%
 
0.9
%
 
1.2
%
Dividend yield
 
0.5
%
 
0.8
%
 
0.6
%
 
0.8
%
Weighted-average estimated fair value
 
$
47.85

 
$
25.10

 
$
42.07

 
$
23.38


In addition, we apply an expected forfeiture rate when amortizing stock-based compensation expense. Our stock-based compensation expense included in the consolidated statements of income for the three and six months ended July 1, 2011 and July 2, 2010 was as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
 
$
404

 
$
314

 
$
750

 
$
594

Research and development
 
8,888

 
6,902

 
16,470

 
13,055

Selling, general, and administrative
 
10,907

 
8,471

 
20,212

 
16,100

Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense
 
20,199

 
15,687

 
37,432

 
29,749

Less: income tax benefit
 
(5,635
)
 
(4,688
)
 
(10,303
)
 
(8,715
)
Net stock-based compensation expense
 
$
14,564

 
$
10,999

 
$
27,129

 
$
21,034


No stock-based compensation was capitalized during any period presented above. As of July 1, 2011, unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to outstanding unvested stock options, RSUs, PRSUs and ESPP shares that are expected to vest was approximately $140.4 million. This unrecognized stock-based compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years. To the extent the actual forfeiture rate is different from what we have anticipated, stock-based compensation related to these awards will be different from that presented.

Note 12 — Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate reflects the impact of a significant amount of our earnings being taxed in foreign jurisdictions at rates below the U.S. statutory tax rate.
Our effective tax rate for the three months ended July 1, 2011 was 9.9%, compared with 12.2% for the three months ended July 2, 2010. The net decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the impact of proportionately higher earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory tax rate and the extension of the U.S. Federal Research and Development Tax Credit through 2011 that was signed into law in late 2010. In addition, our California tax liability decreased due to a California law change effective in 2011.
Our effective tax rate for the six months ended July 1, 2011 was 9.3%, compared with 8.8% for the six months ended July 2, 2010. The net increase in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the reversal in 2010 of $11.7 million of liabilities for uncertain tax positions as a result of a 2010 U.S. court ruling which held that stock based compensation was not required to

14
Table of Contents

be included in certain transfer pricing arrangements between a U.S. company and its foreign subsidiary. We also reversed in 2010 $3.4 million of liabilities for uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain foreign jurisdictions. This increase was partially offset by the benefit of proportionately higher earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory tax rate, the extension of the U.S. Federal Research and Development Tax Credit through 2011 that was signed into law in late 2010, and a California law change effective in 2011.
We file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and in various states and foreign jurisdictions. The IRS has completed field examinations of our tax returns for 2002 through 2004 and has issued a notice of proposed adjustment seeking additional taxes of approximately $34.5 million (excluding interest) for those years. We paid $18.0 million to the IRS in 2008, representing a payment on bond for items associated with the IRS field examinations for 2002 through 2004. We are contesting through the administrative process the IRS claims regarding our 2002 through 2004 tax years. In addition, the IRS has completed field examinations of our tax returns for 2005 through 2007 and has issued a notice of proposed adjustment seeking additional taxes of approximately $34.2 million (excluding interest) for those years. We are contesting through the administrative process the IRS claims regarding our 2005 through 2007 tax years. Other significant jurisdictions in which we are or may be subject to examination for fiscal years 2002 forward include China (including Hong Kong), Ireland, Malaysia, Japan, United Kingdom, and the state of California. As mentioned below, we believe we have made adequate tax payments and/or accrued adequate amounts such that the outcome of these audits will have no material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results. Due to the potential resolution of federal, state and foreign examinations, and the expiration of various statutes of limitations, it is possible that our gross unrecognized tax benefits may change within the next twelve months. However, given the number of years remaining subject to examination and the number of matters being examined, we are unable to estimate the full range of possible adjustments to the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits.
As of July 1, 2011 we had $261.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits, that if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. On December 31, 2010, we had $243.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits. We are unable to make a reasonable estimate as to when cash settlements with the relevant taxing authorities will occur.
We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in our income tax provision. We had accrued approximately $50.2 million and $50.0 million for the payment of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

