Schedule 14A


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
 
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Filed by the Registrant x
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
 
Check the appropriate box:
o
Preliminary Proxy Statement
o
Confidential, for Use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
x
Definitive Proxy Statement
o
Definitive Additional Materials
o
Soliciting Material Pursuant to 240.14a-12
 
SILICON LABORATORIES INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
 
x
No fee required.
 
o
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 
(1)  
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2)  
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3)  
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11
(set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4)  
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5)  
Total fee paid:
 
o
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
 
o
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
 
(1)  
Amount Previously Paid:
(2)  
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3)  
Filing Party:
(4)  
Date Filed:
 



 
SILICON LABORATORIES INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 19, 2007
 
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF SILICON LABORATORIES INC.:
 
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Silicon Laboratories Inc., a Delaware corporation, will be held on April 19, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. Central Time at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, Texas 78739, for the following purposes, as more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice:
 
1.
To elect one Class III director to serve on the Board of Directors until our 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, or until a successor is duly elected and qualified;
 
2.
To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2007; and
 
3.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
 
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2007, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. A list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for inspection at our executive offices.
 
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. Whether or not you plan to attend, please sign and return the Proxy in the envelope enclosed for your convenience, or vote your shares by telephone or internet as promptly as possible. Should you receive more than one Proxy because your shares are registered in different names and addresses, each Proxy should be signed and returned, or voted by telephone or internet, to assure that all your shares will be voted. You may revoke your Proxy at any time prior to the Annual Meeting. If you attend the Annual Meeting and vote by ballot, your Proxy will be revoked automatically and only your vote at the Annual Meeting will be counted.
 
 
Sincerely,
 
Necip Sayiner
Chief Executive Officer,
President and Director
 
Austin, Texas
March 14, 2007
 
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN. PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT CAREFULLY AND VOTE YOUR SHARES BY TELEPHONE, BY INTERNET OR BY COMPLETING, SIGNING AND DATING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE AND RETURNING IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
 

 
SILICON LABORATORIES INC.
400 West Cesar Chavez
Austin, Texas 78701
 
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 19, 2007
 
General
 
The enclosed Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Silicon Laboratories Inc., a Delaware corporation, for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 19, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. Central Standard Time at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, Texas 78739, or at any adjournment thereof. These proxy solicitation materials were mailed on or about March 14, 2007 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
 
Voting
 
The specific proposals to be considered and acted upon at the Annual Meeting are summarized in the accompanying notice and are described in more detail in this Proxy Statement. On February 20, 2007, the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, 54,864,256 shares of our common stock were outstanding and no shares of our preferred stock were outstanding. Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held by such stockholder on February 20, 2007. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of our shares entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting or at any adjournment thereof. Stockholders may not cumulate votes in the election of directors. The vote of a plurality of the shares of our common stock present in person or represented by proxy at this meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors is necessary for the election of a director. The nominee receiving the greatest number of votes at this meeting will be elected to our Board of Directors, even if he receives less than a majority of such shares.
 
All votes will be tabulated by the inspector of election appointed for the meeting, who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes (i.e., a Proxy submitted by a broker or nominee specifically indicating the lack of discretionary authority to vote on the matter). Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum for the transaction of business, but will not be counted for purposes of determining whether each proposal has been approved.
 
Proxies
 
If the enclosed form of Proxy is properly signed and returned or you properly follow the instructions for telephone or internet voting, the shares represented thereby will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions specified thereon. If the Proxy does not specify how the shares represented thereby are to be voted, the Proxy will be voted FOR the election of the director proposed by the Board of Directors unless the authority to vote for the election of such director is withheld and, if no contrary instructions are given, the Proxy will be voted FOR the approval of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. You may revoke or change your Proxy at any time before the Annual Meeting by filing a notice of revocation or another signed Proxy with a later date with our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices at 400 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78701. You may also revoke your Proxy by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
 
Solicitation
 
We will bear the entire cost of solicitation, including the preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of this Proxy Statement, the Proxy and any additional solicitation materials furnished to the stockholders. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding in their names shares that are beneficially owned by others so that they may forward this solicitation material to such beneficial owners. In addition, we may reimburse such persons for their costs in forwarding the solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. The original solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by a solicitation by telephone or other means by directors, officers or employees. No additional compensation will be paid to these individuals for any such services. Except as described above, we do not presently intend to solicit Proxies other than by mail.
 

 
Deadline for Receipt of Future Stockholder Proposals
 
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, stockholder proposals to be presented at our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders and in our proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting must be received by us at our principal executive offices at 400 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78701, addressed to our Corporate Secretary, not later than November 14, 2007, the date which is at least 120 days prior to March 14, 2008. These proposals must comply with applicable Delaware law, the rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the procedures set forth in our bylaws. Pursuant to our bylaws, stockholder proposals received after November 14, 2007 will be considered untimely. Unless we receive notice in the manner specified in the previous sentence, the proxy holders shall have discretionary authority to vote for or against any such proposal presented at our 2008 annual meeting of stockholders.
 
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MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT ANNUAL MEETING
PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTOR
 
General
 
The Board of Directors is divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, with staggered three-year terms. The term of office of the Class III director, R. Ted Enloe III, expires at this Annual Meeting. Mr. Enloe has been nominated to continue as a Class III Director. The one director elected as Class III Director at the Annual Meeting will serve for a term of three years expiring at the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, or until his successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
 
The nominee for election has agreed to serve if elected, and management has no reason to believe that the nominee will be unavailable to serve. In the event the nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the Proxies will be voted for any nominee who may be designated by our present Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. Unless otherwise instructed, the Proxy holders will vote the Proxies received by them FOR the nominee named below.
 
Nominee for Class III Director with a Term Expiring in 2010

R. Ted Enloe III, 68
has served as a director of Silicon Laboratories since April 2003. Mr. Enloe is currently the Managing General Partner of Balquita Partners, Ltd., a family investment firm. Previously, Mr. Enloe served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Optisoft, Inc., a provider of intelligent traffic signal platforms. Mr. Enloe formerly served as Vice Chairman and member of the office of chief executive of Compaq Computer Corporation. He also served as President of Lomas Financial Corporation and Liberté Investors for more than 15 years. Mr. Enloe co-founded a number of other publicly held firms, including Capstead Mortgage Corp., Tyler Cabot Mortgage Securities Corp., and Seaman’s Corp. Mr. Enloe currently serves on the Board of Directors of Leggett & Platt, Inc. and Live Nation, Inc. Mr. Enloe holds a B.S. in Engineering from Louisiana Polytechnic University and a J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
 
Other Directors
 
Set forth below is information concerning our other directors whose term of office continues after this Annual Meeting.
 
Continuing Class I Directors with Terms Expiring in 2008

Navdeep S. Sooch, 44
co-founded Silicon Laboratories in August 1996 and has served as Chairman of the Board since our inception. Mr. Sooch served as our Chief Executive Officer from our inception through the end of fiscal 2003 and served as interim Chief Executive Officer from April 2005 to September 2005. From March 1985 until founding Silicon Laboratories, Mr. Sooch held various positions at Crystal Semiconductor/Cirrus Logic, a designer and manufacturer of integrated circuits, including Vice President of Engineering, as well as Product Planning Manager of Strategic Marketing and Design Engineer. From May 1982 to March 1985, Mr. Sooch was a Design Engineer with AT&T Bell Labs. Mr. Sooch holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Dearborn and a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
 
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Laurence G. Walker, 58
has served as a director of Silicon Laboratories since June 2003. Previously, Mr. Walker co-founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of C-Port Corporation, a pioneer in the network processor industry, which was acquired by Motorola in 2000. Following the acquisition, Mr. Walker served as Vice President of Strategy for Motorola’s Network and Computing Systems Group and then as Vice President and General Manager of the Network and Computing Systems Group until 2002. From August 1996 to May 1997, Mr. Walker served as Chief Executive Officer of CertCo, a digital certification supplier. Mr. Walker served as Vice President and General Manager, Network Products Business Unit, of Digital Equipment Corporation, a computer hardware company, from January 1994 to July 1996. From 1981 to 1994, he held a variety of other management positions at Digital Equipment Corporation. Mr. Walker currently serves as a director of McDATA Corporation, an expert provider of multi-capable storage networking solutions. Mr. Walker holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
 

William P. Wood, 51
has served as a director of Silicon Laboratories since March 1997 and as Lead Director since December 2005. Since 1996, Mr. Wood has also served as general partner of various funds associated with Silverton Partners, a venture capital firm. From 1984 to 2003, Mr. Wood was a general partner, and for certain funds created since 1996, a special limited partner, of various funds associated with Austin Ventures, a venture capital firm. Mr. Wood holds a B.A. in History from Brown University and a M.B.A. from Harvard University.
 
