Use these links to rapidly review the document
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

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



Form 10-Q


ý

 

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

For the quarterly period ended DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

OR

o

 

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

For the transition period from                                  to                                 

Commission file number 0-19654



VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 77-0138960
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

741 Calle Plano
Camarillo, California 93012

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(805) 388-3700

741 Calle Plano
Camarillo, California 93012

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:(805) 388-3700



         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 ý    No o

         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 o    No o

         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 ý Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting company o

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

         Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of February 5,May 13, 2010 there were 403,841,802459,009,339 shares of the registrant's $0.01 par value common stock outstanding.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBERMARCH 31, 2009
2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

  

 

Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 and September 30, 2009

 
3

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 and 20082009

 
4

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Deficit and Comprehensive Loss for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2010


5

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ThreeSix Months Ended DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 and 20082009

 5
6

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

 6
7

Item 2.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 38
19

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 59
30

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 59
30

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 
6131

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 61
31

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity and Use of Proceeds

 71
32

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 71
32

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote by ShareholdersReserved

 71
32

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 72
32

Item 6.

 

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 72
33

Table of Contents


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



 December 31,
2009
 September 30,
2009
 
 March 31,
2010
 September 30,
2009
 


 (in thousands,
except share data)

 
 (in thousands,
except share data)

 

ASSETS

ASSETS

 

ASSETS

 

Current assets:

Current assets:

 

Current assets:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $35,588 $57,544 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $37,190 $57,544 

Accounts receivable, net

 12,781 11,369 

Accounts receivable, net

 18,143 15,074 

Inventory

 19,393 18,809 

Inventory

 19,856 18,809 

Restricted cash

 401 398 

Restricted cash

 388 398 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 5,952 4,956 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 4,637 4,956 
           
 

Total current assets

 74,115 93,076  

Total current assets

 80,214 96,781 

Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net

 7,937 7,874 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 7,797 7,874 

Other intangible assets, net

Other intangible assets, net

 1,295 1,541 

Other intangible assets, net

 1,117 1,541 

Other assets

Other assets

 4,286 3,077 

Other assets

 4,064 3,077 
           

 $87,633 $105,568 

 $93,192 $109,273 
           


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT


 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT

 

Current liabilities:

Current liabilities:

 

Current liabilities:

 

Accounts payable

 $14,438 $14,191 

Accounts payable

 $11,333 $11,191 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 12,217 10,887 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 21,106 14,182 

Derivative liability

 35,052 12,209 

Derivative liability

  12,209 

Deferred revenue

 851 1,156 

Deferred revenue

 3,115 4,566 

Current portion of debt and capital leases

 162 5,236 

Current portion of debt and capital leases

 87 5,236 

Convertible subordinated debt

  10,000 

Convertible subordinated debt

  10,000 
           
 

Total current liabilities

 62,720 53,679  

Total current liabilities

 35,641 57,384 

Other long-term liabilities

Other long-term liabilities

 
1,814
 
1,810
 

Other long-term liabilities

 1,813 1,810 

Long-term debt, net of discount

Long-term debt, net of discount

 24,948 24,652 

Long-term debt, net of discount

 25,314 24,652 

Derivative liability

Derivative liability

 65,459  

Convertible subordinated debt

Convertible subordinated debt

 40,638 86,700 

Convertible subordinated debt

 41,070 86,700 
           
 

Total liabilities

 130,120 166,841  

Total liabilities

 169,297 170,546 
           

Preferred stock—Series B, $0.01 par value. 44,533 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009

 1,113  

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

Shareholders' deficit:

Shareholders' deficit:

 

Shareholders' deficit:

 

Preferred stock—Series B, $0.01 par value. 10,000,000 shares authorized; 726,253 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009

 7  

Preferred stock—Series B, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 760,786 shares outstanding at March 31, 2010

 8  

Common stock, $0.01 par value. 500,000,000 shares authorized; 403,841,802 and 230,905,580 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, respectively

 4,043 2,314 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000,000 shares authorized; 404,841,802 and 230,905,580 shares outstanding at March 31, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively

 4,053 2,314 

Additional paid-in-capital

 1,804,397 1,754,598 

Additional paid-in-capital

 1,805,943 1,754,598 

Accumulated deficit

 (1,852,133) (1,818,271)

Accumulated deficit

 (1,886,191) (1,818,271)

Noncontrolling interest

 86 86 

Noncontrolling interest

 82 86 
           
 

Total shareholders' deficit

 (43,600) (61,273) 

Total shareholders' deficit

 (76,105) (61,273)
           

 $87,633 $105,568 

 $93,192 $109,273 
           

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



 Three months ended
December 31,
 
 Three months ended
March 31,
 Six months ended
March 31,
 


 2009 2008 
 2010 2009 2010 2009 


 (in thousands,
except per share data)

 
 (in thousands, except per share data)
 (in thousands, except per share data)
 

Product revenues

Product revenues

 $41,611 $44,810 

Product revenues

 $43,661 $34,577 $85,272 $79,387 

Intellectual property revenues

Intellectual property revenues

 40 5,000 

Intellectual property revenues

 250  290 5,000 
               

Revenues

 41,651 49,810 

Revenues

 43,911 34,577 85,562 84,387 

Costs and expenses:

Costs and expenses:

 

Costs and expenses:

 

Cost of revenues

 19,103 22,447 

Cost of revenues

 19,362 18,228 38,465 40,675 

Engineering, research and development

 11,959 11,581 

Engineering, research and development

 12,276 10,939 24,235 22,520 

Selling, general and administrative (including gain on sale of building of $2.9 million in fiscal 2009)

 10,529 10,419 

Selling, general and administrative (net of a gain on the sale of building of $2.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2009)

 9,083 9,930 19,612 20,349 

Accounting remediation & reconstruction expense & litigation costs

 73 1,949 

Accounting remediation & reconstruction expense & litigation costs

  1,515 73 3,464 

Goodwill impairment

  191,418 

Goodwill impairment

    191,418 

Amortization of intangible assets

 249 319 

Amortization of intangible assets

 182 386 431 705 
               
 

Costs and expenses

 41,913 238,133  

Costs and expenses

 40,903 40,998 82,816 279,131 
               

Loss from operations

 
(262

)
 
(188,323

)

Other (expense) income :

 

Income (loss) from operations

Income (loss) from operations

 3,008 (6,421) 2,746 (194,744)

Other (expense) income:

Other (expense) income:

 

Interest expense, net

 (10,220) (1,130)

Interest expense, net (including $30.4 million and $38.6 million change in derivative valuation for the three and six months ended March 31, 2010, respectively)

 (32,951) (1,170) (43,171) (2,300)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 (21,576)  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

   (21,576)  

Other income, net

 76 144 

Other (expense) income, net

 29 (48) 105 96 
               
 

Other income (expense), net

 (31,720) (986) 

Other expense, net

 (32,922) (1,218) (64,642) (2,204)

Loss before income tax expense and noncontrolling interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiary

 (31,982) (189,309)

Income tax expense

 1,878 650 

Loss before income tax expense (benefit) and noncontrolling interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiary

Loss before income tax expense (benefit) and noncontrolling interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiary

 (29,914) (7,639) (61,896) (196,948)

Income tax expense (benefit)

Income tax expense (benefit)

 4,147 (554) 6,025 96 
               

Net loss

Net loss

 (33,860) (189,959)

Net loss

 (34,061) (7,085) (67,921) (197,044)

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

  (1)

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 (1)  (1) (1)

Fair value adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

 126  

Fair value adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

   126  
               

Net loss available to common shareholders

 $(33,986)$(189,958)

Net loss available to common stockholders

Net loss available to common stockholders

 $(34,060)$(7,085)$(68,046)$(197,043)
               

Net loss per common share—basic and diluted

Net loss per common share—basic and diluted

 

Net loss per common share—basic and diluted

 
 

Net loss per share

 $(0.10)$(0.84)

Net loss per share

 $(0.08)$(0.03)$(0.18)$(0.86)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

Basic and diluted

Basic and diluted

 403,897 230,227 375,363 228,194 
               

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

Basic and diluted

 347,450 226,206 
     

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 
 Preferred Stock Common Stock  
  
  
 Total
Shareholders'
Equity
(Deficit)
 
 
 Additional
Paid-in-
Capital
 Accumulated
Deficit
 Noncontrolling
Interest
 
(In thousands, except
share data)
 Shares Amount Shares Amount 

Balance at September 30, 2009

   $  230,905,580 $2,314 $1,754,598 $(1,818,271)$86 $(61,273)
                  

Net loss

            (67,920) (1) (67,921)

Compensation expense related to stock options and awards

          1,127      1,127 

Conversion of Series B Preferred Shares

  (10,000)   1,000,000  10  (10)      

Debt restructuring costs

          (1,050)     (1,050)

Tax expense on debt transaction

          512      512 

Shares issued pursuant to debt restructuring

  770,786  8  172,936,222  1,729  50,766      52,503 

Distribution to minority partners

              (3) (3)
                  

Balance at March 31, 2010

  760,786 $8  404,841,802 $4,053 $1,805,943 $(1,886,191)$82 $(76,105)
                  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



 Three months ended
December 31,
 
 Six months ended
March 31,
 


 2009 2008 
 2010 2009 


 (in thousands)
 
 (in thousands)
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

Net loss

Net loss

 $(33,860)$(189,958)

Net loss

 $(67,921)$(197,043)

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

 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

Depreciation and amortization

 883 1,075 

Depreciation and amortization

 1,730 2,204 

Share-based compensation

 679 866 

Share-based compensation

 1,127 1,583 

Change in market value of embedded derivative liability

 8,224  

Change in market value of embedded derivative liability

 38,631  

Allowance for sales return reserve

 99 (18)

Allowance for sales return reserve

  (36)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 20,765  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 20,765  

Impairment of goodwill

  191,418 

Impairment of goodwill

  191,418 

Capitalization of interest

 297  

Capitalization of interest

 614  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 189 191 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 398 377 

Amortization of debt discount

 344  

Amortization of debt discount

 831   

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

  7 

Gain on sale of Colorado building

  (2,924)

Gain on sale of Colorado building

  (2,924)

Minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidary

 (1)  

Other

 512  

Other

 512 7 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

Accounts receivable

 (1,511) 1,268 

Accounts receivable

 (3,069) (81)

Inventory

 (584) 3,666 

Inventory

 (1,047) 9,288 

Restricted cash

 (3) (2)

Restricted cash

 10 201 

Prepaids and other current assets

 (1,031) 292 

Prepaids and other current assets

 299 (155)

Accounts payable

 246 (3,831)

Accounts payable

 141 (4,678)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 1,339 (2,694)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 6,928 (3,338)

Deferred Revenue

 (305) 6,325 

Deferred revenue

 (1,451) 3,018 
           
 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 (3,717) 5,681  

Net cash used in operating activities

 (1,503) (159)
           

Cash flows from investing activities:

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

Restricted cash

  (3)

Restricted cash

  17 

Proceeds from sale of Colorado building

  6,500 

Proceeds from sale of Colorado building

  6,500 

Transaction costs for sale of Colorado building

  (547)

Transaction costs for sale of Colorado building

  (547)

Capital expenditures

 (700) (946)

Capital expenditures

 (1,228) (1,170)
     

Distribution to minority partners

 (3) 1 
 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 (700) 5,004 

Purchase of intangible assets

  (1,982)
           
 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 (1,231) 2,819 
     

Cash flows from financing activities:

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

Equity issuance costs

 (1,050)  

Payment of convertible debentures

 (10,000)  

Payment of convertible debentures

 (10,000)  

Payment of senior debt

 (5,000)  

Payment of senior debt

 (5,000)  

Debt issuance costs

 (1,365)  

Debt issuance costs

 (1,365)  

Equity issuance costs

 (1,050)   

Prepayment fee on Senior debt

 (50)  

Prepayment fee on senior debt

 (50)  

Payment of capital lease obligations

 (74)  

Payment of capital lease obligations

 (155)  
           
 

Net cash used in financing activities

 (17,539)   

Net cash used in financing activities

 (17,620)  
           

Net (decrease) increase in cash

Net (decrease) increase in cash

 (21,956) 10,685 

Net (decrease) increase in cash

 (20,354) 2,660 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 57,544 36,722 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 57,544 36,722 
           

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $35,588 $47,407 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $37,190 $39,382 
           

Non-cash financing activities:

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

Issuance of 2014 convertible debentures

 $40,343 $ 

Issuance of 2014 convertible debentures

 $40,343 $ 

Common stock issued in exchange for 2024 debentures

 $36,317 $ 

Common stock issued in exchange for 2024 debentures

 $36,317   

Preferred Stock—Series B issued in exchange for 2024 Debentures

 $16,187 $ 

Preferred stock—Series B issued in exchange for 2024 debentures

 $16,187 $ 

Compound embedded derivative issued in exchange for 2024 Debentures

 $27,925 $ 

Compound embedded derivative issued in exchange for 2024 debentures

 $27,925 $ 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

        Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation ("Vitesse" or the "Company") is a leading worldwide supplier of high-performance integrated circuits ("ICs") that are utilized primarily by manufacturers of networking systems for Carrier, Enterprisecarrier, enterprise and Storagestorage communications applications. Vitesse designs, develops and markets a diverse portfolio of high-performance, cost-competitive semiconductor products. For more than 25 years, Vitesse has led the transition of new technologies in communications networks.

        Our customers include leading communications and enterprise original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") such as Alcatel Lucent, Ciena Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc., IBM, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Fujitsu Limited, Hewlett-Packard Co., Hitachi, Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., H3C Technologies Co., Limited, Nortel Networks Corp., Nokia Siemens Networks B.V., Tellabs, Inc., and ZTE Corporation.

        We have a worldwide presence. As of December 31, 2009, we operated four domestic design centers in the U.S., in California, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Texas, and four international design centers in Taiwan, Denmark, Germany, and India.

        Vitesse was incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1987. Our principal offices are located at 741 Calle Plano, Camarillo, California, and our phone number is (805) 388-3700. Our stock trades on the Pink SheetsOTCQB marketplace under the ticker symbol VTSS.PK.

Fiscal Periods

        The Company's fiscal year is October 1 through September 30. References made to the first quarters of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 relate to the quarters ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.VTSS.

Basis of Presentation

        The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Form 10-Q and Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X. They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended September 30, 2009, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 14, 2009.

        The consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they contain all normal recurring accruals and adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position at DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 and September 30, 2009, and the consolidated results of our operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, our consolidated cash flows for the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2010 and 2009 and 2008.the changes in our shareholders' equity (deficit) for the six months ended March 31, 2009. The results of operations for the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future quarters or the full year.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 1.        The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)Company's fiscal year is October 1 through September 30.

Reclassifications

        Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts and related footnotes to conform to current year presentation.

Correction of errorError

        During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we identified an error in our financial statements as of September 30, 2009 and for the quarter and year then ended. This error was the result of an operational change that was not appropriately reflected in our inventory costing and accounting processes. In accordance with ASCAccounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 250, Accounting"Accounting Changes and Error Corrections," originally issued as SAB No. 99"Materiality" and SAB No. 108"Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

March 31, 2010

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


Financial Statements," management evaluated the materiality of the error from a qualitative and quantitative perspective and concluded that the error was not material to any prior periods. Further, we evaluated the materiality of the error on the results of operations for the currentfirst quarter as well as the expected results of operations for the full fiscal year and concluded that the error in the current period isfirst quarter was quantitatively significant to the first quarter financial statements but iswas not anticipated to be material to the full fiscal year or the trend of financial results. Accordingly, we corrected the error in the current period.first quarter. The impacteffects of the adjustment to correct the error to theon specific line items of the financial statements for the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2009 was2010 were as follows:


 Three Months
Ended
December 31,
2009
  Six Months Ended
March 31, 2010
 

Decrease in cost of sales

 $934  $934 

Decrease in loss from operations

 934 

Increase in income from operations

 934 

Decrease in net loss

 934  934 

Net loss per share—basic and diluted

 $  $ 

Subsequent Events

        In May 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards B Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Codification (ASC 855), which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date, but before financial statements are issued. We have considered subsequent events for recognition or disclosure through February 9, 2010, the date of issuance, in preparing the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires managementadjustment to make estimates and assumptions that affectcorrect the amounts reported in the financial statements and disclosures made in the accompanying notes to the financial statements. We regularly evaluate estimates and assumptions related to revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts, sales returns and allowances, warranty reserves, inventory reserves, share-based compensation, the valuation of embedded derivatives, goodwill and purchased intangible asset


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


valuations and useful lives, and deferred income tax asset valuation allowances. These estimates and assumptions are basederror had no impact on current facts, historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results we experience may differ materially and adversely from our original estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, our future results of operations will be affected.

Foreign Currency Translation

        The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is the United States dollar, however our foreign subsidiaries transact in local currencies. Consequently, assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate prevailing during the period. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations.

Concentrations of Risk

        Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks have exceeded the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. The Company maintains its cash in commercial accounts with high-credit quality financial institutions. Although the financial institutions are considered creditworthy, balances with any one financial institution may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") limit of $250,000. At December 31, 2009, the Company's cash balance exceeded the deposit insurance limits provided by the FDIC by $37,021,925. Cash balances held in foreign bank accounts are also not insured by the FDIC, and at December 31, 2009 these balances totaled $208,800. At December 31, 2009, the Company's foreign subsidiaries reflected $785,017, of cash on their financial statements, which is also not insured by the FDIC.

        The Company believes that the credit risk in its accounts receivable is mitigated by the Company's credit evaluation process and maintaining an allowance for anticipated losses. For the year ended December 31, 2009, one customer accounted for more than 10.0% of our net revenues. Total sales to this customer were 11.0% of net revenues for both quarters ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our net revenues.

