Form 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 September 28, 2007

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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

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

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

Number of shares of common stock outstanding at October 26, 2007: 335,867,025

 



Table of Contents
        

PAGE

NUMBER

PART I   FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
ITEM 1:   Financial Statements (Unaudited)   
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006    3
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine months Ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006

   4
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine months Ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006

   5
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    6
ITEM 2:   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    17
ITEM 3:   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    25
ITEM 4:   Controls and Procedures    25
PART II   OTHER INFORMATION   
ITEM 1:   Legal Proceedings    26
ITEM 1A:   Risk Factors    26
ITEM 2:   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    27
ITEM 6:   Exhibits    27
Signatures    28

 

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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1: Financial Statements

ALTERA CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited, in thousands, except par value amount)

 

     September 28,
2007
    December 29,
2006
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 701,848     $ 738,412  

Short-term investments

     407,179       625,335  
                

Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     1,109,027       1,363,747  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $5,013 and $4,975 as of September 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006, respectively

     181,070       93,263  

Inventories

     84,983       78,477  

Deferred income taxes

     77,516       80,236  

Deferred compensation plan assets

     73,794       69,378  

Other current assets

     72,306       65,951  
                

Total current assets

     1,598,696       1,751,052  

Long-term investments

     102,914       256,563  

Property and equipment, net

     176,949       178,363  

Deferred income taxes and other assets, net

     66,287       47,282  
                

Total assets

   $ 1,944,846     $ 2,233,260  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 65,166     $ 42,696  

Accrued liabilities

     31,652       27,941  

Accrued compensation and related

     41,882       47,884  

Deferred compensation plan obligations

     73,794       69,378  

Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors

     269,513       298,078  

Income taxes payable, net

     6,918       125,206  
                

Total current liabilities

     488,925       611,183  

Income taxes payable, non-current

     149,512       —    

Other non-current liabilities

     13,790       13,916  
                

Total liabilities

     652,227       625,099  
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock:

    

$0.001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding - 339,071 shares at September 28, 2007 and 360,201 shares at December 29, 2006

     339       360  

Capital in excess of par value

     469,074       506,863  

Retained earnings

     823,839       1,102,151  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (633 )     (1,213 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,292,619       1,608,161  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,944,846     $ 2,233,260  
                

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALTERA CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 28,
2007
  September 29,
2006
  September 28,
2007
  September 29,
2006

Net sales

  $ 315,783   $ 341,213   $ 940,381   $ 968,143

Cost of sales

    114,369     110,527     331,974     320,968
                       

Gross margin

    201,414     230,686     608,407     647,175
                       

Operating expenses:

       

Research and development

    71,350     63,604     192,876     190,365

Selling, general, and administrative

    66,062     80,773     205,709     233,771
                       

Total operating expenses

    137,412     144,377     398,585     424,136
                       

Income from operations

    64,002     86,309     209,822     223,039

Interest and other income, net

    16,180     16,539     51,278     39,753
                       

Income before income taxes

    80,182     102,848     261,100     262,792

Provision for income taxes

    11,225     15,427     36,554     39,418
                       

Net income

  $ 68,957   $ 87,421   $ 224,546   $ 223,374
                       

Net income per share:

       

Basic

  $ 0.20   $ 0.24   $ 0.64   $ 0.62
                       

Diluted

  $ 0.20   $ 0.24   $ 0.63   $ 0.61
                       

Shares used in computing per share amounts:

       

Basic

    343,127     361,840     351,147     360,607
                       

Diluted

    352,625     367,313     358,605     367,151
                       

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $ 0.04   $ —     $ 0.08   $ —  
                       

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALTERA CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     September 28,
2007
    September 29,
2006
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 224,546     $ 223,374  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     23,330       22,410  

Stock-based compensation

     37,706       52,623  

Deferred income tax benefit

     (11,965 )     (11,701 )

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation plans

     11,719       17,033  

Gross tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     (11,336 )     (16,514 )

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable, net

     (87,807 )     (30,709 )

Inventories

     (6,506 )     (22,726 )

Other assets

     (11,056 )     (24,588 )

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     21,990       12,415  

Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors

     (28,565 )     72,659  

Income taxes payable

     33,523       6,371  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     195,579       300,647  
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activites:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (21,626 )     (25,792 )

Purchases of available-for-sale investments

     (92,913 )     (779,871 )

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

     465,603       445,026  

Purchases of intangible assets

     (240 )     —    
                

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     350,824       (360,637 )
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock through various stock plans

     152,611       52,187  

Repurchases of common stock

     (717,056 )     (53,068 )

Payment of dividends to stockholders

     (27,947 )     —    

Gross tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     11,336       16,514  

Increase in book overdrafts

     498       4,625  

Payments on capital lease obligations

     (2,409 )     (4,217 )
                

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

     (582,967 )     16,041  
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (36,564 )     (43,949 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     738,412       787,707  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 701,848     $ 743,758  
                

Cash Paid During the Period for:

    

Income taxes paid, net

   $ 3,206       27,746  

Interest paid

   $ 1,411       761  

Non-cash Transactions:

    

Assets acquired under capital leases

   $ —       $ 4,245  

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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ALTERA CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Altera Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively referred to herein as “Altera”, “company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”, have been prepared by us in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“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 29, 2006 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The condensed 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 condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and material effects on our consolidated operating results and financial position may result.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 29, 2006 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed on February 27, 2007 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.

Reclassifications

Certain balance sheet reclassifications have been made to prior period balances in order to conform to the current period’s presentation.

We reclassified customer receivable balances that were in a net credit position from accounts receivable to accounts payable totaling $18.5 million at December 29, 2006. We also reclassified the non-current portion of our service award expense accrual totaling $5.2 million at December 29, 2006, which was included in accrued compensation and related to other non-current liabilities. In addition, in relation to the service award expense accrual reclassification, we changed the classification of related current deferred tax assets to non-current deferred tax assets totaling $2.0 million at December 29, 2006.

See Note 9 for impact of adoption of FIN 48.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”). This statement expands the standards under SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, to provide entities a one-time election (Fair Value Option or FVO) to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Most of the provisions of this statement apply only to entities that elect the fair value option. The provisions of SFAS 159 are applicable only to certain financial instruments and are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently assessing the impact of SFAS 159 on our condensed consolidated balance sheet, statement of income and statement of cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The changes to current practice resulting from the application of SFAS 157 relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2007. We do not believe that the adoption of the provisions of SFAS 157 will materially impact our condensed consolidated balance sheet, statement of income or statement of cash flows.

 

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In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of SFAS 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on December 30, 2006, the first day of our 2007 fiscal year. On May 2, 2007 the FASB issued FASB staff position No. FIN 48-1, “Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48-1” (“FSP FIN 48-1”). FSP FIN 48-1 provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have any impact on our condensed consolidated statement of income or statement of cash flows. The effect of adoption of FIN 48 on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as at September 28, 2007 is summarized in Note 9 – Income Taxes.