Note 13 — Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

We allow our U.S.-based officers and director-level employees to defer a portion of their compensation under the Altera Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”). Our Retirement Plans Committee administers the NQDC Plan. As of July 1, 2011, there were approximately 125 participants in the NQDC Plan who self-direct their investments, subject to certain limitations. In the event we become insolvent, the NQDC Plan assets are subject to the claims of our general creditors. Since the inception of the NQDC Plan, we have not made any contributions to the NQDC Plan and we have no commitments to do so in the future. There are no NQDC Plan provisions that provide for any guarantees or minimum return on investments. NQDC Plan participants are prohibited from investing NQDC Plan contributions in Altera common stock. The balance of the NQDC Plan assets and related obligations was $75.2 million and $74.2 million as of July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

Investment income or loss earned by the NQDC Plan is recorded as (Gain) Loss on deferred compensation plan securities in our consolidated statements of income. The investment (gain) loss also represents an (increase) decrease in the future payout to participants and is recorded as Compensation expense (benefit) — deferred compensation plan in our consolidated statements of income. Compensation (benefit) expense associated with our NQDC Plan obligations is offset by (gain) loss from related securities. The net effect of investment income or loss and related compensation expense or benefit has no impact on our income before income taxes, net income, or cash balances.














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Note 14 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following tables summarize the valuation of our financial instruments as of July 1, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of July 1, 2011
(In thousands)
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
$
3,196,960

 
$
3,196,960

 
$
—

 
 


 


 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan assets(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash equivalents
 
17,899

 
17,899

 
—

Equity securities
 
24,753

 
24,753

 
—

Fixed income securities
 
4,405

 
—

 
4,405

Mutual funds
 
28,142

 
28,142

 
—

Total
 
$
3,272,159

 
$
3,267,754

 
$
4,405


 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2010
(In thousands)
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
$
2,690,752

 
$
2,690,752

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation plan assets(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash equivalents
 
19,817

 
19,817

 
—

Equity securities
 
22,235

 
22,235

 
—

Fixed income securities
 
5,062

 
—

 
5,062

Mutual funds
 
27,122

 
27,122

 
—

Total
 
$
2,764,988

 
$
2,759,926

 
$
5,062


(1)    Included in Cash and cash equivalents in our consolidated balance sheets.

(2)    Included in Deferred compensation plan — marketable securities and Deferred compensation plan — restricted cash equivalents in our consolidated balance sheets.

Note 15 — Subsequent Event

On July 18, 2011, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per common share, payable on September 1, 2011 to stockholders of record on August 10, 2011.







16
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ITEM 2:     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as information contained in the risk factors described in Item 1A of this report and elsewhere in this report, contains forward-looking statements, which are provided under the “safe harbor” protection of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally written in the future tense and/or are preceded by words such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “suggest,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” or other similar words. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements regarding (1) our gross margins and factors that affect gross margins; (2) trends in our future sales; (3) our research and development expenditures and efforts; (4) our capital expenditures; (5) our provision for tax liabilities and other critical accounting estimates; and (6) our exposure to market risks related to changes in interest rates, equity prices and foreign currency exchange rates.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained in this report are based on information that is currently available to us and expectations and assumptions that we deemed reasonable at the time the statements were made. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report or in any of our other communications, except as required by law. All such forward-looking statements should be read as of the time the statements were made and with the recognition that these forward-looking statements may not be complete or accurate at a later date.

Many factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. These factors include, but are not limited to, those risks described in Part II Item 1A of this report and those risks described under “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires our management to make judgments and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our management believes that we consistently apply these judgments and estimates and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes fairly represent all periods presented. However, any differences between these judgments and estimates and actual results could have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income and financial position. Critical accounting estimates, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), are those that are most important to the portrayal of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations and require our management's most difficult and subjective judgments and estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting estimates include those regarding (1) revenue recognition, (2) valuation of inventories, and (3) income taxes. For a discussion of our critical accounting estimates, see “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Sales Overview

We design, manufacture, and market high-performance, high-density programmable logic devices, or PLDs; HardCopy® ASIC devices; pre-defined software design building blocks known as intellectual property cores, or IP cores; and associated development tools.

Our net sales of $548.4 million for the three months ended July 1, 2011 increased by $79.1 million, or 17%, from our net sales of $469.3 million for the three months ended July 2, 2010. Our net sales of $1,084.2 million for the six months ended July 1, 2011 increased by $212.6 million, or 24%, from our net sales of $871.6 million for the six months ended July 2, 2010. The significant increase in net sales was broad-based, covering all geographies. The increase was primarily driven by strong growth in sales of our New and Mainstream Products. We continue to see evidence of a “tipping point” with respect to our opportunity to displace ASICs and ASSPs, as our newest products are several process generations ahead of mainstream ASICs and ASSPs, and the resulting FPGA cost advantage is accelerating ASIC and ASSP displacement.






