10-Q 1 q1-10q_fy11.htm 10-Q q1-10q_fy11.htm






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

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarter period ended December 2, 2010

OR

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

For the transition period from                                                      to

Commission file number 1-10658

Micron Technology, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
75-1618004
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
   
8000 S. Federal Way, Boise, Idaho
83716-9632
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
   
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
(208) 368-4000


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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  x   No  ¨

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

Large Accelerated Filer x
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller Reporting Company o


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

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock as of January 4, 2011, was 997,289,280.
 



 
 

 


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
Quarter ended
 
December 2,
2010
   
December 3,
2009
 
             
Net sales
  $ 2,252     $ 1,740  
Cost of goods sold
    1,728       1,297  
Gross margin
    524       443  
                 
Selling, general and administrative
    140       97  
Research and development
    185       137  
Other operating (income) expense, net
    (191 )     8  
Operating income
    390       201  
                 
Interest income
    8       2  
Interest expense
    (38 )     (47 )
Other non-operating income (expense), net
    (114 )     56  
      246       212  
                 
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (48 )     7  
Equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees, net of tax
    (26 )     (17 )
Net income
    172       202  
                 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (17 )     2  
Net income attributable to Micron
  $ 155     $ 204  
                 
Earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.16     $ 0.24  
Diluted
    0.15       0.23  
                 
Number of shares used in per share calculations:
               
Basic
    972.9       846.3  
Diluted
    1,031.3       1,000.7  


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
1

 

MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions except par value amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
As of
 
December 2,
2010
   
September 2,
2010
 
             
Assets
           
Cash and equivalents
  $ 2,411     $ 2,913  
Receivables
    1,362       1,531  
Inventories
    1,892       1,770  
Other current assets
    118       119  
Total current assets
    5,783       6,333  
Intangible assets, net
    312       323  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    7,044       6,601  
Equity method investments
    581       582  
Restricted cash
    337       335  
Other noncurrent assets
    560       519  
Total assets
  $ 14,617     $ 14,693  
                 
Liabilities and equity
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 1,823     $ 1,509  
Deferred income
    325       298  
Equipment purchase contracts
    142       183  
Current portion of long-term debt
    468       712  
Total current liabilities
    2,758       2,702  
Long-term debt
    1,348       1,648  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    517       527  
Total liabilities
    4,623       4,877  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Micron shareholders' equity:
               
Common stock, $0.10 par value, 3,000 shares authorized, 996.8 shares issued and outstanding (994.5 as of September 2, 2010)
     100        99  
Additional capital
    8,472       8,446  
Accumulated deficit
    (381 )     (536 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    35       11  
Total Micron shareholders' equity
    8,226       8,020  
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries
    1,768       1,796  
Total equity
    9,994       9,816  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 14,617     $ 14,693  


 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
2

 
MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

 
Quarter ended
 
December 2,
2010
   
December 3,
2009
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net income
  $ 172     $ 202  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    517       491  
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    111       --  
Equity in net (income) losses of equity method investees, net of tax
    26       17  
Stock-based compensation
    19       31  
Gain from Inotera stock issuance
    --       (56 )
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in receivables
    173       (324 )
Increase in inventories
    (128 )     (59 )
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (192 )     66  
Decrease in customer prepayments
    --       (60 )
Increase in deferred income
    29       --  
Other
    5       18  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    732       326  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment
    (465 )     (62 )
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
    34       31  
Other
    (5 )     6  
Net cash used for investing activities
    (436 )     (25 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Repayments of debt
    (635 )     (280 )
Payments on equipment purchase contracts
    (105 )     (49 )
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
    (49 )     (88 )
Proceeds from debt
    --       200  
Other
    (9 )     (4 )
Net cash used for financing activities
    (798 )     (221 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
    (502 )     80  
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period
    2,913       1,485  
Cash and equivalents at end of period
  $ 2,411     $ 1,565  
                 
Supplemental disclosures
               
Income taxes refunded (paid), net
  $ (46 )   $ (2 )
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized
    (27 )     (36 )
Noncash investing and financing activities:
               
Equipment acquisitions on contracts payable and capital leases
    63       176  
Exchange of convertible notes
    175       --  




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All tabular amounts in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Business and Basis of Presentation

Micron Technology, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to collectively as "we," "our," "us," and similar terms unless the context indicates otherwise) is a global manufacturer and marketer of semiconductor devices, principally DRAM, NAND Flash and NOR Flash memory, as well as other innovative memory technologies, packaging solutions and semiconductor systems for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, embedded and mobile products.  In addition, we manufacture CMOS image sensors and other semiconductor products.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America consistent in all material respects with those applied in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 2, 2010.  In the opinion of our management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position and our consolidated results of operations and cash flows.

In the third quarter of 2010, we added a new reportable segment as a result of the acquisition of Numonyx Holdings B.V.  ("Numonyx") and, as of December 2, 2010, have two reportable segments: Memory and Numonyx.  The former Numonyx business has been included as a reportable segment since its acquisition on May 7, 2010.  The primary products of the Memory segment are DRAM and NAND Flash memory and the primary products of the Numonyx segment are NOR Flash and NAND Flash memory.

Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period ending on the Thursday closest to August 31.  Our fiscal 2011 and 2010 each contain 52 weeks and the first quarter of fiscal 2011, which ended on December 2, 2010, and the first quarter of fiscal 2010, which ended on December 3, 2009, each contained 13 weeks.  All period references are to our fiscal periods unless otherwise indicated.  These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 2, 2010.


Variable Interest Entities

We have interests in joint venture entities that are variable interest entities ("VIEs").  If we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE, we are required to consolidate it.  To determine if we are the primary beneficiary, we evaluate whether we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  Our evaluation includes identification of significant activities and an assessment of our ability to direct those activities based on governance provisions and arrangements to provide or receive product and process technology, product supply, operations services, equity funding, financing and other applicable agreements and circumstances.  Our assessments of whether we are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs requires significant assumptions and judgment.  For further information regarding our VIEs that we account for under the equity method, see "Equity Method Investments" note.  For further information regarding our consolidated VIEs, see "Consolidated Variable Interest Entities" note.

Unconsolidated Variable Interest Entities

Inotera and MeiYa – Inotera Memories, Inc. ("Inotera") and MeiYa Technology Corporation ("MeiYa") are VIEs because of the terms of their supply agreements with us and our partner, Nanya Technology Corporation ("Nanya").  We have determined that we do not have power to direct the activities of Inotera and MeiYa that most significantly impacts their economic performance, primarily due to (1) limitations on our governance rights that require the consent of other parties for key operating decisions and (2) our dependence on our joint venture partner for financing and the ability to operate in Taiwan.  Therefore, we account for our interests in these entities under the equity method.
 
 
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Transform – Transform Solar Pty Ltd. ("Transform") is a VIE because its equity is not sufficient to permit Transform to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from us or our partner, Origin Energy Limited ("Origin").  We have determined that we do not have power to direct the activities of Transform that most significantly impacts their economic performance, primarily due to limitations on our governance rights that require the consent of other parties for key operating decisions.  Therefore, we account for our interest in Transform under the equity method.

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

IMFT and IMFS – IM Flash Technologies, LLC ("IMFT") and IM Flash Singapore LLP ("IMFS") are both VIEs because all of their costs are passed to us and our partner, Intel Corporation ("Intel"), through product purchase agreements and they are dependent upon us and Intel for any additional cash requirements.  For both IM Flash entities (i.e., IMFT and IMFS), we determined that we have the power to direct the activities of the entities that most significantly impacts their economic performance.  The primary activities of the IM Flash entities are driven by the constant introduction of product and process technology.  Because we perform a significant majority of the technology development, we have the power to direct key activities of the entities.  In addition, IMFT manufactures certain products exclusively for us using our technology.  As a result of our 71% ownership interest in IMFS, we have significantly greater economic exposure than Intel.  We also determined that we have the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits from the IM Flash entities that could potentially be significant to these entities.  Therefore, we consolidate the IM Flash entities.

MP Mask – MP Mask Technology Center, LLC ("MP Mask") is a VIE because all of its costs are passed on to us and our partner, Photronics, Inc. ("Photronics"), through product purchase agreements and it is dependent upon us and Photronics for any additional cash requirements.  We determined that we have the power to direct the activities of MP Mask that most significantly impacts their economic performance, primarily due to (1) our tie-breaking voting rights over key operating decisions and (2) the fact that nearly all key MP Mask activities are driven by our supply needs.  We also determined that we have the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive benefits from MP Mask that could potentially be significant to MP Mask.  Therefore, we consolidate MP Mask.


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new accounting standard on VIEs which (1) replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary in a VIE with an approach that is primarily qualitative, (2) requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE and (3) requires additional disclosures about an enterprise's involvement in VIE.  We adopted this standard as of the beginning of 2011.  The initial adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our financial statements as of the adoption date.  The impact on future periods will depend on changes in the nature and composition of our VIEs.


Numonyx Holdings B.V.

On May 7, 2010, we acquired Numonyx, which manufactures and sells primarily NOR Flash and NAND Flash memory technologies and products.  The total fair value of the consideration paid for Numonyx was $1,112 million and consisted of 137.7 million shares of our common stock issued to the Numonyx shareholders and 4.8 million restricted stock units issued to employees of Numonyx.  In connection with the acquisition, we recorded net assets of $1,549 million.  Because the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the purchase price, we recognized a gain on the acquisition of $437 million in the third quarter of 2010.  In addition, we recognized a $51 million income tax benefit in connection with the acquisition.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the combined results of operations as if Numonyx had been combined with us as of the beginning of 2009.  The pro forma financial information includes the accounting affects of the business combination, including the adjustment of amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of property, plant and equipment, interest expense and elimination of intercompany sales.  The unaudited pro forma financial information below is not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved had Numonyx been combined with us as of the beginning of 2009.
 
 
5

 
 
Quarter Ended
 
December 3, 2009
 
       
Net sales
  $ 2,211  
Net income
    192  
Net income attributable to Micron
    194  
Earnings per share:
       
Basic
  $ 0.20  
Diluted
    0.19  

The unaudited pro forma financial information for the quarter ended December 3, 2009 includes our results for the three months ended December 3, 2009 and the results of Numonyx, including the adjustments described above, for the three months ended September 26, 2009.


Receivables
As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
             
Trade receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3 million and $4 million, respectively)
  $ 1,086     $ 1,238  
Income and other taxes
    126       115  
Related party receivables
    42       64  
Other
    108       114  
    $ 1,362     $ 1,531  

As of December 2, 2010 and September 2, 2010, related party receivables included $39 million and $57 million, respectively, due from Aptina Imaging Corporation ("Aptina") under a wafer supply agreement for image sensor products.

As of December 2, 2010 and September 2, 2010, other receivables included $29 million and $30 million, respectively, due from Intel for amounts related to NAND Flash product design and process development activities under cost-sharing agreements.  As of December 2, 2010 and September 2, 2010, other receivables also included $21 million and $17 million, respectively, from Nanya in connection with a DRAM development cost-sharing agreement.  (See "Equity Method Investments" note and "Consolidated Variable Interest Entity" note.)


Inventories
As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
             
Finished goods
  $ 613     $ 623  
Work in process
    1,165       1,031  
Raw materials and supplies
    114       116  
    $ 1,892     $ 1,770  


Intangible Assets
                         
As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
   
Gross
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Gross
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
 
                         
Product and process technology
  $ 444     $ (192 )   $ 439     $ (181 )
Customer relationships
    127       (70 )     127       (66 )
Other
    23       (20 )     23       (19 )
    $ 594     $ (282 )   $ 589     $ (266 )
 
 
6

 
 
During the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, we capitalized $8 million and $7 million, respectively, for product and process technology with weighted-average useful lives of 10 years.

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $19 million and $17 million for the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Annual amortization expense for intangible assets is estimated to be $72 million for 2011, $63 million for 2012, $57 million for 2013, $49 million for 2014 and $30 million for 2015.


Property, Plant and Equipment
As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
             
Land
  $ 95     $ 95  
Buildings
    4,402       4,394  
Equipment
    13,796       12,970  
Construction in progress
    140       73  
Software
    285       281  
      18,718       17,813  
Accumulated depreciation
    (11,674 )     (11,212 )
    $ 7,044     $ 6,601  

Depreciation expense was $481 million and $454 million for the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As of December 2, 2010, property, plant and equipment with a carrying value of $1,029 million was collateral under the TECH credit facility.  (See "TECH Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd." Note.)

Other noncurrent assets included buildings, equipment, and other assets classified as held for sale of $88 million as of December 2, 2010 and $56 million as of September 2, 2010.


Equity Method Investments
             
As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Ownership Percentage
   
Carrying Value
   
Ownership Percentage
 
                         
Inotera
  $ 436       29.9 %   $ 434       29.9 %
MeiYa
    46       50.0 %     44       50.0 %
Transform
    84       50.0 %     82       50.0 %
Aptina
    15       35.0 %     22       35.0 %
    $ 581             $ 582          

We recognize our share of earnings or losses from these entities under the equity method on a two-month lag.  Equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees, net of tax, included the following:

Quarter ended
 
December 2, 2010
   
December 3, 2009
 
             
Inotera:
           
Equity method losses
  $ (26 )   $ (26 )
Inotera Amortization
    12       13  
Other
    --       (1 )
      (14 )     (14 )
Transform
    (7 )     --  
Aptina
    (5 )     (3 )
    $ (26 )   $ (17 )

 
7

 
Our maximum exposure to loss from our involvement with our equity method investments that are VIEs was as follows:

As of
 
December 2, 2010
 
       
Inotera
  $ 414  
MeiYa
    49  
Transform
    87  

The maximum exposure to loss primarily included the carrying value of our investment as well as related translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income and receivables, if any.  We may also incur losses in connection with our obligations under a supply agreement with Inotera (the "Inotera Supply Agreement") for rights and obligations to purchase up to 50% of Inotera's wafer production capacity of DRAM products.

Inotera and MeiYa DRAM joint ventures with Nanya:  We have partnered with Nanya in two Taiwanese DRAM memory companies, Inotera and MeiYa.  Under a licensing arrangement with Nanya, we recognized $26 million of license revenue during the first quarter of 2010 and had recognized a total of $207 million through the completion of the arrangement in April 2010.  Beginning in April 2010 under a cost sharing arrangement, we share equally in DRAM development costs with Nanya and, as a result, our research and development costs were reduced by $30 million in the first quarter of 2011.  In addition, we received $7 million of royalty revenue in the first quarter of 2011 from Nanya for sales of stack DRAM products manufactured by or for Nanya on process nodes of 50nm or higher and will continue to receive royalties from Nanya associated with previously developed technology.

Inotera:  In the first quarter of 2009, we acquired a 35.5% ownership interest in Inotera.  In August, 2009, Inotera sold 640 million common shares in a public offering.  As a result, our equity ownership interest decreased from 35.5% to 29.8% and we recognized a gain of $56 million in the first quarter of 2010.  On February 6, 2010, as part of another offering of 640 million common shares, we and Nanya each paid $138 million to purchase approximately 196 million shares in the offering, slightly increasing our equity ownership interest from 29.8% to 29.9%.  As of December 2, 2010, we held a 29.9% ownership interest in Inotera, Nanya held a 30.0% ownership interest, and the balance was publicly held.