Note 2 – Balance Sheet Details

Inventories

Inventories at September 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006 were comprised of the following:

 

(in thousands)

   September 28,
2007
   December 29,
2006

Raw materials and work in process

   $ 57,484    $ 55,856

Finished goods

     27,499      22,621
             

Total inventories

   $ 84,983    $ 78,477
             

Advances to Distributors

On sales to distributors, our payment terms frequently require the distributor to settle amounts owed to us for an amount in excess of their ultimate cost. Our sales price to the distributor may be higher than the amount that the distributor will ultimately owe us because distributors often negotiate price discounts after purchasing the product from us and such discounts are often significant. It is our practice to apply these negotiated price discounts to future purchases, requiring the distributor to settle, 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 a consequence, we have entered into business arrangements with certain distributors whereby we advance cash to the distributors to minimize the distributor’s working capital requirements. These advances are settled in cash at least on a quarterly basis and are the result of estimates based on the amount of ending inventory as reported by the distributor multiplied by a negotiated percentage. Such advances have no impact on our revenue recognition or our condensed consolidated statements of income and are a component of the “deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors” line-item on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We continuously process discounts taken by distributors against our deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors. We true-up the advanced amounts at the end of each quarter. These advances are set forth in agreements and are unsecured, bear no interest and are due upon demand. The agreements governing these advances can be cancelled by us at any time. Such advances totaled $102.5 million at September 28, 2007 and $112.0 million at December 29, 2006.

We also enter into arrangements that are, in substance, arrangements to finance distributors’ accounts receivable and inventory. The amounts advanced are classified as other current assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and totaled $55.1 million at September 28, 2007 and $54.3 million at December 29, 2006. These arrangements are set forth in binding legal agreements and are unsecured, bear no interest on unsettled balances and are due upon demand.

Long-Term Investments

We classify certain investments as long-term. Investments classified as long-term investments represent funds that are deemed to be in excess of our estimated operating requirements and have remaining maturities exceeding 12 months as of the balance sheet date. All of our investments, including long-term investments, are classified as available-for-sale and are therefore carried at fair value as of the balance sheet date with unrealized gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive loss.

 

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Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, net at September 28, 2007, and December 29, 2006 were comprised of the following:

 

(in thousands)

   September 28,
2007
    December 29,
2006
 

Land and land rights

   $ 32,059     $ 30,779  

Buildings

     127,323       128,817  

Equipment and software

     239,623       224,647  

Office furniture and fixtures

     21,806       21,438  

Leasehold improvements

     7,860       7,712  
                

Property and equipment, at cost

     428,671       413,393  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (251,722 )     (235,030 )
                

Property and equipment, net

   $ 176,949     $ 178,363  
                

Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives of three to seven years are used for equipment and office furniture, up to forty years for buildings and sixty years for land rights. Depreciation expense includes the amortization of assets recorded under capital leases. Leasehold improvements and assets recorded under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset.

We have entered into arrangements which were recorded as capital lease obligations and assets in property and equipment. Assets acquired under capital leases totaled $5.1 million (net of accumulated amortization of $8.1 million) as of September 28, 2007 and totaled $8.2 million (net of accumulated amortization of $5.0 million) as of December 29, 2006.

Depreciation and amortization expense was $8.1 million for the three months ended September 28, 2007 and was $23.0 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2007. Depreciation and amortization expense was $6.7 million for the three months ended September 29, 2006 and was $21.2 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2006.

Note 3 – Stockholders’ Equity

Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  

(in thousands)

   September 28,
2007
    September 29,
2006
    September 28,
2007
    September 29,
2006
 

Net income

   $ 68,957     $ 87,421     $ 224,546     $ 223,374  

Change in unrealized losses on investments

     1,273       2,894       886       1,488  

Income tax benefit on change in unrealized losses on investments

     (477 )     (1,085 )     (332 )     (543 )

Amortization of accumulated unamortized gain/loss on retiree medical plan, net

     8       —         26       —    
                                

Comprehensive income

   $ 69,761     $ 89,230     $ 225,126     $ 224,319  
                                

Accumulated other comprehensive loss presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets consists of the accumulated unrealized gain/loss on investments, net of tax, and unamortized balance of gain/loss on our retiree medical plan, net of tax.

Dividends Declared

On October 19, 2007, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per common share payable on December 3, 2007 to stockholders of record on November 12, 2007.

 

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Note 4 – Income Per Share

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“SFAS 128”) we compute basic income per share by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. To determine diluted share count, we apply the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive effect of outstanding stock option shares, restricted stock units, and ESPP shares. Our application of the treasury stock method includes as assumed proceeds the average unamortized stock-based compensation expense for the period and the impact of the pro forma deferred tax benefit or cost associated with stock-based compensation expense.

In applying the treasury stock method, we excluded 7.6 million stock option shares for the three months ended September 28, 2007 and 40.8 million stock option shares for the three months ended September 29, 2006, because their effect was anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive stock options totaled 21.6 million stock option shares for the nine months ended September 28, 2007 and 40.2 million stock option shares for the nine months ended September 29, 2006. While these stock option shares are currently anti-dilutive, they could be dilutive in the future. All restricted stock units outstanding as of September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006 were in-the-money and included in our treasury stock method calculation. A reconciliation of basic and diluted income per share is presented below:

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

   September 28,
2007
   September 29,
2006
   September 28,
2007
   September 29,
2006
Basic:            

Net income

   $ 68,957    $ 87,421    $ 224,546    $ 223,374
                           

Basic weighted shares outstanding

     343,127      361,840      351,147      360,607
                           

Net income per share

   $ 0.20    $ 0.24    $ 0.64    $ 0.62
                           
Diluted:            

Net income

   $ 68,957    $ 87,421    $ 224,546    $ 223,374
                           

Weighted shares outstanding

     343,127      361,840      351,147      360,607

Effect of dilutive securities:

           

Stock options, ESPP, and restricted stock unit shares

     9,498      5,473      7,458      6,544
                           

Diluted weighted shares outstanding

     352,625      367,313      358,605      367,151
                           

Net income per share

   $ 0.20    $ 0.24    $ 0.63    $ 0.61
                           

Note 5 – Deferred Income Taxes and Other Assets, Net

Deferred income taxes and other assets, net at September 28, 2007 and December 29, 2006 were comprised of the following:

 

(in thousands)

   September 28,
2007
   December 29,
2006

Deferred income taxes non-current

   $ 57,338    $ 42,984

Intangible assets, net

     443      504

Deposits non-current

     8,506      3,794
             

Deferred income taxes and other assets, net

   $ 66,287    $ 47,282
             

We amortize acquired intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.1 million for the three months ended September 28, 2007 and was $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2007. Amortization of intangible assets was $0.3 million for the three months ended September 29, 2006 and was $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2006.