17
Table of Contents

Sales by Product Category

We classify our products into three categories: New, Mainstream, and Mature and Other Products. The composition of each product category is as follows:

•
New Products include the Stratix ®V, Stratix IV (including E, GX and GT), Arria® II (including GX and GZ), Cyclone® IV (including E and GX), MAX® V, and HardCopy IV devices.

•
Mainstream Products include the Stratix III, Cyclone III, MAX II, and HardCopy III devices.

•
Mature and Other Products include the Stratix II (and GX), Stratix (and GX), Arria GX, Cyclone II, Cyclone, Classic™, MAX 3000A, MAX 7000, MAX 7000A, MAX 7000B, MAX 7000S, MAX 9000, HardCopy II, HardCopy, FLEX® series, APEX™ series, Mercury™, and Excalibur™ devices, configuration and other devices, intellectual property cores, and software and other tools.

The product categories above have been constructed to approximate the relative life cycle stages of our products. During the three months ended April 1, 2011, we adjusted product categories to move certain products from New Products to Mainstream Products and certain products from Mainstream Products to Mature and Other Products. All prior period data has been adjusted to conform to the current classification. New Products are primarily comprised of our most advanced products. Customers typically select these products for their latest generation of electronic systems. Demand is generally driven by prototyping and production needs. Mainstream Products are somewhat older products that are generally no longer design-win vehicles. Demand is driven by customers' later stage production-based needs. Mature Products are yet older products with demand generated by the oldest customer systems still in production. This category also includes sales of software, intellectual property, and other miscellaneous devices.

Net sales by product category were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
Sequential Change
 
Six Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
April 1,
2011
 
 
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New
18
%
 
9
%
 
18
%
 
131
 %
 
1
 %
 
18
%
 
8
%
 
183
 %
Mainstream
36
%
 
31
%
 
33
%
 
39
 %
 
14
 %
 
34
%
 
29
%
 
47
 %
Mature and Other
46
%
 
60
%
 
49
%
 
(12
)%
 
(5
)%
 
48
%
 
63
%
 
(6
)%
Net Sales
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
17
 %
 
2
 %
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
24
 %























18
Table of Contents

Sales by Vertical Market

The following vertical market data is derived from data that is provided to us by our distributors and end customers. With a broad base of customers, who in some cases manufacture end products spanning multiple market segments, the assignment of net sales to a vertical market requires the use of estimates, judgment, and extrapolation. As such, actual results may differ from those reported.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
Sequential Change
 
Six Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
April 1,
2011
 
 
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Telecom & Wireless
46
%
 
42
%
 
42
%
 
30
 %
 
13
 %
 
44
%
 
41
%
 
33
%
Industrial Automation, Military & Automotive
22
%
 
23
%
 
24
%
 
11
 %
 
(7
)%
 
23
%
 
23
%
 
23
%
Networking, Computer & Storage
15
%
 
13
%
 
15
%
 
30
 %
 
3
 %
 
15
%
 
13
%
 
41
%
Other
17
%
 
22
%
 
19
%
 
(9
)%
 
(9
)%
 
18
%
 
23
%
 
1
%
Net Sales
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
17
 %
 
2
 %
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
24
%

Sales of FPGAs and CPLDs

Our PLDs consist of field-programmable gate arrays, or FPGAs, and complex programmable logic devices, or CPLDs. FPGAs consist of our Stratix, Cyclone, Arria, APEX, FLEX, and ACEX 1K, as well as our Excalibur and Mercury families. CPLDs consist of our MAX, MAX II, and Classic families. Other Products consist of our HardCopy series and other masked programmed logic devices, configuration devices, software and other tools and IP cores (collectively, “Other Products”).

Our net sales of FPGAs and CPLDs, and Other Products were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
Sequential Change
 
Six Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
April 1,
2011
 
 
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FPGA
80
%
 
82
%
 
81
%
 
15
%
 
2
 %
 
81
%
 
80
%
 
24
%
CPLD
10
%
 
12
%
 
11
%
 
1
%
 
(4
)%
 
10
%
 
13
%
 
2
%
Other Products
10
%
 
6
%
 
8
%
 
68
%
 
14
 %
 
9
%
 
7
%
 
66
%
Net Sales
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
17
%
 
2
 %
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
24
%


















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Sales by Geography

The following table is based on the geographic location of the original equipment manufacturers or the distributors who purchased our products. The geographic location of distributors may be different from the geographic location of the ultimate end users.