Continuing Class II Directors with Terms Expiring in 2009
 
Necip Sayiner, 41
has served as director, President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2005. Prior to joining Silicon Laboratories, Mr. Sayiner held various leadership positions at Agere Systems Inc. From August 2004 to September 2005, Mr. Sayiner served as Vice President and General Manager of Agere’s Enterprise and Networking Division and from March 2002 to August 2004 he served as Vice President and General Manager of Agere’s Networking IC Division. Mr. Sayiner holds a B.S. in electrical engineering and physics from Bosphorus University in Turkey, a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
 
David R. Welland, 51
co-founded Silicon Laboratories in August 1996, has served as a Vice President and director since our inception and was appointed Fellow in March 2004. From November 1991 until founding Silicon Laboratories, Mr. Welland held various positions at Crystal Semiconductor/Cirrus Logic, a designer and manufacturer of integrated circuits, including Senior Design Engineer. Mr. Welland holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
 
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Harvey B. Cash, 68
has served as a director of Silicon Laboratories since June 1997. Mr. Cash has served as general partner of InterWest Partners, a venture capital firm, since 1986. Mr. Cash currently serves on the Board of Directors of the following public companies: i2 Technologies, a provider of intelligent e-business and marketplace solutions; Ciena Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of dense wavelength division multiplexing systems for fiber optic networks; Argonaut Group Inc., a specialty insurance company; First Acceptance Corp, a provider of low-cost auto insurance; and Staktek, Inc., a semiconductor assembly company. Mr. Cash holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a M.B.A. from Western Michigan University.
 
Board Committees and Meetings
 
During fiscal 2006, our Board of Directors held seven meetings and acted by written consent three times. Our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Equity Award Committee, and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. During fiscal 2006, each incumbent director attended or participated in 86% or more of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which such director served. The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Cash, Enloe, Walker and Wood are each independent as defined in the applicable Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. These independent directors met in executive session without the Chief Executive Officer and other non-independent directors present on five separate occasions during fiscal 2006.
 
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for matters relating to the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm, the scope of the annual audits, the fees to be paid to the independent registered public accounting firm, the performance of our independent registered public accounting firm, compliance with our accounting and financial policies, and management’s procedures and policies relative to the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Enloe, Walker, and Wood. William G. Bock served as Chairman of the Audit Committee until his resignation in November 2006, at which time Mr. Enloe became Chairman. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Enloe is qualified as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to Item 407 of Regulation S-K and a financially sophisticated audit committee member under Rule 4350(d)(2)(A) of the Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. The Board of Directors has also determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee is independent as defined in the applicable Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, a current copy of which is located on our internet website under the “Investor Relations” page. Our internet website address is http://www.silabs.com. The Audit Committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter on an annual basis. During fiscal 2006, the Audit Committee held five meetings and acted by written consent once.
 
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding our compensation policies and all forms of compensation to be provided to our executive officers and other employees. In addition, the Compensation Committee has authority to administer our stock incentive and stock purchase plans. The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Cash, Walker and Wood, and the Board of Directors has determined that each of the members of the Compensation Committee is independent as defined in the applicable Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. Mr. Wood served as Chairman of the Compensation Committee through the end of 2006. Mr. Walker has been appointed as Chairman as of the beginning of 2007. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, a current copy of which is located on our internet website under the “Investor Relations” page. Our internet website address is http://www.silabs.com. The Compensation Committee held three meetings and acted by unanimous written consent four times during fiscal 2006.
 
Equity Award Committee. The Equity Award Committee was established to approve grants of options and restricted stock units (RSUs) from our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan to non-executive officers and employees. Mr. Sayiner serves as the Chairman of the Equity Award Committee and Mr. Sooch serves as a member of the Equity Award Committee. The Board of Directors generally reviewed the grants made by such committee in fiscal 2006. The committee acted by written consent eleven times at regular intervals during fiscal 2006.
 
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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee focuses on issues related to the composition, practices and operations of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has the authority to consider candidates for the Board of Directors recommended by stockholders and to determine the procedures with respect to such stockholder recommendations. The members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Messrs. Cash, Enloe and Walker, and the Board of Directors has determined that each member is independent as defined in the applicable Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. Mr. Enloe serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a current copy of which is available on our internet website under the “Investor Relations” page. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended, and the Board of Directors approved, the Corporate Governance Policy which is also located on our internet website under the “Investor Relations” page. Our internet website address is http://www.silabs.com. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held four meetings, and did not act by written consent during fiscal 2006.
 
Director Nomination
 
In evaluating potential director candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee considers the appropriate balance of experience, skills and characteristics required of the Board of Directors and seeks to ensure that at least a majority of the directors are independent under the applicable Marketplace Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee selects director nominees based on their personal and professional integrity, depth and breadth of experience, ability to make independent analytical inquiries, understanding of our business, willingness to devote adequate attention and time to duties of the Board of Directors and such other criteria as is deemed relevant by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that the backgrounds and qualifications of the directors, considered as a group, should provide a diverse mix of experience, knowledge and skills.
 
In identifying potential director candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee relies on recommendations made by current directors and officers. In addition, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may engage a third party search firm to identify and recommend potential candidates. Finally, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider candidates recommended by stockholders.
 
Any stockholder wishing to recommend a director candidate for consideration by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must provide written notice not later than November 14, 2007 to the Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices located at 400 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78701. Any such notice should clearly indicate that it is a recommendation of a director candidate by a stockholder and must set forth (i) the name, age, business address and residence address of the recommended candidate, (ii) the principal occupation or employment of such recommended candidate, (iii) the class and number of shares of the corporation which are beneficially owned by such recommended candidate, (iv) a description of all understandings or arrangements between the stockholder and the recommended candidate and any other person or persons pursuant to which the recommendations are to be made by the stockholder and (v) any other information relating to such recommended candidate that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of directors. In addition, such notice must contain (i) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the corporation entitled to vote at such meeting, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the corporation’s books, of the stockholder proposing such nomination, (iii) the class and number of shares of the corporation that are beneficially owned by such stockholder, (iv) any material interest of the stockholder in such recommendation and (v) any other information that is required to be provided by the stockholder pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in such stockholder’s capacity as proponent of a stockholder proposal. Assuming that a stockholder recommendation contains the information required above, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate a candidate recommended by a stockholder by following substantially the same process, and applying substantially the same criteria, as for candidates identified through other sources.
 
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Attendance at Annual Meetings
 
The Board of Directors encourages all directors to attend our annual meetings of stockholders if practicable. All of the directors attended the annual meeting of stockholders held on April 19, 2006.
 
Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors
 
The Board of Directors maintains a process for stockholders to communicate with the Board of Directors or with individual directors. Stockholders who wish to communicate with the Board of Directors or with individual directors should direct written correspondence to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices located at 400 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78701. Any such communication must contain (i) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the corporation, (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the corporation’s books, of the stockholder sending such communication and (iii) the class and number of shares of the corporation that are beneficially owned by such stockholder. The Corporate Secretary will forward such communications to the Board of Directors or the specified individual director to whom the communication is directed unless such communication is deemed unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or similarly inappropriate, in which case the Corporate Secretary has the authority to discard the communication or to take appropriate legal action regarding such communication.
 
Code of Ethics
 
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all officers, directors, employees and consultants. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is located on our internet website under the “Investor Relations” page. Our internet website address is http://www.silabs.com.
 
Director Compensation and Indemnification Arrangements
 
Non-employee directors receive option grants at periodic intervals under the automatic option grant program of our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. Under the automatic option grant program, each non-employee director receives an initial automatic option grant to purchase 30,000 shares of common stock on the date such individual joins the Board of Directors. The initial automatic option grants are immediately exercisable, vest in four equal successive annual installments upon each additional year of service measured from the date of grant, and have exercise prices equal to the fair market value as of the grant date. In addition, on the date of each annual stockholders meeting, each non-employee director who continues to serve as a non-employee director receives an automatic annual option grant to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock, provided such individual has served as a non-employee director for at least six months. The annual automatic option grants are immediately exercisable, vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant and have exercise prices equal to fair market value as of the grant date. Under this program, on the date of our 2006 annual meeting of stockholders, Messrs. Bock, Cash, Enloe, Walker and Wood each received an automatic annual option grant to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price per share of $57.26. In addition, directors are eligible to receive option grants under the discretionary option grant program of the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. In December 2006, Messrs. Cash, Enloe, Walker and Wood each received a discretionary option grant to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price per share of $34.68. During fiscal 2007, it is anticipated that each non-employee director who has served for at least six months will receive a discretionary option grant in December 2007 to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock in addition to any automatic option grant.
 