        The Company currently purchases wafers from a limited number of vendors. Additionally, since we do not maintain manufacturing facilities, we depend upon close relationships with contract manufacturers to assemble our products. We believe there are available to the Company other vendors who can provide the same quality wafers at competitive prices and other contract manufacturers that can provide comparable services at competitive prices. We anticipate the continued use of a limited number of vendors and contract manufacturers in the near future.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Contingencies

        We assess our exposure to loss contingencies, including environmental, legal, and income tax matters, and provide an accrual for an exposure if it is judged to be probable and reasonably estimable. If the actual loss from a loss contingency differs from management's estimates, results of operations could be adjusted upward or downward.

Warranty

        The Company generally warrants its products against defects for one year from date of shipment. The sales reserve allowance includes a provision for products under warranty, which is recorded against revenue when products are shipped. At each reporting period, the Company adjusts its reserve for warranty claims based on its actual warranty claims experience as a percentage of revenue for the preceding 12 months after shipment and also considers the impact of known operational issues that may have a greater impact than historical trends. Historically, our warranty returns have not been material.

Revenue Recognition

        In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements" or SAB 101, as amended by SAB No. 104, "Revision of Topic 13" or ASC 605, we recognize product revenue when the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred; (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collection of the sales price is reasonably assured. Delivery occurs when goods are shipped and title and risk of loss transfer to the customer, in accordance with the terms specified in the arrangement with the customer. Revenue recognition is deferred in all instances where the earnings process is incomplete.

        Vitesse has a distribution network through which it sells approximately half of its products. The Company recognizes revenue on a sell-through basis for all products sold through distributors, utilizing information provided by the distributors. These distributors maintained inventory balances of $4.4 million and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, respectively, which are carried on the books of Vitesse, and are given business terms to return a portion of inventory and receive credits for changes in selling prices to end customers and inventory obsolescence. At the time Vitesse ships inventory to the distributors, the magnitude of future returns and price adjustments is not known. Therefore, revenue recognition for shipments to distributors does not occur until the distributors sell inventory to end customers. The payments received from distributors for inventory shipped to them in advance of the sale of that inventory to an end-user are, therefore, shown as deferred revenue. Vitesse personnel are often involved in the sales from the distributors to end customers, providing both field engineering and application engineering support prior to the sale. Our product sales do not include service elements aside from the standard product warranty.

        Revenues from development contracts are recognized upon attainment of specific milestones established under customer contracts. Revenues from products deliverable under development contracts, including design tools and prototype products, are recognized upon delivery. Costs related to development contracts are expensed as incurred.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        Approximately 3.6% and 2.2% of our inventory is consigned and located with two customers at December 31, 2009 and at September 30, 2009, respectively. Consistent with our revenue recognition policy, we recognize revenue when the customer pulls the inventory for use, that is when title passes to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria specified above are met.

        In accordance with ASC 605, when licensing technology and other intangibles, delivery is not deemed to occur for revenue recognition purposes until the license term begins. Revenues are recognized in a manner consistent with the nature of the transaction and related earnings process. Based on management's analysis of the license terms, and pursuant to the guidance in ASC 605, revenue related to the licensing of intellectual property ("IP") is deferred until delivery has occurred and final acceptance of the contracted deliverables is received from the licensee.

        On December 28, 2007, the Company entered into an arrangement to license IP to a third-party. The contract is a perpetual, nonexclusive, non-transferable, irrevocable license for specified IP. As part of the contract, we were granted a perpetual, nonexclusive, non-transferable, irrevocable license to improvements to the technology made by the licensee, subject to certain limitations. Under the agreement, Vitesse received $15.0 million in license fees and royalties for the rights to certain products and technology. Of the fees and royalty payments, $10.0 million in fees was received upon delivery and acceptance of the licensed technology. The remaining $5.0 million of fees was received upon the one-year anniversary of the agreement in the first quarter of 2009. For a period of seven years from the effective date of the contract, licensee will pay royalties on a per unit basis, on each commercial sale incorporating the licensed products. Royalties will be accounted for when received. No royalties were received or recognized for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2009.

Sales Returns, Pricing Adjustments and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        We record reductions to revenue for estimated product returns and pricing adjustments, such as rebates, 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 rebate agreements, and other factors known at the time. Additional reductions to revenue would result if actual product returns or pricing adjustments exceed our estimates. We currently do not have any existing or on-going rebate programs or policies. We also maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from customers' inability to meet their financial obligations to us. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable on a monthly basis using a combination of factors, including whether any receivables will potentially be uncollectible. The Company includes any accounts receivable balances that are determined to be uncollectible in the overall allowance for doubtful accounts using the specific identification method. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. Management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, is adequate. However, if the financial condition of any customer were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances could be required. We record a reserve for estimated sales returns in the same period as the related revenues are recognized. Sales returns typically occur for quality related issues. We base these estimates on our historical experience or the specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve. To the extent actual sales returns or allowances differ from our estimates, our results of operations may be affected. As of December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, our sales return reserve was $118,000 and $19,000, respectively.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition. Due to their liquidity and their remaining time to maturity, the fair value of these investments approximates their carrying value.

Financial Instruments

        ASC 825 defines fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.

        Our financial instruments include cash equivalents, restricted deposits, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. Restricted deposits are interest-bearing Certificates of Deposit ("CD") collateralizing Letters of Credit ("LOC") and other commitments. Interest earned on the CD's accrues to the Company. As of December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, the Company had approximately $1.9 and $2.0 million, respectively, in CD's. The CD's will renew annually for the duration of the underlying LOC or commitment. The Company is subject to penalties for early withdrawal of the funds in any of the CD's, including forfeiture of interest earned for the period. These financial instruments are stated at their carrying values, which are reasonable estimates of their fair values.

        On October 1, 2009, the Trustee of the 1.5% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2024 (the "2024 Debentures") provided a written notice to the Company that holders representing $95.7 million of the principal amount of the 2024 Debentures had exercised their repurchase rights under the Indenture. Pursuant to the written notice, the Company was required to deposit the repurchase price of $108.9 million with the Trustee as soon as practicable. As the Company had insufficient cash to repurchase the entire amount tendered for repurchase it could not fulfill its legal responsibility to repurchase the debt which constituted an event of default under both the Indenture and the $30.0 million financing with Whitebox (the "Senior Secured Loan Agreement," or "Senior Term Loan"). Accordingly, management of the Company completed a series of transactions, described below, with its Lenders to restructure the Senior Term Loan and 2024 Debentures.

        On October 16, 2009, the Company and Whitebox (the "Senior Lender") amended the terms of the Senior Secured Loan Agreement to allow the Company to pay down $5.0 million of the principal amount of its Senior Term Loan and amend the terms of the Senior Term Loan. Accordingly, the balance of the Senior Term Loan as of December 31, 2009 is the principal amount to be repaid of $25.0 million, which is the $30.0 million dollar original principal balance less the principal payment of $5.0 million.

        In addition, effective October 16, 2009, the Company entered into a Debt Conversion Agreement (the "Conversion Agreement") with the beneficial owners of more than 96.7% of the 2024 Debentures (the "Noteholders") whereby the Noteholders agreed to exchange their 2024 Debentures for a combination of cash, shares of common stock, 8.0% Convertible Second Lien Debentures Due 2014 (the "2014 Debentures") and, in some cases, shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Conversion Agreement was consummated on October 30, 2009.

        We have estimated the fair value of the 2014 Debentures using a convertible bond valuation model within a lattice framework (Level 3). The valuation model combined expected cash outflows with


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


market-based assumptions regarding risk-adjusted yields, stock price volatility, and recent price quotes and trading information regarding shares of our common stock into which the debentures are convertible. The estimated fair value of the 2014 Debentures was $76.3 million as of December 31, 2009.

Inventory

        Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value). Costs associated with the development of a new product are charged to engineering, research and development expense as incurred, until the product is proven through testing and acceptance by the customer. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its ending inventory for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes analyses of sales levels by product and projections of future demand.

Property, Plant and Equipment

        Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the assets' remaining estimated useful lives, ranging from three to five years, except for leasehold improvements, which are amortized over the shorter of the term of the related lease or their estimated useful lives. Depreciation and amortization costs were $0.6 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        We recorded goodwill when the purchase price paid for past acquisitions exceeded the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. At December 31, 2008, we performed a two-step process to determine: (i) whether the fair value of the Company exceeds its carrying value; and (ii) to measure the amount of an impairment loss, if any. We were prompted to complete the first step of the evaluation because we identified changes in key factors indicating an impairment of the value of our goodwill. Notable indicators were significantly depressed market conditions and industry trends, a market capitalization below the book value of our equity and downward revisions to our forecasts due to then current economic conditions. Upon completion of the first step of the impairment test for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, we determined the carrying value of the Company exceeded its fair value and that an additional impairment analysis was required by ASC 350. Accordingly, we performed the second step of the goodwill impairment test which compared the implied fair value of our Company's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Any excess of the carrying amount of goodwill above the implied fair value of that goodwill would result in an impairment loss was recognized in an amount equal to that excess. We determined the implied fair value of goodwill was determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill would be determined in a purchase business combination. The fair value was determined through an analysis of: (i) the market capitalization; (ii) comparable public company valuations; and (iii) the future cash flows expected to be generated by the Company. This calculated fair value was then allocated to individual assets and liabilities of the Company (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the Company had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the Company was the purchase price paid to acquire the Company. In performing this allocation, the fair values of the assets and liabilities of the Company were calculated using generally accepted valuation methodologies, including analysis of: (i) the future cash flows expected to be generated; (ii) the estimated market value; or (iii) the


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


estimated cost to replace. Any variance in the assumptions used to value the assets and liabilities could have had a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities and, consequently, the amount of identified goodwill impairment. As a result of the step two impairment analysis, we recorded an impairment charge to fully write off our goodwill balance of $191.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

        Intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives unless these lives are determined to be indefinite. Other intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the useful lives of the respective assets, generally two to ten years.

Income Taxes

        We account for income taxes pursuant to the provisions of ASC 740. Under the asset and liability method of ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the statement of operations. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 740; originally issued as the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes," an interpretation of SFAS 109, on October 1, 2007 and assessed the impact of ASC 740 on its financial statements and determined that no adjustment to retained earnings was necessary.

Research and Development Costs

        Research and development costs are expensed when incurred. Manufacturing costs associated with the development of a new fabrication process or a new product are expensed until such times as these processes or products are proven through final testing and initial acceptance by the customer.2010.

Computation of Net Loss per Share

        In accordance with ASC Topic 260 Earnings"Earnings Per ShareShare" ("ASC 260"); originally issued as SFAS 128, "Earnings per Share," basic net income and loss per share is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

        For periods in which we report income from continuing operations, the weighted average number of shares used to calculate diluted income per share is inclusive of common stock equivalents from unexercised stock options, restricted stock units, warrants, convertible preferred stock and convertible debentures. Unexercised stock options, restricted stock units and warrants are considered to be common stock equivalents if, using the treasury stock method, they are determined to be dilutive. The dilutive effect of the convertible preferred stock and convertible debentures is determined using the if-converted method.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        For the quartersthree and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 and 2008,2009, the Company recorded a loss from continuing operations and in accordance with ASC 260, all outstanding potential common shares were excluded from the diluted earningsloss per share computation. For periods in which the Company reports a loss from continuing operations, diluted loss per share is calculated using only the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each of the periods, as the inclusion of any common stock equivalents would be anti-dilutive.

Long-Lived AssetsFinancial Instruments

        The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted operating cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, or fair market value. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lesser of fair value less costs to sell or carrying value. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds theASC Topic 825, "Financial Instruments," defines fair value of a financial instrument as the assets. As required by ASC 360, we verified our long-lived assets were not impaired as ofamount at which the time of the goodwill impairment. There were no impairment chargesinstrument could be exchanged in the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Share-Based Compensation

        The Company has in effect several stock plans under which incentive and non-qualified stock options have been granted to employees, contractors and directors. These plansa current transaction between willing parties. Our financial instruments include the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2001 Plan"), the 1991 Stock Option Plan, the 1991 Directors' Stock Option Plan, and the 1999 International Stock Option Plan. ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and employee stock purchase rights, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their respective grant date fair values. ASC 718 also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than operatingequivalents, restricted cash, flow, as required under previous literature.

        ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service periods. The Company has estimated the fair value of each award as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which was developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and that are freely transferable. The Black-Scholes model considers, among other factors, the expected life of the award and the expected volatility of the Company's stock price. Although the Black-Scholes model meets the requirements of ASC 718, the fair values generated by the model may not be indicative of the actual fair values of the Company's awards, as it does not consider other factors important to those share-based payment awards, such as continued employment, periodic vesting requirements, and limited transferability.

        Upon adoption of ASC 718, we elected to recognize compensation expense for all share-based awards granted after September 30, 2005 on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The amount of compensation cost recognized through the end of each reportingaccounts receivable, accounts payable,


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)


periodaccrued expenses and various debt instruments. These financial instruments are stated at their carrying values, which are estimates of their fair values.

        Restricted cash consists of interest-bearing certificates of deposit ("CD") collateralizing letters of credit and other commitments. As of March 31, 2010 and September 30, 2009, the Company had approximately $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively, in CD.

        Our senior term loan is equal tostated at carrying value of $25.0 million as of March 31, 2010 and $30.0 million as of September 30, 2009, which are estimates of its fair value.

        We estimate the portionfair values of the grant-date2014 Debentures and embedded derivatives using a convertible bond valuation model within a lattice framework. These valuations are determined using Level 3 inputs. The valuation model combines expected cash outflows with market based assumptions regarding risk-adjusted yields, stock price volatility, recent price quotes and trading information of the Company's common stock into which the 2014 Debentures are convertible. The fair value of the awards that have vested, or for partially vested awards,2014 Debentures includes the face value of the portiondebentures plus the discount, which is amortized as interest expense over the life of the award thatdebentures. The fair value of the 2014 Debentures was $43.6 million as of March 31, 2010. On October 30, 2009, the date of issuance, the fair value of the bifurcated compound derivative was $28.0 million. As of March 31, 2010, the fair value of the bifurcated compound derivative was $65.5 million, with the change of $37.5 million reflected as interest expense in the Statement of Operations for the six month period ended March 31, 2010. On January 7, 2010 shareholders of the Company authorized the issuance of a total of 5,000,000,000 shares of common stock, providing the Company with sufficient common shares to satisfy all potential conversion obligations. The Company will continue to mark the bifurcated compound derivative to market due to the conversion price not being indexed to the Company's own stock. Specifically, the feature requiring the Company to redeem foregone interest upon conversion by the holder feature causes the exercise price to not be indexed to the Company's own stock. The change in the fair value of the bifurcated compound derivative is ultimately expectedprimarily related to vest for which the requisite services have been provided.change in price of the underlying common stock. The change in value of the bifurcated compound derivative is a non-cash item; further, the Company can elect to settle the embedded derivative in either cash or common shares. As of March 31, 2010, the Company has enough common shares to settle all of its potential conversion obligations. The Company intends to settle this obligation in common shares should it be exercised by its holders. As the Company intends to, and has the ability to, satisfy the obligations with equity securities, in accordance with ASC Topic 470 Debt ("ASC 470"), the Company has reclassified the liability as a long-term liability on its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2010.

        As of September 30, 2009, the fair value of our 2024 Debentures was the face value of $96.7 million. The fair value of the related embedded derivative as of September 30, 2009 was $12.2 million.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In June 2009, the FASB        We do not believe that there are any recent accounting pronouncements issued ASC Topic 105 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("ASC 105"); originally issued as SFAS No. 168 "The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162." ASC 105 establishes the FASB Standards Accounting Codification ("Codification") as the source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied to nongovernmental entities and rules and interpretive releases of the SEC as authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification will supersede all the existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards upon(including its effective date and subsequently, the FASB will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. ASC 105 also replaces FASB Statement No. 162, "The HierarchyForce), the American Institute of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles," givenCertified Public Accountants or the SEC that once in effect, the Codification will carry the same level of authority. ASC 105 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, which includes our fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The adoption of this statement did notwould have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Topic 805 Business Combinations ("ASC 805"); originally issued as SFAS No. 141R,"Business Combinations." ASC 805 establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. The statement also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. ASC 805 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Accordingly, ASC 805 is applicable to the Company's accounting for business combinations closing onpresent or after October 1, 2009. We expect ASC 805 will have an impact on ourfuture consolidated financial statements, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions we consummate after the effective date of October 1, 2009. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows during the quarter ended December 31, 2009.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Topic 810 Consolidation ("ASC 810"); originally issued as SFAS No. 160,"Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51." ASC 810 addresses the accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest, changes in a parent's ownership interest, and the valuation of retained non-controlling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. We adopted ASC 810 for our quarter ended December 31, 2009. The adoption of this statement had an immaterial impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flow.statements.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

Note 1. The Company and its Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        In May 2008, the FASB issued ASC Topic 470 Debt ("ASC 470"); originally issued as FASB Staff Position APB 14-1, "Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)." ASC 470 requires us to separately account for the liability and equity components of a convertible debt security by measuring the fair value of a similar nonconvertible debt security when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. ASC 470 requires us to retroactively separate the liability and equity components of such debt in our consolidated balance sheets on a fair value basis. ASC 470 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows during the quarter ended December 31, 2009.

        In June 2008, the FASB ratified ASC Topic 815 Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"); originally issued as Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 07-5, "Determining Whether an Instrument (or an Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity's Own Stock." ASC 815 provides that an entity should use a two step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to its own stock, including evaluating the instrument's contingent exercise and the instrument's settlement provisions. ASC 815 clarifies the impact of foreign currency denominated strike prices and market-based employee stock option valuation instruments on the evaluation. ASC 815 is effective for the financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows during the quarter ended December 31, 2009.

        Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statements.

Note 2. Supplemental Financial Information

Inventory

        The following table presents the detailsprincipal components of the Company's inventory:



 December 31,
2009
 September 30,
2009
 
 March 31,
2010
 September 30,
2009
 


 (in thousands)
 
 (in thousands)
 

Inventory:

Inventory:

 

Inventory:

 

Raw materials

Raw materials

 $1,775 $1,411 

Raw materials

 $1,868 $1,411 

Work-in-process

Work-in-process

 6,610 8,335 

Work-in-process

 7,239 8,335 

Finished goods

Finished goods

 11,008 9,063 

Finished goods

 10,749 9,063 
           

Total

 $19,393 $18,809 

Total

 $19,856 $18,809 
           

Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 2. Supplemental Financial Information (Continued)

Property, Plant and Equipment

        The following table presents the details of the Company's property, plant and equipment:

 
 December 31,
2009
 September 30,
2009
 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Property, Plant and Equipment:

       

Machinery and equipment

 $91,281 $90,884 

Furniture and fixtures

  767  769 

Computer equipment

  10,065  10,018 

Leasehold improvements

  5,645  5,657 

Construction in progress

  109  76 
      

  107,867  107,404 

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

  99,930  99,530 
      
 

Total

 $7,937 $7,874 
      

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

        The following table presents the details of the Company's accrued expenses and other current liabilities:

 
 December 31,
2009
 September 30,
2009
 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities:

       

Accrued legal fees and settlements

 $147 $139 

Accrued wages, commissions and benefits

  3,978  3,586 

Accrued vacation

  2,609  2,813 

Accrued software license agreements

  1,849  1,535 

Accrued income taxes

  1,644  351 

Accrued subsequent payments

  111  490 

Accrued commissions

  137  118 

Miscellaneous taxes

  329  197 

Interest payable

  1,047  1,271 

Customer prepayments and deposits

  143  149 

Other

  223  238 
      
 

Total

 $12,217 $10,887 
      

Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 2. Supplemental Financial Information (Continued)

Revenues by Product Markets

        The following table presents revenues from the Company's product markets:


 December 31,  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 2010 2009 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands)
 

Carrier Networking Products

 $19,188 $18,853 $335 1.8% $17,170 $16,040 $36,358 $34,893 

Enterprise Networking Products

 18,117 15,946 2,171 13.6% 19,813 13,081 37,930 29,027 

Non-Core Products

 4,306 10,011 (5,705) (57.0)% 6,678 5,456 10,984 15,467 
                  

Product Revenues

 $41,611 $44,810 $(3,199) (7.1)%

Net Product Revenues

 $43,661 $34,577 $85,272 $79,387 
                  

Revenues from Intellectual Property

        The following table presents revenues from intellectual property:

 
 December 31, 
 
 2009 2008 
 
 (in thousands) 

Intellectual property revenues

 $40 $5,000 
 
 Three
Months
Ended
March 31,
 Six Months
Ended
March 31,
 
 
 2010 2009 2010 2009 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Licensing Revenues

 $250 $ $290 $5,000 

Revenues by Geographic Area

        The following table presents revenues by geographic area:

 
 Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
 2009 2008 
 
 (in thousands)
 

North America(1)

 $17,755 $24,822 

Asia Pacific

  18,388  19,865 

Europe

  5,508  5,123 
      
 

Total Net Revenues

 $41,651 $49,810 
      

(1)
North America includes USA, Canada and Mexico

        The Company believes a substantial portion of the product sold to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and third-party manufacturing service providers in the Asia Pacific region are ultimately shipped to end-markets in North America and Europe.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

Note 2. Supplemental Financial Information (Continued)

Revenues by Geographic Area

        The following table presents revenues by geographic area:

 
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 2010 2009 2010 2009 
 
 (in thousands)
 

North America(1)

 $17,304 $14,102 $35,053 $38,924 

Asia Pacific

  18,577  16,190  36,962  36,055 

Europe

  8,030  4,285  13,547  9,408 
          
 

Total Net Revenues

 $43,911 $34,577 $85,562 $84,387 
          

(1)
North America includes the United States, Canada and Mexico

Computation of Net Loss per Share

        The following table presents the computation of loss per share:



 December 31, 
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 


 2009 2008 
 2010 2009 2010 2009 


 (in thousands,
except per share data)

 
 (in thousands, except per share data)
 

Net loss

Net loss

 $(33,860)$(189,959)

Net loss

 $(34,061)$(7,085)$(67,921)$(197,044)

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 $ $(1)

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

 (1)  (1) (1)

Fair value adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

 126  

Fair value adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

   126  
               
 

Net loss available to common shareholders

 $(33,986)$(189,958) 

Net loss available to common shareholders

 $(34,060)$(7,085)$(68,046)$(197,043)
               

Weighted average number of shares—basic and diluted

Weighted average number of shares—basic and diluted

 
347,450
 
226,206
 

Weighted average number of shares—basic and diluted

 403,897 230,227 375,363 228,194 

Loss per share—basic and diluted

Loss per share—basic and diluted

 

Loss per share—basic and diluted

 

Net loss

Net loss

 $(0.10)$(0.84)

Net loss

 $(0.08)$(0.03)$(0.18)$(0.86)

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

   

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     

Fair value adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

   

Fair value adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

     
               
 

Net loss available to common shareholders

 $(0.10)$(0.84) 

Net loss available to common shareholders

 $(0.08)$(0.03)$(0.18)$(0.86)
               

        The weighted averageFor each of the quarters and six month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded a loss from continuing operations and in accordance with ASC 260, all outstanding potential common shares were excluded from the diluted computation are as follows:

 
 December 31, 
 
 2009 2008 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Outstanding stock options

  20,491  21,361 

Outstanding restriced stock units

  2,325  2,364 

Outstanding warrants

  150  150 

Convertible preferred stock

  77,079   

2014 Convertible debentures

  222,191   

2024 Convertible debentures

    37,981 
      

Total potential common shares excluded from calculation

  322,236  61,856 
      

Note 3. Other Intangible Assets

        Other intangible assets consist primarily of existing technologies and intellectual property. Acquired intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis overloss per share computation. For periods in which the respective estimated useful lives of the assets. The carrying value of intangible assets at December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 was $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively. For other intangible assets and long-lived assets, in accordance with ASC 360, we determine whether the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to each asset in question is less than its carrying value. If less, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their respective fair values. Fair value of long-lived assets is determined based on market value. If the long-lived asset determined to be


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

Note 3. Other Intangible Assets2. Supplemental Financial Information (Continued)


impairedCompany reports a loss from continuing operations, diluted loss per share is to be held and used, we recognize an impairment charge tocalculated using only the extent the fair value attributable to the asset is less than the asset's carrying value. The fair valueweighted average number of shares outstanding during each of the long-lived asset then becomesperiods, as the asset's new carrying value, which we amortize over the remaining estimated useful lifeinclusion of the asset.

Note 4. Debt

        During 2004, the Company issued $96.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 1.5% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2024 (the "2024 Debentures"). The 2024 Debentures were unsecured obligations and were subordinated in right of payment to all of the Company's existing and future senior indebtedness. Interest was payable in arrears semiannually on October 1 and April 1 of each year, beginning April 1, 2005. On August 15, 2006, the Company received notification from the Trustee under the Indenture, dated as of September 22, 2004, relating to the Company's 2024 Debentures. The Trustee alleged compliance deficiencies under the Indenture relating to the Company's failure to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. Although the Company did not believe there were compliance deficiencies under the Indenture, and that an Event of Default did not occur, the Company negotiated with the holders of a majority of the 2024 Debentures to reach a resolution to the dispute. On September 24, 2007, the Company entered into a Second Supplemental Indenture amending certain sections of the indenture. As part of the amendment, the Company agreed to increase the interest payable for the period starting April 1, 2007, through, but not including October 1, 2007, by $20 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2024 Debentures. Further, effective November 3, 2006, the following amendments became effective: (i) for 18 months after the date the amendments were effective, the Trustee would forbear from taking any action to exercise any rights or remedies that relate to the filing of reports required under the Exchange Act; (ii) the Company would agree not to repay the 2024 Debentures pursuant to the purported acceleration request sent by the Trustee to the Company during the last six months of the forbearance period; (iii) the indenture for the 2024 Debenturescommon stock equivalents would be amended so that the conversion price of the 2024 Debentures would be decreased permanently from $3.92 per share of common stock to $2.546 per share of common stock, subject to further adjustment as set forth in the indenture; and (iv) the repurchase price with respect to the October 1, 2009, repurchase right was increased from 100% to 113.76% of the principal amount of the 2024 Debentures to be purchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest (the October 1, 2014 and October 1, 2019 repurchase rights would not be changed).anti-dilutive.

        The modification ofweighted average potential common shares excluded from the conversion feature discussed above resulted in an increase in the initial conversion rate to approximately 392.773 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2024 Debentures from approximately 255.102 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the debentures. Upon conversion, the Company had the option to deliver cash in lieu of shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. The Company could have redeemed the 2024 Debentures after October 1, 2007 if its stock price is at least 170% of the conversion price, or approximately $4.32diluted loss per share for 20 trading days within any consecutive 30-day trading period, and could have redeemed the 2024 Debentures beginning October 1, 2009, without being subject to such condition. Holders of the 2024 Debentures had the right to require the Company to repurchase the 2024 Debentures on October 1 of 2009, 2014, and 2019.computation are as follows:


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

 
 Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 2010 2009 2010 2009 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Outstanding stock options

  19,602  21,982  19,985  21,655 

Outstanding restricted stock units

  1,685  3,429  983  2,890 

Outstanding warrants

  150  150  150  150 

Convertible preferred stock

  76,079    76,079   

2014 Convertible debentures

  222,191    222,191   

2024 Convertible debentures

    37,981    37,981 
          

Total potential common shares excluded from calculation

  319,707  63,542  319,388  62,676 
          

Note 4.3. Debt (Continued)

        In accordance with the November 3, 2006 amendments to the 2024 Debentures, the October 1, 2009 repurchase right was increased from 100% to 113.76% of the principal amount of the 2024 Debentures to be purchased. The increase in the repurchase right would result in an additional payment of $13.3 million on the $96.7 million outstanding 2024 Debentures. Holders also had the option, subject to certain conditions, to require the Company to repurchase any 2024 Debentures held by such holder in the event of a fundamental change, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2024 Debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest plus, under certain circumstances, a make-whole premium. For the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, interest expense relating to the 2024 Debentures was $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. There were no outstanding 2024 Debentures at December 31, 2009 and as of September 30, 2009 there was outstanding $96.7 million of the 2024 Debentures. See the discussion of the debt exchange, below, for an explanation of the settlement of the 2024 Debenture obligation.

        In accordance with ASC 815, embedded derivatives must be bifurcated from the underlying debt instrument and valued as a separate financial instrument. The 2024 Debentures included a repurchase right for 113.76% of the principal amount of the 2024 Debentures on October 1, 2009 (the "premium put" or "derivative liability") that we have identified as an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation and accounting at fair value because the economic and risk characteristics of the premium put meet the criteria for separate accounting as set forth in ASC 815. Should the premium put have value, any gain or loss on the fair value of the premium put will be reflected in current earnings. We estimated the approximate fair value of the premium put as the difference between the estimated value of the 2024 Debentures with and without the premium put feature. The fair value of the 2024 Debentures with the embedded premium put feature was estimated using a scenario analysis that incorporated the investment and settlement alternatives available to the debt holders in connection with the premium put feature. The scenario analysis valuation model combined expected cash outflows with market-based assumptions and an estimate of the probability of each scenario occurring. The fair value of the 2024 Debentures without the embedded premium put feature was estimated using a convertible bond valuation model within a lattice framework. The convertible bond valuation model combined expected cash outflows with market-based assumptions regarding risk-adjusted yields, stock price volatility, and recent price quotes and trading information regarding shares of our common stock into which the 2024 Debentures are convertible. Our analysis was premised on the assumption that the holder would act in a manner that maximizes the potential return, or "payoff," at any given point in time. Included in this premise was the assumption that the holder would compare the potential return associated with each available alternative, including, as specified in the terms of the contract, holding the debt instrument, exercising an equity conversion option, or exercising a put option. As a component of this, we incorporated a market participant consideration as to the Company's capacity to fulfill the contractual obligations associated with each alternative, including the Company's ability to fulfill any cash settlement obligation associated with exercise of the put option, as well as the Company's ability to refinance the contractual obligation. Based on our analysis, we determined that the fair value of the premium put is most sensitive to the estimated amount of funds available for settlement of the liability on October 1, 2009. More specifically, the fair value of the premium put was positively correlated to the estimated amount of cash proceeds and other securities expected to be received at exercise. As a result of our valuation analysis the premium put was estimated to have a fair value of approximately $12.2 million as of September 30, 2009. Upon exercise of the put option related to the 2024


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 4. Debt (Continued)


Debentures on October 1, 2009 (see the discussion of the debt restructuring, below), the premium put fair value estimate became a contractual liability and was recorded at $13.3 million. The fair value of the premium put at September 30, 2009 was measured using Level 3 inputs. The primary driver of the change in fair value between these dates was the exercise of the premium put.

       ��On October 1, 2009, the Trustee of the 2024 Debentures provided a written notice to the Company that holders representing $95.7 million of the principal amount of the 2024 Debentures had exercised their repurchase rights under the Indenture. Pursuant to the written notice, the Company was required to deposit the repurchase price of $108.9 million with the Trustee as soon as practicable. As the Company had insufficient cash to repurchase all of the 2024 Debentures tendered for repurchase it could not fulfill its legal responsibility to repurchase the debt, which constituted an event of default under both the Indenture governing the 2024 Debentures and the Company's $30.0 million Senior Term Loan (as defined below). The Company subsequently completed a series of transactions restructure the 2024 Debentures and Senior Term Loan.

        As of September 30, 2009, we had outstanding a $30.0 million senior secured term loan with Whitebox VSC, Ltd. (the "Senior Term Loan"). The loan has a four-year term. As of December 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009, we had remaining debt issuance costs recorded as a debt discount$96.7 million in the amount of $0.4 for both periods and debt issuance costs recorded as Other Assets, in the amount of $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively. These fees are being amortized as interest expense over the term of the loan. The annual interest rate on the unpaid principal amount of the Senior Term Loan was the greater of 8.5% or LIBOR plus 4% during the interest period ending on the interest date. The Senior Term Loan is secured by substantially all of our assets. In connection with entering into the Senior Term Loan, the Company and Whitebox also entered into a Senior Unsecured Convertible Note Purchase Agreement that gives Whitebox the right, until the third anniversary of the initial funding, to purchase convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30.0 million, which we would use to repay amounts outstanding under the loan. These convertible notes, if issued, would be convertible into the common stock of Vitesse at a conversion price of $2.00 per share, subject to adjustment. The terms of the Senior Unsecured1.5% Convertible Note Purchase Agreement was evaluated and it was determined to not be an embedded derivative as described in ASC 815; accordingly, it had no accounting impact on the financial statements. According to the terms of the Senior Term Loan, under certain circumstances, repayment of theSubordinated Debentures due 2024 Debentures required the Company to immediately pay to Whitebox the lesser of (A) the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Term Loan, including accrued and unpaid interest and (B) 25% of the aggregate amount of the 2024 Debentures redeemed. Concurrent with the settlement of the Company's obligation of the 2024 Debentures (see the discussion, below), the Company amended the terms of the Senior Term Loan.

(the "2024 Debentures). Effective October 16, 2009, the Company entered into the an amendment ofagreement to amend the Senior Term Loan with Whitebox. Pursuant to include a non-refundable prepayment fee equalthe amendment to 1.0% of the aggregate principal amount that is prepaid; an interest rate increase to 10.5% per annum in cash for the period from October 1, 2009 until October 16, 2009 paid as 8.5% per annum in cash, plus 2.0% payment-in-kind interest ("PIK"), plus an additional 0.3% PIK interest for every $1.0 million above $15.0 million of the senior term loan that is not paid down by the Company for the period from October 17, 2009 until maturity or full payment of the Senior Term Loan, . As part of the debt restructuring transactions, the Company paidrepaid $5.0 million of the original $30.0 million principal balanceand agreed to an interest rate increase on the remaining $25.0 million outstanding. In accordance with ASC 470, this transaction was accounted for as a debt modification whereby fees of $0.5 million incurred pursuant to the modification were expensed as incurred.

        The Company also entered into a Debt Conversion Agreement (the "Conversion Agreement") with the beneficial owners of more than 96.7% of the Senior Term Loan. Subsequent2024 Debentures (the "Noteholders"). Pursuant to the Conversion Agreement, the Noteholders agreed to exchange their 2024 Debentures for a combination of $6.4 million in cash, 172,936,222 shares of common stock, and $50.0 million in newly issued 8.00% Convertible Second Lien Debentures Due 2014 (the "2014 Debentures") convertible into 222,191,111 shares of common stock. 770,785 shares of Series B Preferred Stock were also issued to certain Noteholders. The Conversion Agreement was consummated on October 30, 2009. The Company also paid $3.6 million in cash to 3.3% of the holders of the 2024 Debentures who declined to participate in the Conversion Agreement.

        In accordance with ASC 470, this transaction was accounted for as a debt extinguishment, pursuant to which the Company recognized a $21.6 million loss. The loss on the extinguishment of debt was calculated as the difference between the aggregate fair values of the new instruments, including the compound embedded derivative associated with the 2014 Debentures, totaling $130.8 million, plus


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

Note 4.3. Debt (Continued)


$5.00.8 million prepayment- of the Senior Term Loan, the Company has the ability to reduce the rate of interest by 0.3% for every $1.0 million ofin additional principal prepayment. Any future proceeds of any sale or disposition of the Company's property is required to be used to reduce the principal balance of the note. The maturity date of the Senior Term Loan is unchanged.