Net sales by geography were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
Sequential Change
 
Six Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
April 1,
2011
 
 
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas
19
%
 
20
%
 
21
%
 
11
%
 
(7
)%
 
20
%
 
19
%
 
25
%
Asia Pacific
40
%
 
41
%
 
38
%
 
13
%
 
8
 %
 
39
%
 
41
%
 
20
%
EMEA
27
%
 
24
%
 
26
%
 
32
%
 
4
 %
 
26
%
 
24
%
 
37
%
Japan
14
%
 
15
%
 
15
%
 
11
%
 
(1
)%
 
15
%
 
16
%
 
14
%
Net Sales
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
17
%
 
2
 %
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
24
%

Price Concessions and Product Returns from Distributors

We sell the majority of our products to distributors worldwide at a list price. However, distributors resell our products to end customers at a very broad range of individually negotiated prices based on a variety of factors, including customer, product, quantity, geography and competitive differentiation. The majority of our distributors' sales to their customers are priced at a discount from our list price. Under these circumstances, we remit back to the distributor a portion of its original purchase price after the resale transaction is completed and we validate the distributor's resale information, including end customer, device, quantity and price, against the distributor price concession that we have approved in advance. To receive price concessions, distributors must submit the price concession claims to us for approval within 60 days of the resale of the product to an end customer. Primarily because of the uncertainty related to the final price, we defer revenue recognition on sales to distributors until our products are sold from the distributor to the end customer, which is when our price is fixed or determinable. Accordingly, these pricing uncertainties impact our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources. Total price concessions earned by distributors were $2.0 billion and $3.2 billion for the six months ended July 1, 2011 and July 2, 2010, respectively. The 2011 decrease in price concessions results from proportionately higher sales to OEMs in 2011 and higher sales to distributors at prices reflecting negotiated discounted end customer prices. See Note 6 — Deferred Income and Allowances on Sales to Distributors to our consolidated financial statements. Average aggregate price concessions typically range from 65% to 80% of our list price on an annual basis, depending upon the composition of our sales, volume and factors associated with timing of shipments to distributors.

Our distributors have certain rights under our contracts to return defective, overstocked, obsolete or discontinued products. Our stock rotation program generally allows distributors to return unsold product to Altera, subject to certain contract limits, based on a percentage of sales occurring over various periods prior to the stock rotation. Products resold by the distributor to end customers are no longer eligible for return, unless specifically authorized by us. In addition, we generally warrant our products against defects in material, workmanship and non-conformance to our specifications. Returns from distributors totaled $93.3 million and $43.3 million for the six months ended July 1, 2011 and July 2, 2010, respectively. The increase in returns when compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily driven by arrangements with certain distributors to re-balance inventory levels to support near-term end customer demand. See Note 6 — Deferred Income and Allowances on Sales to Distributors to our consolidated financial statements.

Gross Margin

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
April 1,
2011
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Margin Percentage
70.9
%
 
71.7
%
 
72.6
%
 
71.7
%
 
71.6
%

Gross margin rates are heavily influenced by both vertical market mix and the timing of material cost improvements. While these variables will continue to fluctuate on a quarterly basis, our gross margin target over the long term is 67%. We believe that

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the 67% gross margin target will enable us to achieve our desired level of balance between growth and profitability. Our gross margin percentage for the three months ended July 1, 2011 decreased by 0.8 points compared to the same period of 2010. The decrease was driven by an increase in revenue from our larger, lower margin customer base and an unfavorable vertical market mix, with increased sales in the Telecom & Wireless vertical market and an anticipated decrease in the Industrial Automation, Military & Automotive vertical market, when compared to the same period in the prior year. Our gross margin percentage for the six months ended July 1, 2011 increased by 0.1 points compared to the same period of 2010, which was attributable to a favorable vertical market mix, manufacturing cost reductions and increased efficiency in our processes.

Stock-based compensation expense included in Cost of sales during the three or six months ended July 1, 2011 and July 2, 2010 did not have a significant impact on our gross margin.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense includes costs for compensation and benefits (including stock-based compensation), development masks, prototype wafers, and depreciation and amortization. These expenditures are for the design of new PLD and ASIC families, the development of process technologies, new package technology, software to support new products and design environments, and IP cores.