In fiscal 2006, cash compensation consisted of (a) $25,000 per year for each non-employee director, (b) an additional $1,500 per regular meeting of the Board of Directors for each non-employee director for meetings attended prior to April 3, 2006, (c) an additional $2,000 per regular meeting of the Board of Directors for each non-employee director for meetings attended on or after April 3, 2006, (d) an additional $20,000 per year for the Chairman of the Audit Committee, (e) an additional $5,000 per year for each Audit Committee member (excluding the Chairman), (f) an additional $10,000 per year for the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, (g) an additional $5,000 per year for the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and (h) an additional $10,000 per year for the Lead Director. Payments under the cash compensation plan are generally paid in equal quarterly installments on the last day of each fiscal quarter.
 
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In late 2005, we engaged AON Consulting to conduct a study to assist in setting director compensation for 2006. AON Consulting assessed the competitiveness of our director compensation program, including director fees and equity incentives. AON Consulting developed composite information on the compensation practices of certain comparable companies. Based on the results of the AON Consulting study, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended, and our Board of Directors approved, (i) an increase in the director fee from $1,500 to $2,000 per attended regular meeting, and (ii) the establishment of an annual fee of $10,000 for the Lead Director.
 
Messrs. Cash, Enloe, Walker and Wood were each paid the annual fee of $25,000, a per meeting fee of $1,500 for each meeting attended prior to April 3, 2006, and a per meeting fee of $2,000 for each meeting attended on or after April 3, 2006 during fiscal 2006, pursuant to the cash compensation plan. Mr. Bock was paid a pro-rated annual fee of $21,360 for service during the fiscal year through November 7, 2006, and a per meeting fee of $1,500 for each meeting attended prior to April 3, 2006, and a per meeting fee of $2,000 for each meeting attended from April 3, 2006 through November 7, 2006 pursuant to the cash compensation plan. Additionally, Mr. Bock was paid $17,088 for his service as Chairman of the Audit Committee during the fiscal year through November 7, 2006, and Mr. Enloe was paid $2,912 for his service as Chairman of the Audit Committee from November 8, 2006 through December 30, 2006. Further, Mr. Enloe was paid $4,272 for his service as a member of the Audit Committee from January 1, 2006 through November 7, 2006. Mr. Wood was paid $5,000 for his service on the Audit Committee, $10,000 for his service as Chairman of the Compensation Committee, and $7,500 as a pro-rated payment for his service as Lead Director on and after April 3, 2006. Mr. Enloe was also paid $5,000 for his service as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
 
Our certificate of incorporation limits the personal liability of our directors for breaches by them of their fiduciary duties. Our bylaws require us to indemnify our directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with all of our directors and have purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.
 
In addition to the above compensation, we also reimburse directors for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred for attending board and committee meetings.
 
The following table provides summary information on compensation earned by each non-employee member of our Board of Directors in fiscal 2006:
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE FOR FISCAL 2006

Name
 
Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash
($)
 
Option
Awards
($)(1)
 
Total
($)
 
               
William G. Bock(2)
   
47,448
   
15,571
(3)
 
63,019
 
Harvey B. Cash
   
36,000
   
213,504
(4)
 
249,504
 
R. Ted Enloe III
   
48,184
   
353,031
(5)
 
401,215
 
Laurence G. Walker
   
36,000
   
330,814
(6)
 
366,814
 
William P. Wood
   
58,500
   
213,504
(7)
 
272,004
 
 
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(1)
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the director, but represent the calculated compensation cost recognized by us in fiscal 2006 as determined pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”). Such calculation disregarded the effect of any estimate of forfeitures. The assumptions underlying the calculation pursuant to SFAS 123R are discussed under Note 8, Stockholders’ Equity and Share-based Compensation, on pages F-18 to F-23 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006.
 
(2)
Represents compensation earned by Mr. Bock in 2006 for services as a director prior to his appointment as an officer and resignation as a director on November 8, 2006.
 
(3)
The grant date fair value calculated pursuant to SFAS 123R of the option award issued in fiscal 2006 to Mr. Bock (while serving as a director) was $160,957. Upon his resignation as a director in November 2006, Mr. Bock forfeited all of his 10,000 outstanding unvested options, which includes the full amount of such option award issued in fiscal 2006. The total amount of compensation cost recognized in fiscal 2006 in connection with Mr. Bock’s option awards was $209,335, of which $193,764 of compensation cost was deducted due to such forfeited options. Mr. Bock was subsequently granted options to purchase 250,000 shares in connection with his services as a named executive officer. These options are set forth in the Summary Compensation Table and Grant of Plan-Based Awards Table in this Proxy Statement. After such subsequent grant of stock options, Mr. Bock had a total of 298,000 options outstanding as of December 30, 2006, of which 48,000 shares were exercisable.
 
(4)
The grant date fair value calculated pursuant to SFAS 123R of the option award issued in fiscal 2006 to Mr. Cash was $256,055. Mr. Cash had 55,000 options outstanding as of December 30, 2006, of which 55,000 shares were exercisable.
 
(5)
The grant date fair value calculated pursuant to SFAS 123R of the option award issued in fiscal 2006 to Mr. Enloe was $256,055. Mr. Enloe had 60,000 options outstanding as of December 30, 2006, of which 60,000 shares were exercisable.
 
(6)
The grant date fair value calculated pursuant to SFAS 123R of the option award issued in fiscal 2006 to Mr. Walker was $256,055. Mr. Walker had 60,000 options outstanding as of December 30, 2006, of which 60,000 shares were exercisable.
 
(7)
The grant date fair value calculated pursuant to SFAS 123R of the option award issued in fiscal 2006 to Mr. Wood was $256,055. Mr. Wood had 85,000 options outstanding as of December 30, 2006, of which 85,000 shares were exercisable.
 
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
 
Our Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the election of the Nominee for Class III Director as listed above.
 
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PROPOSAL TWO: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
Our Audit Committee has appointed the firm of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2007. Ernst & Young LLP has audited our financial statements since our inception in 1996. A representative of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
 
The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for fiscal 2006 and 2005:

   
2006
 
2005
 
Audit fees
 
$
1,084,363
 
$
1,026,500
 
Audit-related fees
   
34,700
   
18,700
 
Tax fees
   
11,950
   
51,300
 
All other fees
   
6,655
   
 
Total
 
$
1,137,668
 
$
1,096,500
 
 
Audit Fees. Audit fees relate to services rendered in connection with the audits of the annual consolidated financial statements and attestation of management’s report on internal controls over financial reporting included in our Form 10-K, the quarterly reviews of financial statements included in our Form 10-Q filings, fees associated with SEC registration statements, assistance in responding to SEC comment letters, accounting consultations related to audit services and statutory audits required internationally.
 
Audit-Related Fees. Audit-related fees include services for assurance and other related services, such as consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting matters and due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions.
 
Tax Fees. Tax fees include services for tax compliance, research and technical tax advice.
 
All Other Fees. All other fees include the aggregate fees for products and services provided by Ernst & Young LLP that are not reported under “Audit Fees”, “Audit-Related Fees” or “Tax Fees”. There were no other fees in fiscal 2005.
 
The Audit Committee is authorized by its charter to pre-approve all auditing and permitted non-audit services to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee reviews and approves the independent registered public accounting firm’s retention to perform attest services, including the associated fees. The Audit Committee also evaluates other known potential engagements of the independent registered public accounting firm, including the scope of the proposed work and the proposed fees, and approves or rejects each service, taking into account whether the services are permissible under applicable law and the possible impact of each non-audit service on the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence from management. At subsequent meetings, the Committee will receive updates on the services actually provided by the independent registered public accounting firm, and management may present additional services for approval. The Committee has delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to evaluate and approve engagements on behalf of the Committee in the event that a need arises for pre-approval between Committee meetings. If the Chairman so approves any such engagements, he will report that approval to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting. During fiscal 2006, all such services were pre-approved in accordance with the procedures described above.
 
Our Audit Committee has reviewed the fees described above and believes that such fees are compatible with maintaining the independence of Ernst & Young LLP.
 
Stockholder ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required by our bylaws or other applicable legal requirement. However, the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP is being submitted to the stockholders for ratification. If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain the firm. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee at its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be appropriate.
 
10

 
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
 
Upon the recommendation of our Audit Committee, our Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2007.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
We know of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of Proxy to vote the shares they represent as the Board of Directors may recommend. Discretionary authority with respect to such other matters is granted by the execution of the enclosed Proxy.
 
11

 
OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
 
The following table sets forth certain information known to us with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of January 31, 2007 by (i) all persons who were beneficial owners of five percent or more of our common stock, (ii) each director and nominee for director, (iii) the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table of the Executive Compensation section of this Proxy Statement and (iv) all then current directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws, where applicable.