The carrying value of our initial investment is less than our proportionate share of Inotera's equity.  This difference is being amortized as a credit to earnings through equity in net income (losses) of equity method investees (the "Inotera Amortization").  As of December 2, 2010, $109 million of Inotera Amortization remained to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4 years.  The $56 million gain recognized in the first quarter of 2010 on Inotera's issuance of shares included $33 million of accelerated Inotera Amortization.

In connection with the initial acquisition of our shares in Inotera, we and Nanya entered into the Inotera Supply Agreement.  Our cost of the wafers purchased under the Inotera Supply Agreement is based on a margin-sharing formula that considers all parties' manufacturing costs related to wafers purchased from Inotera, as well as the selling prices of our and Nanya's products from these wafers.  Under the Inotera Supply Agreement, we purchased $137 million and $168 million of DRAM products in the first quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As of December 2, 2010 and September 2, 2010, there were gains of $23 million and $7 million, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for cumulative translation adjustments from our investment in Inotera.  Based on the closing trading price of Inotera's shares in an active market on December 2, 2010, the market value of our equity interest in Inotera was $612 million.

MeiYa:  We formed MeiYa with Nanya in the fourth quarter of 2008.  In connection with our acquisition of an equity interest in Inotera, we entered into agreements with Nanya pursuant to which both parties ceased future funding of, and resource commitments to, MeiYa.  Additionally, MeiYa has sold substantially all of its assets to Inotera.  As of December 2, 2010, we held 50% of the ownership of MeiYa and Nanya held 50%.  As of December 2, 2010 and September 2, 2010, there were losses of $(3) million and $(5) million, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for cumulative translation adjustments from MeiYa.  In the second quarter of 2011, we and Nanya received a distribution from MeiYa of $48 million each as a return of capital, representing substantially all of MeiYa's assets.

Transform: On December 18, 2009, we acquired a 50% interest in Transform.  In exchange for the equity interest in Transform, we contributed nonmonetary assets, which consisted of manufacturing facilities, equipment, intellectual property
 
 
8

 
and a fully-paid lease to a portion of our Boise, Idaho manufacturing facilities.  As of December 2, 2010, we and Origin both held a 50% ownership interest in Transform.  During the first quarter of 2011, we and Origin each contributed $7 million of cash to Transform.  Our results of operations for the first quarter of 2011 included $5 million of net sales, which approximates our cost, for transition services provided to Transform.

Aptina:  In the fourth quarter of 2009, we sold a 65% interest in Aptina, previously a wholly-owned subsidiary.  A portion of the 65% interest we sold is in the form of convertible preferred shares that have a liquidation preference over the common shares.  As a result, we recognize our share of Aptina's earnings or losses based on our common stock ownership percentage, which was 64% as of December 2, 2010.

We manufacture components for CMOS image sensors for Aptina under a wafer supply agreement.  In the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, we recognized sales of $59 million and $108 million, respectively, and cost of goods sold of $72 million and $109 million, respectively, from products sold to Aptina.


Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
             
Accounts payable
  $ 1,273     $ 799  
Salaries, wages and benefits
    255       346  
Related party payables
    98       194  
Income and other taxes
    40       51  
Other
    157       119  
    $ 1,823     $ 1,509  

Related party payables included of amounts primarily due to Inotera under the Inotera Supply Agreement of $95 million and $105 million as of December 2, 2010 and September 2, 2010, respectively, for the purchase of DRAM products.  Related party payables as of September 2, 2010 also included $86 million for amounts due for the purchase of memory products under a supply agreement with Hynix.

As of December 2, 2010 and September 2, 2010, other accounts payable and accrued expenses included $12 million and $16 million, respectively, for amounts due to Intel for NAND Flash product design and process development and licensing fees pursuant to cost-sharing agreements.  (See "Consolidated Variable Interest Entities" note.)


Debt
As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
             
Convertible senior notes, stated interest rate of 1.875%, effective interest rate of 7.9%, net of discount of $166 million and $242 million, respectively, due June 2014
  $ 783     $ 1,058  
Capital lease obligations, weighted-average effective interest rate of 7.1% and 7.2%, respectively, due in monthly installments through February 2023
    464       527  
TECH credit facility, effective interest rates of 3.9% net of discount of $1 million and $2 million, respectively, due in periodic installments through May 2012
    299       348  
Convertible senior notes, interest rate of 4.25%, due October 2013
    139       230  
Convertible senior notes, stated interest rate of 1.875%, effective interest rate of 7.0%, net of discount of $44 million, due June 2027
    131       --  
Mai-Liao Power note, effective interest rate of 12.1%, net of discount of $4 million as of September 2, 2010
    --       196  
Other notes
    --       1  
      1,816       2,360  
Less current portion
    (468 )     (712 )
    $ 1,348     $ 1,648  

 
9

 
The TECH credit facility is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of TECH (approximately $1,777 million as of December 2, 2010) and contains covenants that, among other requirements, establish certain liquidity, debt service coverage and leverage ratios, and restrict TECH's ability to incur indebtedness, create liens and acquire or dispose of assets.  As of December 2, 2010, TECH was in compliance with the covenants.  We have guaranteed 100% of the outstanding amount of the TECH credit facility.  (See "TECH Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd." note.)

Debt Restructure:  On November 3, 2010, we completed the following series of debt restructure transactions in connection with separate privately negotiated agreements entered into on October 28, 2010 with certain holders of our convertible notes:

-  
Exchanged $175 million in aggregate principal amount of our 1.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 (the "2014 Notes") for $175 million in aggregate principal amount of new 1.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes") (the "Exchange Transaction").

-  
Repurchased $176 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2014 Notes for $171 million in cash (the "Partial Repurchase of 2014 Notes").

-  
Repurchased $91 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (the "2013 Notes") for $166 million in cash (the "Partial Repurchase of 2013 Notes").

Exchange Transaction:  In the Exchange Transaction, $175 million in aggregate face value of our 2014 Notes were extinguished.  The liability and equity components of the 2014 Notes were stated separately pursuant to the accounting standards for convertible debt instruments that may be fully or partially settled in cash upon conversion.  Accordingly, the extinguishment resulted in the derecognition of $144 million in debt for the principal of the 2014 Notes (net of $31 million of debt discount) and $13 million of additional capital.  We recognized a loss of $15 million on the exchange based on the estimated $157 million fair value of the debt component of the 2014 Notes exchanged and their $142 million carrying value (net of unamortized issuance costs).

The liability and equity components of the 2027 Notes issued in the Exchange Transaction were also stated separately pursuant to the accounting standards.  As of the issuance date of the 2027 Notes, we recorded $130 million as debt, $40 million as additional capital and $2 million for deferred debt issuance costs (included in other noncurrent assets).  The amount recorded as debt is based on the fair value of the debt component as a standalone instrument, which was determined using an interest rate for similar nonconvertible debt issued by entities with credit ratings comparable to ours at the time of issuance.  The $45 million difference between the debt recorded at inception and its principal amount will be accreted to principal through interest expense to the notes' estimated maturity in June 2017.  The fair value of the 2027 Notes was based on the trading price on the exchange date (Level 1).  The fair value of the debt components of the 2014 Notes and the 2027 Notes were estimated using an interest rate for nonconvertible debt, with terms similar to the debt components of the notes on a stand-alone basis, issued by entities with credit ratings comparable to ours at the exchange date (Level 2).

The 2027 Notes have an initial conversion rate of 91.7431 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, subject to adjustment upon certain events specified in the indenture, and are convertible, subject to the conditions specified below, into (1) cash up to the aggregate principal amount of 2027 Notes, and (2) shares of our common stock or cash, at our election, for the remainder, if any, of our conversion obligation.  As a result of these settlement terms upon conversion, only the amounts payable in excess of the principal amounts of the 2027 Notes are considered in diluted earnings per share under the treasury stock method.
 
The 2027 Notes may be converted by their holders on or after March 1, 2027 until June 1, 2027.  Prior to March 1, 2027, the notes may be converted by their holders under any of the following circumstances: (1) during any calendar quarter beginning after December 31, 2010 (and only during such calendar quarter) if the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is more than 130% of the conversion price (approximately $14.17); (2) the notes have been called for redemption; (3) specified distributions to holders of our common stock are made, or specified corporate events occur; (4) during the five business days after any five consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of that period is less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the conversion rate of the notes; or (5) upon our election to terminate the conversion right of the notes.
 
 
10

 
If the 2027 Notes are converted by their holders in connection with a make-whole change in control (as defined in the indenture), we may, under certain circumstances, be required to pay a make-whole premium in the form of an increase in the conversion rate.  Additionally, in the event of (1) a change in control or (2) on June 1, 2017, we may be required to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.  We may elect to redeem all or any portion of the notes on or after June 1, 2014, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.
 
We may elect to terminate the conversion right of the 2027 Notes if the daily volume weighted average price of our common stock is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price for at least 20 trading days during any 30 consecutive trading day period.  If we terminate the conversion right prior to June 1, 2014 and any 2027 Notes are converted in connection with the termination, we will pay a make-whole premium equal to the accrued interest as of the conversion date plus the interest that would have been paid through May 31, 2014.  Subject to the terms of the indenture, we may, at our election, deliver shares of common stock in lieu of cash with respect to this make-whole payment.

Partial Repurchase of the 2014 Notes:  Because the liability and equity components of the 2014 Notes were stated separately, the repurchase of $176 million aggregate principal amount resulted in the derecognition of $144 million in debt (net of $32 million of debt discount) and $13 million of additional capital.  We recognized a loss of $17 million (including transaction fees) on the repurchase based on the estimated $158 million fair value of the debt components of the 2014 Notes repurchased.  The fair value of the debt component of the 2014 Notes was estimated using an interest rate for nonconvertible debt, with terms similar to the debt component of the notes on a stand-alone basis, issued by entities with credit ratings comparable to ours at the exchange date (Level 2).

Partial repurchase of the 2013 Notes:  We recognized a loss of $79 million (including transaction fees) in the repurchase of the 2013 Notes.

Debt Guarantee:  Concurrent with the Numonyx acquisition, we entered into agreements with STMicroelectronics N.V. and DBS Bank Ltd. ("DBS") that require us to guarantee an outstanding loan, made by DBS to Hynix-Numonyx Semiconductor Ltd. (the "Hynix JV").  The outstanding balance of the Hynix JV loan was $250 million as of the acquisition date and is due in periodic installments from 2014 through 2016.  Under the agreements, we deposited $250 million into a pledged account at DBS to collateralize the guarantee of the loan, accounted for as restricted cash.  The amount on deposit and our guarantee decrease as payments are made by the Hynix JV against the loan.  As of December 2, 2010, we had a liability of $15 million for the guarantee.


Contingencies

We have accrued a liability and charged operations for the estimated costs of adjudication or settlement of various asserted and unasserted claims existing as of the balance sheet date, including those described below.  We are currently a party to other legal actions arising out of the normal course of business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

In the normal course of business, we are a party to a variety of agreements pursuant to which we may be obligated to indemnify the other party.  It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these types of agreements due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement.  Historically, our payments under these types of agreements have not had a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We are involved in the following antitrust, patent and securities matters.
 
 
11

 
Antitrust matters:  On May 5, 2004, Rambus, Inc. ("Rambus") filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California (San Francisco County) against us and other DRAM suppliers alleging that the defendants harmed Rambus by engaging in concerted and unlawful efforts affecting Rambus DRAM ("RDRAM") by eliminating competition and stifling innovation in the market for computer memory technology and computer memory chips.  Rambus' complaint alleges various causes of action under California state law including, among other things, a conspiracy to restrict output and fix prices, a conspiracy to monopolize, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and unfair competition.  Rambus alleges that it is entitled to actual damages of more than a billion dollars and seeks joint and several liability, treble damages, punitive damages, a permanent injunction enjoining the defendants from the conduct alleged in the complaint, interest, and attorneys' fees and costs.  No definitive trial date has yet been scheduled, but the Court indicates it is targeting either a February or June 2011 start date.

At least sixty-eight purported class action price-fixing lawsuits have been filed against us and other DRAM suppliers in various federal and state courts in the United States and in Puerto Rico on behalf of indirect purchasers alleging price-fixing in violation of federal and state antitrust laws, violations of state unfair competition law, and/or unjust enrichment relating to the sale and pricing of DRAM products during the period from April 1999 through at least June 2002.  The complaints seek joint and several damages, trebled, in addition to restitution, costs and attorneys' fees.  A number of these cases have been removed to federal court and transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California for consolidated pre-trial proceedings.  In July, 2006, the Attorneys General for approximately forty U.S. states and territories filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.  The complaints allege, among other things, violations of the Sherman Act, Cartwright Act, and certain other states' consumer protection and antitrust laws and seek joint and several damages, trebled, as well as injunctive and other relief.  On October 3, 2008, the California Attorney General filed a similar lawsuit in California Superior Court, purportedly on behalf of local California government entities, alleging, among other things, violations of the Cartwright Act and state unfair competition law.  On June 23, 2010, we executed a settlement agreement resolving these purported class-action indirect purchaser cases and the pending cases of the Attorneys General relating to alleged DRAM price-fixing in the United States.  Subject to certain conditions, including final court approval of the class settlements, we agreed to pay a total of approximately $67 million in three equal installments over a two-year period.

Three purported class action lawsuits alleging price-fixing of DRAM products also have been filed against us in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, Canada, on behalf of direct and indirect purchasers, asserting violations of the Canadian Competition Act.  The substantive allegations in these cases are similar to those asserted in the DRAM antitrust cases filed in the United States.  Plaintiffs' motion for class certification was denied in the British Columbia and Quebec cases in May and June 2008, respectively.  Plaintiffs subsequently filed an appeal of each of those decisions.  On November 12, 2009, the British Columbia Court of Appeal reversed the denial of class certification and remanded the case for further proceedings.  The appeal of the Quebec case is still pending.

In February and March 2007, All American Semiconductor, Inc., Jaco Electronics, Inc., and the DRAM Claims Liquidation Trust each filed suit against us and other DRAM suppliers in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California after opting-out of a direct purchaser class action suit that was settled.  The complaints allege, among other things, violations of federal and state antitrust and competition laws in the DRAM industry, and seek joint and several damages, trebled, as well as restitution, attorneys' fees, costs and injunctive relief.

On June 21, 2010, the Brazil Secretariat of Economic Law of the Ministry of Justice ("SDE") announced that it had initiated an investigation relating to alleged anticompetitive activities within the DRAM industry.  The SDE's Notice of Investigation names various DRAM manufacturers and certain executives, including us, and focuses on the period from July 1998 to June 2002.

On September 24, 2010, Oracle America Inc. ("Oracle"), successor to Sun Microsystems, a DRAM purchaser that opted-out of a direct purchaser class action suit that was settled, filed suit against us in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.  The complaint alleges DRAM price-fixing and other violations of federal and state antitrust and unfair competition laws based on purported conduct for the period from August 1, 1998 through at least June 15, 2002.  Oracle is seeking joint and several damages, trebled, as well as restitution, disgorgement, attorneys' fees, costs and injunctive relief.