We will continue to make significant investments in the development of new products and focus our efforts on the development of new programmable logic devices that use advanced semiconductor wafer fabrication processes, as well as related development software. We are currently investing in the development of future silicon products, as well as our Quartus® II software, our library of IP cores, and other future products.

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
Sequential Change
 
Six Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
(In millions)
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
April 1,
2011
 
 
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research and Development Expense
 
$
80.3

 
$
65.6

 
$
74.4

 
22
%
 
8
%
 
$
154.7

 
$
130.0

 
19
%
Percentage of Net Sales
 
14.6
%
 
14.0
%
 
13.9
%
 

 

 
14.3
%
 
14.9
%
 



Research and development expense for the three months ended July 1, 2011 increased by $14.7 million, or 22%, when compared with the three months ended July 2, 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to the following factors: a $4.8 million increase in personnel-related costs attributed to an increase in the number of employees, a $2.0 million increase in stock-based compensation driven by an increase in our stock price, a $2.7 million increase in spending on consulting and outside services to support several strategic initiatives, and a $1.7 million increase in spending on research and development supplies due to the timing of product development activities.

Research and development expense for the six months ended July 1, 2011 increased by $24.7 million, or 19%, when compared with the six months ended July 2, 2010. The increase is due to the following factors: a $9.7 million increase in personnel-related costs attributed to an increase in the number of employees, a $3.4 million increase in stock-based compensation driven by an increase in our stock price, a $4.2 million increase in spending on consulting and outside services to support several strategic initiatives, and a $4.7 million increase in spending on research and development supplies due to the timing of product development activities.













21
Table of Contents

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense

Selling, general, and administrative expense primarily includes compensation and benefits (including stock-based compensation) related to sales, marketing, and administrative employees, commissions and incentives, depreciation, legal, advertising, facilities, and travel expenses.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
 
Sequential Change
 
Six Months Ended
 
Year-
Over-
Year
Change
(In millions)
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
April 1,
2011
 
 
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
 
$
70.2

 
$
64.8

 
$
69.0

 
8
%
 
2
%
 
$
139.2

 
$
126.9

 
10
%
Percentage of Net Sales
 
12.8
%
 
13.8
%
 
12.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
12.8
%
 
14.6
%
 
 

Selling, general, and administrative expense for the three months ended July 1, 2011 increased by $5.4 million, or 8%, when compared with the three months ended July 2, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to the following factors: a $1.3 million increase in personnel-related costs to support the growth in our business, a $2.4 million increase in stock-based compensation driven by an increase in our stock price, and a $1.6 million increase in professional services and consulting fees.

Selling, general, and administrative expense for the six months ended July 1, 2011 increased by $12.3 million, or 10%, when compared with the six months ended July 2, 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to the following factors: a $4.6 million increase in personnel-related costs to support the growth in our business, a $4.1 million increase in stock-based compensation driven by an increase in our stock price, and a $3.5 million increase in professional services and consulting fees.

Deferred Compensation Plan

We allow our U.S.-based officers and director-level employees to defer a portion of their compensation under the Altera Corporation Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”). Since the inception of the NQDC Plan, we have not made any contributions to the NQDC Plan and we have no commitments to do so in the future. There are no NQDC Plan provisions that provide for any guarantees or minimum return on investments. Investment income or loss earned by the NQDC Plan is recorded as (Gain)/loss on deferred compensation plan securities in our consolidated statements of income. We reported net investment gains of $0.1 million and $1.7 million on NQDC Plan assets for the three and six months ended July 1, 2011, respectively. We reported net investment losses of $3.6 million and $1.4 million on NQDC Plan assets for the three and six months ended July 2, 2010. These amounts resulted from the overall market performance of the underlying securities. The investment (gain)/loss also represents an (increase)/decrease  in the future payout to employees and is recorded as Compensation expense/(benefit) — deferred compensation plan in our consolidated statements of income. The compensation expense (benefit) associated with our deferred compensation plan obligations is offset by (gains) losses from related securities. The net effect of the investment income or loss and related compensation expense or benefit has no impact on our income before income taxes, net income, or cash balances. See Note 13 — Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan to our consolidated financial statements for a detailed discussion of our NQDC Plan.

Interest Income and Other

Interest income and other, consisting mainly of interest income generated from investments in high-quality fixed income securities, increased by $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended July 1, 2011, compared to the same periods in 2010, primarily due to higher cash balances in 2011.

Interest Expense

The year-over-year decrease in Interest expense was due primarily to the decrease in LIBOR, which represents the principal basis of our interest rate on the outstanding borrowings under our long-term credit facility. See Note 9 - Long-term Credit Facility to our consolidated financial statements.