Beneficial Owner(1)
 
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
 
Percentage
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned(2)
 
           
Navdeep S. Sooch(3)  
   
1,566,252
   
2.83
%
Necip Sayiner(4)
   
168,188
   
*
 
Russell J. Brennan(5)
   
18,166
   
*
 
Gary R. Gay(6)
   
82,784
   
*
 
Jonathan D. Ivester(7)
   
372,890
   
*
 
Paul V. Walsh, Jr.(8)
   
10,488
   
*
 
David R. Welland
   
2,472,131
   
4.51
%
William G. Bock(9) 
   
55,688
   
*
 
Harvey B. Cash(10)
   
405,067
   
*
 
R. Ted Enloe III(11)
   
60,000
   
*
 
Laurence G. Walker(12)
   
60,028
   
*
 
William P. Wood(13)
   
490,776
   
*
 
Entities deemed to be affiliated with AXA Assurances I.A.R.D. Mutuelle(14)
   
5,778,289
   
10.54
%
Entities deemed to be affiliated with Franklin Resources, Inc. (“FRI”)(15)
   
4,079,187
   
7.44
%
Entities deemed to be affiliated with Capital Group International, Inc. (“CGII)(16)
   
4,238,400
   
7.73
%
All directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)(17)
   
5,762,458
   
10.27
%
 

*
Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent.
 
(1)
Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the address for the beneficial owners named above is 400 W Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78701.
 
(2)
Percentage of ownership is based on 54,835,696 shares of common stock outstanding on January 31, 2007. Shares of common stock subject to stock options which are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after January 31, 2007 and shares of common stock subject to restricted stock units which are or will become vested within 60 days after January 31, 2007 are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage for the person or group holding such options, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage for any other person or group.
 
(3)
Includes 38,625 shares held in a limited partnership, and 540,082 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options. Mr. Sooch shares voting and investment power with respect to all of the shares held in the limited partnership.
 
12

 
(4)
Includes 150,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
(5)
Includes 18,166 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
(6)
Includes 80,504 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
(7)
Includes 92,750 shares held in a family trust and 140,596 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options. Mr. Ivester shares voting and investment power with respect to the 92,750 shares held in the family trust.
 
(8)
Includes 9,998 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
(9)
Includes 48,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
(10)
Includes 109,346 shares held in two trusts for the benefit of Mr. Cash’s family members and 55,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options. Mr. Cash has sole voting and investment power over the 109,346 shares held in the trusts.
 
(11)
Includes 60,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
(12)
Includes 60,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
(13)
Includes 405,776 shares held by Silverton Partners, of which Mr. Wood is the general partner, and 85,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
(14)
Pursuant to a Schedule 13G/A dated February 13, 2007 filed with the SEC, AXA Assurances I.A.R.D. Mutuelle reported that as of December 31, 2006 it and certain related entities had sole voting power over 5,168,907 shares and sole dispositive power over 5,778,289 and that its address is 26, rue Drouot, 75009 Paris, France.
 
(15)
Pursuant to a Schedule 13G dated February 6, 2007 filed with the SEC, FRI reported that as of December 31, 2006 it and certain related entities had sole voting power over 4,060,187 shares, sole dispositive power over 4,079,187 shares and that its address is One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906.
 
(16)
Pursuant to a Schedule 13G dated February 12, 2007 filed with the SEC, CGII reported that as of December 29, 2006 it and certain related entities had sole voting power over 2,816,100 shares, sole dispositive power over 4,238,400 shares and that its address is 11100 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
 
(17)
Includes an aggregate of 1,247,346 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options.
 
13

 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS,
AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
Our bylaws require us to indemnify our directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We have entered into indemnification agreements with all of our directors and executive officers and have purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance. In addition, our certificate of incorporation limits the personal liability of the members of our Board of Directors for breaches by the directors of their fiduciary duties.
 
Policies and Procedures with Respect to Related Party Transactions
 
Our Audit Committee Charter requires that the members of our Audit Committee, all of whom are independent directors, review and approve all related party transactions as described in Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC.
 
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics requires our executive officers and directors to disclose any conflicts of interest, including any material transaction or relationship involving a potential conflict of interest. No executive officer may work, including as a consultant or a board member, simultaneously for us and any competitor, customer, supplier or business partner without the prior written approval of our Chief Financial Officer or legal department. Furthermore, executive officers are encouraged to avoid any direct or indirect business connections with our competitors, customers, suppliers or business partners.
 
Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Policy, we expect each of our directors to ensure that other existing and future commitments do not conflict with or materially interfere with their service as a director. Directors are expected to avoid any action, position or interest that conflicts with our interests, or gives the appearance of a conflict. In addition, directors should inform the Chairman of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee prior to joining the board of another public company to ensure that any potential conflicts, excessive time demands or other issues are carefully considered.
 
All related party transactions shall be disclosed in our filings with the SEC as required under SEC rules.
 
Director Independence
 
See the subsection entitled “Board Committees and Meeting” in the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “Proposal One: Election of Director.”
 
14

 
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
 
The following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to the audit of the fiscal 2006 audited consolidated financial statements of Silicon Laboratories Inc. (the “Company”):
 
Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and for issuing a report thereon. Additionally, the independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of management’s assessment and the operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and for issuing a report thereon. The Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.
 
In this context, the Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. Management represented to the Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and the Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Committee discussed with the independent registered accounting firm matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 90 (Communication with Audit Committees).
 
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm also provided to the Committee the written disclosures required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and the Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm that firm’s independence. The Audit Committee reviewed non-audit services provided by its independent registered public accounting firm for the last fiscal year, and determined that those services are not incompatible with maintaining the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence.
 
Based upon the Committee’s discussion with management and the independent registered public accounting firm and the Committee’s review of the representation of management and the reports of the independent registered public accounting firm to the Committee, the Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:
 
   
R. Ted Enloe III (Chairman)
Laurence G. Walker
William P. Wood
 
15

 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Executive Officers and Directors
 
Set forth below is information regarding the executive officers and directors of Silicon Laboratories as of January 31, 2007.
 
Name
 
Age
 
Position
Navdeep S. Sooch
 
44
 
Chairman of the Board
Necip Sayiner
 
41
 
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
William G. Bock
 
56
 
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President
Gary R. Gay
 
56
 
Vice President of Worldwide Sales
Jonathan D. Ivester
 
51
 
Vice President of Worldwide Operations
Paul V. Walsh, Jr.
 
42
 
Chief Accounting Officer and Vice President of Finance
David R. Welland
 
51
 
Vice President and Director
Harvey B. Cash
 
68
 
Director
R. Ted Enloe III
 
68
 
Director
Laurence G. Walker  
 58
 
Director
William P. Wood  
 51
 
Director
 
 
Navdeep S. Sooch
 
co-founded Silicon Laboratories in August 1996 and has served as Chairman of the Board since our inception. Mr. Sooch served as our Chief Executive Officer from our inception through the end of fiscal 2003 and served as interim Chief Executive Officer from April 2005 to September 2005. From March 1985 until founding Silicon Laboratories, Mr. Sooch held various positions at Crystal Semiconductor/Cirrus Logic, a designer and manufacturer of integrated circuits, including Vice President of Engineering, as well as Product Planning Manager of Strategic Marketing and Design Engineer. From May 1982 to March 1985, Mr. Sooch was a Design Engineer with AT&T Bell Labs. Mr. Sooch holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Dearborn and a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
     
Necip Sayiner
 
has served as director, President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2005. Prior to joining Silicon Laboratories, Mr. Sayiner held various leadership positions at Agere Systems Inc. From August 2004 to September 2005, Mr. Sayiner served as Vice President and General Manager of Agere’s Enterprise and Networking Division and from March 2002 to August 2004 he served as Vice President and General Manager of Agere’s Networking IC Division. Mr. Sayiner holds a B.S. in electrical engineering and physics from Bosphorus University in Turkey, a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
 
16

 
William G. Bock
 
has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since November 2006. Mr. Bock joined Silicon Laboratories as a director in March 2000, and served as Chairman of the Audit Committee until November 2006 before he resigned from the Board to serve in his current role. From April 2002 to November 2006, Mr. Bock was a partner of CenterPoint Ventures, a venture capital firm. From April 2001 to March 2002, Mr. Bock served as a partner of Verity Ventures, a venture capital firm. From June 1999 to March 2001, Mr. Bock served as a Vice President and General Manager at Hewlett-Packard. Mr. Bock held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of DAZEL Corporation, a provider of electronic information delivery systems, from February 1997 until its acquisition by Hewlett-Packard in June 1999. From October 1994 to February 1997, Mr. Bock served as Chief Operating Officer of Tivoli Systems, a client server software company, which was acquired by IBM in March 1996. Mr. Bock holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Iowa State University and a M.S. in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University.
     