        Pursuantamounts and fees paid to the guidance in ASC 470, the Company has determined that it has not received any concessions from Whitebox in connection with the amendment described above. As a result, the amendmentcreditors, compared to the Senior Term Loan will not be accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring. Further, based upon guidance in ASC 470, management has determined that the amendment of the note terms is properly accounted for as a debt modification. Accordingly, the amended Senior Term Loan was recorded at the principal amount to be repaid of $25.0 million, which is the $30.0 million dollar original principal balance less the subsequent period principal payment of $5.0 million.

        In connection with the Amendment of the Senior Term Loan, the Company incurred $0.1 million in fees to Whitebox on the $5.0 million repayment of principal. These fees were recorded as debt discount and netted against the debt on the December 31, 2009 balance sheet. Unamortized debt discount as of December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 was approximately $0.4 million for both periods. At December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, the effective interest rate on the Senior Term Loan was 16.46% and 10.61%, respectively. The effective interest rate on the Senior Term Loan for the 15-day period ended October 15, 2009 was 18.8384%. For the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, interest expense associated with the Senior Term Loan was $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The Agreement governing the Senior Term Loan contains various restrictive covenants. As of December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with the terms of the covenants.

        Concurrent with the execution of the amendment of the Senior Term Loan, discussed above, the Company entered into a Debt Conversion Agreement (the "Conversion Agreement") with the beneficial owners of more than 96.7% of the 2024 Debentures (the "Noteholders") whereby the Noteholders agreed to exchange their 2024 Debentures for a combination of cash, shares of common stock, $50.0 million in newly issued 8.00% Convertible Second Lien Debentures Due 2014, (the "2014 Debentures") and, in some cases, shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Conversion Agreement was consummated on October 30, 2009 (the "Closing Date").

        The Company used $10.1 million of cash to repay a portion of the 2024 Debentures amounts due as follows: $3.6 million was used to settle the Company's obligations with respect to the 2024 Debentures of holders that are not parties to the Conversion Agreement, $6.4 million was paid to parties to the Conversion Agreement in partial repaymentnet carrying values of the 2024 Debentures and $0.1related premium put derivative of $96.7 million in accrued interest was paid to all beneficial owners of the 2024 Debentures as of October 30, 2009.and $13.3 million, respectively.

        The Company issued the following instruments in exchange for the $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount and premium of the 2024 Debentures remaining after the $10 million cash settlement described above:


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 4. Debt (Continued)

        On October 30, 2009, the Noteholders exchanged approximately 50.0% of their 2024 Debentures (after the partial repurchase for cash described in above) for 172,936,222 shares of common stock, and in some cases Series B Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the Conversion Agreement, the Noteholders were limited to ownership of 9.9% of the outstanding common stock ("Limit on Ownership"). Accordingly, Noteholders received one share of Series B Preferred Stock for every 100 shares of common stock that they would have otherwise received in the debt conversion in excess of the Limit on Ownership; this amount totaled 770,785 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. On the Closing Date, the fair value of the underlying common stock was $0.21 per share.        In connection with the debt exchange and the debt modification, the Company incurred third partythird-party costs of approximately $2.9 million that were allocated to the underlying financial instruments issued based on the relative fair value of each instrument. Of the total fees incurred, $0.5 million was allocated to the modification of the Senior Term Loan and expensed as incurred, $1.0 million will be charged against equity in connection withwas allocated to the issuance of the common and Series B Preferred Stock.

        The Company issued $50.0preferred shares and charged against additional paid-in capital, and $1.4 million of 2014Debentures pursuantwas allocated to the Conversion Agreement in partial satisfaction of the 2024 Debentures. The 2014 Debentures bear cash interest at 8.0% per annum beginning on October 30, 2009 and payable semiannually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing April 1, 2010 and maturing on October 30, 2014 unless earlier converted or repurchased. The 2014 Debentures are secured by second priority security interests on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. This second priority security interest is subordinated to the lien existing under the Senior Term Loan. The 2014 Debentures are convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion price of $0.225 per share (equivalent to an initial conversion rate of approximately 4,444 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 2014 Debentures). Full conversion of the $50.0 million in aggregate principal amountissuance of the 2014 Debentures would resultand was capitalized in the issuance of up to 222,191,111 shares of common stock. In connection with the new debentures, the Company paid approximately $1.4 million in fees that are recordedother assets as debt issuance costs, in Other Assets on the accompanying December 31, 2009 balance sheet. These fees are beingto be amortized as interest expense over the term of the loan. Unamortized debt issuance costs as of DecemberMarch 31, 2009 associated with the 2014 Debentures2010 were approximately $1.4$1.3 million. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, interest expense associated with the 2014 Debentures was $0.7 million. The indenture governing the 2014 Debentures contains various restrictive covenants. As of December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with the terms of the covenants.

        The Company evaluated the common stock, 2014 Debentures and Series B Preferred Stock issued in exchange for the 2024 Debentures pursuant to the guidance in ASC 470. The Company determined that it has not received any concessions from the Noteholders pursuant to the Conversion Agreement and accordingly the transaction will not be accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring. However, due to the significant change in the expected remaining cash flows, of the settled 2024 Debentures as compared to the new instruments issued, the Company will account for the exchange of instruments in settlement for the 2024 Debentures pursuant to the Conversion Agreement as a debt extinguishment pursuant to the guidance in ASC 470.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 4. Debt (Continued)

        The Company recorded the new instruments (i.e., the 2014 Debentures, common stock and Series B Preferred Stock) issued in extinguishment of the 2024 Debentures at fair value and recognized a $21.6 million loss for the difference between the aggregate fair values of the new instruments plus additional amounts and fees paid to the creditors compared to the net carrying value of the 2024 Debentures. For the purposes of calculating this loss on extinguishment, the net carrying amount of the 2024 Debentures include the $96.7 million amount of the 2024 Debentures and $13.3 million of the premium put derivative, recorded at fair value as required by ASC 470. Additionally, $0.8 million of fees paid to the Noteholders was included in the measurement of the loss pursuant to ASC 470.

        Management evaluated the terms of the financial instruments issued pursuant to the Conversion Agreement and identified a compound embedded derivative associated with the 2014 Debentures. Pursuant to ASC 815, embedded derivatives are required to be bifurcated from the host instrument and accounted for as a fair value instruments. Embedded derivatives are valued at each reporting period, with the change in the fair value reflected in the results of operations. The bifurcated compound embedded derivative is comprised of the terms of the 2014 Debentures which provides for a Make-Whole payment in certain circumstances and permits the Noteholders to demand redemption of the 2014 Debentures at a cash price equal to the 2014 Debentures on an as-if-converted basis in the event that 50% or more of the Company's common stock is exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for consideration which is less than 90% of the outstanding common stock. This redemption feature is in substance, a conversion settlement right where the holders could require the Company to settle in cash. The fair values of the 2014 Debentures and embedded derivatives were determined using a convertible bond valuation model within a lattice framework. These valuations were determined using Level 3 inputs. The valuation model combined expected cash outflows with market based assumptions regarding risk-adjusted yields, stock price volatility, recent price quotes and trading information of the Company's common stock into which the 2014 Debentures are convertible. On October 30, 2009, the fair value of the bifurcated compound derivative was $28.0 million. The compound embedded derivative will be valued at each reporting period, with the change in the fair value reflected in the Statement of Operations. At December 31, 2009, the fair value of the compound embedded derivative is $35.1 million. The $7.1 million increase in the fair value is reflected as interest expense in the accompanying Statement of Operations.

        The Company recorded the 2014 Debentures at fair value, which was $40.3 million at the date of the transaction. The difference between the fair value and the face value of the 2014 Debentures, the discount, will be amortized as interest expense over the life of the 2014 Debentures, increasing the Company's effective rate of interest on the 2014 Debentures from the stated rate of 8% per annum. The effective rate of interest will vary, decreasing over the life of the 2014 Debentures as the excess of the face value over the fair value of the notes is amortized. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, interest expense related to the discount was $0.3 million. At December 31, 2009, the effective interest rate on the 2014 Debentures was 12.64%.

        Immediately prior to the Closing, 230,905,580 shares of common stock were outstanding, none of which were held by the Noteholders that are parties to the Conversion Agreement. After the Closing, 403,841,802 shares of common stock were outstanding. Approximately 42.8%, or 172,936,222 of the common shares are held by the Noteholders that are parties to the Conversion Agreement. In addition to the outstanding shares, there are outstanding instruments that allow for the issuance of common


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 4. Debt (Continued)

stock. The Company has options and restricted stock units outstanding which, if converted, require the issuance of an additional 23.8 million shares of common stock. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into 77.1 million shares of common stock. In aggregate, the exercise or conversion of these outstanding instruments when combined with the outstanding shares of common stock after closing, requires the Company to have 504.7 million shares of common stock available for issuance.

        As of October 30, 2009, the Company had 500.0 million shares of common stock authorized. As a result, the Company did not have a sufficient amount of common stock authorized to permit the conversion of all the instruments as described above. Accordingly, pursuant to ASC 815, the Company determined, based on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) accounting policy based upon the issuance date of the instruments, that it did not have sufficient shares available for the conversion of all of the Series B Preferred Stock into shares of common stock. As such, 47,030 shares of Series B Preferred Stock or $1.0 million was initially classified as mezzanine equity. At each subsequent balance sheet date, the Company will adjust the carrying value of its Series B Preferred Stock classified in mezzanine equity up to its redemption amount until the Company has sufficient authorized shares. Subsequent to the close of the transaction on October 30, 2009 and during the quarter ended December 31, 2009, options to purchase approximately 250,000 shares of the Company's common stock expired, making those shares available for the potential conversion of shares of Series B Preferred Stock. As such, the Company reduced the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock classified in mezzanine equity by approximately 2,500 shares. As of December 31, 2009, the Company adjusted the carrying value of its Series B Preferred Stock in mezzanine equity by approximately $0.1 million, reflecting the fair value of their common stock as of that date. On January 7, 2009, the Company's shareholders approved an increase in the number of shares common stock authorized to 5.0 billion shares.

        Prior to the closing of the debt restructuring transactions on October 30, 2009, as discussed above, during fiscal year 2009 the Company had classified its obligations related to the 2024 Debentures and the Senior Term Loan in short-term liabilities based on the exercise date of October 1, 2009 of the premium put option related to the 2024 Debentures.

        After the completion of debt restructuring transactions, the Company reclassified $111.3 million related to the portion of their obligations under the 2024 Debentures and the Senior Term Loan, from short-term liabilities to long-term liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2009.

        As of September 30, 2009, the Company classified as short-term liabilities the $5.0 million cash prepayment of the Senior Term Loan to the $3.6 million of cash to settle with the holders of the 2024 Debentures that were not parties to the Conversion Agreement, and $6.4 million of cash paid in partial repayment to the holders of the 2024 Debentures that are parties to the Conversion Agreement; and $12.2 million related to the fair value of the derivative liability arising from the premium put obligation on the 2024 Debentures. This reclassification is in accordance with ASC 470.

Note 5.4. Fair Value Measurements

        In September 2006, the FASB issued ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"); originally issued as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157,"Fair Value Measurements." ASC 820 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and does not require any new fair value measurements.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 5. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

        Effective June 30, 2009, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 820 for financial assets and liabilities, as well as for any other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on our results of operation, financial position or cash flow, but required additional disclosures.

        ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Level 1 primarily consists of financial instruments such as exchange-traded derivatives, listed equities and U.S. government treasury securities.

Level 2


Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. These models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Instruments in this category include non-exchange-traded derivatives such as over-the-counter forwards, options and repurchase agreements.

Level 3


Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management's best estimate of fair value from the perspective of a market participant. Level 3 instruments include those that may be more structured or otherwise tailored to customers' needs. At each balance sheet date, the Company performs an analysis of all instruments subject to ASC 820 and includes in Level 3 all of those whose fair value is based on significant unobservable input.

        Financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 5. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

        Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following at DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 and September 30, 2009 (in thousands):


 Fair Value
Measurements Using
  Fair Value
Measurements Using
  
 

 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 

Quarter ended December 31, 2009

 

Quarter ended March 31, 2010

 

Derivative liability—premium put

 $ $ $ $  $ $ $ $ 

Derivative liability—compound embedded derivative

   35,052 35,052    65,459 65,459 

Year ended September 30, 2009

  

Derivative liability—premium put

 $ $ $12,209 $12,209  $ $ $12,209 $12,209 

Derivative liability—compound embedded derivative

          

        The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the derivative liability—premium put and derivative liability—embedded compound derivative liability measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):



 Derivative liability—
premium put
related to 2024 Debentures
 Compound
Embedded Derivative
related to 2014 Debentures
 
 Derivative
liability—
premium put
related to
2024 Debentures
 Compund
Embedded
Derivative
related to
2014 Debentures
 

Balance at September 30, 2009

Balance at September 30, 2009

 $12,209 $ 

Balance at September 30, 2009

 $12,209 $ 

Transfers in and /or out of Level 3

  27,925 

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

  27,925 

Total losses included in earnings

 1,096 7,127 

Total losses included in earnings

 1,096 37,534 

Settlement

 (13,305)  

Settlement

 (13,305)  
           

Balance at December 31, 2009

 $ $35,052 

Balance at March 31, 2010

Balance at March 31, 2010

 $ $65,459 
           

Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

March 31, 2010

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

        The derivative liability—compound embedded compound derivative liability, which is included within other currentin long term liabilities, represents the value associated with the right of the holders of the 2014 Debentures associated with the equity conversion feature and thea "make-whole" feature of the 2014 Debentures.

        There is no current observable market for this type of derivative and, as such, we determined the value of the embedded derivative using a lattice-based convertible bond valuation model that combined expected cash outflows with market-based assumptions. The fair value of the 2014 Debentures without the embedded compound derivative feature was also estimated using a convertible bond valuation model within a lattice framework. The convertible bond valuation model combined expected cash outflows with market-based assumptions regarding risk-adjusted yields, stock price volatility and recent price quotes and trading information regarding shares of our common stock into which the 2014 Debentures are convertible. On January 7, 2010 shareholders of the Company authorized the issuance of a total of 5,000,000,000 shares of common stock, providing the Company with sufficient common shares to satisfy potential conversion obligations. The Company will continue to mark the embedded derivative to market due to the conversion price not being indexed to the Company's own stock. The change in the fair value of the bifurcated compound embedded derivative is primarily related to the change in price of the underlying common stock. At the Company's option it can settle the embedded derivative in either cash or common shares. As of March 31, 2010, the Company has enough common shares to settle the entire obligation in shares. The Company intends to settle this obligation in common shares should it be exercised by its holders. As the Company intends to, and has the ability to, satisfy the obligations with equity securities, in accordance with ASC 470, the Company has reclassified the liability as a long-term liability on its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2010. The change in fair value of the compound embedded derivative liability is recorded in interest expense.

        The valuation methodologies used by the Company as described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although management believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 6.5. Income Taxes

        The provision for income taxes as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income taxes was (5.87%(9.73%) for the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 compared to (0.36%(1.74%) for the comparable period in the prior year. For the year ending September 30, 2010, the Company's estimated effective tax rate is (5.87%(9.73%). The Company's effective tax rate is primarily impacted by continuing operating losses.

        At October 1, 2009, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $422.1 million before considering the effect of the valuation allowance. These deferred tax assets are primarily composed of net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards. The following table details the amount and expiration of the federal net operating loss carryforwards, included in the deferred tax asset (in thousands):

 
 Gross
Amount
 Amount without
Limitation
 Year of expiration

Federal net operating loss carryforwards

 $147,561 $105,896 2020 - 2021

  337,040  206,258 2022 - 2023

  111,240  71,147 2024 - 2025

  50,981  50,981 2026 - 2028

  49,586  49,586 2029
       

Total federal net operating loss carryforwards

 $696,408 $483,868  
       

        We have available federal research and development tax credit carryforwards of approximately $16.0 million, net of a FIN 48 allowance. The following table details the amount and years of expiration of the federal research and development tax credit carryforwards included in the deferred tax asset (in thousands):

 
 Amount Year of expiration

Federal research and development credit carryforwards

 $1,086 2010 - 2012

  3,163 2013 - 2019

  7,415 2020 - 2021

  4,348 2022 - 2026
     

Total federal research and development credit carryforwards

 $16,012  
     

        Timing differences included in the net deferred tax assets relate primarily tocredits, tangible and intangible assets recovery, and other accruals and reserves. Due to uncertainties surrounding the Company's ability to generate future taxable income to utilize the deferred tax assets, management hashad recorded a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets.

        FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Due to significant net operating losses, the cumulative effect of applying this interpretation has no impact on retained earnings.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

Note 6.5. Income Taxes (Continued)

        The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits increased by $29,000 for potential state tax liabilities. Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits of $26.2 million as of December 31, 2009 there were no unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate.

        Effective October 16, 2009, the Company entered into a Debt Conversion Agreement (the "Conversion Agreement") with the beneficial owners of more than 96.7% of the 2024 Debentures (the "Noteholders") whereby the Noteholders agreed to exchange their 2024 Debentures for a combination of cash, shares of common stock, the New Notes (as defined below) and, in some cases, shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Conversion Agreement was consummated on October 30, 2009 (the "Closing Date"). (See Note 4—3—Debt).

        The Federal Tax Reform Act of 1986, and similar state laws, contains provisions that may limit the net operating loss and tax credits carry forwards to be used in any given year upon the occurrence of certain events, including a significant change in ownership interests. Under IRC Section 382 and 383 rules, a change in ownership can occur whenever there is a shift in ownership by more than fifty percentage points by one or more five-percent shareholders within a three-year period. When a change of ownership is triggered, the NOLs and credits may be impaired.