 

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Note 6 – Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

We lease facilities under non-cancelable lease agreements expiring at various times through 2015. There have been no material changes to our operating lease obligations since our 2006 fiscal year end. The balance of our capital lease obligations included in accrued liabilities was $1.5 million as of September 28, 2007. There were no long-term capital lease obligations as of September 28, 2007. The balance of our capital lease obligations included in accrued and other non-current liabilities was $3.9 million as of December 29, 2006. Amortization expense related to assets acquired under capital leases was $1.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007.

Indemnification and Product Warranty

We indemnify certain customers, distributors, suppliers, and subcontractors for attorney 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 products, for varying lengths of time, against defects in materials, workmanship and non-conformance to our specifications. We provide for known product issues if a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. To date, such claims have not been significant. If there is a material increase in customer claims compared with our historical experience or if costs of servicing warranty claims are greater than expected, we may record a charge against cost of sales.

The following table summarizes the activity related to our product warranty liability for the nine months ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006, which was included in accrued liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

     Nine Months Ended  

(in thousands)

   September 28,
2007
    September 29,
2006
 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 1,115     $ 1,454  

(Reduction)/addition to estimated reserve

     (874 )     1,060  

Payments

     (223 )     (172 )
                

Balance at end of period

   $ 18     $ 2,342  
                

Note 7 – Common Stock Repurchases

Share repurchase activities for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006 were as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  September 28,
2007
  September 29,
2006
  September 28,
2007
  September 29,
2006

Shares repurchased

    10,763     —       32,008     2,666

Cost of shares repurchased

  $ 255,455   $ —     $ 717,056   $ 53,068

Average price per share

  $ 23.73   $ —     $ 22.40   $ 19.91

On March 28, 2007, our board of directors approved a 50 million share increase in the number of shares of common stock authorized for repurchase under our common stock repurchase program. On August 31, 2007, our board of directors approved an additional increase of 25 million shares. Since the inception of our common stock repurchase program in 1996 through September 28, 2007, we have repurchased a total of 125.7 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $2.7 billion. All shares are retired upon acquisition. As of September 28, 2007, 57.3 million shares remained authorized for repurchase under our common stock repurchase program.

 

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Note 8 – Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

2005 Equity Incentive 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. On May 10, 2005, our stockholders approved Altera’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan replaced our 1996 Stock Option Plan (the “1996 Plan”) and our 1998 Director Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Plan”) and is now Altera’s only plan for providing 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 (“RSUs”), restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, and stock bonus awards. To date, we have granted both options and RSUs under the 2005 Plan. The majority of awards of stock options and RSUs granted under the 2005 Plan vest over four years. Stock options granted under the 2005 Plan have a maximum contractual term of ten years. As of September 28, 2007, the 2005 Plan had a total of 22.5 million shares reserved for future issuance, of which 12.0 million shares were available for future grants.

A summary of shares available for grant under our 2005 Plan is as follows:

 

(in thousands)

   Shares Available
For Grant
 

Balance, December 29, 2006

   17,932  

Stock option grants

   (1,129 )

Stock options cancelled (including forfeited and expired shares) (1)

   1,646  

RSUs granted (2)

   (6,980 )

RSUs forfeited (2)

   572  
      

Balance, September 28, 2007

   12,041  
      

(1) Includes 1.3 million shares that were granted under the 1996 Plan and 1998 Plan that were outstanding on the effective date of the 2005 Plan and were cancelled during the nine months ended September 28, 2007. Upon cancellation, these shares were returned to the pool of shares available for grant and issuance under the 2005 Plan.
(2) During the nine months ended September 28, 2007, we granted 3.1 million RSUs, of which 0.3 million were forfeited during the period. For purposes of determining the number of shares available for grant under the 2005 Plan against the maximum number of shares authorized, each RSU granted reduces the number of shares available for grant by 2.25 shares and each RSU forfeited increases shares available for grant by 2.25 shares.

A summary of our RSU activity for the nine months ended September 28, 2007 and information regarding RSUs outstanding and expected to vest as of September 28, 2007 is as follows:

 

(in thousands, except 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 29, 2006

   2,751     $ 18.24      

Grants

   3,102       22.07      

Vested

   (662 )     18.27      

Cancelled/Forfeited

   (254 )     18.90      
                  

Outstanding, September 28, 2007

   4,937     $ 20.06    2.9    $ 118,883
                        

Vested and expected to vest, September 28, 2007

   4,037     $ 20.65    2.9    $ 97,201
                        

(1) Aggregate intrinsic value for RSUs represents the closing price per share of our stock on September 28, 2007, multiplied by the number of RSUs outstanding or expected to vest as of September 28, 2007.

 

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A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended September 28, 2007 and information regarding stock options outstanding, exercisable, and vested and expected to vest as of September 28, 2007 is as follows:

 

(in thousands, except price 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 29, 2006

   54,633     $ 20.24      

Grants

   1,129       21.14      

Exercises

   (9,848 )     15.09      

Cancelled/Expired/Forfeited

   (1,646 )     23.55      
                  

Outstanding, September 28, 2007

   44,268     $ 21.29    5.2    $ 147,091
                        

Exercisable, September 28, 2007

   37,627     $ 21.43    4.8    $ 123,122
                        

Vested and expected to vest, September 28, 2007

   43,672     $ 21.30    5.2    $ 144,831
                        

(1) Aggregate intrinsic value for stock options represents the difference between the exercise price and the closing price per share of our common stock on September 28, 2007, multiplied by the number of stock options outstanding, exercisable, or vested and expected to vest as of September 28, 2007.

 

     Stock Options Outstanding    Stock Options Exercisable

Range of Exercise Prices

  

Number

Outstanding
at September 28, 2007
(in thousands)

   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(in Years)
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
  

Number

Exercisable

at September 28, 2007
(in thousands)

   Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
Per Share

$   0.01 - $13.91

   5,639    4.04    $ 12.43    5,639    $ 12.43

$ 14.04 - $20.61

   10,566    7.28      19.57    6,055      19.45

$ 20.62 - $22.49

   10,216    5.07      21.63    8,924      21.69

$ 22.54 - $23.47

   11,341    4.99      23.34    10,740      23.35

$ 23.49 - $61.56

   6,506    3.54      27.64    6,269      27.80
                            
   44,268    5.22    $ 21.29    37,627    $ 21.43
                            

For the nine months ended September 28, 2007, 9.8 million non-qualified stock option shares were exercised. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 28, 2007 was $78.2 million. 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 net tax benefit realized from the exercise of non-qualified stock options, the disqualifying dispositions from the employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”), and the vesting of RSUs was $11.7 million and $17.0 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

As implemented, our 1987 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 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 will be automatically withdrawn from the current offering period following the purchase of shares on the purchase date and will be automatically re-enrolled in the immediately following offering period.

 

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On May 8, 2007, the stockholders approved an amendment to the ESPP to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance from 20.7 million to 21.7 million shares. As of September 28, 2007, 3.1 million shares were available for future issuance under the ESPP. Sales under the ESPP were 579,064 shares of common stock at a price of $15.07 for the nine months ended September 28, 2007 and 579,605 shares of common stock at a price of $14.12 for the nine months ended September 29, 2006.