We are unable to predict the outcome of these lawsuits and therefore cannot estimate the range of possible loss, except as noted above.  The final resolution of these alleged violations of antitrust laws could result in significant liability and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
 
12

 
Patent matters:  As is typical in the semiconductor and other high technology industries, from time to time, others have asserted, and may in the future assert, that our products or manufacturing processes infringe their intellectual property rights.  In this regard, we are engaged in litigation with Rambus relating to certain of Rambus' patents and certain of our claims and defenses.  Our lawsuits with Rambus are pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Germany, France, and Italy.

On August 28, 2000, we filed a complaint against Rambus in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware seeking monetary damages and declaratory and injunctive relief.  The complaint alleges, among other things, various anticompetitive activities and also seeks a declaratory judgment that certain Rambus patents are invalid or unenforceable.  Rambus subsequently filed an answer and counterclaim in Delaware alleging, among other things, infringement of twelve Rambus patents and seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.  We subsequently added claims and defenses based on Rambus' alleged spoliation of evidence and litigation misconduct.  The spoliation and litigation misconduct claims and defenses were heard in a bench trial before Judge Robinson in October 2007.  On January 9, 2009, Judge Robinson entered an opinion in our favor holding that Rambus had engaged in spoliation and that the twelve Rambus patents in the suit were unenforceable against us.  Rambus subsequently appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  That appeal is pending.  In the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Rambus' complaint alleges that certain of our DDR2, DDR3, RLDRAM, and RLDRAM II products infringe as many as fourteen Rambus patents and seeks monetary damages, treble damages, and injunctive relief.  The trial on the patent phase of that case has been stayed pending resolution of Rambus' appeal of the Delaware spoliation decision or further order of the California Federal Court.

On March 6, 2009, Panavision Imaging, LLC filed suit against us and Aptina Imaging Corporation, then a wholly-owned subsidiary ("Aptina"), in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.  The complaint alleges that certain of our and Aptina's image sensor products infringe four Panavision Imaging U.S. patents and seeks injunctive relief, damages, attorneys' fees, and costs.

Among other things, the above lawsuits pertain to certain of our SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RLDRAM and image sensor products, which account for a significant portion of net sales.

We are unable to predict the outcome of assertions of infringement made against us and therefore cannot estimate the range of possible loss.  A court determination that our products or manufacturing processes infringe the intellectual property rights of others could result in significant liability and/or require us to make material changes to our products and/or manufacturing processes.  Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Securities matters:  On February 24, 2006, a putative class action complaint was filed against us and certain of our officers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho alleging claims under Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder.  Four substantially similar complaints subsequently were filed in the same Court.  The cases purport to be brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of our stock during the period February 24, 2001 to February 13, 2003.  The five lawsuits have been consolidated and a consolidated amended class action complaint was filed on July 24, 2006.  The complaint generally alleges violations of federal securities laws based on, among other things, claimed misstatements or omissions regarding alleged illegal price-fixing conduct.  The complaint seeks unspecified damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses.  On December 19, 2007, the Court issued an order certifying the class but reducing the class period to purchasers of our stock during the period from February 24, 2001 to September 18, 2002.  On August 24, 2010, we executed a settlement agreement resolving these purported class-action cases.  Subject to certain conditions, including final court approval of the class settlement, we agreed to pay $6 million as our contribution to the settlement.


Derivative Financial Instruments

We are exposed to currency exchange rate risk for monetary assets and liabilities held or denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Singapore dollar, euro and yen.  We are also exposed to currency exchange rate risk for capital expenditures denominated in foreign currency, primarily the euro and yen.  We use derivative instruments to manage our exposures to foreign currency.  For exposures associated with our monetary assets and liabilities, our primary objective in entering into currency derivatives is to reduce the volatility that changes in foreign currency exchange rates have on earnings attributable to our shareholders.  For exposures associated with capital expenditures, our primary objective in entering into currency derivatives is to reduce the volatility that changes in foreign currency exchange rates have on future cash flows.

 
13

 
Our derivatives consist primarily of currency forward contracts.  The derivatives expose us to credit risk to the extent the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the derivative instrument.  Our maximum exposure to loss due to credit risk that we would incur if parties to the forward contracts failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts was equal to our carrying value of the forward contracts as of December 2, 2010.  We seek to mitigate such risk by limiting our counterparties to major financial institutions and by spreading risk across multiple major financial institutions.  In addition, we monitor the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk on an ongoing basis.  We have the following currency risk management programs:

Currency derivatives without hedge accounting designation:  We utilize a rolling hedge strategy with currency forward contracts that generally mature within 35 days to hedge our foreign currency exposure in monetary assets and liabilities.  At the end of each reporting period, monetary assets and liabilities held or denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured in U.S. dollars and the associated outstanding forward contracts are marked-to-market.  Foreign currency forward contracts are valued at fair values based on bid prices of dealers or exchange quotations (referred to as Level 2).  Realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses on derivative instruments and the underlying monetary assets are included in other operating income (expense).  As of December 2, 2010 and September 2, 2010, total gross notional amounts and fair values for currency derivatives without hedge accounting designation were as follows:

   
Notional Amount1
   
Fair Value of
 
Currency
 
(in U.S. Dollars)
   
Asset 2
   
(Liability) 3
 
                   
As of December 2, 2010
                 
Euro
  $ 320     $ 4     $ (8 )
Singapore dollar
    207       --       (2 )
Yen
    207       --       (4 )
    $ 734     $ 4     $ (14 )
                         
As of September 2, 2010
                       
Euro
  $ 260     $ --     $ (5 )
Singapore dollar
    157       --       --  
Yen
    104       1       --  
    $ 521     $ 1     $ (5 )
                         
1 Represents the face value of outstanding contracts
                       
2 Included in receivables
                       
3 Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses
                       

For currency forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments, we recognized losses of $2 million and gains of $9 million in the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively, which was included in other operating income (expense).

Currency derivatives with cash flow hedge accounting designation:  We utilize currency forward contracts that mature within 12 months to hedge the foreign currency exposures of cash flow for some forecasted capital expenditures.  Foreign currency forward contracts are valued at fair values based on market-based observable inputs including foreign exchange spot and forward rates, interest rate and credit risk spread (referred to as Level 2).  For those derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the realized and unrealized gain or loss on the derivatives was included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity.  The amount in the accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for those cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings in the same line items of consolidated statements of operations and in the same periods in which the underlying transaction affects earnings.  The ineffective or excluded portion of the realized and unrealized gain or loss was included in other operating income (expense).  As of December 2, 2010 and September 2, 2010, total gross notional amounts and fair values for currency derivatives with cash flow hedge accounting designation were as follows:

 
14

 
 
   
Notional Amount 1
   
Fair Value of
 
Currency
 
(in U.S. Dollars)
   
Asset 2
   
(Liability) 3
 
                   
As of December 2, 2010
                 
Euro
  $ 354     $ 3     $ (4 )
Yen
    34       --       --  
    $ 388     $ 3     $ (4 )
                         
As of September 2, 2010
                       
Euro
  $ 196     $ 1     $ --  
Yen
    81       1       --  
    $ 277     $ 2     $ --  
                         
1Represents the face value of outstanding contracts
                       
2 Included in receivables
                       
3 Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses
                       

For the first quarter of 2011, we recognized $6 million of net derivative gains in other comprehensive income from the effective portion of cash flow hedges.  The ineffective and excluded portions of cash flow hedges recognized in other operating income (expense) were not material in the first quarter of 2011.  In the first quarter of 2011, no amounts were reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings and the amount of net derivative gains included in other accumulated comprehensive income (loss) to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months is not expected to be material.


Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards establish three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (referred to as Level 1), observable inputs other than Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly (referred to as Level 2) and unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of fair value of assets or liabilities (referred to as Level 3).

Fair value measurements on a recurring basis: Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:

   
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
                                                 
Money market(1)
  $ 1,387     $ --     $ --     $ 1,387     $ 2,170     $ --     $ --     $ 2,170  
Certificates of deposit(2)
    --       581       --       581       --       705       --       705  
Marketable equity investments(3)
    24       --       --       24       19       --       --       19  
Assets held for sale(3)
    --       8       80       88       --       --       56       56  
    $ 1,411     $ 589     $ 80     $ 2,080     $ 2,189     $ 705     $ 56     $ 2,950  
                                                                 
(1)Included in cash and equivalents.
 
(2) Cash and equivalents and restricted cash included $247 million and $334 million, respectively, as of December 2, 2010 and $371 million and $334 million, respectively, as of September 2, 2010.
 
(3)Included in other noncurrent assets.
 

Certificates of deposit assets are valued using observable inputs in active markets for similar assets or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing observable market inputs (Level 2).

Assets held for sale primarily included semiconductor equipment and buildings.  Fair value for the semiconductor equipment is based on quotations obtained from equipment dealers, which consider the remaining useful life and configuration of the equipment and fair value of the real estate is determined based on sales of similar facilities and/or properties in comparable markets (Level3).  Losses recognized in the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 due to fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs were de minimis.

 
15

 
Fair value of financial instruments: The estimated fair value and carrying value of debt instruments (carrying value excludes the equity component of the 2014 Notes and the 2027 Notes which is classified in equity) were as follows:

   
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
   
Fair
Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair
Value
   
Carrying Value
 
                         
Convertible debt instruments
  $ 1,284     $ 1,053     $ 1,494     $ 1,288  
Other debt instruments
    765       763       1,071       1,072  

The fair value of our convertible debt instruments as of the above dates is based on quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1), with the exception of our 2013 Notes as of December 2, 2010.  The fair value of the 2013 notes of $238 million as of December 2, 2010 was determined based on observable inputs of quoted market prices in an inactive market and our stock price.  The fair value of our other debt instruments was estimated based on discounted cash flows using inputs that are observable in the market or that could be derived from or corroborated with observable market data, including interest rates based on yield curves of similar debt issued by parties with credit ratings similar to ours (Level 2).  Amounts reported as cash and equivalents, short-term investments, receivables, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value.


Equity Plans

As of December 2, 2010, under our equity plans, we had an aggregate of 168.9 million shares of common stock reserved for issuance for stock options and restricted stock awards, of which 109.1 million shares were subject to outstanding awards and 59.8 million shares were available for future awards.  Awards are subject to terms and conditions as determined by our Board of Directors.

Stock options:  We granted 4.1 million and 14.1 million stock options during the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively, with weighted-average grant-date fair values per share of $3.82 and $4.02, respectively.

The fair values of option awards were estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  The Black-Scholes model requires the input of assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility and estimated option life.  The expected volatilities utilized were based on implied volatilities from traded options on our stock and on historical volatility.  Beginning in 2009, the expected lives of options granted were based, in part, on historical experience and on the terms and conditions of the options.  Prior to 2009, the expected lives of options granted were based on the simplified method provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The risk-free interest rates utilized were based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of the grant.  No dividends were assumed in estimated option values.  Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model are presented below:

Quarter ended
 
December 2, 2010
   
December 3, 2009
 
             
Average expected life in years
    5.2       5.1  
Weighted-average volatility
    58 %     61 %
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate
    1.2 %     2.3 %

Restricted stock and restricted stock units ("Restricted Stock Awards"):  As of December 2, 2010, there were 8.0 million shares of Restricted Stock Awards outstanding, of which 1.4 million were performance-based Restricted Stock Awards.  For service-based Restricted Stock Awards, restrictions generally lapse either in one-fourth or one-third increments during each year of employment after the grant date.  For performance-based Restricted Stock Awards, vesting is contingent upon meeting certain performance goals.  Restricted Stock Awards granted in the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 
16

 
 
Quarter ended
 
December 2, 2010
   
December 3, 2009
 
             
Service-based awards
    1.2       1.8  
Performance-based awards
    1.2       1.1  
Weighted-average grant-date fair values per share
  $ 7.58     $ 7.51  

Stock-based compensation expense:  Total compensation costs for our equity plans were as follows:

Quarter ended
 
December 2, 2010
   
December 3, 2009
 
             
Stock-based compensation expense by caption:
           
Cost of goods sold
  $ 4     $ 7  
Selling, general and administrative
    11       19  
Research and development
    4       5  
    $ 19     $ 31  
                 
Stock-based compensation expense by type of award:
               
Stock options
  $ 10     $ 8  
Restricted stock awards
    9       23  
    $ 19     $ 31  

As of December 2, 2010, $125 million of total unrecognized compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested awards was expected to be recognized through the first quarter of 2015, resulting in a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.  Stock-based compensation expense in the above presentation does not reflect any significant income tax benefits, which is consistent with the Company's treatment of income or loss from its U.S. operations.  (See "Income Taxes" note.)


Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net

Other operating (income) expense consisted of the following:

Quarter ended
 
December 2, 2010
   
December 3, 2009
 
             
Samsung patent cross-license agreement
  $ (200 )   $ --  
(Gain) loss from changes in currency exchange rates
    7       21  
Government grants in connection with operations in China
    --       (8 )
(Gain) loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment
    --       (2 )
Other
    2       (3 )
    $ (191 )   $ 8  

On October 1, 2010, we entered into a 10-year patent cross-license agreement with Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. ("Samsung").  For the first quarter of 2011, other operating income included a gain of $200 million for cash received from Samsung under the agreement.  An additional $40 million is due from this agreement on January 31, 2011 and $35 million is due on March 31, 2011.  The license is a life-of-patents license for existing patents and applications, and a 10-year term license for all other patents.


Income Taxes

Income taxes for the first quarter of 2011 included a charge of $33 million in connection with the receipt of $200 million from Samsung for a 10-year patent cross-license agreement, and also included taxes on our non-U.S. operations.  Income taxes for the first quarter of 2010 primarily reflect taxes on our non-U.S. operations and U.S. alternative minimum tax.  We have a valuation allowance for our net deferred tax asset associated with our U.S. operations.  The provision (benefit) for taxes on U.S. operations in the first quarters of 2011 and 2010 was substantially offset by changes in the valuation allowance.
 
 
17

 
 
Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares and stock rights outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares and stock rights outstanding plus the dilutive effects of stock options and convertible notes.  Potential common shares that would increase earnings per share amounts or decrease loss per share amounts are antidilutive and are therefore excluded from diluted earnings per share calculations.  Antidilutive potential common shares that could dilute basic earnings per share in the future were 162.2 million and 99.8 million for the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Quarter ended
 
December 2, 2010
   
December 3, 2009
 
             
Net income available to Micron's shareholders – Basic
  $ 155     $ 204  
Net effect of assumed conversion of debt
    2       23  
Net income available to Micron's shareholders – Diluted
  $ 157     $ 227  
                 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – Basic
    972.9       846.3  
Net effect of dilutive equity awards, escrow shares and assumed conversion of debt
    58.4       154.4  
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – Diluted
    1,031.3       1,000.7  
                 
Earnings per share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.16     $ 0.24  
Diluted
    0.15       0.23  


Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Micron were as follows:

Quarter ended
 
December 2, 2010
   
December 3, 2009
 
             
Net income
  $ 172     $ 202  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
               
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustment
    18       8  
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments
    3       --  
Net gain (loss) on derivatives
    6       --  
Pension liability adjustment
    1       --  
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    28       8  
Comprehensive income (loss)
    200       210  
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (21 )     2  
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Micron
  $ 179     $ 212  



 
18

 


 
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

NAND Flash joint ventures with Intel ("IM Flash"):  We have two joint ventures with Intel: IMFT, formed in January 2006 and IMFS, formed in February 2007, to manufacture NAND Flash memory products for the exclusive benefit of the partners.  IMFT and IMFS are each governed by a Board of Managers, the number of which adjusts depending on the parties' respective ownership interests.  We and Intel initially appointed an equal number of managers to each of the boards.  These ventures will operate until 2016 but are subject to prior termination under certain terms and conditions.  IMFT and IMFS are aggregated as IM Flash in the following disclosure due to the similarity of their ownership structure, function, operations and the way our management reviews the results of their operations.  The partners' ownership percentages are based on contributions to the partnership.  As of December 2, 2010, we owned 51% and Intel owned 49% of IMFT.  In the first quarter of 2011, we contributed $392 million to IMFS and Intel did not make any contribution, increasing our ownership interest in IMFS to 71% from 57%.  In the second quarter of 2011, we contributed $343 million to IMFS and Intel did not make any contribution, increasing our ownership interest in IMFS to 78%.