Gary R. Gay
 
joined Silicon Laboratories in October 1997 as Vice President of Worldwide Sales. Previously, Mr. Gay was with Crystal Semiconductor/Cirrus Logic from 1985 to September 1997 where he most recently served as Vice President of North American Sales. From 1979 to 1985, Mr. Gay was International Sales Manager and Asia Pacific Sales Manager with Burr-Brown Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of semiconductor components. Mr. Gay holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
     
Jonathan D. Ivester
 
joined Silicon Laboratories in September 1997 as Vice President and has served as Vice President of Worldwide Operations since May 2005. From May 1984 to September 1997, Mr. Ivester was with Applied Materials, a supplier of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry, and served as Director of Manufacturing and Director of U.S. Procurement in addition to various engineering and manufacturing management positions. Mr. Ivester was a scientist at Bechtel Corporation, an engineering and construction company, from 1980 to 1982 and at Abcor, Inc., an ultrafiltration company and subsidiary of Koch Industries, from 1978 to 1980. Mr. Ivester holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a M.B.A. from Stanford University.
     
Paul V. Walsh, Jr.
 
joined Silicon Laboratories in January 2004 as Director of Finance, Worldwide Operations, and was appointed as the Corporate Controller in May 2005. Mr. Walsh, served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from May 2006 to November 2006 before being appointed to Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining Silicon Laboratories, Mr. Walsh was Site Controller from February 2003 to January 2004 with PerkinElmer, a supplier to the health sciences and photonics markets, Manufacturing Controller from 2000 to 2003 at Teradyne, a semiconductor equipment supplier, and served in various operational and finance roles from 1992 to 2000 at Analog Devices, a semiconductor manufacturer. Mr. Walsh received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine, and a M.B.A from Boston University.
 
17

 
David R. Welland
 
co-founded Silicon Laboratories in August 1996, has served as a Vice President and director since our inception and was appointed Fellow in March 2004. From November 1991 until founding Silicon Laboratories, Mr. Welland held various positions at Crystal Semiconductor/Cirrus Logic, a designer and manufacturer of integrated circuits, including Senior Design Engineer. Mr. Welland holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
 
For information on our non-employee directors, see Proposal One.
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
Compensation Philosophy
 
Our executive compensation programs and practices were selected and designed to support our short-term and long-term strategic goals and values and to reward and retain talented individuals. We design our compensation programs to support our culture and efforts to remain a growth company with strong profitability.
 
We seek to have a balanced approach to executive compensation with each primary element of compensation (base salary, cash incentives, equity incentives and benefits) designed to play a specific role. We determine an individual’s compensation with respect to each such element based upon an independently conducted analysis of publicly-available compensation data and compensation survey data of comparable companies.
 
Each year, the CEO delivers a performance evaluation for each of the other executive officers to the members of the Compensation Committee and makes recommendations on compensation arrangements, including adjustments in base salary, changes in target bonus awards and/or metrics for earning cash incentives and equity grants. Such recommendation is based on competitive market data (described below) and a variety of other factors, including individual performance, market competitive pressures, business conditions, the vesting and value of current equity grants, our overall performance and the potential financial impact of implementing the recommendations. The Compensation Committee considers, but is not bound to and does not always accept, the recommendations of the CEO with respect to executive compensation. In addition, the Compensation Committee frequently seeks input from independent compensation consultants prior to making any final determinations.
 
To determine the compensation of our CEO, the Compensation Committee, through consultation with the remaining independent members of the Board of Directors, assesses our CEO’s performance and considers competitive market data and other factors described herein.
 
Sources of Competitive Data
 
We believe it is in our stockholders’ best interests to ensure that our executive compensation is competitive with those of other companies of similar size and complexity. The Compensation Committee seeks independent professional assistance and advice from outside consulting firms in the development and utilization of the competitive market data and the establishment of its executive compensation programs.
 
In November 2005, the Compensation Committee engaged AON Consulting to conduct a study to assist in setting 2006 compensation. AON Consulting assessed the competitiveness of our executive compensation programs, including base salary, cash incentives and equity incentives. AON Consulting developed composite information on the compensation practices of certain companies that compete with us in the recruitment of executive talent. The competitive data used for the AON Consulting analysis included both compensation survey data and publicly-available data from the following nine companies: Atheros Communications Inc., Broadcom Corporation, Conexant Systems, Intersil Corporation, Marvell Technology Group, Maxim Integrated Products, Microchip Technology, Inc., RF Micro Devices, Inc., and Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
 
18

 
In September 2006, the Compensation Committee engaged Watson Wyatt as its independent advisor on executive compensation. Watson Wyatt assessed the competitiveness of our executive compensation programs for 2007, including base salary, cash incentives and equity incentives. As was the case in the AON Consulting study, the study by Watson Wyatt used both compensation survey data (prepared by Radford Executive and Buck/iQuantic) and publicly-available data from ten peer companies. Prior to the commencement of the study, Watson Wyatt had recommended a list of peer companies to be included in this study based on a variety of factors, including revenue size, product offerings, and competition for executive talent. The Compensation Committee reviewed the list, made adjustments that it deemed appropriate, and approved the following list of ten peer companies: AMI Semiconductor, Conexant Systems, Cypress Semiconductor, Intersil Corporation, Microsemi Corporation, PMC Sierra, RF Micro Devices, Inc., Sigmatel, Inc., Skyworks Solutions, Inc., and Standard Microsystems.
 
Based upon the compensation survey data and publicly-available information, we produced an overall range of competitive market data for the compensation of each of our executive officers.
 
Elements of Compensation
 
Base Salary
 
We target base salary at the median level of the compensation survey data and publicly-available information mentioned above in order to retain and reward executive talent. However, to better support our objective to retain and properly reward executive officers, we also consider other factors, such as duties and responsibilities not typically found in similar positions with comparable companies, prior experience, job performance, tenure with Silicon Laboratories, any distinctive value to the organization, and general market conditions.
 
Cash Incentives
 
We structure a cash incentive plan (“Bonus Plan”) to align the financial incentives of our employees with our short-term and long-term operating goals and interests of our stockholders, and to reward exceptional performance. Each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee approves the structure, performance metrics as well as each metric’s relative weighting under our Bonus Plan. The Compensation Committee has typically chosen to establish metrics, such as adjusted operating income (which may exclude certain items such as stock compensation expense), revenue, gross margins, and management-based objectives (“MBOs”), for each of our executive officers to support our operating goals and to reward achievement of challenging performance goals.
 
In an effort to support our short-term and long-term strategic goals, we choose to make quarterly and annual payments to our executive officers under the Bonus Plan. Each fiscal quarter, we measure the achievement of our shorter-term operating goals and make associated payments under the Bonus Plan. Each fiscal year, we measure the achievement of those executive officers whose bonuses are tied to MBOs against such MBOs and make associated payments under the Bonus Plan shortly after the end of the fiscal year.
 
To properly reward and retain our executive officers, we have adopted a policy of paying for performance. Upon the full achievement of established operating goals, we target our cash incentive plan to be at the 75th percentile of the competitive market data described above with respect to cash incentive as a percentage of base salary. We design our Bonus Plan to pay up to 150% of the target bonus for outstanding performance. However, consistent with this pay for performance policy, no payment under the Bonus Plan is guaranteed if an executive officer fails to meet the minimum established goals under the Bonus Plan. Additionally, an executive officer must be an employee at the end of the applicable bonus period in order to be eligible for any such bonus.
 
In 2006, the CEO’s annual target bonus was approximately 110% of his annual base salary and the annual target bonus for our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) was 100% of his annual base salary. The fiscal 2006 bonuses for our CEO and CFO were based on the following two metrics: (1) achievement of company adjusted operating income goals (weighted at 50%) and (2) achievement of company revenue goals (weighted at 50%).
 
19

 
We selected different metrics for our other executive officers to reflect the role of each executive officer and to align the performance of each executive officer with our operating goals. The fiscal 2006 annual target bonuses for the Vice President of Worldwide Sales and the Vice President of Worldwide Operations were 100% of their annual base salaries and were based on the following three metrics: (1) achievement of company revenue goals (weighted at 40%); (2) achievement of company gross margin goals (weighted at 40%); and (3) achievement of MBOs (weighted at 20%). The fiscal 2006 annual target bonus for the Vice President of Finance was 35% of his annual base salary and was based on the following two metrics: (1) achievement of company adjusted operating income goals (weighted at 29%) and (2) achievement of MBOs (weighted at 71%). In 2007, the relative weighting of performance metrics for these executive officers will be consistent with those in 2006.
 