Valuation and Expense Information Under SFAS 123(R)

On December 31, 2005, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”). We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to our employees and directors, including employee stock options and other stock-based awards, based on estimated fair values at the grant date as required by SFAS 123(R). Stock-based compensation expense under SFAS 123(R) was as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  

(in thousands)

  September 28,
2007
    September 29,
2006
    September 28,
2007
    September 29,
2006
 

Cost of sales

  $ 325     $ 422     $ 979     $ 1,499  

Research and development

    5,027       6,116       15,458       22,017  

Selling, general, and administrative

    6,608       8,483       21,269       29,107  
                               

Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense

    11,960       15,021       37,706       52,623  

Less: income tax benefit

    (3,562 )     (4,611 )     (11,193 )     (14,195 )
                               

Net stock-based compensation expense

  $ 8,398     $ 10,410     $ 26,513     $ 38,428  
                               

At September 28, 2007, unamortized stock-based compensation expense related to outstanding unvested stock options, RSUs, and ESPP shares that are expected to vest was approximately $101.9 million. This unamortized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years. During the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007, no stock-based compensation expense was capitalized.

RSUs

For RSUs, stock-based compensation expense is calculated based on the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated expected future dividends, and then multiplied by the number of RSUs granted. The grant-date value of RSUs, less estimated pre-vest forfeitures, is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The vesting period for RSUs is generally four years.

On April 30, 2007, we granted RSUs to executive officers that are contingent on the company achieving net income from continuing operations as a percentage of revenue of 18% or greater in 2007. If this performance goal is met in 2007, the RSUs will vest in four equal amounts on or about the anniversary of the grant date, subject to the individual’s continued employment with the company. If this performance goal is not met in 2007, no stock-based compensation expense will be recognized and any previously recognized stock-based compensation expense will be reversed. The expected cost of the grant is reflected over the service period, and is reduced for estimated forfeitures.

The weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of RSUs granted during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 were as follows:

 

     Three Months
Ended
September 28,
2007
    Nine Months
Ended
September 28,
2007
 

RSUs:

    

Risk-free interest rate

     4.6 %     4.7 %

Dividend yield

     0.7 %     0.4 %

Weighted-average estimated fair value

   $ 23.12     $ 21.84  

Stock Options and ESPP Shares

We estimate the fair value of stock options and ESPP shares on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model requires our estimate of highly subjective assumptions, which greatly affect the fair

 

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value of each stock option and ESPP share. The assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options and ESPP shares granted during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006 were as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 28,
2007
    September 29,
2006
    September 28,
2007
    September 29,
2006
 

Stock options:

       

Expected term (in years)

    5.0       4.8       5.0       4.7  

Expected stock price volatility

    36.8 %     42.9 %     36.8 %     42.4 %

Risk-free interest rate

    4.6 %     5.0 %     4.8 %     4.6 %

Dividend yield

    0.7 %     —         0.2 %     —    

Weighted-average estimated fair value

  $ 8.81     $ 7.73     $ 8.30     $ 8.26  

ESPP shares:

       

Expected term (in years)

    0.8       0.8       0.8       0.8  

Expected stock price volatility

    29.3 %     30.1 %     29.3 %     30.1 %

Risk-free interest rate

    4.9 %     5.0 %     4.9 %     5.0 %

Dividend yield

    0.6 %     —         0.6 %     —    

Weighted-average estimated fair value

  $ 5.91     $ 5.62     $ 5.91     $ 5.62  

For stock options, our expected term estimate represents the weighted average term for stock options that have completed the full contractual term based on the period from the date of grant to exercise, cancellation, or expiration. For ESPP shares, the expected term represents the average term from the first day of the offering period to the purchase date.

Our expected stock price volatility assumption for stock options is estimated using a combination of implied volatility for publicly traded options on our stock with a term of one year or more and our historical stock price volatility. Our expected stock price volatility assumption for ESPP shares is estimated using a combination of implied volatility for publicly traded options on our stock with a term of six months and our historical stock price volatility.

The interest rate used to value stock options and ESPP shares approximates the risk-free interest rate of a zero-coupon Treasury bond on the date of grant.

We monitor the assumptions used to compute the fair value of stock options and ESPP shares and revise our methodology as appropriate.

IRC Section 409A Affected Options

On July 24, 2007, the company filed with the SEC a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO (the “Offer”). The company offered certain optionees the opportunity to amend the stock option grant made on December 20, 2000 to include new restrictions on exercisability in order to limit the potential adverse personal tax consequences that may apply to a portion of the grant under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service thereunder. The Offer expired on August 31, 2007. Pursuant to the terms of the Offer, the company has accepted for amendment certain options to purchase approximately 62,000 shares of its common stock.

Note 9 – 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 and nine months ended September 28, 2007 was 14%, compared with 15% for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2006. The decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the reinstatement in December 2006 of the federal R&D tax credit.

We maintain within our income taxes payable account liabilities for uncertain tax benefits. These liabilities involve considerable judgment and estimation and are monitored by management based on the best information available including changes in tax regulations, the outcome of relevant court cases and other information. We are currently under examination by various taxing authorities. Although the outcome of any tax audit is uncertain, we believe we have adequately provided in our condensed consolidated financial statements for any additional taxes that we may be required to pay as a result of such examinations. If the payment ultimately proves to be unnecessary, the reversal of these tax liabilities would result in tax benefits being recognized in the period we determine such liabilities are no longer necessary. However, if an ultimate tax assessment exceeds our estimate of tax liabilities, an additional tax provision will be recorded. The impact of such adjustments in our tax accounts could have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations in future periods.

 

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We adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“SFAS 109”) on December 30, 2006. As a result of implementing FIN 48, we decreased our income tax payable by $2.3 million with a corresponding adjustment to opening retained earnings as of December 30, 2006. We also reclassified $117 million from current to non-current income taxes payable as of December 30, 2006.

On December 30, 2006, we had $137.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits. As of September 28, 2007, we recorded additional unrecognized tax benefits of $23.2 million for a total of $160.5 million. If recognized, approximately $147.5 million, net of federal benefits, would be recorded as an income tax benefit in our condensed consolidated statement of income. Of the $160.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $11.0 million is expected to be paid within the next 12 months.

We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in our income tax provision. On the date of adoption of FIN 48, we had $18.5 million of accrued interest and $4.2 million of accrued penalties related to uncertain tax positions. As of September 28, 2007, there have been no material changes to accrued interest and penalties related to our uncertain tax positions.

We file U.S. federal income tax returns as well as income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for fiscal years 2002 through 2004 and are likely to be subject to examination for fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Other significant jurisdictions in which we may be subject to examination for fiscal years 2002 forward include Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, and the State of California.

