10-K 1 sigma_10k-020213.htm FORM 10-K sigma_10k-020213.htm


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

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
 
x
Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended: February 2, 2013

OR

 
¨
Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     
    For the transition period from              to
 
Commission File Number 001-32207

SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

California
94-2848099
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
   
1778 McCarthy Boulevard Milpitas, California
95035
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (408) 262-9003
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  ¨    No  x

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x
 
 
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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 definition of “large accelerated filer”, "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  o     Accelerated filer  x      Non-accelerated filer  o      Smaller reporting company  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes  o    No  x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock, no par value, held by non-affiliates of the registrant on July 28, 2012, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $190,657,501 based on the closing sale price of $6.74 per share on that date.  Shares of common stock held by each executive officer, director and shareholder known by the registrant to own 10% or more of the registrant’s outstanding common stock based on Schedule 13G or 13D filings and other information known to the registrant, have been excluded because such persons may be deemed to be affiliates.  This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

There were 34,130,813 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding on April 9, 2013.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III incorporates by reference information from the registrant’s proxy statement or as an amendment to this Form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K.


 
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Sigma Designs, Inc.
2013 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Page No
   
PART I
 
Item 1.
Business
5
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
14
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
26
Item 2.
Properties
26
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
26
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
26
   
PART II
 
Item 5.
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
27
Item 6.
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
28
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
29
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
47
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
48
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
81
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
81
Item 9B.
Other Matters
81
   
PART III
 
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance
82
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
82
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
82
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
82
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
82
   
PART IV
 
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
83
   
Signatures
84
 
 
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Throughout this report, we refer to Sigma Designs, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, as “we,” “us,” “our” or “Sigma.”

This Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2013 contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

 
anticipated trends and challenges in our business and the markets in which we operate;

 
our expectations regarding our expenses and international sales;
 
 
plans for future products and services and for enhancements of existing products and services;

 
our research and development;

 
our ability to attract and retain employees;

 
our anticipated cash needs and our estimates regarding our capital requirements and our needs for additional financing;
 
 
our anticipated growth strategies;

 
our intellectual property;

 
our ability to attract customers; and

 
sources of new revenue.
 
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan,” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We discuss many of these risks in this Form 10-K in greater detail under the heading “Risk Factors.” Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this Form 10-K. Unless required by U.S. federal securities laws, we do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the statement is made.

You should read this Form 10-K and the documents that we reference in this Form 10-K completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
 
 
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PART I
 
ITEM 1.               BUSINESS

Overview

Our goal is to be a leader in intelligent media platforms for use in home entertainment and control. We focus on integrated system-on-chip, or SoC, solutions that serve as the foundation for some of the world’s leading consumer products, including televisions, set-top boxes, and video networking products. All of our primary products are semiconductors that are targeted toward end-product manufacturers, Original Equipment Manufacturers, or OEMs and Original Design Manufacturers, or ODMs. We sell our products into six primary markets which are the Digital Television, or DTV, market, home networking market, internet protocol television, or IPTV, media processor market, home control and energy management market, prosumer and industrial audio/video market, and the connected media player market. We derive a minor portion of our revenue from other products and services, including technology licenses, software development kits, engineering support services for hardware and software, engineering development for customization of chipsets and other accessories. 

Products

Media Processor SoCs

Our media processor SoC product line consists of a range of functionally similar platforms that are based on highly integrated chips, embedded software, and hardware reference designs. These highly integrated chips typically include all the functions required to create a complete system solution with only the addition of memory. The integrated functions include applications processing (CPU), graphics processing (GPU), media processing (audio and video decoding/encoding), display processing, security management, memory control, and peripheral interfaces. Our embedded software suite provides an operating environment and coordinates the real-time processing of digital video and audio content, is readily customizable by our customers and is interoperable with multiple standard operating systems. Our reference system designs provide a hardware implementation of the circuit board, access to our embedded software suite, and sometimes provide a prototypical end-use product example for customer evaluation and use. We believe our SoC products deliver industry-leading performance in video decoding, picture quality, and software breadth and this value proposition is why manufacturers select Sigma products.

Our SoCs are generally configured for a specific market, either digital television (DTV) or set-top box (STB), the latter of which includes related products such as connected media players. The primary difference between these devices is the interfaces they support. SoCs created for the DTV market obtain inputs from HDMI and analog video and provide outputs to flat panel interfaces. SoCs created for the STB market obtain inputs from Ethernet and other broadcast interfaces and provide output to HDMI and analog video. Core components are therefore shared across these products while their configured hardware/software platforms and support are offered separately.
 
Home Networking Controllers

Our home networking product line consists of wired home networking controller chipsets that are designed to provide connectivity solutions between various home entertainment products and incoming video streams. We believe these connectivity solutions provide consumers additional connection choices with greater flexibility and allow system integrators and service providers an opportunity to reduce their time and cost of home networking installations. Our home networking solutions are based on the HomePNA (HPNA), HomePlug AV (HPAV), and G.hn standards.  HPNA and HPAV are two of the current leading technology standards used for transferring internet protocol, or IP, content across coaxial cables, phone lines and power lines. G.hn is the next generation ITU standard ratified in 2011 to create a unified global standard across coaxial cables, phone lines and power lines. Products based on these technologies enable service providers such as telecommunication carriers, cable operators and satellite providers to deliver high definition television services (HDTV) and other media-rich applications throughout the home. To date, we have not generated significant revenue from our products based on HPAV or G.hn technologies.

Home Control and Energy Management Automation

Our home control and energy management automation product line consists of our wireless Z-Wave chipsets and modules. These devices enable consumers to enjoy advanced home control and energy management automation functionality, such as home security, environmental and energy control and monitoring, within both new and existing homes. These devices consist of wireless transceiver devices along with a mesh networking protocol. Our Z-Wave chipsets utilize a low-bitrate, low-power, low-cost RF communication technology that provides an interoperable home networking security, monitoring and automation solution. We derive most of our revenues from these devices in the form of a module, which includes a chipset plus additional circuitry and an antenna and provides our customers with a ready to use communications capability. Our Z-Wave chipsets and the protocol they use to communicate commands have been built into an ecosystem of over 780 certified products, mostly intelligent appliances for use within the home.
 
 
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Other Products

We also offer certain legacy products that are sold into prosumer and other industrial applications. These products include our VXP brand video image processor chipsets and our video encoder chipsets. Our VXP chipsets are standalone high performance semiconductors that provide studio-quality video output or input for professional, prosumer and consumer applications and address applications including audio/video receivers, broadcast studios, digital cinema, digital signage, front-projection home theatre televisions, HDTV, medical imaging and video conferencing systems. Our video encoder chipsets are designed to capture video for visual telephony between set-top boxes, connected media players, VoIP devices, video conferencing TVs and video surveillance devices. These products account for a minor portion of our revenue.

Target Markets

Digital Television Market

We target the digital television market with our media processor SoC products. Specifically, we are focused on providing leading edge solutions for next generation Internet-enabled digital televisions or “SmartTV”. These solutions include our enhanced picture quality, our frame-rate conversion chips, and our Internet-access software suite. We believe the SmartTV market will continue its strong growth and over time, incorporate much of the set-top box functionality. Additionally, we also sell selected legacy products into older television applications, such as analog TV and PC/TV products.

Home Networking Market

The home networking market consists of communication devices that use a standard protocol to connect equipment inside the home and stream IP-based video and audio, VoIP or data through wired connectivity.  Our home networking products are currently used in IPTV set-top boxes as well as residential gateways, optical network terminals, multiple-dwelling unit, or MDU, masters and network adapters by leading OEMs, such as Actiontec, Cisco Systems, Pace and Motorola.  Set-top boxes containing our home networking products are deployed globally, primarily in North America, by telecommunications carriers, such as AT&T, Bell Aliant, Bell Canada, Century Link and Telus.  To date, we have not generated significant revenue from our products based on HPAV or G.hn technologies.

IPTV Media Processor Market

The IPTV media processor market consists primarily of telecommunication carriers that deploy IPTV set-top boxes for delivering video services over a DSL network.  We serve this market primarily with our media processor products.  We are a leading provider of high definition digital media processors for set-top boxes in the IPTV media processor market in terms of units shipped.  Our media processor products are used by leading IPTV set-top box providers, such as Cisco Systems, Motorola, Netgem and Samsung.  IPTV set-top boxes incorporating our media processors are deployed by telecommunications carriers globally including carriers in Asia, Europe and North America, such as AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, NTT and SFR.  We work with these carriers and set-top box providers as well as with systems software providers, such as Microsoft and various Android and Linux providers, to design solutions that address carriers' specific requirements regarding features and performance.  In connection with our efforts to expand our IPTV media processor market, we have development projects underway to address the hybrid set-top box opportunities that result from combining IPTV with cable and terrestrial broadcast reception.

Home Control and Energy Management Market

The home control and energy management market consists of communication devices that use a standard protocol to connect equipment inside the home through wireless connectivity.  Our wireless Z-Wave home control and energy management automation products are used in a wide variety of consumer products such as thermostats, light switches and door locks.  These consumer products are designed by leading industry participants such as Danfoss, Ingersoll-Rand (Schlage and Trane), Leviton and Copper Wiring.  

Connected Media Player Market

We target the connected media player (CMP) market with our media processor SoC products. The connected media player market consists primarily of digital media adapters, or DMAs, portable media devices and wireless display devices that perform playback of digital media. Our media processor SoCs are used by consumer electronics providers, such as Iomega, Netgear and Western Digital in applications such as DMAs and other connected media player devices.
 
 
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Prosumer and Industrial Audio/Video Market

The prosumer and industrial audio/video market consists of studio quality audio/video receivers and monitors, video conferencing, digital projectors and medical video monitors.  We target this market with our video image processor and video encoder product lines.  Our VXP video image processor products are one of the leading solutions for studio-quality video image processing and are used by leading industry participants, such as Harris, Panasonic, Polycom and Sony.  Our video encoder products are used in security and video conferencing systems.
 
Other Markets

We derive a minor portion of our revenue from other products and services, including technology licenses, software development kits, engineering support services for hardware and software, engineering development for customization of chipsets and other accessories.

Characteristics of Our Business

We do not enter into long-term commitment contracts with our customers and generate substantially all of our net revenue based on customer purchase orders. We forecast demand for our products based not only on our assessment of the requirements of our direct customers, but also on the anticipated requirements of the telecommunications carriers that our direct customers serve. We work with both our direct customers and these carriers to address the market demands and the necessary specifications for our technologies. However, our failure to accurately forecast demand can lead to product shortages that can impede production by our customers and harm our relationship with these customers or lead to excess inventory, which could negatively impact our gross margins in a particular period. During the fiscal years ended February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, we recorded provisions for excess inventory of $7.1 million and $9.0 million, respectively, primarily as a result of the end of life of certain products.
 
Our business is substantially dependent upon being designed into set-top boxes of large telecommunications carriers. If we are not designed into a particular generation of set-top boxes for our large target end customers, our operating results can be materially and adversely affected. We must spend a considerable amount of resources to compete for these design wins and the failure to obtain a design win for a particular generation of set-top boxes, and in particular for our large target end customers, means we likely would not recover a substantial portion of our expenses in competing for these design wins. However, if we do obtain these design wins, it is often the case that our end customer and direct customer will continue to incorporate our chipset solutions for that generation of set-top boxes. The set-top box industry is cyclical due to product transitions from generation to generation. Each generation typically incorporates emerging technologies, and so we must expend a considerable amount of research and development resources in order to compete in each of these cycles. Our failure to obtain a design win in a particular generation does not mean we necessarily will be unable to obtain a design win in the next generation. For example, our sales in the IPTV media processor market decreased in the past four fiscal quarters as a result of our inability to obtain certain design wins for our last generation of chipset solutions. However, we are in the process of competing for the next generation of set-top boxes, and we believe our chipset solutions contain features and prices that compete favorably with competitive offerings.

Many of our target markets are characterized by intense price competition. The semiconductor industry is highly competitive and, as a result, we expect our average selling prices to decline over time. On occasion, we have reduced our prices for individual customer volume orders as part of our strategy to obtain a competitive position in our target markets. The willingness of customers to design our chipsets into their products depends to a significant extent upon our ability to sell our products at competitive prices.  If we are unable to reduce our costs sufficiently to offset any declines in product selling prices or are unable to introduce more advanced products with higher gross margins in a timely manner, we could see declines in our market share or gross margins.  We expect our gross margins will vary from period to period due to changes in our average selling prices and average costs, volume order discounts, mix of product sales, amount of development revenue and provisions for inventory excess and obsolescence.

Our business is subject to seasonality as a result of selling a number of our semiconductor products to customers who manufacture products for the consumer electronics market.  We expect to experience lower sales in our first and/or fourth fiscal quarters and higher sales in our second and/or third fiscal quarters as a result of the seasonality of demand associated with the consumer electronics markets.  For example, we expect that our DTV business may experience seasonality typical of the consumer electronics markets, resulting in slower DTV sales in the first and fourth quarter of each calendar year and strongest DTV sales in the third calendar quarter.  As a result of the seasonality in our business, our operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter.

Industry Background

The growth of the internet, proliferation of over-the-top content, advances in communications infrastructure, digital video and audio compression technologies, home networking technologies and improvements in television displays have resulted in significant demand for products in the markets that we primarily target.

Consumer multimedia entertainment applications are increasingly requiring video and audio data to be processed, transmitted, stored and displayed in an efficient and secure manner while simultaneously maintaining high resolution, multi-channel audio/video functionality and providing the end-user a variety of interactive options.  In order to provide this increased functionality in a cost-effective manner, manufacturers of consumer electronics demand semiconductors that integrate more features on a single chip as well as reduce their costs, time-to-market and power consumption.  A challenge to manufacturers of digital media processors is to balance the integration of more functionality with lower costs and shorter development cycles.
 
 
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The IPTV media processor market is primarily driven by video service providers, such as telecommunication service providers, who utilize video servers and set-top boxes to deliver television services based on streaming video over broadband connections using IP.  IPTV has become an important consumer multimedia application as it allows telecommunications carriers to deliver advanced video services to consumers using existing telecommunications infrastructure.  These carriers are actively pursuing the deployment of IPTV because it enables them to offer attractive video, voice and data, or triple play, services and increase their revenue per subscriber.  A challenge faced in delivering high-quality video content to end users across existing copper-based telecommunications infrastructure is the limited data carrying capacity of the existing wiring.  This challenge can be addressed by advanced video compression technologies along with advanced high-speed communication technologies, which together can overcome the capacity limitation to allow the delivery of high definition video service throughout the home.  IPTV set-top boxes currently use one of three platforms based on software developed by Microsoft or various Android or Linux providers, each of which offers certain advantages and disadvantages.

In the home control and energy management market, devices are involved in routing digital entertainment streams to ensure that television service and other shared media resources are accessible throughout the home.  Currently, the vast majority of home video networking uses wired connections to distribute entertainment streams under one of the many networking standards that exist.  As consumers begin to demand more from their viewing experience, we believe the ability to deliver these technologies within the home will be critical to a successful solution.  Home control products enable remote control and monitoring of a wide variety of home appliances, such as thermostats, lighting and door locks.  Much of the early adoption for home control and energy management products has been driven by installations in new home construction.  We believe potential deployment by an increasing number of larger system integrators and service providers in the future could drive a cycle of broader adoption.  Low frequency, low power solutions can offer consumers cost efficient ways to monitor and conserve energy usage, protect homes from theft and damage and improve the convenience of performing certain household activities.  For example, Verizon recently began offering home control and energy management services to their customers.  As a result of the benefits that low power and low frequency can provide, the International Telecommunication Union, or ITU, has developed a new sub 1GHz narrow band wireless standard.

In the connected media player market, devices primarily function as a connection between internet content and televisions and other video displays.  As a result, there are many new form-factors and device types that are being introduced, such as IP streaming players, direct or network attached storage players, WiDi and WiFi Direct devices, and combination players.  The primary differentiation among these devices is the software content that consumers can access.  As a result, industry analysts project the overall market for this class of devices is expanding.

In the prosumer and industrial audio/video market, demand for improved video image processing continues to gradually increase from both industrial customers and consumers focused on high-end products, or prosumers.  As a result, we believe standalone and integrated video image processors are likely to be incorporated into an increasing number of video-centric products over time.
 
Our Strengths
 
We have developed or acquired core technologies, expertise and capabilities that we believe are necessary to provide a comprehensive chipset solution or platform that includes media processing, communications and control.  We believe we have the following key strengths:

 
Differentiable value with our DTV technology. We provide our customers with a broad and rich portfolio of IP.  Our set of core technologies coupled with the convergence of OTT services and broadcasting provides us an opportunity to be a leading vendor of Smart TV solutions. Our experience in IPTV and software development creates a unique combination of cloud-based application delivery while providing industry leading picture quality, mature video processing, frame rate conversion and market leading demodulator technology.

 
Strong Position within IPTV Market.  We are a leading provider of digital media processors for set-top boxes in the IPTV market in terms of units shipped.  We have built this position, in part, by being one of the first media processing semiconductor providers to work extensively with IPTV set-top box manufacturers, including Microsoft’s Mediaroom ecosystem, as well as telecommunications carriers to design solutions that address their specific feature and performance requirements.  Additionally, we deliver some of the leading IPTV connectivity solutions for set-top boxes and residential gateways.  Through these experiences, we have gained valuable insight into the challenges of our customers and carriers and have gained visibility into their product development plans.  As a result, we believe we are able to provide our customers with a stable and reliable source of field-proven solutions.
 
 
Highly Integrated Chipsets Leveraged Across Multiple Consumer Applications.  We have developed a proprietary chipset architecture that allows us to integrate high-performance digital video and audio decoding, graphics processing, security management and home audio/video networking and advanced image processing.  Our chipsets can replace a number of single function semiconductors, which can significantly improve performance, lower power consumption and reduce total system cost to our customers.  Furthermore, all of these functions can be performed synchronously at high processing speeds.  Our ability to integrate these multiple functions into a single, high-speed semiconductor allows us to address many different consumer multimedia entertainment applications with the same hardware platform.
 
 
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Differentiated Software Development Capabilities.  As a result of over 15 years of experience in delivering video and audio solutions, we have developed expertise in real-time software that synchronizes and controls the playback of video and audio from a variety of sources.  This software translates the complex silicon architecture of our chipsets into a much simpler application programming interface.  Using this interface, our customers are able to design their products under industry standard operating systems, enabling them to customize our solutions and reduce their time to market.  The majority of our engineering personnel are dedicated to software development.

 
Multi-Standard Functionality.  We design our chipsets to support multiple industry standards that are used across most consumer entertainment applications.  For example, there are over a dozen different video and audio standards used in current consumer applications, including video standards such as H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, MPEG-1 and WMV9, and audio standards such as Dolby, DTS and MP3.  Beyond this, there are a range of digital rights management security standards such as AES, RSA and MSDRM.  Additionally, there are three primary operating systems, Android, Linux and Microsoft Windows CE, each of which has its own middleware standards.
 
 
Breadth and Depth of Relationships within the Set-top Box Industry and Service Providers.  In order to provide a complete system-level solution for the IPTV market, we have developed strong relationships with industry leaders that form the ecosystem required to deliver an end-to-end solution, from content creation to content display.  The IPTV ecosystem consists of providers of middleware, encoders and security solutions.  For middleware, server software must be successfully integrated into our products to provide effective system solutions for the service providers.  For security solutions, there are also a range of providers, including Microsoft and Nagra.  Our strong position in the IPTV market has enabled us to develop and maintain relationships with these providers and offer solutions that are interoperable with their products.

 
Z-Wave Standardization and Ecosystem.  Our Z-Wave technology provides system integrators access to over 600 products complying with the same standard and with guaranteed interoperability which we believe creates an attractive ecosystem.  This makes our Z-Wave technology unique in the home control and energy management market, and a prime candidate to be selected by new service providers entering this emerging space.  Because the International Telecommunication Union, or ITU, has developed a new sub 1GHz narrow band wireless standard which is largely based on Z-Wave technology and defines backwards compatibility to the Z-Wave standard, and because of the large ecosystem of products based on the Z-Wave standard, we believe our Z-Wave products will be one of the preferred solutions for telecommunication and multi-service operators.
 
Our Strategy
 
Our objective is to be the leading provider of chipsets used to deliver entertainment and control throughout the home.  To achieve this objective, we expect to continue to pursue the following strategies:
 
 
Strengthen our Leadership Position in the IPTV Media Processor Market.  We have achieved a significant share in the IPTV media processor market by providing our customers with highly integrated digital media processor chipsets.  In addition, our solutions work effectively across different platforms and standards in this market.  We intend to provide the most compelling integrated digital media processing solutions to our customers and support multiple standards in this end market in order to grow our market share in the IPTV market.

 
Enhance our Software Advantage.  We believe our software provides a suite of capabilities that offer differentiated advantages from our competitors.  Our software is integrated and embedded into our customers' products during their product design stage.  As a result, once we are designed into our customers' product, we believe it is difficult for our competitors to displace us.  We intend to leverage our software development capabilities and continue to invest significant resources in developing additional expertise in the area of high-performance software development, over-the-top video delivery software, and customer support.
 
 
Increase Penetration in Digital TV Market.  Through our acquisition of Trident’s DTV business, we have obtained a position in the digital television market, specifically targeting the new generation of SmartTVs.  We are also focusing development efforts on the next generation 4K x 2k technology for televisions.  Our chipsets incorporate both hardware and software elements that enable SmartTV features and content access, while at the same time, managing all of the routine television functions. We believe our product line is differentiated by the hardware technologies such as frame-rate-conversion as well as sophisticated software such as Internet connectivity and web portal access.

 
Expand our position in the Home Networking Market. We have developed unified broadband home networking technology under the G.hn standard.  We plan to use this technology to further expand our position in the home networking market.  This market is fragmented into multiple standards, and we believe G.hn provides a way of unifying the demand in this market under a single standard encompassing all wired transmission media (coaxial cable, phone line and power line) in the home.  We believe that G.hn will meet or exceed performance requirements for higher throughput, reliability and robustness for next generation of networked products.  We also intend to expand our market position with our Z-Wave technology to include energy management automation and value-added services from telecommunication operators, such as home monitoring, home security and remote access and control and remote health management.
 
 
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Leverage Existing Relationships.  We have developed relationships within standards and platform defining entities like Google and Microsoft, which enable us to win new customers effectively.  We also have strong customer relationships with many IPTV set-top box and connected media player designers and consumer device manufacturers.  We also work closely with telecommunications carriers to understand their needs in advance of our customer’s product development cycle.  We intend to leverage our existing position with our partners and customers to identify and secure new market opportunities.
 
Our Products
 
We offer the following categories of chipset solutions:

Media processors

 
Media processor chipsets. Our broad range of media processor chipsets and development platforms are designed to provide comprehensive solutions to our customers primarily for application in IPTV and hybrid set-top boxes and connected media players.  For IPTV and hybrid set-top boxes applications, we offer platforms tailored for Microsoft’s Mediaroom, as well as various other Linux and Android based middleware solutions.  For digital televisions, we provide an alternative set of input/output interfaces and software to tailor our chips for SmartTV use.  We offer platforms that are tailored for specific applications and that are optimized for performance, low-power, or features.  We are constantly evolving our software suite to increase our breadth of application support and over-the-top content delivery capabilities.  Within our media processor chipset products we have value-line and premium offerings to enable our customers to select between performance, features and price.
  
Home networking products
 
 
HomePNA chipsets.  Our HomePNA chipsets provide in-home connectivity capabilities over existing telephone wires or TV coax cables for residential gateways, multiple dwelling unit gateways and IPTV set-top boxes. Our Home PNA chipsets comply with the ITU G.9954 standard to support distribution of multimedia content throughout the home. It can coexist with broadband and narrowband services, such as DSL, television or telephone, on the same wire, and delivers high Quality of Service, or QoS.
 
 
HomePlug AV chipsets.  Our HomePlug AV chipsets provide connectivity over existing powerline wiring, supporting AES encryption, high QoS and remote management and diagnostic capabilities.  In addition, we offer versions optimized for low power and low footprint implementations.  All our HomePlug AV chipsets employ MIMO technology that utilizes all three power wires (phase, neutral and ground) to extend coverage and provide higher noise immunity. To date, we have not generated significant revenue from our HPAV chipsets.

 
G.hn chipsets.  Our G.hn chipset is compliant with ITU G.9960/61 which supports connectivity over any type of existing wires inside the home. We are designing the G.hn chipset to employ MIMO technology to deliver higher throughput with extended coverage even in presence of high noise conditions. Our G.hn chipset enables self-installation for home multimedia distribution networks. The chipset also provides high QoS, remote management and diagnostic capabilities enabling service providers to deploy reliable service while minimizing operation expenditures. To date, we have not generated significant revenue from our G.hn chipsets.
 
           Video image processor and encoder products.  

 
VXP brand chipsets.  Our VXP brand products are standalone high performance semiconductors that provide studio-quality video output or input for professional, prosumer and consumer applications. These products address applications including audio/video receivers, broadcast studios, digital cinema, digital signage, front-projection home theatre televisions, HDTV, medical imaging and video conferencing systems.
 
 
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Video encoder chipsets.  Our video encoders are designed to capture video for visual telephony between set-top boxes, connected media players, VoIP devices, video phones, video conferencing TVs and video surveillance devices. To date, we have not generated significant revenue from these products.
 
Home control and energy management products
 
 
Z-Wave chipsets. Our Z-Wave chipsets and modules are designed to deliver reliable, cost-effective wireless networking for residential and light commercial control applications. We embed our Z-Wave protocol stack in our chipset and Flash memory is available to the customer for their product development.
 
 
Customers

We sell our products principally to designers and manufacturers (OEMs and ODMs) as well as to distributors who, in turn, sell to manufacturers. Typically, when we sell to distributors, they have already received an order for our products directly from a manufacturer. Sales to our customers are typically made on a purchase order basis.

For fiscal 2013, TP Vision and Flextronics accounted for 14% and 12%, respectively, of our net revenue. For fiscal 2012, Motorola and Gemtek accounted for 17% and 22%, respectively, of our net revenue. For fiscal 2011, Motorola and Gemtek accounted for 24% and 23%, respectively, of our net revenue.
 
Our business also depends on demand for our chipsets from companies, such as large telecommunication carriers, who are not our direct customers but deploy IPTV set-boxes that incorporate our chipsets. Large carriers often use multiple set-top box providers, who in turn sometimes use multiple contract manufacturers to purchase our chipsets and manufacture set-top boxes. Even though we do not sell our products directly to these companies that ultimately deploy set-top boxes to consumers, these companies have a significant impact on the demand for our chipsets.

A substantial portion of our product shipments are to customers outside of North America. In fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, net revenue from our customers outside of North America accounted for 92%, 95%, and 95% of our net revenue, respectively. Revenue from our customers in Asia accounted for 70%, 91% and 93% of our net revenue in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Revenue from our customers in Asia decreased as a percentage of total net revenues primarily due to the increase in net revenues in Europe from our DTV product line acquired during fiscal 2013.

Sales and Marketing

We sell our products worldwide through multiple channels, including our direct sales force, manufacturer representatives and independent distributors strategically located in many countries around the world. Members of our direct sales force are based in the United States, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Taiwan and Singapore. Our sales are also supported by representatives, resellers and distributors in other key countries such as Brazil, China, India, Japan and Korea.
 
Our sales cycle typically ranges from nine to eighteen months, but may last longer, and depends on a number of factors including the technical capabilities of the customer, the customer's need for customization of our chipsets and the customer's evaluation and qualification process. In many cases, we must also qualify our products with our technology partners and in some cases with an end customer, such as a service provider. This qualification process can extend our sales cycle beyond its typical duration. We generally plan the fabrication of our products based on customer forecasts.

For our larger volume designer and manufacturer customers, purchase orders for our products are generally non-cancelable between four and twelve weeks before our scheduled delivery dates and not subject to rescheduling within four weeks of scheduled delivery dates.

Competition

The market for our chipsets is highly competitive and is characterized by rapid technological change, evolving standards and decreasing average selling prices per unit. We believe that the principal factors on which we compete include time-to-market for new product introductions, product performance, industry standards compatibility, software functionality, image quality, price, and product support.

We believe our primary competitors include Broadcom Corporation, Intel Corporation, Mediatek, MStar Semiconductor, RealTek and ST Microelectronics for our media processors; Broadcom (through their acquisition of Gigle), Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (through their acquisition of DS2) and Qualcomm (through their acquisition of Atheros) for our HPNA and HPAV products; Texas Instruments, Freescale and Silicon Lab through their Zigbee based chips for our Z-Wave products; and Pixelworks and Marvell for our VXP products. Many of these companies have higher profiles, larger financial resources and greater marketing resources than we do and may develop a competitive product that may inhibit the wide acceptance of our products. We believe that other manufacturers are developing products that will compete directly with our products in the near future.

 
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Research and Development

We focus our development efforts primarily on four areas: video/audio decoder technologies, secure media processing, home connectivity and fully integrated chipset solutions. To achieve and maintain technology leadership, we intend to continue to make advancements in the areas of video and audio compression and decompression as well as wired and wireless connectivity. We expect these advancements will include maintaining compatibility with emerging standards and multiple platforms, and making improvements to the current architecture.

We have invested, and expect that we will continue to invest, substantial resources in research and development of performance enhancements, cost reductions and additional features for future generations of Motion Picture Expert Group, or MPEG, and other multimedia technologies. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 our research and development expenses were $103.5 million, $86.5 million and $77.3 million, respectively.

We have assembled a qualified team of experienced engineers and technologists. As of February 2, 2013, we had 672 research and development employees. These personnel conduct all of our product development along with the assistance of a number of independent contractors and consultants.

Intellectual Property

Our success and future revenue growth depend, in part, on our ability to protect our intellectual property. We rely primarily on patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws as well as agreements with customers, suppliers and employees to protect our proprietary technologies and processes.

As of February 2, 2013, we held 116 issued patents and we had 111 patent applications pending for our technology. The expiration dates of these patents are within the next one to fifteen years.  We cannot assure you that more patents will be issued or that such patents, even if issued, or our existing patents, will provide adequate protection for our competitive position. Although we intend to protect our rights vigorously, we cannot assure you that these measures will be successful.

Manufacturing

We are a fabless semiconductor company and we do not own or operate a fabrication, packaging or testing facility. We depend on third-party vendors to manufacture, package and test our products. By outsourcing manufacturing, we are able to avoid the costs associated with owning and operating our own manufacturing facility. This allows us to focus our efforts on the design and marketing of our products.

