Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 27, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM __________ TO __________

Commission file number 000-18032

LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

State of Delaware   93-0835214

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or

organization)

  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
5555 N.E. Moore Court, Hillsboro, Oregon   97124-6421
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(503) 268-8000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

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

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

Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 31, 2008            115,442,434

The information contained in this Form 10-Q is as of November 5, 2008. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements (unaudited)    3
   Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations - Three and Nine Months Ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007    3
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet - September 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007    4
   Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007    5
   Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    6

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    15

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    20

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    21
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    21

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    21

Item 6.

   Exhibits    29
   Signatures    31

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any statements about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking. We use words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “future,” “potential” and similar words or phrases to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The key factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include global economic uncertainty, overall semiconductor market conditions, market acceptance and demand for our new products, our dependencies on our silicon wafer suppliers, the impact of competitive products and pricing, technological and product development risks, the compromised liquidity of our auction rate securities, the transition to a new executive management team, and the other risks that are described herein and that are otherwise described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including but not limited to, the items discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part II of this report. You should not unduly rely on forward-looking statements because our actual results could materially differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us. Further, any forward-looking statement applies only as of the date on which it is made. We are not required to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Nine months ended  
     September 27,
2008
    September 29,
2007
    September 27,
2008
    September 29,
2007
 

Revenue

   $ 57,610     $ 58,304     $ 172,293     $ 175,654  

Costs and expenses:

        

Cost of products sold

     26,493       26,705       77,204       79,516  

Research and development

     17,534       20,166       53,139       62,926  

Selling, general and administrative

     14,547       15,054       44,741       44,405  

Amortization of intangible assets

     1,369       2,458       4,218       7,790  

Restructuring

     3,882       1,718       6,530       1,615  
                                
     63,825       66,101       185,832       196,252  
                                

Loss from operations

     (6,215 )     (7,797 )     (13,539 )     (20,598 )

Other (expense) income, net:

     (999 )     3,551       (10,186 )     10,858  
                                

Loss before (benefit) provision for income taxes

     (7,214 )     (4,246 )     (23,725 )     (9,740 )

(Benefit) Provision for income taxes

     (236 )     201       78       551  
                                

Net loss

   $ (6,978 )   $ (4,447 )   $ (23,803 )   $ (10,291 )
                                

Basic and diluted net loss per share

   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.09 )
                                

Shares used in per share calculations:

        

Basic and diluted

     115,370       115,057       115,240       114,852  
                                

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands, except share and par value data)

(unaudited)

 

     September 27,
2008
    December 29,
2007
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 51,569     $ 37,332  

Short-term marketable securities

     17,023       47,731  

Accounts receivable, net

     29,879       29,293  

Inventories

     35,756       40,005  

Current portion of foundry advances and investments

     24,710       27,440  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     8,208       9,745  
                

Total current assets

     167,145       191,546  

Foundry advances, investments and other assets

     76,674       90,407  

Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation

     42,017       43,617  

Long-term marketable securities

     27,436       44,900  

Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization

     1,596       5,815  
                

Total assets

   $ 314,868     $ 376,285  
                

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 25,434     $ 24,065  

Accrued payroll obligations

     6,980       8,913  

Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors

     6,700       8,033  

Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes due in 2010

     —         40,000  
                

Total current liabilities

     39,114       81,011  

Other long-term liabilities

     7,640       9,042  
                

Total liabilities

     46,754       90,053  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock, $.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized, 115,442,000 and 115,134,000 shares issued and outstanding

     1,154       1,151  

Paid-in capital

     616,430       611,508  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (618 )     (1,378 )

Accumulated deficit

     (348,852 )     (325,049 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     268,114       286,232  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 314,868     $ 376,285  
                

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended  
     September 27,
2008
    September 29,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (23,803 )   $ (10,291 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     16,139       21,054  

Gain on extinguishment of convertible notes

     —         (2,746 )

Impairment of Long-term marketable securities and Other current assets

     12,756       —    

Loss on sale of UMC common stock

     233       —    

Gain on sale of land

     —         (1,604 )

Stock-based compensation

     4,157       4,063  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable, net

     (586 )     (8,552 )

Inventories

     4,249       2,139  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (351 )     2,232  

Foundry advances (includes advance credits)

     12,704       9,990  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (includes restructuring)

     1,763       (47,369 )

Accrued payroll obligations

     (1,933 )     (3,556 )

Deferred income and allowances on sales to distributors

     (1,333 )     812  

Other liabilities

     440       88  
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     24,435       (33,740 )
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from sales or maturities of marketable securities

     74,232       268,962  

Purchase of marketable securities

     (37,841 )     (168,162 )

Proceeds from sale of UMC common stock

     1,658       —    

Proceeds from sale of land

     —         2,249  

Capital expenditures

     (8,530 )     (8,939 )
                

Net cash provided by investing activities

     29,519       94,110  
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Extinguishment of Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes

     (40,000 )     (66,551 )

Advances on yen line of credit

     1,414       —    

Payment on yen line of credit

     (1,136 )     (644 )

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

     5       2,781  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (39,717 )     (64,414 )
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     14,237       (4,044 )

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

     37,332       40,437  
                

Ending cash and cash equivalents

   $ 51,569     $ 36,393  
                

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Unrealized loss on assets measured at fair value, net, included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (26 )   $ (193 )

Distribution of deferred compensation from trust assets

   $ 1,380     $ 1,333  

See Accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies:

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and have been prepared by Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (the “Company”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in our opinion include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair statement of results for the interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Our most critical estimate relates to Auction Rate Securities, and these estimates of fair value are made in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). Actual results could differ from these estimates.

We report based on a 52 or 53-week year ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. Our third quarter of fiscal 2008 and 2007 ended on September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, respectively. All references to quarterly or three and nine months ended financial results are references to the results for the relevant fiscal period.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) provides revised guidance on how acquirers recognize and measure the consideration transferred, identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests and goodwill acquired in a business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) also expands required disclosures surrounding the nature and financial effects of business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective, on a prospective basis, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The application of SFAS No. 141(R) is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”), to improve the relevance, comparability and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The application of SFAS No. 160 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 161”). The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The application of SFAS No. 161 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (the GAAP hierarchy). SFAS No. 162 will become effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” The application of SFAS No. 162 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“FSP APB 14-1”). FSP APB 14-1 requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) on conversion to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 on a retroactive basis. The application of FSP APB 14-1 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Note 2 — Net Loss Per Share:

Net loss per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive securities assumed to be outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities consist of stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), warrants to purchase common stock and Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes due in 2010 (“Convertible Notes”) for the periods in which they were outstanding (see Note 11).

The computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008, excludes the effects of stock options, non-vested RSUs, and warrants aggregating 20.7 million and 21.2 million shares, respectively, because the effect was antidilutive. The computation of basic and diluted net loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2007 excludes the effects of stock options, RSUs, and warrants aggregating 22.1 million and 22.2 million shares, respectively, because the effect was antidilutive. Stock options, non-vested RSUs and warrants are antidilutive when the aggregate of exercise price, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense and excess tax benefit are greater than the average market price for our common stock during the period or when there is a loss for the period.

Shares underlying the Convertible Notes, aggregating 0.8 million and 2.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008, respectively, and 5.0 million and 6.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2007, respectively, are excluded from the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share, as the effect was antidilutive. Shares underlying Convertible Notes are antidilutive when there is a loss for the period or if loan servicing costs exceed the profit for the period (see Note 11).

Note 3 — Marketable Securities:

The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of our marketable securities (at fair value and in thousands):

 

     September 27,
2008
   December 29,
2007

Short-term marketable securities:

     

Due within one year

   $ 17,023    $ 20,289

Due after one year through five years

     —        7,192

Due after five years through ten years

     —        5,675

Due after ten years

     —        14,575
             
     17,023      47,731
             

Long-term marketable securities:

     

Due after five years through ten years

     8,380      14,000

Due after ten years

     14,894      22,575

No contractual maturity date

     4,162      8,325
             
     27,436      44,900
             
   $ 44,459    $ 92,631
             

 

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Even though stated maturity dates of certain marketable securities exceed one year beyond the balance sheet dates, all have been classified as current assets, except those auction rate securities experiencing unsuccessful auctions as of September 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively. In accordance with Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, Chapter 3A, “Working Capital-Current Assets and Current Liabilities,” we view our Short-term marketable securities as available for use in our current operations. The following table summarizes the composition of our marketable securities (at fair value and in thousands):

 

     September 27,
2008
   December 29,
2007

Short-term marketable securities:

     

Auction Rate Securities (by type of underlying asset):

     

Federally-insured student loans

   $ —      $ 8,075

Municipal bonds

     —        12,175

Corporate and municipal bonds, notes and commercial paper

     12,023      19,960

Market rate investments

     5,000      7,521
             
     17,023      47,731
             

Long-term marketable securities:

     

Auction Rate Securities (by type of underlying asset):

     

Federally-insured student loans

     14,894      16,875

Municipal bonds

     —        5,700

Corporate bonds, subject to credit default swap risk

     8,380      14,000

Commercial paper, with put option by AMBAC

     4,162      8,325
             
     27,436      44,900
             
   $ 44,459    $ 92,631
             

At September 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, we held auction rate securities that were considered illiquid with a face value of $39.2 million and $44.9 million, respectively, and an estimated fair value of $27.4 million and $44.9 million, respectively. These auction rate securities with investment grades of AAA, AA or A, except for an auction rate security with a face value of $2.0 million (estimated fair value of $0.8 million) collateralized by consumer credit card debt, are collateralized by federally-insured student loans, corporate bonds, notes, commercial paper, or bank deposit notes. Long-term marketable securities with a face value of $14.0 million (estimated fair value of $8.4 million) are exposed to risks associated with the sale of credit default swaps, pursuant to which the assets underlying the auction rate securities are exposed to claims in the event of default of certain debt instruments owned by third parties. In addition, for auction rate securities with a face value of $8.3 million (estimated fair value of $4.2 million) held in Long-term marketable securities, Ambac Assurance Corporation (“AMBAC”, the issuer) can exercise a put option, which essentially replaces the auction rate security investment with preferred stock of AMBAC.