Note 10 – Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

We allow our U.S.-based officers, director-level employees, and members of our board of directors to defer a portion of their compensation under the Altera Corporation Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”). Our Retirement Plans Committee administers the NQDC Plan. At September 28, 2007, there were approximately 130 participants in the NQDC Plan who self-direct their investments, subject to certain limitations. In the event we become insolvent, 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 in Altera common stock. On September 28, 2007, NQDC Plan assets and obligations were $73.8 million. On December 29, 2006, NQDC Plan assets and obligations were $69.4 million.

We account for investment income earned by the NQDC Plan as interest and other income, net. The investment income also represents an increase in the future payout to employees and is treated as current period compensation expense. During the three months ended September 28, 2007, the NQDC Plan experienced a net investment gain of $2.2 million. This gain resulted in a $2.2 million increase to other income and to operating expenses, increasing research and development expenses by $1.4 million and increasing selling, general and administrative expenses by $0.8 million. During the nine months ended September 28, 2007, the NQDC Plan experienced a net investment gain of $6.4 million. This gain resulted in a $6.4 million increase to other income and to operating expenses, increasing research and development expenses by $3.6 million and increasing selling, general and administrative expenses by $2.8 million.

During the three months ended September 29, 2006, the NQDC Plan experienced a net investment gain of $2.1 million. This gain resulted in a $2.1 million increase to other income and to operating expenses, increasing research and development expenses by $1.2 million and increasing selling, general and administrative expenses by $0.9 million. During the nine months ended September 29, 2006, the NQDC Plan experienced a net investment gain of $3.4 million. This gain resulted in a $3.4 million increase to other income and to operating expenses, increasing research and development expenses by $1.7 million and increasing selling, general and administrative expenses by $1.7 million.

Income earned by the NQDC Plan does not, nor has it ever, impacted our income before income taxes, net income, or cash balances.

Note 11 – Legal Proceedings

We have been named as a party to several lawsuits concerning our historical stock option practices and related accounting and reporting.

 

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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). There were no material developments in this action during the quarter ended September 28, 2007.

The consolidated California state court action names Altera Corporation as a nominal defendant and the following current and former Altera officers and directors as defendants: John P. Daane, Nathan M. Sarkisian, Denis M. Berlan, Robert W. Reed, Robert J. Finocchio, Jr., Kevin McGarity, Paul Newhagen, William E. Terry, Susan Wang, Charles M. Clough, Rodney Smith, Michael B. Jacobs, Katherine E. Schuelke, Deborah Reiman, Michael J. Ellison, C. Wendell Bergere, Clive McCarthy, and Peter Smyth. Plaintiffs assert claims against these individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, violations of California Corporation Code sections 25402 and 25403, breach of fiduciary duty for insider selling and misappropriation of information, rescission, constructive trust, accounting, and deceit. Plaintiffs’ 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. Plaintiffs seek, 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. During the third quarter of 2007, Altera moved to dismiss this action for lack of standing and for failure to state a claim.

Among the defendants named in these derivative actions are Altera Corporation as a nominal defendant and the following current and former officers and directors of Altera: John P. Daane, Nathan M. Sarkisian, Denis M. Berlan, Robert W. Reed, Robert J. Finocchio, Jr., Kevin McGarity, Paul Newhagen, William E. Terry, Susan Wang, Charles M. Clough, Rodney Smith, Michael B. Jacobs, Katherine E. Schuelke, John R. Fitzhenry, Deborah Reiman, Michael J. Ellison, C. Wendell Bergere, Clive McCarthy, and Peter Smyth. The consolidated complaint includes claims for violations of Sections 10(b), 14(a), and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, insider selling and misappropriation of information, rescission, accounting, and violations of California Corporation Code sections 25402 and 25502.5. Plaintiffs’ claims concern the granting of stock options by Altera between 1995 and 2001 and the alleged filing of false and misleading financial statements between 1996 and 2005.

Note 12 – Credit Facility

On August 31, 2007, we entered into a five-year $750 million unsecured revolving credit facility. Under certain circumstances, upon our request and with the consent of the lenders, the commitments under the credit facility may be increased up to an additional $250 million. Borrowings under this facility will bear interest at either a Eurodollar rate or a Prime rate, at our option, plus an applicable margin based upon certain financial ratios. In addition, we pay a facility fee on the unused portion of the available credit facility. This facility fee varies with certain financial ratios and was 0.125% as of September 28, 2007. The terms of this credit facility require compliance with certain financial and non-financial covenants, which we have satisfied as of September 28, 2007. As of the filing date, the company has not borrowed any funds using this facility.

Note 13 – Subsequent Event

On October 19, 2007, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per common share payable on December 3, 2007 to stockholders of record on November 12, 2007.

 

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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. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding (1) our gross margins and factors that affect gross margins; (2) our research and development expenditures and efforts; (3) our capital expenditures; (4) the impact of accounting pronouncements, and (5) our provision for tax liabilities and other critical accounting estimates.

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 29, 2006.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of our condensed 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 condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our management believes that we consistently apply these judgments and estimates and the condensed 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 condensed consolidated statement of income and financial conditions. Critical accounting estimates, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, 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, (3) income taxes, and (4) stock-based compensation. 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 29, 2006.

On December 30, 2006, we adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) to account for uncertain tax positions. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have any impact on our condensed consolidated statement of income or statement of cash flows, and the impact on our condensed consolidated balance sheet is summarized in Note 9 – Income Taxes. The application of income tax law is inherently complex. Tax laws and regulations are at times ambiguous, and interpretations of and guidance regarding income tax laws and regulations change over time. This requires us to make many subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposure. Changes in our assumptions and judgments can materially affect our condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of income, and statements of cash flows.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Sales Overview

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

We classify our products into three categories:

 

 

 

New products include the Stratix® II, Stratix III, Stratix II GX, Arria™ GX, Cyclone® II, Cyclone III, MAX® II, HardCopy and Hardcopy II devices;

 

   

Mainstream products include the Stratix, Stratix GX, Cyclone, and MAX 3000A devices;

 

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Mature and other products include the Classic™, MAX 7000, MAX 7000A, MAX 7000B, MAX 7000S, MAX 9000, FLEX® 6000, FLEX 8000, FLEX 10K, FLEX 10KA, FLEX 10KE, APEX™ 20K, APEX 20KE, APEX 20KC, APEX II, ACEX® 1K, Mercury™, Excalibur™, configuration and other devices, intellectual property cores, and software and other tools.

Sales for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 were driven by a continuation of four primary business dynamics:

 

   

Strong double-digit growth in new products, which was more than offset by declines in the mainstream and mature product categories

 

   

PLD expansion into new applications across all four major market segments, enabled by advances in technology and performance

 

   

Increasing programmable content in electronic systems and displacement of alternative products

 

   

Rising demand in emerging markets

Despite the favorable long-term growth dynamics for programmable logic, the third quarter of fiscal 2007 was characterized by lackluster demand in the communications market (excluding wireless), computer and storage, and all industrial sub-segments. Our consumer segment, however, grew substantially as Altera’s new product offerings gained traction in a number of digital media applications.