Semiconductor fabrication

We rely on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, and, to a lesser extent, United Microelectronics Corporation, or UMC, and NXP Semiconductors, or NXP, to fulfill the majority of our semiconductor fabrication needs, including chipset manufacturing. We only recently began working with NXP as a result of our acquisition of certain assets of the DTV business from Trident Microsystems.  We believe that our fabless manufacturing approach provides us with the benefits of superior manufacturing capability as well as flexibility to move the manufacturing, assembly and testing of our products to those vendors that offer the best capability at an attractive price. Nevertheless, because we do not have a formal, long-term pricing agreement with our third-party manufacturers, our costs and services are subject to sudden price fluctuations based on the cyclical demand for semiconductors.

Assembly and test

Once our wafers have been manufactured, they are shipped from TSMC and our other third-party foundries to sort, assembly and test facilities where they are sorted, packaged and tested.  Generally, we store our sorted die in our die bank and only package the products for sale when we book an order.  We outsource all packaging and testing of our products to third-party assembly and test facilities, primarily to Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc., or ASE, in Taiwan.  Our products are designed to use low-cost, standard packages and to be tested with widely available test equipment.

Quality assurance

We are committed to maintaining the highest level of quality in our products.  We have designed and implemented a quality management system that provides the framework for continual improvement of products, processes and customer service to ensure customer satisfaction.  We also rely on in-depth simulation studies, design review and verification during our design phase, bench testing to perform design validation, product reliability qualification to verify the product’s quality and manufacturing testing when the products are in production.  To ensure consistent product quality, reliability and yield, together with our manufacturing logistics partners, we closely monitor the production cycle by regularly reviewing manufacturing process data from each wafer foundry and assembly subcontractor.  We are ISO 9000 certified as are our key manufacturing partners, ASE, UMC and TSMC.
 
 
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Environmental Laws

Our products and certain aspects of our operations are regulated under various environmental laws in the U.S., Europe and other parts of the world. These environmental laws are broad in scope and regulate numerous activities including the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, the cleanup of contaminated sites, the content of our products and the recycling and treatment and disposal of our products. Certain of these laws also pertain to tracking and labeling potentially harmful substances that have been incorporated into our products. These product labeling laws require us to know whether certain substances are present in our products, and to what degree. Environmental laws may limit the use of certain substances in our products, or may require us to provide product safety information to our customers if certain substances are present in our products in sufficient quantities. Additionally, we may be required to recycle certain of our products when they become waste. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions is complex and we regularly review known and pending laws and regulations to ensure we are compliant. In addition, when selecting manufacturing and distribution partners we evaluate their supply chain policies to reasonably ensure they are compliant and then monitor these partners to reasonably ensure they remain in compliance. We are evaluating whether our supply chain sources any products containing any minerals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or adjoining countries. We did not incur any material capital expenditures for environmental control activities in fiscal year 2013, and none are planned for fiscal year 2014.

Backlog

The amount of backlog at any date depends upon various factors, including the timing of the receipt of orders, fluctuations in orders for existing product lines and the introduction of any new product lines.  Accordingly, we believe that the amount of our backlog at any date is not a useful measure of our future sales.

Employees

As of February 2, 2013, we had 945 full-time employees worldwide, including 672 in research and development, 135 in sales and marketing, 100 in general and administration and 38 in operations and quality assurance.

During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, we adopted a restructuring plan, which included targeted reductions in labor costs through headcount reduction and other related actions.  We expect to execute the restructuring plan in several phases.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2013 we completed the initial phase, which consisted of headcount reduction in our North American operations and the implementation of expense management measures across worldwide operations.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 we implemented a further reduction in headcount, primarily in Canada.  These phases resulted in the termination of a total of 109 employees to be effective through April 26, 2013.  In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 we reduced our headcount by 17 employees, resulting in an estimated restructuring cost of $0.3 million.
 
Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified technical, marketing, engineering and management personnel who are in great demand.  Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining unit and we have never experienced a work stoppage.  We believe that our employee relations are satisfactory.

Corporate Information

We were incorporated in California in January 1982.  Our principal offices are located at 1778 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas, California 95035, and our telephone number at that location is (408) 262-9003.  Our website is located at www.sigmadesigns.com; however, the information in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this report.  Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports are available, free of charge, through the “Investor Overview” section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.  Additionally, copies of materials filed by us with the SEC may be accessed at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549 or at www.sec.gov.  For information about the SEC’s Public Reference Room, contact 1-800-SEC-0330 or send an electronic message to the SEC at publicinfo@sec.gov.

 
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ITEM 1A.          RISK FACTORS

If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.  In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you might lose all or part of your investment in our common stock.  The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face.  You should also refer to other information set forth in this Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes.  Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations.

Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry

If we do not successfully anticipate market needs and develop products and product enhancements in a timely manner that meet those needs, or if those products do not gain market acceptance, we may not be able to compete effectively and our ability to generate revenue will suffer.

We may not be able to accurately anticipate future market needs or be able to develop new products or product enhancements to meet such needs or to meet them in a timely manner.  Our ability to develop and deliver new products successfully will depend on various factors, including our ability to:

 
accurately predict market requirements and evolving industry standards;

 
accurately design new chipset products;
 
 
timely complete and introduce new product designs;

 
timely qualify and obtain industry interoperability certification of our products and the equipment into which our products will be incorporated;

 
ensure that our subcontractors have sufficient foundry, assembly and test capacity and packaging materials and achieve acceptable manufacturing yields;

 
shift our products to smaller geometry process technologies to achieve lower cost and higher levels of design integration; and
 
 
gain market acceptance of our products and our customers' products.
 
If we fail to anticipate market requirements or to develop new products or product enhancements to meet those needs in a cost-effective and timely manner, it could substantially decrease market acceptance and sales of our present and future products and we may be unable to attract new customers or retain our existing customers, which would significantly harm our business and financial results.
 
Even if we are able to anticipate, develop and commercially introduce new products and enhancements, our new products or enhancements may not achieve widespread market acceptance.  Any failure of our products to achieve market acceptance could adversely affect our business and financial results.
 
If demand for our chipsets declines or does not grow, we will be unable to increase or sustain our net revenue.

We expect our chipsets to account for a substantial majority of our net revenue for the foreseeable future.  For fiscal 2013, sales of our chipsets represented nearly all of our net revenue.  Even if the consumer electronic markets that we target continue to expand, manufacturers of consumer products in these markets may not choose to utilize our chipsets in their products.  The markets for our products are characterized by frequent introduction of new technologies, short product life cycles and significant price competition.  If we or our customers are unable to manage product transitions in a timely and cost effective manner, our net revenue would suffer.  In addition, frequent technological changes and introduction of next generation products may result in inventory obsolescence which would increase our cost of revenue and adversely affect our operating performance.  If demand for our chipsets declines or fails to grow or we are unable to develop new products to meet our customers' demand, our net revenue could be harmed.

Our industry is highly competitive and we may not be able to compete effectively, which would harm our market share and cause our revenue to decline.

The markets in which we operate are extremely competitive and are characterized by rapid technological change, continuously evolving customer requirements and declining average selling prices.  We may not be able to compete successfully against current or potential competitors.  Most of our products compete with large semiconductor providers that have substantial experience and expertise in video, audio and multimedia technology and in selling to consumer equipment providers.  Many of these companies have substantially greater engineering, marketing and financial resources than we have.  As a result, our competitors may be able to respond better to new or emerging technologies or standards and to changes in customer requirements.  Further, some of our competitors are in a better financial and marketing position from which to influence industry acceptance of a particular industry standard or competing technology than we are.  Our competitors may also be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and sale of products, and may be able to deliver competitive products at a lower price.  We also may face competition from newly established competitors, suppliers of products based on new or emerging technologies and customers who choose to develop their own chipsets.  Additionally, some of our competitors operate their own fabrication facilities or may have stronger manufacturing partner relationships than we have.  We expect our current customers, particularly in the IPTV media processor and connected media player markets, to seek additional suppliers of chipsets for inclusion in their products, which will increase competition and could reduce our market share.  If we do not compete successfully, our market share and net revenue could decline.
 
 
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Our restructuring efforts may not be effective, might have unintended consequences, and could negatively impact our business.

In the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we launched and implemented a restructuring plan to significantly reduce our operating expenses. Despite our efforts to structure our business to operate in a cost-effective manner, some cost reduction measures could have unexpected negative consequences, such as attrition among employees and a slowdown of development projects. While our restructuring efforts are intended to reduce our costs, we cannot be certain that all restructuring efforts will be successful, or that we will not be required to implement additional restructuring activities in the future.  If we are unable to recognize the anticipated benefit from our restructuring plan, our results of operations would be harmed.
 
If we fail to achieve initial design wins for our products, we may be unable to recoup our investments in our products and revenue could decline.

We expend considerable resources in order to achieve design wins for our products, especially our new products and product enhancements, without any assurance that a customer will select our product.  Once a customer designs a semiconductor into a product, it is likely to continue to use the same semiconductor or enhanced versions of that semiconductor from the same supplier across a number of similar and successor products for a lengthy period of time due to the significant costs and risks associated with qualifying a new supplier and potentially redesigning the product to incorporate a different semiconductor.  As a result, if we fail to achieve an initial design win in a customer's qualification process, we may lose the opportunity for significant sales to that customer for a number of its products and for a lengthy period of time, or we would only be able to sell our products to these customers as a second source, which usually means we would only be able to sell a limited amount of product to them.  Also, even if we achieve new design wins with customers, these manufacturers may not purchase our products in sufficient volumes to recoup our development costs, and they can choose at any time to stop using our products, for example, if their own products are not commercially successful.  This may cause us to be unable to recoup our investments in the development of our products and cause our revenue to decline.

We depend on a limited number of customers and any reduction, delay or cancellation of an order from these customers or the loss of any of these customers could cause our revenue to decline.

Our dependence on a limited number of customers means that the loss of a major customer or any reduction in orders by a major customer could materially reduce our net revenue and adversely affect our results of operations. We expect that sales to relatively few customers will continue to account for a significant percentage of our net revenue for the foreseeable future. We have no firm, long-term volume commitments from any of our major customers and we generally accept purchase commitments from our customers based upon their purchase orders. Customer purchase orders may be cancelled and order volume levels can be changed, cancelled or delayed with limited or no penalties. We have experienced fluctuations in order levels from period to period and expect that we will continue to experience such fluctuations and may experience cancellations in the future. We may not be able to replace the cancelled, delayed or reduced purchase orders with new orders. Any difficulty in the collection of receivables from key customers could also harm our business.
 
For fiscal 2013, TP Vision and Flextronics accounted for 14% and 12%, respectively, of our net revenue. For fiscal 2012, Motorola and Gemtek accounted for 17% and 22%, respectively, of our net revenue. For fiscal 2011, Motorola and Gemtek accounted for 24% and 23%, respectively, of our net revenue.
 
Our business also depends on demand for our chipsets from companies, such as large telecommunication carriers, who are not our direct customers but deploy IPTV set-boxes that incorporate our chipsets. Large carriers often use multiple set-top box providers, who in turn sometimes use multiple contract manufacturers to purchase our chipsets and manufacture set-top boxes. Even though we do not sell our products directly to these companies that ultimately deploy set-top boxes to consumers, these companies have a significant impact on the demand for our chipsets. For example, a significant number of our chipsets are incorporated in set-top boxes deployed by AT&T. This significant concentration on AT&T set-top boxes was increased by our acquisition of CopperGate. A significant percentage of the chipsets sold by CopperGate are also used in set-top boxes as well as gateways deployed by AT&T. In the past, companies that deploy set-top boxes incorporating our chipsets have had significant fluctuations in demand, which has resulted in a decline in our business from our direct customers, such as original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers. We may experience increased competition as companies that deploy set-top boxes incorporating our chipsets seek additional or alternate sources of supply of chipsets for inclusion in their products. Any decrease in the demand from the companies that deploy IPTV set-top boxes incorporating our chipsets, and in particular AT&T, could have a material and adverse effect on our net revenue and results of operations.
 
 
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We base orders for inventory on our forecasts of our customers' demand and if our forecasts are inaccurate, our financial condition and liquidity will suffer.

We place orders with our suppliers based on our forecasts of our customers' demand. Our forecasts are based on multiple assumptions, each of which may introduce errors into our estimates. When the demand for our customers' products increases significantly, we may not be able to meet demand on a timely basis and we may need to expend a significant amount of effort and time working with our customers to allocate a limited supply and maintain positive customer relations. If we underestimate customer demand, we may forego revenue opportunities, lose market share and damage our customer relationships. Conversely, if we overestimate customer demand, we may allocate resources to manufacturing products that we may not be able to sell when we expect to or at all. For example, during fiscal 2013 and 2012, we recorded a provision for excess inventory of $7.1 million and $9.0 million, respectively, which was primarily the result of the end of life of certain products and our end customer’s transition to a next generation product sold by one of our competitors. When we have excess or obsolete inventory, the value of our inventory declines, which increases our cost of revenue and reduces our liquidity. 

We have engaged, and may in the future engage in acquisitions of other businesses and technologies which could divert our attention and prove difficult to integrate with our existing business and technology.
 
We continue to consider investments in and acquisitions of other businesses, technologies or products as part of our efforts to improve our market position, broaden our technological capabilities and expand our product offerings. For example, in May 2012, we completed the acquisition of certain assets used in the digital TV business of Trident Microsystems, where we hired approximately 320 new employees. In March 2011, we completed the acquisition of certain assets from a large computer manufacturer and in November 2009, we completed the acquisition of CopperGate Communications Ltd., an Israeli company, which added substantial operations, including 141 employees.  We also completed the acquisition of Zensys Holdings Corporation in December 2008, the acquisition of certain assets of the VXP Group from Gennum Corporation in February 2008 and the acquisition of Blue7 Communications in February 2006. In the future, we may not be able to acquire or successfully identify companies, products or technologies that would enhance our business. Once we identify a strategic opportunity, the process to consummate a transaction could divert our attention from the operation of our business causing our financial results to decline.
 
Acquisitions may require large one-time charges and can result in increased debt or contingent liabilities, adverse tax consequences, additional stock-based compensation expense, and the recording and subsequent amortization of amounts related to certain purchased intangible assets, any of which items could negatively impact our results of operations.  We may also record goodwill in connection with an acquisition and incur goodwill impairment charges in the future.  For example, in fiscal 2012, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $45.1 million, which represented a full write-off of all goodwill associated with our acquisitions to date, which had a materially adverse impact to our results of operations.  In addition, in order to complete acquisitions, we may issue equity securities and incur debt, which would result in dilution to our existing shareholders and could negatively impact profitability.
 
We may experience difficulties in integrating acquired businesses.  Integrating acquired businesses involves a number of risks, including:
 
 
potential disruption of our ongoing business and the diversion of management resources from other business concerns;

 
unexpected costs or incurring unknown liabilities;
 
 
difficulties relating to integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired businesses;

 
adverse effects on the existing customer relationships of acquired companies; and

 
adverse effects associated with entering into markets and acquiring technologies in areas in which we have little experience.

 If we are unable to successfully integrate the businesses we acquire, our operating results could be harmed.

The timing of our customer orders and product shipments can adversely affect our operating results and stock price.

Our net revenue and operating results depend upon the volume and timing of customer orders received during a given period and the percentage of each order that we are able to ship and recognize as net revenue during each period. Customers may change their cycle of product orders from us, which would affect the timing of our product shipments. Any failure or delay in the closing of orders expected to occur within a quarterly period, particularly from significant customers, would adversely affect our operating results. Further, to the extent we receive orders late in any given quarter, we may not be able to ship products to fill those orders during the same period in which we received the corresponding order which could have an adverse impact on our operating results for that period.
 
 
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We are facing and may face additional intellectual property claims that could be costly to defend and result in our loss of significant rights.
 
The semiconductor industry is characterized by frequent litigation regarding patent and intellectual property rights. We believe that it may be necessary, from time to time, to initiate litigation against one or more third parties to preserve our intellectual property rights. From time to time, we have received, and may receive in the future, notices that claim we have infringed upon, misappropriated or misused other parties' proprietary rights.  We have also been subject to claims based on our alleged failure to comply with license terms.  Any of the foregoing events or claims could result in litigation.  In fiscal 2013, we were named in a lawsuit alleging certain of our products infringe the patents held by another party.  In addition, we have filed a motion to intervene in a patent infringement lawsuit based upon now expired patents that was previously brought by U.S. Ethernet Innovations, LLC, or USEI, against AT&T Mobility, Inc., or AT&T, after the court in early 2013 lifted a stay that had been in place regarding the allegedly infringing AT&T product that contains our chipset and after renewed requests for indemnification and defense concerning the lawsuit.  USEI has indicated that it will not oppose our intervention as long as it can assert other claims that it may have against us.  From time to time, we have been subject to audits of our compliance with license agreements.  As a result of these audits, we have been required to make additional payments to our licensing partners.  Any litigation or additional audits of our licensing compliance, including the audits we are currently undergoing, could result in significant expense to us and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel. In the event of an adverse result in any such litigation or additional payments from any licensing audits, we could be required to pay substantial damages, cease the manufacture, use and sale of certain products or expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology or to obtain licenses to the technology that is the subject of the litigation or audit, and we may not be successful in such development or in obtaining such licenses on acceptable terms, if at all.  In addition, patent disputes in the electronics industry have often been settled through cross-licensing arrangements. Although we have a portfolio of applicable issued patents, we may not be able to settle an alleged patent infringement claim through a cross-licensing arrangement.
 
To remain competitive, we need to continue to transition our chipsets to increasingly smaller sizes while maintaining or increasing functionality, and our failure to do so may harm our business.

We periodically evaluate the benefits, on a product-by-product basis, of migrating to more advanced technology to reduce the size of our chipsets.  The smaller chipset size reduces our production and packaging costs, which enables us to be competitive in our pricing.  We also continually strive to increase the functionality of our chipsets, which is essential to competing effectively in our target markets.  The transition to smaller geometries while maintaining or increasing functionality requires us to work with our contractors to modify the manufacturing processes for our products and to redesign some products.  This effort requires considerable development investment and a risk of reduced yields as a new process is brought to acceptable levels of operating and quality efficiency. In the past, we have experienced difficulties in shifting to smaller geometry process technologies or new manufacturing processes, which resulted in reduced manufacturing yields, delays in product deliveries and increased expenses. We may face similar difficulties, delays and expenses as we continue to transition our products to smaller geometry processes, all of which could harm our relationships with our customers, and our failure to do so would impact our ability to provide competitive prices to our customers, which would have a negative impact on our sales.

The average selling prices of semiconductor products have historically decreased rapidly and will likely do so in the future, which could harm our revenue and gross margins.

The semiconductor industry, in general, and the consumer electronics markets that we target, specifically, are characterized by intense price competition, frequent introductions of new products and short product life cycles, which can result in rapid price erosion in the average selling prices for semiconductor products. A decline in the average selling prices of our products could harm our revenue and gross margins. The willingness of customers to design our chipsets into their products depends to a significant extent upon our ability to sell our products at competitive prices. In the past, we have reduced our prices to meet customer requirements or to maintain a competitive advantage. Reductions in our average selling prices to one customer could impact our average selling prices to all customers. If we are unable to reduce our costs sufficiently to offset declines in product selling prices or are unable to introduce more advanced products with higher margins in a timely manner, we could experience declines in our net revenue and gross margins.

We added three new directors to our board of directors in fiscal 2013, a new majority of our five-member board of directors, which may lead to changes in the execution of our business strategies and objectives.

In connection with our annual meeting of shareholders in August 2012, three new directors were elected to our board of directors and constitute a majority of our five-member board of directors. Because of these additions, our board of directors has not worked together as a group for an extended period of time. This may lead to changes in the execution of our business strategies and objectives as these new directors analyze our business and contribute to the formulation of our business strategies and objectives.
 
 
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We rely upon patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets to protect our proprietary rights and if these rights are not sufficiently protected, it could harm our ability to compete and to generate revenue.

Our ability to compete may be affected by our ability to protect our proprietary information. As of February 2, 2013, we held 116 patents, which were due to expire from one to fifteen years, and had 111 patent applications under review. These patents and patent applications cover the technology underlying our products. We cannot assure you that any additional patents for which we have applied will be issued or that any issued patents will provide meaningful protection of our product innovations. Like other semiconductor companies, we rely primarily on trade secrets and technological know-how in the conduct of our business. We use measures such as confidentiality agreements to protect our intellectual property. However, these methods of protecting our intellectual property may not be sufficient.

The complexity of our products could result in unforeseen delays or expenses and in undetected defects, which could damage our reputation with current or prospective customers, adversely affect the market acceptance of new products and result in warranty claims.

Highly complex products, such as those that we offer, frequently contain defects, particularly when they are first introduced or as new versions are released. Our chipsets contain highly sophisticated silicon technology and complex software. In the past we have experienced, and may in the future experience, defects in our products, both with our chipsets and the related software products we offer. If any of our products contain defects or have reliability, quality or compatibility problems, our reputation may be damaged and our customers may be reluctant to buy our products, which could harm our ability to retain existing customers and attract new customers. In addition, these defects could interrupt or delay sales or shipment of our products to our customers. Manufacturing defects may not be detected by the testing process performed by our subcontractors. If defects are discovered after we have shipped our products, it could result in unanticipated costs, order cancellations or deferrals and product returns or recalls, harm to our reputation and a decline in our net revenue, income from operations and gross margins.

In addition, our agreements with some customers contain warranty provisions which provide the customer with a right to damages if a defect is traced to our products or if we cannot correct errors in our product reported during the warranty period. However, any contractual limitations to our liability may be unenforceable in a particular jurisdiction. We do not have insurance coverage for any warranty or product liability claims and a successful claim could require us to pay substantial damages. A successful warranty or product liability claim against us, or a requirement that we participate in a product recall, could have adverse effects on our business results.

If our third-party manufacturers do not achieve satisfactory yields or quality, our relationships with our customers and our reputation will be harmed, which in turn would harm our operating results and financial performance.
 
The fabrication of semiconductors is a complex and technically demanding process. Minor deviations in the manufacturing process can cause substantial decreases in yields and, in some cases, cause production to be stopped or suspended. Although we work closely with our third-party manufacturers to minimize the likelihood of reduced manufacturing yields, their facilities have from time to time experienced lower than anticipated manufacturing yields that have resulted in our inability to meet our customer demand. It is not uncommon for yields in semiconductor fabrication facilities to decrease in times of high demand, in addition to reduced yields that may result from normal wafer lot loss due to workmanship or operational problems at these facilities. When these events occur, especially simultaneously, as happens from time to time, we may be unable to supply our customers' demand. Many of these problems are difficult to detect at an early stage of the manufacturing process and may be time consuming and expensive to correct. Poor yields from the wafer foundries or defects, integration issues or other performance problems in our products could cause us significant customer relations and business reputation problems or force us to sell our products at lower gross margins and therefore harm our financial results.

If the growth of demand in the consumer electronics market does not continue, our ability to increase our revenue could suffer.

Our business is highly dependent on developing sectors of the consumer electronics market, including DTV, home networking, IPTV media processor, home control and energy management, prosumer and industrial audio/video and connected media player.  The consumer electronics market is highly competitive and is characterized by, among other things, frequent introductions of new products and short product life cycles.  The consumer electronics market may also be negatively impacted by a slowdown in overall consumer spending.  The worldwide economy, generally, and consumer spending, specifically, has significantly declined, which has negatively impacted our target markets.  If our target markets do not grow as rapidly or to the extent we anticipate, our business could suffer.  We expect the majority of our revenue for the foreseeable future to come from the sale of our chipsets for use in emerging consumer applications.  Our ability to sustain and increase revenue is in large part dependent on the continued growth of these rapidly evolving market sectors, whose future is largely uncertain.  Many factors could impede or interfere with the expansion of these consumer market sectors, including consumer demand in these sectors, general economic conditions, and other competing consumer electronic products, delays in the deployment of telecommunications video services and insufficient interest in new technology innovations.  In addition, if market acceptance of the consumer products that utilize our products does not occur as expected, our business could be harmed.
 
 
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Due to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, our operating results may fluctuate significantly, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

The semiconductor industry is highly cyclical and subject to rapid change and evolving industry standards and, from time to time, has experienced significant downturns.  These downturns are characterized by decreases in product demand, excess customer inventory and accelerated erosion of prices.  These factors have caused, and could cause, substantial fluctuations in our net revenue and in our operating results.  Any downturns in the semiconductor industry may be severe and prolonged, and any failure of this industry to fully recover from downturns could harm our business.  The semiconductor industry also periodically experiences increased demand and production capacity constraints, which may affect our ability to ship products.  Accordingly, our operating results have varied and may vary significantly as a result of the general conditions in the semiconductor industry, which could cause our stock price to decline.
 
Our ability to raise capital in the future may be limited and our failure to raise capital when needed could prevent us from executing our growth strategy.
 
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, and short-term and long-term marketable securities will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next 12 months.  The timing and amount of our working capital and capital expenditure requirements may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including:
 
 
·
market acceptance of our products;

 
·
the need to adapt to changing technologies and technical requirements;
 
 
·
the existence of opportunities for expansion; and
 
 
·
access to and availability of sufficient management, technical, marketing and financial personnel.
 
If our capital resources are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity securities or debt securities or obtain debt financing. In fiscal 2013, we used $14.6 million of our cash in our operating activities.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we made cash payments aggregating $38.2 million related to the acquisition of certain assets of the DTV business of Trident Microsystems.  During fiscal 2009, we used an aggregate of $85.9 million to purchase 4.2 million shares of our common stock.  In November 2009, we used approximately $116.0 million in cash (which included approximately $28.0 million of acquired CopperGate cash) for the acquisition of CopperGate.  The amount of cash we used for these acquisitions and common stock repurchases could limit our ability to execute our business plans and require us to raise additional capital in the future in order to fund any further repurchases or for other purposes.  The sale of additional equity securities or convertible debt securities would result in additional dilution to our shareholders.  Additional debt would result in increased expenses and could result in covenants that would restrict our operations.  We have not made arrangements to obtain additional financing and there is no assurance that financing, if required, will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. 
 
Changes in our effective tax rate or tax liability may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
As a global company, we are subject to taxation in Hong Kong, Israel, Singapore, the United States and various other countries and states.  Significant judgment is required to determine and estimate worldwide tax liabilities.  Any significant change in our future effective tax rates could adversely impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  Our future effective tax rates may be adversely affected by a number of factors including:

 
changes in tax laws in the countries in which we operate or the interpretation of such tax laws;

 
changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, including the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations relative to the US Dollar;

 
increases in expenses not deductible for tax purposes, including write-offs of acquired in-process research and development and impairment of goodwill in connection with acquisitions;

 
changes in stock-based compensation expense;

 
changes in generally accepted accounting principles; and

 
our ability to use our tax attributes such as research and development tax credits and net operating losses of acquired companies to the fullest extent.
 
 
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In an effort to increase commercial activities in Singapore, an agency of the government of Singapore negotiated with us a reduction in its customary income tax rates in return for our commitment to fulfill a defined set of milestones that were comprised of business activities in Singapore including the establishment of an operations center.  During fiscal 2009, we established a foreign operating subsidiary in Singapore.  However, due to changes in our business conditions, product development cycles and other factors, we have only been able to fulfill a portion of these milestones.  As a result, we have initiated renewed negotiations with the Singapore tax agency in an effort to modify the business milestones to be more achievable and continue to benefit from a reduced rate of taxation.  Even though the agency continues to negotiate with us, there is a risk that we will not be able to achieve the modified milestones which could result in a significantly higher tax rate on the income we recognize in Singapore.  The increased tax rate could be applied to current profits or retroactively to income generated over previous years in Singapore, which could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial results.
 
We anticipate that a portion of our consolidated pre-tax income will continue to be subject to foreign tax at relatively lower tax rates when compared to the United States’ federal statutory tax rate and, as a consequence, our effective income tax rate has been and is expected to continue to be lower than the United States’ federal statutory rate.  Our future effective income tax rates could be adversely affected if tax authorities challenge our international tax structure, if the relative mix of United States and international income or losses changes for any reason, or if we lose the benefit of our reduced tax rate in Singapore.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our income tax rate will be less than the United States’ federal statutory rate.

We have a history of fluctuating operating results, including net losses in fiscal 2012 and 2013 and we may not be able to return to profitability in the future, which may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

We have a history of fluctuating operating results.  We reported net income of $26.4 million in fiscal 2009, net income of $2.5 million in fiscal 2010, net income of $9.1 million in fiscal 2011, a net loss of $168.0 million in fiscal 2012 and a net loss of $101.8 million in fiscal 2013.   To return to profitability, we will need to successfully develop new products and product enhancements and sustain higher revenue while controlling our cost and expense levels.  In recent years, we made significant investments in our product development efforts and have expended substantial funds to enhance our sales and marketing efforts and otherwise operate our business.  However, we may not realize the benefits of these investments.  We may incur operating losses in future quarterly periods or fiscal years, which in turn could cause the price of our common stock to decline.

Our sales cycle can be lengthy, which could result in uncertainty and delays in generating net revenue.

Because our products are based on constantly evolving technologies, we have experienced a lengthy sales cycle for some of our chipsets, particularly those designed for set-top box applications in the IPTV media processor market.  After we have qualified a product with a customer, the customer will usually test and evaluate our product with its service provider prior to the customer completing the design of its own equipment that will incorporate our product.  Our customers and the telecommunications carriers our customers serve may need from three months to more than a year to test evaluate and adopt our product and an additional three to more than nine months to begin volume production of equipment that incorporates our product.  Our complete sales cycle typically ranges from nine to eighteen months, but could be longer.  As a result, we may experience a significant delay between the time we increase expenditures for research and development, sales and marketing efforts and inventory and the time we generate net revenue, if any, from these expenditures.  In addition, because we do not have long-term commitments from our customers, we must repeat our sales process on a continual basis even for current customers looking to purchase a new product.  As a result, our business could be harmed if a customer reduces or delays its orders, chooses not to release products incorporating our chipsets or elects not to purchase a new product or product enhancements from us.
  
The complexity of our international operations may increase our operating expenses and disrupt our business.

We transact business and have operations worldwide.  For example, we derive a substantial portion of our net revenue from our customers outside of North America and we plan to continue expanding our business in international markets in the future.  For fiscal 2013, we derived 92% of our revenue from customers outside of North America.  We also have significant international operations, including research and development facilities in Canada and Vietnam, sales and research and development facilities in China, Denmark, France, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Germany and The Netherlands and a sales and distribution facility in Hong Kong.