While the auctions for auction rate securities have historically provided a liquid market for these securities, due to liquidity issues in global credit and capital markets, auction rate securities held by us have experienced multiple failed auctions (a portion beginning in October 2007) as the amount of securities submitted for sale at the auctions has exceeded the amount of purchase orders. In addition, some of these securities have experienced downgrades, but continue to be considered investment grade by one or more rating agencies. These instruments are considered illiquid and have been reclassified as Long-term marketable securities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Due to the severity of the decline in fair value, the duration of the decline, and the downgrading of the credit ratings of some of the securities, the Company determined that an other-than-temporary decline in fair value had occurred, and recorded an impairment charge of $1.4 million and $11.8 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008, respectively. If we were to liquidate our position in these securities, the amount realized could be materially different than the estimated fair value amounts at which we are carrying these securities and there could be a materially detrimental effect on our financial results.

In addition, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $0.1 million during the quarter ended September 27, 2008 on certain Short-term marketable securities, which has been recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Future fluctuations in fair value related to these instruments that the Company deems to be temporary, including any recoveries of previous write-downs, would be recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive loss. If the Company were to determine in the future that any further decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, we would record an impairment charge, which could have a materially detrimental impact on our operating results. If we were to liquidate our position in these securities, it is likely that the amount of any future realized gain or loss would be different from the unrealized gain reported in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Note 4 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments:

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 as of December 30, 2007 for financial instruments. Although the adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not materially impact its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow, the Company is now required to provide additional disclosures as part of its financial statements.

 

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SFAS No. 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. As of September 27, 2008, the Company held certain assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These include marketable securities (see Note 3), and foundry investments (see Note 7).

The Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 157 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Fair value measurements as of September 27, 2008
     Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 51,569    $ 51,569    $ —      $ —  

Short-term marketable securities

     17,023      17,023      —        —  

Long-term marketable securities

     27,436      —        —        27,436
                           

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 96,028    $ 68,592    $ —      $ 27,436
                           

For our Level 1 assets we utilized quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. For our Level 3 assets we developed assumptions based on a number of data points, which includes access to broker provided inputs, issuer’s credit quality, maturity, probability to be called and lack of liquidity. As a result of failed auctions on our auction rate securities, quoted prices in active markets are not readily available, and thus Level 3 valuation is appropriate. During the nine months ended September 27, 2008, the following changes occurred in our Level 3 assets (in thousands):

 

Fair value of Long-term marketable securities at December 29, 2007

   $ 44,900  

Sold Long-term marketable securities

     (5,700 )

Impairment of Long-term marketable securities

     (11,764 )
        

Fair value of Long-term marketable securities at September 27, 2008

   $ 27,436  
        

Based on market conditions, we recorded an impairment charge of $1.4 million related to auction rate securities in the three months ended September 27, 2008 (see Note 3). We have also recorded an unrealized loss of $0.1 million to Accumulated other comprehensive loss for investments held in Short-term marketable securities in the three months ended September 27, 2008 to reflect the fair value of these instruments.

Note 5 — Inventories (in thousands):

 

     September 27,
2008
   December 29,
2007

Work in progress

   $ 26,270    $ 28,933

Finished goods

     9,486      11,072
             
   $ 35,756    $ 40,005
             

 

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Note 6 — Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (in thousands):

 

     Common
stock
   Paid-in
capital
   Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
    Accumulated
deficit
    Total  

Balances, December 29, 2007

   $ 1,151    $ 611,508    $ (1,378 )   $ (325,049 )   $ 286,232  

Common stock issued in connection with exercise of stock options and ESPP and net vested RSUs

     3      460      —         —         463  

Unrealized loss on foundry investments

     —        —        (309 )     —         (309 )

Impairment of foundry investments sold

     —        —        992       —         992  

Unrealized loss on marketable securities (see Note 4)

     —        —        (10,371 )     —         (10,371 )

Realized loss on auction rate securities previously recorded as unrealized loss (see Note 4)

     —        —        10,345       —         10,345  

Stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, ESPP and RSUs

     —        4,410      —         —         4,410  

Distribution of stock held by deferred stock compensation plan

     —        52      —         —         52  

Translation adjustments

     —        —        103       —         103  

Net loss for nine months ended September 27, 2008

     —        —        —         (23,803 )     (23,803 )
                                      

Balances, September 27, 2008

   $ 1,154    $ 616,430    $ (618 )   $ (348,852 )   $ 268,114  
                                      

Total comprehensive loss for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 was approximately $23.0 million and is substantially comprised of a $11.3 million loss related to an impairment charge to auction rate securities and foundry investments (see Note 4) and a net loss from operations of approximately $13.5 million.

Note 7 — Foundry Advances, Investments and Other Assets (in thousands):

 

     September 27,
2008
    December 29,
2007
 

Foundry advances, investments and other assets

   $ 101,384     $ 117,847  

Less: Current portion of foundry advances and investments

     (24,710 )     (27,440 )
                
   $ 76,674     $ 90,407  
                

On July 29, 2008, we sold our entire investment of 3.6 million shares of the common stock of United Microelectronics Corporation, a public Taiwanese company. The fair value (see Note 4) of such common stock was $2.2 million at December 29, 2007, and was included in Current portion of foundry advances and investments.

 

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Note 8 — Intangible Assets (in millions):

 

     Gross    Accumulated
amortization
    Net

September 27, 2008

       

Current technology

   $ 273.6    $ 272.4     $ 1.2

Licenses

     10.2      9.8       0.4
                     

Total

   $ 283.8    $ 282.2     $ 1.6
                     

December 29, 2007

       

Current technology

   $ 273.6    $ (269.3 )   $ 4.3

Licenses

     10.2      (8.7 )     1.5
                     

Total

   $ 283.8    $ (278.0 )   $ 5.8
                     

At September 27, 2008 we had net purchased intangible assets related to current technology and licenses of approximately $1.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively, which will be fully amortized by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

Note 9 — Income Taxes:

We are subject to federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to federal, state and local, or foreign income tax examinations for years before 2000. We have federal net operating loss carryforwards that expire at various dates between 2021 and 2028. We have state net operating loss carryforwards that expire at various dates from 2008 through 2028. We also have federal and state credit carryforwards, some of which do not expire, with the remainder expiring at various dates from 2008 through 2028. We have provided a valuation allowance equal to our net federal and state deferred tax assets due to uncertainties regarding their realization.

On July 30, 2008 The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was signed into law. This act enables taxpayers to accelerate certain unutilized income tax credits. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $0.3 million during the quarter ended September 27, 2008 related to the acceleration of its research tax credits and $0.2 million related to a refund of previous taxes in the People’s Republic of China, partially offset by additional provision for foreign income taxes for 2008.

The Internal Revenue Service has examined our income tax returns for 2001 and 2002, and has issued proposed adjustments of $1.4 million, plus interest. These adjustments relate to the treatment of acquisition costs and a tax accounting method change for prepaid expenses. Although we do not agree with the proposed adjustment related to the prepaid expense matter, we believe that we have reached a tentative agreement concerning the acquisition costs. During the three months ended March 29, 2008, we made a payment of $0.3 million related to this tentative agreement. On May 23, 2008 the Company filed a petition with the Tax Court seeking a redetermination of the prepaid expense adjustment. Although the final resolution of this matter is uncertain, we believe that adequate amounts have been provided for as unrecognized tax benefits. There is the possibility of either favorable or unfavorable effect on our results of operations in the period in which these matters are effectively settled. We will recognize any uncertain tax benefit in the quarter settled.

We are subject to state and local income tax examinations for the years 2001 through 2003. To date, there are no proposed adjustments that are expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We are not currently under examination in any foreign jurisdictions.