IM Flash manufactures NAND Flash memory products using designs we developed with Intel.  We generally share equally with Intel the product design and other research and development ("R&D") costs.  As a result, R&D expenses were reduced by reimbursements from Intel of $23 million and $26 million for the first quarter in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

IM Flash sells products to the joint venture partners generally in proportion to their ownership interests at long-term negotiated prices approximating cost.  IM Flash sales to Intel were $209 million and $193 million in the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively.  IM Flash receivables and payables related to Intel were as follows:

As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
             
Receivables from Intel for net sales
  $ 130     $ 128  
Payables to Intel for various services
    1       2  

The following table presents IM Flash's distributions to, and contributions from, its shareholders:

Quarter ended
 
December 2, 2010
   
December 3, 2009
 
             
IM Flash distributions to Micron
  $ 51     $ 91  
IM Flash distributions to Intel
    49       88  
Micron contributions to IM Flash
    392       --  

In the first quarter of 2009, IM Flash substantially completed construction of a new 300mm wafer fabrication facility structure in Singapore.  Shortly afterwards, we and Intel agreed to suspend tooling and the ramp of production at this facility due to industry conditions.  In the second quarter of 2010, IM Flash began moving forward with start-up activities in the Singapore wafer fabrication facility, including placing purchase orders and tool installations that commenced in the first quarter of 2011.  The level of our future capital contributions to IM Flash will depend on the extent to which Intel participates in future IM Flash capital calls.  Although our ownership interest in IMFS changed at the time we made such contributions, our share of the operating costs and supply from IMFS adjusts to changes in our ownership share, with generally a 12-month lag (depending on the status of IMFS as of such date) from the date of the applicable ownership change.  Accordingly, we anticipate that our share of IMFS costs and supply will increase from 51% as of December 2, 2010 to our ownership interest in IMFS.  Changes in IMFS ownership interests do not affect our NAND Flash R&D cost-sharing agreement with Intel.
 
 
19

 
Total IM Flash assets and liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
             
Assets
           
Cash and equivalents
  $ 481     $ 246  
Receivables
    171       154  
Inventories
    167       160  
Other current assets
    9       8  
Total current assets
    828       568  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    3,392       2,894  
Other noncurrent assets
    63       57  
Total assets
  $ 4,283     $ 3,519  
                 
Liabilities
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 587     $ 140  
Deferred income
    127       127  
Equipment purchase contracts
    31       8  
Current portion of long-term debt
    7       7  
Total current liabilities
    752       282  
Long-term debt
    61       62  
Other noncurrent liabilities
    2       4  
Total liabilities
  $ 815     $ 348  
                 
Amounts exclude intercompany balances that are eliminated in our consolidated balance sheets.
 

Our ability to access IM Flash's cash and marketable investment securities to finance our other operations is subject to agreement by the joint venture partners.  The creditors of each IM Flash entity have recourse only to the assets of each of the respective IM Flash entities and do not have recourse to any other of our assets.

MP Mask Technology Center, LLC ("MP Mask"):  In 2006, we formed a joint venture, MP Mask, with Photronics to produce photomasks for leading-edge and advanced next generation semiconductors.  At inception and through December 2, 2010, we owned 50.01% and Photronics owned 49.99% of MP Mask.  We purchase a substantial majority of the reticles produced by MP Mask pursuant to a supply arrangement.  In connection with the formation of the joint venture, we received $72 million in 2006 in exchange for entering into a license agreement with Photronics, which is being recognized over the term of the 10-year agreement.  As of December 2, 2010, deferred income and other noncurrent liabilities included an aggregate of $39 million related to this agreement.

Total MP Mask assets and liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

As of
 
December 2, 2010
   
September 2, 2010
 
             
Current assets
  $ 27     $ 35  
Noncurrent assets (primarily property, plant and equipment)
    125       85  
Current liabilities
    38       6  
                 
Amounts exclude intercompany balances that are eliminated in our consolidated balance sheets.
 

The creditors of MP Mask have recourse only to the assets of MP Mask and do not have recourse to any other of our assets.



 
20

 


 
 
TECH Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Since 1998, we have participated in TECH Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd. ("TECH"), a semiconductor memory manufacturing joint venture in Singapore with Canon Inc. ("Canon") and until December 17, 2010, Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Private) Limited ("HP").  The financial results of TECH are included in our consolidated financial statements and all amounts pertaining to Canon and, until December 17, 2010, HP, are reported as noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries.  As of December 2, 2010, we held an approximate 87% interest in TECH.  TECH's cash and marketable investment securities ($385 million as of December 2, 2010) are not anticipated to be available to pay dividends or finance our other operations.

The shareholders' agreement for the TECH joint venture expires in April 2011, but automatically extends for 10 years unless one or more of the shareholders provides a non-extension notification.  In September 2009, TECH received a notice from HP that it did not intend to extend the TECH joint venture beyond April 2011.  On December 17, 2010, we acquired HP's interest in TECH for $38 million, increasing our ownership interest to 90%.  We are in discussions with Canon to acquire their 10% interest.  The parties' inability to reach a resolution prior to April 2011 could result in the sale of TECH's assets and could require repayment of TECH's credit facility ($299 million outstanding as of December 2, 2010).  As of December 2, 2010, the carrying value of TECH's net assets was $1.3 billion.  TECH accounted for 37% of our total DRAM wafer production in the first quarter of 2011.


Segment Information

In the third quarter of 2010, we added a new reportable segment as a result of the acquisition of Numonyx and have two reportable segments, Memory and Numonyx.  The former Numonyx business has been included as a reportable segment since its acquisition on May 7, 2010.  The primary products of the Memory segment are DRAM and NAND Flash memory and the primary products of the Numonyx segment are NOR Flash and NAND Flash memory.

Operating results of All Other reflect the activities of our nonreportable segments, primarily CMOS image sensor, microdisplay, solar and other operations.  Segment information reported below is consistent with how it is reviewed and evaluated by our chief operating decision makers and is based on the nature of our operations and products offered to customers.  We do not identify or report capital expenditures or assets by segment.

   
Quarter ended
 
   
December 2, 2010
   
December 3, 2009
 
             
Net sales:
           
Memory
  $ 1,611     $ 1,623  
Numonyx
    573       --  
All Other
    68       117  
Total consolidated net sales
  $ 2,252     $ 1,740  
                 
Operating income (loss):
               
Memory
  $ 408     $ 213  
Numonyx
    17       --  
All Other
    (35 )     (12 )
Consolidated operating income
  $ 390     $ 201  


Certain Concentrations

Approximately 30% of net sales for the first quarter of 2011 were to the computing market (including desktop PCs, servers, notebooks and workstations) and 25% were to the mobile market.

 
21

 


 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

As used herein, "we," "our," "us" and similar terms include Micron Technology, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.  The following discussion contains trend information and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements such as those made  in "Results of Operations" regarding future reportable segments; "Net Sales" regarding DRAM production received from Inotera in 2011 and future increases in NAND Flash production resulting from the production ramp of IM Flash's new fabrication facility; in "Selling, General and Administrative" regarding SG&A costs for the second quarter of 2011; in "Research and Development" regarding R&D costs for the second quarter of 2011 and increased expenses resulting from the acquisition of Numonyx; and in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" regarding capital spending in 2011, future distributions from IM Flash to Intel and  future contribution by us to IM Flash.  Our actual results could differ materially from our historical results and those discussed in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, those identified in "Part II.  Other Information – Item 1A.  Risk Factors."  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 2, 2010.  All period references are to our fiscal periods unless otherwise indicated. Our fiscal year is the 52 or 53-week period ending on the Thursday closest to August 31.  Our fiscal 2011, which ends on September 1, 2011, contains 52 weeks.  All tabular dollar amounts are in millions.  All production data includes the production of our consolidated joint ventures and our other partnering arrangements.


Overview

We are a global manufacturer and marketer of semiconductor devices, principally DRAM, NAND Flash and NOR Flash memory, as well as other innovative memory technologies, packaging solutions and semiconductor systems for use in leading-edge computing, consumer, networking, embedded and mobile products.  In addition, we manufacture semiconductor components for CMOS image sensors and other semiconductor products.  We market our products through our internal sales force, independent sales representatives and distributors primarily to original equipment manufacturers and retailers located around the world.  Our success is largely dependent on the market acceptance of our diversified portfolio of semiconductor products, efficient utilization of our manufacturing infrastructure, successful ongoing development of advanced process technologies and the return on research and development investments.

We obtain product for sale through two primary channels:  (1) production from wholly-owned manufacturing facilities and (2) production from our joint venture manufacturing facilities.  In recent years, we have obtained additional manufacturing scale and diversity of products through strategic acquisitions and various partnering arrangements, including joint ventures which have helped us to attain lower cash costs than we could otherwise achieve through internal investments alone.  In addition, we have leveraged our significant investments in research and development by sharing costs of developing memory product and process technologies with our joint venture partners.

We have made significant investments to develop the proprietary product and process technology that is implemented in our worldwide manufacturing facilities and through our joint ventures to enable the production of semiconductor products with increasing functionality and performance at lower costs.  We generally reduce the manufacturing cost of each generation of product through advancements in product and process technology such as our leading-edge line-width process technology and innovative array architecture.  We continue to introduce new generations of products that offer improved performance characteristics, such as higher data transfer rates, reduced package size, lower power consumption and increased memory density.  To leverage our significant investments in research and development, we have formed various strategic joint ventures under which costs of developing memory product and process technologies are shared with our joint venture partners.  In addition, from time to time, we have also sold and/or licensed technology to other parties.  We continue to pursue additional opportunities to monetize our investment in intellectual property through partnering and other arrangements.


 
22

 


 
Numonyx Holdings B.V. ("Numonyx"): On May 7, 2010, we acquired Numonyx, which manufactures and sells primarily NOR Flash and NAND Flash memory technologies and products.  The total fair value of the consideration paid for Numonyx was $1,112 million and consisted of 137.7 million shares of our common stock issued to the Numonyx shareholders and 4.8 million restricted stock units issued to employees of Numonyx.  In connection with the acquisition, we recorded net assets of $1,549 million.  Because the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the purchase price, we recognized a gain on the acquisition of $437 million in the third quarter of 2010.  In addition, we recognized a $51 million income tax benefit in connection with the acquisition.  Our results of operations for the first quarter of 2011 include $573 million of net sales and $17 million of operating income from the Numonyx operations.   Our results of operations for 2010 included $635 million of net sales and $13 million of operating losses from the Numonyx operations after the May 7, 2010 acquisition date.

(See "Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Numonyx Holdings B.V."  note.)


Results of Operations

   
First Quarter
     
Fourth Quarter
   
   
2011
   
% of net sales
     
2010
   
% of net sales
     
2010
   
% of net sales
   
                                           
Net sales
  $ 2,252       100   %   $ 1,740       100   %   $ 2,493       100   %
Cost of goods sold
    1,728       77   %     1,297       75   %     1,712       69   %
Gross margin
    524       23   %     443       25   %     781       31   %
                                                       
Selling, general and administrative
    140       6   %     97       6   %     141       6   %
Research and development
    185       8   %     137       8   %     197       8   %
Other operating (income) expense, net
    (191 )     (8 ) %     8       0   %     10       0   %
Operating income
    390       17   %     201       12   %     433       17   %
                                                       
Interest income (expense), net
    (30 )     (1 ) %     (45 )     (3 ) %     (31 )     (1 ) %
Other non-operating income (expense), net
    (114 )     (5 ) %     56       3   %     (2 )     (0 ) %
Income tax (provision) benefit
    (48 )     (2 ) %     7       0   %     (25 )     (1 ) %
Equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees
    (26 )     (1 ) %     (17 )     (1 ) %     (16 )     (1 ) %
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (17 )     (1 ) %     2       0   %     (17 )     (1 ) %
Net income (loss) attributable to Micron
  $ 155       7   %   $ 204       12   %   $ 342       14   %

Our first quarter of 2011, fourth quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2010 all contained 13 weeks.

In 2010, we added a new reportable segment as a result of the acquisition of Numonyx and had two reportable segments, Memory and Numonyx.  We included the former Numonyx business as a reportable segment since its acquisition on May 7, 2010.  Operating results of All Other reflect the activities of our nonreportable segments, primarily CMOS image sensor, microdisplay, solar and other operations.  The continued integration of Numonyx into our operations will likely result in the re-definition of our reportable segments in the second quarter of 2011.

Net Sales

   
First Quarter
   
Fourth Quarter
 
   
2011
   
% of net sales
   
2010
   
% of net sales
   
2010
   
% of net sales
 
                                     
Memory
  $ 1,611       72 %   $ 1,623       93 %   $ 1,832       73 %
Numonyx
    573       25 %     --       --       555       22 %
All Other
    68       3 %     117       7 %     106       5 %
    $ 2,252       100 %   $ 1,740       100 %   $ 2,493       100 %

 
23

 
Total net sales for the first quarter of 2011 decreased 10% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in Memory sales as a result of declines in average selling prices.  Total net sales for the first quarter of 2011 increased 29% as compared to the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to the acquisition of Numonyx in the third quarter of 2010.
 
Memory:  Memory sales for the first quarter of 2011 decreased 12% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 primarily due to a decrease in sales of DRAM products.

Sales of DRAM products decreased 19% from the fourth quarter of 2010 primarily due to a 23% decline in average selling prices partially offset by a 5% increase in gigabits sold.  Gigabit production of DRAM products decreased 3% for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010, primarily due to a build-up in work in process inventory.  DRAM products acquired from our Inotera Memories, Inc. ("Inotera") joint venture decreased to 3% of our total net sales in the first quarter of 2011 as compared to 7% for the fourth quarter of 2010 and 10% for the first quarter of 2010 as a result of production declines during its transition to our DRAM technology.  We have rights and obligations to purchase 50% of Inotera's wafer production capacity under a supply agreement with Inotera (the "Inotera Supply Agreement").  We expect that our DRAM supply from Inotera will increase significantly in the second half of 2011 due to Inotera's completion of its transition to our DRAM technology.

Sales of DDR2 and DDR3 DRAM, our highest volume products, were 34% of our total net sales for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to 38% of total net sales for the fourth quarter of 2010 and 45% for the first quarter of 2010.  The decrease in DDR2 and DDR3 DRAM sales for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily attributable to declines in average selling prices.