22
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Income Tax Expense
Our effective tax rate reflects the impact of a significant amount of our earnings being taxed in foreign jurisdictions at rates below the U.S. statutory tax rate.
Our effective tax rate for the three months ended July 1, 2011 was 9.9%, compared with 12.2% for the three months ended July 2, 2010. The net decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the impact of proportionately higher earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory tax rate and the extension of the U.S. Federal Research and Development Tax Credit through 2011 that was signed into law in late 2010. In addition, our California tax liability decreased due to a California law change effective in 2011.
Our effective tax rate for the six months ended July 1, 2011 was 9.3%, compared with 8.8% for the six months ended July 2, 2010. The net increase in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the reversal in 2010 of $11.7 million of liabilities for uncertain tax positions as a result of a 2010 U.S. court ruling which held that stock based compensation was not required to be included in certain transfer pricing arrangements between a U.S. company and its foreign subsidiary. We also reversed in 2010 $3.4 million of liabilities for uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain foreign jurisdictions. This increase was partially offset by the benefit of proportionately higher earnings in foreign jurisdictions taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory tax rate, the extension of the U.S. Federal Research and Development Tax Credit through 2011 that was signed into law in late 2010, and a California law change effective in 2011.
As of July 1, 2011 we had $261.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. On December 31, 2010, we had $243.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits. We are unable to make a reasonable estimate as to when cash settlements with the relevant taxing authorities will occur.

See Note 12 — Income Taxes to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We derive our liquidity and capital resources primarily from our cash flows from operations. We have a $750 million unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”), which has been used primarily to fund common stock repurchases and to realign our capital structure. As of July 1, 2011, we had borrowed $500 million under the Facility. The remaining capacity of $250 million available under the Facility also represents a source of liquidity. The terms of the Facility require compliance with certain financial and non-financial covenants. Financial covenants require us to maintain certain financial ratios related to interest coverage and financial leverage. As of July 1, 2011, we were in compliance with all such covenants. See Note 9 — Long-term Credit Facility to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Facility.

We use cash from operations and available amounts under the Facility to fund cash dividends, capital expenditures and for repurchases of our common stock. Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that our current available sources of funds (including cash, cash equivalents, and the Facility, plus anticipated cash generated from operations), will be adequate to finance our operations, cash dividends, capital expenditures and stock repurchases for at least the next year.

Our cash and cash equivalents balance during the six months ended July 1, 2011 increased by $502.2 million. The change in cash and cash equivalents during the six months ended July 1, 2011 and July 2, 2010 was as follows:

 
 
Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
July 1,
2011
 
July 2,
2010
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
456,364

 
$
378,591

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(9,042
)
 
(976
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
54,852

 
142,928

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
502,174

 
$
520,543


Operating Activities

For the six months ended July 1, 2011, our operating activities provided $456.4 million in cash, primarily attributable to net income of $438.7 million, adjusted for non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $37.4 million (net of related tax effects), depreciation and amortization of $15.2 million, and deferred income tax benefit of $4.9 million. The net increase in working capital accounts (excluding cash and cash equivalents) was primarily due to a $19.9 million increase in Accounts receivable, net, a $53.5

23
Table of Contents

million decrease in Accounts payable and other liabilities, a $47.9 million decrease in Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors, partially offset by a $23.2 million decrease in Inventories, and a $43.6 million decrease in Other assets.

Our sales to distributors are primarily made under agreements allowing for subsequent price adjustments and returns, and we defer recognition of revenue until the products are resold by the distributor. At the time of shipment to distributors, we (1) record a trade receivable at the list selling price since there is a legally enforceable obligation from the distributor to pay us currently for product delivered, (2) relieve inventory for the carrying value of goods shipped since legal title has passed to the distributor, and (3) record deferred revenue and deferred cost of sales in Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors in the liability section of our consolidated balance sheets. Accordingly, increases in Accounts receivable, net associated with higher billings are generally offset by corresponding increases in Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors. However, timing differences between gross billings, advances to distributors, discounts earned, collections, revenue recognition and changes in the mix of sales to OEMs and distributors may result in a temporary interruption to the normal relationship between these two accounts.