At September 27, 2008, it is reasonably possible that $2.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits and associated interest and penalties could significantly change during the next twelve months. The $2.2 million potential change may represent a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, comprised of items related to matters currently in IRS appeals, certain federal and state credits and uncertain income tax positions related to foreign tax filings for years that will no longer be subject to examination under expiring statutes of limitations.

 

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Note 10 — Restructuring:

During the third quarter of 2008, we initiated a restructuring plan (“2008 restructuring plan”) to better align operating expenses with near-term revenue expectations, primarily by reducing headcount. We recorded an initial restructuring charge of $3.8 million under the 2008 restructuring plan that is comprised primarily of severance and related costs of which $1.9 million was paid during the third quarter of 2008. The Company expects the 2008 restructuring plan to be substantially complete by the end of fiscal 2008.

The following table displays the current estimate for each major type of cost associated with the 2008 restructuring plan (in thousands):

 

     Initial accrual    Paid or Settled     Balance at
September 27, 2008

Severance and related

   $ 3,631    $ (1,754 )   $ 1,877

Other

     207      (147 )     60
                     

Total

   $ 3,838    $ (1,901 )   $ 1,937
                     

During the third quarter of 2007, we approved and initiated a restructuring plan (“2007 restructuring plan”) to lower operating expenses primarily by reducing headcount. This plan encompassed a reduction in work force, a voluntary separation program for certain employees and the closure of certain leased facilities.

The following table displays the activity for each major type of cost associated with the 2007 restructuring plan (in thousands):

 

     Balance at
December 29,
2007
   Charged
to expense
   Paid or
settled
    Adjustments
to reserve
    Balance at
September 27,
2008
   Aggregate expense
and adjustments at
September 27, 2008

Severance and related

   $ 119    $ 1,273    $ (375 )   $ (4 )   $ 1,013    $ 3,670

Lease loss reserve

     —        1,372      (938 )     —         434      1,388

Other

     65      43      (85 )     (4 )     19      325
                                           

Total

   $ 184    $ 2,688    $ (1,398 )   $ (8 )   $ 1,466    $ 5,383
                                           

 

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Included in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and reported as Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 is a net charge to operating expenses of $2.7 million related to the 2007 restructuring plan. This amount is comprised primarily of $1.4 million related to future lease payments associated with a vacated facility in San Jose, California, $1.0 million in severance costs and a non-cash charge of $0.3 million for the effects of accelerated vesting related to the resignation of our former President and Chief Executive Officer effective May 31, 2008.

In addition to the amounts recorded for the 2007 restructuring plan, at September 27, 2008 the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet included $0.4 million related to operating lease commitments accrued as remaining costs under provisions of a restructuring plan initiated and completed during the fourth quarter of 2005 (“2005 restructuring plan”) to reduce operating expenses. From the period beginning with the fourth quarter of 2005 through the third quarter of 2008, the aggregate expense under the 2005 restructuring plan is $11.9 million.

The above restructuring accruals at September 27, 2008 are based on estimates that are subject to change.

Note 11 — Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes due in 2010:

On June 20, 2003, we issued $200.0 million in Convertible Notes. In October 2003, our Board of Directors authorized management to purchase up to $100.0 million of our Convertible Notes. In November 2006, our Board of Directors authorized management to purchase up to an additional $20.0 million, and in August 2007, our Board of Directors authorized management to purchase up to an additional $40.0 million of our Convertible Notes, for an aggregate potential purchase amount of $160.0 million. The Company purchased a total of $160.0 million in Convertible Notes from 2003 through 2007.

On July 2, 2008, the Company completed the purchase of $40.0 million in principal amount of its Convertible Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture dated June 20, 2003 and pursuant to the exercise by the noteholders of their repurchase rights. As a result of these purchases, no Convertible Notes remain outstanding.

Note 12 — Stock-Based Compensation:

Effective January 1, 2006, we began recording employee and director stock option and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) compensation expense in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), “Share Based Payment — a revision of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB 107”). Total stock-based compensation expense was included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     September 27,
2008
   September 29,
2007
   September 27,
2008
   September 29,
2007

Line item:

           

Cost of products sold

   $ 120    $ 108    $ 332    $ 363

Research and development

     680      664      1,939      2,034

Selling, general and administrative

     695      577      1,886      1,666
                           
   $ 1,495    $ 1,349    $ 4,157    $ 4,063
                           

Note 13 — Legal Matters:

On June 11, 2007, a patent infringement lawsuit was filed by Lizy K. John (“John”) against Lattice Semiconductor Corporation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division. John seeks an injunction, unspecified damages, and attorneys’ fees and expenses. The Company filed a request for re-examination of the patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“PTO”), which was granted by the PTO, and the re-examination is in progress. The litigation has been stayed pending the results of the re-examination. Neither the likelihood nor the amount of any potential exposure to the Company is estimable at this time.

We are also exposed to certain other asserted and unasserted potential claims. There can be no assurance that, with respect to potential claims made against us, we could resolve such claims under terms and conditions that would not have a material adverse effect on our business, our liquidity or our financial results.

 

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Note 14 — Segment and Geographic Information:

We operate in one industry segment comprising the design, development, manufacture and marketing of high performance programmable logic devices. Our revenue by major geographic area was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007  

United States:

   $ 9,877    17 %   $ 9,687    17 %   $ 28,794    17 %   $ 33,609    19 %

Export revenue:

                    

China

     17,577    31       15,510    27       48,118    28       39,344    22  

Europe

     11,473    20       11,718    20       35,930    21       35,573    20  

Japan

     7,170    13       7,481    13       23,927    14       22,868    13  

Taiwan

     5,418    9       5,909    10       16,619    9       20,095    12  

Other Asia

     4,176    7       5,462    9       12,331    7       18,278    11  

Other Americas

     1,919    3       2,537    4       6,574    4       5,887    3  
                                                    

Total export revenue

     47,733    83       48,617    83       143,499    83       142,045    81  
                                                    

Total revenue

   $ 57,610    100 %   $ 58,304    100 %   $ 172,293    100 %   $ 175,654    100 %
                                                    

Revenue attributable to our three largest distributors, Arrow Electronics, Inc., Avnet, Inc. and Promaster Technology Corporation accounted for approximately 12%, 14% and 10%, respectively, of revenue in the first nine months of fiscal 2008, and 13%, 15% and 10%, respectively, of revenue for the first nine months of fiscal 2007. More than 90% of our property and equipment is located in the United States.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (the “Company”) designs, develops and markets high performance programmable logic products and related software. Programmable logic products are widely used semiconductor components that can be configured by the end customer as specific logic circuits, and thus enable shorter design cycle times and reduced development costs. Within the programmable logic market there are two main components: field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”) and programmable logic devices (“PLDs”), each representing a distinct silicon architectural approach. Products based on the two alternative programmable logic architectures are generally optimal for different types of logic functions, although many logic functions can be implemented using either architecture. We believe that a substantial portion of programmable logic customers utilize both FPGA and PLD architectures. Our end customers are primarily original equipment manufacturers in the communications, computing, consumer, industrial, automotive, medical and military end markets.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management believes that there have been no significant changes during the nine months ended September 27, 2008 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007, except for the adoption of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (“SFAS No. 157”) effective December 30, 2007.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and classification of assets, such as marketable securities, accounts receivable, inventory and deferred income taxes and liabilities, such as accrued liabilities, income taxes and deferred income and allowances on sales to certain distributors, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the fiscal periods presented. Our most critical estimate relates to Auction Rate Securities and these fair value estimates are made in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 157. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) provides revised guidance on how acquirers recognize and measure the consideration transferred, identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests and goodwill acquired in a business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) also expands required disclosures surrounding the nature and financial effects of business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) is effective, on a prospective basis, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The application of SFAS No. 141(R) is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”), to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The application of SFAS No. 160 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 161”). The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The application of SFAS No. 161 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS No. 162”). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (the GAAP hierarchy). SFAS No. 162 will become effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” The application of SFAS No. 162 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) 14-1, “Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)” (“FSP APB 14-1”). FSP APB 14-1 requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) on conversion to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instrument in a manner that reflects the issuer’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. FSP APB 14-1 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 on a retroactive basis. The application of FSP APB 14-1 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations

Revenue

Key elements of our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (dollars in thousands), and expressed as a percentage of revenues, were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007  

Revenue

   $ 57,610     100.0 %   $ 58,304     100.0 %   $ 172,293     100.0 %   $ 175,654     100.0 %

Gross margin

     31,117     54.0       31,599     54.2       95,089     55.2       96,138     54.7  

Research and development

     17,534     30.4       20,166     34.6       53,139     30.8       62,926     35.8  

Selling, general and administrative

     14,547     25.3       15,054     25.8       44,741     26.0       44,405     25.3  

Amortization of intangible assets

     1,369     2.4       2,458     4.2       4,218     2.5       7,790     4.4  

Restructuring

     3,882     6.7       1,718     3.0       6,530     3.8       1,615     0.9  
                                                        

Loss from operations

   $ (6,215 )   (10.8 )%   $ (7,797 )   (13.4 )%   $ (13,539 )   (7.9 )%   $ (20,598 )   (11.7 )%
                                                        

Revenue for our business in the third quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008 decreased to $57.6 million and $172.3 million, respectively, compared to $58.3 million and $175.7 million for the third quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2007, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to a reduction in revenue from Mainstream and Mature products, partially offset by an increase in total revenue from New products.