 Aggregate sales of NAND Flash products in the Memory segment for the first quarter of 2011 increased 2% from the fourth quarter of 2010 primarily due to a 20% increase in units sold partially offset by a 15% decline in average selling prices.  We sell NAND Flash products in the Memory segment through three principal channels:  (1) to Intel Corporation ("Intel") through our IM Flash consolidated joint ventures at long-term negotiated prices approximating cost, (2) to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and other resellers and (3) to retailers.

Sales through IM Flash to Intel were $209 million for the first quarter of 2011, $195 million for the fourth quarter of 2010 and $193 million for the first quarter of 2010.  Gigabit sales to Intel were 17% higher for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 primarily due to an 8% increase in gigabit production of NAND Flash products over the same period.  Production increases for NAND Flash were primarily due to improved manufacturing efficiencies achieved primarily through transitions to higher density, advanced geometry devices.  We expect that the ramp of production at IMFS's new wafer fabrication facility in Singapore will begin to increase our NAND Flash production in the second half of 2011.  Our share of the operating costs and supply from IMFS adjusts to changes in our ownership interest, with generally a 12-month lag (depending on the status of IMFS as of such date) from the date of the applicable ownership change.  Accordingly, we anticipate that our share of IMFS costs and supply will increase from 51% as of December 2, 2010 to our ownership interest in IMFS.  For the first quarter of 2011, average selling prices for IM Flash sales to Intel decreased 8% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 due to reductions in costs per gigabit.

Aggregate sales of NAND Flash products to our OEM, reseller and retail customers were relatively unchanged for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 as a 20% decrease in average selling prices was mitigated by a 24% increase in gigabit sales.  Average selling prices to our OEM and reseller customers for the first quarter of 2011 decreased 24% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010, while average selling prices of our Lexar brand, which is directed primarily at the retail market, decreased 8%.

Memory sales for the first quarter of 2011 decreased 1% as compared to the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to a 4% decrease in sales of DRAM products partially offset by a 6% increase in sales of NAND Flash products.  Sales of DRAM products decreased from the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to a 12% decline in average selling prices partially offset by an 11% increase in gigabits sold.  Gigabit production of DRAM products increased 10% for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010, primarily due to transitions to higher density, advanced geometry devices.  Aggregate sales of NAND Flash products for the first quarter of 2011 increased from the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to a 35% increase in units sold partially offset by a 21% decline in average selling prices.  Gigabit production of NAND Flash products increased 18% for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to improved manufacturing efficiencies.

Numonyx:  Sales of Numonyx products for the first quarter of 2011 increased 3% from the fourth quarter of 2010 primarily due to a 9% increase in average selling prices partially offset by a 5% decrease in gigabits sold.  Numonyx sales were composed primarily of NOR Flash and NAND Flash products.
 
 
24

 
 
Gross Margin

   
First Quarter
     
Fourth Quarter
   
   
2011
   
% of net sales
     
2010
   
% of net sales
     
2010
   
% of net sales
   
                                           
Memory
  $ 426       26   %   $ 442       27   %   $ 672       37   %
Numonyx
    113       20   %     --       --   %     118       21   %
All Other
    (15 )     (22 ) %     1       1   %     (9 )     (8 ) %
    $ 524       23   %   $ 443       25   %   $ 781       31   %

Our overall gross margin percentage declined from 31% for the fourth quarter of 2010 to 23% for the first quarter of 2011 primarily due to declines in the gross margin for Memory as a result of lower pricing mitigated by cost reductions.  Our overall gross margin percentage declined from 25% for the first quarter of 2010 to 23% for the first quarter of 2011 primarily due to declines in the gross margin for Memory and the acquisition of Numonyx.

Memory:  Our gross margin percentage for Memory products declined from 37% for the fourth quarter of 2010 to 26% for the first quarter of 2011 primarily due to declines in the gross margins on sales of both DRAM and NAND Flash products.  Our gross margin percentage for Memory products declined from 27% for the first quarter of 2010 to 26% for the first quarter of 2011 primarily due to a slight decline in the gross margins on sales of NAND Flash products.

The decline in gross margins on sales of DRAM products for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 was primarily due to the 23% decrease in average selling prices mitigated by a 10% reduction in costs per gigabit primarily as a result of improved manufacturing efficiencies.  DRAM products acquired from Inotera accounted for 3% of total net sales for the first quarter of 2011.  Our cost of wafers purchased under the Inotera Supply Agreement is based on a margin-sharing formula among Nanya, Inotera, and ourselves.  Under such formula, all parties' manufacturing costs related to wafers supplied by Inotera, as well as our and Nanya's selling prices for the resale of products from wafers supplied by Inotera, are considered in determining the cost of wafers acquired from Inotera.  For the first quarter of 2011 and for 2010, we realized significantly lower gross margins on sales of Inotera DRAM products than for sales of our other DRAM products.  Gross margins on sales of DRAM products for the first quarter of 2011 were relatively unchanged as compared to the first quarter of 2010 as a 12% decrease in average selling prices was mitigated by a 17% reduction in costs per gigabit primarily as a result of improved production efficiencies.

The decline in gross margins on sales of NAND Flash products in Memory for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 are primarily due to declines in average selling prices per gigabit of 15%, mitigated by reductions in costs per gigabit of 10% as a result of lower manufacturing costs from increased production of higher-density, advanced-geometry devices.  Gross margins on sales of NAND Flash products reflect sales of approximately half of IM Flash's output to Intel at long-term negotiated prices approximating cost.  Our cost of goods sold on sales of NAND Flash products for the first quarter of 2011, fourth quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2010 included $44 million, $31 million and $9 million, respectively, of idle capacity costs from IM Flash's wafer fabrication facility in Singapore.  The slight decline in gross margins on sales of NAND Flash products for the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the first quarter of 2010 was primarily due to declines in average selling prices per gigabit of 21% mitigated by reductions in costs per gigabit of 21%.

Numonyx:  Our gross margin percentage for Numonyx products declined from 21% for the fourth quarter of 2010 to 20% for the first quarter of 2011 primarily due to a decline in the gross margins on sales of NAND Flash product partially offset by an increase in the gross margin on sales of NOR Flash products.  Gross margins on sales of NOR Flash product for the first quarter of 2011 improved from the fourth quarter of 2010 primarily due to a 4% reduction in costs and a 2% increase in average selling prices.  Gross margins on sales of NAND Flash products in Numonyx for the first quarter of 2011 declined from the fourth quarter of 2010 primarily due to an increase in costs as a result of supply from the Hynix-Numonyx Semiconductor  joint venture converting to market-based pricing in connection with Hynix's acquisition of Numonyx's interest in the joint venture in August 2010.  Numonyx was acquired on May 7, 2010 and in acquisition accounting, Numonyx's inventory was recorded at fair value reflecting its estimated selling price at the time of the acquisition, which was higher than the cost of inventory recorded by Numonyx at the acquisition date.  The adjustments to inventory costs in acquisition accounting reduced Numonyx's gross margin for both the first quarter of 2011 and the fourth quarter of 2010 by approximately 10%.  Substantially all of the remaining costs of Numonyx inventory written up in the acquisition is expected to be reflected in cost of goods sold as the products are sold through the remainder of 2011.

 
25

 
 
Selling, General and Administrative

   
First Quarter
2011
   
Fourth Quarter
2010
   
First Quarter
2010
 
                   
Memory
  $ 98     $ 88     $ 90  
Numonyx
    34       48       --  
All Other
    8       5       7  
    $ 140     $ 141     $ 97  

Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses for the first quarter of 2011 were relatively unchanged as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010.  SG&A expenses for the first quarter of 2011 increased 44% from the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to increased costs associated with the Numonyx acquisition and to a lesser extent higher payroll expenses.  As a result of the acquisition of Numonyx, we expect to incur higher SG&A expenses for 2011 as compared to 2010, which only reflected Numonyx's operations from the May 7, 2010 acquisition date.  We expect that SG&A expenses will approximate $140 million to $150 million for the second quarter of 2011.

Research and Development

   
First Quarter
2011
   
Fourth Quarter
2010
   
First Quarter
2010
 
                   
Memory
  $ 111     $ 125     $ 133  
Numonyx
    62       64       --  
All Other
    12       8       4  
    $ 185     $ 197     $ 137  

Research and development ("R&D") expenses vary primarily with the number of development wafers processed, the cost of advanced equipment dedicated to new product and process development and personnel costs.  Because of the lead times necessary to manufacture our products, we typically begin to process wafers before completion of performance and reliability testing.  We deem development of a product complete once the product has been thoroughly reviewed and tested for performance and reliability.  R&D expenses can vary significantly depending on the timing of product qualification as costs incurred in production prior to qualification are charged to R&D.

R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2011 decreased 6% from the fourth quarter of 2010 primarily due to lower wafer processing costs in connection with the qualification of a number of products.  R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2011 increased 35% from the first quarter of 2010 primarily due to costs associated with the Numonyx operations, partially offset by a DRAM cost-sharing arrangement with Nanya that commenced in the third quarter of 2010.  As a result of amounts reimbursable from Nanya under the DRAM R&D cost-sharing arrangement, R&D expenses were reduced by $30 million for the first quarter of 2011 and $28 million for the fourth quarter of 2010.  As a result of amounts reimbursable from Intel under a NAND Flash R&D cost-sharing arrangement, R&D expenses were reduced by $23 million for the first quarter of 2011, $25 million for the fourth quarter of 2010 and $26 million for the first quarter of 2010.  We expect that R&D expenses, net of amounts reimbursable from our R&D partners, will approximate $195 million to $205 million for the second quarter of 2011.

Our process technology R&D efforts are focused primarily on development of successively smaller line-width process technologies which are designed to facilitate our transition to next generation memory products.  Additional process technology R&D efforts focus on the enablement of advanced computing and mobile memory architectures, the investigation of new opportunities that leverage our core semiconductor expertise and the development of new manufacturing materials.  Product design and development efforts are concentrated on our high density DDR3 DRAM and LP-DDR2 mobile Low Power DRAM  products as well as high density and mobile NAND Flash memory (including multi-level cell technology), NOR Flash memory, specialty memory, phase change and memory systems.


 
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Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net

Other operating (income) expense consisted of the following:

   
First Quarter
2011
   
Fourth Quarter
2010
   
First Quarter
2010
 
                   
Samsung patent cross-license agreement
  $ (200 )   $ --     $ --  
(Gain) loss from changes in currency exchange rates
    7       3       21  
Government grants in connection with operations in China
    --       --       (8 )
(Gain) loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment
    --       9       (2 )
Other
    2       (2 )     (3 )
    $ (191 )   $ 10     $ 8  

On October 1, 2010, we entered into a 10-year patent cross-license agreement with Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. ("Samsung").  For the first quarter of 2011, other operating income included a gain of $200 million for cash received from Samsung under the agreement.  An additional $40 million is due from this agreement on January 31, 2011 and $35 million is due on March 31, 2011.  The license is a life-of-patents license for existing patents and applications, and a 10-year term license for all other patents.

Interest Income (Expense)

Interest expense for the first quarter of 2011, fourth quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2010, includes aggregate amounts of non-cash amortization of debt discount and issuance costs of $18 million, $19 million and $19 million, respectively.  Net proceeds received at inception from our 1.875% convertible notes due June 2014 (the "2014 Notes") and 1.875% convertible notes due June 2027 (the "2027 Notes") (expected maturity date of June 2017) were allocated between a liability component (issued at a discount) and an equity component.  The debt discount is being amortized from issuance through the expected maturity dates of the convertible notes, with the amortization recorded as additional non-cash interest expense.  Included in the noncash interest expense above is amortization on the convertible notes of $14 million for the first quarter of 2011 and fourth quarter of 2010 and $13 million for the first quarter of 2010.  (See "Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Debt" note.)

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense), Net

Other non-operating income in the first quarter of 2011 included a $111 million loss in connection with a series of debt restructure transactions with certain holders of our convertible notes.  (See "Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Debt" note.)

Other non-operating income in the first quarter of 2010 included a gain of $56 million recognized in connection with an issuance of common shares in a public offering by Inotera.  As a result of the issuance, our interest in Inotera decreased from 35.5% to 29.8%.  (See "Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Equity Method Investments – Inotera and MeiYa DRAM joint ventures with Nanya" note.)

Income Taxes

Income taxes for the first quarter of 2011 included a charge of $33 million in connection with the receipt of $200 million from Samsung for a 10-year patent cross-license agreement, and also included taxes on our non-U.S. operations.  Income taxes for the first quarter of 2010 primarily reflect taxes on our non-U.S. operations and U.S. alternative minimum tax.  We have a valuation allowance for our net deferred tax asset associated with our U.S. operations.  The provision (benefit) for taxes on U.S. operations in the first quarters of 2011 and 2010 was substantially offset by changes in the valuation allowance.


 
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Equity in Net Losses of Equity Method Investees

We recognize our share of quarterly earnings or losses for all of our equity method investees on a two-month lag.  Our equity in net income (loss) of equity method investees, net of tax, was as follows:

   
First Quarter
2011
   
Fourth Quarter
2010
   
First Quarter
2010
 
                   
Inotera:
                 
Equity method losses
  $ (26 )   $ (18 )   $ (26 )
Inotera Amortization
    12       16       13  
Other
    --       (1 )     (1 )
      (14 )     (3 )     (14 )
                         
Transform
    (7 )     (6 )     --  
Aptina
    (5 )     (8 )     (3 )
Other
    --       1       --  
    $ (26 )   $ (16 )   $ (17 )

(See "Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Equity Method Investments" note.)

Noncontrolling Interests in Net (Income) Loss

Noncontrolling interests for 2011 and 2010 primarily reflects the share of income or losses attributed to the noncontrolling interests in our TECH joint venture.  We purchased $80 million of TECH shares on January 27, 2010 and reduced noncontrolling interest in TECH from approximately 15% to 13%.  On December 17, 2010, we acquired Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Private) Limited's interest in TECH for $38 million, further reducing noncontrolling interests in TECH to approximately 10%.  We are in discussions with Canon Inc. to acquire the remaining 10% noncontrolling interest in TECH.  (See "Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – TECH Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd." note.)

Stock-based Compensation

Total compensation cost for our equity plans for the first quarter of 2011, fourth quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2010 was $19 million, $20 million and $31 million, respectively.  Stock compensation expenses fluctuate based on assessments of whether the achievement of performance conditions is probable for performance-based stock grants.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 2, 2010, we had cash and equivalents totaling $2,411 million compared to $2,913 million as of September 2, 2010.  The balance as of December 2, 2010 included $385 million held at our TECH joint venture and $481 million held at our IM Flash joint ventures.  Our ability to access funds held by the joint ventures to finance our other operations is subject to agreement by the joint venture partners, debt covenants and contractual limitations.  Amounts held by TECH and IM Flash are not anticipated to be available to finance our other operations.

Our cash and equivalents were composed of the following as of December 2, 2010:

Bank deposit accounts
  $ 777  
Money market accounts
    1,387  
Certificates of deposit
    247  
    $ 2,411  

To mitigate credit risk we invest through high-credit-quality financial institutions and, by policy, generally limit the concentration of credit exposure by restricting investments with any single obligor.