As a result of our international business, we are affected by economic, regulatory and political conditions in foreign countries, including the imposition of government controls, changes or limitations in trade protection laws, unfavorable changes in tax treaties or laws, varying statutory equity requirements, difficulties in collecting receivables and enforcing contracts, natural disasters, labor unrest, earnings expatriation restrictions, misappropriation of intellectual property, changes in import/export regulations, tariffs and freight rates, economic instability, public health crises, acts of terrorism and continued unrest in many regions and other factors, which could have a material impact on our international revenue and operations. In particular, in some countries we may experience reduced intellectual property protection.  Our results of operations could also be adversely affected by exchange rate fluctuations, which could increase the sales price in local currencies of our products in international markets.  Overseas sales and purchases to date have been denominated in U.S. dollars.  Although we engage in some hedging of our foreign currency exposures, we do not hedge all such exposures and our hedging arrangements may not always be effective.  See “Foreign currency exchange rate sensitivity” under Part II Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in this Form 10-K.  Moreover, local laws and customs in many countries differ significantly from those in the United States.  We also face challenges in staffing and managing our global operations.  If we are unable to manage the complexity of our global operations successfully, our financial performance and operating results could suffer.
 
 
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The volatile global economy could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current uncertainty in global economic conditions poses a risk to the overall economy as consumers and businesses may defer purchases in response to tighter credit and negative financial news, which could negatively affect demand for our products and other related matters.  Consequently, demand for our products could be different from our expectations due to factors including:

 
changes in business and economic conditions, including conditions in the credit market that could negatively affect consumer confidence;
     
 
customer acceptance of our products and those of our competitors;

 
changes in customer order patterns including order cancellations; and

 
reductions in the level of inventory our customers are willing to hold.
 
Because many of our products are incorporated into customer devices, a general slowdown in the economy or in consumer confidence could have a significant negative impact on the demand for the products that incorporate our products, which in turn would have a negative impact on our results of operations. There could also be a number of secondary effects from the current uncertainty in global economic conditions, such as insolvency of suppliers resulting in product delays, an inability of our customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products or a desire of our customers to delay payment to us for the purchase of our products.  The effects, including those mentioned above, of the current global economic environment could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
We rely on a limited number of independent third-party manufacturers for the fabrication, assembly and testing of our chipsets and the failure of any of these third-party manufacturers to deliver products or otherwise perform as requested could damage our relationships with our customers, decrease our sales and limit our growth.

We are a fabless semiconductor company and thus we do not own or operate a fabrication or manufacturing facility.  We depend on independent manufacturers, each of whom is a third-party manufacturer for numerous companies, to manufacture, assemble and test our products.  We currently rely on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation, or TSMC, and, to a lesser extent, United Microelectronics Corporation, or UMC, and NXP Semiconductors, or NXP, to produce substantially all of our chipsets.  We only recently began working with NXP as a result of our acquisition of certain assets of the DTV business from Trident Microsystems.  As we continue to establish a relationship with NXP, we may experience delays, disruptions and technical or quality control problems as we integrate them into our manufacturing processes.  We rely on Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc., or ASE, to assemble, package and test substantially all of our products.  These third-party manufacturers may allocate capacity to the production of other companies' products while reducing product deliveries or the provision of services to us on short notice or they may increase the prices of the products and services they provide to us with little or no notice.  In particular, other clients that are larger and better financed than we are or that have long-term agreements with ASE, TSMC, UMC or NXP may cause any or all of them to reallocate capacity to those clients, decreasing the capacity available to us.
 
If we fail to effectively manage our relationships with the third-party manufacturers, if we are unable to secure sufficient capacity at our third-party manufacturers' facilities or if any of them should experience delays, disruptions or technical or quality control problems in our manufacturing operations or if we had to change or add additional third-party manufacturers or contract manufacturing sites, our ability to ship products to our customers could be delayed, our relationships with our customers would suffer and our market share and operating results would suffer. If our third-party manufacturers' pricing for the products and services they provide increases and we are unable to pass along such increases to our customers, our operating results would be adversely affected.  Also, the addition of manufacturing locations or additional third-party subcontractors would increase the complexity of our supply chain management.  Moreover, all of our product manufacturing, assembly and packaging is performed in Asian countries and is therefore subject to risks associated with doing business in these countries such as quarantines or closures of manufacturing facilities due to the outbreak of viruses such as swine flu, SARS, avian flu or any similar outbreaks.  Each of these factors could harm our business and financial results.
 
 
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We may not be able to effectively manage our growth or develop our financial and managerial control and reporting systems, and we may need to incur significant expenditures to address the additional operational and control requirements of our growth, either of which could harm our business and operating results.
 
To continue to grow, we must continue to expand and improve our operational, engineering, accounting and financial systems, procedures, controls and other internal management systems.  This may require substantial managerial and financial resources and our efforts in this regard may not be successful.  Our current systems, procedures and controls may not be adequate to support our future operations. For example, we implemented a new enterprise resource management system in fiscal 2009. We integrated the operations of CopperGate into our enterprise resource management system in fiscal 2011. We integrated DTV business operations, having completed the acquisition of certain assets of the DTV business of Trident Microsystems in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Any integration efforts could be costly and time consuming. If we fail to adequately manage our growth or to improve and develop our operational, financial and management information systems or fail to effectively motivate or manage our current and future employees, the quality of our products and the management of our operations could suffer, which could adversely affect our operating results.

In the event we seek or are required to use a new manufacturer to fabricate or to assemble and test all or a portion of our chipset products, we may not be able to bring new manufacturers on-line rapidly enough, which could damage our relationships with our customers, decrease our sales and limit our growth.

We use a single wafer foundry to manufacture a substantial majority of our products and to a lesser extent two other foundries including NXP. We only recently began working with NXP as a result of our acquisition of certain assets of the DTV business from Trident Microsystems.  We use a single source to assemble and test substantially all of our products. This exposes us to a substantial risk of delay, increased costs and customer dissatisfaction in the event our third-party manufacturers are unable to provide us with our chipset requirements.  Particularly during times when semiconductor capacity is limited, we may seek to, and in the event that our current foundry were to stop producing wafers for us altogether, we would be required to, qualify one or more additional wafer foundries to meet our requirements, which would be time consuming and costly.  In order to bring any new foundries on-line, our customers and we would need to qualify their facilities, which process could take as long as several months.  Once qualified, each new foundry would then require an additional number of months to actually begin producing chipsets to meet our needs, by which time our perceived need for additional capacity may have passed, or the opportunities we previously identified may have been lost to our competitors. Similarly, qualifying a new provider of assembly, packaging and testing services would be a lengthy and costly process and, in both cases, they could prove to be less reliable than our existing manufacturers, which could result in increased costs and expenses as well as delays in deliveries of our products to our customers.
 
Our ability to develop, market and sell products could be harmed if we are unable to retain or hire key personnel.
 
Our future success depends upon our ability to recruit and retain the services of key executive, engineering, finance and accounting, sales, marketing and support personnel.  Our Chief Executive Officer has served in that role for us for over thirty years and the loss of his services could have a negative impact on our operations.  The supply of highly qualified individuals, in particular engineers in very specialized technical areas, or sales people specializing in the semiconductor industry, is limited and competition for such individuals is intense. As part of our restructuring efforts in fiscal 2013, we terminated a significant number of employees and also imposed work furloughs. Our remaining employees, many of whom are highly qualified engineers, may be discomforted by these actions and seek alternative employment opportunities. None of our officers or key employees is bound by an employment agreement for any specific term. For example, we recently announced the resignation of our Chief Financial Officer. The loss of the services of any of our key employees, the inability to attract or retain key personnel in the future or delays in hiring required personnel, particularly engineers and sales people, and the complexity and time involved in hiring and training new employees, could delay the development and introduction of new products, and negatively impact our ability to market, sell or support our products.
 
Litigation due to stock price volatility or other factors could cause us to incur substantial costs and divert our attention and resources.
 
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities.  Companies such as ours in the semiconductor industry and other technology industries are particularly vulnerable to this kind of litigation due to the high volatility of their stock prices.  While we are not aware of any such contemplated class action litigation against us, we may in the future be the target of securities litigation.  Any future lawsuits to which we may become a party will likely be expensive and time consuming to investigate, defend and resolve.  Such costs, which include investigation and defense, the diversion of our attention and resources and any losses resulting from these claims, could significantly increase our expenses and adversely affect our profitability and cash flow.
 
Our business is subject to seasonality, which may cause our revenue to fluctuate.
 
Our business is subject to seasonality as a result of our target markets, particularly the DTV business, which historically has peaked in the third quarter.  We sell a number of our semiconductor products to our customers who manufacture products for the consumer electronics market.  Our customers who manufacture products for the consumer electronics market typically experience seasonality in the sales of their products which in turn may affect the timing and volume of orders for our chipsets.  We expect to experience lower sales in our first and/or fourth fiscal quarters and higher sales in our second and/or third fiscal quarters as a result of the seasonality of demand associated with the consumer electronics markets.  For example, we expect that our DTV business may experience some seasonality typical of the consumer electronics markets, resulting in slower DTV sales in the first and fourth quarter of each calendar year and strongest DTV sales in the third calendar quarter.  As a result of the potential seasonality in our business, our operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter.
 
 
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If credit market conditions deteriorate further, it could have a material adverse impact on our investment portfolio.
 
U.S. sub-prime mortgage defaults have had a significant impact across various sectors of the financial markets, causing global credit and liquidity related difficulties.  Beginning mid-2007, global short-term funding markets have experienced credit issues, leading to liquidity issues and failed auctions in the auction rate securities market.  If the global credit market continues to be weak or deteriorates further, the liquidity of our investment portfolio may be impacted and we could determine that some of our investments are impaired.  This could materially adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Regional instability in Israel may adversely affect business conditions and may disrupt our operations and negatively affect our revenues and profitability.

As a result of our acquisition of CopperGate in November 2009, we have engineering facilities, administrative and sales support operations and, as of February 2, 2013, we had 136 employees located in Israel. Accordingly, political, economic and military conditions in Israel may directly affect our business.  Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors, as well as incidents of civil unrest.  In addition, in the past, Israel and companies doing business with Israel has been the subject of economic boycotts.  Although Israel has entered into various agreements with Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, Israel has been and is subject to civil unrest and terrorist activity, with varying levels of severity since September 2000. Recently, there has been an increase in civil unrest and political instability in the Middle East. Any future armed conflicts, civil unrest or political instability in the region may negatively affect business conditions and adversely affect our results of operations.

In addition, our business insurance does not cover losses that may occur as a result of events associated with the security situation in the Middle East. Although the Israeli government currently covers the reinstatement value of direct damages that are caused by terrorist attacks or acts of war, we cannot assure you that this government coverage will be maintained.  Any losses or damages incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

The income tax benefits in Israel to which we are currently entitled from our approved enterprise program may be reduced or eliminated by the Israeli government in the future and also require us to satisfy specified conditions.  If they are reduced or if we fail to satisfy these conditions, we may be required to pay increased taxes and would likely be denied these benefits in the future.
 
The Investment Center of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor has granted “approved and/or beneficiary enterprise” status to certain product development programs at our facility in Tel Aviv.  Sigma Designs Israel’s taxable income from the approved and beneficiary enterprise program is exempt from tax for a period of two years commencing calendar year 2008 and 2009, respectively, and will be subject to a reduced tax rate for an additional eight years thereafter, depending on the percentage of Sigma Designs Israel’s share capital held by non-Israelis.  The Israeli government may reduce, or eliminate in the future, tax benefits available to approved enterprise programs.  Our approved and beneficiary   programs and the resulting tax benefits may not continue in the future at their current levels or at any level.  The termination or reduction of these tax benefits would likely increase our tax liability.  Additionally, the benefits available to an approved and beneficiary   enterprise program are dependent upon the fulfillment of conditions stipulated under applicable law and in the certificate of approval.  If we fail to comply with these conditions, in whole or in part, we may be required to pay additional taxes for the period in which we benefited from the tax exemption or reduced tax rates and would likely be denied these benefits in the future.  In either case, the amount by which our taxes would increase will depend on the difference between the then applicable tax rate for non-approved enterprises and the rate of tax, if any, that we would otherwise pay as an approved enterprise, and the amount of any taxable income that we may earn in the future.  The current maximum enterprise tax rate in Israel is 25%.
  
Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting may cause us to delay filing our periodic reports with the SEC, affect our NASDAQ listing and adversely affect our stock price.  
 
The SEC, as directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report of management on internal control over financial reporting in their annual reports on Form 10-K.  Our management is responsible for maintaining internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.  Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2013 and concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective.  However, during the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we acquired certain assets used in the DTV business of Trident Microsystems.  As a result of completing the accounting procedures related to this acquisition, we were unable to timely file our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period in which we completed this acquisition.  In fiscal 2013, we also experienced significant turnover in our finance and accounting personnel.  In addition, we recently announced the resignation of our chief financial officer.  All of these changes placed a strain on our internal control over financial reporting, and we must continue to apply significant resources in order to maintain effective internal controls.  Although we review our internal control over financial reporting in order to ensure compliance with the Section 404 requirements, our failure to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting could result in an adverse reaction in the financial marketplace due to a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which ultimately could negatively impact our stock price.
 
 
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Our headquarters, certain of our other facilities, and some of our suppliers and third-party manufacturers are located in active earthquake zones.  Earthquakes, tsunamis, floods or other types of natural disasters affecting our suppliers, our manufacturers or us could cause resource shortages and production delays, which would disrupt and harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, have research and development and sales offices in Japan and outsource most of our manufacturing to Taiwan.  Each of these areas is an active earthquake zone, and certain of our suppliers and third-party manufacturers conduct operations in the same regions or in other locations that are susceptible to natural disasters.  The occurrence of a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, tsunami or flood, or localized extended outages of critical utilities or transportation systems, or any critical resource shortages, affecting us, our suppliers or our third-party manufacturers could cause a significant interruption in our production, business, damage or destroy our facilities or those of our suppliers and cause us to incur significant costs or result in limitations on the availability of our raw materials, any of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Our operating results are subject to significant fluctuations due to many factors and any of these factors could adversely affect our stock price.

Our operating results have fluctuated in the past and may continue to fluctuate in the future due to a number of factors, including:
 
 
failure to reduce our expenses sufficiently to achieve profitability at current revenue levels;
     
 
the loss of one or more significant customers;
     
 
changes in our pricing models and product sales mix;
     
 
unexpected reductions in unit sales and average selling prices, particularly if they occur precipitously;
     
 
new product introductions by us and our competitors;
     
 
the level of acceptance of our products by our customers and acceptance of our customers' products by their end user customers;
     
 
an interrupted or inadequate supply of semiconductor chips or other materials included in our products;
     
 
availability of third-party manufacturing capacity for production of certain products;
     
 
shifts in demand for the technology embodied in our products and those of our competitors;
     
 
the timing of, and potential unexpected delays in, our customer orders and product shipments;
     
 
• 
the impairment and associated write-down of strategic investments that we may make from time-to-time;
     
 
write-downs of accounts receivable;
     
 
inventory obsolescence;
     
 
a significant increase in our effective tax rate in any particular period as a result of the exhaustion, disallowance or accelerated recognition of our net operating loss carry-forwards or otherwise;
 
 
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technical problems in the development, production ramp up and manufacturing of products, which could cause shipping delays;

 
the impact of potential economic instability in the United States and Asia-Pacific region, including the continued effects of the recent worldwide economic slowdown;

 
expenses related to implementing and maintaining a new enterprise resource management system and other information technologies; and

 
expenses related to our compliance efforts with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

In addition, the market prices of securities of semiconductor and other technology companies have been volatile.  This volatility has significantly affected the market prices of securities of many technology companies for reasons frequently unrelated to the operating performance of the specific companies.

Accordingly, you may not be able to resell your shares of common stock at or above the price you paid.  

Our stock price has demonstrated volatility and continued volatility in the stock market or our operating performance may cause further fluctuations or decline in our stock price.
 
The market for our common stock has been subject to significant volatility which is expected to continue.  For example, during the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013, the closing sale price per share of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market ranged from a high of $7.13 on August 28, 2012 to a low of $4.68 on April 10, 2012.  This volatility may or may not be related or proportionate to our operating performance.  Our operating performance as well as general economic and market conditions, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
 
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they issue an adverse opinion regarding our stock, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
 
The trading market for our common stock is influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about our business or us.  If one or more of the analysts who cover us issue an adverse opinion regarding our stock, our stock price would likely decline.  If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
 
Provisions in our organizational documents and California law could delay or prevent a change in control of Sigma that our shareholders may consider favorable.
 
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.  Our Board of Directors can authorize the issuance of preferred stock that can be created and issued by our Board of Directors without prior shareholder approval, commonly referred to as "blank check" preferred stock, with rights senior to those of our common stock.  The rights of the holders of our common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that we may issue in the future.  The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control and could adversely affect the voting power of your shares.  In addition, provisions of California law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock by discouraging a hostile bid or delaying or deterring a merger, acquisition or tender offer in which our shareholders could receive a premium for their shares or a proxy contest for control of Sigma or other changes in our management.

 
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ITEM 1B. 
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. 
PROPERTIES

We currently lease an approximately 66,000 square foot facility in Milpitas, California that is used as our headquarters.  The lease on this facility commenced on June 30, 2007 and will expire in September 2015.  We also lease an approximately 9,075 square foot facility in Tel-Aviv, Israel that is used for our Israel operations.  We have the right to renew the lease for the Israel facility until December 31, 2014 for 7,523 square feet and until December 14, 2016 for the remaining 1,552.  We also lease facilities for sales offices in Singapore and Taiwan and a warehouse and sales office in Hong Kong.  Additionally, we lease facilities for research and development in China, France, Germany, Japan, Vietnam, Canada, and California, and facilities for sales and research and development in Denmark and The Netherlands.
 
ITEM 3. 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On August 6, 2011, Powerline Innovations, LLC, or Powerline, filed suit against us, certain of our subsidiaries and many other named defendants, including Qualcomm Incorporated, Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., Broadcom Corporation and ST Microelectronics N.V. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas asserting infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,471,190.  The Powerline complaint seeks unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief.  The suit has been settled for an immaterial amount.

In March 2013, we filed a motion to intervene in (and become a party to) U.S. Ethernet Innovations, LLC (USEI) v. AT&T Mobility, LLC (“AT&T”) and others, Case No. 5-10-cv-05254 CW, currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, or the Litigation. In this Litigation, USEI filed a patent infringement complaint alleging that various AT&T products infringe USEI patents that have now expired, including alleging that set-boxes deployed by AT&T that contain our SoCs infringe a USEI patent.  USEI has made similar allegations that other defendants infringe this and other now expired USEI patents in this Litigation and other related cases.  Further, other intervenors have already been added to this Litigation and other related cases.  USEI seeks monetary damages, attorney’s fees, and an injunction against AT&T, other defendants and other intervenors.  AT&T, other defendants and other intervenors have denied the allegations of infringement made by USEI and asserted that USEI’s patents are invalid, unenforceable, and not infringed.  While approval from the Court to our motion to intervene is pending, USEI has indicated that it will not oppose our intervention as long as it can assert other claims that it may have against us.  The trial date for the Litigation has been set for January 5, 2015.
 
From time to time, we are involved in claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business.  We expect that the number and significance of these matters will increase as our business expands.  In particular, we could face an increasing number of patent and other intellectual property claims as the number of products and competitors in our industry grows.  Any claims or proceedings against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of our time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources, or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements which, if required, may not be available on terms favorable to us or at all.  Were an unfavorable outcome to occur against us, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations for the period in which the unfavorable outcome occurs, and potentially in future periods. 

ITEM 4. 
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
              
None.
 
 
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PART II
 
ITEM 5. 
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select under the trading symbol “SIGM.”  The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock for each quarter in the last two fiscal years.
 
   
Fiscal 2013
   
Fiscal 2012
 
   
High
   
Low
   
High
   
Low
 
                         
First fiscal quarter
  $ 6.11     $ 4.68     $ 14.73     $ 11.17  
Second fiscal quarter
    6.74       5.43       13.02       7.44  
Third fiscal quarter
    7.13       5.62       8.79       7.29  
Fourth fiscal quarter
    6.00       5.04       8.64       5.54  
 
As of April 9, 2013, we had approximately 139 shareholders of record of our common stock.
 
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and we currently do not plan to pay cash dividends to our common shareholders in the foreseeable future.
  
For information about securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans, please refer to Item 12 of Part III of this Form 10-K and Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements.

The following graph shows the value of a $100 cash investment on the last business day of fiscal year 2008 in (i) our Common Stock, (ii) the NASDAQ Composite Index, and (iii) the NASDAQ Electronic Components Index.  All values assume reinvestments of all dividends, if any and are calculated as of the last day of each of our fiscal years.  Note that historic stock price performance shown on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

 
 
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ITEM 6.               SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data (presented in thousands, except per share amounts) should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, the notes related thereto, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.  The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended February 2, 2013, January 28, 2012, and January 29, 2011, and the consolidated balance sheets data as of February 2, 2013, and January 28, 2012 have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended January 30, 2010 and January 31, 2009 and the consolidated balance sheets data as of January 29, 2011, January 30, 2010, and January 31, 2009 are derived from audited consolidated financial statements which are not included herein.
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2,
2013
 
January 28,
2012
 
January 29,
2011
 
January 30,
2010
 
January 31,
2009
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
                       
Net revenue
  $ 216,613     $ 182,617     $ 286,915     $ 206,083     $ 209,160  
Income (loss) from operations
    (83,346 )     (175,715 )     12,917       3,201       25,619  
Net income (loss)
    (101,768 )     (168,045 )     9,147       2,455       26,423  
Basic net income (loss) per share
    (3.06 )     (5.25 )     0.29       0.09       0.98  
Diluted net income (loss) per share
  $ (3.06 )   $ (5.25 )   $ 0.29     $ 0.09     $ 0.95  
 
   
February 2,
2013
 
January 28,
2012
 
January 29,
2011
 
January 30,
2010
 
January 31,
2009
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
                                 
Working capital
  $ 96,628     $ 110,950     $ 163,196     $ 165,990     $ 175,329  
Total assets
  $ 220,831     $ 297,224     $ 459,239     $ 423,897     $ 330,947  
Total shareholders' equity
  $ 162,018     $ 248,475     $ 398,041     $ 368,822     $ 305,250  
 
The following table presents details of the total stock-based compensation expense, excluding tender offer payments associated with the adjustments to measurement dates for option grants, that is included in the consolidated statements of operations data above:

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2,
2013
   
January 28,
2012
   
January 29,
2011
   
January 30,
2010
   
January 31,
2009
 
Stock-based Compensation Expense:
                         
Cost of revenue
  $ 487     $ 478     $ 560     $ 358     $ 359  
Research and development
    5,740       6,277       6,745       5,334       5,294  
Selling and marketing
    1,811       2,137       2,094       1,861       2,115  
General and administrative
    2,557       3,133       3,178       1,240       4,905  
    $ 10,595     $ 12,025     $ 12,577     $ 8,793     $ 12,673  
 
 
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ITEM 7.               MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes.  Except for historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "might," "will," "objective," "intend," "should," "could," "can," "would," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "plan," or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, statements about our capital resources and needs, including the adequacy of our current cash reserves, revenue, our expectations that our operating expenses will increase in absolute dollars as our revenue grows and our expectations that our gross margin will vary from period to period.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.  Our actual results may differ significantly from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that might cause future results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K as well as other information found in the documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this Form 10-K.  Unless required by U.S. federal securities laws, we do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the statement is made.

Overview
 
Our goal is to be a leader in intelligent media platforms for use in home entertainment and control.  We focus on integrated system-on-chip, or SoC, solutions that serve as the foundation for some of the world’s leading consumer products, including televisions, set-top boxes, and video networking products. All of our primary products are semiconductors that are targeted toward end-product manufacturers, Original Equipment Manufacturers, or OEMs, and Original Design Manufacturers, or ODMs. We sell our products into six primary markets which are the Digital Television, or DTV, market, home networking market, internet protocol television, or IPTV, media processor market, home control and energy management market, prosumer and industrial audio/video market, and the connected media player market. We derive a minor portion of our revenue from other products and services, including technology licenses, software development kits, engineering support services for hardware and software, engineering development for customization of chipsets and other accessories. 

Our chipset products and target markets

We consider all of our semiconductor products to be chipsets because each of our products is comprised of multiple semiconductors.  We believe our chipsets enable our customers to efficiently bring consumer multimedia devices to market.  We design our highly integrated products to significantly improve performance, lower power consumption and reduce cost.

We sell our chipsets into each of our six primary target markets.  For fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, we derived nearly all of our net revenue from sales of our chipset products.
 
Our six primary target markets are the DTV market, home networking market, IPTV media processor market, home control and energy management market, prosumer and industrial audio/video market, and the connected media player market. Because of our focus on these target markets, we separately report revenues that we derive from sales into each of these target markets.  The DTV market consists primarily of Internet-enabled digital televisions or “SmartTV”.  We serve this market primarily with our enhanced picture quality, our frame-rate conversion chips, and our Internet-access software suite.  The IPTV media processor market consists primarily of telecommunication carriers that deploy IPTV set-top boxes for delivering video services over a DSL network.  We serve this market primarily with our media processor products.  The home networking market consists of communication devices that use a standard protocol to connect equipment inside the home and stream IP-based video and audio, VoIP, or data through wired or wireless connectivity.  We target the home networking market with our wired home networking controllers that are designed to provide connectivity solutions between various home entertainment products and incoming video streams. Our home control and energy management automation product line consists of our wireless Z-Wave chipsets which consist of wireless transceiver devices along with a mesh networking protocol.  The connected media player market consists primarily of digital media adapters, or DMAs, portable media devices, and wireless streaming PC to TV devices that perform playback of digital media.  We target this market with our media processor products. The prosumer and industrial audio/video market consists of studio quality audio/video receivers and monitors, video conferencing, digital projectors and medical video monitors.  We target this market with our video image processor and video encoder product line.  We also sell products into other markets, such as the digital signage, high definition television, or HDTV, projection TV and PC-based add-in markets, which we refer to as our other market.  We derive minor revenue from sales of our products into these other markets.
 
 
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Characteristics of our business

We do not enter into long-term commitment contracts with our customers and generate substantially all of our net revenue based on customer purchase orders. We forecast demand for our products based not only on our assessment of the requirements of our direct customers, but also on the anticipated requirements of the telecommunications carriers that our direct customers serve.  We work with both our direct customers and these carriers to address the market demands and the necessary specifications for our technologies.  However, our failure to accurately forecast demand can lead to product shortages that can impede production by our customers and harm our relationship with these customers or lead to excess inventory, which could negatively impact our gross margins in a particular period.  During the fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recorded provisions for excess inventory of $7.1 million, $9.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, primarily due to the end of life of certain products and an end customer’s transition to a next generation product sold by our competitors.
 
Many of our target markets are characterized by intense price competition.  The semiconductor industry is highly competitive and, as a result, we expect our average selling prices to decline over time.   The willingness of customers to design our chipsets into their products depends to a significant extent upon our ability to sell our products at competitive prices.  If we are unable to reduce our costs sufficiently to offset any declines in product selling prices or are unable to introduce more advanced products with higher gross margins in a timely manner, we could see declines in our market share or gross margins.  We expect our gross margins will vary from period to period due to changes in our average selling prices and average costs, discounts, mix of product sales, amount of license revenue and provisions for inventory excess and obsolescence.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles or GAAP.  The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures requires us to make judgments that affect the reported amounts and disclosures of the assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and also revenue and expenses during the period reported.  By their nature, these estimates and judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty.  The primary areas that require significant estimates and judgments by management include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, sales returns, warranty obligations, inventory valuation, stock-based compensation expense, goodwill and purchased intangible asset valuations, strategic investments, deferred income tax asset valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, tax contingencies, restructuring costs, litigation and other loss contingencies. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience, market trends and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  These estimates form the basis for judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Actual results may differ from what we anticipate and different assumptions or estimates about the future could change our reported results.  We believe the critical accounting policies as disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended February 2, 2013, reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications:  Certain prior fiscal year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current fiscal year presentation.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we concluded that it was appropriate to reclassify our purchased intellectual property, or IP, that is incorporated into our products, from software, equipment and leasehold improvements to intangible assets.  The reclassification has no effect on previously reported consolidated statements of operations or accumulated deficit for any period and does not affect previously reported cash flows from operations or from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.  For comparability purposes, the corresponding gross assets and accumulated amortization of $22.2 million and $5.9 million, respectively, have been reclassified as of January 28, 2012.

Restructuring charges:  During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, we adopted a restructuring plan, which included targeted reductions in labor costs through headcount reduction and other related actions and targeted reductions in other operating expenses such as consulting, travel and subletting excess office space.  We also plan to migrate to lower cost manufacturing components and processes.  We expect to execute the restructuring plan in several phases.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2013 we completed the initial phase, which consisted of headcount reduction in our North American operations and the implementation of expense management measures across worldwide operations.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 we implemented a further reduction in headcount, primarily in Canada.  For fiscal 2013, we recognized a charge of $3.3 million in connection with our restructuring activities.  We anticipate we will incur additional restructuring charges in future periods as we continue to balance our current cost structure with our anticipated growth.  In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 we reduced our headcount by 17 employees, resulting in an estimated restructuring cost of $0.3 million.

Derivative financial instruments: We account for our financial derivatives as either assets or liabilities and carry them at fair value.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes, nor do we hold or issue leveraged derivative financial instruments. We use foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions.  Unrealized gains and losses arising from the effective portion of foreign exchange contracts that are designated as cash flow hedging instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the underlying transactions affect earnings.  Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.  Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair values of foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in current earnings.
 
 
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Short and long-term marketable securities:  Short-term marketable securities represent highly liquid instruments with a remaining maturity date at the end of each reporting period of greater than 90 days but less than one year and are stated at fair value. Long-term marketable securities represent securities with contractual maturities greater than one year from the date of acquisition. We classify our marketable securities as available-for-sale because the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity. The difference between amortized cost (cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which is recognized as an adjustment to interest income) and fair value, representing unrealized holding gains or losses, are recorded separately as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity. Any gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities are determined on a specific identification basis. We monitor all of our marketable securities for impairment and if these securities are reported to have a decline in fair value, we use significant judgment to identify events or circumstances that would likely have a significant adverse effect on the future value of each investment including: (i) the nature of the investment; (ii) the cause and duration of any impairment; (iii) the financial condition and future prospects of the issuer; (iv) for securities with a reported decline in fair value, our ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of fair value; (v) the extent to which fair value may differ from cost; and  (vi) a comparison of the income generated by the securities compared to alternative investments. We recognize an impairment charge if a decline in the fair value of our marketable securities is judged to be other-than-temporary. No such impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Accounts receivable and allowances:  We defer recognition of revenue and the related receivable when we cannot estimate whether collectability is reasonably assured at the time products and services are delivered to our customer.  We also provide allowances for bad debt and sales returns.  In establishing the allowance for bad debt, we review the customer’s payment history and information regarding their credit worthiness.  In establishing the allowance for sales returns, we make estimates of potential future returns of products for which revenue has been recognized in the current period, including analyzing historical returns, current economic trends and changes in customer demand and acceptance of our products.  In fiscal 2013, we released $0.2 million for sales returns, discounts and bad debt.  In fiscal 2012 and 2011, we recorded provisions for sales returns, discounts and bad debt in the total amounts of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, or future product returns increased, additional allowances may be required.