The decline in revenue for all periods presented is primarily related to the decline in the military end market. The communications end market accounted for approximately 54% of our revenue for the third quarter ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007 and 54% and 50% for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 and September 29, 2007, respectively. Accordingly, a significant portion of our revenue is dependent on the health of this end market.

Revenue by Product Line

From a product line viewpoint, in the three months and nine months ended September 27, 2008, there was a 21% and 12% increase in FPGA revenue, respectively, due to varying product mix compared to the third quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2007. PLD revenue decreased 8% and 6% for the third quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008, respectively, compared to the third quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2007. PLD units sold decreased in the third quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008 by 11% and 12%, respectively, compared to the third quarter and nine months ended 2007; however, these decreases were partially offset by an increase in average selling price caused by varying product mix.

The composition of our revenue by product line for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008 and 2007 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007  

FPGA

   $ 16,453    29 %   $ 13,576    23 %   $ 43,528    25 %   $ 38,966    22 %

PLD

     41,157    71       44,728    77       128,765    75       136,688    78  
                                                    

Total Revenue

   $ 57,610    100 %   $ 58,304    100 %   $ 172,293    100 %   $ 175,654    100 %
                                                    

 

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Revenue by Product Classification

Revenue for New products increased 111% and 109% for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, respectively, compared to the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007, as a result of increased unit sales partially offset by a decrease in average selling price. Revenue for Mainstream products decreased 18% and 8% for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2007, primarily due to a decline in unit sales of PLD products across multiple market segments related to inventory reductions at customers primarily in Taiwan and Other Asia, partially offset by an increase in average selling price caused by varying product mix. Mature products revenue decreased 22% and 26% for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, respectively, compared to the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007 primarily as a result of decreased unit sales. Among other things, future revenue growth is dependent on overall economic conditions for our industry and market acceptance of our New products as well as continued demand for our Mature and Mainstream products.

The composition of our revenue by product classification for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008 and 2007 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007  

New *

   $ 17,511    30 %   $ 8,313    14 %   $ 41,032    24 %   $ 19,606    11 %

Mainstream *

     24,968    43       30,547    53       80,770    47       87,875    50  

Mature *

     15,131    27       19,444    33       50,491    29       68,173    39  
                                                    

Total Revenue

   $ 57,610    100 %   $ 58,304    100 %   $ 172,293    100 %   $ 175,654    100 %
                                                    

 

* Product Classification:

 

New:   LatticeXP2, LatticeSC, LatticeECP2/M, LatticeECP, LatticeXP, MachXO, Power Manager, ispClock
Mainstream:     FPSC, ispXPLD, ispGDX2, ispMACH 4/LV, ispGDX/V, ispMACH 4000/Z, ispXPGA, Software and IP
Mature:   ORCA 2, ORCA 3, ORCA 4, ispPAC, ispLSI 8000V, ispMACH 5000B, ispMACH 2LV, ispMACH 5LV, ispLSI 2000V, ispLSI 5000V, ispMACH 5000VG, all 5-Volt CPLDs, all SPLDs

Revenue by Geography

Export revenue as a percentage of total revenue was 83% for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, compared to 83% and 81% for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007, respectively. Export revenue as a percentage of overall revenue increased due to relatively more favorable business conditions in Asia and a continuing trend towards outsourcing of manufacturing by North American customers. Due to the dependence on export revenue, among other things, future revenue growth is dependent on world economics, the effects of weakening foreign currencies compared to the U.S. dollar and other macroeconomic conditions.

The composition of our revenue by geographic location of our direct and indirect customers is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007     September 27, 2008     September 29, 2007  

United States:

   $ 9,877    17 %   $ 9,687    17 %   $ 28,794    17 %   $ 33,609    19 %

Export revenue:

                    

China

     17,577    31       15,510    27       48,118    28       39,344    22  

Europe

     11,473    20       11,718    20       35,930    21       35,573    20  

Japan

     7,170    13       7,481    13       23,927    14       22,868    13  

Taiwan

     5,418    9       5,909    10       16,619    9       20,095    12  

Other Asia

     4,176    7       5,462    9       12,331    7       18,278    11  

Other Americas

     1,919    3       2,537    4       6,574    4       5,887    3  
                                                    

Total export revenue

     47,733    83       48,617    83       143,499    83       142,045    81  
                                                    

Total revenue

   $ 57,610    100 %   $ 58,304    100 %   $ 172,293    100 %   $ 175,654    100 %
                                                    

Gross Margin and Operating Expenses

Our gross margin percentage decreased to 54.0% and increased to 55.2% in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, respectively, from 54.2% and 54.7% in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007, respectively. The decrease in gross margin was primarily attributable to varying product mix.

 

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Research and development expense decreased to $17.5 million and $53.1 million in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, respectively, compared to $20.2 million and $62.9 million in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007, primarily as a result of a decrease in engineering mask and wafer costs and reduced head count expenses resulting from the 2008 and 2007 restructuring plans. We believe that a continued commitment to research and development is essential in order to provide innovative new product offerings and maintain competitiveness in our industry, and therefore we may be required to make increased investments in engineering mask and wafer costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $14.5 million and increased to $44.7 million in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, respectively, compared to $15.1 million and $44.4 million in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007, respectively, primarily as a result of the reduced headcount expenses resulting from the 2008 and 2007 restructuring plans and a $0.9 million reversal of an accrual for legal expenses in the first three months of 2007.

Amortization of intangible assets was $1.4 million and $4.2 million for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, respectively, compared to $2.5 million and $7.8 million in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007. Intangible assets related to the acquisition of Cerdelinx Technologies, Inc. became fully amortized as of September 29, 2007. Amortization charges related to our other intangible assets will be eliminated by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

Restructuring activity relates primarily to the 2007 restructuring plan initiated during the third quarter of 2007 and the 2008 restructuring plan initiated during the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Included in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and reported as Restructuring for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008 is a net charge of $3.9 million and $6.5 million, respectively. The amount through the first nine months of 2008 consists primarily of $3.8 million in severance and related costs under the 2008 restructuring plan. Remaining charges for that period relate primarily to the 2007 restructuring plan of which $1.4 million related to future lease payments associated with a vacated facility in San Jose, California and $1.0 million in severance costs, of which $0.3 million is a non-cash charge resulting from the accelerated vesting of stock options, related to the resignation of our former President and Chief Executive Officer announced on February 1, 2008.

Other (expense) income, net

Other (expense) income, net was an expense of $1.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and included an impairment charge of $1.4 million related to an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of auction rate securities held in Long-term marketable securities and $0.2 million related to a loss on the sale of our common stock investment in a foundry partner held in Other current assets, partially offset by interest on marketable securities and cash equivalents of $0.9 million. The impairment charge to Long-term marketable securities was recorded due to the severity of the decline in fair value, the duration of the decline, and the downgrading of the credit ratings of some of the securities during the quarter.

Other (expense) income, net was $3.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and included a gain on the extinguishment of Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes due July 1, 2010 (“Convertible Notes”) of $1.7 million and interest on marketable securities and cash equivalents of $1.9 million.

The decrease in interest income is the result of a reduction in the average invested balances and lower interest rates for those invested balances in Marketable securities for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

Other (expense) income, net was an expense of $10.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 and included an impairment charge of $11.8 million related to an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of auction rate securities held in Long-term marketable securities and an impairment charge of $1.2 million related to an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of our common stock investment in a foundry partner held in Other current assets partially offset by interest on marketable securities and cash equivalents of $3.3 million. The impairment charge to Long-term marketable securities was recorded due to the severity of the decline in fair value, the duration of the decline, and the downgrading of the credit ratings of some of the securities during the quarter.

Other (expense) income, net was $10.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007 and included a gain on the extinguishment of Convertible Notes of $2.7 million, interest on marketable securities and cash equivalents of $6.3 million and a gain on the sale of land of $1.6 million.

The decrease in interest income is the result of a reduction in the average invested balances and lower interest rates for those invested balances in Marketable securities for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

(Benefit) Provision for income taxes

We are paying foreign income taxes, which are reflected in the Provision for income taxes in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and are primarily related to the cost of operating an offshore research and development subsidiary and sales subsidiaries. We are not currently paying federal income taxes and do not expect to pay such taxes until the benefits of our tax net operating losses are fully utilized. We expect to pay a nominal amount of state income tax. We also accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the Provision for income taxes. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

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On July 30, 2008 The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was signed into law. This act enables taxpayers to accelerate certain unutilized income tax credits. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $0.3 million during the quarter ended September 27, 2008 related to the acceleration of its research tax credits and $0.2 million related to a refund of previous taxes in the People’s Republic of China, partially offset by additional provision for foreign income taxes for 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Financial Condition (Sources and Uses of Cash) (in thousands):

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     September 27,
2008
    September 29,
2007
 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ 24,435     $ (33,740 )

Net cash provided by investing activities

     29,519       94,110  

Net cash used in financing activities

     (39,717 )     (64,414 )
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,237     $ (4,044 )
                

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $24.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008, compared to Net cash used in operating activities of $33.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007, primarily as a result of a $37.5 million advance payment made to Fujitsu Limited (“Fujitsu”) in the first nine months of fiscal 2007, while no payment was made in the first nine months of fiscal 2008, and increased usage of Fujitsu advance credits in the first nine months of 2008. The Company utilized approximately $2.0 million in additional inventory for the first nine months of fiscal 2007 and the first nine months of fiscal 2008. There was no significant change in Accounts receivable, net.

Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities decreased by $64.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2007. The decrease was due to the sales of marketable securities to fund the $37.5 million advance payment to Fujitsu and the $66.6 million used to extinguish Convertible Notes in the first nine months of fiscal 2007, while no payments were made to Fujitsu and only $40.0 million was used to extinguish Convertible Notes in the first nine months of fiscal 2008. Further, purchases of marketable securities decreased due to a shift in our investment policy toward cash equivalents and corporate bonds, notes, and commercial paper in response to the uncertainties in the global credit and capital markets.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities decreased $24.7 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2007. The decrease was primarily due to the use of $66.6 million to extinguish Convertible Notes in the first nine months of fiscal 2007, while only $40.0 million was used to extinguish Convertible Notes in the first nine months of fiscal 2008.

Liquidity

As of September 27, 2008, our principal source of liquidity was $68.6 million of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term marketable securities, which were approximately $16.5 million less than the Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term marketable securities balance of $85.1 million at December 29, 2007. Working capital increased to $128.0 million at September 27, 2008 from $110.5 million at December 29, 2007. On July 2, 2008, the Company completed the purchase of $40.0 million in principal amount of its Convertible Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture dated June 20, 2003 and pursuant to the exercise by the noteholders of their repurchase rights. Based on these purchases, no such Convertible Notes remain outstanding.

We believe that our existing liquid resources and cash expected to be generated from future operations, combined with advance credits from our foundries, will be adequate to meet our operating and capital requirements and obligations for the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2007, we had completed the unsecured advance payments of an aggregate of $125.0 million to Fujitsu. The advance payments will be returned to us in the form of wafer credits or other services (including engineering mask set charges), subject to the right of either party to terminate the agreement upon the occurrence of certain events. Collectively, wafer credits and other services are referred to as “advance credits”. As of September 27, 2008, $30.9 million had been returned to us in the form of advance credits, and we expect an additional $24.7 million to be returned to us in the form of advance credits during the next twelve months. Beginning December 31, 2008, the Company has the right to request the repayment of some, or all, of the unused amount of the advance payments. The repayment obligation of Fujitsu is unsecured.

 

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At September 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, we held auction rate securities that were considered illiquid with a face value of $39.2 million and $44.9 million, respectively, and an estimated fair value of $27.4 million and $44.9 million, respectively. These auction rate securities with investment grades of AAA, AA or A, except for an auction rate security with a face value of $2.0 million (estimated fair value of $0.8 million) collateralized by consumer credit card debt, are collateralized by federally-insured student loans, corporate bonds, notes, commercial paper, or bank deposit notes. Long-term marketable securities with a face value of $14.0 million (estimated fair value of $8.4 million) are exposed to risks associated with the sale of credit default swaps, pursuant to which the assets underlying the auction rate securities are exposed to claims in the event of default of certain debt instruments owned by third parties. In addition, for auction rate securities with a face value of $8.3 million (estimated fair value of $4.2 million) held in Long-term marketable securities, Ambac Assurance Corporation (“AMBAC”, the issuer) can exercise a put option, which essentially replaces the auction rate security investment with preferred stock of AMBAC.

While the auctions for auction rate securities have historically provided a liquid market for these securities, due to liquidity issues in global credit and capital markets, auction rate securities held by us have experienced multiple failed auctions (a portion beginning in October 2007) as the amount of securities submitted for sale at the auctions has exceeded the amount of purchase orders. In addition, some of these securities have experienced downgrades, but continue to be considered investment grade by one or more rating agencies. These instruments are considered illiquid and have been reclassified as Long-term marketable securities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Due to the severity of the decline in fair value, the duration of the decline, and the downgrading of the credit ratings of some of the securities, the Company determined that an other-than-temporary decline in fair value had occurred, and recorded an impairment charge of $1.4 million and $11.8 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008, respectively. If we were to liquidate our position in these securities, the amount realized could be materially different than the estimated fair value amounts at which we are carrying these securities and there could be a materially detrimental effect on our financial results.

In addition, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $0.1 million during the quarter ended September 27, 2008 on certain Short-term marketable securities, which has been recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Future fluctuations in fair value related to these instruments that the Company deems to be temporary, including any recoveries of previous write-downs, would be recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive loss. If the Company were to determine in the future that any further decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, we would record an impairment charge, which could have a materially detrimental impact on our operating results. If we were to liquidate our position in these securities, it is likely that the amount of any future realized gain or loss would be different from the unrealized gain reported in Accumulated other comprehensive loss.

We may in the future seek new or additional sources of funding. In addition, in order to secure additional wafer supply, we may from time to time consider various financial arrangements including equity investments, advance purchase payments, loans, or similar arrangements with independent wafer manufacturers in exchange for committed wafer capacity. To the extent that we pursue any such additional financing arrangements, additional debt or equity financing may be required. There can be no assurance that such additional financing will be available when needed or, if available, will be on favorable terms. Any future equity financing will decrease existing stockholders’ equity percentage ownership and may, depending on the price at which the equity is sold, result in dilution.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no significant changes to the Company’s contractual obligations outside of the ordinary course of business in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 as summarized in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 27, 2008 we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

At September 27, 2008, the Company had investments in auction rate securities. Due to liquidity issues in global credit and capital market conditions, these auction rate securities have experienced multiple failed auctions. We have recorded an impairment charge to Other (expense) income, net to reflect our estimate of the fair value of these instruments as other-than-temporary. For a complete discussion on auction rate securities, see Notes 3 and 4 to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Except for the above, there have been no material changes to the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred in our fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information set forth above under Note 13 contained in the “Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The risk factors included herein include any material changes to and supersede the description of the risk factors associated with our business previously disclosed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007. The following risk factors and other information included in this Quarterly Report should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Global economic conditions and uncertainty could adversely affect our revenue, gross margin and expenses.

Our revenue and gross margin depend significantly on general economic conditions and the demand for programmable logic devices in markets in which we compete. Global economic weakness and constrained infrastructure spending have previously resulted, and may result in the future, in decreased revenue, gross margin, earnings or growth rates and problems with our ability to manage inventory levels and collect customer receivables. In addition, our relationships with our employees and suppliers could be adversely affected. We could experience such economic weakness and reduced spending due to various macroeconomic factors affecting spending and investment behavior, including periods of economic recession, conditions in the residential real estate and mortgage markets, access to credit, and the weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other world currencies. In addition, customer financial difficulties have previously resulted, and could result in the future, in increases in bad debt write-offs and additions to reserves in our receivables portfolio. We also have experienced, and may experience in the future, gross margin declines in certain products, reflecting the effect of items such as competitive pricing pressures, inventory write-downs, charges associated with the cancellation of planned production lines, and increases in component and manufacturing costs resulting from higher labor and material costs borne by our manufacturers and suppliers that, as a result of competitive pricing pressures or other factors, we are unable to pass on to our customers. Global economic downturns also may lead to restructuring actions and associated expenses. Uncertainty about future economic conditions makes it difficult for us to forecast operating results and to make decisions about future investments. Whenever adverse economic or end market conditions exist, there is likely to be an adverse effect on our operating results.

Our entire long-term marketable securities portfolio is invested in auction rate securities, a number of which have been the subject of failed auctions, which have adversely affected the liquidity of these securities. If auction rate securities continue to experience unsuccessful auctions, or if the credit rating of the auction rate security, auction rate security issuer, the third-party insurer of such investments, the issuers of the investments underlying the securities or credit default swaps, deteriorates, we may be required to adjust the carrying value of the auction rate security through impairment charges, and any of these events could have a materially detrimental effect on our liquidity and results of operations.

At September 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, we held auction rate securities that were considered illiquid with a face value of $39.2 million and $44.9 million, respectively, and an estimated fair value of $27.4 million and $44.9 million, respectively. These auction rate securities with investment grades of AAA, AA or A, except for an auction rate security with a face value of $2.0 million (estimated fair value of $0.8 million) collateralized by consumer credit card debt, are collateralized by federally-insured student loans, corporate bonds, notes, commercial paper, or bank deposit notes. Long-term marketable securities with a face value of $14.0 million (estimated fair value of $8.4 million) are exposed to risks associated with the sale of credit default swaps, pursuant to which the assets

 

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underlying the auction rate securities are exposed to claims in the event of default of certain debt instruments owned by third parties. In addition, for auction rate securities with a face value of $8.3 million (estimated fair value of $4.2 million) held in Long-term marketable securities, Ambac Assurance Corporation (“AMBAC”, the issuer) can exercise a put option, which essentially replaces the auction rate security investment with preferred stock of AMBAC.