Sales by Product Category

Sales by product category were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended                 Nine Months Ended        
    

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

June 29,

2007

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

   

Sequential

Change

   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

 

New

   35 %   21 %   30 %   52 %   13 %   30 %   17 %   69 %

Mainstream

   29 %   36 %   32 %   -24 %   -9 %   31 %   36 %   -15 %

Mature and Other

   36 %   43 %   38 %   -23 %   -6 %   39 %   47 %   -20 %
                                    

Total Sales

   100 %   100 %   100 %   -7 %   -1 %   100 %   100 %   -3 %
                                    

Sales by Market Segment

The following market segment 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 revenue to a market segment requires the use of estimates, judgment, and extrapolation. As such, actual results may differ from those reported.

Sales by market segment were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended                 Nine Months Ended        
    

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

June 29,

2007

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

   

Sequential

Change

   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

 

Communications

   40 %   41 %   40 %   -10 %   -1 %   40 %   43 %   -10 %

Industrial

   33 %   33 %   35 %   -7 %   -8 %   35 %   33 %   1 %

Consumer

   18 %   15 %   16 %   14 %   14 %   16 %   14 %   14 %

Computer and Storage

   9 %   11 %   9 %   -24 %   -3 %   9 %   10 %   -11 %
                                    

Total Sales

   100 %   100 %   100 %   -7 %   -1 %   100 %   100 %   -3 %
                                    

 

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Table of Contents

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, Stratix II, Stratix III, Stratix GX, Stratix II GX, Arria GX, Cyclone, Cyclone II, Cyclone III, APEX, APEX II, FLEX, ACEX, Excalibur, and Mercury families, and CPLDs consist of our MAX, MAX II, and Classic families. Our other products consist of HardCopy, HardCopy II and other masked programmed logic devices, configuration devices, software and other tools and IP cores (collectively, “Other Products”). Our sales of FPGAs and CPLDs, and Other Products were as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended                 Nine Months Ended        
   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

June 29,

2007

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

   

Sequential

Change

   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

 

FPGA

  70 %   71 %   70 %   -9 %   -1 %   71 %   71 %   -3 %

CPLD

  19 %   19 %   19 %   -4 %   1 %   19 %   20 %   -7 %

Other Products

  11 %   10 %   11 %   -3 %   -4 %   10 %   9 %   4 %
                                   

Total Sales

  100 %   100 %   100 %   -7 %   -1 %   100 %   100 %   -3 %
                                   

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 customers. Sales by geography were as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended                 Nine Months Ended        
   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

June 29,

2007

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

   

Sequential

Change

   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

 

North America

  22 %   23 %   21 %   -13 %   1 %   22 %   25 %   -15 %
                                   

Asia Pacific

  34 %   28 %   33 %   13 %   0 %   33 %   26 %   24 %

Europe

  24 %   27 %   25 %   -16 %   -2 %   25 %   25 %   -5 %

Japan

  20 %   22 %   21 %   -17 %   -5 %   20 %   24 %   -17 %
                                   

Total International

  78 %   77 %   79 %   -6 %   -2 %   78 %   75 %   1 %
                                   

Total Sales

  100 %   100 %   100 %   -7 %   -1 %   100 %   100 %   -3 %
                                   

Gross Margin

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

June 29,

2007

   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

 

Gross Margin Percentage

   63.8 %   67.6 %   64.6 %   64.7 %   66.8 %

Gross margin percentages declined during the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 primarily due to market segment mix as compared to the same period last year. Gross margin rates are heavily influenced by both market segment mix and the timing of material cost improvements. While these variables will continue to fluctuate on a quarterly basis, the company is targeting a 65% gross margin over the long term. We believe the 65% gross margin target affords the company the right mix of growth opportunities across all served markets.

 

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Table of Contents

Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the quarters ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006 had an immaterial impact on our gross margin.

Research and Development

 

     Three Months Ended                 Nine Months Ended        
(Dollars in millions)   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

June 29,

2007

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

   

Sequential

Change

   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

 

Research and Development

   $ 71.4     $ 63.6     $ 63.1     12 %   13 %   $ 192.9     $ 190.4     1 %

Percentage of Net Sales

     23 %     19 %     20 %         21 %     20 %  

Research and development expenses include expenditures for labor and benefits, stock-based compensation expense, masks, prototype wafers, depreciation, and the impact on compensation costs of the net investment gain or loss on our Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”). Research and development expenditures were for the design of new PLD and structured ASIC families, and the development of process technologies, new packages, software to support new products and design environments, and IP cores.

Research and development expenses increased 12% and 1%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 compared to the same periods a year ago due to increased labor costs and increased spending on masks and prototype wafers, partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation expense. Spending on masks and prototype wafers increased by $8.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 due to new product launches. Stock-based compensation expense decreased by $1.1 million and $6.6 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 compared to the same periods last year.

We will continue to make significant investments in the development of new products throughout 2007 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 our Stratix III and Cyclone III families, as well as our Quartus II software, our library of IP cores, and other future products.

Selling, General, and Administrative

 

     Three Months Ended                 Nine Months Ended        
(Dollars in millions)   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

June 29,

2007

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

   

Sequential

Change

   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

 

Selling, General, and Administrative

   $ 66.1     $ 80.8     $ 67.9     -18 %   -3 %   $ 205.7     $ 233.8     -12 %

Percentage of Net Sales

     21 %     24 %     21 %         22 %     24 %  

Selling, general, and administrative expenses primarily include labor and benefit expenses related to sales, marketing, and administrative personnel, stock-based compensation expense for those personnel, commissions and incentives, depreciation, legal, advertising, facilities, travel expenses, and the impact on compensation costs of the net investment gain or loss on our NQDC Plan.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased 18 % and 12 %, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 compared to the same periods a year ago primarily because of reduced spending on legal and consulting services and lower stock-based compensation expense. Legal and consulting costs decreased by $7.0 million and $11.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 due to a reduction in costs related to the stock option investigation carried out in 2006. Stock-based compensation expense decreased by $1.9 million and $7.8 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 compared to the same periods last year. Benefit costs declined by $1.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 due primarily to lower volume-related incentives and bonuses.

 

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Table of Contents

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we expect selling, general and administrative expenses to continue to decline from 2006 levels due to cost improvement efforts started in 2007 and lower spending on legal and consulting services.

Interest and Other Income, Net

 

     Three Months Ended                 Nine Months Ended        
(Dollars in millions)   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

June 29,

2007

   

Year-

Over-Year

Change

   

Sequential

Change

   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

   

Year-
Over-Year

Change

 

Interest and Other Income, Net

   $ 16.2     $ 16.5     $ 18.0     -2 %   -10 %   $ 51.3     $ 39.8     29 %

Percentage of Net Sales

     5 %     5 %     6 %         5 %     4 %  

Interest and other income, net, consists mainly of interest income generated from investments in high-quality fixed income securities, as well as the mark-to-market impact of our NQDC Plan. For the three months ended September 28, 2007, the interest and other income, net, decreased from the comparative period last year primarily because of lower average cash and investment balances and credit facility charges, partially offset by higher investment yields. For the nine months ended September 28, 2007, the increase in interest and other income, net, was driven primarily by an increase in interest income resulting from higher investment yields and higher average cash and investment balances.