Inventory:  Inventory is stated at the lower of standard cost, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis, or market value.  We evaluate our ending inventory for excess quantities and obsolescence on a quarterly basis.  This evaluation includes analysis of historical and estimated future unit sales by product as well as product purchase commitments that are not cancelable. We develop our demand forecasts based, in part, on discussions with our customers about their forecasted supply needs.  However, our customers generally only provide us with firm purchase commitments for the month and quarter and not our entire forecasted period.  Additionally, our sales and marketing personnel provide estimates of future sales to prospective customers based on actual and expected design wins. A provision is recorded for inventory in excess of estimated future demand.  In addition, we write-off inventory that is obsolete.  Obsolescence is determined from several factors, including competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions and product life cycles.  Provisions for excess and obsolete inventory are charged to cost of revenue.  At the time of the loss recognition, a new, lower-cost basis for that inventory is established and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.  If this lower-cost inventory is subsequently sold, we will realize higher gross margins for those products.

Inventory write-downs inherently involve assumptions and judgments as to amount of future sales and selling prices. As a result of our inventory valuation reviews, we recorded provisions for excess and obsolete inventory of approximately $7.1 million, $9.0 million and $0.5 million to cost of revenue for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Although we believe that the assumptions we use in estimating inventory write-downs are reasonable, significant future changes in these assumptions could produce a significantly different result. There can be no assurances that future events and changing market conditions will not result in significant inventory write-downs.

Warranty: Our products typically carry a one-year limited warranty that products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship.  Warranty cost is estimated at the time revenue is recognized, based on historical activity and additionally for any specific known product warranty issues. Accrued warranty cost includes hardware repair and/or replacement and software support costs and is included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Although we engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, our warranty obligation has been and may in the future be affected by product failure rates, product recalls, repair or replacement costs and additional development costs incurred in correcting any product failure. Should actual product failure rates differ from our estimates, additional warranty reserves could be required. In that event, our product gross margins would be reduced.

Software, equipment and leasehold improvements:  Software, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost.   Depreciation and amortization for software, equipment and leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method based on the useful lives of the assets (one to five years) or the remaining lease term if shorter.  Any allowance for leasehold improvements received from the landlord for improvements to our facilities is amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining lease term or the useful life of the leasehold improvements.  Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
 
 
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Intangible assets:  The amounts and useful lives assigned to intangible assets acquired, other than goodwill, impact the amount and timing of future amortization.  Intangible assets include those acquired through business combinations and intellectual property that we purchase for incorporation into our product designs. We begin amortizing such intellectual property at the time that we begin shipment of the associated products into which it is incorporated.  We amortize the intellectual property over the estimated useful life of the associated products, generally two to three years.
 
Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired.  Other intangible assets primarily represent purchased developed technology, customer relationships, trademarks, non-compete agreements, purchased IP and IP R&D.  We currently amortize our intangible assets with definitive lives over periods ranging from two to ten years using a method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used or, if that pattern cannot be reliably determined, using a straight-line amortization method.  We capitalize IP R&D projects acquired as part of a business combination and upon completion of each project, IP R&D assets are reclassified to developed technology and amortized over their estimated useful lives.  The amounts and useful lives assigned to finite lived intangible assets acquired, other than goodwill, impact the amount and timing of future amortization.
 
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets: We evaluate goodwill on an annual basis as of the last day of our fiscal year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.  We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we conduct a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test.  The first step requires identifying the reporting units and comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill.  We have identified that we operate one reporting unit and the fair value of our operating unit is determined to be equal to our market capitalization as determined through quoted market prices, adjusted for a reasonable control premium.  We estimate the control premium based on a review of acquisitions of comparable semiconductor companies that were completed during the last four years.  If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill. The amount, by which the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any, is recognized as an impairment loss.

During development, IP R&D is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of IP R&D is less than its carrying amount, and if so, we conduct a quantitative impairment test. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value to its carrying amount. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Once an IP R&D project is complete, it becomes a definite lived intangible asset and is evaluated for impairment in accordance with our policy for long-lived assets.

We test long-lived assets, including purchased intangible assets (other than goodwill and IP R&D) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as a change in technology, indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.  If indicators of impairment exist, we determine whether the carrying value of an asset or asset group is recoverable, based on comparisons to undiscounted expected future cash flows that the assets are expected to generate. If an asset is not recoverable, we record an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. We primarily use the income valuation approach to determine the fair value of our long-lived assets and purchased intangible assets.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions include forecasts of revenue and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions and a determination of appropriate market comparable.  We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable at that time, however, actual future results may differ from those estimates.  Future competitive, market and economic conditions could negatively impact key assumptions including our market capitalization, actual control premiums or the carrying value of our net assets, which could require us to realize an additional impairment.

Long-term investments:  Investments in private equity securities of less than 20% owned companies are accounted for using the cost method unless we can exercise significant influence or the investee is economically dependent upon us, in which case the equity method is used.  We evaluate our long-term investments for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.

Assets held for sale: Assets are classified as assets held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. The assets are classified as assets to be disposed of by sale when the following conditions have been met: management has approved the plan to sell; assets are available for immediate sale; assets are actively being marketed; sale is probable within one year; price is reasonable in the market and it is unlikely that there will be significant changes in the assets to be sold or a withdrawal to the plan to sell. Assets classified as held for sale, which include software licenses (design tools) and computer and testing equipment, are reported as current assets at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and depreciation is not charged on long-lived assets classified as held for sale. Balance of assets held for sale at February 2, 2013 and January 31, 2012 was $0.6 million and zero, respectively, and is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
 
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Revenue recognition: We derive our revenue primarily from product sales.  Our products, which we refer to as chipsets, consist of highly integrated semiconductors and embedded software that enables real-time processing of digital video and audio content, which we refer to as real-time software.  We do not deliver software as a separate product in connection with product sales.  We recognize revenue for product sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria are usually met at the time of product shipment. We record reductions of revenue for estimated product returns in the same period that the related revenue is recorded. The amount of these reductions is based on historical sales returns, analysis of credit memo data, specific criteria included in the agreements, and other factors known at the time. We accrue 100% of potential returns at the time of sale when there is not sufficient historical sales data and recognize revenue when the right of return expires.  In addition, we also derive a portion of our net revenue from licensing the right to use our intellectual property from our home control and energy management market. License fees are recognized over the term specified. We recognize licensing revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria are usually met at the time our technology is made available to the customer. Licensing revenue for fiscal 2013 was $5.7 million. Licensing revenue for fiscal 2012 was less than $0.1 million and zero for fiscal 2011.

We defer revenue when payments are received from customers in advance of revenue recognition.  Deferred revenue, consisting principally of license fees collected in advance, at February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 was $3.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Income taxes:  Income taxes are accounted for under an asset and liability approach.  Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of any temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts reported for income tax purposes, and any operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards.  Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable amounts and deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductions, net of any valuation allowance, to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts that are considered more likely than not to be realized.

The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized as the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority.  An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained.

Stock-based compensation:  We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on their estimated fair values measured on the date of grant.  Stock option awards are measured using an option-pricing model.  The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service period in our consolidated statements of operations.  We estimate forfeitures, based on historical experience, at the time of grant and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
 
 
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Results of operations

The following table is derived from our consolidated statements of operations and sets forth our historical operating results as a percentage of net revenue for each of the fiscal years indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
% of Net Revenue
   
January 28, 2012
   
% of Net Revenue
   
January 29, 2011
   
% of Net Revenue
 
                                     
Net revenue
  $ 216,613       100%     $ 182,617       100%     $ 286,915       100%  
Cost of revenue
    125,588       58%       105,241       58%       146,271       51%  
Gross profit
    91,025       42%       77,376       42%       140,644       49%  
Operating expenses
                                               
Research and development
    103,478       47%       86,517       47%       77,270       27%  
Sales and marketing
    34,550       16%       34,467       19%       31,712       11%  
General and administrative
    27,899       13%       20,829       11%       18,745       7%  
Restructuring costs
    3,264       2%       -       -       -       -  
Impairment of goodwill
    -       -       45,108       25%       -       -  
Impairment of acquired intangible assets
    -       -       66,170       36%       -       -  
Impairment of IP and design tools
    6,569       3%       -       -       -       -  
Gain on acquisition
    (1,389 )     (1% )     -       -       -       -  
Total operating expenses
    174,371       80%       253,091       138%       127,727       45%  
Income (loss) from operations
    (83,346 )     (38% )     (175,715 )     (96% )     12,917       4%  
Interest and other income, net
    2,325       1%       2,704       1%       2,183       1%  
Impairment of investment
    -       -       -       -       (5,203 )     (2% )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (81,021 )     (37% )     (173,011 )     (95% )     9,897       3%  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    20,747       10%       (4,966 )     (3% )     750       0%  
Net income (loss)
  $ (101,768 )     (47% )   $ (168,045 )     (92% )   $ 9,147       3%  
 
Net revenue

Our net revenue for fiscal 2013 increased $34.0 million, or 19%, compared to fiscal 2012.  Net revenue benefited $66.6 million from the addition of the DTV product line, resulting from our acquisition of certain assets from Trident Microsystems Inc., or Trident, in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Excluding DTV, our net revenue for fiscal 2013 decreased $32.6 million, or 18%, compared to fiscal 2012. This net revenue decrease was primarily due to a change in product mix to our lower average selling price, or ASP, products resulting in a 26% decline in ASP per chipset, partially offset by an 11% increase in units shipped. The change in product mix, excluding DTV, was primarily due to the significant decrease in revenue in our IPTV and connected media player (“CMP”) markets, only partially offset by the increase in revenue of our lower ASP home networking market and to a lessor extent our home control and energy management market.  Additionally, ASPs continued to decline in all of our target markets year over year, due to competitive pressures. The increase in units shipped was comprised primarily of a 36% increase for our home networking products and a 21% increase for our home control and energy management products, primarily due to increased deployments of our HPNA product line and ongoing market expansion for our Z-Wave solution. The decrease in units shipped in our other markets was due to a combination of new product transition timing and loss of market share. Net revenues in our other market during fiscal 2013 include technology license revenue of $5.7 million. Technology license revenue was less than $0.1 million in fiscal 2012. We expect our revenue to fluctuate in future periods based on a shift in market factors and product mix.
 
Our net revenue for fiscal 2012 decreased $104.3 million, or 36%, compared to fiscal 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 21% decrease in units shipped and a 19% decline in ASP. The decrease in units shipped was comprised primarily of a 44% decline for our media processor products and a 16% decline for our home networking products. The decrease in ASPs was primarily due to the increase, as a percentage of net revenue, of sales of our home networking and home control and energy management products and newer generation media processor products compared to sales of our older generation media processor products because ASPs for our home networking and home control and energy management products and lower priced newer generation media processor products are lower than our older generation media processor products. The decrease in units shipped was primarily due to competitive factors, the timing of new product introductions at telecommunications service providers and other consumer electronics companies and inventory levels at contract manufacturers who manufacture equipment incorporating our products.
 
 
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Net revenue by target market
 
We sell our products into six primary target markets, which are the DTV market, home networking market, IPTV media processor market, home control and energy management market, prosumer and industrial audio/video market, and connected media player market.  We also have license revenue and sell a small amount of our chipsets into other markets, such as the digital signage, projection TV and PC-based add-in markets, which we refer to as our other market.
 
The following table sets forth our net revenue by target market and the percentage of net revenue represented by our product sales to each target market (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
% of Net Revenue
   
January 28, 2012
   
% of Net Revenue
   
January 29, 2011
   
% of Net Revenue
 
                                     
DTV
  $ 66,564       31%     $ -       -     $ -       -  
Home networking
    79,489       36%       68,435       37%       89,261       31%  
IPTV media processor
    31,079       14%       62,441       34%       137,281       48%  
Home control and energy management
    12,426       6%       10,922       6%       5,524       2%  
Prosumer and industrial audio/video
    10,344       5%       12,079       7%       15,035       5%  
Connected media player
    10,510       5%       27,988       15%       39,627       14%  
License and other
    6,201       3%       752       1%       187       0%  
Net revenue
  $ 216,613       100%     $ 182,617       100%     $ 286,915       100%  
  
DTV market:  Our acquisition of the DTV assets from Trident Microsystems in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 allowed us to expand our participation in the DTV market, which previously had not been significant and had been included in the license and other category. We believe DTV products complement our existing IPTV media processor and connected media player products, which will provide substantial research and development leverage and improved operating scale to augment our ability to develop innovative solutions for the anticipated convergence of IP-video delivery across any device within the home networking market.  Net revenue from sales of our products into the DTV market was $66.6 million or 31% of total net revenue. We expect that our DTV business may experience some seasonality common to consumer electronics markets as Trident typically experienced slower DTV sales in the first quarter of the calendar year and strongest DTV sales in the third calendar quarter. We expect our net revenue from the DTV market to continue to be a significant percentage of net revenue but will fluctuate in future periods as we develop and introduce new products for this market.
 
Home networking market:  For fiscal 2013, net revenue from sales of our products into the home networking market increased $11.1 million, or 16%, compared to fiscal 2012. Excluding DTV net revenue, our net revenue from the home networking market as a percentage of total net revenue for fiscal 2013 was 53%, an increase of 16 percentage points, compared to fiscal 2012. The increase in net revenue was primarily the result of a higher volume of units shipped due to our expansion into South America and continued growth in Asia. We expect our net revenue from the home networking market to fluctuate in future periods based on changes in inventory levels at contract manufacturers who manufacture equipment incorporating our products for deployment by telecommunication providers.

For fiscal 2012, net revenue from sales of our products into the home networking market decreased $20.8 million, or 23%, compared to fiscal 2011 as a result of decreases in ASP and units shipped.  The decrease in ASP was primarily the result of transitions to our newer generation lower ASP products and also certain customers achieving cumulative volume pricing discounts on purchases of our older generation products.  The decrease in units shipped was the result of a decrease in demand from contract manufacturers who manufacture equipment incorporating our products for deployment by telecommunication providers due to their management of their inventory levels.

IPTV media processor market:  For fiscal 2013, net revenue from sales of our products into the IPTV media processor market decreased $31.4 million, or 50%, compared to fiscal 2012. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decline of 43% in units shipped as a result of reduced demand for our chipsets in the IPTV media processor market as a result of competitive factors in connection with product transitions at telecommunications service providers to the next generation IPTV media processor solutions.

Excluding DTV net revenue, our net revenue from the IPTV media processor market as a percentage of our total net revenue for fiscal 2013 decreased 13% compared to fiscal 2012, primarily as a result of the decrease in demand for our chipsets in the IPTV media processor market. Demand decreased during fiscal 2013 due to a combination of customer product transitions and market share loss in both set-top box and connected media player segments. We expect our net revenue from the IPTV media processor market to fluctuate in future periods as this net revenue is dependent on design wins of our newer and future generations of our technology with IPTV service providers.

For fiscal 2012, net revenue from sales of our products into the IPTV media processor market decreased $74.8 million, or 55%, compared to fiscal 2011.  This decrease was primarily attributable to a decline of 55% in units shipped as a result of reduced demand for our chipsets in the IPTV media processor market as a result of competitive factors in connection with product transitions at telecommunications service providers to the next generation IPTV media processor solutions.  Our net revenue from the IPTV media processor market as a percentage of our total net revenue for fiscal 2012 decreased 14% compared to fiscal 2011, primarily as a result of the decrease in demand for our chipsets in the IPTV media processor market.  
 
 
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Home control and energy management market: For fiscal 2013, net revenue from sales of our products into the home control and energy management market increased $1.5 million, or 14%, compared to fiscal 2012, primarily in North America.  Excluding DTV net revenue, our net revenue from the home control and energy management market as a percentage of our total net revenue for fiscal 2013 was 8% an increase of 2 percentage points compared to fiscal 2012.  The increase in net revenue was primarily the result of a 21% increase in unit shipments partially offset by slightly lower ASPs. We expect our net revenue from the home control and energy management market to continue to increase in the foreseeable future.  Net revenue from our home control and energy management market was not significant in fiscal 2011.

Prosumer and industrial audio/video market: For fiscal 2013, net revenue from sales of our products into the prosumer and industrial audio/video market decreased $1.7 million, or 14%, compared to fiscal 2012.  The overall decrease was attributable to a decrease in ASP on relatively flat units shipped. Units shipped decreased in Asia due to lower demand from our customers located in Asia who manufacture high-end audio/video prosumer electronics and video conferencing products.  This decrease was offset by higher quantities of units shipped at lower ASPs in North America due to a shift in product mix to our lower ASP next generation products.  Excluding DTV net revenue, our net revenue from sales into the prosumer and industrial audio/video market as a percentage of total net revenue for fiscal 2013 was unchanged at 7% compared to fiscal 2012.  We expect our net revenue from the prosumer and industrial audio/video market to fluctuate based on our ability to obtain design wins in our customers' newer generation products, broad economic trends affecting business spending on video conferencing and high-end audio/video products and also discretionary consumer spending.
 
For fiscal 2012, net revenue from sales of our products into the prosumer and industrial audio/video market decreased $3.0 million, or 20%, compared to fiscal 2011.  The decrease was attributable to both a decrease in ASP and a decrease in units shipped.  The decrease in units shipped was primarily due to lower demand from our customers who manufacture high-end audio/video prosumer electronics and video conferencing products.  The decrease in ASP was primarily due to a change in customer mix.  Our net revenue from sales into the prosumer and industrial audio/video market as a percentage of total net revenue for fiscal 2012 increased 2% compared to fiscal 2011. 

Connected media player market: For fiscal 2013, net revenue from sales of our products into the connected media player market decreased $17.5 million, or 62%, compared to fiscal 2012, as a result of decreases of 58% in units shipped and 10% in ASP, primarily in Asia. Excluding DTV net revenue, our net revenue from the connected media player market as a percentage of our total net revenue for fiscal 2013 decreased 8 percentage points compared to fiscal 2012. The decrease in units shipped was primarily due to competitive factors.  The decrease in ASP was primarily due to certain customers achieving cumulative volume pricing discounts on purchases of our older generation products and also transitions to our newer generation lower ASP products. We expect our net revenue from the connected media player market to fluctuate in future periods primarily due to the timing and nature of new product introductions by consumer electronics companies that incorporate our products and their transition to our newer generation products.  Additionally, due to decreases in the ASPs of our newer generation products relative to our older generation products, we must increase unit shipments of our products substantially in order to increase our net revenue.

For fiscal 2012, net revenue from sales of our products into the connected media player market decreased $11.6 million, or 29%, compared to fiscal 2011, as a result of decreases of 16% in units shipped and 16% in ASP.  The decrease in units shipped was primarily due to competitive factors.  The decrease in ASP was primarily due to certain customers achieving cumulative volume pricing discounts on purchases of our older generation products and also transitions to our newer generation lower ASP products.  Our net revenue from the connected media player market as a percentage of our total net revenue for fiscal 2012 increased 1% compared to fiscal 2011 primarily as a result of the overall decrease in units shipped into the IPTV media processor market.

License and other markets:  Our other markets consist of technology license revenue, PC add-in boards, development contracts, services and other ancillary markets. The net revenue derived from our other markets was not a significant portion of our total net revenue. The increase in net revenue from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013 was primarily the result of $5.7 million of technology license revenue in fiscal 2013.
 
Net revenue by product group

Our primary product group consists of our chipsets.  Our chipsets are targeted toward manufacturers and large volume designer and manufacturer customers building products for the DTV, IPTV media processor, home networking, home control and energy management, connected media player, and prosumer and industrial audio/video consumer electronic markets.  Sales of our chipsets accounted for approximately 97%, 99% and 100% of our net revenue for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
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We derive a minor portion of our net revenue from other products and services, including license, software development kits, engineering support services for hardware and software, engineering development for customization of chipsets and other accessories.  The net revenue derived from these other products and services was not a significant portion of our total net revenue.
 
Net revenue by geographic region

The following table sets forth net revenue for each geographic region based on the ship-to location of customers (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
% of Net Revenue
   
January 28, 2012
   
% of Net Revenue
   
January 29, 2011
   
% of Net Revenue
 
                                     
Asia
  $ 150,658       70%     $ 166,583       91%     $ 266,065       93%  
North America
    17,006       8%       8,982       5%       13,454       5%  
Europe
    41,283       19%       5,718       3%       7,101       2%  
Other Regions
    7,666       3%       1,334       1%       295       0%  
Net revenue
  $ 216,613       100%     $ 182,617       100%     $ 286,915       100%  
 
Asia:  Our net revenue from Asia decreased $15.9 million, or 10%, for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  Our net revenue from Asia decreased 21 percentage points as a percentage of our total net revenue for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  The decrease in net revenue from Asia was primarily attributable to lower demand for our chipset solutions for the IPTV media processor, home networking and connected media player markets, partially offset by the addition of DTV net revenues.  As a percentage of total net revenue by country in the Asia region, China, including Hong Kong, represented 52% in fiscal 2013 and 77% in fiscal 2012.

Our net revenue from Asia decreased $99.5 million, or 37%, for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011.  Our net revenue from Asia decreased 2 percentage points as a percentage of our total net revenue for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011.  The decrease in net revenue from Asia was primarily attributable to lower demand for our chipset solutions for the IPTV media processor, home networking and connected media player markets.

North America:  Our net revenue from North America increased $8.0 million, or 89%, for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  This increase in revenue was primarily due to the increase of sales in home control and energy management and the addition of DTV net revenues, representing 21% of North America’s net revenue, partially offset by lower demand in North America for our prosumer and industrial audio/video and connected media player chipset solutions.  For fiscal 2013 and 2012, our net revenue generated outside North America was 92% and 95% of our net revenue, respectively.  The overall trend has been for companies located in North America who incorporate our products into their finished products to move their production orders to large designers and manufacturers located in the Asia region.  We expect our net revenue from North America in any given year to fluctuate depending on whether our customers place their orders locally or through overseas manufacturers who incorporate our products into their finished products.
 
Our net revenue from North America decreased $4.5 million, or 33%, for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011.  This decrease was primarily due to lower demand in North America for our chipset solutions across all of our target markets.  For fiscal 2012 and 2011, our net revenue generated outside North America was 95% of our net revenue for both periods.

Europe:  Our net revenue from Europe increased $35.6 million, or 622%, for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  This increase was primarily due to the addition of DTV net revenue of $38.5 million, partially offset by decreases in IPTV media processor and home networking due to changes in location of the contract manufacturers used by our customers. Our net revenue from Europe increased 16 percentage points as a percentage of our total net revenue for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.

Our net revenue Europe decreased $1.4 million, or 19%, for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011.  This decrease was primarily due to changes in location of the contract manufacturers used by our customers. Our net revenue from Europe increased 1% as a percentage of our total net revenue for fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011.
 
 
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Major customers

The following table sets forth the major direct customers that accounted for 10% or more of our net revenue:

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2,
2013
   
January 28,
2012
   
January 29,
2011
 
                   
TP Vision
    14%       *       *  
Flextronics
    12%       *       *  
Motorola
    *       17%       24%  
Gemtek
    *       22%       23%  
 
*Accounted for less than 10% of our net revenue.
 
Although we continue to generate revenue from Motorola and Gemtek, they no longer represent more than 10% of our net revenue, primarily due to the end of life of each of their highest volume IPTV product.  During fiscal 2013, TP Vision significantly increased their purchases of DTV products and Flextronics significantly increased their purchases in the home networking and home control and energy management markets.

Gross profit and gross margin

The following table sets forth gross profit and gross margin (in thousands, except percentages):

   
For Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2,
2013
   
% Change
   
January 28,
2012
   
% Change
   
January 29,
2011
 
                               
Gross profit
  $ 91,025       18%     $ 77,376       (45% )   $ 140,644  
Gross margin %
    42.0%               42.4%               49.0%  
 
The $13.6 million, or 18%, increase in gross profit for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 was primarily due to the addition of the DTV product line, resulting from our acquisition of certain assets from Trident in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, which generated $16.2 million of our gross profit for fiscal 2013. Excluding DTV, our gross profit decreased $2.6 million, or 3%, compared to fiscal 2012, primarily due to lower ASPs from pricing pressure on declining volume products, partially offset by an increase in units shipped, primarily in home networking, plus license revenue.

Our gross margin declined 0.4 percentage points in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012, primarily due to the addition of the lower margin DTV product line which reduced overall gross margin by 7.9 percentage points. Excluding DTV, our gross margin was 49.9%, an increase of 7.5 percentage points compared to fiscal 2012. This increase was primarily a result of an increase in the volume of our home networking products with reduced average cost per unit, or ACU, the license revenue we recognized in fiscal 2013 with no corresponding license revenue in fiscal 2012 and lower fixed costs absorbed in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. The decrease in ACU was primarily due to cost reduction efforts to offset declines in ASP and product mix, and was partially offset by a decreased percentage of fixed costs per unit due to an 83% increase in units shipped. Excluding DTV shipments, units shipped increased 11% in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.

Our fixed costs include items such as depreciation and amortization and compensation costs for operations. The decrease in gross margin primarily due to the DTV product mix was partially offset by a reduction of $1.9 million in the amount of inventory write-downs we had in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, we recorded a $7.1 million provision for excess inventory primarily in connection with the end of life of certain products. During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 we benefited from the sale of approximately $3.9 million, $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of inventory that had been previously written-down.
 
Our gross profit decreased $63.3 million and our gross margin decreased by 6.6 percentage points in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011. These decreases were primarily due to a 19% decline in our ASP and 21% decrease in units shipped, which were partially offset by an 8% decline in ACU. The decrease in ASP was primarily due to the increase, as a percentage of total net revenue, of sales of our home networking and home control and energy management automation products and our new generation media processor products compared to sales of our older generation media processor products which had higher ASPs. The decrease in units shipped was primarily due to competitive factors and the timing of new product introductions at telecommunications service providers and other consumer electronics companies. The decrease in ACU was primarily due to the same reasons noted for our ASP decline and was partially offset by an increased percentage of fixed costs per unit due to the 21% decrease in units shipped. Fixed costs include such items as depreciation and amortization and compensation costs for operations. The decrease in gross profit was also impacted by a $9.0 million provision recorded for excess inventory primarily in connection with our die bank of selected SoC devices during fiscal 2012 compared to $0.5 million recorded in fiscal 2011. The provisions for these SoC devices were triggered by customer notifications of a product transition taking place. During fiscal 2012, we benefited from the sale of approximately $0.8 million of inventory that had been previously written-down.
 
 
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Operating expenses

The following table sets forth operating expenses and percent changes in operating expenses (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
% of Net Revenue
   
January 28, 2012
   
% of Net Revenue
   
January 29, 2011
   
% of Net Revenue
 
                                     
Research and development
  $ 103,478       47%     $ 86,517       47%     $ 77,270       27%  
Sales and marketing
    34,550       16%       34,467       19%       31,712       11%  
General and administrative
    27,899       13%       20,829       11%       18,745       7%  
Restructuring costs
    3,264       2%       -       -       -       -  
Impairment of goodwill
    -       -       45,108       25%       -       -  
Impairment of acquired intangible assets
    -       -       66,170       36%       -       -  
Impairment of IP, mask sets and design tools
    6,569       3%       -       -       -       -  
Gain on acquisition
    (1,389 )     (1% )     -       -       -       -  
Total operating expenses
  $ 174,371       80%     $ 253,091       138%     $ 127,727       45%  
 
Research and development expense

Research and development expense consists of compensation and benefits including variable compensation expense such as profit sharing; development and design costs (for example, mask, prototyping, testing and subcontracting costs); depreciation and amortization (for example, engineering design tools and equipment costs); stock-based compensation expense; and other expenses which include costs for facilities and travel.

   
For Fiscal Years Ended
   
Fiscal 2013 vs 2012
   
Fiscal 2012 vs 2011
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
                                           
Research and development expense
  $ 103,478     $ 86,517     $ 77,270     $ 16,961       20%     $ 9,247       12%  

Research and development expense increased $17.0 million, or 20%, in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  Fiscal 2013 includes $18.2 million of DTV research and development activities subsequent to our acquisition of certain assets used in the digital TV business from Trident in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

The increase was primarily due to a 45% increase in headcount, primarily as a result of the DTV acquisition, driving higher compensation, benefits and travel expenses by $17.1 million.  Additionally, we incurred an increase of $1.4 million of facilities and IT costs through the DTV acquisition.  These increases were partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease in stock-based compensation expenses in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012, due to the timing of options and awards grants, option cancellations and stock prices, $0.5 million lower depreciation and amortization expenses due to impairments recorded during fiscal 2012 and controlled spending in various development and design costs of $0.6 million. As a result of our restructuring plan discussed above, we expect our research and development expense to decrease in dollars and as a percentage of our net revenue during fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013.
 
For fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011, our research and development expense increased primarily as a result of an increase in compensation and benefits due to an increase in headcount to support new product development activity as well as salary increases. The increase in development and design costs and depreciation and amortization were also to support increased new product development activity. Other expenses increased primarily due to facilities related costs, hiring costs and travel related expenses in connection with increased headcount to support increased new product development activity.
 
Sales and marketing expense

Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of compensation and benefits costs, including commissions to our direct sales force, stock-based compensation expense, trade shows, travel and entertainment expenses and external commissions.

   
For Fiscal Years Ended
   
Fiscal 2013 vs 2012
   
Fiscal 2012 vs 2011
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
                                           
Sales and marketing expense
  $ 34,550     $ 34,467     $ 31,712     $ 83       0%     $ 2,755       9%  
 
 
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Sales and marketing expense was relatively flat in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 and decreased as a percentage of net revenue.  Fiscal 2013 includes $1.9 million of DTV selling and marketing activities subsequent to our acquisition of certain assets used in the digital TV business from Trident Microsystems in the second quarter of fiscal 2013.  This increase was offset by a $5.0 million reduction in depreciation and amortization expense due to the impairment and subsequent write down of the related intangible assets during fiscal 2012.  Additionally, stock-based compensation expense in fiscal 2013 was $1.8 million, a decrease of $0.3 million from fiscal 2012, due to the timing of options and awards grants, option cancellations and stock prices.  These decreases were offset by an increase in compensation and benefits, including commissions, due to the increase in headcount from the acquisition of DTV and to support increased sales, and a $5.7 million settlement recorded in the current fiscal year in connection with a third party technology licensor’s custodial and reporting requirements. For further discussion, refer to Note 15, “Commitments and contingencies” of the Notes to consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-K included in Item 8 of this report.  For fiscal 2014, we expect our sales and marketing expense to decrease in dollars and as a percentage of our net revenue compared to fiscal 2013 as a result of our restructuring plan.  However, our selling expenses can fluctuate on a quarterly basis with changes in revenue and our marketing expenses can increase in a quarter due to the timing of marketing programs and events.
 