        We maintainperformed a study to understandevaluate the status of net operating losses. Based on that study, we believe that, as a result of the conversion agreementConversion Agreement discussed above, the Company experienced an "ownership change" as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes as of October 30, 2009 that will trigger an impairment of the use of our NOLs and credits as of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. As a result of the "ownership change",ownership change, the Company could realizeonly has approximately $55.7 million of NOLs that can be used in future tax years and is subject to an annual limitation of $3.1 million in utilizing its NOLs. The NOLs will expire in fiscal year 2030. Also, due to the ownership change, the research and development credits have been limited as to usage such that the Company does not anticipate being able to use any of its research and development credits existing as of the ownership change in future tax years.

        ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes ("ASC 740"), originally issued as FIN 48,"Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109", prescribes a permanent lossrecognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Due to significant portionnet operating losses, the cumulative effect of its U.S.applying this interpretation upon adoption on October 1, 2009, had no impact on retained earnings.

        The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits increased by $340,000 for potential federal and state deferred tax assets and lose certain built-in losses that have not beenliabilities. These amounts, if recognized, forwould impact the effective tax purposes. As of September 30, 2009, the Company's deferred tax asset was $422.1 million, which was fully reserved.rate.

        The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2009,2010, no material interest or penalties were accrued due to significant net operating losses.

        The Company is subject to taxation in the US and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company recently completed an examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the tax years ended September 30, 2004 through September 30, 2006. The audit resulted in an adjustment that reduced the Company's federal NOL carryforwards. Effectively, all the Company's tax years in which a tax net operating loss is carried forward to the present are subject to examination by the federal, state, and foreign tax authorities. Therefore, the Company cannot estimate the range of unrecognized tax benefits that may significantly change within the next twelve months.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

March 31, 2010

Note 7.6. Shareholders' Equity

Preferred Stock

        The Company is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of non-voting convertible preferred stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share. As of DecemberMarch 31, 2009, 770,7862010, 760,786 preferred shares that are convertible into common stock on a 100:1 basis were outstanding. No preferred shares were outstanding as of September 30, 2009.

        The Company did not have sufficient authorized common shares for the conversion of all 770,786 preferred shares outstanding as of December 31, 2009. In accordance with ASC Topic 480 "Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity" ("ASC 480"), we classified 44,533 Series B preferred shares as temporary equity in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet as of December 31, 2009. These shares were measured at $0.25 per share, the fair value of the common stock they would have been converted into on that date. Upon our shareholders' approval of an increase in authorized shares to a total of 5,000,000,000 shares of common stock on January 7, 2010, we had sufficient authorized common shares for the conversion of all preferred shares outstanding, and thus, all such shares are classified as permanent equity.

        During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, 10,000 preferred shares were converted to 1,000,000 shares of common stock.

Common Stock

        As of March 31, 2010 and September 30, 2009 the Company was authorized to issue up to 5,000,000,000 and 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, respectively. On October 30, 2009, in connection with our debt restructuring, we issued 172,936,222 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2010 and September 30, 2009, 404,841,802 shares and 230,905,580 shares of common stock were outstanding, respectively.

Stock Option Plans

        The Company has several share-based plans that have expired, but under which stock options are still outstanding. In February 2010, our board of directors approved a new plan, the 2010 Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation Incentive Plan (the "2010 Incentive Plan"). On May 11, 2010, the shareholders approved the 2010 Incentive Plan. The 2010 Incentive Plan permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, restricted stock and stock units, and other stock or cash-based awards. It will replace the Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan.

        Under all stock option plans, a total of 80,097,525 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance and 33,037,954 shares remained available for future grant as of March 31, 2010. The following


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

Note 7.6. Shareholders' Equity (Continued)


        On October 30, 2009, in connection with our debt restructuring, we issued 770,786 shares of Series B Preferred Stock pursuanttable summarizes compensation costs related to the terms of the Conversion Agreement. Each share of the Series B Preferred Company's share-based compensation plans (in thousands):

 
 Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 2010 2009 2010 2009 
 
 (in thousands)
 

Cost of revenues

 $79 $153 $225 $359 

Engineering, research and development

  158  207  405  435 

Selling, general and administrative

  206  352  497  789 
          

Total share-based compensation expense

 $443 $712 $1,127 $1,583 
          

Stock is convertible at theOptions

        Activity under all stock option of the holder at any time into 100 fully paid and non-assessable shares of common stock subject to the limitation that a holder may not convert shares of Series B if the conversion of those shares would result in the holder beneficially owning more than 9.99% of our outstanding common stock. The Series B Preferred Stock has no liquidation preference. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock are non-cumulative have a dividend preference and are equal to $0.001 per share of Series B Preferred Stock, which amount is payable when, and if, dividends are declared and payable with respect to the common stock. Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights or the right to elect any directors.

        As of December 31, 2009, the Company did not have sufficient authorized common sharesplans for the conversion of all of the outstanding preferred stock. In accordance with ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, ("ASC 480), originally issuedsix months ended March 31, 2010 was as SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity," we have classified 44,533 Series B preferred shares as temporary equity in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet because the settlement in cash is subject to the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company's control. Our preferred stock for which we do have sufficient authorized shares is classified as stockholders' equity.follows:

 
 Shares Weighted
average
exercise
price
 Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
life (in years)
 Aggregate
intrinsic
value
 

Options outstanding, September 30, 2009

  21,249,683 $5.47       

Granted

  10,839,750 $0.26       

Cancelled or expired

  (2,050,434)$16.53       
             

Options outstanding, March 31, 2010

  30,038,999 $2.83  6.52 $1,793,317 
             

Options exercisable, March 31, 2010

  16,552,595 $4.80  4.14 $80,848 

        Our preferred stock for which we do not have sufficient authorized common shares were measured at the fair value of the common stock they would be converted into at December 31, 2009, which was $0.25 per share, with the change in fair value of $0.1 million from October 30, 2009 recorded to additional paid in capital during the quarter ended December 31, 2009. In accordance with ASC 480, originally issued as EITF D-98, "Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities" the change in the fair value of these shares reduces our net loss available to common shareholders in the calculation of earnings per share.

CommonRestricted Stock Units

        AsA summary of December 31, 2009, the Company was authorized to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of commonrestricted stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. On October 30, 2009, in connection with our debt restructuring, we issued 172,936,222 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, 403,841,802 shares and 230,905,580 shares of common stock were outstanding, respectively. On January 7, 2010, the number of authorized shares of common stock was increased to 5,000,000,000 (See Note 9—Subsequent Events).

Stock Option Plans

        The Company has in effect several share-based plans under which non-qualified and incentive stock options have been granted to employees, consultants, and outside directors. Options generally vest over four years and have contractual lives of 10 years.

        On January 23, 2001, the Company's shareholders approved the adoption of the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan ("2001 Plan"), which replaced the 1991 Plan that expired in August 2001 and the 1991 Directors' Stock Option Plan that expired in January 2002. The 2001 Plan providesunit activity for the grant tosix months ended March 31, 2010 is as follows:

 
 Shares Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
per Share
 

Restricted stock outstanding, September 30, 2009

  3,443,253 $0.35 

Awarded

  10,457,750  0.26 

Forfeited

  (138,959) 0.35 
       

Restricted stock outstanding, March 31, 2010

  13,762,044 $0.28 
       

Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

DecemberMarch 31, 20092010

Note 7. Shareholders' Equity (Continued)


employees of incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and for the grant to employees, consultants, and directors of non-qualified stock options for certain share-based awards as determined by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

        Prior to the September 2008 amendment to the 2001 Plan, the number of shares reserved for issuance automatically increased by a number of shares equal to the lesser of: (i) 4% of the Company's common stock outstanding at the end of each fiscal year and (ii) 17.5 million shares. Under all stock option plans, a total of 80,165,861 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance and 52,533,167 shares remained available for future grant as of December 31, 2009. In the future, any increase to the number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2001 Plan may only be achieved through amendment of the 2001 Plan. If the company is listed on a national securities exchange, such amendment may require stockholder approval.

        The following table summarizes compensation costs related to the Company's share-based compensation plans (in thousands) for the quarters ended December 31:

 
 December 31, 
 
 2009 2008 

Cost of revenues

 $146 $206 

Engineering, research and development

  247  228 

Selling, general and administrative

  291  437 
      

Total share-based compensation expense

  684  871 
      

        In addition to the share-based compensation expense related to the Company's plans, we recorded $5,000 of share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2008 related to the employee stock appreciation rights. These rights were cancelled in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, resulting in a credit to share-based compensation of $5,000. Pursuant to ASC 718, stock appreciation rights are considered liability awards and as such, these amounts were accrued in the liability section of the balance sheet.

        The fair value of share-based awards is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatilities of the Company's common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury constant maturity rate for the expected life of the stock option. The expected life of a stock award is the period of time that the award is expected to be outstanding. Expected lives were estimated based upon historical exercise data. The Company has never paid cash dividends and intends to retain any future earnings for business development.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 7. Shareholders' Equity (Continued)

        The per share fair values of stock options granted in connection with stock incentive plans have been estimated using the following weighted average assumptions:

 
 Three Months
Ended
December 31,
 
 
 2009 2008 

Expected life (in years)

  5.56  5.88 

Expected volatility

  88.8% 65.0%

Risk-free interest rate

  2.5% 3.2%

        The Company's determination of the fair value of share-based payment awards is affected by assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to; the Company's expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance with ASC 718 and SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 ("SAB 107"), as amended by SAB No. 110, which provides supplemental application guidance based on the views of the SEC, using an option-pricing model, however, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction, or actually realized by the employee upon exercise.

        Activity under all stock option plans during the three months ended December 31, 2009 was as follows:

 
 Shares Weighted
average
exercise price
 Weighted
average
remaining
contractual life
(in years)
 Aggregate
intrinsic value
 

Options outstanding, September 30, 2009

  21,249,683 $5.47       

Granted(1)

  192,000 $0.21       

Exercised(2)

            

Cancelled or expired

  (1,291,694)$24.37       
             

Options outstanding, December 31, 2009

  20,149,989 $4.21  4.90 $7,590 
             

Options exercisable, December 31, 2009

  17,123,135 $4.77  4.30 $ 

Restricted Stock Units

        In September 2008, the Company also amended its 2001 Plan to clarify procedures for the issuance of Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs"). The first grant of RSUs following the amendment occurred on October 13, 2008. The grants vest over a three year period with 50% vesting one year plus one day from the date of grant and 25% vesting on the second and third anniversaries of the date of grant, so long as the Vitesse common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market or such other national securities exchange as described in Section 18 of the Securities Act or in Rule 146 promulgated thereunder. On January 16, 2009, the Company issued RSUs in connection with the tender offer discussed below. These grants vest one year plus one day from the date of grant.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 7. Shareholders' Equity (Continued)

        A summary of RSU activity during the three months ended December 31, 2009 is as follows:

 
 Shares Weighted
Average Grant-
Date Fair
Value per Share
 

Restricted stock outstanding, September 30, 2009

  3,443,253 $0.35 

Awarded

      

Released

      

Forfeited

  (60,313) 0.34 
       

Restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2009

  3,382,940 $0.35 
       

Tender Offer

        On December 1, 2008, Vitesse commenced a tender offer on Schedule TO (the "Offer") to amend Eligible Options (as defined below) that had been granted under the 1991 Plan and the 2001 Plan (together, the "Plans"). An option to purchase Vitesse common stock was eligible for the Offer (an "Eligible Option") only if each of the following conditions was met:

        Vitesse undertook the Offer solely to avert the severe and, in Vitesse's view, unintended tax consequences to its option holders imposed by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and similar state laws on some of its current employee stock option holders. Vitesse determined that certain stock options were erroneously assigned grant dates other than the actual date of finalization of those grants. As a result, the exercise prices of those stock options were lower than they would have been if the options had been dated when the grants were actually finalized. Therefore, those options may have subjected option holders to adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if the fair market value of the shares were to exceed the exercise price for such shares at the end of any calendar year in which the option would have been exercisable or at the time of exercise.

        These tax consequences include ordinary income tax on the spread between the exercise price and the value of the underlying shares (even if the option was not exercised), an additional 20% federal tax, and potential interest charges. In addition, some states, including California, impose an additional 20% state tax. In order to avoid these significant adverse tax consequences, Vitesse completed the Offer on December 31, 2008.

        The Offer was accepted by all current employee holders of Eligible Options.


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 7. Shareholders' Equity (Continued)

        In connection with the Offer, the Company amended the Eligible Options and granted restricted stock to all holders of the Eligible Options. In accordance with ASC 718, the Offer constituted a modification of the tendered options in combination with an inducement to accept the modification in the form of a grant of RSUs. The Company recorded compensation expense as a result of the modification of the options and the grant of the inducement award equal to the change in the fair value of the original options immediately before the modification and that fair value of the modified options combined the inducement award immediately after the modification. Option fair values were determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model and the fair value of the restricted stock was equal to the market price of the Company's stock on the date of modification.

        The amount of compensation cost related to the modified options and restricted stock that is recognized through the end of each reporting period is equal to the incremental fair value of the portion of the aggregate awards that have vested, or for partially vested awards, value of the portion of the awards that is ultimately expected to vest, for which the requisite services have been provided.

Note 8.7. Legal Proceedings

        As of December 31, 2009, the end of the period covered by this report, we were subject to material pendingWe are involved in legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business, to which we were a party or of which our property was the subject, as well as any such proceedings known to be contemplated by government authorities, as described below. In addition, we were subject to certain material legal proceedings completed during the annual period covered by this report as described below.

The Derivative and Securities Class Actions

        On April 7, 2008, the District Court approved the settlement of the consolidated securities class actions filed against Vitesse and certain current or former directors and officers of Vitesse alleging violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder on behalf of a class of purchasers of Vitesse common stock. The settlement of the consolidated securities class actions included a cash payment to a settlement fund of $10.2 million: $8.75 million to be paid by Vitesse's directors' and officers' liability insurers and the remainder of $1.45 million to be paid by Louis R. Tomasetta and Eugene F. Hovanec, two of the former executives of Vitesse. The same two former executives also contributed all shares of Vitesse common stock that they owned, 1,272,669 shares, to the settlement. In addition, on September 22, 2008, Vitesse contributed 2,650,000 shares of Vitesse common stock with a fair market value of $2.4 million, but no cash to the settlement fund.

        On August 11, 2008, the Court granted final approval of settlements in the federalordinary course of business, including actions against us which assert or may assert claims or seek to impose fines and state derivative actions filed on behalf of Vitesse against certain current or former directors and officers of Vitesse, and nominally against Vitesse alleging claims for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, constructive trust, rescission, accounting manipulations, and violations of California Corporations Code Sections 25402 and 25403. As part ofpenalties in substantial amounts, such as the settlement of the federal and state derivative actions, the Company adopted certain Corporate Governance measures. Three former executives of Vitesse, Messrs. Tomasetta, Hovanec, and Mody, released the Company from its obligation to provide future indemnification and defense costs in


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 8. Legal Proceedings (Continued)


the related SEC and Department of Justice investigations. Vitesse retained the right to continue its state court action against KPMG, LLP, its former independent registered public accounting firm.

        On January 14, 2009, Vitesse contributed 4,700,000 shares of Vitesse common stock, with a fair market value of $4.2 million to cover the attorneys' fees and expenses of the derivative plaintiffs' counsel. The Court entered final judgment implementing all of the above referenced terms and the case is concluded in all respects.

        The Corporate Governance measures include implementing certain policies, procedures and guidelines relating to stock option grants and compensation decisions, incorporating greater shareholder participation in the procedures for nominating independent directors, adopting additional standards of director independence, adding a "lead independent director," and incorporating additional accounting policies, procedures and guidelines to be incorporated as part of these measures.

        In addition, the Company and certain current and former officers and directors of the Company who were named as defendants were dismissed from the lawsuits and have obtained releases from the class and derivative plaintiffs.

The Dupuy Action

        On April 10, 2007, an individual shareholder of Vitesse, Jamison John Dupuy, filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Vitesse and three of its former officers (Case No. CIV 247776). Mr. Dupuy's complaint included causes of action for fraud, deceit and concealment, and violation of California Corporations Code Sections 25400 et seq. Vitesse filed an answer, asserting numerous affirmative defenses. On March 3, 2008, Mr. Dupuy filed an amended complaint that named six new defendants, all former employees, and included new causes of action for negligent misrepresentation and violations of California Corporations Code § 1507. On April 4, 2008, after mediation before a retired United States District Judge for the Central District of California, the parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement and the plaintiff filed a dismissal of the action. The Company settled this lawsuit in the third quarter of 2008.matter described below.

The DOJ Subpoena and SEC Investigation

        In May 2006, we received a grand jury subpoena from the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York requesting documents from 1999 through the present. The Division of Enforcement of the SEC also conducted an investigation of Vitesse. The Division of Enforcement requested documents from January 1, 1995 through the present. Vitesse has cooperated with both government agencies in their investigations. While the investigation by the United States Attorney is still on-going,ongoing, the staff of the SEC's Division of Enforcement of the SEC has agreed to recommend to the Commission,SEC a proposed settlement whichthat would conclude for the Company all matters arising from the SEC investigation into historical stock option practices and certain other accounting irregularities. Under the proposed settlement, the Company would pay a $3.0 million civil penalty and consent to the entry of a final judgment by a federal court permanently enjoining the Company from violations of the antifraud and other provisions of the federal securities laws. In connection with the Company's settlement with the staff of the Division of Enforcement, of the SEC, we recorded a $3.0 million expense related to the civil penalty payable to the SEC. The proposed settlement is contingent on the


Table of Contents


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2009

Note 8. Legal Proceedings (Continued)


review and approval of final documentation by the Company and the staff of the SEC's Division of Enforcement of the SEC, and is subject to final approval by the Commission.