While the auctions for auction rate securities have historically provided a liquid market for these securities, due to liquidity issues in global credit and capital markets, auction rate securities held by us have experienced multiple failed auctions (a portion beginning in October 2007) as the amount of securities submitted for sale at the auctions has exceeded the amount of purchase orders. In addition, some of these securities have experienced downgrades, but continue to be considered investment grade by one or more rating agencies. These instruments are considered illiquid and have been reclassified as Long-term marketable securities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Due to the severity of the decline in fair value, the duration of the decline, and the downgrading of the credit ratings of some of the securities, the Company determined that an other-than-temporary decline in fair value had occurred, and recorded an impairment charge of $1.4 million and $11.8 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008, respectively. If we were to liquidate our position in these securities, the amount realized could be materially different than the estimated fair value amounts at which we are carrying these securities and there could be a materially detrimental effect on our financial results.

Export sales account for the majority of our revenue and may decline in the future due to economic and governmental uncertainties.

We derive a majority of our revenue from export sales. Accordingly, if we experience a decline in export sales, our operating results could be adversely affected. Our export sales are subject to numerous risks, including:

 

   

changes in local economic conditions;

 

   

exchange rate volatility;

 

   

governmental controls and trade restrictions;

 

   

export license requirements and restrictions on the export of technology;

 

   

political instability, war or terrorism;

 

   

changes in tax rates, tariffs or freight rates;

 

   

interruptions in air transportation; and

 

   

difficulties in staffing and managing foreign sales offices.

Sales of our older products may decline faster than sales of our new products increase, which would result in reduced revenues and gross margins.

Our product development strategy is to aggressively introduce new products in order to grow our overall revenue. While we expect the strong growth of new product revenue to continue, there is no assurance that the rate of growth can be maintained, or that new product revenue will meet our expectations. In addition, currently the majority of our revenue is derived from sales of mainstream and mature products. Mature products are older products that generally are no longer designed by customers into end systems and are sold to support the mass production of customer end systems in which they have historically been designed. Consequently, sales of these products have a tendency to decline as customer end systems gradually reach the end of their life cycles. Mainstream products are more recently introduced products that may still be designed by customers into new systems. However, they are predominantly used in customer end systems that are in the mid-life stage of their life cycles. Consequently, sales of mainstream products can be volatile and are subject to overall economic, industry and customer specific inventory conditions. Sales of mainstream products may increase or decline in a given period depending on conditions.

We have limited ability to predict or to foresee changes or the pace of changes in sales by product classification. In recent periods, we have experienced increased rates of decline in sales of our mature products. Additionally, in the past we have also experienced periods of declines in sales of our mainstream products. If in any period, the overall sales of the combination of our mature and mainstream products decline and if sales of new products do not increase at a rate that is sufficient to counteract this decline, then our total revenues would decline. In addition, as mature products typically generate a higher gross margin than mainstream or new products generate, a faster than normal decline in sales of mature products could adversely impact our gross margins.

A downturn in the communications equipment end market could cause a reduction in demand for our products and limit our ability to maintain revenue levels and operating results.

The majority of our revenue is derived from customers in the communications equipment end market. Any deterioration in this end market or any reduction in technology capital spending could lead to a reduction in demand for our products. For example, in the past, a general weakening in demand for programmable logic products from customers in the communications end market has adversely affected our revenue. Whenever adverse economic or end market conditions exist, there is likely to be an adverse effect on our operating results.

 

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We may be unsuccessful in defining, developing or selling the new programmable logic products required to maintain or expand our business.

As a semiconductor company, we operate in a dynamic environment marked by rapid product obsolescence. The programmable logic market is characterized by rapid technology and product evolution and historically the market for FPGA products has grown faster than the market for PLD products. Currently we derive a greater proportion of our revenue from PLD products than FPGA products. Consequently, our future success depends on our ability to introduce new FPGA and associated software design tool products that meet evolving customer needs while achieving acceptable margins. We are presently shipping our next generation FPGA product families that are critical to our ability to grow our FPGA product revenue and expand our overall revenue. We also plan to continue upgrading our customer design tool products and increase our offerings of intellectual property cores. If we fail to introduce new products in a timely manner, or if these products or future new products fail to achieve market acceptance, our operating results would be harmed.

Lattice and Fujitsu have entered into agreements pursuant to which Fujitsu manufactures our current and future FPGA products on its 130 nanometer, 90 nanometer and 65 nanometer CMOS process technologies, as well as on 130 nanometer and 90 nanometer technologies with embedded flash memory that we have jointly developed with Fujitsu. Fujitsu is our sole source supplier of wafers for our newest FPGA products and our planned future FPGA products. The success of our next generation FPGA products is dependent on our ability to successfully partner with Fujitsu. If for any reason we are unsuccessful in our efforts to partner with Fujitsu in connection with these next generation FPGA products, our future revenue growth may be materially adversely affected.

The introduction of new silicon and software design tool products in a dynamic market environment presents significant business challenges. Product development commitments and expenditures must be made well in advance of product sales. The market reception of new products depends on accurate projections of long-term customer demand, which by their nature are uncertain.

Our future revenue growth is dependent on market acceptance of our new silicon and software design tool products and the continued market acceptance of our current products. The success of these products is dependent on a variety of specific technical factors including:

 

   

successful product definition;

 

   

timely and efficient completion of product design;

 

   

timely and efficient implementation of wafer manufacturing and assembly processes;

 

   

product performance;

 

   

product cost; and

 

   

the quality and reliability of the product.

If, due to these or other factors, our new silicon and software products do not achieve market acceptance, our operating results may be harmed.

We may experience a disruption of our business activities due to the transition to new management team.

We may experience disruption in our business activities as we transition to new executive management, and our relationships with employees, customers and suppliers could be adversely effected by these disruptions. In addition, our competitors may seek to use this transition and the related potential disruptions to gain a competitive advantage over us. Our future operating results depend substantially upon the continued service of our executive officers and key personnel and in significant part upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management personnel. Competition for qualified personnel is intense, and we cannot ensure success in attracting or retaining qualified personnel. There may be only a limited number of persons with the requisite skills to serve in these positions and it may be increasingly difficult for us to hire personnel over time. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by the loss of any of our key employees, by the failure of any key employee to perform in his or her current position, or by our inability to attract and retain skilled employees. In addition, the transition to new executive officers has involved the development of a new cost structure, a refined product strategy and a new business model that better aligns operating costs with near-term revenue expectations to deliver improved operating results. Any changes to our business are subject to the risks that management may be diverted from ongoing business activities, we could incur significant costs and expenses to undertake changes, and that such changes may result in loss of key employees and customer relationships. The benefits from changes in the cost structure and product strategy may not materialize for a number of reasons, including the possibility that we may incur unanticipated costs, experience management turnover, or fail to gain market acceptance of a refined product strategy or be unable to execute the plan in a timely manner.

 

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The potential impact of customer design-in activity on future revenue is inherently uncertain and could impact our ability to manage production or our ability to forecast sales.

We face uncertainties relating to the potential impact of customer design-in activity because it is unknown whether any particular customer design-in will ultimately result in sales of significant volume. After a specific customer design-in is obtained, many factors can impact the timing and amount of sales that are ultimately realized from the specific customer design-in. Changes in the competitive position of our technology, our customer’s product competitiveness, our customer’s product strategy, the financial position of our customer, and many other factors can all impact the timing and amount of sales ultimately realized from any specific customer design-in. As a result, we may not be able to accurately manage the production levels of our new products or accurately forecast the future sales of such products, and, thus, our operating results may be harmed.

Product quality problems could lead to reduced revenue, gross margins and net income.

We generally warrant our products for varying lengths of time against non-conformance to our specifications and certain other defects. Because our products, including hardware, software and intellectual property cores, are highly complex and increasingly incorporate advanced technology, our quality assurance programs may not detect all defects, whether manufacturing defects in individual products or systematic defects that could affect numerous shipments. Inability to detect a defect could result in increased engineering expenses necessary to remediate the defect and also result in increased costs due to inventory impairment charges. On occasion we have also repaired or replaced certain components and software or refunded the purchase price or license fee paid by our customers due to product defects. If there are material increases in product defects, the costs to remediate such defects, or the costs to resolve warranty claims compared with our historical experience, our revenue, gross margins, and net income may be adversely affected.

The cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry may limit our ability to maintain revenue levels and operating results during industry downturns.

The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical, to a greater extent than other less technology-driven industries. Our financial performance has periodically been negatively affected by downturns in the semiconductor industry. Factors that contribute to these industry downturns include:

 

   

the cyclical nature of the demand for the products of semiconductor customers;

 

   

general reductions in inventory levels by customers;

 

   

excess production capacity;

 

   

general decline in end-user demand; and

 

   

accelerated declines in average selling prices.