For fiscal 2012, compared to fiscal 2011, our sales and marketing expense increased primarily as a result of an increase in compensation and benefits due to an increase in headcount to support new product introduction and promotion as well as salary increases for existing employees.  Depreciation and amortization decreased primarily due to lower amortization of acquired intangible assets as a result of related acquired intangible assets impairment charges recorded in our third quarter of fiscal 2012.  Trade shows, travel and entertainment expenses increased primarily due to increased participation in trade shows to introduce and promote our new products.  External commissions decreased due to lower net revenue for our products sold through external sales representatives.  Other expenses increased primarily due to a $2.0 million estimated payment recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 in connection with a third party technology licensor’s custodial and reporting requirements.

General and administrative expense

General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation and benefits costs, stock-based compensation expense, legal, accounting and other professional fees and facilities expenses.
 
   
For Fiscal Years Ended
   
Fiscal 2013 vs 2012
   
Fiscal 2012 vs 2011
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
                                           
General and administrative expense
  $ 27,899     $ 20,829     $ 18,745     $ 7,070       34%     $ 2,084       11%  
 
General and administrative expense increased $7.1 million, or 34%, in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.  Fiscal 2013 includes $1.4 million of DTV general and administrative activities subsequent to our acquisition of certain assets used in the digital TV business from Trident in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. 

Facilities and IT infrastructure costs increased $2.4 million, primarily due to additional leased space with associated costs, depreciation and higher IT infrastructure expenses related to the integration of DTV.  Legal and accounting fees increased $2.0 million primarily due to legal and audit fees incurred in connection with our acquisition of certain assets used in the digital TV business from Trident Microsystems and our annual report, and meeting of shareholders expense was $0.9 million higher than incurred in fiscal 2012.  Outside services increased by $1.0 million primarily due to fees related to the evaluation and execution of the purchase and integration of the DTV business from Trident Microsystems. Additionally, in fiscal 2013, compensation and benefits increased $0.8 million primarily due to the increase in headcount related to the DTV business.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.6 million in stock-based compensation expense from $3.1 million recorded in fiscal 2012, primarily due to the timing of options and awards grants, option cancellations and stock prices.  For fiscal 2014, we expect our general and administrative expense to decrease in dollars and as a percentage of our net revenue compared to fiscal 2013, as a result of our restructuring plan.  However, fluctuations in professional services can cause an increase in any particular quarter.
 
For fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011, compensation and benefits increased due to an overall increase in headcount and salary increases.  Outside services decreased due to a reduction in spending for recruiting. Facilities and IT infrastructure costs increased due to increased investments to update and support our worldwide systems and to support the increased headcount.

Restructuring costs

As a result of the challenging competitive environment and decrease in margin of certain products, during the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 we adopted company-wide cost saving measures in response to these factors, resulting in the termination of a total of 109 employees to be effective through April 26, 2013, the early termination of certain office-space lease agreements, impairment of certain long-lived assets and the cancellation of certain engineering development projects. The purpose of this restructuring program was to realign resources with the then-current business outlook and to lower our cost structure. As a result of the restructuring program, we recognized total restructuring costs of $3.3 million in fiscal 2013. The charges include the impairment charge of long-lived assets with a carrying amount of $1.1 million related to abandoned facilities identified as part of the restructuring plan.  In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 we reduced our headcount by 17 employees, resulting in an estimated restructuring cost of $0.3 million.  We will continue to assess further cost-saving measures during fiscal 2014.
 
 
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The following table provides additional information regarding our restructuring costs, including the balance of the related liabilities at February 2, 2013 and total costs incurred through the end of the restructuring in fiscal 2013 (in thousands):
 
   
Restructuring Costs Incurred in Fiscal 2013
   
Cash Payments in Fiscal 2013
   
Restructuring Costs Liability at February 2, 2013
   
Cumulative Restructuring Costs Through February 2, 2013
 
                                 
Severance
  $ 2,167     $ 1,153     $ 1,014     $ 2,167  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    1,089       -       -       1,089  
Facility exit costs
    8       -       8       8  
Total restructuring costs
  $ 3,264     $ 1,153     $ 1,022     $ 3,264  
 
Amounts related to the abandonment of excess lease facilities will be paid through the end of the lease term in fiscal 2014.  As a result of the restructuring plan and expense reduction efforts, effective March 15, 2013, the annual base salary compensation of the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer was reduced from $0.5 million to $0.4 million.

Impairment and amortization of goodwill and intangible assets
 
As a result of continued reductions in our profitability, negatives cash flows from operations and our restructuring measures adopted in fiscal 2013, during the fourth quarter of 2013 we performed an impairment review of our intangible assets.  The results of this review indicated that certain purchased IP incorporated into discontinued products and products in development were impaired; as a result, we recorded an impairment charge for purchased IP of $8.2 million.  In addition, we recorded an impairment charge for certain software, equipment and leasehold improvements and prepaid licenses associated with such discontinued products of $2.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.  The impairment related to developed products of $4.6 million was recorded in cost of revenue and the impairment related to products in development of $6.6 million was recorded in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in fiscal 2013.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, we performed an impairment review and concluded that the carrying value of our goodwill and acquired IP R&D was fully impaired, which resulted in an impairment charge of $45.1 million and $11.1 million, respectively, in fiscal 2012.  Subsequent to January 28, 2012, we have not capitalized any goodwill or IP R&D.  Additionally, we performed an impairment review of our intangible assets, other than goodwill and IP R&D, and concluded that two of our intangible asset groups, consisting primarily of certain developed technology and customer relationship intangibles related to our CopperGate acquisition, were not fully recoverable, resulting in an impairment charge of $55.1 million in fiscal 2012.

We classify our expense from the amortization of acquired developed technology and purchased IP for deployed products of $9.5 million, $12.1 million and $11.6 million for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as cost of revenue.  We classify our expense from the amortization of acquired developed technology and purchased IP for products not yet deployed of $0.6 million, $0.1 million and zero for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as research and development expense.  We classify our amortization expense for acquired customer relationships and trademarks of $1.5 million, $6.5 million and $8.0 million for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as sales and marketing expense.  As of February 2, 2013, the unamortized balance from intangible assets was $36.6 million, which we intend to amortize to future periods based on the remaining estimated useful life of each intangible asset.  If we purchase additional intangible assets in the future, our cost of revenue or other operating expenses may increase from the amortization of those assets.
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization were as follows as of February 2, 2013 (in thousands, except for years):
 
   
February 2, 2013
 
   
Gross Value
   
Impairment
   
Accumulated Amortization and Effect of Currency Translation
   
Net Value
   
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (Years)
 
Acquired intangible assets:
                             
Developed technology
  $ 76,995     $ (24,614 )   $ (34,923 )   $ 17,458       3.6  
Customer relationships
    51,174       (30,486 )     (16,252 )     4,436       3.6  
Trademarks
    2,677       -       (1,982 )     695       5.9  
Non-compete agreements
    1,400       -       (1,400 )     -       -  
Purchased IP - amortizing
    22,866       (5,516 )     (9,466 )     7,884       2.4  
Total amortizing
    155,112       (60,616 )     (64,023 )     30,473       3.4  
Purchased IP - not yet deployed
    8,778       (2,678 )     -       6,100          
In-process research and development
    11,070       (11,070 )     -       -          
Total intangibles
  $ 174,960     $ (74,364 )   $ (64,023 )   $ 36,573          
 
 
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Stock-based compensation expense

The following table sets forth stock-based compensation expense that is included in each functional line item in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                         
Cost of revenue
  $ 487     $ 478     $ 560  
Research and development
    5,740       6,277       6,745  
Sales and marketing
    1,811       2,137       2,094  
General and administrative
    2,557       3,133       3,178  
Total stock-based compensation
  $ 10,595     $ 12,025     $ 12,577  
 
The expensing of employee stock-based payment awards will continue to have an adverse impact on our results of operations. As of February 2, 2013, the unrecorded stock-based compensation balance related to stock options, restricted stock awards, and restricted stock units outstanding excluding estimated forfeitures was $9.7 million, $1.3 million, and $3.5 million, respectively, which will be recognized over an estimated weighted average amortization period of 2.4 years, 2.7 years, and 2.9 years, respectively. The amortization period is based on the expected vesting term of the awards. The decrease in stock-based compensation expense for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 was primarily due to stock options that became fully vested during the year, partially offset by an increase in awards for newly hired and existing employees compared to the prior fiscal year. Future stock-based compensation expense and unearned stock-based compensation will increase to the extent that we grant additional equity awards to employees or assume unvested equity awards in connection with any acquisitions.
 
Gain on acquisition

On May 4, 2012, we completed our acquisition of certain assets from Trident Microsystems, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Trident”) used in or related to Trident’s digital television and PC television businesses (the “DTV business”) for a purchase price of $38.2 million, subject to adjustments based on the closing asset balance of the DTV business, plus the assumption of certain employee related liabilities pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 23, 2012 (the “Purchase Agreement”).  Trident filed for voluntarily petition under Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 4, 2012.  In April 2012, we were selected as the successful bidder to acquire Trident’s DTV business. The purchase price of the Trident acquisition was paid in cash.
 
In connection with the Trident acquisition, we acquired all of Trident’s DTV business products, certain licensed intellectual property rights, specified tangible assets and other assets specified in the Purchase Agreement.  We also acquired the right to use certain facilities of Trident and hired approximately 320 employees whose services are used in the DTV business.  The addition of Trident's industry-leading DTV media processor System-on-a-Chip, or SoC, products for next-generation Internet-enabled digital televisions is expected to significantly expand our served available market.  DTV products complement our existing IPTV set-top-box and connected media player SoC solutions and will augment our ability to develop innovative solutions for the anticipated convergence of IP-video delivery across any device within the home.

The total purchase price of $38.2 million was allocated to the net tangible and identified intangible assets based upon fair values as of May 4, 2012, closing date.  The fair value of the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed, exceeded the purchase price by $1.4 million, which was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as a gain on acquisition.  For further discussion, refer to Note 10, “Business combinations” of the Notes to consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-K included in Item 8 of this report.

Interest and other income, net

The following table sets forth our net interest and other income and related percentage change (in thousands, except percentages):
 
   
For Fiscal Years Ended
   
Fiscal 2013 vs 2012
   
Fiscal 2012 vs 2011
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
   
$ Change
   
% Change
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
                                           
Interest and other income, net
  $ 2,325     $ 2,704     $ 2,183     $ (379 )     (14% )   $ 521       24%  
 
Interest and other income primarily consist of interest income from marketable securities, income from refundable research and development credits, gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions, gains or losses on sales of marketable securities, gains or losses on currency hedging activities and gain or loss on disposal of software, equipment and leasehold improvements. The decrease of $0.4 million, or 14%, in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 was primarily due to foreign currency fluctuations and lower interest income from a lower average cash balance.  The increase of $0.5 million, or 24%, in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 was primarily due to foreign currency fluctuations.

Impairment of investment

During our second quarter of fiscal 2011, we recorded an impairment charge of $5.2 million against strategic investments we made in a privately-held, venture capital funded technology company.  This impairment charge represents $2.0 million to fully write down the carrying value of our preferred stock investment and $3.2 million to fully reserve the convertible note and accrued interest receivable from this company due to our expected inability to collect it.    There was no impairment of investments in fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.
 
 
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Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 
We recorded an income tax provision of $20.7 million and $0.8 million in fiscal years 2013 and 2011, respectively, and a benefit from income taxes of $5.0 million in fiscal 2012.  The fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 effective tax rates were approximately 26%, (3)%, and 8%, respectively.  Our fiscal 2013 effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily because we set up a partial valuation allowance against our federal deferred tax assets due to our assessment that they are not more likely than not to be realized in the future, as well as most of our net losses were in a foreign tax jurisdiction with a zero tax rate where no tax benefit could be realized.  Our fiscal 2012 effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily because our net loss for fiscal 2012 was either in a foreign tax jurisdiction with a zero tax rate where no tax benefit could be realized or in jurisdictions where the losses were not deductible for tax purposes.  Our fiscal 2011 effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the foreign tax differential benefit resulting from the nature of our international operations of $3.5 million and the federal research and development tax credits of $1.2 million that became available during the last quarter of the fiscal year.  

We benefit from tax incentives granted by local tax authorities in certain foreign jurisdictions.  The Economic Development Board of Singapore granted development and expansion incentives to our wholly-owned subsidiary in Singapore in 2008 for a period of four years ended March 1, 2012 contingent on meeting specified requirements.  Absent such tax incentives, the corporate income tax rate in Singapore would have been 17% from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2012.  The impact of this tax holiday was to increase net income by approximately $2.0 million or $0.06 per diluted share in fiscal 2012, $6.7 million or $0.21 per diluted share in fiscal 2011 and $7.0 million or $0.25 per diluted share in fiscal 2010.  To date we have not complied with all of the operating conditions required by the tax incentives, and we could lose the related tax benefits prospectively and could be required to refund potentially material tax benefits previously realized by us with respect to that incentive, subject to negotiation with the Singapore authorities.  

Liquidity and capital resources

The following table sets forth the cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities as of February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 (in thousands):
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 51,218     $ 44,283  
Short-term marketable securities
    17,455       42,134  
    $ 68,673     $ 86,417  
 
As of February 2, 2013, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities of $68.7 million, which represents a decrease of $17.7 million, or 21%, from $86.4 million at January 28, 2012.  The decrease in cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities was primarily the result of $17.6 million in purchases of software, equipment, leasehold improvements and IP, $38.2 million of cash paid in connection with the Trident acquisition, $0.3 million excess tax expense on stock-based compensation and $14.6 million cash used in operating activities.  These outflows of cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities were partially offset by $48.0 million of net sales of long-term marketable securities, $4.6 million in net proceeds from the sale of our common stock through our employee stock purchase plan and stock option plans and $0.3 million repayment of a note receivable.
 
As of February 2, 2013, we held $14.3 million of long-term marketable securities.  Although these marketable securities have maturities of greater than one year, we hold them as available-for-sale and may access these funds prior to their contractual maturities.
 
The following table sets forth the primary net cash inflows and outflows for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
Net cash provided by (used in):
                 
Operating activities
  $ (14,645 )   $ (12,146 )   $ 41,872  
Investing activities
    17,100       (23,441 )     (58,429 )
Financing activities
    4,229       7,315       7,563  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    251       (177 )     (221 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6,935     $ (28,449 )   $ (9,215 )
 
 
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Cash flows from operating activities

Net cash used in operating activities of $14.6 million for fiscal 2013 was primarily due to a net loss of $101.8 million and an increase of $4.0 million in other non-current assets.  These amounts were partially offset by non-cash adjustments to the net loss of $65.0 million and decreases of $13.1 million in accounts receivable, $3.7 million in inventory, and $1.3 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets, and increases of $4.5 million in accounts payable, $1.4 million in accrued liabilities, compensation and related benefits and $2.1 million in income taxes payable and other long-term liabilities.
 
Non-cash adjustments to net loss consisted primarily of an $11.2 million impairment of IP, mask sets and design tools, $23.9 million in depreciation and amortization expense, $10.6 million in stock-based compensation expense, a decrease of $12.4 million in deferred income taxes, $7.1 million in net provision for excess and obsolete inventory and non-cash restructuring charges of $2.1 million. These were partially offset by a net gain on the acquisition of the DTV business from Trident Microsystems of $1.4 million, a gain on disposal of software, equipment and leasehold improvements of $0.4 million, a decrease in the provision for sales returns, discounts and doubtful accounts of $0.2 million, and the accretion of contributed leasehold improvements of $0.2 million.
 
Cash paid for the DTV acquisition from Trident of $38.2 million resulted in the addition of accounts receivable of $13.4 million, inventory of $13.6 million, prepaid expenses and other current assets of $8.9 million, software equipment and leasehold improvements of $4.0 million, intangibles of $1.2 million, additional accrued liabilities of $1.3 million, a deferred tax liability of $0.2 million, and a net gain on acquisition of $1.4 million.

Excluding the addition of DTV, accounts receivable and inventory decreased as a result of timing of shipments and strong collections, as evidenced by the improved annual average day’s sales outstanding (“DSO”). Our DSO decreased to 48 days at February 2, 2013 compared to 57 days at January 28, 2012. Inventory decreased due to the $7.1 million provision for excess inventory primarily as a result of product end of life and product transitions by customers. Accounts payable increased primarily due to the timing of shipments by vendors and of payments for the inventory purchases. Accrued liabilities increased primarily due to an increase of $2.7 million in deferred revenue, primarily related to license revenue, and income taxes payable of $1.9 million, partially offset by various small increases in accruals. Accrued compensation and related benefits increased due to higher commissions accrued for higher revenue and increased accrued vacation for higher headcount.
 
Net cash used in operating activities of $12.1 million for fiscal 2012 was primarily due to a net loss of $168.0 million and decreases of $8.0 million in accounts payable and $4.1 million in accrued liabilities. These amounts were partially offset by non-cash adjustments to the net loss of $150.6 million and decreases of $10.1 million in accounts receivable and $7.0 million in inventory. Non-cash adjustments to net loss consisted primarily of $111.3 million in impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, $29.0 million in depreciation and amortization expense, $12.0 million in stock-based compensation expense, a benefit of $10.2 million from deferred income taxes and $9.0 million in provision for excess and obsolete inventory.

During 2012, accounts receivable and inventory decreased as a result of lower revenue which resulted in lower billings to customers and lower inventory purchases from suppliers. Inventory also decreased due to the $9.0 million provision for excess inventory primarily as a result of product transitions by customers. Our annual average day’s sales outstanding increased to 57 days at January 28, 2012 compared to 45 days at January 29, 2011, primarily due to timing of shipments and customer mix. Accounts payable decreased primarily due to the timing of payment for inventory purchases. Accrued liabilities decreased primarily due to a decrease of $2.7 million in accrued rebates as a result of payments made and lower revenue which led to less new rebate accruals, and a decrease of $1.7 million as a result of payouts of the CopperGate acquisition contingent bonus pool. These decreases in accrued liabilities were partially offset by an increase of $2.2 million in accrued license fees as a result of purchases of software licenses and design tools and a $2.0 million increase in accrued taxes payable primarily for Sigma Designs Israel, S.D.I. Limited for which estimated tax payments were not yet made.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities of $41.9 million for fiscal 2011 was primarily due to net income of $9.1 million, non-cash expenses of $41.7 million, which includes an investment impairment charge of $5.2 million, a $4.7 million increase in accounts payable, a $4.5 million decrease in accounts receivable, and a $2.5 million increase in accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities.  These amounts were partially offset by a $20.0 million increase in inventory and a $0.6 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other non-current assets.  Non-cash adjustments to net income consisted primarily of $27.7 million for depreciation and amortization, $12.6 million for stock-based compensation expense, $5.2 million for an investment impairment charge and a benefit of $4.8 million for deferred income taxes.
 
During 2011, the increase in inventory was the result of an increase in our die bank and finished goods as a result of an easing in supply of wafers and an increase in our die bank for our newer generation products to meet forecasted demand.  Despite the increase in inventory, our  annualized rate of inventory turns increased to 5.2 times per year for fiscal 2011 compared to 4.2 times per year for fiscal 2010 as a result of the overall increase in shipments in fiscal 2011.  The increase in accounts payable was primarily due to the timing of payment for inventory.  The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily the result of decreased product shipments and timing of shipments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.  Our annual average day’s sales outstanding increased to 45 days at January 29, 2011 compared to 44 days at January 30, 2010, primarily due to timing of shipments and customer mix.
 
 
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Cash flows from our operating activities will continue to fluctuate based upon our ability to grow net revenues while reducing our costs through our restructuring efforts and managing the timing of payments to us from customers and to vendors from us, the timing of inventory purchases and subsequent manufacture and sale of our products.

Cash flows from investing activities

Net cash provided by investing activities of $17.1 million for fiscal 2013 was primarily due to net sales of long-term marketable securities of $72.7 million and the repayment of a note receivable of $0.3 million, partially offset by cash paid in connection with the DTV acquisition of $38.2 million and purchases of software, equipment, leasehold improvements and IP of $17.6 million.

Net cash used in investing activities of $23.4 million for fiscal 2012 was primarily due to purchases of software, equipment, leasehold improvements and IP of $14.2 million, cash paid in connection with an acquisition of $5.0 million, purchases of notes receivable for $2.5 million and purchases of long-term investments for $2.1 million.

Net cash used in investing activities of $58.4 million for fiscal 2011 was primarily due to net purchases of marketable securities of $40.2 million, purchases of software, equipment, leasehold improvements and IP of $14.7 million, purchases of long-term investments of $2.3 million and a purchase of notes receivable of $1.2 million.

Cash flows from financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities of $4.2 million in fiscal 2013 was due to $4.6 million of proceeds from exercises of employee stock options and employee stock purchases, partially offset by $0.3 million of excess tax expense from stock-based compensation.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities of $7.3 million in fiscal 2012 was due to $5.4 million of proceeds from exercises of employee stock options and employee stock purchases and $1.9 million of excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation.

Net cash provided by financing activities of $7.6 million in fiscal 2011 was due to $5.2 million of proceeds from exercises of employee stock options and employee stock purchases and $2.3 million of excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation.

While we generated cash from operations for fiscal 2011, we consumed cash in operations during fiscal 2012 and 2013 and it is possible that our operations will consume additional cash in future periods. Based on our current anticipated cash needs, we believe that our current balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital requirements, obligations, capital expenditures, strategic investments and other cash needs for at least the next twelve months. During fiscal 2013, we adopted a restructuring plan, which included targeted reductions in labor costs through headcount reduction and other related actions and targeted reductions in other operating expenses such as consulting, travel and subletting excess office space.  We also plan to migrate to lower cost manufacturing components and processes.  We expect to execute the restructuring plan in several phases.  During fiscal 2013 we executed the first phase.  We anticipate we will reduce cash consumed by operations and we will likely incur additional restructuring costs in future periods as we continue to implement our plan.  However, it is possible that we may need to raise additional funds to finance strategic investments or other activities during or beyond the next 12 months and our future capital requirements may vary significantly from those currently planned.  Our cash, cash equivalent and marketable security balances will continue to fluctuate based upon our ability to grow revenue, the timing of payments to us from customers and to vendors from us and the timing of inventory purchases and subsequent manufacture and sale of our products.  From time to time, we may also increase our long-term investments, which will cause our marketable securities balances to decrease.
 
As of February 2, 2013, $27.5 million of the $82.9 million of our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities was held by our foreign subsidiaries.  Approximately $7.2 million of these funds are directly or indirectly owed to the U.S. based parent organization by our foreign subsidiaries to settle intercompany loans. If the remaining amount of $20.3 million of these funds is needed for our operations in the U.S., we would be required to accrue and pay U.S. taxes to repatriate these funds. However, our intent is to permanently reinvest these funds outside of the U.S. and our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations.  We are not aware of any trends, demands or uncertainties as a result of this policy that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our business, as a whole or that may be relevant to our financial flexibility.
 
Our marketable securities primarily include corporate commercial paper, corporate bonds, money market funds, municipal bonds and notes, fixed income mutual funds and US agency discount notes. We monitor all of our marketable securities for impairment and if these securities are reported to have had a decline in fair value, we may need to use significant judgment to identify events or circumstances that would likely have a significant adverse effect on the future value of each investment including: (i) the nature of the investment; (ii) the cause and duration of any impairment; (iii) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer; (iv) for securities with a reported decline in fair value, our ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of fair value; (v) the extent to which fair value may differ from cost; and (vi) a comparison of the income generated by the securities compared to alternative investments. We would recognize an impairment charge if a decline in the fair value of our marketable securities is judged to be other-than-temporary.
 
 
45

 

Contractual obligations and commitments

We generally do not have guaranteed price or quantity commitments from any of our suppliers.  Additionally, we generally acquire products for sale to our customers based on purchase orders received as well as forecasts from such customers.  Purchase orders with delivery dates greater than twelve weeks are typically cancelable without penalty to our customers.  We currently place non-cancelable orders to purchase semiconductor wafers, other materials and finished goods from our suppliers on an eight to sixteen week lead-time basis.

The following table sets forth the amounts of payments due under specified contractual obligations as of February 2, 2013 (in thousands):
 
   
Payments Due by Period
 
   
Fiscal 2014
   
Fiscal 2015 - 2016
   
Fiscal 2017 - 2018
   
Total
 
                         
Operating leases
  $ 5,495     $ 7,172     $ 1,797     $ 14,464  
Non-cancelable purchase obligations
    16,723       -       -       16,723  
Total contractual obligations
  $ 22,218     $ 7,172     $ 1,797     $ 31,187  
 
Off-balance sheet arrangements
 
In the ordinary course of business, we have investments in privately held companies, which we review annually to determine if they should be accounted for as variable interest entities.  For the year ended February 2, 2013, we evaluated our investments in these privately held companies and concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of any variable interest from investment entities.  As a result, we account for these investments on a cost basis and do not consolidate the activity of these investee entities.  Certain events can require a reassessment of our investments in privately held companies to determine if they meet the criteria for variable interest entities and to determine which stakeholders in such entities will be the primary beneficiary.  In the event of a reassessment, we may be required to make additional disclosures or consolidate these entities in future periods.  As of February 2, 2013, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
Recent accounting pronouncements

See “Recent accounting pronouncements,” under Note 1, “Organization and summary of significant accounting policies” of the Notes to consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-K included in Item 8 of this report.
 
Subsequent events

See Note 21, “Subsequent events,” of the Notes to consolidated financial statements of this Form 10-K included in Item 8 of this report.
 
 
46

 
 
ITEM 7A.            QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The following discussion about our market risk disclosures involves forward-looking statements.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  We face exposure to market risk from adverse movements in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, which could impact our operations and financial condition.  To mitigate some of the foreign currency exchange rate risk, we utilize derivative financial instruments to hedge certain foreign currency exposures.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

Interest rate sensitivity:  As of February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, we held approximately $82.9 million and $148.4 million, respectively, of cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term marketable securities.  If short-term interest rates were to decrease 10%, the decreased interest income associated with these cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities would not have a significant impact on our net income (loss) and cash flows.
 
Foreign currency exchange rate sensitivity: We transact our revenue in U.S. dollars.  The U.S. dollar is our reporting currency.  The U.S. dollar is our functional currency except for our subsidiaries in Canada, China, Denmark, France, Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam where the Canadian dollar, Chinese Yuan, Danish krone, Euro, Japanese yen, Taiwanese dollar and Vietnamese dong are the functional currencies, respectively.  Additionally, significant portions of our Israel subsidiary’s expenses are payroll related and are denominated in Israeli shekels.  This foreign currency exposure gives rise to market risk associated with exchange rate movements of the U.S. dollar against the Israeli shekel.  To the extent the U.S. dollar weakens against the Israeli shekel, our Israeli subsidiary will experience a negative impact on its results of operations.
 
As of February 2, 2013, with the exception of our Israel operation, we had not entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain balance sheet exposures and inter-company balances against future movements in foreign exchange rates.  For our Israel operation, we do hedge portions of our forecasted expenses that are denominated in the Israeli shekel with foreign exchange forward contracts. As of February 2, 2013, we had foreign exchange contracts with notional values of approximately $10.4 million that mature on or before December 23, 2013.  These hedges of cash flow exposures will only mitigate a portion of our foreign exchange exposure.  If foreign exchange rates were to weaken against the U.S. dollar immediately and uniformly by 10% from the exchange rates at February 2, 2013, the notional value of our derivative instruments would decline and we would record a foreign exchange loss of approximately $0.6 million.
 
We maintain certain cash balances denominated in the Canadian dollar, Chinese Yuan, Danish krone, Euro, Japanese yen, Hong Kong dollar, Israeli shekel, Singapore dollar, Taiwanese dollar and Vietnamese dong.  If foreign exchange rates were to weaken against the U.S. dollar immediately and uniformly by 10% from the exchange rates at February 2, 2013, the fair value of these foreign currency amounts would decline and we would record a charge of approximately $0.1 million.
 
 
47

 
 
ITEM 8.               FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
49
Consolidated Balance Sheets
50
Consolidated Statements of Operations
51
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
51
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
52
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
53
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
54
 
 
48

 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Sigma Designs, Inc.
Milpitas, CA

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sigma Designs, Inc. and subsidiaries ("the Company") as of February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended February 2, 2013.  We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Part IV, Item 15.  The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, appearing under Item 9A.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended February 2, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule for each of the fiscal years in the three-year period ended February 2, 2013, when considered in relation to the consolidated financial statements as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.  Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).