KPMG Lawsuit

        On June 13, 2007, the Company filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles against KMPG LLP ("KPMG"), its former independent registered public accounting firm, alleging that KPMG was negligent in auditing the Company's stock option grants and financial statements during the years 1994 to 2000. The Company later amended its Complaint to include the years 2001 to 2004.

        On June 15, 2009, the Company announced that it had reached a settlement with KPMG. Pursuant to this settlement, KPMG agreed to pay the Company $22.5 million and forgive all past indebtedness. Additionally, the parties agreed to execute mutual general releases of all claims. In June 2009, the Company received full payment of the settlement amount, net of fees, expenses and outstanding indebtedness. The Company recorded the net proceeds and the forgiveness of the debt, totaling $16.0 million, as a credit to accounting remediation and reconstruction expense and litigation costs in the statement of operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Potential Payroll Tax Liabilities Related to Backdating of Stock Options

        On June 29, 2009, the Company obtained final determination from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") regarding a settlement of payroll taxes, penalties and interest related to the exercise of backdated stock options during the calendar years 2004 through 2006. During that period, certain non-qualified stock options were improperly classified and treated as incentive stock options for tax purposes, resulting in underpayment of payroll taxes. The Company paid approximately $0.9 million in full satisfaction of the federal income tax liabilities in July 2009.

Note 9. Subsequent Events

        The Company held a special meeting of the shareholders on January 7, 2010 at which the shareholders approved the increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 500,000,000 to 5,000,000,000. This increase permits the conversion of the Company's 8.0% Convertible Second Lien Debentures Due 2014 into shares of common stock and provides available shares for other general corporate purposes. In addition, the Company's shareholders also authorized the board of directors to affect a reverse stock-split when it is deemed appropriate. As of February 9, 2010, the reverse stock-split has not been executed.SEC.


Table of Contents

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

Cautionary Statement

        You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes thereto contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Report. The information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is not a complete description of our business or the risks associated with an investment in our common stock. We urge you to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this Report, andas well as in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2009 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2009 filed with the SEC, which discussesdiscuss our business in greater detail, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

The section entitled "Risk Factors" contained in Part II, Item 1A of this Report, and similar discussions in our other SEC filings, describe some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or liquidity. You should carefully consider those risks, in addition to the other information in this Report and in our other filings with the SEC, before deciding to purchase, hold or sell our common stock.detail.

        This Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. We use words such as "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "expects," "future," "intends," "may," "should," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," "becoming," "transitioning" and similar expressions to identify such forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements include statements as to our business outlook, revenues, margins, expenses, tax provision, capital resources sufficiency, capital expenditures, interest income, cash commitments and expenses. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the Company's actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussedreferenced in the subsection entitled "Risk Factors" underin Part I,II, Item 1A of this Annual Report.Report, and similar discussions in our other SEC filings. You should carefully consider those risks, in addition to the other information in this Report and in our other filings with the SEC, before deciding to purchase, hold or sell our common stock. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Overview

        Over the last 10 years, the worldwide proliferationWe design, develop and market a diverse portfolio of the Internethigh-performance, cost-competitive semiconductor solutions for telecommunications carrier and the rapid growthenterprise networks worldwide. We believe that engineering excellence and dedicated customer service distinguish Vitesse as an industry leader in the volume of data being sent over Local Area Networks ("LANs")high-performance Ethernet LAN, WAN, and Wide Area Networks ("WANs") has placed a tremendous strain on the existing communications infrastructure. Communication service providers have sought to increase their revenues by delivering a growing range of dataRAN, Ethernet-over-SONET/SDH, optical transport (OTN), and best-in-class signal integrity and physical layer products for Ethernet, Fibre Channel, Serial Attached SCSI, InfiniBand(r), video, services to their customers in a cost-effective manner. In particular, the demand for mobile data services is growing dramatically. The demand for increased bandwidth and services has created a need for faster, larger and more complex networks.PCI Express applications.

        We are a leading supplier of high-performance integrated circuits ("ICs") principally targeted at systems manufacturers in the communications and storage industries. Within the communications industry, our products address Carriertelecommunications carrier and Enterpriseenterprise networking, where they enable data to be transmitted at high-speeds and processed and switched under a variety of protocols.

        In recent years, we have focusedWe focus our product development and marketing efforts on products that leverage the convergence of Carriercarrier and Enterpriseenterprise networking onto IP-based networks. These next-generationevolving networks are ideal formust deliver more bandwidth and provide increasing data-based capabilities to provide "quadruple play" services that integrate voice, data and video.video traffic over both wired and wireless networks. Increasingly, these networks will be delivered based on Ethernet technology to provide these services at lower cost. We believe that products in this emerging technology area represent the best opportunity for us to provide differentiation in the market.


Table of Contents

Our Business Product LinesDebt Restructuring

        Beginning in 2008,In October 2009, Vitesse classified product revenues into three markets: Carrier Networking, Enterprise Networking and Non-Core. These classifications reflect the major trends in our product lines and how they map into our customer base. In addition, we have an IP revenue stream that was introducedcompleted a debt restructuring transaction. The debt restructuring resulted in the last quarterconversion of 2008 and continued with96.7% of the sale of certain patents in the third quarter of 2009.

Carrier Networking

        The global telecommunications Carrier Network also called the "Service Provider Network" includes networks delivering voice and data, video and mobile services. It isCompany's 2024 Debentures into a complex combination of networks often classified into groups such as Wide Area Networks ("WANs"), Metropolitan Area Networks ("MANs"), Multi-Service Access Networks ("MSANs"),cash, common stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Radio Access Networks ("RANs"). These evolving networks must deliver more bandwidth and provide increasing data-based capabilities to provide "quadruple play" services that integrate voice, data and video traffic over both wired and wireless networks. To address this need, Carriers are migrating to Ethernet as a preferred networking technology to provide these new capabilities at low cost. Broadly, Ethernet technology upgraded to meet these requirements is being referred to as "Carrier Ethernet." It is, in effect, an adaptation of Ethernet to provide the same features and functions that have traditionally been provided by legacy "telecom" protocols such as Synchronous Optical Network ("SONET/SDH"), Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy ("PDH"), etc. Because of the complexity of the Carrier Networks, products sold into these applications have long design cycles, typically two to four years from design start to production, and long life cycles, typically five to 10 years or more.

        Vitesse provides a variety of products into Carrier networking applications. These generally include: (i) Ethernet-over-SONET Mappers, SONET/SDH Framers and Switches; (ii) Optoelectronic Physical Media Devices ("PMDs") and Physical Layer Devices ("PHYs") such as Transceivers and Clock and Data Recovery ("CDR"); (iii) Signal Integrity Products including Backplane Transceivers, CDR, and Crosspoint Switches; (iv) Ethernet Media Access Controllers ("MACs") and Switches; (v) Gigabit Ethernet Copper PHYs; and (vi) Next-generation Optical Transport Network ("OTN") Mappers.

Enterprise Networking

        Enterprise Networks generally include equipment dedicated2014 Debentures. With respect to the communicationremaining 3.3% of voice and data services within large Enterprise organizations and datacenters. An Enterprise Network will typically be comprised of one or more LANs computer systems including workstations and servers, as well as one or more Service Access Networks ("SANs"). Enterprise Networks will also typically include broadband connections to Carrier Networks for the broader communication of voice and/or data outside of the Enterprise. Enterprise Networks are often classified into groups depending on their size and complexity. Typical categories are large Enterprise, data center switching, small-medium Enterprise ("SME"), small-medium business ("SMB"), and small office home office ("SOHO"). Today, these networks are widely based on Ethernet technology. Similar to Carrier Networks, Enterprise Networks are going through an evolution to provide more bandwidth, (i.e. more data at higher speeds) and more reliability, interoperability, and scalability. Enterprise Networks are migrating from fast 100 Mbps Ethernet to Gigabit Ethernet and from Gigabit Ethernet to 10 Gigabit Ethernet. This transition is still in the early stages and expected to accelerate over the next several years. To address the growing complexity, enterprises are paring down their multiple networks (telephone, LAN, video conferencing, wireless, and remote mirroring/backup) to a common Ethernet-based infrastructure. Ethernet technology being upgraded to meet these new requirements, and is generally referred to as "Converged Enhanced Ethernet." The complexity of products within the Enterprise Networks varies substantially based on the product application. Products at the "low-end" of the network, in SOHO, SME, and


Table of Contents


low-end SME applications typically have fast design cycles in the order of six to 12 months and short life cycles, in the order of two to four years. Products sold into applications at the "high-end" of Enterprise such as data center switching and high-end SME have longer design cycles, typically one to two years from design start to production and long life cycles, typically three to five years or more. Vitesse provides a variety of products into Enterprise Networking applications. These generally include: (i) Ethernet MACs, Switches, and Routers; (ii) Gigabit Ethernet Copper PHYs; (iii) Integrated Copper PHY and Switch products; and (iv) Signal Integrity products including Backplane Transceivers, CDRs and Crosspoint Switches.

Non-Core

        Products that do not substantially sell into the Carrier or Enterprise Networking markets or require little or no current or future investment have been classified as Non-Core products. Today, these products include legacy products from our Fibre Channel storage products line, our Raid-on-Chip processor line, our Network Processor product line and our packet-based Switch Fabric product line.

Intellectual Property

        In fiscal year 2008, we began to leverage our substantial IP portfolio into licensing opportunities with third-parties. We offer a variety of IP "cores" and design services in deep submicron, 130 nanometer (nm) and 65 nm process technologies. To date, our primary focus has been our Gigabit Ethernet Copper PHY and switch technologies as well as high-speed PHYs and signal integrity "cores."

        We anticipate being able to exploit our many years of technology development by providing this technology to systems suppliers and other, non-competing semiconductor suppliers in the form of IP via licensing arrangements. We believe we are in a unique position to supply such IP to other IC vendors as we are either the technology or low-power leader for such intellectual property, or such IP is only available from IC vendors that are competing in the same markets as the companies looking for such IP. As a smaller, more focused and specialized IC vendor, we are less likely to compete with those companies.

Fiscal Year 2010 Actions

        On October 1, 2009, the Trustee of the 2024 Debentures, provided a written notice to the Company that holders representing $95.7 million of the principal amount of the 2024 Debentures had exercised their repurchase rights under the Indenture. Pursuant to the written notice, the Company was required to deposit the repurchase price of $108.9 million with the Trustee as soon as practicable. As the Company had insufficient cash to repurchase the entire amount of 1.5% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2024 (the "2024 Debentures") tendered for repurchase it could not fulfill its legal responsibility to repurchase the debt which constituted an event of default under both the Indenture and the $30.0 million financing with Whitebox (the "Senior Secured Loan Agreement," or "Senior Term Loan"). Accordingly, management of the Company completed a series of transactions with its Lenders to restructure the Senior Term Loan and 2024 Debentures.

        In October 2009, Vitesse completed its debt restructuring transactions. The debt restructuring agreements resulted in the conversion of 96.7% of the Company's approximately $110 million aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Debentures into a combination of cash, equity securities, and secured convertible debentures. With respect to the remaining 3.3% of those convertible debentures, the Company settled its obligations in cash. Additionally, Vitesse has made cash payment ofrepaid approximately $5$5.0 million of its $30$30.0 million Senior Term Loan, the terms of which had beenwere amended to facilitateas part of the debt restructuring (See Note 4—Debttransactions.

        Under the terms of the debt restructuring transactions, Vitesse:

Critical Accounting Policies

        Our critical accounting policies are described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for severance costs to be incurred during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. The Company will not incur costs for impairment of fixed assets or facilities as part of the restructuring plan.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us2009. There have been no significant changes to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of net revenue and expensesthese policies during the reporting period. We regularly evaluate our estimates and assumptions relatedsix months ended March 31, 2010. These policies continue to revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, sales returns, inventory valuation, goodwill and purchased intangible asset valuations, share-based compensation expense and income taxes. We base our estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience and on various other factorsbe those that we believe are most important to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the recording of revenues, costs and expenses that are not apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by us may differ materially and adversely from our estimates. To the extent there are material differences between our estimates and the actual results, our future results of operations will be affected.

        We believe the following are either: (i) critical accounting policies that require us to make significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements; or (ii) other key accounting policies that generally do not require us to make estimates or judgments, but may be difficult or subjective.

Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns Reserve and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        In accordance ASC Topic 605 Revenue Recognition ("ASC 605"); originally issued as SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101,"Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements," as codified by SAB 104, "Revenue Recognition," ("SAB 104"), we recognize product revenue when the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred; (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collection of the sales price is reasonably assured. Delivery occurs when goods are shipped and title and risk of loss transfer to the customer, in accordance with the terms specified in the arrangement with the customer. Revenue recognition is deferred in all instances where the earnings process is incomplete. We recognize revenue on goods shipped directly to customers at the time of shipping, as that is when title passes to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria specified above are met.

        Vitesse has a distribution network through which it sells approximately half of its products.. The Company recognizes revenue on a sell-through basis for all distributors, utilizing information provided by the distributors. As of December 31, 2009, these distributors maintained inventory balances of $4.4 million, which are carried on the books of Vitesse, and are given business terms to return a


Table of Contents


portion of inventory and receive credits for changes in selling prices to end customers. At the time Vitesse ships inventory to the distributors, the magnitude of future returns and price adjustments is not known. Therefore, revenue recognition for shipments to distributors does not occur until the distributors sell inventory to end customers. Payments received from distributors for inventory shipped to them, in advance of the sale of that inventory to the end-user, are shown as deferred revenue. Vitesse personnel are often involved with the sales from the distributors to end customers.

        At December 31, 2009, approximately 3.6% of our inventory is consigned and located with two customers. Consistent with our revenue recognition policy, we recognize revenue when the customer pulls the inventory for use, as that is when title passes to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria specified above are met.

        Revenues from development contracts are recognized upon attainment of specific milestones established under customer contracts. Revenues from products deliverable under development contracts, including design tools and prototype products, are recognized upon delivery. Costs related to development contracts are expensed as incurred.

        In accordance with ASC 605, when licensing technology and other intangibles, revenue is not recognized until the four criteria are met. It is our customary practice is to have written licensing agreements with agreed upon pricing arrangements, signed by both the customer and us. Delivery of technology and other intangibles is not deemed to occur until the license term begins. We only enter into these agreements if collection of sales price is reasonably assured. Revenues from the licensing of technology and other intangibles are recognized in a manner consistent with the nature of the transaction and related earnings process. Based on management's analysis of the license terms, and pursuant to the guidance in ASC 605, revenue related to the licensing of IP is deferred until delivery has occurred and final acceptance of the contracted deliverables is received from the licensee.

        We record a reserve for estimated sales returns and allowances in the same period as the related revenues are recognized. Sales returns typically occur for quality related issues and allowances are based on specific criteria such as rebate agreements. We base these estimates on our historical experience or the specific identification of an event necessitating a reserve. To the extent actual sales returns or allowances differ from our estimates; our future results of operations may be affected.

        We also maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from customers' inability to meet their financial obligations to us. We evaluate the collectability of accounts receivable on a monthly basis based on a combination of factors. The Company includes any accounts receivable balances that are determined to be uncollectible in the overall allowance for doubtful accounts using the specific identification method. After all attempts to collect a receivable have failed, the receivable is written off against the allowance. Management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, is adequate. However, if the financial condition of any customer were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of itsreader's ability to make payments, additional allowances could be required.

Inventory Valuation

        Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value). Costs associated with the development of a new product are charged to engineering, research and development expense as incurred, until the product is proven through testing and acceptance by the customer. At each balance sheet date, the Company evaluates its ending inventory for excess quantities and obsolescence. This evaluation includes analyses of sales levels by product and projections of future demand.

        We write downunderstand our inventory for estimated obsolete or unmarketable inventory in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable


Table of Contents


than our estimates, additional inventory write-downs may be required. In the event we experience unanticipated demand and are able to sell a portion of the inventory we have previously written down, our gross margins will be favorably affected.

Valuation of Goodwill, Purchased Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets

        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. The amounts and useful lives assigned to intangible assets acquired, other than goodwill, impact the amount and timing of future amortization. The value of intangible assets, including goodwill, can be impacted by adverse changes such as declines in operating results, a decrease in stock value, changes in the worldwide economy or a specific industry or a failure to meet performance projections.

        We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with ASC Topic 350 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"); originally issued as SFAS No. 142, "Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." We evaluate these assets, including purchased intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives, on an annual basis in the fourth quarter for goodwill, or more frequently, if we believe indicators of impairment exist or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include significant underperformance to historical or projected operating results, substantial changes in our business strategy, and significant negative industry or economic trends.

        If such indicators are present, we compare the fair value of the goodwill to its carrying value. Fair value of goodwill is determined by considering the Company's market capitalization, discounted cash flows, and a market approach as of the valuation date. In considering the Company's market capitalization, an estimated premium to reflect the fair value on a control basis is applied. This premium is estimated based on an evaluation of control premiums identifiable in comparable transactions.

        For other intangible assets and long-lived assets, in accordance with ASC Topic 360 Property, Plant, and Equipment ("ASC 360"); originally issued as SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," we determine whether the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to each asset in question is less than its carrying value. If less, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over their respective fair values. Fair value of other intangible assets is determined by discounted future cash flows, appraisals, or other methods. Fair value of long-lived assets is determined based on market value. If the long-lived asset determined to be impaired is to be held and used, we recognize an impairment charge to the extent the fair value attributable to the asset is less than the asset's carrying value. The fair value of the long-lived asset then becomes the asset's new carrying value, which we amortize over the remaining estimated useful life of the asset.