In 2006, in addition to the metrics described above, a multiplier based on the company’s quarterly adjusted operating income was applied to each of the other performance metrics described above. This multiplier reduced the aggregate bonus payments that otherwise would have been payable with respect to 2006. After reviewing competitive practices and consulting with Watson Wyatt, the Compensation Committee concluded that the use of such multiplier was not competitive with other companies and discontinued the use of such multiplier for 2007. Concurrent with the removal of this multiplier, we reduced the target bonuses as a percentage of base salary from 100% to 75% for the Vice President of Worldwide Sales and the Vice President of Worldwide Operations (the two executive officers whose performance metrics do not include any adjusted operating income component).
 
Equity Incentives
 
We provide long-term incentive compensation through the award of stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (“2000 Plan”) that vest over a number of years. In an effort to closely align the interests of our executive officers with our stockholder interests and to provide our executive officers with significant incentives to maximize stockholder value, we grant both options and RSUs and target the value of our long term incentives to be in the 75th percentile of the competitive market data described above.
 
The Compensation Committee regularly reviews our long-term incentive compensation practices. Potential changes include adjusting the mix of options and RSUs granted, adjusting the vesting schedule of the equity awards, and using other forms of equity and/or non-equity long term incentive compensation with vesting based upon the achievement of performance metrics. Consistent with our philosophy of paying for performance, no executive is entitled to an automatic equity grant. In determining the proper amount and mixture of equity awards granted to each executive officer, we consider a variety of factors, including such executive officer’s contribution to our performance, current equity holdings, ability to influence future performance and relative position within our organization, the competitive market data described above, the relative value of each equity award, the financial impact on our profitability and the dilutive impact to our stockholders.
 
In fiscal 2006, we continued to grant each executive officer a mixture of stock options and RSUs to better meet the objectives of our compensation program. We believe stock options are effective in achieving our goal of maximizing long-term stockholder value as the value of stock options are dependent upon our future performance. As our executive officers can only profit from stock options if our stock price increases in value over the stock option’s exercise price, we believe stock options are effective incentives to our executive officers to maximize our stockholder value. RSUs were incorporated into our equity program to foster an ownership culture, align stockholder and executive interests and enhance retention. As RSUs provide a more definite value to grantees than stock options, grants of RSUs are extremely valuable in rewarding and retaining our executive officers. We believe that the current competitive environment for executive talent necessitates the strong level of retention generated by the grant of RSUs. We also recognize that there is less risk inherent in using time-vested RSUs as compared to using time-vested stock options.
 
In an effort to retain our executive talent, we typically grant our executive officers equity awards subject to vesting. Our stock options granted to executive officers typically vest over five years as follows: 20% vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the remaining portion vest in equal monthly installments over the remaining 48 months. Our RSUs granted to executive officers vest within a range of one to five years in annual installments on each anniversary over the vesting schedule.
 
20

 
In determining which elements of compensation are to be paid, and how they are weighted, we also take into account our compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code precludes us from taking a deduction for compensation in excess of $1 million for our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table. Certain performance-based compensation is specifically excluded from the deduction limit. Our policy is to qualify, to the extent reasonable, the compensation of our executive officers for deductibility under applicable tax laws. However, the Compensation Committee believes that its primary responsibility is to provide a compensation program to meet our stated objectives and that the loss of a tax deduction may be necessary in some circumstances.
 
Generally Available Benefit Plans and Executive Perquisites
 
In 2006, we provided each of our executive officers health care coverage and life insurance coverage that is generally available to all of our salaried employees. In addition, we pay for an annual physical examination for each of our executive officers beyond any benefit provided under our standard health care plans.
 
We also offer each of our executive officers the ability to participate in our tax-qualified 401(k) Plan on the same terms available to each of our salaried employees. Under our 401(k) Plan, we provide all employees with matching contributions that are subject to vesting over time. Our executive officers do not receive any retirement benefits beyond those generally available to our salaried employees.
 
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
 
We, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) within the Executive Compensation section of this Proxy Statement with the management of the Company. Based on such review and discussion, we are of the opinion that the executive compensation policies and plans provide appropriate compensation to properly align Silicon Laboratories’ performance and the interests of its stockholders through the use of competitive and equitable executive compensation in a balanced and reasonable manner, for both the short and long-term. Accordingly, we have recommended to the Board of Directors that the CD&A be included as part of this proxy filing.
 
Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
 
   
Laurence G. Walker (Chairman)
Harvey B. Cash
William P. Wood
 
21

 
Summary Compensation
 
The following table provides compensation information for our named executive officers for fiscal 2006.
 
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR FISCAL 2006
 
Name and Principal
Position
 
Year
 
Salary
($)
 
Bonus
($)
 
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
 

Option
Awards
($)(1)
 
Non-equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(2)
 

All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
 
Total
($)
 
                                   
Necip Sayiner(4)
                                 
  Chief Executive
                                 
  Officer, President,
                                 
  and Director
   
2006
   
429,577
   
   
982,391
(4)
 
1,580,031
   
238,258
   
5,582
   
3,235,839
 
William G. Bock(5)
                                                 
  Chief Financial
                                                 
  Officer and Senior
                                                 
  Vice President
   
2006
   
38,077
   
   
70,439
   
131,978
   
   
49
   
240,543
 
Gary R. Gay
                                                 
  Vice President
                                                 
  of Worldwide
                                                 
  Sales
   
2006
   
219,569
   
   
110,527
   
353,845
   
109,076
   
5,512
   
798,529
 
Jonathan D. Ivester
                                                 
  Vice President of
                                                 
  Worldwide
                                                 
  Operations
   
2006
   
229,808
   
   
87,869
   
362,470
   
114,665
   
535
   
795,347
 
Paul V. Walsh, Jr.
                                                 
  Chief Accounting
                                                 
  Officer and
                                                 
  Vice President of
                                                 
  Finance
   
2006
   
153,367
   
50,000
   
99,816
   
84,246
   
34,400
   
5,358
   
427,187
 
Russell J. Brennan(6)
                                                 
  Former Chief
                                                 
  Financial Officer
   
2006
   
101,427
   
   
   
376,508
   
81,942
   
5,243
   
565,120
 
 

(1)
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the named executive officer, but represent the calculated compensation cost recognized by us in fiscal 2006 as determined pursuant to SFAS 123R (disregarding any estimate of forfeitures). The assumptions underlying the calculation under SFAS 123R are discussed under Note 8, Stockholders’ Equity and Share-based Compensation, in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2006.
 
(2)
Represents amounts earned under the 2006 Bonus Plan for services rendered in 2006.
 
(3)
Consists of payments by us for life insurance premiums and matching contribution into a 401(k) Plan.
 
(4)
During fiscal 2006, Mr. Sayiner did not receive any compensation for his services provided as a director.
 
(5)
Represents compensation earned during fiscal 2006 by Mr. Bock for his services as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President provided on or after November 8, 2006. Such amounts do not include compensation earned during fiscal 2006 for his prior role as a director as set forth in the 2006 Director Compensation Table.
 
(6)
Mr. Brennan forfeited 114,963 unvested options and 8,918 unvested restricted stock units on May 19, 2006.
 
22

 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
 
The following table contains information concerning all equity and non-equity plan-based awards granted during fiscal 2006 to our named executive officers. All equity plan-based awards were granted under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and all non-equity plan-based awards were granted under our 2006 Bonus Plan.
 
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE FOR FISCAL 2006
 
           

Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
 
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
 
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Securities
 
Exercise
or Base
Price of
 
Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
 
Name
 
Grant
Date
 
Approval
Date
 
Threshold
 
Target
 
Maximum
 
of Stock
or Units
 
Underlying
Options
 
Option
Awards
 
option
Awards(2)
 
Necip Sayiner
             
$
0
 
$
475,000
 
$
712,500
                         
   
12/8/06
                           
33,618
       
$
0.00
 
$
1,160,490
 
William G. Bock
   
11/8/06
                           
75,000
       
$
0.00
 
$
2,473,493
 
   
11/8/06
                                 
250,000
 
$
32.98
 
$
4,634,450
 
Gary R. Gay
             
$
0
 
$
220,000
 
$
308,000
                         
   
12/8/06
                           
8,029
       
$
0.00
 
$
277,160
 
Jonathan D. Ivester
             
$
0
 
$
230,000
 
$
322,000
                         
   
12/8/06
                           
7,588
       
$
0.00
 
$
261,937
 
Paul V. Walsh, Jr.
             
$
0
 
$
53,250
 
$
71,408
                         
   
5/22/06
                           
10,000
       
$
0.00
 
$
391,799
 
   
8/1/06
   
7/22/06
                     
100
       
$
0.00
 
$
3,555
 
Russell J. Brennan
   
       
$
0
 
$
265,000
 
$
397,500
   
         
   
 
 

(1)
Amounts shown represent amounts that were available under the 2006 Bonus Plan. Actual bonuses received under the 2006 Bonus Plan by the executive officers are reported in the Summary Compensation Table under the column entitled “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”
 
(2)
A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating these values may be found in Note 8 to our 2006 audited financial statements on pages F-18 to F-23 of our Form 10-K filed February 7, 2007.
 