 
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As of December 2, 2010, we had $337 million of restricted cash.  Included in restricted cash is $250 million on deposit as collateral for our guarantee of a loan to a former joint venture between Numonyx and Hynix Semiconductor (the "Hynix JV").  The Hynix JV loan of $250 million is due in periodic installments from 2014 through 2016.  The amount on deposit and our guarantee decrease as payments are made by the Hynix JV against the loan.  Also, included in restricted cash is $60 million related to our TECH joint venture's credit facility, under which $299 million was outstanding as of December 2, 2010. This $60 million of restricted cash is expected to become available to TECH in 2012 when the credit facility is fully paid.

Our liquidity is highly dependent on average selling prices for our products and the timing of capital expenditures, both of which can vary significantly from period to period.  Depending on conditions in the semiconductor memory market, our cash flows from operations and current holdings of cash and investments may not be adequate to meet our needs for capital expenditures and operations.  Historically, we have used external sources of financing to fund these needs.  Due to conditions in the credit markets, it may be difficult to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us.

Operating activities:  Net cash provided by operating activities was $732 million for the first quarter of 2011, which reflected approximately $681 million generated from the production and sales of our products, $167 million from a patent cross-license agreement (net of tax) and a $173 million decrease in accounts receivables, partially offset by a $192 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses and a $128 million increase in inventories.

On October 1, 2010, we entered into a 10-year patent cross-license agreement with Samsung.  Under the agreement, Samsung will pay us $275 million, with $200 million paid on October 8, 2010, $40 million due January 31, 2011 and $35 million due March 31, 2011.

Investing activities:  Net cash used for investing activities was $436 million for the first quarter of 2011, which consisted primarily of cash expenditures of $465 million for property, plant and equipment.  We believe that to develop new product and process technologies, support future growth, achieve operating efficiencies and maintain product quality, we must continue to invest in manufacturing technologies, facilities and capital equipment and research and development.  We expect that capital spending will be approximately $2.4 billion to $2.9 billion for 2011.  The actual amount in 2011 will vary depending on funding participation by joint venture partners and market conditions.  As of December 2, 2010, we had commitments of approximately $800 million for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, substantially all of which is expected to be paid within one year.

Financing activities:  Net cash used for financing activities was $798 million for the first quarter of 2011, which included payments of debt of $635 million, $105 million of payments on equipment purchase contracts and $49 million of distributions to joint venture partners.

On November 3, 2010, we completed the following series of debt restructure transactions in connection with separate privately negotiated agreements entered into on October 28, 2010 with certain holders of our convertible notes:

·  
Repurchased $176 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2014 Notes for $171 million in cash.

·  
Repurchased $91 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 for $166 million in cash.

·  
Exchanged $175 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2014 Notes for $175 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2027 Notes.   Holders of the 2027 Notes have an option to require us to purchase the 2027 Notes on June 1, 2017, and in certain other circumstances, at a price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of notes plus accrued and unpaid interest.
 
Other debt payments included $200 million to repay our Mai Liao note on maturity and $50 million to reduce the amount outstanding under TECH's credit facility.  TECH's credit facility contains covenants that, among other requirements, establish certain liquidity, debt service coverage and leverage ratios, and restrict its ability to incur indebtedness, create liens and acquire or dispose of assets.  In the first quarter of 2010, the covenants were modified and as of December 2, 2010, TECH was in compliance with the covenants.  We guarantee 100% of the outstanding amount borrowed under the TECH credit facility, which was $299 million as of December 2, 2010.  Under the terms of the credit facility, TECH had $60 million in restricted cash as of December 2, 2010.

(See "Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Debt" note.)

 
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Joint ventures:  In the first quarter of 2011, IM Flash distributed $49 million to Intel.  Timing of future distributions to Intel is subject to market conditions and availability of cash.  In 2011, IM Flash began installing tools at its new 300mm wafer fabrication facility in Singapore.  In the first quarter of 2011, we contributed $392 million to IM Flash and in the second quarter of 2011 we made additional contributions of $343 million.  Intel did not make any contribution in either the first or second quarter of 2011.  We expect to make significant contributions to IM Flash in future periods in connection with the tool installations and other start-up activities.  The level of our future capital contributions to IM Flash will depend on market conditions and the extent to which Intel participates with us in future IM Flash capital calls.

The shareholders' agreement for our TECH joint venture expires in April 2011.  On December 17, 2010, we acquired HP's interest in TECH for $38 million, increasing our ownership interest from approximately 87% to approximately 90%.  We are in discussions with Canon to acquire the remaining 10% interest in TECH.  Our inability to reach a resolution with Canon prior to April 2011 could result in the sale of TECH's assets and could require repayment of TECH's credit facility ($299 million outstanding as of December 2, 2010).  (See "Part II. Other Information – Item 1A. Risk Factors.")

Contractual obligations:  As of December 2, 2010, contractual obligations for notes payable, capital lease obligations and operating leases were as follows:

   
Total
   
Remainder of 2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016 and thereafter
 
   
(amounts in millions)
 
Notes payable1
  $ 1,672     $ 169     $ 179     $ 27     $ 1,113     $ 3     $ 181  
Capital lease obligations1
    531       268       84       50       24       20       85  
Operating leases
    127       25       21       18       13       8       42  
                                                         
1 Includes interest
                                                       


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new accounting standard on VIEs which (1) replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary in a VIE with an approach that is primarily qualitative, (2) requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE and (3) requires additional disclosures about an enterprise's involvement in VIE.  We adopted this standard as of the beginning of 2011.  The initial adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our financial statements as of the adoption date.  The impact on future periods will depend on changes in the nature and composition of our VIEs.


Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures.  Estimates and judgments are based on historical experience, forecasted future events and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Estimates and judgments may vary under different assumptions or conditions.  We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis.  Our management believes the accounting policies below are critical in the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and requires management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

Acquisitions:  Accounting for acquisitions and consolidations requires us to estimate the fair value of consideration paid and the individual assets and liabilities acquired as well as various forms of consideration given, which involves a number of judgments, assumptions and estimates that could materially affect the amount and timing of costs recognized.  We typically obtain independent third party valuation studies to assist in determining fair values, including assistance in determining future cash flows, appropriate discount rates and comparable market values.


 
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Consolidations:  We have interests in joint venture entities that are variable interest entities ("VIE").  Determining whether to consolidate a variable interest entity may require judgment in assessing (1) whether an entity is a variable interest entity and (2) if we are the entity's primary beneficiary and thus required to consolidate the entity.  To determine if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we evaluate whether we have (1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.  Our evaluation includes identification of significant activities and an assessment of our ability to direct those activities based on governance provisions and arrangements to provide or receive product and process technology, product supply, operations services, equity funding and financing and other applicable agreements and circumstances.  Our assessment of whether we are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs requires significant assumptions and judgment.

Contingencies:  We are subject to the possibility of losses from various contingencies.  Considerable judgment is necessary to estimate the probability and amount of any loss from such contingencies.  An accrual is made when it is probable that a liability has been incurred or an asset has been impaired and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.  We accrue a liability and charge operations for the estimated costs of adjudication or settlement of asserted and unasserted claims existing as of the balance sheet date.

Income taxes:  We are required to estimate our provision for income taxes and amounts ultimately payable or recoverable in numerous tax jurisdictions around the world.  Estimates involve interpretations of regulations and are inherently complex.  Resolution of income tax treatments in individual jurisdictions may not be known for many years after completion of any fiscal year.  We are also required to evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets on an ongoing basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires the assessment of our performance and other relevant factors.  Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on our ability to generate future taxable income.

Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market value and we recorded charges of $603 million in aggregate for 2009 and $282 million in aggregate for 2008 to write down the carrying value of inventories of memory products to their estimated market values.  Cost includes labor, material and overhead costs, including product and process technology costs.  Determining market value of inventories involves numerous judgments, including projecting average selling prices and sales volumes for future periods and costs to complete products in work in process inventories.  To project average selling prices and sales volumes, we review recent sales volumes, existing customer orders, current contract prices, industry analysis of supply and demand, seasonal factors, general economic trends and other information.  When these analyses reflect estimated market values below our manufacturing costs, we record a charge to cost of goods sold in advance of when the inventory is actually sold.  Differences in forecasted average selling prices used in calculating lower of cost or market adjustments can result in significant changes in the estimated net realizable value of product inventories and accordingly the amount of write-down recorded.  For example, a 5% variance in the estimated selling prices would have changed the estimated market value of our Memory segment inventory by approximately $100 million at December 2, 2010.  Due to the volatile nature of the semiconductor memory industry, actual selling prices and volumes often vary significantly from projected prices and volumes and, as a result, the timing of when product costs are charged to operations can vary significantly.

U.S. GAAP provides for products to be grouped into categories in order to compare costs to market values.  The amount of any inventory write-down can vary significantly depending on the determination of inventory categories.  Our inventories have been categorized as Memory, Numonyx, Imaging and Microdisplay products.  The major characteristics we consider in determining inventory categories are product type and markets.

Product and process technology:  Costs incurred to acquire product and process technology or to patent technology developed by ourselves are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over periods currently ranging up to 10 years.  We capitalize a portion of costs incurred based on our analysis of historical and projected patents issued as a percent of patents filed.  Capitalized product and process technology costs are amortized over the shorter of (1) the estimated useful life of the technology, (2) the patent term or (3) the term of the technology agreement.

Property, plant and equipment:  We review the carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and/or disposition.  In cases where undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.  The estimation of future cash flows involves numerous assumptions which require judgment by us, include, but are not limited to, future use of the assets for our operations versus sale or disposal of the assets, future selling prices for our products and future production and sales volumes.  In addition, judgment is required by us in determining the groups of assets for which impairment tests are separately performed.

 
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Research and development:  Costs related to the conceptual formulation and design of products and processes are expensed as research and development as incurred.  Determining when product development is complete requires judgment by us.  We deem development of a product complete once the product has been thoroughly reviewed and tested for performance and reliability.  Subsequent to product qualification, product costs are valued in inventory.

Stock-based compensation:  Compensation cost for stock-based compensation is estimated at the grant date based on the fair-value of the award and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period of the award.  For stock-based compensation awards with graded vesting that were granted after 2005, we recognize compensation expense using the straight-line amortization method.  For performance-based stock awards, the expense recognized is dependent on the probability of the performance measure being achieved.  We utilize forecasts of future performance to assess these probabilities and this assessment requires considerable judgment.

Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, expected option life and forfeiture rates.  We develop its estimates based on historical data and market information which can change significantly over time.  A small change in the estimates used can result in a relatively large change in the estimated valuation.  We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value employee stock awards.  We estimate stock price volatility based on an average of its historical volatility and the implied volatility derived from traded options on our stock.


 
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Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk


Interest Rate Risk

As of December 2, 2010, $1,513 million of our $1,816 million of debt was at fixed interest rates.  As a result, the fair value of the debt fluctuates based on changes in market interest rates.  The estimated fair value of our debt was $2,049 million as of December 2, 2010 and $2,565 million as of September 2, 2010.  We estimate that, as of December 2, 2010, a 1% decrease in market interest rates would change the fair value of our fixed-rate debt instruments by approximately $44 million.  As of December 2, 2010, $303 million of the debt had variable interest rates and a 1% increase in the rates would increase annual interest expense by approximately $3 million.


Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

The information in this section should be read in conjunction with the information related to changes in the exchange rates of foreign currency in "Item 1A. Risk Factors."  Changes in foreign currency exchange rates could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

The functional currency for substantially all of our operations is the U.S. dollar.  We held cash and other assets in foreign currencies valued at an aggregate of U.S. $653 million as of December 2, 2010 and U.S. $504 million as of September 2, 2010.  We also had foreign currency liabilities valued at an aggregate of U.S. $1,105 million as of December 2, 2010, and U.S. $901 million as of September 2, 2010.  Significant components of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies were as follows (in U.S. dollar equivalents):

   
December 2, 2010
   
September 1, 2010
 
   
Singapore Dollars
   
Yen
   
Euro
   
Singapore Dollars
   
Yen
   
Euro
 
   
(amounts in millions)
 
                                     
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 61     $ 54     $ 44     $ 27     $ 27     $ 53  
Deferred tax assets
    1       113       6       --       115       6  
Receivables
    60       7       65       52       15       77  
Other assets
    14       9       85       9       13       66  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (109 )     (305 )     (216 )     (158 )     (186 )     (168 )
Debt
    (78 )     (9 )     (59 )     (78 )     (9 )     (61 )
Other liabilities
    (19 )     (71 )     (106 )     (14 )     (75 )     (100 )
Net assets (liabilities)
  $ (70 )   $ (202 )   $ (181 )   $ (162 )   $ (100 )   $ (127 )

We estimate that, based on the assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar as of December 2, 2010, a 1% change in the exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar would expose us to foreign currency gains or losses of approximately U.S. $2 million for the yen and the euro and U.S. $1 million for the Singapore dollar.  During 2010, we began using derivative instruments to hedge our foreign currency exchange rate risk.  (See "Item 1. Financial Statements – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Derivative Financial Instruments" note.)



 
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Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decision regarding disclosure.

During the quarterly period covered by this report, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings


Antitrust Matters

On May 5, 2004, Rambus, Inc. ("Rambus") filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California (San Francisco County) against us and other DRAM suppliers alleging that the defendants harmed Rambus by engaging in concerted and unlawful efforts affecting Rambus DRAM ("RDRAM") by eliminating competition and stifling innovation in the market for computer memory technology and computer memory chips.  Rambus' complaint alleges various causes of action under California state law including, among other things, a conspiracy to restrict output and fix prices, a conspiracy to monopolize, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and unfair competition.  Rambus alleges that it is entitled to actual damages of more than a billion dollars and seeks joint and several liability, treble damages, punitive damages, a permanent injunction enjoining the defendants from the conduct alleged in the complaint, interest, and attorneys' fees and costs.  No definitive trial date has yet been scheduled, but the Court indicates it is targeting either a February or June 2011 start date.

A number of purported class action price-fixing lawsuits have been filed against us and other DRAM suppliers.  Four cases have been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California asserting claims on behalf of a purported class of individuals and entities that indirectly purchased DRAM and/or products containing DRAM from various DRAM suppliers during the time period from April 1, 1999 through at least June 30, 2002.  The complaints allege price fixing in violation of federal antitrust laws and various state antitrust and unfair competition laws and seek treble monetary damages, restitution, costs, interest and attorneys' fees.  In addition, at least sixty-four cases have been filed in various state courts asserting claims on behalf of a purported class of indirect purchasers of DRAM.  In July 2006, the Attorneys General for approximately forty U.S. states and territories filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.  The complaints allege, among other things, violations of the Sherman Act, Cartwright Act, and certain other states' consumer protection and antitrust laws and seek joint and several damages, trebled, as well as injunctive and other relief.  On October 3, 2008, the California Attorney General filed a similar lawsuit in California Superior Court, purportedly on behalf of local California government entities, alleging, among other things, violations of the Cartwright Act and state unfair competition law.  On June 23, 2010, we executed a settlement agreement resolving these purported class-action indirect purchaser cases and the pending cases of the Attorneys General relating to alleged DRAM price-fixing in the United States.  Subject to certain conditions, including final court approval of the class settlements, we agreed to pay a total of approximately $67 million in three equal installments over a two-year period.