        These approaches use significant estimates and assumptions, including projection and timing of future cash flows, discount rates reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, and long-term growth rates. It is reasonably possible that the estimates and assumptions used to value these assets differ from future actualfinancial results. If our actual results, or the estimates and assumptions used in future impairment analyses, are lower than the original estimates and assumptions used to assess the recoverability of these assets, we could incur additional impairment charges.

        During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, we identified changes in key factors indicating a possible impairment of the value of our goodwill. Notable indicators were significantly depressed market conditions and industry trends, market capitalization below book value of equity and some downward revisions to our forecasts due to current economic conditions. These continually changing market conditions made it difficult to project how long the current economic downturn would last. Declining market values negatively impacted our valuations, which were a component of our goodwill


Table of Contents


impairment tests. Based on this information we completed the first step of our goodwill impairment test and determined that additional impairment analysis was required by ASC 350.

        The second step of the goodwill impairment test compared the implied fair value of our Company's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Since the carrying amount of goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss was recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill was determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a purchase business combination. The fair value was determined through an analysis of: (i) the market capitalization; (ii) comparable public company valuations; and (iii) the future cash flows expected to be generated by the Company. The calculated fair value was then allocated to individual assets and liabilities (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the Company had been acquired in a purchase business combination and the fair value of the Company was the purchase price paid to acquire the Company. In performing this allocation, the fair values of the assets of the Company were calculated using generally accepted valuation methodologies, including analysis of: (i) the future cash flows expected to be generated; (ii) the estimated market value; or (iii) the estimated cost to replace. Any variance in the assumptions used to value the assets and liabilities could have had a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities and consequently the amount of identified goodwill impairment. As a result of the additional analyses performed, we recorded an impairment charge to fully write-off our goodwill balance of $191.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

        Other intangible assets, which consist primarily of technology and purchased intellectual property, are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The remaining lives of these assets range from less than one year to three years. As required by ASC 360 we verified our long-lived assets were not impaired as of the time of the goodwill impairment.

Valuation of Repurchase Right on Subordinated Debentures

        In accordance with ASC Topic 815 Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815") originally issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," embedded derivatives must be bifurcated from the underlying debt instrument and valued as a separate financial instrument. Our 2024 Debentures included a repurchase right for 113.76% of the principal amount of the 2024 Debentures on October 1, 2009 (the "premium put" or "derivative liability") that we identified as an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation and accounting at fair value because the economic and contractual characteristics of the premium put meet the criteria for separate accounting as set forth in ASC 815. Should the premium put have value, any gain or loss on the fair value of the premium put will be reflected in current earnings. We estimate the approximate fair value of the premium put as the difference between the estimated value of the 2024 Debentures with and without the premium put feature. The fair value of the 2024 Debentures with the embedded premium put feature was estimated using a scenario analysis that incorporated the investment and settlement alternatives available to the debt holders in connection with the premium put feature. The scenario analysis valuation model combined expected cash outflows with market-based assumptions and an estimate of the probability of each scenario occurring. The fair value of the 2024 Debentures without the embedded premium put feature was estimated using a convertible bond valuation model within a lattice framework. The convertible bond valuation model combined expected cash outflows with market-based assumptions regarding risk-adjusted yields, stock price volatility and recent price quotes and trading information regarding shares of our common stock into which the 2024 Debentures are convertible. Our analysis was premised on the assumption that the holder would act in a manner that maximizes the potential return, or "payoff", at any given point in time. Included in this premise was the assumption that the holder would compare the potential return associated with each available alternative, including, as specified in the terms of the contract, holding the debt instrument, exercising an equity conversion option, or exercising a put option. As a component of this, we incorporated a market participant


Table of Contents


consideration as to the Company's capacity to fulfill the contractual obligations associated with each alternative, including the Company's ability to fulfill any cash settlement obligation associated with exercise of the put option, as well as the Company's ability to refinance the contractual obligation. Based on our analysis, we determined that the fair value of the premium put was most sensitive to the estimated amount of funds available for settlement of the liability on October 1, 2009. More specifically, fair value of the premium put was positively correlated to the estimated amount of cash proceeds and other securities expected to be received at exercise. The result of our valuation analysis was that premium put was estimated to have $12.2 million fair value as of September 30, 2009 and no fair value as of September 30, 2008. The fair value of the premium put was measured using Level 3 inputs. The primary driver of the change in fair value between these dates was an increase in the amount of funds, both cash and other securities, available for settlement between the measurement dates. Upon exercise of the put option related to the 2024 Debentures on October 1, 2009, the liability associated with the premium put was recorded at $13.3 million representing the contractual amount owed to the debenture holders upon exercise of the put. The premium put liability was included as a component of the Conversion Agreement that was consummated on October 30, 2009. As a result, the premium put was no longer a liability as of the Company as of December 31, 2009.

Valuation of Compound Embedded Derivative related to Subordinated Debentures

        In accordance with ASC Topic 815 Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"), originally issued as SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,", embedded derivatives must be bifurcated from the underlying debt instrument and valued as a separate financial instrument. Management evaluated the terms and features of the 8.00% Convertible Second Lien Debentures Due 2014 (the "2014 Debentures") and identified an embedded derivative (the "compound embedded derivative" or "derivative liability") requiring bifurcation and accounting at fair value because the economic and contractual characteristics of the compound derivative meet the criteria for separatebifurcation and accounting for separately as set forth in ASC 815. Should815 due to the compound derivative have value, anyconversion price not being indexed to the Company's own stock. Any gain or loss on the fair value of the compound derivative will be reflected in current earnings. The embedded compound embedded derivative is comprised of the terms ofconversion option and a make whole payment for foregone interest if the 2014 Debentures which provide for a Make-Whole payment in certain circumstances and permitsholder converts the Noteholders to demand redemption of the 2014 Debentures at a cash price equal to the 2014 Debentures on an as-if-converted basis in the event that 50% or more of the Company's common stock is exchanged for, converted into, or acquired for consideration which is less than 90% of the outstanding common stock. This redemption feature is, in substance, a conversion settlement right where the holders could require the Company to settle in cash.debenture early. We estimated the approximate fair value of the compound derivative as the difference between the estimated value of the 2014 Debentures with and without the compound derivative features. The fair value of the 2014 Debentures was estimated using a convertible bond valuation model within a lattice framework. These valuations were determined using Level 3 inputs. The convertible bond valuation model combined expected cash outflows with market-based assumptions regarding risk-adjusted yields, stock price volatility and recent price quotes and trading information regarding shares of our common stock into which the 2014 Debentures are convertible. Our analysis was premised on the assumption that the holder would act in a manner that maximizes the potential return, or "payoff", at any given


Table of Contents


point in time. Included in this premise was the assumption that the holder would compare the potential return associated with each available alternative, including, as specified in the terms of the contract, holding the debt instrument, exercising an equity conversion option, or exercising a put option.

        On October 30, 2009, the date of issuance, the fair value of the bifurcated compound derivative was $28.0 million. The compound embedded derivative will be valued at each reporting period, with the change in the fair value reflected in the StatementAs of Operations. At DecemberMarch 31, 2009,2010, the fair value of the bifurcated compound embedded derivative is $35.1 million. The $7.1was $65.5 million, increase inwith the fair value ischange of $37.5 million reflected as interest expense in the accompanying Statement of Operations.


Table of Contents

AccountingOperations for Share-Based Compensation

        ASC 718 requires all share-based payments, including grants of stock options and employee stock purchase rights, to be recognizedthe six month period ended March 31, 2010. The change in our financial statements based on their respective grant date fair values. Under this standard, the fair value of each employee stock option and employee stock purchase rightthe bifurcated compound derivative is estimated ona non-cash item resulting from the date of grant using an option-pricing model that meets certain requirements.

        ASC 718 requires companies to estimateincrease in the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The valuemarket price of the portion ofunderlying common stock. Should the award thatbifurcated compound derivative be exercised by the holders, settlement is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service periods. We have estimated the fair value of each award as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which was developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and that are freely transferable. The Black-Scholes model considers, among other factors, the expected life of the award and the expected volatilityshares of the Company's stock price. Although the Black-Scholes model meets the requirements of ASC 718, the fair values generated by the model may not be indicative of the actual fair values of our awards, as it does not consider other factors important to those share-based payment awards, such as continued employment, periodic vesting requirements, and limited transferability. Because the share-based compensation expense recognized in the statements of operations for the periods ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Changes in forfeitures from the estimates made at grant date could result in more or less non-cash compensation expense in comparable periods.

Income Taxes

common stock. The Company accounts for income taxes usingintends to settle this obligation in common shares should it be exercised by its holders. As the Company intends to, and has the ability to, satisfy the obligations with equity securities, in accordance with ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes ("ASC 740"); originally issued470, the Company has reclassified the liability as SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under ASC 740, income taxes are accounted for under the asset anda long-term liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company adopted ASC 740 on October 1, 2007 and assessed the impact of ASC 740 on its financial statements and determined that no adjustment to retained earnings was necessary.

        The Company maintains a valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize the benefits of these deferred tax assets in future tax periods. The valuation allowance is based on estimates of future taxable income by tax jurisdiction in which the Company operates, the number of years over which the deferred tax assets will be recoverable, and scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities. ASC 718 allows the benefit related to deductible temporary differences attributable to non-qualified stock options to be credited to additional paid-in-capital when realized. Because the Company is in a net operating loss positionConsolidated Balance Sheet as of the year ended September 30, 2009 and the quarter ended DecemberMarch 31, 2009 it may not recognize a benefit arising from non-qualified stock options for those respective periods.

        In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers, on a periodic basis, whether it is more likely than not, that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009, management has placed a valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets based on its overall assessment of the risks and uncertainties.


Table of Contents


Accordingly, management believes the current valuation allowance on deferred tax assets is sufficient and properly stated at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009.

Research and Development

        Research and development expense consists primarily of salaries and related costs of employees engaged in research, design and development activities, including share-based compensation expense. Research and development expense also includes costs related to engineering design tools, masks and prototyping costs, subcontracting costs and facilities expenses.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 105 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("ASC 105"); originally issued as SFAS No. 168 "The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162." ASC 105 establishes the FASB Standards Accounting Codification ("Codification") as the source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied to nongovernmental entities and rules and interpretive releases of the SEC as authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification will supersede all the existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards upon its effective date and subsequently, the FASB will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. ASC 105 also replaces FASB Statement No. 162, "The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles," given that once in effect, the Codification will carry the same level of authority. ASC 105 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, which includes our fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Topic 805 Business Combinations ("ASC 805"); originally issued as SFAS No. 141R,"Business Combinations." ASC 805 establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. The statement also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. ASC 805 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. Accordingly, ASC 805 is applicable to the Company's accounting for business combinations closing on or after October 1, 2009. We expect ASC 805 will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements, but the nature and magnitude of the specific effects will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisitions we consummate after the effective date of October 1, 2009. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows during the year ended September 30, 2009.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC Topic 810 Consolidation ("ASC 810"); originally issued as SFAS No. 160,"Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51." ASC 810 addresses the accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the non-controlling interest, changes in a parent's ownership interest, and the valuation of retained non-controlling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. We adopted ASC 810 for our quarter ended December 31, 2009. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

        In May 2008, the FASB issued ASC Topic 470 Debt ("ASC 470"); originally issued as FASB Staff Position APB 14-1, "Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon


Table of Contents


Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)." ASC 470 requires us to separately account for the liability and equity components of a convertible debt security by measuring the fair value of a similar nonconvertible debt security when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. ASC 470 requires us to retroactively separate the liability and equity components of such debt in our consolidated balance sheets on a fair value basis. ASC 470 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows during the quarter ended December 31, 2009.

        In June 2008, the FASB ratified ASC Topic 815 Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"); originally issued as Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 07-5, "Determining Whether an Instrument (or an Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity's Own Stock." ASC 815 provides that an entity should use a two step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to its own stock, including evaluating the instrument's contingent exercise and the instrument's settlement provisions. ASC 815 clarifies the impact of foreign currency denominated strike prices and market-based employee stock option valuation instruments on the evaluation. ASC 815 is effective for the financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this statement did not have an impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows during the quarter ended December 31, 2009.

        Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statements.


Table of Contents2010.

Results of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 compared to the Three and Six Months Ended DecemberMarch 31, 20082009

        The following table sets forth certain consolidated statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net revenue for the periods indicated:

 
 Three Months
Ended
December 31,
 
 
 2009 2008 

Revenues

  100.0% 100.0%

Costs and expenses:

       
 

Cost of revenues

  45.9% 45.1%
 

Engineering, research and development

  28.7% 23.3%
 

Selling, general and administrative

  25.3% 20.9%
 

Accounting remediation & reconstruction expense & litigation costs

  0.2% 3.9%
 

Goodwill impairment

  0.0% 384.3%
 

Amortization of intangible assets

  0.6% 0.6%
      
  

Costs and expenses

  100.7% 478.1%
      

Loss from operations

  
(0.7

)%
 
(378.1

)%

Other income (expense):

       

Interest expense, net

  (24.5)% (2.3)%

Loss on extinguishment of debt

  (51.8)% 0.0%

Other income, net

  0.2% 0.3%
      
  

Other income (expense), net

  (76.1)% (2.0)%

Loss before income tax expense and minority interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiary

  (76.8)% (380.1)%

Income tax expense

  4.5% 1.3%
      

Net loss

  (81.3)% (381.4)%
 

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

  0.0% (0.0)%
 

Fair value adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

  0.3% 0.0%
      

Net loss available to common shareholders

  (81.6)% (381.4)%
      
 
 Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
 2010 2009 2010 2009 

Revenues

  100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Cost and expenses:

             
 

Cost of revenues

  44.1% 52.7% 45.0% 48.2%
 

Engineering, research and development

  28.0% 31.6% 28.3% 26.7%
 

Selling, general and administrative

  20.7% 28.7% 22.9% 24.1%
 

Accounting remediation & reconstruction expense & litigation costs

  0.0% 4.4% 0.1% 4.1%
 

Goodwill impairment

  0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 226.8%
 

Amortization of intangible assets

  0.4% 1.1% 0.5% 0.8%
          
  

Costs and expenses

  93.2% 118.5% 96.8% 330.7%

Income (loss) income from operations

  
6.8

%
 
(18.5

)%
 
3.2

%
 
(230.7

)%

Other (expense) income:

             

Interest expense, net

  (75.0)% (3.4)% (50.5)% (2.7)%

Loss on extinguishment of debt

  0.0% 0.0% (25.2)% 0.0%

Other (expense) income, net

  0.1% (0.1)% 0.1% 0.1%
          
  

Other expense, net

  (74.9)% (3.5)% (75.6)% (2.6)%

Loss before income tax expense and noncontrolling interest in earnings of consolidated subsidiary

  (68.1)% (22.0)% (72.4)% (233.3)%

Income tax expense (benefit) expense

  9.4% (1.6)% 7.0% 0.1%
          

Net loss

  (77.5)% (20.4)% (79.4)% (233.4)%
 

Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

  (0.0)% 0.0% (0.0)% (0.0)%
 

Fair value adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

  0.0% 0.0% 0.1% 0.0%
          

Net loss available to common stockholders

  (77.5)% (20.4)% (79.5)% (233.4)%
          

Table of Contents

Product Revenues

        We classify our IC products into three categories: (i) Carrier Networking Products; (ii) Enterprise Networking Products; and (iii) Non-Core Products. The Carrier Networking Products line services core, metro, and access networks, also known as Carrier Networks. Our products are focused on enabling Ethernet data services to be deployed more broadly across these networks. The Enterprise Networking Products line services the market for Ethernet switching and transmission within Local Area Networkslocal area networks in Small-Medium-Businesssmall-medium-business and Enterpriseenterprise (SMB/SME) markets. Our Non-Core Products are those product


Table of Contents


lines where we have chosen to exit marketsnot received additional investment over the prior three years and no longer continue to invest.as a result have generally been in decline. The following tables summarize our net product mix by product line.


 Three Months Ended
December 31, 2009
 Three Months Ended
December 31, 2008
  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31, 2010
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2009
  
  
 

 Amount % of Net
Revenues
 Amount % of Net
Revenues
 Change % Change  Amount % of Net
Revenues
 Amount % of Net
Revenues
 Change %
Change
 

 (in thousands, except percentages)
  
  
  (in thousands, except percentages)
  
  
 

Carrier Networking Products

 $19,188 46.1%$18,853 42.1%$335 1.8% $17,170 39.3%$16,040 46.4%$1,130 7.0%

Enterprise Networking Products

 18,117 43.5% 15,946 35.6% 2,171 13.6% 19,813 45.4% 13,081 37.8% 6,732 51.5%

Non-Core Products

 4,306 10.4% 10,011 22.3% (5,705) (57.0)% 6,678 15.3% 5,456 15.8% 1,222 22.4%
                          

Product Revenues

 $41,611 100.0%$44,810 100.0%$(3,199) (7.1)%

Net Product Revenues

 $43,661 100.0%$34,577 100.0%$9,084 26.3%
                          


 
 Six Months Ended
March 31, 2010
 Six Months Ended
March 31, 2009
  
  
 
 
 Amount % of Net
Revenues
 Amount % of Net
Revenues
 Change %
Change
 
 
 (in thousands, except percentages)
  
  
 

Carrier Networking Products

 $36,358  42.6%$34,893  44.0%$1,465  4.2%

Enterprise Networking Products

  37,930  44.5% 29,027  36.6% 8,903  30.7%

Non-Core Products

  10,984  12.9% 15,467  19.5% (4,483) (29.0)%
              

Net Product Revenues

 $85,272  100.0%$79,387  100.0%$5,885  7.4%
              

        Net product revenues for the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 were $41.6$43.7 million compared to $44.8$34.6 million for the same period in fiscal 2009. This decreaseincrease of $3.2$9.1 million or 7.1%26.3% was driven primarily by overall weakerstrengthening customer demand for our non-core products, primarily our Raid-on-Chip processor products as these products ramp down towards end-of-life.core products. Carrier Networking increased slightly to $0.3by $1.1 million or 1.8%7.0%. Enterprise Networking increased $2.2$6.7 million or 13.6%51.5% due to an increase in crosspoint switch and physical layer, PMD and signal integrity product segments.segments as well as growth in both Ethernet and fabric switch products. Sales of Non-Core Products were down $5.7up $1.2 million or 57.0%22.4% due to a strong declinestrength in Raid-on-Chip Processorour NPU products Network Processor Products and legacy physical layer components.selling into Carrier-Ethernet applications. Our Non-Core Products are product lines that have had minimal on-going investment over the prior three years and as a result have generally been in decline. We believe that these product lines are likely to be subject to more severe inventory control and corrections by our customers.