The $19.9 million increase in Accounts receivable, net, for the six months ended July 1, 2011, principally related to increased gross billings to distributors and OEMs associated with an upward trend in demand for our products. The $47.9 million decrease in Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors was primarily driven by a decrease in inventory levels held by certain of our distributors and was also impacted by the timing factors discussed above. Gross billings increased towards the end of the period, but were outpaced by sell-through to end customers, thus lessening the impact of the increase in gross billings on Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors. The impact of lower distributor inventory was partially offset by a $61.8 million decrease in advances to distributors. The repayments of advances by distributors primarily resulted from reduced inventory levels held under distributor funding arrangements. See Note 6 — Deferred Income and Allowances on Sales to Distributors to our consolidated financial statements.

The $23.2 million decrease in Inventories was a result of proactive management of our inventory levels. The $43.6 million decrease in Other assets primarily resulted from returns of advances from distributors and a decrease in prepaid amounts. The repayment of advances by distributors primarily resulted from changes in inventory levels held under distributor funding arrangements. The $53.5 million decrease in Accounts payable and other liabilities was attributable to the decrease in inventory purchased as a result of the previously mentioned proactive management of our inventory levels and a decrease in the accrual for variable compensation primarily for our bonus plan due to the payout of 2010 bonuses during the first half of 2011. The $12.9 million increase in Income tax payable primarily resulted from higher tax liabilities due to increases in earnings.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities in the six months ended July 1, 2011 primarily consisted of purchases of equipment of $9.8 million and net sales of deferred compensation plan securities of $0.8 million.

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities in the six months ended July 1, 2011 primarily consisted of proceeds of $87.1 million from the issuance of common stock to employees through our employee stock plans, partially offset by cash dividend payments of $38.7 million, and minimum statutory withholding for vested restricted stock units of $8.2 million. Our dividend policy could be impacted in the future by, among other items, future changes in our cash flows from operations and our capital spending needs such as those relating to research and development, investments and acquisitions, common stock repurchases, and other strategic investments.
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

We depend entirely upon subcontractors to manufacture our silicon wafers and provide assembly and test services. Due to lengthy subcontractor lead times, we must order these materials and services from these subcontractors well in advance, and we are obligated to pay for the materials and services once they are completed. As of July 1, 2011, we had approximately $196.3 million of outstanding purchase commitments to such subcontractors. We expect to receive and pay for these materials and services over the next six months.

We also lease facilities under non-cancelable lease agreements expiring at various times through 2021. In June 2011, we entered into an operating lease with a term of 10 years and a total lease payment commitment of $11.4 million. There are no capital lease obligations included in our consolidated balance sheets as of July 1, 2011 or December 31, 2010.

In addition to these lease and purchase obligations, in the normal course of business, we enter into a variety of agreements and financial commitments. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these agreements due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. Historically, payments pursuant to such agreements have not been material. We believe that any future payments required pursuant to such agreements would not be significant to our consolidated financial position or operating results.

As of July 1, 2011, we had $245.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits. Due to the uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits as of July 1, 2011, we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate as to when cash settlements with the relevant taxing authorities will occur.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

As of July 1, 2011, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.

IMPACT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY AND INFLATION

We have international operations and incur expenditures in currencies other than U.S. dollars. For non-U.S. subsidiaries and branches, foreign currency transaction gains and losses and the impact of the remeasurement of local currency assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars for the three or six month periods ended July 1, 2011 and July 2, 2010 was not significant. We do not enter into foreign exchange transactions for trading or speculative purposes.

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Table of Contents

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On July 18, 2011, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per common share, payable on September 1, 2011 to stockholders of record on August 10, 2011.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued amended guidance on fair value measurement and related disclosures. The new guidance clarified the concepts applicable for fair value measurement of non-financial assets and requires the disclosure of quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used in a fair value measurement. This guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and will be applied prospectively. We are in the process of evaluating the financial and disclosure impact of this guidance. We do not anticipate a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of this amended guidance.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance eliminates one of the presentation options provided by current U.S. GAAP, that is to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. In addition, it gives an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and will be applied retrospectively. We are in the process of evaluating the disclosure impact of this guidance.

ITEM 3:     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

While we are exposed to interest rate fluctuations in many of the world's leading industrialized countries, our interest income and expense is most sensitive to fluctuations in the general level of U.S. interest rates. Our investment strategy is focused on preservation of capital and supporting our liquidity requirements. Our exposure to market risk as a result of changes in interest rates relates primarily to our cash and cash equivalents, certain interest rate sensitive assets held under the NQDC Plan and our long-term credit facility. Our NQDC Plan assets include holdings of various issuers, types and maturity dates.