ARMANINOLLP
San Jose, California
April 12, 2013
 
 
49

 
 
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
   
February 2,
2013
   
January 28,
2012
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 51,218     $ 44,283  
Short-term marketable securities
    17,455       42,134  
Restricted cash
    1,769       1,769  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $295 in 2013 and $537 in 2012
    21,648       21,180  
Inventory
    24,929       22,037  
Deferred tax assets
    5,868       4,832  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    13,578       7,234  
Total current assets
    136,465       143,469  
                 
Long-term marketable securities
    14,253       62,022  
Software, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
    17,106       19,609  
Intangible assets, net
    36,573       45,656  
Deferred tax assets, net of current portion
    2,681       16,595  
Long-term investments and notes receivable, net of current portion
    8,943       9,443  
Other non-current assets
    4,810       430  
Total assets
  $ 220,831     $ 297,224  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 11,046     $ 8,438  
Accrued compensation and related benefits
    10,070       8,957  
Accrued liabilities
    18,721       15,124  
Total current liabilities
    39,837       32,519  
                 
Income taxes payable
    17,723       13,609  
Long-term deferred tax liabilities
    804       1,062  
Other long-term liabilities
    449       1,559  
Total liabilities
    58,813       48,749  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
               
                 
Shareholders' equity
               
Preferred stock; no par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock and additional paid-in capital; no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 38,234,357 issued and 34,042,045 outstanding in 2013 and 37,070,578 issued and 32,878,266 outstanding in 2012
    475,070       460,246  
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,192,312 shares in 2013 and in 2012
    (85,941 )     (85,941 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    1,090       603  
Accumulated deficit
    (228,201 )     (126,433 )
Total shareholders' equity
    162,018       248,475  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 220,831     $ 297,224  
 
See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
50

 
 
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2,
2013
   
January 28,
2012
   
January 29,
2011
 
                   
Net revenue
  $ 216,613     $ 182,617     $ 286,915  
Cost of revenue
    125,588       105,241       146,271  
Gross profit
    91,025       77,376       140,644  
Operating expenses
                       
Research and development
    103,478       86,517       77,270  
Sales and marketing
    34,550       34,467       31,712  
General and administrative
    27,899       20,829       18,745  
Restructuring costs
    3,264       -       -  
Impairment of goodwill
    -       45,108       -  
Impairment of acquired intangible assets
    -       66,170       -  
Impairment of IP, mask sets and design tools
    6,569       -       -  
Gain on acquisition
    (1,389 )     -       -  
Total operating expenses
    174,371       253,091       127,727  
Income (loss) from operations
    (83,346 )     (175,715 )     12,917  
Interest and other income, net
    2,325       2,704       2,183  
Impairment of investment
    -       -       (5,203 )
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (81,021 )     (173,011 )     9,897  
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
    20,747       (4,966 )     750  
Net income (loss)
  $ (101,768 )   $ (168,045 )   $ 9,147  
Net income (loss) per common share:
                       
Basic
  $ (3.06 )   $ (5.25 )   $ 0.29  
Diluted
  $ (3.06 )   $ (5.25 )   $ 0.29  
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:
                       
Basic
    33,205       32,036       31,245  
Diluted
    33,205       32,036       31,732  
 
 
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
       
   
February 2,
2013
   
January 28,
2012
   
January 29,
2011
 
                   
Net income (loss)
  $ (101,768 )   $ (168,045 )   $ 9,147  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                       
Currency translation adjustments
    247       (327 )     (214 )
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax
    240       (191 )     146  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    487       (518 )     (68 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (101,281 )   $ (168,563 )   $ 9,079  
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
51

 
 
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except shares)
 
    Common Stock     Treasury Stock     Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
             
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
   
Accumulated Translation Adjustment
   
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
   
Total Shareholders' Equity
 
                                                                 
Balance, January 30, 2010
    35,047,234     $ 421,109       (4,192,312 )   $ (85,941 )   $ 206     $ 983     $ 32,465     $ 368,822  
Unrealized gain on marketablesecurities
    -       -       -       -       146       -       -       146  
Currency translation adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       (214 )     -       (214 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    -       12,577       -       -       -       -       -       12,577  
Grants of restricted stock awards
    85,137       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Tax effect related to stock options
    -       2,320       -       -       -       -       -       2,320  
Net proceeds from common stock issued under share plans
    800,907       5,243       -       -       -       -       -       5,243  
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       9,147       9,147  
Balance, January 29, 2011
    35,933,278       441,249       (4,192,312 )     (85,941 )     352       769       41,612       398,041  
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
    -       -       -       -       (191 )     -       -       (191 )
Currency translation adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       (327 )     -       (327 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    -       12,025       -       -       -       -       -       12,025  
Grants of restricted stock awards
    163,070       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Tax effect related to stock options
    -       1,595       -       -       -       -       -       1,595  
Net proceeds from common stock issued under share plans
    974,230       5,377       -       -       -       -       -       5,377  
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (168,045 )     (168,045 )
Balance, January 28, 2012
    37,070,578       460,246       (4,192,312 )     (85,941 )     161       442       (126,433 )     248,475  
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    -       -       -       -       240       -       -       240  
Currency translation adjustments
    -       -       -       -       -       247       -       247  
Stock-based compensation expense
    -       10,595       -       -       -       -       -       10,595  
Grants of restricted stock awards
    10,980       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Tax effect related to stock options
    -       (345 )     -       -       -       -       -       (345 )
Net proceeds from common stock issued under share plans
    1,152,799       4,574       -       -       -       -       -       4,574  
Net loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (101,768 )     (101,768 )
Balance, February 2, 2013
    38,234,357     $ 475,070       (4,192,312 )   (85,941 )   $ 401     $ 689     $ (228,201 )   $ 162,018  
 
 
See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
52

 
 
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                   
Cash flows from operating activities
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (101,768 )   $ (168,045 )   $ 9,147  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    23,870       28,952       27,680  
Stock-based compensation
    10,595       12,025       12,577  
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory
    7,053       8,955       488  
Provision for (recovery of) sales returns, discounts and doubtful accounts
    (158 )     54       260  
Deferred income taxes
    12,398       (10,221 )     (4,806 )
(Gain) loss on disposal of software, equipment and leasehold improvements
    (437     173       449  
Impairment of investment
    -       -       5,203  
Gain on acquisition
    (1,389 )     -       -  
Non-cash restructuring costs
    2,111       -       -  
Tax effect related to stock options
    (345 )     1,595       2,320  
Excess tax (benefit) expense from stock-based compensation
    345       (1,938 )     (2,320 )
Accretion of contributed leasehold improvements
    (206 )     (260 )     (176 )
Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets, IP, mask sets and design tools
    11,174       111,278       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    13,100       10,114       4,517  
Inventory
    3,699       6,964       (20,015 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    1,268       (443 )     (697 )
Other non-current assets
    (3,954 )     156       84  
Accounts payable
    4,473       (7,968 )     4,705  
Accrued liabilities, compensation and related benefits
    1,391       (4,114 )     1,028  
Income taxes payable and other long-term liabilities
    2,135       577       1,428  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (14,645 )     (12,146 )     41,872  
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Restricted cash
    -       (153 )     (116 )
Purchases of marketable securities
    (21,354 )     (88,072 )     (130,530 )
Sales and maturities of marketable securities
    94,043       88,515       90,320  
Purchases of software, equipment, leasehold improvements and IP
    (17,629 )     (14,239 )     (14,653 )
Net cash paid in connection with acquisitions
    (38,210 )     (5,000 )     -  
Purchases of long-term investments
    -       (2,142 )     (2,300 )
Repayment of note receivable
    250       150       -  
Purchase of notes receivable
    -       (2,500 )     (1,150 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    17,100       (23,441 )     (58,429 )
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
Net proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and stock purchase rights
    4,574       5,377       5,243  
Excess tax benefit (expense) from stock-based compensation
    (345 )     1,938       2,320  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    4,229       7,315       7,563  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    251       (177 )     (221 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    6,935       (28,449 )     (9,215 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    44,283       72,732       81,947  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 51,218     $ 44,283     $ 72,732  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
                       
Cash paid for interest
  $ -     $ -     $ 148  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 2,673     $ 1,330     $ 1,623  
 
See the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
53

 
 
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.            Organization and summary of significant accounting policies

Organization and nature of operations:  Sigma Designs, Inc. (referred to collectively in these consolidated financial statements as “Sigma,” “we,” “our,” “the Company” and “us”) is a leader in connected media platforms. We specialize in digital television, or DTV, media processors and chipset solutions that serve as the foundation for some of the world’s leading internet protocol television, or IPTV, set-top-boxes, connected media players, residential gateways and home control systems. We sell our products to manufacturers, designers and, to a lesser extent, to distributors who, in turn, sell to manufacturers.

Basis of presentation:  The consolidated financial statements include Sigma Designs, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. We changed our presentation of other comprehensive income due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 220, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In May 2012, we completed our acquisition of certain assets from Trident Microsystems, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Trident”). The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of Trident commencing as of the acquisition date. See Note 10 for further discussion.

Accounting period:  We follow a 52 or 53-week fiscal reporting calendar ending on the Saturday closest to January 31 each year. Our most recent fiscal year, fiscal 2013, ended on February 2, 2013, included 53 weeks. The fiscal years 2012 and 2011, ended January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively, included 52 weeks. Our next fiscal year, ending on February 1, 2014, will include 52 weeks.
 
Reclassifications:  Certain prior fiscal year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current fiscal year presentation.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we concluded that it was appropriate to reclassify our purchased intellectual property, or IP, that is incorporated into our products, from software, equipment and leasehold improvements to intangible assets. The reclassification has no effect on previously reported consolidated statements of operations or accumulated deficit for any period and does not affect previously reported cash flows from operations or from investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. For comparability purposes, the corresponding gross assets and accumulated amortization of $22.2 million and $5.9 million, respectively, have been reclassified as of January 28, 2012.
 
Restructuring charges:  During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, we adopted a restructuring plan, which included targeted reductions in labor costs through headcount reduction and other related actions and targeted reductions in other operating expenses such as consulting, travel and subletting excess office space.  We also plan to migrate to lower cost manufacturing components and processes.  We expect to execute the restructuring plan in several phases.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2013 we completed the initial phase, which consisted of headcount reduction in our North American operations and the implementation of expense management measures across worldwide operations.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 we implemented a further reduction in headcount, primarily in Canada.  For fiscal 2013, we recognized a charge of $3.3 million in connection with our restructuring activities.  In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 we reduced our headcount by 17 employees, resulting in an estimated restructuring cost of $0.3 million.  We anticipate we will incur additional restructuring charges in future periods as we continue to balance our current cost structure with our anticipated growth.
 
Use of estimates:  The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or US GAAP, requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  The primary areas that require significant estimates and judgments by management include, but are not limited to, revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, sales returns, warranty obligations, inventory valuation, stock-based compensation expense, goodwill and purchased intangible asset valuations, strategic investments, deferred income tax asset valuation allowances, uncertain tax positions, tax contingencies, restructuring costs, litigation and other loss contingencies.  These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements.

Fair value of financial instruments:  For certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate their fair value due to the relatively short maturity of these items.  Marketable securities consist of available-for-sale securities that are reported at fair value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders’ equity.  The fair value of cash equivalents and certain marketable securities is determined based on “Level 1” inputs, which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  

 
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Derivative financial instruments: We account for our financial derivatives as either assets or liabilities and carry them at fair value.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes, nor do we hold or issue leveraged derivative financial instruments. We use foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain existing and anticipated foreign currency denominated transactions.  Unrealized gains and losses arising from the effective portion of foreign exchange contracts that are designated as cash flow hedging instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the underlying transactions affect earnings.  Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.  Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair values of foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments are recognized in current earnings.

Cash and cash equivalents:  We consider all highly liquid debt instruments with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Short and long-term marketable securities:  Short-term marketable securities represent highly liquid instruments with a remaining maturity date at the end of each reporting period of greater than 90 days but less than one year and are stated at fair value. Long-term marketable securities represent securities with contractual maturities greater than one year from the date of acquisition. We classify our marketable securities as available-for-sale because the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity. The difference between amortized cost (cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which is recognized as an adjustment to interest income) and fair value, representing unrealized holding gains or losses, are recorded separately as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity. Any gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities are determined on a specific identification basis. We monitor all of our marketable securities for impairment and if these securities are reported to have a decline in fair value, we use significant judgment to identify events or circumstances that would likely have a significant adverse effect on the future value of each investment including: (i) the nature of the investment; (ii) the cause and duration of any impairment; (iii) the financial condition and future prospects of the issuer; (iv) for securities with a reported decline in fair value, our ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery of fair value; (v) the extent to which fair value may differ from cost; and  (vi) a comparison of the income generated by the securities compared to alternative investments. We recognize an impairment charge if a decline in the fair value of our marketable securities is judged to be other-than-temporary. No such impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.
 
Accounts receivable and allowances:  We defer recognition of revenue and the related receivable when we cannot estimate whether collectability is reasonably assured at the time products and services are delivered to our customer.  We also provide allowances for bad debt and sales returns.  In establishing the allowance for bad debt, we review the customer’s payment history and information regarding their credit worthiness.  In establishing the allowance for sales returns, we make estimates of potential future returns of products for which revenue has been recognized in the current period, including analyzing historical returns, current economic trends and changes in customer demand and acceptance of our products.  In fiscal 2013, we released $0.2 million for sales returns, discounts and bad debt.  In fiscal 2012 and 2011, we recorded provisions for sales returns, discounts and bad debt in the total amounts of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, or future product returns increased, additional allowances may be required.

Inventory:  Inventory is stated at the lower of standard cost, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis, or market value.  We evaluate our ending inventory for excess quantities and obsolescence on a quarterly basis.  This evaluation includes analysis of historical and estimated future unit sales by product as well as product purchase commitments that are not cancelable. We develop our demand forecasts based, in part, on discussions with our customers about their forecasted supply needs.  However, our customers generally only provide us with firm purchase commitments for the month and quarter and not our entire forecasted period.  Additionally, our sales and marketing personnel provide estimates of future sales to prospective customers based on actual and expected design wins. A provision is recorded for inventory in excess of estimated future demand.  In addition, we write-off inventory that is obsolete.  Obsolescence is determined from several factors, including competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions and product life cycles.  Provisions for excess and obsolete inventory are charged to cost of revenue.  At the time of the loss recognition, a new, lower-cost basis for that inventory is established and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.  If this lower-cost inventory is subsequently sold, we will realize higher gross margins for those products.
 
Inventory write-downs inherently involve assumptions and judgments as to amount of future sales and selling prices. As a result of our inventory valuation reviews, we charged provisions for excess and obsolete inventory of approximately $7.1 million, $9.0 million and $0.5 million to cost of revenue for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Although we believe that the assumptions we use in estimating inventory write-downs are reasonable, significant future changes in these assumptions could produce a significantly different result. There can be no assurances that future events and changing market conditions will not result in significant inventory write-downs.
 
 
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Warranty: Our products typically carry a one-year limited warranty that products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship.  Warranty cost is estimated at the time revenue is recognized, based on historical activity and additionally for any specific known product warranty issues. Accrued warranty cost includes hardware repair and/or replacement and software support costs and is included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Although we engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, our warranty obligation has been and may in the future be affected by product failure rates, product recalls, repair or replacement costs and additional development costs incurred in correcting any product failure. Should actual product failure rates differ from our estimates, additional warranty reserves could be required. In that event, our product gross margins would be reduced.

Software, equipment and leasehold improvements:  Software, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost.   Depreciation and amortization for software, equipment and leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method based on the useful lives of the assets (one to five years) or the remaining lease term if shorter.  Any allowance for leasehold improvements received from the landlord for improvements to our facilities is amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining lease term or the useful life of the leasehold improvements.  Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Business combinations: The purchase accounting method applied to business combinations requires us to allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as in-process research and development, or IP R&D, based on their estimated fair values. Such valuations require us to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. The significant purchased intangible assets recorded by us include customer relationships, developed technology, IP R&D and trademarks.  Critical estimates and assumptions used in valuing these assets include but are not limited to: future expected cash flows from acquired products, customer relationships and acquired developed technologies and patents; expected costs to develop IP R&D into commercially viable products, calculation of the weighted average cost of capital and expected cash flows from completed projects; assumptions regarding brand awareness and market position, and assumptions about the period of time the brand will continue to be used in our product portfolio; and assumptions about discount rates. The estimated fair values are based upon assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.

Intangible assets:  The amounts and useful lives assigned to intangible assets acquired, other than goodwill, impact the amount and timing of future amortization.  Intangible assets include those acquired through business combinations and intellectual property that we purchase for incorporation into our product designs. We begin amortizing such intellectual property at the time that we begin shipment of the associated products into which it is incorporated.  We amortize the intellectual property over the estimated useful life of the associated products, generally two to three years.
 
Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired.  Other intangible assets primarily represent purchased developed technology, customer relationships, trademarks, non-compete agreements, purchased IP and IP R&D.  We currently amortize our intangible assets with definitive lives over periods ranging from two to ten years using a method that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used or, if that pattern cannot be reliably determined, using a straight-line amortization method.  We capitalize IP R&D projects acquired as part of a business combination and upon completion of each project, IP R&D assets are reclassified to developed technology and amortized over their estimated useful lives.  The amounts and useful lives assigned to finite lived intangible assets acquired, other than goodwill, impact the amount and timing of future amortization.
 
 
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Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets:  We evaluate goodwill on an annual basis as of the last day of our fiscal year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.  We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting units is less than its carrying amount, we conduct a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test.  The first step requires identifying the reporting units and comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill.  We have identified that we operate one reporting unit and the fair value of our operating unit is determined to be equal to our market capitalization as determined through quoted market prices, adjusted for a reasonable control premium.  We estimate the control premium based on a review of acquisitions of comparable semiconductor companies that were completed during the last four years.  If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the implied fair value of the affected reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill. The amount, by which the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any, is recognized as an impairment loss.

During development, IP R&D is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of IP R&D is less than its carrying amount, and if so, we conduct a quantitative impairment test. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value to its carrying amount. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Once an IP R&D project is complete, it becomes a definite lived intangible asset and is evaluated for impairment in accordance with our policy for long-lived assets.

We test long-lived assets, including purchased intangible assets (other than goodwill and IP R&D) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as a change in technology, indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.  If indicators of impairment exist, we determine whether the carrying value of an asset or asset group is recoverable, based on comparisons to undiscounted expected future cash flows that the assets are expected to generate. If an asset is not recoverable, we record an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. We primarily use the income valuation approach to determine the fair value of our long-lived assets and purchased intangible assets.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions.  These estimates and assumptions include forecasts of revenue and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions and a determination of appropriate market comparables.  We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable at that time, however, actual future results may differ from those estimates.  Future competitive, market and economic conditions could negatively impact key assumptions including our market capitalization, actual control premiums or the carrying value of our net assets, which could require us to realize an additional impairment.

Long-term investments:  Investments in private equity securities of less than 20% owned companies are accounted for using the cost method unless we can exercise significant influence or the investee is economically dependent upon us, in which case the equity method is used.  We evaluate our long-term investments for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.

Assets held for sale: Assets are classified as assets held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. The assets are classified as assets to be disposed of by sale when the following conditions have been met: management has approved the plan to sell; assets are available for immediate sale; assets are actively being marketed; sale is probable within one year; price is reasonable in the market and it is unlikely that there will be significant changes in the assets to be sold or a withdrawal to the plan to sell. Assets classified as held for sale, which include software licenses (design tools) and computer and testing equipment, are reported as current assets at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and depreciation is not charged on long-lived assets classified as held for sale. Balance of assets held for sale at February 2, 2013 and January 31, 2012 was $0.6 million and zero, respectively, and is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue recognition: We derive our revenue primarily from product sales.  Our products, which we refer to as chipsets, consist of highly integrated semiconductors and embedded software that enables real-time processing of digital video and audio content, which we refer to as real-time software.  We do not deliver software as a separate product in connection with product sales.  We recognize revenue for product sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria are usually met at the time of product shipment. We record reductions of revenue for estimated product returns in the same period that the related revenue is recorded. The amount of these reductions is based on historical sales returns, analysis of credit memo data, specific criteria included in the agreements, and other factors known at the time. We accrue 100% of potential returns at the time of sale when there is not sufficient historical sales data and recognize revenue when the right of return expires.  In addition, we also derive a portion of our net revenue from licensing the right to use our intellectual property from our home control and energy management market. License fees are recognized over the term specified. We recognize licensing revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. These criteria are usually met at the time our technology is made available to the customer. Licensing revenue for fiscal 2013 was $5.7 million. Licensing revenue for fiscal 2012 was less than $0.1 million and zero for fiscal 2011.

We defer revenue when payments are received from customers in advance of revenue recognition.  Deferred revenue, consisting principally of license fees collected in advance, at February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012 was $3.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, and is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
Cost of revenue: Cost of revenue is comprised of the cost of our media processors and chipset solutions, which consists of the cost of purchasing finished silicon wafers manufactured by independent foundries, costs associated with our purchase of assembly, test and quality assurance services and packaging materials, as well as royalties paid to vendors for use of their technology. Also included in cost of revenue is the amortization of purchased IP, manufacturing overhead, including costs of personnel and equipment associated with manufacturing support, product warranty costs, provisions for excess and obsolete inventory, and stock-based compensation expense for personnel engaged in manufacturing support.

Foreign currency:  The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is either the U.S. dollar or the local currency of each country.  Where the local currency is the functional currency, currency translation adjustments from the translation of the financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries are included in shareholders’ equity.  Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, which are included in interest and other income, net, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations were a net gain of approximately $0.8 million in fiscal 2013, and net losses of approximately $0.6 million and $0.2 million for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
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Concentration of credit risk:  Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term marketable securities, restricted cash, long-term investments and accounts receivable.  Our cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term marketable securities and restricted cash are on deposit with major financial institutions.  Such deposits may be in excess of insured limits.  We believe that the financial institutions that hold our cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term marketable securities and restricted cash are financially sound and, accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to these balances.  We have not experienced any investment losses due to institutional failure or bankruptcy.  We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally do not require collateral for sales on credit.  We review our accounts receivable balances to determine if any receivables will potentially be uncollectible and include any amounts that are determined to be uncollectible in our allowance for doubtful accounts.

Provisions: In determining loss contingencies, we consider the likelihood of a loss of an asset or the incurrence of a liability as well as the ability to reasonably estimate the amount of such loss or liability. An estimated loss from a loss contingency is accrued and charged to expense when the information available indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred, and when the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. 

Income taxes:  Income taxes are accounted for under an asset and liability approach.  Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of any temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts reported for income tax purposes, and any operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards.  Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for future taxable amounts and deferred tax assets are recognized for future deductions, net of any valuation allowance, to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts that are considered more likely than not to be realized.  
 
The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized as the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority.  An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained.

Stock-based compensation:  We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on their estimated fair values measured on the date of grant.  Stock option awards are measured using an option-pricing model.  The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service period in our consolidated statements of operations.  We estimate forfeitures, based on historical experience, at the time of grant and revise our estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Research and development costs: Costs incurred in the research and development of our products are expensed as incurred.

Advertising costs: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included as an element of sales and marketing expense in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Advertising expenses incurred in each of fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 were less than $0.1 million.
 
Comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss).  Other comprehensive income (loss) includes certain changes in equity that are excluded from results of operations.  Specifically, foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities and unrealized gains and losses arising from the effective portion of foreign exchange contracts that are designated as cash flow hedging instruments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Recent accounting pronouncements:  Recent accounting pronouncements expected to impact our operations that are not yet effective are summarized as follows:

In December 2011, the FASB issued new guidance on disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities. Entities with balances presented on a net basis in the financial statements shall disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet as well as instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the scope of disclosures about offsetting assets and liabilities by limiting such scope to derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions to the extent that they are offset in the financial statements or subject to an enforceable master netting agreement. The disclosure requirements are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. We will adopt this guidance in our first quarter of fiscal 2014 and we do not believe its adoption will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The new guidance requires that the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income be presented either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. If a component is not required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety, companies would instead cross reference to the related footnote for additional information. The disclosure requirements are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We will adopt this guidance in our first quarter of fiscal 2014 and we do not believe its adoption will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
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2.            Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
   
Book Value
   
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)
   
Fair Value
   
Book Value
   
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)
   
Fair Value
 
                                                 
Corporate bonds
  $ 30,642     $ 537     $ 31,179     $ 91,829     $ 192     $ 92,021  
Money market funds
    21,032       -       21,032       20,876       -       20,876  
Municipal bonds and notes
    515       14       529       1,668       19       1,687  
Fixed income mutual funds
    1,259       20       1,279       -       -       -  
Corporate commercial paper
    -       -       -       1,946       -       1,946  
US agency discount notes
    -       -       -       8,506       (4 )     8,502  
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities
  $ 53,448     $ 571     $ 54,019     $ 124,825     $ 207     $ 125,032  
                                                 
Cash on hand held in the United States
                    1,441                       1,030  
Cash on hand held overseas
                    27,466                       22,377  
Total cash on hand
                    28,907                       23,407  
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
            $ 82,926                     $ 148,439  
                                                 
Reported as:
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
                    51,218                       44,283  
Short-term marketable securities
                    17,455                       42,134  
Long-term marketable securities
                    14,253                       62,022  
                    $ 82,926                     $ 148,439  
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of cash equivalents and marketable securities, by contractual maturity, are as follows (in thousands):  
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
   
Book Value
 
Fair Value
   
Book Value
 
Fair Value
 
                                 
Due in one year or less
  $ 39,595     $ 39,767     $ 62,970     $ 63,010  
Due in greater than one year
    13,853       14,252       61,855       62,022  
Total
  $ 53,448     $ 54,019     $ 124,825     $ 125,032  
 
3.            Fair values of assets and liabilities

Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).”  The accounting standards establish a consistent framework for measuring fair value and disclosure requirements about fair value measurements and among other things, require us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

Fair value hierarchy

The accounting standards discuss valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost).  The standards utilize a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.  The following is a brief description of those three levels:

 
Level 1 - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

 
Level 2 - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

 
Level 3 - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market.  These unobservable assumptions reflect our estimate of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.
 
 
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Determination of fair value

Our cash equivalents and marketable securities are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.  The types of marketable securities valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and agency securities, sovereign government obligations, money market securities and certain corporate obligations with high credit ratings and an ongoing trading market.

Our foreign currency derivative instruments are classified as Level 2 because they are valued using quoted prices and other observable data of similar instruments in active markets.

The tables below present the balances of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
 
   
February 2, 2013
 
   
Fair Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
                         
Corporate bonds
  $ 31,179     $ 31,179     $ -     $ -  
Money market funds
    21,032       21,032       -       -  
Municipal bonds and notes
    529       529       -       -  
Fixed income mutual funds
    1,279       1,279       -       -  
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities
  $ 54,019     $ 54,019     $ -     $ -  
Restricted cash
    1,769       1,769       -       -  
Derivative instruments asset
    438       -       438       -  
Total assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value
  $ 56,226     $ 55,788     $ 438     $ -  
 
   
January 28, 2012
 
   
Fair Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
                         
Corporate bonds
  $ 92,021     $ 92,021     $ -     $ -  
Money market funds
    20,876       20,876       -       -  
Municipal bonds and notes
    1,687       1,687       -       -  
Corporate commercial paper
    1,946       1,946       -       -  
US agency discount notes
    8,502       8,502       -       -  
Total cash equivalents and marketable securities
  $ 125,032     $ 125,032     $ -     $ -  
Restricted cash
    1,769       1,769       -       -  
Derivative instruments liability
    (121 )     -       (121 )     -  
Total assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value
  $ 126,680     $ 126,801     $ (121 )   $ -  
 
Assets measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis

Our non-marketable promissory notes receivable and preferred stock investments in privately-held venture capital funded technology companies are recorded at cost and are adjusted to fair value only in the event that they become other-than-temporarily impaired.  As of February 2, 2013, we held equity investments in five, and promissory notes receivable in two, privately-held venture capital funded technology companies and an equity investment in one joint venture, with an aggregate face value equal to cost of $9.7 million.  Each of these equity investments in privately held companies constituted less than a 20% ownership position.  Furthermore, we do not believe that we have the ability to exert significant influence over any of these companies.
 
 
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4.            Derivative financial instruments

Foreign exchange contracts are recognized either as assets or as liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value at the end of each reporting period.  Changes in fair value of the derivatives are recorded as operating expenses or other income (expense) or as accumulated other comprehensive income, or OCI.

We currently use and expect to continue to use foreign currency derivatives such as forward and option contracts as hedges against certain anticipated transactions denominated in Israeli shekels, or NIS.  For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Gains and losses on derivatives representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
 
Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we elected to discontinue assessing new derivative contracts that are used in managing NIS denominated transactions for hedge effectiveness and thus such contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting.  As a result of this change, we recognize all gains and losses from changes in the fair value of these derivate contracts immediately into earnings rather than deferring any such amounts in OCI.  For hedge transactions entered into prior to January 30, 2011, which continued to be effective, the gains and losses incurred prior to January 30, 2011 continued to be recorded in OCI and were reclassified into earnings when those hedge transactions matured.
 
All existing foreign exchange contracts were entered into subsequent to January 29, 2011, and are treated as foreign exchange contracts not designated as cash flow hedges.  In fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recognized gains of approximately $0.4 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, as a result of foreign exchange contracts.  As of February 2, 2013, we had foreign exchange contracts to sell up to approximately $10.4 million for a total amount of approximately NIS 42.3 million, that mature on or before December 23, 2013.  As of January 28, 2012, we had foreign exchange contracts to sell up to approximately $10.2 million for a total amount of approximately NIS 37.0 million, that matured on or before December 27, 2012.

The following table presents the fair value of our outstanding derivative instruments (in thousands):

Derivative Assets
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
                     
Foreign exchange contracts not designated as cash flow hedges
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (accrued liabilities)
  $ 438     $ (121 )
Total fair value of derivative instruments
      $ 438     $ (121 )

The effects of derivative instruments on income and accumulated other comprehensive income for fiscal 2013 and 2012 are summarized below (in thousands):
 
   
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Derivatives (Effective Portion)
   
Gains Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Earnings
 
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives (Including Ineffective Portion)
Derivatives instruments
 
Amount
   
Amount
 
Location
 
Amount
 
Location
                             
Fiscal 2013 foreign exchange contracts
  $ -     $ -  
Operating expenses and cost of revenue
  $ 447  
Interest and other income, net
Fiscal 2012 foreign exchange contracts
  $ -     $ 85  
Operating expenses and cost of revenue
  $ 153  
Interest and other income, net
 
There was no impact from ineffective portions on designated cash flow derivative contracts for fiscal 2013 and 2012.
    
5.            Restricted cash

As of February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, we had $1.8 million of restricted cash related to deposits pledged to a financial institution with regard to our foreign exchange hedging transactions and an office operating lease.

 
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6.            Investments in and notes receivable from privately held companies  
 
The following table sets forth the value of investments in and notes receivable from privately-held companies (in thousands):
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
Equity investments                
Issuer B
  $ 2,000     $ 2,000  
Issuer C
    1,000       1,000  
Issuer D
    1,000       1,000  
Issuer E
    300       300  
Issuer F
    2,000       2,000  
Issuer G
    143       143  
Total equity investments
    6,443       6,443  
Notes receivable
               
Issuer B
    750       1,000  
Issuer H
    2,500       2,500  
Total notes receivable
    3,250       3,500  
Total equity investments and notes receivable
  $ 9,693     $ 9,943  
 
Equity investments

During fiscal 2009, we purchased shares of preferred stock in a privately-held venture capital funded technology company (“Issuer A”) at a total investment cost of $2.0 million.  In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we purchased a convertible note from Issuer A with a face value equal to the cost of $3.0 million, which is convertible into the issuer’s preferred stock under certain circumstances, bears interest at a rate of 9% per annum and became callable after November 30, 2009.  During our second quarter of fiscal 2011, Issuer A determined that additional funding would be required to continue operations.  Issuer A held discussions with various parties, and a third party made a preliminary offer to purchase substantially all of its assets at a price that would not allow us to collect any amount on our investments in Issuer A.  Based on the available information, we determined that the value of our investment in Issuer A had suffered an other-than-temporary decline in value.  Accordingly, at July 31, 2010, we recorded an impairment charge of $5.2 million to fully write down the carrying value of the preferred stock equity investment and fully reserve the convertible note receivable, including related accrued interest.

During fiscal 2009, we purchased shares of preferred stock in a privately-held venture capital funded technology company (“Issuer B”) at a total investment cost of $1.0 million.  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, we purchased additional shares of preferred stock in Issuer B at a cost of $1.0 million.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2011, we purchased shares of preferred stock in another privately-held technology company (“Issuer C”) at a total investment cost of $1.0 million. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, we purchased shares of preferred stock in another privately-held technology company (“Issuer D”) at a total investment cost of $1.0 million.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, we also purchased a convertible note from another privately-held technology company (“Issuer E”) with a face value equal to the cost of $0.3 million.   