23

 
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
 
The following table shows all holdings of unexercised stock options and unvested restricted stock units for each of our named executive officers as of December 30, 2006.
 
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL 2006 YEAR-END TABLE
 

   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards 
 
Name
 
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
(#)
Exercisable
 
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
(#)
Unexercisable
 
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
(#)
 
Market Value of Shares or Units That Have Not Vested
($)
 
Necip Sayiner
   
125,000
   
375,000(1)
 
 
32.27
   
9/14/15
             
                             
120,000(2)
 
 
4,158,000
 
                             
33,618(3)
 
 
1,164,864
 
William G. Bock
   
23,000
         
31.00
   
3/23/10
             
     
5,000
         
30.15
   
4/24/12
             
     
5,000
         
31.15
   
4/24/13
             
     
5,000
         
50.03
   
4/29/14
             
     
5,000
         
31.77
   
12/10/14
             
     
5,000
         
31.23
   
4/21/15
             
           
250,000(1)
 
 
32.98
   
11/8/16
             
                             
75,000(4)
 
 
2,598,750
 
Gary R. Gay
   
3,069
         
48.88
   
9/20/10
             
     
6,931
         
48.88
   
9/20/10
             
     
11,333
         
22.63
   
7/18/11
             
     
1,087
         
24.30
   
6/13/12
             
     
10,789
         
24.30
   
6/13/12
             
     
18,834
         
20.19
   
10/24/12
             
     
11,041
   
8,334(1)
 
 
38.50
   
8/18/13
             
     
10,250
   
16,000(1)
 
 
33.17
   
8/10/14
             
     
3,536
   
14,147(1)
 
 
36.81
   
12/19/15
             
                             
5,659(5)
 
 
196,084
 
                             
4,571(5)
 
 
158,385
 
                             
8,029(6)
 
 
278,205
 
Jonathan D. Ivester
   
22,850
         
0.25
   
6/23/08
             
     
18,000
         
1.75
   
7/20/09
             
     
6,137
         
48.88
   
9/20/10
             
     
13,863
         
48.88
   
9/20/10
             
     
15,000
         
22.63
   
7/18/11
             
     
2,058
         
24.30
   
6/13/12
             
     
12,942
         
24.30
   
6/13/12
             
     
20,000
         
20.19
   
10/24/12
             
     
13,333
   
6,667(1)
 
 
38.50
   
8/18/13
             
     
11,666
   
13,334(1)
 
 
33.17
   
8/10/14
             
     
3,118
   
12,472(1)
 
 
36.81
   
12/19/15
             
                             
4,571(7)
 
 
158,385
 
                             
4,989(5)
 
 
172,869
 
                             
7,588(8)
 
 
262,924
 
Paul V. Walsh, Jr.
   
3,013
   
2,154(1)
 
 
50.48
   
2/2/14
             
     
2,818
   
2,015(1)
 
 
50.48
   
2/2/14
             
     
1,258
   
2,717(1)
 
 
25.07
   
5/2/15
             
     
1,907
   
4,118(1)
 
 
25.07
   
5/2/15
             
                             
2,667(7)
 
 
92,412
 
                             
4,500(9)
 
 
155,925
 
                             
10,000(10)
 
 
346,500
 
                             
100(11)
 
 
3,465
 
Russell J. Brennan
   
308
   
 
   
21.65
   
5/19/07
             
     
3,859
         
21.65
   
5/19/07
             
     
791
         
33.17
   
5/19/07
             
 
   
13,208
         
33.17
   
5/19/07
             
 
24

 

(1)
The stock option was granted on the date ten years prior to the option expiration date and subject to a five year vesting period. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the option shall vest and become exercisable in a series of installments, with 20% on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the remaining portion in equal monthly installments over the remaining four years.
 
(2)
The RSU was granted on September 14, 2005. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
(3)
The RSU was granted on December 8, 2006. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall vest in four equal annual installments on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
(4)
The RSU was granted on November 8, 2006. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
(5)
The RSU was granted on December 19, 2005. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
(6)
The RSU was granted on December 8, 2006. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall fully vest on the anniversary of the date of grant.
 
(7)
The RSU was granted on September 12, 2005. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
(8)
The RSU was granted on December 8, 2006. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall vest in three equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
(9)
The RSU was granted on September 12, 2005. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall vest in two equal installments on each of the fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
(10)
The RSU was granted on May 22, 2006. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall vest in five equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
(11)
The RSU was granted on August 1, 2006. Assuming the continued service of the executive officer, the RSU shall fully vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
 
Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table
 
The following table shows gains realized from the exercise of stock options and shares acquired upon the vesting of restricted stock units with respect to our named executive officers during fiscal 2006.
 
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED TABLE DURING FISCAL 2006
 
   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
 
Name
 
Number of Shares
Acquired
on
Exercise
(#)
 
Value
Realized
on
Exercise
($)
 
Number of Shares
Acquired
on Vesting
(#)
 
Value
Realized
on
Vesting
($)
 
Necip Sayiner
   
   
   
30,000
   
970,500
 
William G. Bock(1)
   
7,500
   
237,600
   
   
 
Gary R. Gay
   
20,000
   
636,478
   
2,556
   
89,588
 
Jonathan D. Ivester
   
30,650
   
997,125
   
2,389
   
80,057
 
Paul V. Walsh, Jr.
   
   
   
666
   
21,199
 
Russell J. Brennan
   
116,667
   
3,330,324
   
   
 
 

(1)
Represents shares exercised and value realized while providing service as a director prior to becoming an executive officer on November 8, 2006.
 
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
 
Consistent with practices within our industry, we also provide certain post-employment termination benefits. We have implemented these programs in order to ensure we are able to continue to attract and retain top talent as well as ensure that during the uncertainty associated with a potential change in control, the executives remain focused on their responsibilities and ensure a maximum return for our stockholders.
 
25

 
Employment Agreements
 
We have entered into employment agreements with only two of our executive officers: Mr. Sayiner and Mr. Bock. For both Mr. Sayiner and Mr. Bock, cash severance is equal to the sum of 12 months of base salary at the time of termination plus 200% of the actual quarterly bonus earned in the two full quarters immediately preceding termination to be paid in one lump sum. Each cash severance payment would be contingent upon such executive officer’s execution of an agreement in a form satisfactory to us, containing a full general release of any and all potential claims against us and our affiliates and agents. As outlined in their employment agreements, a cash severance payment shall only be made in the event of such executive officer’s Involuntary Termination for any reason other than misconduct. “Involuntary Termination” is defined in each employment agreement as an involuntary termination of employment by us or a voluntary resignation following (A) a change in position with us which materially reduces the executive officer’s level of authority or responsibility, (B) a reduction in cash compensation (including base salary and target bonus under any performance based bonus or incentive programs) by more than 15% unless pursuant to a reduction that is also applied to substantially all of our other executive officers, (C) a relocation of such executive officer’s place of employment by more than 50 miles, provided and only if such change, reduction or relocation is effected without consent, or (D) a material breach by us of the terms of the employment agreement. In addition and similarly contingent upon execution of an appropriate release, for the time during which each executive officer is unemployed, we have agreed to pay the premium required to maintain COBRA coverage for such executive officer and his dependents for up to one year.
 
2000 Stock Incentive Plan
 
The 2000 Plan governs the equity awards granted to our executive officers. Our executive officers are not entitled to any benefits under our 2000 Plan that are not available to other participants. The 2000 Plan includes the following change in control provisions, which may result in the accelerated vesting of outstanding option grants and stock issuances:
 
·
In the event that we are acquired, each outstanding option under the discretionary option grant program, unless assumed or replaced by the successor or otherwise continued in effect, will immediately become exercisable for all the option shares, and all outstanding unvested shares will immediately vest, except to the extent our repurchase rights with respect to those shares are assigned to the successor or otherwise continued in effect.
     
  · The plan administrator has the authority under the discretionary option grant program to provide that those options will automatically vest in full (i) upon an acquisition of the company, whether or not those options are assumed or replaced, or (ii) upon a hostile change in control of the company effected through a tender offer for more than 50% of our outstanding voting stock or by proxy contest for the election of board members.
 
However, our Compensation Committee, as Plan Administrator of the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of the shares of our common stock subject to any outstanding options held by any executive officer or any unvested share issuances actually held by such individual, in connection with certain changes in control of us or the subsequent termination of the officer’s employment following the change in control event.
 