The market value of these investments on any given day during the investment term may vary as a result of market interest rate fluctuations. A hypothetical 10% movement in interest rates during the investment term would not have a material impact on the fair value of the portfolio. The actual impact on the fair value of the portfolio in the future may differ materially from this analysis, depending on actual balances and changes in the timing and the amount of interest rate movements.

Our consolidated operating results are affected by, among other factors, interest income on our cash equivalents. If the interest rate declines, our consolidated operating results may be negatively impacted.

In addition to our cash flows from operations, we derive our liquidity from our long-term credit facility (the “Facility”). Our total borrowings under the Facility as of July 1, 2011 were $500 million. Borrowings under this Facility bear a variable interest rate at either a Eurodollar rate (“LIBOR”) or a Prime rate, at our option, plus an applicable margin based upon certain financial ratios, determined and payable quarterly. The interest rate as of July 1, 2011 was LIBOR plus 0.27%. In addition, we pay a facility fee on the entire Facility. This facility fee varies with certain financial ratios and was 0.08% as of July 1, 2011.

Our consolidated operating results and cash flows are exposed to changes in interest rates that could adversely affect the amount of interest expense incurred and paid on the Facility in any given period. Due to the variable interest rate on the Facility, the fair value of the Facility would not likely be materially affected by any future changes in interest rates.

Equity Price Risk

We are exposed to equity price risk inherent in the marketable equity securities held in our NQDC Plan. A hypothetical 10% adverse change in the stock prices of these equity securities would not result in a material impact on our consolidated financial position, operating results or cash flows.





25
Table of Contents

Foreign Currency Risk

We have international operations and incur expenditures in currencies other than U.S. dollars. To date, our exposure to exchange rate volatility, resulting from foreign currency transaction gains and losses and remeasurement of local currency assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars, has been insignificant. If foreign currency rates were to fluctuate by 10% from rates in effect at July 1, 2011, the resulting transaction gains or losses and the effects of remeasurement would not materially affect our consolidated financial position, operating results or cash flows.


26
Table of Contents

ITEM 4:     Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”).

The purpose of this evaluation was to determine if, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information relating to Altera, required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act filings (i) was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) was accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based on the evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a - 15(f) and 15(d) - 15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the period covered by this quarterly report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitation on Effectiveness of Controls

It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met. The design of any control system is based, in part, upon the benefits of the control system relative to its costs. Control systems can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. In addition, over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1:     Legal Proceedings

This information is included in Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements in Item 1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 1A:     Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously described under Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. For additional information regarding risk factors, please refer to the description of the risk factors associated with our business previously disclosed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Before you decide to buy, hold, or sell our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the other information contained elsewhere in this report. These risks are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. Our business, consolidated operating results and financial position could be seriously harmed if any of the events underlying any of these risks or uncertainties actually occurs. In that event, the market price for our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.


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Table of Contents

ITEM 2:     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Items 2(a) and 2(b) are inapplicable.

2(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Except for the shares tendered by employees to satisfy minimum statutory withholding requirements on employee stock award transactions, we did not repurchase any of our common stock during the six months ended July 1, 2011. Since the inception of our stock repurchase program in 1996 through July 1, 2011, our board of directors has authorized 193.0 million shares for repurchase and we have repurchased a total of 178.3 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $3.7 billion. All shares were retired upon acquisition. As of July 1, 2011, 14.7 million shares remained authorized for repurchase under our stock repurchase program. No existing repurchase plans or programs expired, nor have we decided to terminate any repurchase plans or programs prior to expiration. There are no existing plans or programs under which we intend to make further purchases.


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Table of Contents

ITEM 6:     Exhibits

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
#10.2
 
Altera Corporation 1987 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated May 10, 2011.
 
 
 
#10.20
 
Altera Corporation 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated May 10, 2011.
 
 
 
#31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
#31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
#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.
 
 
 
#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.
 
 
 
#101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
#101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
#101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
#101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
#101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
#101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
_________________
#    Filed herewith.



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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 
ALTERA CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:  
/s/ RONALD J. PASEK  
 
 
Ronald J. Pasek 
                                                                                
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 
 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
 
#10.2
 
Altera Corporation 1987 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated May 10, 2011.
 
 
 
#10.20
 
Altera Corporation 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated May 10, 2011.
 
 
 
#31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
#31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
#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.
 
 
 
#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.
 
 
 
#101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
#101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
#101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
#101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
#101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
#101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
_________________
#    Filed herewith.


 

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