Three purported class action cases alleging price-fixing of DRAM products have been filed against us in the following Canadian courts:  Superior Court, District of Montreal, Province of Quebec; Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ontario; and Supreme Court of British Columbia, Vancouver Registry, British Columbia.  The substantive allegations in these cases are similar to those asserted in the DRAM antitrust cases filed in the United States.  Plaintiffs' motion for class certification was denied in the British Columbia and Quebec cases in May and June 2008, respectively.  Plaintiffs have filed an appeal of each of those decisions.  On November 12, 2009, the British Columbia Court of Appeal reversed the denial of class certification and remanded the case for further proceedings.  The appeal of the Quebec case is still pending.

On February 28, 2007, February 28, 2007 and March 8, 2007, cases were filed against us and other manufacturers of DRAM in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by All American Semiconductor, Inc., Jaco Electronics, Inc. and DRAM Claims Liquidation Trust, respectively, that opted-out of a direct purchaser class action suit that was settled.  The complaints allege, among other things, violations of federal and state antitrust and competition laws in the DRAM industry, and seek joint and several damages, trebled, as well as restitution, attorneys' fees, costs, and injunctive relief.

On June 21, 2010, the Brazil Secretariat of Economic Law of the Ministry of Justice ("SDE") announced that it had initiated an investigation relating to alleged anticompetitive activities within the DRAM industry.  The SDE's Notice of Investigation names various DRAM manufacturers and certain executives, including ours, and focuses on the period from July 1998 to June 2002.


 
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On September 24, 2010, Oracle America Inc. ("Oracle"), successor to Sun Microsystems, a DRAM purchaser that opted-out of a direct purchaser class action suit that was settled, filed suit against us in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.  The complaint alleges DRAM price-fixing and other violations of federal and state antitrust and unfair competition laws based on purported conduct for the period from August 1, 1998 through at least June 15, 2002.  Oracle is seeking joint and several damages, trebled, as well as restitution, disgorgement, attorneys' fees, costs and injunctive relief.

We are unable to predict the outcome of these lawsuits, except as noted above.  The final resolution of these alleged violations of antitrust laws could result in significant liability and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.


Patent Matters

On August 28, 2000, we filed a complaint against Rambus in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware seeking monetary damages and declaratory and injunctive relief.  Among other things, our complaint (as amended) alleges violation of federal antitrust laws, breach of contract, fraud, deceptive trade practices, and negligent misrepresentation.  The complaint also seeks a declaratory judgment (1) that we did not infringe on certain of Rambus' patents, are invalid, and/or are unenforceable, (2) that we have an implied license to those patents, and (3) that Rambus is estopped from enforcing those patents against us.  On February 15, 2001, Rambus filed an answer and counterclaim in Delaware denying that we are entitled to relief, alleging infringement of the eight Rambus patents (later amended to add four additional patents) named in our declaratory judgment claim, and seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.  In the Delaware action, we subsequently added claims and defenses based on Rambus' alleged spoliation of evidence and litigation misconduct.  The spoliation and litigation misconduct claims and defenses were heard in a bench trial before Judge Robinson in October 2007.  On January 9, 2009, Judge Robinson entered an opinion in favor of us holding that Rambus had engaged in spoliation and that the twelve Rambus patents in the suit were unenforceable against us.  Rambus subsequently appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  That appeal is pending.

A number of other suits involving Rambus are currently pending in Europe alleging that certain of our SDRAM and DDR SDRAM products infringe various of Rambus' country counterparts to its European patent 525 068, including: on September 1, 2000, Rambus filed suit against Micron Semiconductor (Deutschland) GmbH in the District Court of Mannheim, Germany; on September 22, 2000, Rambus filed a complaint against us and Reptronic (a distributor of our products) in the Court of First Instance of Paris, France; on September 29, 2000, we filed suit against Rambus in the Civil Court of Milan, Italy, alleging invalidity and non-infringement.  In addition, on December 29, 2000, we filed suit against Rambus in the Civil Court of Avezzano, Italy, alleging invalidity and non-infringement of the Italian counterpart to European patent 1 004 956.  Additionally, on August 14, 2001, Rambus filed suit against Micron Semiconductor (Deutschland) GmbH in the District Court of Mannheim, Germany alleging that certain of our DDR SDRAM products infringe Rambus' country counterparts to its European patent 1 022 642.  In the European suits against us, Rambus is seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.  Subsequent to the filing of the various European suits, the European Patent Office (the "EPO") declared Rambus' 525 068 and 1 004 956 European patents invalid and revoked the patents.  The declaration of invalidity with respect to the '068 patent was upheld on appeal.  The original claims of the '956 patent also were declared invalid on appeal, but the EPO ultimately granted a Rambus request to amend the claims by adding a number of limitations.

On January 13, 2006, Rambus filed a lawsuit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Rambus alleges that certain of our DDR2, DDR3, RLDRAM, and RLDRAM II products infringe as many as fourteen Rambus patents and seeks monetary damages, treble damages, and injunctive relief. The accused products account for a significant portion of our net sales.  On June 2, 2006, we filed an answer and counterclaim against Rambus alleging, among other things, antitrust and fraud claims.  On January 9, 2009, in another lawsuit involving us and Rambus and involving allegations by Rambus of patent infringement against us in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, Judge Robinson entered an opinion in favor of us holding that Rambus had engaged in spoliation and that the twelve Rambus patents in the suit were unenforceable against us.  Rambus subsequently appealed the Delaware Court's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  Subsequently, the Northern District of California Court stayed a trial of the patent phase of the Northern District of California case pending the outcome of the appeal of the Delaware Court's spoliation decision or further order of the California Court.


 
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On March 6, 2009, Panavision Imaging, LLC filed suit against us and Aptina Imaging Corporation, then our wholly-owned subsidiary ("Aptina"), in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.  The complaint alleges that certain of ours and Aptina's image sensor products infringe four Panavision Imaging U.S. patents and seeks injunctive relief, damages, attorneys' fees, and costs.

We are unable to predict the outcome of these suits.  A court determination that our products or manufacturing processes infringe the product or process intellectual property rights of others could result in significant liability and/or require us to make material changes to our products and/or manufacturing processes.  Any of the foregoing results could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.


Securities Matters

On February 24, 2006, a putative class action complaint was filed against us and certain of our officers in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho alleging claims under Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder.  Four substantially similar complaints subsequently were filed in the same Court.  The cases purport to be brought on behalf of a class of purchasers of our stock during the period February 24, 2001 to February 13, 2003.  The five lawsuits have been consolidated and a consolidated amended class action complaint was filed on July 24, 2006.  The complaint generally alleges violations of federal securities laws based on, among other things, claimed misstatements or omissions regarding alleged illegal price-fixing conduct or our operations and financial results.  The complaint seeks unspecified damages, interest, attorneys' fees, costs, and expenses.  On December 19, 2007, the Court issued an order certifying the class but reducing the class period to purchasers of our stock during the period from February 24, 2001 to September 18, 2002.  On August 24, 2010, we executed a settlement agreement resolving these purported class-action cases.  Subject to certain conditions, including final court approval of the class settlement, we agreed to pay $6 million as our contribution to the settlement.

(See "Item 1A. Risk Factors.")


 
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Item 1A.  Risk Factors

In addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, the following are important factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us.

We have experienced dramatic declines in average selling prices for our semiconductor memory products which have adversely affected our business.

For the first quarter of 2011, average selling prices of DRAM and NAND Flash products decreased 23% and 15%, respectively, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010.  For 2010 average selling prices of NAND products decreased 18% and average selling prices of DRAM products increased 28%.  The increase in average selling prices for DRAM products in 2010 was the first annual increase since 2004.  For 2009, average selling prices of DRAM and NAND Flash products decreased 52% and 56%, respectively, as compared to 2008.  For 2008, average selling prices of DRAM and NAND Flash products decreased 51% and 67%, respectively, as compared to 2007.  For 2007, average selling prices of DRAM and NAND Flash products decreased 23% and 56%, respectively, as compared to 2006.  In some prior periods, average selling prices for our memory products have been below our manufacturing costs.  If average selling prices for our memory products decrease faster than we can decrease per gigabit costs, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

We may be unable to reduce our per gigabit manufacturing costs at the rate average selling prices decline.

Our gross margins are dependent upon continuing decreases in per gigabit manufacturing costs achieved through improvements in our manufacturing processes, including reducing the die size of our existing products.  In future periods, we may be unable to reduce our per gigabit manufacturing costs at sufficient levels to improve or maintain gross margins.  Factors that may limit our ability to reduce costs include, but are not limited to, strategic product diversification decisions affecting product mix, the increasing complexity of manufacturing processes, technological barriers and changes in process technologies or products that inherently may require relatively larger die sizes.  Per gigabit manufacturing costs may also be affected by the relatively smaller production quantities and shorter product lifecycles of certain specialty memory products.

The semiconductor memory industry is highly competitive.

We face intense competition in the semiconductor memory market from a number of companies, including Elpida Memory, Inc.; Hynix Semiconductor Inc.; Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; SanDisk Corporation; Spansion Inc. and Toshiba Corporation.  Some of our competitors are large corporations or conglomerates that may have greater resources to withstand downturns in the semiconductor markets in which we compete, invest in technology and capitalize on growth opportunities.  Our competitors seek to increase silicon capacity, improve yields, reduce die size and minimize mask levels in their product designs.  The transitions to smaller line-width process technologies and 300mm wafers in the industry have resulted in significant increases in the worldwide supply of semiconductor memory.  Increases in worldwide supply of semiconductor memory also result from semiconductor memory fab capacity expansions, either by way of new facilities, increased capacity utilization or reallocation of other semiconductor production to semiconductor memory production.  As a result of improving conditions in the semiconductor memory market in recent periods, our competitors may increase capital expenditures resulting in future increases in worldwide supply.  Increases in worldwide supply of semiconductor memory, if not accompanied with commensurate increases in demand, would lead to further declines in average selling prices for our products and would materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

The downturn in the worldwide economy may harm our business.

The downturn in the worldwide economy had an adverse effect on our business.  A continuation or deterioration of depressed economic conditions could have an even greater adverse effect on our business.  Adverse economic conditions affect demand for devices that incorporate our products, such as personal computers and other computing and networking products, mobile devices, Flash memory cards and USB devices.  Reduced demand for our products could result in continued market oversupply and significant decreases in our average selling prices.  A continuation of current negative conditions in worldwide credit markets would limit our ability to obtain external financing to fund our operations and capital expenditures.  In addition, we may experience losses on our holdings of cash and investments due to failures of financial institutions and other parties.  Difficult economic conditions may also result in a higher rate of losses on our accounts receivables due to credit defaults.  As a result, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
 
 
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Our ownership interest in Inotera involves numerous risks.

Our 29.9% ownership interest in Inotera involves numerous risks including the following:

·  
we have experienced difficulties and delays in ramping production at Inotera on our technology and may continue to experience difficulties and delays in the future;

·  
we may experience continued difficulties in transferring technology to Inotera;

·  
Inotera's ability to meet its ongoing obligations;

·  
costs associated with manufacturing inefficiencies resulting from underutilized capacity;

·  
difficulties in obtaining high yield and throughput due to differences in Inotera's manufacturing processes from our other fabrication facilities;

·  
uncertainties around the timing and amount of wafer supply we will receive under the supply agreement; and

·  
obligations during the technology transition period to procure product based on a competitor's technology which may be difficult to sell and to provide support for such product, with respect to which we have limited technological understanding.

In connection with our ownership equity interest in Inotera, we have rights and obligations to purchase 50% of the wafer production of Inotera.  In the first quarter of 2011, we purchased $137 million of DRAM products from Inotera.

The Company has received correspondence from, and has been engaged in discussions with, Qimonda AG’s bankruptcy administrator (the “Administrator”) relating to Qimonda’s transfer to us of its Inotera shares.  The Administrator has stated his belief that the share transfer and related transactions are voidable and accordingly is seeking additional compensation relating to such transfer.  To date, we have been unable to resolve these issues.  The resolution of these issues could result in significant liability and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

An adverse outcome relating to allegations of anticompetitive conduct could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

On May 5, 2004, Rambus, Inc. ("Rambus") filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California (San Francisco County) against us and other DRAM suppliers alleging that the defendants harmed Rambus by engaging in concerted and unlawful efforts affecting Rambus DRAM ("RDRAM") by eliminating competition and stifling innovation in the market for computer memory technology and computer memory chips.  Rambus' complaint alleges various causes of action under California state law including, among other things, a conspiracy to restrict output and fix prices, a conspiracy to monopolize, intentional interference with prospective economic advantage, and unfair competition.  Rambus alleges that it is entitled to actual damages of more than a billion dollars and seeks joint and several liability, treble damages, punitive damages, a permanent injunction enjoining the defendants from the conduct alleged in the complaint, interest, and attorneys' fees and costs.  No definitive trial date has yet been scheduled, but the Court indicates it is targeting either a February or June 2011 start date.   (See "Item 1.  Legal Proceedings" for additional details on this case and other Rambus matters pending in the U.S. and Europe.)

On September 24, 2010, Oracle America Inc. ("Oracle"), successor to Sun Microsystems, a DRAM purchaser that opted-out of a direct purchaser class action suit that was settled, filed suit against us in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.  The complaint alleges DRAM price-fixing and other violations of federal and state antitrust and unfair competition laws based on purported conduct for the period from August 1, 1998 through at least June 15, 2002.  Oracle is seeking joint and several damages, trebled, as well as restitution, disgorgement, attorneys' fees, costs and injunctive relief.

We are unable to predict the outcome of these lawsuits.  An adverse court determination in any of these lawsuits alleging violations of antitrust laws could result in significant liability and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 
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We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or obtain access to external financing necessary to fund our operations and make adequate capital investments.

Our cash flows from operations depend primarily on the volume of semiconductor memory sold, average selling prices and per unit manufacturing costs.  To develop new product and process technologies, support future growth, achieve operating efficiencies and maintain product quality, we must make significant capital investments in manufacturing technology, facilities and capital equipment, research and development, and product and process technology.  We expect that capital spending will be approximately $2.4 billion to $2.9 billion for 2011.  The actual amount in 2011 will vary depending on funding participation by joint venture partners and market conditions.  As of December 2, 2010, we had cash and equivalents of $2,411 million, of which $866 million consisted of cash and investments of IM Flash and TECH that would generally not be available to finance our other operations.  In the past we have utilized external sources of financing when needed.  As a result of the downturn in general economic conditions, and the adverse conditions in the credit markets, it may be difficult to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flows or find other sources of financing to fund our operations; make adequate capital investments to remain competitive in terms of technology development and cost efficiency; or access capital markets.  Our inability to do the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our joint ventures and strategic partnerships involve numerous risks.