All outstanding stock awards and stock options issued to our named executive officers will become fully exercisable and vested if (i) a change in control occurs and such options or RSUs are not assumed or (ii) a change in control occurs and the officer is demoted, relocated, or terminated other than for misconduct within 18 months following such change in control.
 
26

 
The following table depicts potential compensation arrangements for our executive officers as a result of an Involuntary Termination absent a change in control. Such termination is assumed to occur on December 30, 2006. Other than customary payments given to all salaried employees, we have not agreed to provide severance benefits to any other executive officer than those listed in the table below.
 
Name
 
Lump Sum
Severance
 
Intrinsic
Value of 
Accelerated
Equity
 
Health 
Benefits
 
Total
 
Necip Sayiner
 
$
728,819
   
 
$
15,317
 
$
744,136
 
William G. Bock
 
$
300,000
   
 
$
12,927
 
$
312,927
 
 
The following table depicts potential compensation arrangements for our executive officers as a result of a change in control that subsequently results in Involuntary Termination. Such termination is assumed to occur on December 30, 2006, the last day of our fiscal 2006.
 
Name
 
Lump Sum
Severance
 
Intrinsic
Value of 
Accelerated
Equity(1)
 
Health 
Benefits
 
Total
 
Necip Sayiner
 
$
728,819
  $
6,215,364
 
$
15,317
 
$
6,959,500
 
William G. Bock
 
$
300,000
  $
3,016,250
 
$
12,927
 
$
3,329,177
 
Gary R. Gay
   
 
$
656,354
   
 
$
656,354
 
Jonathan D. Ivester
   
 
$
613,913
   
 
$
613,913
 
Paul V. Walsh, Jr.
   
 
$
663,781
   
 
$
663,781
 

(1)
Value is based upon the closing selling price per share of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market on the last trading day of fiscal 2006, which was $34.65, less the option exercise price payable per share.
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
None of our executive officers serves as a member of the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee. No member of the Compensation Committee serves or has previously served as one of our officers or employees.
 
27

 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides information as of December 30, 2006 with respect to shares of our common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans.
 
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
 
   
A
 
B
 
C
 
Plan Category
 
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options
and Rights
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
of Outstanding
Options
 
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column A)
 
               
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders(1)
   
9,649,496(2)
 
 
$30.79(3)
 
 
6,474,987(4)
 
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Stockholders
   
   
   
 
Total
   
9,649,496 
   
$30.79
   
6,474,987
 
 

(1)
Consists of our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and our Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
(2)
Includes 1,941,466 shares of common stock subject to RSUs that vest over the holders’ period of continued service. Excludes purchase rights accruing under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, each eligible employee may contribute up to 15% of his or her base salary to purchase shares of our common stock at semi-annual intervals on the last U.S. business day of April and October each year at a purchase price per share equal to 85% of the lower of (i) the closing selling price per share of our common stock on the employee’s entry date into the two-year offering period in which that semi-annual purchase date occurs or (ii) the closing selling price per share on the semi-annual purchase date.
 
(3)
Calculated without taking into account 1,941,466 shares of common stock subject to outstanding RSUs that will become issuable as those units vest without any cash consideration for such shares.
 
(4)
Consists of shares available for future issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. As of December 30, 2006, an aggregate of 1,226,868 shares of our common stock were available for issuance under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 5,248,119 shares of our common stock were available for issuance in connection with future awards under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. In addition, the share reserves under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 2000 Stock Incentive Plan increase on the first trading day of January of each calendar year by 0.5% and 5%, respectively, of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar year (subject to a maximum annual increase of 250,000 and 3,000,000 shares, respectively). The share reserve under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan also increases to the extent we repurchase shares pursuant to our repurchase rights under our prior plan.
 
28

 
NO INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF CERTAIN PORTIONS OF
 
THIS PROXY STATEMENT
 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of our filings made under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate information in this Proxy Statement, neither the Audit Committee Report nor the Compensation Committee Report is to be incorporated by reference into any such filings as provided by SEC regulations. In addition, this Proxy Statement includes certain website addresses intended to provide inactive, textual references only. The information on these websites shall not be deemed part of this Proxy Statement.
 
 
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
 
The members of our Board of Directors, the executive officers and persons who hold more than 10% of our outstanding common stock are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which require them to file reports with respect to their ownership of the common stock and their transactions in such common stock. Based upon (i) the copies of Section 16(a) reports which we received from such persons for their fiscal 2006 transactions in the common stock and their common stock holdings and (ii) the written representations received from one or more of such persons that no annual Form 5 reports were required to be filed by them for the 2006 fiscal year, we believe that all reporting requirements under Section 16(a) for such fiscal year were met in a timely manner by our directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent beneficial owners; except that a Form 4 was filed late with respect to the annual automatic option grant to each of Mr. Bock, Mr. Cash, Mr. Enloe, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Wood in connection with our 2006 annual meeting.
 
ANNUAL REPORT
 
A copy of the annual report for fiscal 2006 has been mailed concurrently with this Proxy Statement to all stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The annual report is not incorporated into this Proxy Statement and is not considered proxy solicitation material.
 
FORM 10-K
 
We filed an annual report on Form 10-K with the SEC on February 7, 2007. Stockholders may obtain a copy of our annual report, without charge, by writing to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices located at 400 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, Texas 78701.
 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SILICON LABORATORIES INC.
 
Dated: March 14, 2007
 
29

 
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
 
SILICON LABORATORIES INC.
 
April 19, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
 
 
 
â  Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided.  â
 
 n
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x
  1. The Election of Director:
            CLASS II NOMINEE:
  o   FOR ALL NOMINEE    
m R. Ted Enloe III
       
 
  o WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR THE NOMINEE
 
       
     
          
          
          
          
   
         
         
         
         
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
      FOR   AGAINST   ABSTAIN      
   2.  
To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Silicon Laboratories Inc. for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2007.
o
 
o
 
o
 
                 
 
In accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders, to act upon all matters incident to the conduct of the meeting and upon other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
 
                 
 
The Board of Directors recommends a vote IN FAVOR OF the director listed above and IN FAVOR OF the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP. This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as specified above. If no specification is made, this Proxy will be voted IN FAVOR OF the election of the director listed above and IN FAVOR OF the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP.
 
 
To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method.
¨
 
 
Signature of Stockholder    Date:    Signature of Stockholder    Date:   
 
     Note:
 
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Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If the signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
      
 
n
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
o
n
 
 
This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors of
 
SILICON LABORATORIES INC.
 
PROXY
 
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, April 19, 2007
 
    The undersigned revokes all previous proxies, acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") of Silicon Laboratories Inc., a Delaware corporation, ("Silicon Laboratories") and the Proxy Statement and appoints Navdeep S. Sooch and Necip Sayiner, and each of them, the Proxy of the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of Silicon Laboratories which the undersigned is entitled to vote, either on his or her own behalf or on behalf of any entity or entities, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Silicon Laboratories to be held at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin, Texas 78739 on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. Central Time, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, with the same force and effect as the undersigned might or could do if personally present thereat. The shares represented by this Proxy shall be voted in the manner set forth on the reverse side.
 
SEE REVERSE
SIDE
CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE
SEE REVERSE
SIDE
 
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14475  n
 

 

 
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
 
SILICON LABORATORIES INC.
 
April 19, 2007
 

PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
 
 
MAIL - Date, sign and mail your proxy card in the
     
envelope provided as soon as possible.
     
- OR -
COMPANY NUMBER
 
TELEPHONE - Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES from
     
any touch-tone telephone and follow the instructions.
     
Have your proxy card available when you call.
 
ACCOUNT NUMBER
 
- OR -
     
INTERNET - Access “www.voteproxy.com” and
     
follow the on-screen instructions. Have your proxy
     
card available when you access the web page.
     
 
 
â Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via telephone or the Internet. â
 
 n
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x
  1. The Election of Director:
            CLASS II NOMINEE:
  o   FOR ALL NOMINEE    
      R. Ted Enloe III
       
 
  o WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR THE NOMINEE
 
       
     
          
          
          
          
   
         
         
         
         
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
      FOR   AGAINST   ABSTAIN      
   2.  
To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Silicon Laboratories Inc. for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2007.
o
 
o
 
o
 
                 
 
In accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders, to act upon all matters incident to the conduct of the meeting and upon other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
 
                 
 
The Board of Directors recommends a vote IN FAVOR OF the director listed above and IN FAVOR OF the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP. This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as specified above. If no specification is made, this Proxy will be voted IN FAVOR OF the election of the director listed above and IN FAVOR OF the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP.
 
 
To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method.
¨
 
 
Signature of Stockholder    Date:    Signature of Stockholder    Date:   
 
     Note:
 
n
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If the signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
      
 
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