Historically, the semiconductor industry has experienced periodic downturns of varying degrees of severity and duration. Typically, after such downturns, semiconductor industry conditions improve, although such improvement may not be significant or sustainable. Increased demand for semiconductor industry products may not proportionately increase demand for programmable logic products in general, or our products in particular. Even if demand for our products increases, average selling prices for our products may not increase, and could decline. Whenever adverse semiconductor industry conditions or other similar conditions exist, there is likely to be an adverse effect on our operating results.

Further, our ability to predict end-user demand is limited. Typically, the majority of our revenue comes from “turns orders,” which are orders placed and filled within the same quarter. By definition, turns orders are not captured in a backlog measurement at the beginning of a quarter. Accordingly, we cannot use backlog as a reliable measure of predicting revenue.

Our wafer supply could be interrupted or reduced, which may result in a shortage of products available for sale.

We do not manufacture finished silicon wafers and many of our products, including all of our newest FPGA products, are manufactured by a sole source. Currently, our silicon wafers are manufactured by Fujitsu in Japan, Seiko Epson in Japan, UMC in Taiwan and Chartered Semiconductor in Singapore. If any of our current or future foundry partners significantly interrupts or reduces our wafer supply, our operating results could be harmed.

In the past, we have experienced delays in obtaining wafers and in securing supply commitments from our foundries. At present, we anticipate that our supply commitments are adequate. However, these existing supply commitments may not be sufficient for us to satisfy customer demand in future periods. Additionally, notwithstanding our supply commitments, we may still have difficulty in obtaining wafer deliveries consistent with the supply commitments. We negotiate wafer prices and supply commitments from our suppliers on at least an annual basis. If any of our foundry partners were to reduce its supply commitment or increase its wafer prices, and we cannot find alternative sources of wafer supply, our operating results could be harmed.

 

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Many other factors that could disrupt our wafer supply are beyond our control. Since worldwide manufacturing capacity for silicon wafers is limited and inelastic, we could be harmed by significant industry-wide increases in overall wafer demand or interruptions in wafer supply. Additionally, a future disruption of any of our foundry partners’ foundry operations as a result of a fire, earthquake, act of terrorism, political unrest, governmental uncertainty, war, or other natural disaster or catastrophic event could disrupt our wafer supply and could harm our operating results.

If our foundry partners experience quality or yield problems, we may face a shortage of products available for sale.

We depend on our foundries to deliver high quality silicon wafers with acceptable yields in a timely manner. As is common in our industry, we have experienced wafer yield problems and delivery delays. If our foundries are unable for a prolonged period to produce silicon wafers that meet our specifications, with acceptable yields, our operating results could be harmed.

The reliable manufacture of high performance programmable logic devices is a complicated and technically demanding process requiring:

 

   

a high degree of technical skill;

 

   

state-of-the-art equipment;

 

   

the availability of certain basic materials and supplies, such as chemicals, gases, polysilicon, silicon wafers and ultra-pure metals;

 

   

the absence of defects in production wafers;

 

   

the elimination of minute impurities and errors in each step of the fabrication process; and

 

   

effective cooperation between the wafer supplier and us.

As a result, our foundries may experience difficulties in achieving acceptable quality and yield levels when manufacturing our silicon wafers.

Our products may not be competitive if we are unsuccessful in migrating our manufacturing processes to more advanced technologies or alternative fabrication facilities.

To develop new products and maintain the competitiveness of existing products, we need to migrate to more advanced wafer manufacturing processes that use smaller device geometries. We also may need to use additional foundries. Because we depend upon foundries to provide their facilities and support for our process technology development, we may experience delays in the availability of advanced wafer manufacturing process technologies at existing or new wafer fabrication facilities. As a result, volume production of our advanced process technologies at fabrication facilities may not be achieved. This could harm our operating results.

Our supply of assembled and tested products could be interrupted or reduced, which may result in a shortage of products available for sale.

We do not assemble our finished products or perform all testing of our products. Currently, our finished products are assembled and tested by ASE in Malaysia, Amkor in the Philippines and South Korea, Fujitsu in Japan, AIT in Indonesia, UTAC in Singapore and other independent contractors in Asia. If any of our current or future assembly or test contractors significantly interrupts or reduces our supply of assembled and tested devices, our operating results could be harmed.

In the past, we have experienced delays in obtaining assembled and tested products and in securing assembly and test capacity commitments from our suppliers. At present, we anticipate that our assembly and test capacity commitments are adequate. However, these existing commitments may not be sufficient for us to satisfy customer demand in future periods. Additionally, notwithstanding our assembly and test capacity commitments we may still have difficulty in obtaining deliveries of finished products consistent with the capacity commitments. We negotiate assembly and test prices and capacity commitments from our contractors on a periodic basis. If any of our assembly or test contractors were to reduce its capacity commitment or increase its prices, and we cannot find alternative sources, our operating results could be harmed.

Many other factors that could disrupt our supply of finished products are beyond our control. Because worldwide capacity for assembly and testing of semiconductor products is limited and inelastic, we could be harmed by significant industry-wide increases in overall demand or interruptions in supply. The assembly of complex packages requires a consistent supply of a variety of raw materials such as substrates, leadframes, and mold compound. The worldwide manufacturing capacity for these materials is also limited and inelastic. A significant industry-wide increase in demand, or interruptions in the supply of these materials to our assembly or test contractors, could harm our operating results. Additionally, a future disruption of any of our assembly or test contractors’ operations as a result of a fire, earthquake, act of terrorism, political unrest, governmental uncertainty, war, or other natural disaster or catastrophic event could disrupt our supply of assembled and tested devices and could harm our operating results.

 

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In addition, our quarterly revenue levels may be affected to a significant extent by our ability to match inventory and current production mix with the product mix required to fulfill orders. The large number of individual parts we sell and the large number of customers for our products, combined with limitations on our and our customer’s ability to forecast orders accurately and our relatively lengthy manufacturing cycles, may make it difficult to achieve a match of inventory on hand, production units, and shippable orders sufficient to realize quarterly or annual revenue projections.

If our assembly and test supply contractors experience quality or yield problems, we may face a shortage of products available for sale.

We rely on contractors to assemble and test our devices with acceptable quality and yield levels. As is common in our industry, we have experienced quality and yield problems in the past. If we experience prolonged quality or yield problems in the future, our operating results could be harmed.

The majority of our revenue is derived from semiconductor devices assembled in advanced packages. The assembly of advanced packages is a complex process requiring:

 

   

a high degree of technical skill;

 

   

state-of-the-art equipment;

 

   

the absence of defects in assembly and packaging manufacturing;

 

   

the elimination of raw material impurities and errors in each step of the process; and

 

   

effective cooperation between the assembly contractor and us.

As a result, our contractors may experience difficulties in achieving acceptable quality and yield levels when assembling and testing our semiconductor devices.

Our stock price may continue to experience large fluctuations.

Historically, the price of our common stock has at times experienced rapid and severe price fluctuations that have left investors little time to react. The price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate greatly in the future due to a variety of company specific factors, including:

 

   

quarter-to-quarter variations in our operating results;

 

   

shortfalls in revenue or earnings from levels expected by securities analysts and investors;

 

   

announcements of technological innovations or new products by other companies; and

 

   

any developments that materially adversely impact investors’ perceptions of our business prospects.

Our stock price has ranged from a low of $2.11 per share to a high of $3.35 per share for the quarter ended September 27, 2008.

We may fail to retain or attract the specialized technical and management personnel required to successfully operate our business.

To a greater degree than most non-technology companies or larger technology companies, our future success depends on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified technical and management personnel. As a mid-sized company, we are particularly dependent on a relatively small group of key employees. Competition for skilled technical and management employees is intense within our industry. As a result, we may not be able to retain our existing key technical and management personnel. In addition, we may not be able to attract additional qualified employees in the future. If we are unable to retain existing key employees or are unable to hire new qualified employees, our operating results could be adversely affected.

Our future quarterly operating results may fluctuate and therefore may fail to meet expectations.

Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past and may continue to fluctuate. Consequently, our operating results may fail to meet the expectations of analysts and investors. As a result of industry conditions and the following specific factors, our quarterly operating results are more likely to fluctuate and are more difficult to predict than a typical non-technology company of our size and maturity:

 

   

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

 

   

conditions within the end markets into which we sell our products;

 

   

the cyclical nature of demand for our customers’ products;

 

   

excessive inventory accumulation by our end customers;

 

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the timing of our and our competitors’ new product introductions;

 

   

product obsolescence;

 

   

the scheduling, rescheduling and cancellation of large orders by our customers;

 

   

the willingness and ability of our customers and distributors to make payment to us in a timely manner;

 

   

our ability to develop new process technologies and achieve volume production at wafer fabrication facilities;

 

   

changes in manufacturing yields including delays in achieving target yields on new products;

 

   

adverse movements in exchange rates, interest rates or tax rates; and

 

   

the availability of adequate supply commitments from our wafer foundries and assembly and test subcontractors.