We have entered into partnering arrangements to manufacture products and develop new manufacturing process technologies and products.  These arrangements include our IM Flash NAND Flash joint ventures with Intel, our Inotera DRAM joint venture with Nanya, our TECH DRAM joint venture, our MP Mask joint venture with Photronics, our Transform joint venture with Origin Energy and our CMOS image sensor wafer supply agreement with Aptina.  These joint ventures and strategic partnerships are subject to various risks that could adversely affect the value of our investments and our results of operations.  These risks include the following:

·  
our interests could diverge from our partners in the future or we may not be able to agree with partners on ongoing manufacturing and operational activities, or on the amount, timing or nature of further investments in our joint venture;

·  
we may experience difficulties in transferring technology to joint ventures;

·  
we may experience difficulties and delays in ramping production at joint ventures;

·  
our control over the operations of our joint ventures is limited;

·  
recognition of our share of potential Inotera, Aptina and Transform losses in our results of operation;

·  
due to financial constraints, our partners may be unable to meet their commitments to us or our joint ventures and may pose credit risks for our transactions with them;

·  
due to differing business models or long-term business goals, our partners may decide not to join us in capital contributions to our joint ventures which may result in us increasing our capital contributions to such ventures, resulting in additional cash expenditures by us; for example, our contributions to IM Flash Singapore in 2010 and the first four months of 2011 totaled $128 million and $735 million, respectively, while Intel's contributions totaled $38 million and $0, respectively;

·  
the terms of our arrangements may turn out to be unfavorable;

·  
cash flows may be inadequate to fund increased capital requirements;

·  
these operations may be less cost-efficient as a result of underutilized capacity;

·  
changes in tax, legal or regulatory requirements may necessitate changes in the agreements with our partners; and

·  
political or economic instability may occur in the countries where our joint ventures and/or partners are located.

 
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If our joint ventures and strategic partnerships are unsuccessful, our business, results of operations or financial condition may be adversely affected.

An adverse determination that our products or manufacturing processes infringe the intellectual property rights of others could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

On January 13, 2006, Rambus filed a lawsuit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Rambus alleges that certain of our DDR2, DDR3, RLDRAM, and RLDRAM II products infringe as many as fourteen Rambus patents and seeks monetary damages, treble damages, and injunctive relief.  The accused products account for a significant portion of our net sales.  On June 2, 2006, we filed an answer and counterclaim against Rambus alleging, among other things, antitrust and fraud claims.  On January 9, 2009, in another lawsuit involving us and Rambus and involving allegations by Rambus of patent infringement against us in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, Judge Robinson entered an opinion in favor of us holding that Rambus had engaged in spoliation and that the twelve Rambus patents in the suit were unenforceable against us.  Rambus subsequently appealed the Delaware Court's decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  That appeal is pending.  Subsequently, the Northern District of California Court stayed a trial of the patent phase of the Northern District of California case pending the outcome of the appeal of the Delaware Court's spoliation decision or further order of the California Court.  (See "Item 1. Legal Proceedings" for additional details on this lawsuit and other Rambus matters pending in the U.S. and Europe.)

On March 6, 2009, Panavision Imaging LLC filed suit against us and Aptina Imaging Corporation, then a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.  The complaint alleges that certain of our and Aptina's image sensor products infringe four Panavision Imaging U.S. patents and seeks injunctive relief, damages, attorneys' fees, and costs.

We are unable to predict the outcome of assertions of infringement made against us.  A court determination that our products or manufacturing processes infringe the intellectual property rights of others could result in significant liability and/or require us to make material changes to our products and/or manufacturing processes.  Any of the foregoing results could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We have a number of patent and intellectual property license agreements.  Some of these license agreements require us to make one time or periodic payments.  We may need to obtain additional patent licenses or renew existing license agreements in the future.  We are unable to predict whether these license agreements can be obtained or renewed on acceptable terms.

Integration of our acquired Numonyx business may disrupt operations and result in significant costs.

The integration of our acquired Numonyx business is a complex, time-consuming and expensive process that, even with proper planning and implementation, could significantly disrupt the business of Numonyx and our other operations.  Realizing the anticipated benefits of the acquisition will depend in part on the timely integration of technology, operations, and personnel.  If we are unable to successfully integrate Numonyx with our operations in a timely manner our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.  The challenges involved in this integration include the following:

·  
combining product and service offerings;

·  
coordinating research and development activities to enhance the development and introduction of new products and services;

·  
preserving customer, supplier and other important relationships of both Micron and Numonyx and resolving potential conflicts that may arise;

·  
managing supply chains and product channels effectively during the period of combining operations;

·  
minimizing the diversion of management attention from ongoing business concerns;

·  
additional expenses associated with the acquisition and integration of Numonyx;

·  
retaining key employees;

 
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·  
managing new business structures; and

·  
coordinating and combining overseas operations, relationships and facilities, which may be subject to additional constraints imposed by geographic distance and local laws and regulations.

The inability to reach an acceptable agreement with our TECH joint venture partner regarding the future of TECH after its shareholders' agreement expires in April 2011 could have a significant adverse effect on our DRAM production and results of operation.

Since 1998, we have participated in TECH, a semiconductor memory manufacturing joint venture in Singapore among us, Canon Inc. ("Canon") and, until December 17, 2010, Hewlett-Packard Company Singapore (Private) Limited ("HP").  As of December 2, 2010, the ownership of TECH was held approximately 87% by us, approximately 10% by Canon and approximately 3% by HP.  In the first quarter of 2011, TECH accounted for 37% of our total DRAM wafer production.  The shareholders' agreement for TECH expires in April 2011.  On December 17, 2010, we acquired HP's interest in TECH for $38 million, which increased our ownership interest to 90%.  We are in discussions with Canon to acquire the remaining 10% interest in TECH.  Our inability to reach a resolution of this matter with Canon prior to April 2011 would, per the terms of the shareholders' agreement, result in the sale of TECH's assets and dissolution of TECH.  The sale of TECH's assets pursuant to the terms of the shareholders' agreement may have a significant adverse impact on our DRAM production and results of operation.  As of December 2, 2010, the carrying value of TECH's net assets was $1.3 billion and in the event of dissolution, our loss could be a significant portion of this amount.  In addition, our inability to reach a resolution with Canon prior to April 2011 could require repayment of TECH's credit facility ($299 million outstanding as of December 2, 2010).

Products that fail to meet specifications, are defective or that are otherwise incompatible with end uses could impose significant costs on us.

Products that do not meet specifications or that contain, or are perceived by our customers to contain, defects or that are otherwise incompatible with end uses could impose significant costs on us or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Because the design and production process for semiconductor memory is highly complex, it is possible that we may produce products that do not comply with customer specifications, contain defects or are otherwise incompatible with end uses.  If, despite design review, quality control and product qualification procedures, problems with nonconforming, defective or incompatible products occur after we have shipped such products, we could be adversely affected in several ways, including the following:

·  
we may be required to replace product or otherwise compensate customers for costs incurred or damages caused by defective or incompatible product, and

·  
we may encounter adverse publicity, which could cause a decrease in sales of our products.
 
We may make future acquisitions and alliances, which involve numerous risks.

Acquisitions and the formation of alliances, such as joint ventures and other partnering arrangements, involve numerous risks including the following:

·  
difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies and products of acquired or newly formed entities;

·  
increasing capital expenditures to upgrade and maintain facilities;

·  
increasing debt to finance an acquisition or formation of a new business;

·  
diverting management's attention from normal daily operations;

·  
managing larger or more complex operations and facilities and employees in separate and diverse geographic areas; and

·  
hiring and retaining key employees.

 
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Acquisitions of, or alliances with, high-technology companies are inherently risky, and future transactions may not be successful and may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

New product development may be unsuccessful.

We are developing new products that complement our traditional memory products or leverage their underlying design or process technology.  We have made significant investments in product and process technologies and anticipate expending significant resources for new semiconductor product development over the next several years.  The process to develop DRAM, NAND Flash, NOR Flash and certain specialty memory products requires us to demonstrate advanced functionality and performance, many times well in advance of a planned ramp of production, in order to secure design wins with our customers.  There can be no assurance that our product development efforts will be successful, that we will be able to cost-effectively manufacture new products, that we will be able to successfully market these products or that margins generated from sales of these products will allow us to recover costs of development efforts.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
Across our multi-national operations, there are transactions and balances denominated in other currencies, primarily the Singapore dollar, euro and yen.  We recorded net losses from changes in currency exchange rates of $7 million for the first quarter of 2011 and $23 million for 2010.  To the extent our assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar as of December 2, 2010 are not hedged, we estimate that a 1% change in the exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar would expose us to foreign currency gains or losses of approximately U.S. $2 million for the yen and the euro and U.S. $1 million for the Singapore dollar.  In the event that the U.S. dollar weakens significantly compared to the Singapore dollar, euro and yen, our results of operations or financial condition may be adversely affected.

The limited availability certain raw materials or capital equipment could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Our operations require raw materials that meet exacting standards.  We generally have multiple sources of supply for our raw materials.  However, only a limited number of suppliers are capable of delivering certain raw materials that meet our standards.  In some cases, materials are provided by a single supplier.  Various factors could reduce the availability of raw materials such as silicon wafers, photomasks, chemicals, gases, lead frames and molding compound.  Shortages may occur from time to time in the future.  In addition, disruptions in transportation lines could delay our receipt of raw materials.  Lead times for the supply of raw materials have been extended in the past.  If our supply of raw materials is disrupted or our lead times extended, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Our operations are dependent on our ability to procure advanced semiconductor equipment that enables the transition to lower cost manufacturing processes.  For certain key types of equipment, including photolithography tools, we are dependent on a single supplier.  In recent periods we have experienced difficulties in obtaining some equipment on a timely basis due to the supplier's limited capacity.  Our inability to obtain this equipment timely could adversely affect our ability to transition to next generation manufacturing processes and reduce costs.  Delays in obtaining equipment could also impede our ability to ramp production at new facilities and increase our overall costs of the ramp.  If we are unable to obtain advanced semiconductor equipment timely, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.


 
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We may incur losses in connection with our guarantee of Hynix-Numonyx Semiconductor Ltd. debt.

In connection with our acquisition of Numonyx on May 7, 2010, we acquired a 20.7% noncontrolling equity interest in Hynix-Numonyx Semiconductor Ltd. (the "Hynix JV"), a joint venture with Hynix Semiconductor, Inc. ("Hynix") and Hynix Semiconductor (WUXI) Limited.  The change in control of Numonyx gave Hynix the right to purchase all of our equity interests in the Hynix JV, and Hynix completed the acquisition of our interest on August 31, 2010.  Concurrent with our acquisition of Numonyx, we entered into agreements with STMicroelectronics N.V. and DBS Bank Ltd. ("DBS") that require us to guarantee an outstanding $250 million loan, due in periodic installments from 2014 through 2016, made by DBS to the Hynix JV.  Pursuant to the agreements, on August 31, 2010, we deposited $250 million of proceeds from the sale of our interest in the Hynix JV into a pledged account at DBS to collateralize our obligations under the guarantee of the loan.  The amount on deposit in the DBS account is accounted for as restricted cash on our balance sheet.  The amount on deposit and our guarantee decrease as payments are made by the Hynix JV against the loan.  There can be no assurance that the Hynix JV will not default under such loan.

We may incur additional material restructure charges in future periods.

In response to a severe downturn in the semiconductor memory industry and global economic conditions, we implemented restructure initiatives that resulted in net charges of $70 million in 2009 and $33 million in 2008.  We may need to implement further restructure initiatives in future periods.  As a result of these initiatives, we could incur restructure charges, lose production output, lose key personnel and experience disruptions in our operations and difficulties in delivering products timely.

We face risks associated with our international sales and operations that could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Sales to customers outside the United States approximated 84% of our consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2011.  In addition, a substantial portion of our manufacturing operations are located outside the United States.  In particular, a significant portion of our manufacturing operations are concentrated in Singapore.  Our international sales and operations are subject to a variety of risks, including:

·  
currency exchange rate fluctuations;

·  
export and import duties, changes to import and export regulations, and restrictions on the transfer of funds;

·  
political and economic instability;

·  
problems with the transportation or delivery of our products;

·  
issues arising from cultural or language differences and labor unrest;

·  
longer payment cycles and greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;

·  
compliance with trade, technical standards and other laws in a variety of jurisdictions;

·  
disruptions to our manufacturing operations as a result of actions imposed by foreign governments;

·  
changes in economic policies of foreign governments; and

·  
difficulties in staffing and managing international operations.

These factors may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.


 
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Our net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards may be limited.

We have a valuation allowance against substantially all U.S. net deferred tax assets.  As of September 2, 2010, our federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards were $2.4 billion, $2.0 billion and $290 million, respectively.  If not utilized, substantially all of our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in 2022 to 2029 and the foreign net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2015.  As of September 2, 2010, our federal and state tax credit carryforwards were $188 million and $204 million respectively.  If not utilized, substantially all of our federal and state tax credit carryforwards will expire in 2013 to 2030.  As a consequence of prior business acquisitions, utilization of the tax benefits for some of the tax carryforwards is subject to limitations imposed by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and some portion or all of these carryforwards may not be available to offset any future taxable income.  The determination of the limitations is complex and requires significant judgment and analysis of past transactions.

If our manufacturing process is disrupted, our business, results of operations or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

We manufacture products using highly complex processes that require technologically advanced equipment and continuous modification to improve yields and performance.  Difficulties in the manufacturing process or the effects from a shift in product mix can reduce yields or disrupt production and may increase our per gigabit manufacturing costs.  Additionally, our control over operations at our IM Flash, TECH, Inotera, MP Mask and Transform joint ventures is limited by our agreements with our partners.  From time to time, we have experienced disruptions in our manufacturing process as a result of power outages, improperly functioning equipment and equipment failures.  If production at a fabrication facility is disrupted for any reason, manufacturing yields may be adversely affected or we may be unable to meet our customers' requirements and they may purchase products from other suppliers.  This could result in a significant increase in manufacturing costs or loss of revenues or damage to customer relationships, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Consolidation of industry participants and governmental assistance to some of our competitors may contribute to uncertainty in the semiconductor memory industry and negatively impact our ability to compete.

In recent years, supply of memory products has significantly exceeded customer demand resulting in significant declines in average selling prices of DRAM, NAND Flash and NOR Flash products and substantial operating losses by us and our competitors.  The operating losses as well as limited access to sources of financing have led to the deterioration in the financial condition of a number of industry participants.  Some of our competitors may try to enhance their capacity and lower their cost structure through consolidation.  Consolidation of industry competitors could put us at a competitive disadvantage.  In addition, some governments have provided, or are considering providing, significant financial assistance to some of our competitors.


Item 2.  Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities, Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the first quarter of 2011, we acquired, as payment of withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, 979,635 shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $7.41.  We retired these shares in the first quarter of 2011.

Period
 
(a) Total number of shares purchased
   
(b) Average price paid per share
   
(c) Total number of shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
   
(d) Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares (or units) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
 
                         
September 3, 2010      –    October 7, 2010
    348,014     $ 7.15       N/A       N/A  
October 8, 2010          –    November 4, 2010
    577,479       7.52       N/A       N/A  
November 5, 2010      –    December 2, 2010
    54,142       7.85       N/A       N/A  
      979,635       7.41                  



 
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Item 6.  Exhibits

 
 
Exhibit
   
 
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
       
 
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (1)
 
3.2
 
Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended (2)
 
4.1
 
Indenture, dated November 3, 2010, by and between Micron Technology, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (3)
 
4.2
 
Form of New Note (included in Exhibit 4.1 hereto) (3)
 
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
________________
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2001
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2009
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 3, 2010


 
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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.


 
Micron Technology, Inc.                                                                 
 
(Registrant)
   
   
Date:  January 11, 2011
/s/ Ronald C. Foster                                                                
 
Ronald C. Foster
Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 

 
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