In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we purchased shares of preferred stock in another privately-held technology company (“Issuer F”) at a total investment cost of $2.0 million.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, we made an equity investment of $0.1 million in a privately-held joint venture (“Issuer G”).

As of February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, our equity investments in privately-held companies were valued at $6.4 million, representing their cost.
 
 
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Notes receivable from privately-held companies

In November 2010, we loaned $1.0 million to Issuer B and received a secured promissory note.  This promissory note is secured by the assets of Issuer B, bears interest at a rate of 5% per annum and is scheduled to be fully repaid by June 2013.

In January 2012, we loaned $2.5 million to a privately-held venture capital funded technology company (“Issuer H”), pursuant to a strategic agreement dated January 25, 2012.  We made this loan in exchange for a secured promissory note, bearing interest at a rate of 3% per annum.  The note plus the accrued interest is due 36 months from the agreement date.  The note is secured by the assets of Issuer H.  Additionally, pursuant to this agreement we had the right, subject to certain performance conditions by Issuer H for one year from the agreement date, to acquire all the outstanding securities of Issuer H for $11.2 million cash, plus the forgiveness of the $2.5 million loan.   As of February 2, 2013, these performance conditions were not met by Issuer H and the purchase rights expired.
 
As of February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, our notes receivable from privately-held companies were valued at $3.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively, representing their cost.  We made each of the above-described investments because we viewed the issuer as either having strategic technology or a business that would complement our technological capabilities or help create an opportunity for us to sell our chipset solutions.  The Company analyzes each investment quarterly for evidence of impairment.

The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer is a member of the Board of Directors of five of the seven companies we have invested in.  One of our current Board of Directors and one of our former Board of Directors held equity and debt interests in Issuer A in which we had invested an aggregate of $5.0 million and the current Director was a member of the Board of Directors of Issuer A.  In the aggregate, these equity and debt interests did not rise to the level of a material or a controlling interest in Issuer A.  Our Board of Directors appointed a Director who had no interest in Issuer A to evaluate each investment in Issuer A and to recommend appropriate action to the Company’s Board of Directors.  We viewed this investment as a strategic investment in a technology platform into which we could potentially sell our chipset solutions.

Each of the aforementioned investment transactions are negotiated without the personal involvement of our Board members or, where applicable, the executive officer concerned, and we believe that they are made on an arm’s length basis in line with market practices and conditions.

7.            Inventory

Inventory consists of the following (in thousands):
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
             
Wafers and other purchased materials
  $ 12,553     $ 11,006  
Work-in-process
    1,071       191  
Finished goods
    11,305       10,840  
   Total inventory
  $ 24,929     $ 22,037  
 
8.            Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
             
Prepayments for inventory
  $ 2,542     $ -  
Amounts due from seller related to DTV acquisition
    4,519       -  
Note receivable
    750       500  
Assets held for sale
    623       -  
Other current assets
    5,144       6,734  
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets
  $ 13,578     $ 7,234  

 
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9.            Software, equipment and leasehold improvements

Software, equipment and leasehold improvements consist of the following (in thousands):

 
Estimated
Useful Lives
(years)
 
February 2,
2013
   
January 28,
2012
 
                       
Software
 
2
 
  $ 24,216     $ 25,267  
Equipment
2 to
5
    17,688       14,486  
Office equipment and furniture
  2
 
    8,338       8,144  
Leasehold improvements
1 to
6
    3,097       3,520  
Total
          53,339       51,417  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
          (36,233 )     (31,808 )
Total software, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
        $ 17,106     $ 19,609  
 
Software, equipment and leasehold improvement depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $12.3 million, $10.2 million and $8.0 million, respectively.

10.            Business combinations

On March 21, 2011, we executed a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets, including intangible assets and products, from a business division of a large computer manufacturer for $5.0 million in cash, which was paid on May 3, 2011.

The assets we acquired include a low-power High Definition, or HD, video encoder processor aimed at capturing HD video for visual telephony between set-top boxes, connected media players, Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, devices, video phones, video conferencing TV’s and video surveillance devices.

In connection with this acquisition, we obtained a valuation of the assets acquired in order to allocate the purchase price.  The total purchase price was allocated to the net tangible and identified intangible assets based upon fair values as of March 21, 2011.  The excess purchase price over the value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets was recorded as goodwill.  The purchase price in the transaction was allocated as follows (in thousands, except years):
 
    Amount        
Purchase consideration:
           
Cash
$ 5,000        
             
Tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed
$ 752        
Identifiable intangible assets:
       
Estimated Useful Lives (years)
 
Developed technology
           
Technology
    1,250    
5
 
Technology leveraged
    1,680    
8
 
Customer relationships
    750    
5
 
In-process research and development
    370      
Goodwill
    198      
Total consideration
  $ 5,000        
 
On May 4, 2012, we completed our acquisition of certain assets from Trident Microsystems, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Trident”) used in or related to Trident’s digital television and PC television businesses (the “DTV business”) for a purchase price of $38.2 million, subject to adjustments based on the closing asset balance of the DTV business, plus the assumption of certain employee related liabilities pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated March 23, 2012 (the “Purchase Agreement”).  Trident filed for voluntarily petition under Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 4, 2012.  In April 2012, we were selected as the successful bidder to acquire Trident’s DTV business. The purchase price of the Trident acquisition was paid in cash.
 
In connection with the Trident acquisition, we acquired all of Trident’s DTV business products, certain licensed intellectual property rights, specified tangible assets and other assets specified in the Purchase Agreement.  We also acquired the right to use certain facilities of Trident under short-term facilities use agreements for facilities located in Shanghai and Beijing, China, Germany, The Netherlands, Taiwan and California.  We hired approximately 320 employees whose services are used in the DTV business.  We also entered into a transition services agreement with Trident under which Trident agreed to provide certain services to us following the closing.  The purchaser of Trident's set-top box business also agreed to provide transition support services to us.
 
 
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The addition of Trident's industry-leading DTV media processor System-on-a-Chip, or SoC, products for next-generation Internet-enabled digital televisions is expected to significantly expand our served available market.  DTV products complement our existing IPTV set-top-box and connected media player SoC solutions and will augment our ability to develop innovative solutions for the anticipated convergence of IP-video delivery across any device within the home.

In connection with this acquisition, we obtained a valuation of the assets acquired in order to allocate the purchase price.  The total purchase price was allocated to the net tangible and identified intangible assets based upon fair values as of May 4, 2012.  The fair value of the tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed, exceeded the purchase price by $1.4 million, which was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as a gain on acquisition.  The purchase price in the transaction was allocated as follows (in thousands, except years):

   
Amount
   
Purchase consideration:
       
Cash
  $ 38,210    
           
Tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed
  $ 38,431    
Identifiable intangible assets:
       
Estimated Useful Lives (years)
Developed technology
    1,168  
3
Gain on acquisition
    (1,389 )  
   Total consideration
  $ 38,210    
 
The results of operations of the DTV business have been included in the consolidated results of operations from May 4, 2012.  For fiscal 2013, net sales of approximately $66.6 million and an operating loss of approximately $5.2 million, attributable to the DTV business, were included in the consolidated results of operations.  The terms of the Purchase Agreement allowed for certain working capital adjustments after the close of the acquisition, and as such the seller owes the Company $4.5 million as of February 2, 2013.
 
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations give effect to the acquisition of the DTV business as if it had occurred on January 30, 2011.  The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to represent actual consolidated results of operations had the acquisition occurred on the date assumed, nor are these financial statements necessarily indicative of future consolidated results of operations.  We expect to incur costs and realize benefits associated with integrating the operations of the DTV business.  The unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations do not reflect the cost of any integration activities or any benefits that may result from operating efficiencies or revenue synergies.  The pro forma consolidated results of operations for fiscal 2013 include non-recurring adjustments of $4.0 million of direct acquisition costs (in thousands, except per share data).

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
 
January 28, 2012
 
                 
Net revenue
  $ 239,557     $ 356,778  
Net loss
    (120,313 )     (221,297 )
Basic and diluted net loss per share
  $ (3.62 )   $ (6.91 )
 
11.          Goodwill and other intangibles

The table below presents the balances of our intangible assets (in thousands):
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
                 
Acquired intangible assets
  $ 77,146     $ 75,978  
Purchased IP
    23,450       22,204  
Total
    100,596       98,182  
Accumulated amortization
    (64,023 )     (52,526 )
Intangible assets, net
  $ 36,573     $ 45,656  
 
 
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Impairment of intangible assets

We assess the carrying value of our long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.

As of October 29, 2011, we performed a review of the carrying value of our intangible assets due to continued reductions in our profitability and sales forecasts, and negative cash flows from operations. In performing this review, we developed a forecast of the total undiscounted cash flow expected to be generated by each acquired intangible asset group and compared the result to the carrying value. The results of this review indicated that two of our intangible asset groups, consisting primarily of certain developed technology and customer relationship intangibles related to our CopperGate acquisition, were not fully recoverable.  Therefore, we performed the second step of the analysis by developing a discounted cash flow analysis for each of the individual identifiable assets in these two groups to determine the amount of impairment. Our analysis resulted in an impairment charge of $55.1 million in fiscal 2012.

As of February 2, 2013, due to continued reductions in our profitability, negative cash flows from operations and our restructuring measures adopted in fiscal 2013, we performed an impairment review of our intangible assets.  The results of this review indicated that certain purchased IP incorporated into discontinued products and products in development were impaired; as a result, we recorded an impairment charge for purchased IP of $8.2 million.  In addition, we recorded an impairment charge for certain software, equipment and leasehold improvements and prepaid licenses associated with such discontinued products of $2.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.  The impairment related to developed products of $4.6 million was recorded in cost of revenue and the impairment related to products in development of $6.6 million was recorded in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in fiscal 2013.
 
Impairment of goodwill and in-process research and development

We review goodwill for impairment annually, as of the last day of our fiscal year, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.  IP R&D is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.

As of October 29, 2011, we concluded that an interim review of the carrying value of our goodwill and IP R&D should be performed due to continued reductions in our profitability, sales forecasts and market capitalization. In performing this review, we used both the income and the market valuation methodologies. In applying the income approach, we developed a forecast of the discounted cash flows expected to be generated by our operating unit and in applying the market approach, we utilized the current value of our publically traded common stock adjusted for a control premium. The result of this review showed that the fair value of our reporting unit was less than its net book value and, therefore, indicated a possible impairment. Therefore, we performed the second step of the analysis by allocating the fair value of our reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities on a fair value basis to determine the amount of the impairment. As a result of this analysis, we determined that the carrying value of our goodwill and IP R&D was fully impaired, which resulted in an impairment charge of $45.1 million and $11.1 million, respectively, in fiscal 2012.  Subsequent to January 28, 2012, we have not capitalized any goodwill or IP R&D.

Intangible assets, subject to amortization, were as follows (in thousands, except for years): 
 
   
February 2, 2013
 
   
Gross Value
   
Impairment
   
Accumulated Amortization and Effect of Currency Translation
   
Net Value
   
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (Years)
 
Acquired intangible assets:
                             
Developed technology
  $ 76,995     $ (24,614 )   $ (34,923 )   $ 17,458     3.6  
Customer relationships
    51,174       (30,486 )     (16,252 )     4,436     3.6  
Trademarks
    2,677       -       (1,982 )     695     5.9  
Non-compete agreements
    1,400       -       (1,400 )     -        
Purchased IP - amortizing
    22,866       (5,516 )     (9,466 )     7,884     2.4  
Total amortizing
    155,112       (60,616 )     (64,023 )     30,473     3.4  
Purchased IP - not yet deployed
    8,778       (2,678 )     -       6,100        
In-process research and development
    11,070       (11,070 )     -       -        
Total intangibles
  $ 174,960     $ (74,364 )   $ (64,023 )   $ 36,573        
 
 
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January 28, 2012
 
   
Gross Value
   
Impairment
   
Accumulated Amortization and Effect of Currency Translation
   
Net Value
   
Weighted Average Remaining Amortization Period (Years)
 
Acquired intangible assets:
                             
Developed technology
  $ 75,827     $ (24,614 )   $ (28,455 )   $ 22,758     4.7  
Customer relationships
    51,174       (30,486 )     (14,966 )     5,722     4.8  
Trademarks
    2,677       -       (1,805 )     872     6.6  
Non-compete agreements
    1,400       -       (1,400 )     -        
Purchased IP - amortizing
    8,395       -       (5,900 )     2,495     1.9  
Total amortizing
    139,473       (55,100 )     (52,526 )     31,847     4.8  
Purchased IP - not yet deployed
    13,809       -       -       13,809        
In-process research and development
    11,070       (11,070 )     -       -        
Total intangibles
  $ 164,352     $ (66,170 )   $ (52,526 )   $ 45,656        
 
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $11.6 million, $18.7 million and $19.6 million for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  As of February 2, 2013, we expect the amortization expense in future periods to be as follows (in thousands):
 
Fiscal years
 
Purchased IP-Amortizing
   
Developed Technology
   
Trademarks
   
Customer Relationships
   
Total
 
                                         
2014
  $ 3,438     $ 5,767     $ 119     $ 1,265     $ 10,589  
2015
    3,095       4,282       118       1,265       8,760  
2016
    1,351       3,957       118       1,109       6,535  
2017
    -       2,957       118       797       3,872  
2018
    -       495       118       -       613  
Thereafter
    -       -       104       -       104  
Total
  $ 7,884     $ 17,458     $ 695     $ 4,436     $ 30,473  
 
12.          Accrued liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
             
Income taxes
  $ 4,508     $ 2,572  
License fees
    3,553       3,976  
Deferred revenue
    3,099       434  
Rebates
    1,475       2,150  
Settlements
    425       2,000  
Other accrued liabilities
    5,661       3,992  
Total accrued liabilities
  $ 18,721     $ 15,124  
 
13.          Product warranty

In general, we sell products with a one-year limited warranty that our products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship.  Warranty cost is estimated at the time revenue is recognized, based on historical activity and additionally for any specific known product warranty issues.  Accrued warranty cost includes hardware repair and/or replacement and software support costs and is included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Details of the change in accrued warranty for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):
 
Fiscal Years
 
Balance Beginning of Period
   
Additions
   
Deductions
   
Balance End of Period
 
                                 
2011
  $ 1,100     $ 918     $ (718 )   $ 1,300  
2012
  $ 1,300     $ 1,082     $ (1,056 )   $ 1,326  
2013
  $ 1,326     $ 1,188     $ (1,067 )   $ 1,447  
 
 
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14.         Restructuring costs

As a result of the challenging competitive environment and decrease in margin of certain products, during the third and fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 we adopted company-wide cost saving measures in response to these factors, resulting in the termination of a total of 109 employees to be effective through April 26, 2013, the early termination of certain office-space lease agreements, impairment of certain long-lived assets and the cancellation of certain engineering development projects. The purpose of this restructuring program was to realign resources with the then-current business outlook and to lower our cost structure. As a result of the restructuring program, we recognized total restructuring costs of $3.3 million in fiscal 2013. The charges include the impairment costs of long-lived assets with a carrying amount of $1.1 million related to abandoned facilities identified as part of the restructuring plan.  In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 we reduced our headcount by 17 employees, resulting in an estimated restructuring cost of $0.3 million.  We will continue assessing further cost-saving measures during fiscal 2014.
 
The following table provides additional information regarding our restructuring costs, including the balance of the related liabilities as of February 2, 2013 and total costs incurred through the end of the restructuring in fiscal 2013 (in thousands):
 
   
Restructuring Costs Incurred in Fiscal 2013
   
Cash Payments in Fiscal 2013
   
Restructuring Costs Liability at February 2, 2013
   
Cumulative Restructuring Costs Through February 2, 2013
 
                                 
Severance
  $ 2,167     $ 1,153     $ 1,014     $ 2,167  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    1,089       -       -       1,089  
Facility exit costs
    8       -       8       8  
Total restructuring costs
  $ 3,264     $ 1,153     $ 1,022     $ 3,264  
 
Amounts related to the abandonment of excess lease facilities will be paid through the end of the lease term in fiscal 2014. As a result of the restructuring plan and expense reduction efforts, effective March 15, 2013, the annual base salary compensation of the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer was reduced from $0.5 million to $0.4 million.
 
15.          Commitments and contingencies

Commitments

Leases

Our primary facility in Milpitas, California is leased under a non-cancelable lease, which was amended in September 2012 to extend the term through September 2015, and slightly decrease the monthly base rent. We also lease facilities in Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, California, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam, and vehicles in Israel under non-cancelable leases.  Future minimum annual payments under operating leases are as follows (in thousands, except for years):
 
Fiscal Years
 
Operating Leases
 
       
2014
  $ 5,495  
2015
    4,310  
2016
    2,862  
2017
    1,647  
2018
    150  
   Total minimum lease payments
  $ 14,464  
  
Rent expense, recorded on a straight-line basis, was $4.7 million, $2.6 million and $2.6 million for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  

Purchase commitments

We place non-cancelable orders to purchase semiconductor products from our suppliers on an eight to twelve week lead-time basis.  As of February 2, 2013, the total amount of outstanding non-cancelable purchase orders was approximately $16.7 million.
 
 
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Indemnifications

In certain limited circumstances, we have agreed and may agree in the future to indemnify certain customers against patent infringement claims from third parties related to our intellectual property.  In these limited circumstances, the terms and conditions of sale generally limit the scope of the available remedies to a variety of industry-standard methods including, but not limited to, a right to control the defense or settlement of any claim, procure the right for continued usage, and a right to replace or modify the infringing products to make them non-infringing.  To date, we have not incurred or accrued any significant costs related to any claims under such indemnification provisions.

Our corporate articles of incorporation and bylaws require that we indemnify our officers and directors against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings arising out of their services to us. In addition, we have entered into separate indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers which provide for indemnification of these individuals under similar circumstances and under additional circumstances. The indemnification obligations are more fully described in our charter documents and the form of indemnification agreement filed with our SEC reports. We purchase insurance to cover claims or a portion of the claims made against our directors and officers. Since a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated in our charter documents or in our indemnification agreements and will depend on the facts and circumstances that arise out of any future claims, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. The fair value of these obligations was zero on our consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2013.

Royalties

We pay royalties for the right to sell certain products under various license agreements.  During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recorded royalty expense of $2.7 million, $2.0 million and $3.2 million, respectively, which was recorded to cost of revenue.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, Sigma Designs Israel S.D.I. Ltd., participated in programs sponsored by the Office of the Chief Scientist of Israel's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, or the OCS, for the support of research and development activities that we conducted in Israel.  Through February 2, 2013, we had obtained grants from the OCS aggregating to $4.8 million for certain of our research and development projects in Israel.  We completed the most recent of these projects in 2007.  We are obligated to pay royalties to the OCS, amounting up to 4.5% of the sales of certain products up to an amount equal to grants received, plus LIBOR-based interest.  As of February 2, 2013, our remaining obligation under these programs was $0.7 million.
 
Contingencies

Litigation

On August 6, 2011, Powerline Innovations, LLC, or Powerline, filed suit against us, certain of our subsidiaries and many other named defendants, including Qualcomm Incorporated, Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., Broadcom Corporation and ST Microelectronics N.V. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas asserting infringement of U.S. Patent No. 5,471,190.  The Powerline complaint sought unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief and has been settled for an immaterial amount.  
 
From time to time, we are involved in claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business.  We expect that the number and significance of these matters will increase as our business expands.  In particular, we could face an increasing number of patent and other intellectual property claims as the number of products and competitors in our industry grows.  Any claims or proceedings against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources or cause us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements which, if required, may not be available on terms favorable to us or at all.  If an unfavorable outcome were to occur against us, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations for the period in which the unfavorable outcome occurs and, potentially, in future periods.

Third-party licensed technology
 
We license technologies from various third parties and incorporate that technology into our products.  Some of these licenses require us to pay royalties and others require us to report sales activities so that royalties may be collected from our customers.  From time to time, we are audited by licensors of these technologies for compliance with the terms of these licenses.  In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we settled one such audit for $1.4 million. In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we settled another audit for $6.3 million and the Company paid an amount of $6.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. The remaining $0.3 million will be paid in fiscal 2014 as per the settlement agreement.  For license agreements where we have royalty obligations, we charge any settlement payments that we make in connection with audits to cost of revenue.  For license agreements where we simply have reporting obligations, we treat any settlement payments as penalties and charge the amounts to operating expenses in sales and marketing.  In addition, in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we settled another audit for $0.3 million payable in four quarterly equal installments commencing in September 2012.  Concurrently, we negotiated a license agreement for this technology for a period of three years for an amount of $3.5 million, also payable in four quarterly equal installments commencing in September 2012.  The full amount of the license fees was recorded as Purchased IP in fiscal 2013 and will be amortized over the license term.  On December 4, 2012, we received a letter from another technology licensor notifying us of their intent to audit our compliance with the terms of a license agreement that we use in our DTV business.  On February 28, 2013, we received a letter from another technology licensor notifying us of their intent to audit our compliance with the terms of a license agreement that we use in our Media player business.  As of February 2, 2013, the end of our fiscal year to which this report relates, we believe we were in compliance with our license agreements.  However, we could be required to make additional payments as a result of pending or future compliance audits.
 
 
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Early termination lease agreement for office-space

In connection with our restructuring measures adopted during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, as further described in Note 14, and due to the lack of solvency and liquidity of our wholly owned subsidiary in Canada (“Sigma Canada”), we have decided to close down the operations of Sigma Canada.  On February 23, 2013, our Board of Directors approved the filing for bankruptcy of Sigma Canada, which we intend to file by the end of April 2013.  Sigma Canada has appointed a Trustee in Canada to provide legal advice and assistance throughout the bankruptcy process.  Based on our current assessment of the financial condition and obligations of Sigma Canada, outstanding obligations beyond April 2013, upon filing for bankruptcy, are mainly related to payment obligations under a non-cancellable operating lease agreement for office space entered with a Canadian Landlord (“Landlord”).  In accordance with the provisions of the lease agreement and current communication with the Landlord’s agent, if Sigma Canada exercises an early termination Sigma Canada would be liable for an early termination penalty of $0.3 million and monthly lease payments of approximately $45,000 from May 2013 through May 2015, totaling $1.1 million.  Due to the insolvency of Sigma Canada, and that we do not have any plans to reactivate our operations in Canada in the near term, the Trustee has advised us that Sigma Canada will not be obligated to pay any rental obligations after the filing for bankruptcy. Since it is not probable that Sigma Canada will be liable for the payment of any contractual obligations upon filing for bankruptcy we did not record any restructuring costs associated with the early termination of this agreement in fiscal 2013.

16.          Net income (loss) per share

Basic net income (loss) and diluted loss per share for the periods presented are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted net income per share is computed by including dilutive options.

The following table sets forth the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share computed for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                   
Net income (loss), as reported
  $ (101,768 )   $ (168,045 )   $ 9,147  
Weighted-average common shares outstanding- basic
    33,205       32,036       31,245  
Dilutive effect of employee stock plans
    -       -       487  
Weighted-average common shares outstanding- diluted
    33,205       32,036       31,732  
Net income (loss) per share- basic
  $ (3.06 )   $ (5.25 )   $ 0.29  
Net income (loss) per share- diluted
  $ (3.06 )   $ (5.25 )   $ 0.29  

The following table sets forth the excluded anti-diluted and excluded potentially dilutive securities for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                         
Stock options excluded because the effect of including would be anti-dilutive
    137       353       -  
Stock options excluded because exercise price is in excess of average stock price
    5,401       4,940       4,692  
Restricted stock awards and units excluded because the effect of including would be anti-dilutive
    89       -       -  
Restricted stock awards and units excluded because potential buyback shares exceed weighted average restricted stock units and awards outstanding
    255       -       -  
 
 
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17.          Equity incentive plans and employee benefits
 
Stock incentive plans

We have adopted equity incentive plans that provide for the grant of stock awards to employees, directors and consultants that are designed to encourage and reward their long-term contributions to us and provide an incentive for them to remain with us.  These plans also align our employees’ interest with the creation of long-term shareholder value.  As of February 2, 2013, we have four stock option plans: the 2003 Director Stock Option Plan (the “2003 Director Plan”), the 2001 Stock Plan (the “2001 Plan”), the Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2009 Incentive Plan”) and the CopperGate Share Option Plan (the “CopperGate Plan”).  The 2009 Incentive Plan was approved by our shareholders in July 2009 along with the approval of a one-time stock option exchange program and on July 8, 2011, by shareholder approval, was amended and restated to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance by 2,000,000.  The CopperGate Plan was assumed by us in connection with the acquisition of CopperGate in November 2009.

Our 2009 Incentive Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-related and performance awards that may be settled in cash, stock or other property.  In July 2009, 2,900,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance and in July 2011 an additional 2,000,000 shares were reserved for issuance under the 2009 Incentive Plan.  In addition, up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock subject to stock awards outstanding under the 2001 Plan but terminated prior to exercise and would otherwise be returned to the share reserves under our 2001 Plan may become available for issuance under the 2009 Incentive Plan.  

As of February 2, 2013, 2,101,158 shares were available for future grants under our stock incentive plans.  Additionally, up to 648,106 shares of common stock subject to stock awards outstanding under the 2001 Plan may become available for issuance under the 2009 Incentive Plan.  As of September 23, 2009, the 2001 Plan and the 2003 Director Plan were closed for future grants, however, these plans will continue to govern all outstanding options that we originally granted from each plan.

Stock Options

The total stock option activities and balances of our stock option plans are summarized as follows:
 
   
Number of Options Outstanding
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
                               
As of January 30, 2010
    5,745,795     $ 11.96       7.4        
Granted (Weighted average fair value of $5.95)
    1,161,350       11.14                
Cancelled
    (356,305 )     12.90                
Exercised
    (466,715 )     5.20                
As of January 29, 2011
    6,084,125       12.26       6.9        
Granted (Weighted average fair value of $5.26)
    532,800       10.22                
Cancelled
    (479,119 )     11.87                
Exercised
    (291,779 )     5.14                
As of January 28, 2012
    5,846,027       12.47       6.2        
Granted (Weighted average fair value of $2.77)
    205,000       5.77                
Cancelled
    (848,930 )     12.35                
Exercised
    (146,310 )     2.60                
As of February 2, 2013
    5,055,787     $ 12.50       4.9     $ 272,117  
                                 
Ending vested and expected to vest
    5,005,958     $ 12.54       4.9     $ 256,991  
Ending exercisable
    3,790,842     $ 13.31       4.2     $ 174,904  
 
The aggregate intrinsic value, as of February 2, 2013, in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on our closing stock price of $5.27 on that date which would have been received by the option holders had all options holders exercised their options as of that date.  The aggregate exercise date intrinsic value of options that were exercised under our stock plans during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 equaled $0.5 million, $1.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, determined as of the exercise date.  The total fair value of options which vested during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $7.2 million, $10.5 million and $12.1 million, respectively.
 
 
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The options outstanding and currently exercisable as of February 2, 2013 were in the following exercise price ranges:
 
 
Options Outstanding
   
Options Exercisable
 
Range of Exercise Prices Per Share
   
Number of Shares Outstanding as of February 2, 2013
   
Weighted Average Remaining Life (Years)
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
   
Number of Shares Exercisable as of February 2, 2013
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
 
                                                     
$ 0.92     $ 6.67       526,965       6.6     $ 5.40       179,622     $ 4.79  
  7.32       10.51       511,251       3.4       8.79       448,775       8.60  
  10.59       10.59       544,546       6.0       10.59       333,966       10.59  
  10.87       10.87       511,318       5.1       10.87       428,284       10.87  
  11.06       11.07       865,696       4.8       11.06       714,051       11.06  
  11.09       11.47       522,464       4.0       11.27       466,426       11.28  
  11.66       12.21       544,840       5.8       11.92       347,264       11.95  
  12.27       15.91       546,826       4.0       14.77       408,804       14.78  
  16.25       41.58       431,881       4.0       28.26       413,650       28.77  
  45.83       45.83       50,000       4.8       45.83       50,000       45.83  
$ 0.92     $ 45.83       5,055,787       4.9     $ 12.50       3,790,842     $ 13.31  
 
As of February 2, 2013, the unrecorded stock-based compensation balance related to stock options outstanding excluding estimated forfeitures was $9.7 million and will be recognized over an estimated weighted average amortization period of 2.4 years.  The amortization period is based on the expected remaining vesting term of the options.

Restricted Stock Awards

RSAs are granted under our 2009 Incentive Plan and reduce shares available to grant under the plan by 1.3 shares for every 1 share of restricted stock granted and consist of time-based restricted shares, which shares are subject to forfeiture until vested if length of service requirements are not met. These RSAs vest over one to five years according to the terms specified in the individual grants.  As of February 2, 2013, the unrecorded stock-based compensation balance related to RSAs outstanding excluding estimated forfeitures was $1.3 million and will be recognized over an estimated weighted average amortization period of 2.7 years.  The following table sets forth the shares of restricted stock awards outstanding as of February 2, 2013:
 
   
Restricted Stock Awards
   
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Award
   
Aggregate Value
 
                         
As of January 30, 2010
    -     $ -     $ -  
Granted
    85,137       13.39          
As of January 29, 2011
    85,137       13.39       1,139,984  
Granted
    163,070       6.91          
Vested
    (17,028 )     13.39          
As of January 28, 2012
    231,179       8.82       2,038,473  
Granted
    10,980       6.83          
Vested
    (78,848 )     8.77          
As of February 2, 2013
    163,311     $ 8.71     $ 1,422,439  
 
Restricted Stock Units

We value restricted stock units, or RSUs, using the quoted market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant.  RSUs are granted under our 2009 Incentive Plan and reduce shares available to grant under the plan by 1.3 shares for every 1 restricted stock unit granted and consist of time-based restricted stock units.  The RSUs granted under this plan vest over a period of four years according to the terms specified in the individual grants.  As of February 2, 2013, the unrecognized stock-based compensation balance related to RSUs outstanding excluding estimated forfeitures was $3.5 million and will be recognized over an estimated weighted average amortization period of 2.9 years.  
 