During the three months ended September 28, 2007, the NQDC Plan experienced a net investment gain of $2.2 million. This gain resulted in a $2.2 million increase to other income and to operating expenses, increasing research and development expenses by $1.4 million and increasing selling, general and administrative expenses by $0.8 million. During the nine months ended September 28, 2007, the NQDC Plan experienced a net investment gain of $6.4 million. This gain resulted in a $6.4 million increase to other income and to operating expenses, increasing research and development expenses by $3.6 million and increasing selling, general and administrative expenses by $2.8 million.

During the three months ended September 29, 2006, the NQDC Plan experienced a net investment gain of $2.1 million. This gain resulted in a $2.1 million increase to other income and to operating expenses, increasing selling, general and administrative expenses by $0.9 million and increasing research and development expenses by $1.2 million. During the nine months ended September 29, 2006, the NQDC Plan experienced a net investment gain of $3.4 million. This gain resulted in a $3.4 million increase to other income and to operating expenses, increasing research and development expenses by $1.7 million and increasing selling, general and administrative expenses by $1.7 million

There was no impact to income before income taxes, net income or cash balances as a result of the investment experience of the NQDC Plan. See “Note 10 – Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan” in the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for background information regarding the NQDC Plan.

Provision for Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 was 14%, compared with 15% for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2006. The decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the reinstatement in December 2006 of the federal Research & Development (“R&D”) tax credit. In addition, our effective tax rate reflects the impact of significant amounts of our earnings being taxed in foreign jurisdictions at rates below the U.S. statutory rate.

We adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) on December 30, 2006, the first day of our 2007 fiscal year. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have any impact on our condensed consolidated statement of income or statement of cash flows. The effect of adoption of FIN 48 on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as at September 28, 2007 is summarized in Note 9 – Income Taxes.

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources

 

(in thousands)   

September 28,

2007

   

Dec. 29,

2006

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 701,848     $ 738,412  

Short-term investments

     407,179       625,335  

Long-term investments

     102,914       256,563  
                

Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments

   $ 1,211,941     $ 1,620,310  
                
     Nine Months Ended  
(in thousands)   

September 28,

2007

   

September 29,

2006

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 195,579     $ 300,647  

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

     350,824       (360,637 )

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

     (582,967 )     16,041  
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (36,564 )   $ (43,949 )
                

Liquidity

We derive our liquidity and capital resources primarily from our cash flows from operations. We continue to generate positive operating cash flows. We currently use cash for capital expenditures, investments, dividends and repurchases of our common stock. On August 31, 2007, the company entered into a five-year $750 million unsecured revolving credit facility which is also available for future cash requirements. As of the filing date, the company has not borrowed any funds using this facility. The company intends to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its common stock from the beginning of 2007 through the first half of 2008. During the nine months ended September 28, 2007, we spent $717.1 million to repurchase shares of our common stock, compared to $53.1 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2006.

Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe our current available sources of funds including cash, cash equivalents, investments and available credit facility, plus the anticipated cash generated from operations, will be adequate to finance our operations and capital expenditures for at least the next year.

We spent $21.6 million on capital expenditures during the nine months ended September 28, 2007, compared to $25.8 million in the nine months ended September 29, 2006. Expenditures in 2007 were primarily for the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. As of the date of this filing, we have spent approximately $37.1 million on the ERP project of which $13.2 million represents capital expenditures included in Property and equipment, net on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Total planned expenditure for ERP is estimated to be approximately $40 million. The ERP system became operational in July of 2007.

During the nine months ended September 28, 2007, we paid total dividends of $27.9 million. On October 19, 2007, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per common share payable on December 3, 2007 to stockholders of record on November 12, 2007. Our dividend policy could be impacted in the future by, among other items, our views on potential future capital requirements relating to research and development, investments and acquisitions, legal risks, common stock repurchases, and other strategic investments.

Cash Flows

Our positive cash flows from operating activities for the nine months ended September 28, 2007 were primarily attributable to net income of $224.5 million, adjusted for non-cash items including stock-based compensation expense of $37.7 million, depreciation and amortization of $23.3 million, partially offset by cash outflows of $78.4 million from changes in our working capital, excluding cash. Non-cash working capital changes were largely as a result of a $28.6 million decrease in deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors, a $22.0 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, an $87.8 million increase in accounts receivable, a $6.5 million increase in inventory, an $11.1 million increase in other assets, and an increase in income taxes payable of $33.5 million.

 

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Table of Contents

Cash provided by investing activities for the nine months ended September 28, 2007 primarily consisted of proceeds from the maturities and sales of available-for-sale investments of $ 465.6 million, partially offset by purchases of available-for-sale investments of $92.9 million, and purchases of property and equipment of $21.6 million.

Cash used for financing activities for the nine months ended September 28, 2007 primarily consisted of repurchases of our common stock of $717.1 million and payment of dividends to stockholders of $27.9 million, partially offset by proceeds of $152.6 million from the issuance of common stock to employees through stock option exercises.

Purchase Obligations; Commitments and Contingencies

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 September 28, 2007, we had approximately $127.8 million of outstanding purchase commitments to such subcontractors. We expect to receive and pay for these materials and services within the next four to six months.

We also lease facilities under non-cancelable lease agreements expiring at various times through 2015. There have been no material changes to our operating lease obligations since our 2006 fiscal year end. The balance of our capital lease obligations included in accrued and other non-current liabilities was $1.5 million as of September 28, 2007 and $3.9 million as of December 29, 2006. Amortization expense related to assets acquired under capital leases was $1.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007.

As discussed in Note 9 – Income Taxes, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on December 30, 2006. At September 28, 2007 we had a liability for unrecognized tax benefits and an accrual for the payment of related interest and penalties totaling $160.5 million of which approximately $11.0 million is expected to be paid within the next 12 months. The company is unable to estimate when the cash settlement of the remaining balance of the unrecognized tax benefits with the taxing authorities will occur.

In addition to these leases 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 material to our condensed consolidated balance sheet or statement of income.

Impact of Currency Translation and Inflation

Although we purchase the majority of our materials and services in U.S. dollars and sell our products to OEMs and distributors in U.S. dollars, we do have international operations and are, therefore, subject to foreign currency rate exposure. For non-U.S. subsidiaries and branches that have assets and liabilities in local currencies, the impact of the remeasurement of these local currencies into U.S. dollars for the three months ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006 was immaterial. As of September 28, 2007, we had no open forward contracts.