Conditions in Asia may disrupt our existing supply arrangements and result in a shortage of finished products available for sale.

All of our major silicon wafer suppliers operate fabrication facilities located in Asia. Additionally, our finished silicon wafers are assembled and tested by independent contractors located in China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and South Korea. Economic, financial, social and political conditions in Asia have historically been volatile. Financial difficulties, the effects of currency fluctuation, governmental actions or restrictions, prolonged work stoppages, political unrest, war, natural disaster, disease or any other difficulties experienced by our suppliers may disrupt our supply and could harm our operating results.

We may not be able to fund future foundry partner investments and meet other capital needs when required or on favorable terms.

We may in the future seek new or additional sources of funding. In addition, in order to secure additional wafer supply, we may from time to time consider various financial arrangements including equity investments, advance purchase payments, loans, or similar arrangements with independent wafer manufacturers in exchange for committed wafer capacity. To the extent that we pursue any such additional financing arrangements, additional debt or equity financing may be required. There can be no assurance that such additional financing will be available when needed or, if available, will be on favorable terms. Any future equity financing will decrease existing stockholders’ equity percentage ownership and may, depending on the price at which the equity is sold, result in dilution.

We may not be able to successfully compete in the highly competitive semiconductor industry.

The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and many of our direct and indirect competitors have substantially greater financial, technological, manufacturing, marketing and sales resources. The current level of competition in the programmable logic market is high and may increase in the future. We currently compete directly with companies that have licensed our technology or have developed similar products. We also compete indirectly with numerous semiconductor companies that offer products based on alternative technical solutions. These direct and indirect competitors are established multinational semiconductor companies as well as emerging companies. If we are unable to compete successfully in this environment, our future results will be adversely affected.

We may have failed to adequately insure against certain risks, and, as a result, our financial condition and results may be adversely affected.

We carry insurance customary for companies in our industry, including, but not limited to, liability, property and casualty, worker’s compensation and business interruption insurance. We also self-insure our employees for basic medical expenses, subject to a true insurance stop loss for catastrophic illness. In addition, we have insurance contracts that provide director and officer liability coverage for our directors and officers. Other than the specific areas mentioned above, we are self-insured with respect to most other risks and exposures, and the insurance we carry in many cases is subject to a significant policy deductible or other limitation before coverage applies. Based on management’s assessment and judgment, we have determined that it is more cost effective to self-insure against certain risks than to incur the insurance premium costs. The risks and exposures for which we self-insure include, but are not limited to, natural disasters, product defects, political risk, theft, patent infringement and some employment practice matters. Should there be a catastrophic loss due to an uninsured event such as an earthquake or a loss due to adverse occurrences in any area in which we are self-insured, our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity may be adversely affected.

While we believe that we currently have adequate internal controls over financial reporting, we are exposed to risks from legislation requiring companies to evaluate those internal controls.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires our management to report on, and our independent auditors to attest to, the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. We have an ongoing program to perform the system and process evaluation and testing necessary to comply with these requirements. We have and will continue to incur significant expenses and devote management resources to Section 404 compliance on an ongoing basis. In the event that our chief executive officer, chief financial officer or independent registered public accounting firm determine in the future that our internal controls over financial reporting are not effective as defined under Section 404, investor perceptions may be adversely affected and could cause a decline in the market price of our stock.

If we are unable to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, our financial results and competitive position may suffer.

Our success depends in part on our proprietary technology. However, we may fail to adequately protect this technology. As a result, we may lose our competitive position or face significant expense to protect or enforce our intellectual property rights.

We intend to continue to protect our proprietary technology through patents, copyrights and trade secrets. Despite this intention, we may not be successful in achieving adequate protection. Claims allowed on any of our patents may not be sufficiently broad to protect our technology. Patents issued to us also may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Finally, our competitors may develop similar technology independently.

 

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Companies in the semiconductor industry vigorously pursue their intellectual property rights. If we become involved in protracted intellectual property disputes or litigation we may be forced to use substantial financial and management resources, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results.

Our industry is characterized by frequent claims regarding patents and other intellectual property rights of others. We have been, and from time to time expect to be, notified of claims that we are infringing the intellectual property rights of others. If any third party makes a valid claim against us, we could face significant liability and could be required to make material changes to our products and processes. In response to any claims of infringement, we may seek licenses under patents that we are alleged to be infringing. However, we may not be able to obtain a license on favorable terms, or at all, without our operating results being adversely affected.

We face risks related to litigation.

We are exposed to certain asserted and unasserted potential claims, including the pending patent litigation brought against us by Lizy K. John. There can be no assurance that, with respect to potential claims made against us, we could resolve such claims under terms and conditions that would not have a material adverse effect on our business, our liquidity or our financial results. We have been and may in the future be subject to various other legal proceedings, including claims that involve possible infringement of patent and other intellectual property rights of third parties. It is inherently difficult to assess the outcome of litigation matters, and there can be no assurance that we will prevail in any litigation. Any such litigation could result in a substantial diversion of our efforts and the use of substantial management and financial resources, which by itself could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Further, an adverse determination in any such litigation could result in a material adverse impact on our financial position and the results of operations for the period in which the effect of an unfavorable final outcome becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

  3.1   The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed February 24, 2004 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2004).
  3.2   The Company’s Bylaws, as amended and restated as of January 31, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 3, 2006).
  4.4   Indenture, dated as of June 20, 2003, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 on August 13, 2003).
  4.5   Form of Note for the Company’s Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Notes (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 on August 13, 2003).
10.23   Advance Production Payment Agreement dated March 17, 1997 among Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Seiko Epson Corporation and S MOS Systems, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005)(1).
10.24*   Lattice Semiconductor Corporation 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and Related Form of Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits (d)(1) and (d)(2) to the Company’s Schedule TO filed on February 13, 2003).
10.33*   2001 Outside Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated effective May 1, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A filed with the Company’s 2007 Definitive Proxy Statement filed on Schedule 14A on April 5, 2007).
10.34*   2001 Stock Plan, as amended, and related Form of Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibits (d)(3) and (d)(4) to the Company’s Schedule TO filed on February 13, 2003).
10.35   Intellectual Property Agreement by and between Agere Systems Inc. and Agere Systems Guardian Corporation and Lattice Semiconductor Corporation as Buyer, dated January 18, 2002 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001).
10.37*   Lattice Semiconductor Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective as of August 11, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, as amended, dated October 17, 2002).
10.38*   Amendment No. 1, to the Lattice Semiconductor Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended, dated November 19, 1999 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, as amended, dated October 17, 2002).
10.39   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2003, between the Company and the initial purchaser named therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 filed with the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 on August 13, 2003).
10.41*   Form of Indemnification Agreement executed by each director and executive officer of the Company and certain other officers and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2004).
10.42   Amendment dated March 25, 2004 to Advance Production Payment Agreement dated March 17, 1997, as amended, among Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Seiko Epson Corporation and S MOS Systems, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 2004)(1).
10.43   Advance Payment and Purchase Agreement dated September 10, 2004 between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Fujitsu Limited (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2, 2004)(1).
10.44*   Employment Agreement between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Stephen A. Skaggs dated August 9, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 12, 2005).
10.45*   Compensation Arrangement between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Patrick S. Jones, Chairman of the Board of Directors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 12, 2005).

 

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Exhibit
Number

 

Description

10.46*   Employment Agreement between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Jan Johannessen dated November 1, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2005).
10.47*   Employment Agreement between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Martin R. Baker dated November 1, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2005).
10.48*   Employment Agreement between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Stephen M. Donovan dated November 1, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2005).
10.50*   Compensation Arrangement between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Chairpersons for Committees of the Board of Directors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2005).
10.51*   Form of Amendment to Stock Option Agreements for 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and 2001 Stock Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2005).
10.52*   2006 Executive Bonus Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 12, 2005).
10.53   Addendum dated March 22, 2006 to the Advance Payment and Purchase Agreement dated September 10, 2004 between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Fujitsu Limited (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2006).
10.54   Addendum No. 2 dated effective October 1, 2006 to the Advance Payment and Purchase Agreement dated September 10, 2004 between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Fujitsu Limited (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2006)(1).
10.55*   2007 Executive Variable Compensation Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2006, as amended as described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2007).
10.56*   Form of Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units to Executive Officer (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 8, 2007).
10.57*   2008 Executive Variable Compensation Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 7, 2007).
10.58*   Letter Agreement between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Stephen A. Skaggs dated January 31, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.58 filed with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007).
10.59   Employment Agreement between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Bruno Guilmart dated May 14, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2008).
10.60   Employment Agreement between Lattice Semiconductor Corporation and Byron W. Milstead dated May 14, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.60 filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2008).
10.61   Form of Inducement Stock Option Agreement
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(1) Pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, confidential treatment has been granted to portions of this exhibit, which portions have been deleted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an Exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(b) thereof.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  LATTICE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
 

(Registrant)

 

/s/ ROBERT W. O’BRIEN, JR.

 

Robert W. O’Brien, Jr.

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial

and Accounting Officer)

Date: November 5, 2008

 

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