 
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The following table sets forth the shares of RSUs outstanding as of February 2, 2013:
 
   
Restricted Stock Units
   
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Unit
   
Aggregate Value
 
                         
As of January 29, 2011
    -     $ -     $ -  
Granted
    597,500       6.52          
Cancelled/forfeited
    (50,000 )     6.64          
As of January 28, 2012
    547,500       6.51       3,566,040  
Granted
    313,003       6.03          
Vested
    (118,766 )     6.51          
Cancelled/forfeited
    (109,475 )     6.45          
As of February 2, 2013
    632,262     $ 6.28     $ 3,972,964  
 
Employee stock purchase plan

In July 2010, our shareholders approved the 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2010 Purchase Plan”).  A total of 2,500,000 shares were reserved for issuance under the 2010 Purchase Plan which replaced the 2001 Purchase Plan as of January 1, 2011.  The 2010 Purchase Plan is implemented by offerings of rights to eligible employees.  Each offering will be in such form and will contain such terms and conditions as our Board or a committee thereof will deem appropriate, subject to compliance with applicable regulations.  The provisions of separate offerings need not be identical.  Under the terms of the offerings that have commenced to date under the 2010 Purchase Plan, eligible employees may authorize payroll deductions of up to 15% of their regular base salaries to purchase common stock at 85% of the fair market value of our common stock at the beginning or end of the six-month offering period, whichever is lower.  The maximum number of shares that can be purchased in any single offering period is limited under the terms of the offering, including a limitation that an eligible employee cannot purchase in any single offering period more than 1,500 shares of common stock, as adjusted in accordance with the terms of the 2010 Purchase Plan.  These terms will automatically apply to future offerings under the 2010 Purchase Plan unless modified by the Board or a committee thereof.
 
During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, 887,723, 682,451 and 334,192 shares of our common stock were purchased at an average price of $4.72, $5.68 and $8.43 per share, respectively.  As of February 2, 2013, we had granted 1,570,174 of the 2,500,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2010 Purchase Plan.  

Valuation of stock-based compensation

The fair value of RSA and RSU awards is based on the quoted market price of the underlying stock at the date of grant.  The fair value of stock option and employee stock purchase plan right awards is estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The determination of fair value of stock option and employee stock purchase plan right awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables.  These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual employee stock option exercise behavior.
 
 
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The fair value of each stock option and employee stock purchase plan right was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
Stock options
 
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                         
Expected volatility
    51.31 %     52.01 %     55.02 %
Risk-free interest rate
    0.92 %     1.60 %     2.54 %
Expected term (in years)
    5.87       5.94       5.94  
Dividend yield
    0 %     0 %     0 %
Weighted average fair value at grant date
  $ 2.77     $ 5.27     $ 5.95  
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
Employee stock purchase plan
 
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                         
Expected volatility
    37.84 %     46.03 %     37.52 %
Risk-free interest rate
    0.13 %     0.08 %     0.21 %
Expected term (in years)
    0.49       0.49       0.50  
Dividend yield
    0 %     0 %     0 %
Weighted average fair value at grant date
  $ 1.47     $ 1.85     $ 2.94  
 
The computation of the expected volatility assumptions used in the Black-Scholes calculations for new stock option and employee stock purchase plan right awards is based on the historical volatility of our stock price, measured over a period equal to the expected term of the grants or purchase rights.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield available on U.S. Treasury Strips with an equivalent remaining term.  The expected term of stock options represents the weighted-average period that the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based payment awards and vesting schedules.  The expected term of employee stock purchase rights is the period of time remaining in the current offering period.  The dividend yield assumption is based on our history of not paying dividends and assumption that we will not pay dividends in the future.
 
The following table sets forth the total stock-based compensation expense that is included in each functional line item in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                         
Cost of revenue
  $ 487     $ 478     $ 560  
Research and development
    5,740       6,277       6,745  
Sales and marketing
    1,811       2,137       2,094  
General and administrative
    2,557       3,133       3,178  
Total stock-based compensation
  $ 10,595     $ 12,025     $ 12,577  
 
Non-employee related stock-based compensation

We record stock-based compensation expense for options issued to non-employees based on the fair value of the options as estimated in the period they vest, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  There were no stock options granted to non-employees during fiscal 2013.  The Black-Scholes option pricing model for fiscal 2012 includes the following weighted average assumptions; expected stock price volatility of 54.0%, weighted average contractual term of 5.0 years, and dividend yield of zero percent and risk-free interest rates of 1.13%.  Total non-employee stock-based compensation recorded during fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011 was zero, $2,000 and $18,000, respectively.
 
 
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Shares reserved for future issuance

We had the following shares of common stock reserved for future issuance upon exercise or issuance of equity instruments at February 2, 2013:

   
Shares
Reserved
 
         
Stock options outstanding
    5,055,787  
Authorized for future grants under stock incentive plans
    2,101,158  
Authorized for future issuance under stock purchase plans
    929,826  
Restricted stock units outstanding
    632,262  
Shares reserved for future issuance
    8,719,033  

401(k) tax deferred savings plan

We maintain a 401(k) tax deferred savings plan for the benefit of qualified employees who are U.S. based.  Under the 401(k) tax deferred savings plan, U.S. based employees may elect to reduce their current annual taxable compensation up to the statutorily prescribed limit, which is $16,500 in calendar year 2012.  Employees age 50 or over may elect to contribute an additional $5,500.  Through December 1, 2012, we sponsored a matching contribution program whereby we match contributions made by each employee at a rate of $0.25 per $1.00 contributed.  The matching program was suspended effective December 1, 2012. The matching contributions we made to the 401(k) tax deferred savings plan totaled $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Group registered retirement savings plan
 
We maintain a Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan, or GRRSP, for the benefit of qualified employees who are based in Canada.  Under the GRRSP, Canadian based employees may elect to reduce their annual taxable compensation up to the statutorily prescribed limit, which is $22,970 Canadian in calendar year 2012.  We have a matching contribution program under the GRRSP whereby we match employee contributions made by each employee up to 2.5% of their annual salary.  The matching contributions to the GRRSP for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 were not significant.  
 
Endowment insurance pension plan
 
Related to our acquisition of our DTV business in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we added operations in Shanghai, China.  It is required by the “Procedures of Shanghai Municipality on Endowment Insurance for Town Employees” to provide pension insurance for Shanghai employees.  The plan is managed by the local authority and it is a mandatory plan.  Under the current plan, the employee will contribute 8.0% of the annual base to the plan and the employer will match 22% of the annual base.  For calendar year 2012, the annual base is capped at RMB 12,993.  The matching contributions to the Pension Insurance totaled $1.1 million in fiscal 2013.

Retirement pension plans

We maintain a Retirement Pension Plan for the benefit of qualified employees who are based in Denmark.  Under the Retirement Pension Plan, Denmark based employees may elect to reduce their annual taxable compensation up to their annual salary.  We have a discretionary matching contribution program whereby we will contribute 3.0% of our employee’s annual salary.  The matching contributions to the Retirement Pension Plan totaled $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
We maintain a labor pension fund for the benefit of qualified employees who are based in Taiwan.  Under this plan, Taiwan based employees may elect to reduce their current annual taxable compensation up to 6% of their annual salary and we are required to match 6% of their annual salary.  During fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, we made matching contributions of $0.1 million, $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million, respectively.

Related to our acquisition of our DTV business in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we added operations in Waalre, The Netherlands. We maintain a retirement pension plan for the benefit of qualified employees who are employed by Sigma Designs Netherlands. Under the current plan, employees are entitled to contribute 1.7% of their annual pensionable salary to the plan and we match 22% of their annual pensionable salary.  During fiscal 2013, we made matching contributions of $0.2 million to this plan.

Related to our acquisition of our DTV business in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we added operations in Freiburg, Germany. We maintain a retirement pension plan for the benefit of qualified employees who are employed by Sigma Designs Germany. Under the current plan, we have a discretionary matching contribution program whereby we can contribute 4% of our employees' annual salary.  During fiscal 2013, we made no matching contributions to this plan.
 
Severance plan
 
We maintain a severance plan for several Israeli employees pursuant to Israel's Severance Pay Law based on the most recent salary of the employees multiplied by the number of years of employment.  Upon termination of employment, employees are entitled to one month salary for each year of employment or a portion thereof.  As of February 2, 2013, we have an accrued severance liability of $1.2 million partially offset by $1.1 million of severance employee funds.
 
 
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Employee termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when an employee is involuntarily terminated, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary termination in exchange for termination benefits. For the accounting treatment and timing recognition of involuntarily termination benefits, the Company distinguishes between one-time termination benefit arrangements and ongoing termination benefit arrangements. A one-time termination benefit arrangement is established by a termination plan and applies to a specified termination event. One-time involuntary termination benefits are recognized as a liability when the termination plan meets certain criteria and has been communicated to employees. If employees are required to render future service in order to receive these one-time termination benefits, the liability is recognized ratably over the future service period. Termination benefits other than one-time termination benefits are termination benefits for which the communication criterion is not met but that are committed to by management, or termination obligations that are not specifically determined in a new and single plan. These termination benefits include all legal, contractual and past practice termination obligations to be paid to employees in case of involuntary termination. These termination benefits are accrued for when commitment creates a present obligation to our employees for the benefits expected to be paid, when it is probable that employees will be entitled to the benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  As discussed in Note 14, during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2013, the Company adopted a restructuring plan resulting in employee termination costs of $2.2 million, which are recorded in restructuring costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2013.  Additionally, during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 we reduced our headcount by 17 employees, resulting in an estimated restructuring cost of $0.3 million.
 
18.          Income taxes

Income (loss) before income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
 
January 28, 2012
 
January 29, 2011
 
                         
United States
  $ (5,274 )   $ (12,366 )   $ (4,220 )
International
    (75,747 )     (160,645 )     14,117  
Total
  $ (81,021 )   $ (173,011 )   $ 9,897  
 
The federal, state and foreign income tax provision is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
Current
                 
Federal
  $ (162 )   $ 2,003     $ 3,052  
State
    15       (27 )     15  
Foreign
    8,496       3,397       2,562  
Total current
    8,349       5,373       5,629  
Deferred:
                       
Federal
    15,932       (3,434 )     (3,791 )
Foreign
    (3,534 )     (6,905 )     (1,088 )
Total deferred
    12,398       (10,339 )     (4,879 )
Total provision (benefit)
  $ 20,747     $ (4,966 )   $ 750  
 
The tax effects of significant items comprising our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Net operating loss
  $ 8,426     $ 8,015  
Investment impairment
    1,519       1,823  
Allowance, reserve and other
    8,126       5,272  
Depreciation
    2,598       3,421  
Tax credits
    10,936       10,022  
Stock-based compensation
    10,840       11,072  
Total gross deferred tax assets
    42,445       39,625  
Valuation allowance
    (33,305 )     (17,109 )
Total net deferred tax assets
    9,140       22,516  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Acquired intangibles and other
    (1,395 )     (2,151 )
Total net deferred tax assets
  $ 7,745     $ 20,365  
 
The Company must regularly assess the likelihood that future taxable income levels will be sufficient to ultimately realize the tax benefits of its deferred tax assets.  During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we concluded it was necessary to establish a valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets (DTA) related to Federal taxes in the United States. Due to the history of losses in the United States, it was determined that it is more likely than not that certain Federal DTAs would not be recognized. Accordingly, we established a valuation allowance in the amount of $16.7 million.  We also maintained a partial valuation allowance against foreign net operating losses and a full valuation allowance against California deferred tax assets.  The valuation allowance increased by $16.2 million in fiscal 2013.
 
As of February 2, 2013, net operating loss carry forwards amounted to approximately $33.9 million and $25.4 million for federal and California tax purposes, respectively, which will begin to expire in fiscal 2014 through 2033.  We also had federal and state research credit carryovers of $15.7 million and $15.7 million, respectively.  Federal research credits will start expiring from fiscal 2019. The state research credit has no expiration.  Of the total net operating loss carryover, the tax effect of $25.5 million federal and $3.4 million state losses will be recorded to additional paid-in capital when utilized in the future. We also have $29.7 million of foreign operating loss carry forwards through the acquisition of a foreign operation. 
 
 
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Net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards as of February 2, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Amount
    Range of Expiration Years  
               
Net operating losses, federal
  $ 33,934     2019 - 2032  
Net operating losses, state
    25,407     2014 - 2033  
Net operating losses, foreign
    29,669     Indefinite  
Tax credits, federal
    15,693     2019 - 2033  
Tax credits, state
    15,689     Indefinite  
 
Current federal and California tax laws include substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating losses and tax credits in the event of an “ownership change” of a corporation.  Accordingly, our ability to utilize net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards may be limited as a result of such ownership changes.  Such a limitation could result in the expiration of carry forwards before they are utilized.

The effective tax rate of our provision for (benefit from) income taxes differs from the federal statutory rate as follows (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                         
Computed at federal statutory rate of 35%
  $ (28,357 )   $ (60,554 )   $ 3,464  
State taxes provision (benefit), net of federal benefit
    10       (33 )     10  
Uncertain tax positions
    219       441       853  
Difference between statutory rate and foreign effective tax rate
    31,469       49,839       (3,466 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    2,391       746       878  
Change in federal valuation allowance
    16,704       -       -  
Tax credits
    (1,561 )     (1,326 )     (1,201 )
 Goodwill and intangible assets impairment
    -       5,646       -  
Other
    (128 )     275       212  
Total
  $ 20,747     $ (4,966 )   $ 750  
 
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of February 2, 2013 are $17.7 million of tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce our effective tax rate.  The remaining amount would be offset by the reversal of related deferred tax assets on which a valuation allowance is placed.  During fiscal 2013, we added $4.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                         
Beginning balance
  $ 22,389     $ 20,337     $ 18,841  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    4,596       1,965       1,436  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    283       404       388  
Reductions for tax positions of prior year
    (252 )     (317 )     (328 )
Ending balance
  $ 27,016     $ 22,389     $ 20,337  
 
We have adopted the accounting policy that interest and penalties recognized are classified as part of our income taxes.  In fiscal 2013, we increased our accrual of such interest and penalties expense by $0.3 million.  In fiscal 2012, we reduced our accrual of such interest and penalties expense by $0.1 million.  As of February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, the balance of such accrued interest and penalties was $1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Our operations are subject to income and transaction taxes in the United States and in multiple foreign jurisdictions.  Significant estimates and judgments are required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes.  Some of these estimates are based on interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations.  The ultimate amount of tax liability may be uncertain as a result. In February 2013, our Denmark subsidiary reached an audit agreement with the Danish Taxing Authorities to reduce our net operating losses in Denmark by DKK 75 million. The disallowed net operation losses were subject to valuation allowance in the past and the audit adjustment would not result in a financial charge.
 
 
77

 
 
Our tax filings for the fiscal years from 1991 to 2013 remain open in various taxing jurisdictions. We do not anticipate that our unrecognized tax benefit will change significantly in the coming fiscal year.
 
As of February 2, 2013, undistributed earnings of our foreign operations totaling $6.7 million were considered to be permanently reinvested.  No deferred tax liability has been recognized for the remittance of such earnings to the U.S. since it is our intention to utilize those earnings in foreign operations.  Generally, such earnings become subject to U.S. tax upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances.  It is not practicable to estimate the amount of deferred tax liability on such undistributed earnings.

We benefit from tax incentives granted by local tax authorities in certain foreign jurisdictions.  The Economic Development Board of Singapore granted development and expansion incentives to our wholly-owned subsidiary in Singapore in 2008 for a period of four years, which ended March 1, 2012, contingent on meeting specified requirements.  The impact of this tax holiday was to increase net income by approximately $2.0 million or $0.06 per diluted share in fiscal 2012, $6.7 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in fiscal 2011, $7.0 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in fiscal 2010, and $6.5 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in fiscal 2009.  The Company is currently in negotiation with the Economic Development Board for its operations plan in Singapore and is not benefiting from the incentives in fiscal 2013.

Our acquired Israeli subsidiary, Sigma Designs Israel S.D.I. (formerly known as CopperGate Communications Ltd.), was granted Approved Enterprise and Beneficiary Enterprise status under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments in 2004 and 2009. Sigma Designs Israel’s income is tax-exempt for a period of two years commencing with the year it first earns taxable income, and subject to corporate taxes at the reduced rate for an additional period of eight years.  The impact of this tax holiday was to increase net income by approximately $3.4 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in fiscal 2013, $2.0 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in fiscal 2012, and $6.2 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, in fiscal 2011. 
 
19.          Segment and geographical information

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.  We are organized as, and operate in, one reportable segment.  Our operating segment consists of our geographically based entities in the United States, Hong Kong, Israel and Singapore.  Our chief operating decision-maker reviews consolidated financial information, accompanied by information about revenue by product group, target market and geographic region.  We do not assess the performance of our geographic regions on other measures of income, expense or net income.
 
The following table sets forth net revenue attributed to each product group (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
 
January 28, 2012
 
January 29, 2011
 
                         
Chipsets
  $ 210,139     $ 181,584     $ 285,544  
License and other
    6,474       1,033       1,371  
Net revenue
  $ 216,613     $ 182,617     $ 286,915  

The following table sets forth net revenue attributable to each target market (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                   
DTV
  $ 66,564     $ -     $ -  
Home networking
    79,489       68,435       89,261  
IPTV media processor
    31,079       62,441       137,281  
Home control and energy management
    12,426       10,922       5,524  
Prosumer and industrial audio/video
    10,344       12,079       15,035  
Connected media player
    10,510       27,988       39,627  
License and other
    6,201       752       187  
Net revenue
  $ 216,613     $ 182,617     $ 286,915  
 
 
78

 

The following table sets forth net revenue for each geographic region based on the ship-to location of customers (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                   
Asia
  $ 150,658     $ 166,583     $ 266,065  
North America
    17,006       8,982       13,454  
Europe
    41,283       5,718       7,101  
Other Regions
    7,666       1,334       295  
Net revenue
  $ 216,613     $ 182,617     $ 286,915  
 
The following table sets forth net revenue to each significant country based on the ship-to location of customers (in thousands):

   
Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                         
China, including Hong Kong
  $ 112,915     $ 141,122     $ 232,784  
Hungary
    31,044       20       97  
Taiwan
    14,191       13,982       21,038  
United States
    14,771       6,818       9,572  
Brazil
    7,651       1,296       266  
Japan
    5,885       6,153       6,609  
India
    5,628       -       -  
Thailand
    5,281       3,323       3,452  
Germany
    3,226       552       286  
Singapore
    2,307       1,322       1,703  
Korea
    2,119       -       17  
Poland
    523       1,389       5,640  
Canada
    688       853       2,465  
Rest of the world
    10,384       5,787       2,986  
Net revenue
  $ 216,613     $ 182,617     $ 286,915  
 
Our long-lived assets consist primarily of our software, equipment, leasehold improvements, and intangible assets, other than goodwill. The following table sets forth our long-lived assets by geographic region based on the location of the asset (in thousands):

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
 
             
 United States
  $ 20,045     $ 26,882  
 All other countries
    33,634       38,383  
    Total long-lived assets
  $ 53,679     $ 65,265  

The following table sets forth major direct customers accounting for 10% or more of our net revenue:

   
Fiscal Years Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
January 28, 2012
   
January 29, 2011
 
                   
TP Vision
    14 %     *       *  
Flextronics
    12 %     *       *  
Motorola
    *       17 %     24 %
Gemtek
    *       22 %     23 %
 
*Accounted for less than 10% of our net revenue.

Two international direct customers accounted for 18% and 16% of total accounts receivable as of February 2, 2013.  Four international direct customers accounted for 17%, 17%, 15% and 13% of total accounts receivable as of January 28, 2012.  
 
 
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20.          Quarterly financial information (unaudited)

The following table presents unaudited quarterly financial information for each of our most recent eight fiscal quarters (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
   
Fiscal Quarters Ended
 
   
February 2, 2013
   
October 27, 2012
   
July 28, 2012
   
April 28, 2012
   
January 28, 2012
   
October 29, 2011
   
July 31, 2011
   
April 30, 2011
 
                                                 
Net revenue
  $ 44,199     $ 63,905     $ 68,251     $ 40,258     $ 35,566     $ 39,725     $ 46,694     $ 60,632  
Gross profit
    13,868       25,482       30,580       21,095       16,588       18,002       12,994       29,792  
Loss from operations
    (35,262 )     (20,861 )     (13,262 )     (13,961 )     (19,256 )     (128,282 )     (22,437 )     (5,740 )
Net loss
    (35,197 )     (39,451 )     (13,418 )     (13,702 )     (18,838 )     (121,575 )     (21,962 )     (5,670 )
Basic and diluted net loss per share
  $ (1.05 )   $ (1.18 )   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.58 )   $ (3.78 )   $ (0.69 )   $ (0.18 )

21.          Subsequent events

Sale of development project

On March 8, 2013, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with a third party (the “Buyer”) to sell certain development projects (intellectual property) and long-lived assets (the “Connectivity Assets”) related to the connectivity technology over coaxial cable market, including the transfer of 21 employees (the “Connectivity Employees”) to the Buyer. The aggregate carrying amount of the Connectivity Assets is $0.6 million at February 2, 2013, which mainly consist of computer and testing equipment with a carrying value of $0.1 million and software licenses (design tools) with a carrying value of $0.5 million. The Connectivity Assets have been classified as held for sale and included within prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at February 2, 2013. Due to the net book value of such assets approximating their fair value as of the measurement date (January 31, 2013), adjustments to their net book value were not material. Under the Asset Purchase Agreement, the maximum consideration from the sale is $8.0 million comprised of the closing consideration of $2.0 million in cash and the contingent earn-outs consideration of $6.0 million in cash. The closing consideration was due and payable upon closing of the Asset Purchase Agreement, which ocurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The earn-outs consideration is due and payable as follows: (i) $2.0 million in cash 30 days after Buyer’s confirmation of achievement of the First Technical Milestone, as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement, and (ii) $4.0 million in cash 30 days after Buyer’s confirmation of achievement of the Second Technical Milestone, as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement. There can be no assurance that either of the technical milestones will be achieved. In connection with the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Buyer reimbursed us for payroll expenses related to the employees transferred to the Buyer for the period from February 1, 2013 through the actual payroll transfer, totaling $0.6 million.
 
Departure of Officer

On March 4, 2013, Thomas E. Gay resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Gay agreed to remain with the Company until April 4, 2013 (the "Separation Date") to assist with transitional matters. The Company entered into a Separation Agreement with Mr. Gay that provides, among other things, that in exchange for a general release of claims against the Company, Mr. Gay will receive a lump sum payment equal to two months of base salary less applicable payroll withholding, all equity awards held by Mr. Gay will be accelerated such that all equity that would have otherwise been vested as of December 31, 2013 will be vested at the Separation Date and the Company will continue to pay the share of Mr. Gay's health and dental insurance premiums that it paid when Mr. Gay was an active employee for up to an additional two months following the Separation Date. The separation payments are due upon Mr. Gay's satisfactory completion of the transition period. The acceleration of Mr. Gay's equity awards will effectively result in the acceleration of 6,588 shares of common stock underlying outstanding restricted stock awards. In addition, Mr. Gay has agreed to remain available to consult with the Company on a project by project basis on terms to be negotiated by the parties. Mr. Elias N. Nader, Corporate Controller, has agreed to serve as interim Chief Financial Officer.

Legal proceedings
 
In March 2013, we filed a motion to intervene in (and become a party to) U.S. Ethernet Innovations, LLC (USEI) v. AT&T Mobility, LLC (“AT&T”) and others, Case No. 5-10-cv-05254 CW, currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, or the Litigation. In this Litigation, USEI filed a patent infringement complaint alleging that various AT&T products infringe USEI patents that have now expired, including alleging that set-boxes deployed by AT&T that contain our SoCs infringe a USEI patent.  USEI has made similar allegations that other defendants infringe this and other now expired USEI patents in this Litigation and other related cases.  Further, other intervenors have already been added to this Litigation and other related cases.  USEI seeks monetary damages, attorney’s fees, and an injunction against AT&T, other defendants and other intervenors.  AT&T, other defendants and other intervenors have denied the allegations of infringement made by USEI and asserted that USEI’s patents are invalid, unenforceable, and not infringed.  While approval from the Court to our motion to intervene is pending, USEI has indicated that it will not oppose our intervention as long as it can assert other claims that it may have against us.  The trial date for the Litigation has been set for January 5, 2015.
 
 
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ITEM 9.               CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A.            CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We are committed to maintaining disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and we necessarily are required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures and implementing controls and procedures.
 
As of February 2, 2013, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and our Interim Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such terms are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of February 2, 2013.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.  Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.  All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation and may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

We, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2013.  In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Based on this assessment, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of February 2, 2013.

Armanino LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has also assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2013.  Their attestation report is included herein under Part II, Item 8.
  
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the fourth quarter ended February 2, 2013, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13(a) – 15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  
 
ITEM 9B.             OTHER MATTERS

None.
 
 
81

 

PART III

ITEM 10.              DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information in the sections captioned “Election of Directors-Nominees,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Election of Directors-Code of Ethics,” and “Election of Directors-Committees of the Board,” which will appear in the 2013 Proxy Statement we will deliver to our shareholders in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders or in an amendment to this Form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K.  Certain information required by this item concerning executive officers is set forth in Part I of this Report under the caption “Executive Officers and Key Employees” and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11.              EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information in the sections captioned “Executive Compensation,” and “Election of Directors-Fiscal 2013 Director Compensation,” which will appear in the 2013 Proxy Statement we will deliver to our shareholders in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders or in an amendment to this Form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 12.              SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management,” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” which will appear in the 2013 Proxy Statement we will deliver to our shareholders in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders or in an amendment to this Form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 13.              CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned “Election of Directors-Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” and “Election of Directors-Corporate Governance and Other Matters,” which will appear in the 2013 Proxy Statement we will deliver to our shareholders in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders or in an amendment to this Form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 14.              PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned “Report of the Audit Committee” and “Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors,” which will appear in the 2013 Proxy Statement we will deliver to our shareholders in connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders or in an amendment to this Form 10-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this report on Form 10-K.
 
 
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PART IV

ITEM 15.              EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 
1. 
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Financial Statements
 
Page
Rep Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
49
Con Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
50
Con Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
51
C     Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
51
Con Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
 
52
Con Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
53
Not  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
54

 
2. 
Consolidated Financial Statements Schedules
 
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
 
85

All other schedules have been omitted as they are not required, not applicable or the required information is otherwise included.

(b) Exhibits:

The exhibits listed on the accompanying index to exhibits immediately following the financial statement schedules are incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
83

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Milpitas, State of California, on the 12th day of April, 2013.
 
 
SIGMA DESIGNS, INC.
 
       
       
 
By:
/s/ Thinh Q. Tran
 
   
Thinh Q. Tran
 
       
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Thinh Q. Tran and Elias N. Nader, and each of them, jointly and severally, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his or her substitute or substitutes or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934, THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE OF THE REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED:

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/  Thinh Q. Tran
 
President, and Chief
 
April 12, 2013
Thinh Q. Tran   Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Elias N. Nader
 
Interim Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
 
April 12, 2013
Elias N. Nader   (Principal Financial, Accounting and Compliance Officer)    
         
/s/ Mark J. Bonney
 
Director
 
April 12, 2013
Mark J. Bonney        
         
/s/ Maury Austin
 
Director
 
April 12, 2013
Maury Austin        
         
/s/ Lung C. Tsai
 
Director
 
April 12, 2013
Lung C. Tsai        
 
/s/ Eric Singer
 
Chairman of the Board
 
April 12, 2013
Eric Singer        
 
 
84

 
 
 SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
 
 
Classification
 
Balance
Beginning of
Period
   
Additions:
Provision for
(Recovery of)
   
Deductions:
(Write-offs)
Recoveries of
   
Balance End of
Period
 
Allowance for returns, doubtful accounts and discounts:
 
(in thousands)
 
Fiscal Years
                       
2011
  $ 346     $ 260     $ (4 )   $ 602  
2012
    602       54       (119 )     537  
2013
  $ 537     $ (158 )   $ (84 )   $ 295  
 
 
85

 
 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
Filed Herewith or Incorporated Herein by Reference to
 

3.1
 
Second Restated Articles of Incorporation.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-17789) filed October 8, 1987, Amendment No. 1 thereto filed June 9, 1988 and Amendment No. 2 thereto filed June 14, 1988, which Registration Statement became effective June 14, 1988.
         
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Second Restated Articles of Incorporation dated June 22, 2001.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-64234) filed on June 29, 2001.
         
3.3
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Sigma.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K on August 3, 2012.
         
3.4
 
Certificate of Determination of Preferences of Series A Preferred Stock dated June 13, 1997.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.3 filed with the Registrant’s Form S-1 filed on September 14, 2007.
         
3.5
 
Certificate of Determination of Preferences of Series B Preferred Stock dated January 30, 1998.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.4 filed with the Registrant’s Form S-1 filed on September 14, 2007.
         
3.6
 
Certificate of Determination of Preferences of Series C Preferred Stock dated January 20, 1999.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.5 filed with the Registrant’s Form S-1 filed on September 14, 2007.
         
3.7
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Second Restated Articles of Incorporation dated January 28, 2008.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.7 filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 2, 2008.
         
10.1*
 
Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Plan and form of Stock Option Agreement.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-86875) filed on September 10, 1999.
         
10.2*
 
1994 Director Stock Option Plan and form of Director Option Agreement.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-74308) filed on January 28, 1994, Amendment No. 1 thereto filed February 24, 1994, Amendment No. 2 thereto filed March 3, 1994, Amendment No. 3 thereto filed March 4, 1994 and Amendment No. 4 thereto filed March 8, 1994.
         
10.3*
 
2001 Employee Stock Option Plan.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (333-64234) filed on June 29, 2001.
 
 
86

 
 
10.4*
 
2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Form of Subscription Agreement.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.2 filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (333-64234) filed on June 29, 2001.
 
10.5
 
Industrial Lease by and between AMB Property, L.P. and Sigma dated February 22, 2007.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.15 filed with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007.
         
10.6*
 
2003 Director Stock Option Plan.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on July 11, 2003.
         
10.7*
 
Sigma Designs Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 13, 2011.
         
10.8*
 
 
 
Amended and Restated 2009 Stock Incentive Plan and forms of agreements thereto.
 
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 14, 2011.
         
10.9*
 
CopperGate Communications Ltd. 2003 Share Option Plan.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on November 16, 2009.
         
10.10
 
Settlement Agreement dated August 2, 2012 by and among Sigma Designs, Inc. and the entities and natural persons listed on Exhibit A thereto and their respective affiliates.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 3, 2012.
         
10.11
 
Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement.
 
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 filed with the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 3, 2012.
         
21.1
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
Filed herewith.
         
23.1
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Armanino LLP).
 
Filed herewith.
         
24.1
 
Power of Attorney (contained in the signature page to this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
 
Filed herewith.
         
31.1
 
Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).
 
Filed herewith.
         
31.2
 
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer and Secretary pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a).
 
Filed herewith.
         
32.1**
 
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Filed herewith.
         
32.2**
 
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Filed herewith.
         
101.INS***
 
XBRL Instance.
   
         
101.SCH***
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
   
         
101.CAL***
 
XBRLTaxonomy Extension Calculation.
   
         
101.DEF***
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition.
   
         
101.LAB***
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels.
   
         
101.PRE***
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation.
   
 
 
87

 
 
*
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release No. 34-47986, the certifications furnished in Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 hereto are deemed to accompany this Form 10-K and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.
***
XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
 
 
88