Common Stock Repurchases

On March 28, 2007, our board of directors approved a 50 million share increase in the number of shares of common stock authorized for repurchase under our common stock repurchase program. On August 31, 2007, our board of directors approved an additional 25 million share increase. Since the inception of our common stock repurchase program on July 15, 1996 through September 28, 2007, we have repurchased a total of 125.7 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $2.7 billion. All shares were retired upon acquisition. On September 28, 2007, 57.3 million shares remained authorized for repurchase under our common stock repurchase program.

 

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Table of Contents

Share repurchase activities for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2007 and September 29, 2006 were as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  September 28,
2007
  September 29,
2006
  September 28,
2007
  September 29,
2006

Shares repurchased

    10,763     —       32,008     2,666

Cost of shares repurchased

  $ 255,455   $ —     $ 717,056   $ 53,068

Average price per share

  $ 23.73   $ —     $ 22.40   $ 19.91

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any financial partnerships with unconsolidated entities, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”). This statement expands the standards under SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, to provide entities a one-time election (Fair Value Option or FVO) to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Most of the provisions of this statement apply only to entities that elect the fair value option. The provisions of SFAS 159 are applicable only to certain financial instruments and are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently assessing the impact of SFAS 159 on our condensed consolidated balance sheet, statement of income and statement of cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The changes to current practice resulting from the application of SFAS 157 relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2007. We do not believe that the adoption of the provisions of SFAS 157 will materially impact our condensed consolidated balance sheet, statement of income or statement of cash flows.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of SFAS 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on December 30, 2006, the first day of our 2007 fiscal year. On May 2, 2007 the FASB issued FASB staff position No. FIN 48-1, “Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48-1” (“FSP FIN 48-1”). FSP FIN 48-1 provides guidance on how an entity should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have any impact on our condensed consolidated statement of income or statement of cash flows. The effect of adoption of FIN 48 on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as at September 28, 2007 is summarized in Note 9 – Income Taxes.

Subsequent Event

On October 19, 2007, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.04 per common share payable on December 3, 2007 to stockholders of record on November 12, 2007.

 

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Table of Contents
ITEM 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Investment and Interest Rate Risk

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing yields without significantly increasing risk. We maintain investment portfolio holdings of various issuers, types and maturity dates totaling $1.2 billion as of September 28, 2007. 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 likely 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 net income is dependent on, among other factors, interest income and realized gains from the sale of marketable securities. If the interest rate declines or we are unable to realize gains from the sale of marketable securities, our net income may be negatively impacted.

Foreign Currency Risk

Although we purchase the majority of our materials and services in U.S. dollars and sell our products to OEMs and distributors in U.S. dollars, we do have international operations and are, therefore, subject to foreign currency rate exposure. To date, our exposure to exchange rate volatility has been insignificant. If foreign currency rates were to fluctuate by 10% from rates at September 28, 2007, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows would not be materially affected. However, we cannot guarantee that there will not be a material impact in the future.

 

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.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, we implemented a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The implementation of the ERP system represents a material change in our internal controls over financial reporting.

Management has reviewed and evaluated the design of key controls in the new ERP system and the accuracy of the data conversion that took place during the implementation and has not uncovered a control deficiency or combination of control deficiencies that management believes meet the definition of a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting. Although management believes internal controls have been maintained or enhanced by the new ERP system, it has not completed its testing of the operating effectiveness of all key controls in the new system. As such, there is a risk such control deficiencies may exist that have not yet been identified and that could constitute, individually or in combination, a material weakness. Management will continue to evaluate the operating effectiveness of related key controls during the fourth quarter.

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.

 

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Table of Contents

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: Legal Proceedings

We have been named as a party to several lawsuits 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). There were no material developments in this action during the quarter ended September 28, 2007.

The consolidated California state court action names Altera Corporation as a nominal defendant and the following current and former Altera officers and directors as defendants: John P. Daane, Nathan M. Sarkisian, Denis M. Berlan, Robert W. Reed, Robert J. Finocchio, Jr., Kevin McGarity, Paul Newhagen, William E. Terry, Susan Wang, Charles M. Clough, Rodney Smith, Michael B. Jacobs, Katherine E. Schuelke, Deborah Reiman, Michael J. Ellison, C. Wendell Bergere, Clive McCarthy, and Peter Smyth. Plaintiffs assert claims against these individual defendants for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, violations of California Corporation Code sections 25402 and 25403, breach of fiduciary duty for insider selling and misappropriation of information, rescission, constructive trust, accounting, and deceit. Plaintiffs’ 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. Plaintiffs seek, 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. During the third quarter of 2007, Altera moved to dismiss this action for lack of standing and for failure to state a claim.

Among the defendants named in these derivative actions are Altera Corporation as a nominal defendant and the following current and former officers and directors of Altera: John P. Daane, Nathan M. Sarkisian, Denis M. Berlan, Robert W. Reed, Robert J. Finocchio, Jr., Kevin McGarity, Paul Newhagen, William E. Terry, Susan Wang, Charles M. Clough, Rodney Smith, Michael B. Jacobs, Katherine E. Schuelke, John R. Fitzhenry, Deborah Reiman, Michael J. Ellison, C. Wendell Bergere, Clive McCarthy, and Peter Smyth. The consolidated complaint includes claims for violations of Sections 10(b), 14(a), and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, insider selling and misappropriation of information, rescission, accounting, and violations of California Corporation Code sections 25402 and 25502.5. Plaintiffs’ claims concern the granting of stock options by Altera between 1995 and 2001 and the alleged filing of false and misleading financial statements between 1996 and 2005.

 

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 29, 2006. 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 29, 2006, 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 29, 2006 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, financial condition, and results of operation 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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ITEM 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

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

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

During the third quarter of 2007, we repurchased shares of our common stock as follows:

 

Period

(in thousands except footnotes and price per share amounts)

   Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased(1)
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   Increase of
Shares
Authorized for
Repurchase
 

Maximum

Number of

Shares that May

Yet Be Purchased

Under the Plans
or Programs

6/30/07 - 7/27/07

   3,302    $ 23.56    3,302    —     39,748

7/28/07 - 8/24/07

   3,456    $ 23.69    3,456    —     36,292

8/25/07 - 9/28/07

   4,005    $ 23.92    4,005    25,000   57,287
                 
   10,763       10,763     
                 

(1)

No shares were purchased outside of publicly announced plans or programs.

We repurchase shares of our common stock under the program announced on July 15, 1996 that has no specified expiration. As of September 28, 2007, the board of directors has authorized, since the inception of the program, a total of 183.0 million shares for repurchase, including 50 million shares authorized on March 28, 2007 and an additional 25 million shares authorized on August 31, 2007. 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 do not intend to make further purchases.

 

ITEM 6: Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.1

   Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2007, by and between Registrant, Citicorp USA, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A., and certain Other Lenders. (1)

#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.

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on September 5, 2007.
# Filed herewith.

 

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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/ TIMOTHY R. MORSE

 

Timothy R. Morse

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.1

   Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2007, by and between Registrant, Citicorp USA, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A., and certain Other Lenders. (1)

#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.

(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on September 5, 2007.
# Filed herewith.

 

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