Intellectual Property Revenues

 
 December 31,  
  
 
 
 2009 2008 Change 
 
 (in thousands) $ % 

Intellectual property revenues

 $40 $5,000 $(4,960)  
 
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2010
 Three Months Ended
March 31, 2009
  
  
 
 
 Amount % of
Licensing
Revenues
 Amount % of
Licensing
Revenues
 Change %
Change
 
 
 (in thousands, except percentages)
  
  
 

Licensing Revenues

 $250  100.0%$  100.0%$250  100.0%

        Intellectual property revenues were $0.04 million and $5.0 million in the first quarterTable of 2010 and 2009, respectively. On December 28, 2007, the Company entered into an arrangement to license intellectual property to a third-party. Specific deliverables to the licensee were defined in the agreement and required acceptance from the licensee. Under the agreement, Vitesse received $15.0 million in license fees for the rights to certain products and technology. Of the fees, $10.0 million was recognized upon delivery and acceptance of the licensed technology in the fourth quarter of 2008. The remaining $5.0 million was recognized upon the one-year anniversary of the agreement in the first quarter of 2009. No royalties were received or recognized in the first quarter of 2010.Contents

 
 Six Months Ended
March 31, 2010
 Six Months Ended
March 31, 2009
  
  
 
 
 Amount % of
Licensing
Revenues
 Amount % of
Licensing
Revenues
 Change %
Change
 
 
 (in thousands, except percentages)
  
  
 

Licensing Revenues

 $290  100.0%$5,000  100.0%$(4,710) (94.2)%

        In 2008, we began to leverage our substantial intellectual property portfolio into licensing opportunities with third-parties. Intellectual property revenues were $0.3 million in the second quarter of 2010; no revenues were recognized in the second quarter of 2009. We offer a varietyrecognized $0.3 million and $5.0 million in the first six months of IP "cores"year 2010 and design services2009, respectively. No royalties were received or recognized in deep submicron, 130 nanometer (nm) and 65 nm, process technologies. To date, our primary focus in licensing our IP has been in our Gigabit Ethernet Cu PHY and switch technologies as well as high-speed PHYs and signal integrity "cores."


Tablethe second quarter of Contents2010.

Cost of Revenues


 December 31,  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Cost of revenues

 $19,103 $22,447 $(3,344) (14.9)% $19,362 $18,228 $1,134 6.2%

Percent of net revenues

 45.9% 45.1%      44.1% 52.7%     


 
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
 
 2010 2009 $ % 
 
 (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Cost of revenues

 $38,465 $40,675 $(2,210) (5.4)%

Percent of net revenues

  45.0% 48.2%      

        As a fabless semiconductor company, we use third-parties (including TSMC, IBM, Chartered Amkor, ASAT, and ASE) for wafer fabrication and assembly services. Ourour cost of revenues consists predominantly of: (i) purchased finished wafers; (ii) assembly services; and (iii) labor and overhead costs associated with product procurement and testing. It is customary in the semiconductor industry for product prices to decline over time. Therefore, it is imperative that we continue to reduce our cost of revenues for mature products, by focusing our efforts on improving operating efficiencies, including reducing the price of purchased materials, improving product yields and cycle times and reducing scrap.

        Our cost of revenues decreasedincreased from $22.4$18.2 million for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20082009 to $19.1$19.4 million for the same period in fiscal 2010, primarily due to the correction of an error of $0.9 million which was identified in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010 and a reduction inincreased product sales volume.shipments. As a percentage of net revenues, our cost of revenues were 45.9%was 44.1% in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with 45.1%52.7% in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2009, respectively. Excluding the correction of error,The decrease in our cost of revenues were 48.1%as a percentage of net revenues is due to higher revenues, effective cost controls and favorable mix of products. The increase in revenues allowed us to better leverage fixed manufacturing labor and overhead costs. We made progress in transitioning our test manufacturing activities from our California facility to an outsource model in an offshore facility, resulting in reduced costs of test. In addition, we had a favorable mix of products with higher shipments of legacy fibre channel physical layer components and NPUs that have generally lower cost of revenue. Through March 31, 2010, our cost of revenues decreased to $38.5 million from $40.7 million in the first quartersame period of fiscal2009. As a percentage of net revenues, our cost of revenues was 45.0% for the six months ended March 31, 2010 compared with 45.1%to 48.2% in the first quartersame period of fiscal 2009. (See Note 1—The Companydecrease was due to reduced cost in our physical layer and its Significant Accounting Policies).ethernet switch product lines as a result of on-going cost control efforts including yield enhancement efforts and reduced testing costs.

        There was no cost of revenues associated with intellectual property licensing revenues of $0.04$0.3 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2010 and $5.0 million infor the quarterssix months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.2009. As a percentage of sales, excluding IP revenue, cost of revenues were 45.9%45.1% in the first quarter ofsix months ended March 31, 2010 compared to 50.1%51.2% for the same period in 2009.last year.


Table of Contents

Engineering, Research and Development


 December 31,  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Engineering, research and development

 $11,959 $11,581 $378 3.3% $12,276 $10,939 $1,337 12.2%

Percent of net revenues

 28.7% 23.3%      28.0% 31.6%     


 
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
 
 2010 2009 $ % 
 
 (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Engineering, research and development

 $24,235 $22,520 $1,715  7.6%

Percent of net revenues

  28.3% 26.7%      

        We believe that continued investment in the design and development of future products is vital to maintaining a competitive edge. Engineering, research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs, including share-based compensation expense of employees engaged in research, design, and development activities. Engineering, research and development also includes costs of mask sets, electronic design automation tools, software licensing contracts, subcontracting and fabrication costs, depreciation and amortization, and facilities expenses.

        Engineering, research and development expenses slightly increased $0.4 million or 3.3% in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase is due to increase in compensation due to increased headcount associated with research and development.

        We believe that continued investment in the design and development of future products is vital to maintaining a competitive edge. We have closely monitored our known and forecasted revenue, demand and operating expense run rates. We continue to seek opportunities to focus research and development activities and will continue to closely monitor both our costs and our revenue expectations in future periods. We will continue to concentrate our spending in this area to meet our customer requirements and respond to market conditions.


Table        Engineering, research and development expenses increased $1.3 million and $1.7 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2010, respectively, compared to the same periods of Contents2009. The increase is attributable to increased labor costs due to increased headcount and contract labor and due to elimination of temporary salary reductions that were in place in prior periods. For the three month period, there was also a $0.6 million increase in engineering tools.

Selling, General and Administrative


 December 31,  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Selling, general and administrative

 $10,529 $10,419 $110 1.1% $9,083 $9,930 $(847) (8.5)%

Percent of net revenues

 25.3% 20.9%      20.7% 28.7%     


 
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
 
 2010 2009 $ % 
 
 (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Selling, general and administrative

 $19,612 $20,349 $(737) (3.6)%

Percent of net revenues

  22.9% 24.1%      

        Selling, general and administrative expense consists primarily of personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation expense, legal and other professional fees, facilities expenses, outside labor and communications expenses.

        In the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010, selling, general and administrative expense was consistent withdecreased by $0.9 million from the firstsecond quarter of fiscal2009. As a percentage of net revenues, selling, general and


Table of Contents


administrative expense decreased from 28.7% to 20.7%. During the quarter, professional fees decreased by $0.7 million compared to the same quarter of the prior year due to the transitioning of accounting and finance functions from contract employees to full-time staff. The remainder of the decrease is the continuing benefit of our cost reduction efforts in the prior year.

        For the six months ended March 31, 2010, selling, general and administrative expense decreased by $0.7 million from the same period of 2009. As a percentage of net revenues, selling, general and administrative expense increaseddecreased from 20.9%24.1% to 25.3%22.9%. During the quartersix month period ended DecemberMarch 31, 2009, we incurred $0.9 million in non-capitalizable costs related to negotiating the restructuring of our debt, which was successfully completed on October 30, 2009. In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, we recognized a gain on the sale of our Colorado building, which offset selling, general and administrative expense for that period by $2.9 million. We did not have any similar transactions in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. In the first quarter of fiscalsix month period ended March 31, 2010, we succeeded in reducing facilities, travel and supplies expenses by a total of $1.7 million due to our extensive cost reduction efforts. During the quarter, professional fees decreased by $1.2$2.0 million compared to the same quarterperiod of the prior year due to the transitioning of accounting and finance functions from contract employees to full-time staff. During the period, we succeeded in reducing facilities, travel and supplies expenses by a total of $1.4 million due to our extensive cost reduction efforts. Compensation related costs for the first quarter of fiscalsix months ended March 31, 2010 decreased by $0.5$0.8 million compared to the same period in fiscal 2009 as a result of head countheadcount reductions during fiscalin 2009. SalesDuring the six month period ended March 31, 2010, we incurred $1.0 million in non-capitalizable costs related costs decreased by $0.3 million duringto negotiating the quarter due to lower operating results.restructuring of our debt, which was successfully completed on October 30, 2009. The remainder of the decrease is the continuing benefit of our cost reduction efforts in the prior year.

Accounting Remediation & Reconstruction Expense & Litigation Costs


 December 31,  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Accounting remediation & reconstruction expense & litigation costs

 $73 $1,949 $(1,876) (96.3)%

Accounting remediation & reconstruction expense

 $ $1,515 $(1,515) (100.0)%

Percent of net revenues

 0.2% 3.9%      0.0% 4.4%     


 
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
 
 2010 2009 $ % 
 
 (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Accounting remediation & reconstruction expense

 $73 $3,464 $(3,391) (97.9)%

Percent of net revenues

  0.1% 4.1%      

        Accounting remediation and reconstruction expense and litigation costs consisted of fees incurred to resolve certain legal issues, remediate control deficiencies, and transition accounting and reporting responsibilities to full-time staff, in addition to the completion or settlement of audits, investigations and lawsuits related to prior accounting periods. ForWe did not recognize any charges in the three months ended December 31,second quarter of 2010. Year-to-date, these costs totaled $73,000 and $3.5 million in 2010 and 2009, and 2008, we recognized charges of $0.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively. These costs consist primarily of legal fees related to accounting remediation work. These costs have decreased significantly since we have resolved certain legal issues, completed and filed all outstanding financial reports and transitioned accounting and reporting responsibilities to full-time staff.


Table of Contents

Goodwill Impairment


 December 31,  
  
  Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Goodwill impairment

 $ $191,418 $(191,418) 100.0%

Goodwill Impairment

 $ $191,418 $(191,418) 100.0%

Percent of net revenues

 0.0% 384.3%      0.0% 226.8%     

Table of Contents

        During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, we identified changes in key factors indicating a possible impairment of the value of our goodwill. Notable indicators were significantly depressed market conditions and industry trends, market capitalization below book value of equity and some downward revisions to our forecasts due to current economic conditions. Continually changing market conditions make it difficult to project how long the current economic downturn may last. Declining market values have negatively impacted our valuations which are a componentperformed an analysis of our goodwill impairment tests. Upon completion of the first step of the impairment test for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, weand determined that additional impairment analysis was required by ASC 350; originally issued as SFAS 142. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compared the implied fair value of our Company's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Since the carrying amount of goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a purchase business combination. The fair value was determined through an analysis of: (i) the market capitalization; (ii) comparable public company valuations; and (iii) the future cash flows expected to be generated by the Company. The calculated fair value is then allocated to individual assets and liabilities (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the Company had been acquired in a purchase business combination and the fair value of the Company was the purchase price paid to acquire the Company. In performing this allocation, the fair values of the assets and liabilities of the Company were calculated using generally accepted valuation methodologies, including analysis of: (i) the future cash flows expected to be generated; (ii) the estimated market value; or (iii) the estimated cost to replace. Any variance in the assumptions used to value the assets and liabilities could have had a significant impact on the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities and, consequently, the amount of identified goodwill impairment.goodwill. As a result of the additional analyses performed,analysis, we recorded an impairment charge to fully write off our goodwill balance of $191.4 million forduring the quarter ended December 31, 2008. (See Note 3—Goodwill in the accompanying financial statements).

Amortization of Intangible Assets


 December 31,  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Amortization of intangible assets

 $249 $319 $(70) (21.9)% $182 $386 $(204) (52.8)%

Percent of net revenues

 0.6% 0.6%      0.4% 1.1%     

 Amortization of

 
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
 
 2010 2009 $ % 
 
 (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Amortization of intangible assets

 $431 $705 $(274) (38.9)%

Percent of net revenues

  0.5% 0.8%      

        The decrease in amortization expense is primarily due to intangible assets was $0.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $0.3 million for the same period in fiscal 2009. The amortization is primarily related to our intellectual property licenses.prior acquisitions of Adaptec and Infinera becoming fully amortized during 2009.

Interest Expense, net


 December 31,  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Interest expense, net

 $10,220 $1,130 $9,090 804.4% $32,951 $1,170 $31,781 2716.3%

Percent of net revenues

 24.5% 2.3%      75% 3.4%     

 Interest

 
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
 
 2010 2009 $ % 
 
 (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Interest expense, net

 $43,171 $2,300 $40,871  1777.0%

Percent of net revenues

  50.5% 2.7%      

        For the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2010, interest expense, net of interest income, increased by $9.1$31.8 million from the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to $10.2and $40.9 million, in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Included in the $10.2 million is the interest expense of $1.1 million which was recorded on October 1, 2009 to reflect the fair value of the derivative liability—premium put associated with the 2024 Debentures at the date the put option was exercised as well as $7.1 million relatedrespectively, compared to the same periods in 2009. For both periods, the increase relates primarily to the change in the fair value of the embedded derivatives on


Table of Contents


the 2014 Debentures. No comparable expense was incurred during the three month period ended December 31, 2008. Effective October 30, 2009, the Company finalized negotiations with the holders of 96.7% of the 2024 Debentures to settle the obligation, including all amounts owed under the derivative liability for the premium put option, with a combination of cash; shares of the Company's common stock; shares of the Company's Series B Preferred stock; and 2014 Debentures (see Note 4—Debt in the accompanying financial statements). Interestderivatives on the 2014 Debentures is 8.0% per annum. Interest expenseof $30.4 million and $38.6 million for the three months ended December 31,and six month periods, respectively. Interest expense on the debentures and our Senior Secured Debt increased from 2009 was $0.9to 2010 by $1.4 million and $2.3 million for the 2014 Debenturesthree and 2024 Debentures. Interest expense forsix month periods ended March 31, 2010, respectively. For the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2008 was $0.42010, we also incurred $1.1 million for the 2024 Debentures. The Company recorded the 2014 Debentures at fair value of $40.3 million; the $9.7 million discount from the face value of the 2014 Debentures is being amortized as interest expense over the life of the debentures. Interest expense, related to the amortization of the discount on the 2014 Debentures, for the three months ended December 31, 2009 was $0.3 million with no expense for the comparable period ended December 31, 2008. In connection with issuing the 2014 Debentures, the Company incurred approximately $1.4 million in fees that are capitalized as debt issue costs and being amortized as interest expense over the life of the respective debt instrument. Additional interest expense related to the amortizationextinguishment of the debt issue costs, of $0.1 million was recognized forderivative liability-premium put associated with the three months ended December 31, 2009 compared to the comparable period ended December 31, 2009. Interest expense on the Company's senior secured debt was comparable for the periods ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.2024 Debentures.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt


 December 31, Change  Six Months Ended
December 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 $ %  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands)
  
  
  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 $(21,576)$ $(21,576) 100.0% $(21,576)$ $(21,576) 100.0%

Percent of net revenues

 (51.8)% 0.0%      (25.2)% 0.0%     

        Effective October 30, 2009, the Company finalized negotiations with the Noteholders of the 2024 Debentures to settle the obligation,obligations under the debentures, including all amounts owed under the derivative liability for the premium put option, with a combination of cash;cash, shares of the Company's common stock;stock, shares of the Company's Series B Preferred stock;stock and a new Indenture forissuance of $50.0 million face value of convertible bonds (see Note 4—3—Debt in the accompanying consolidated financial statements). The Company recorded the new instruments issued in the extinguishment of the 2024 Debentures at fair value and recognized $21.6 million loss for the difference between the fair values of the new instruments and approximately $0.8 million of fees paid to the creditors compared to the net carrying value of the 2024 Debentures. For the purposes of calculating this loss on extinguishment, the net carrying amount of the 2024 Debentures includesincluded the $96.7 million principal amount of the 2024 Debentures and $13.3 million of the premium put derivative, recorded at fair value as required by ASC 470.value.

Other Income (Expense), net


 December 31,  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Other income, net

 $76 $144 $(68)(47.2)%  

Other income (expense), net

 $29 $(48)$77 (160.4)%

Percent of net revenues

 0.2% 0.3%      0.1% (0.1)%     

 Other income, net was $0.1

 
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
 
 2010 2009 $ % 
 
 (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Other income, net

 $105 $96 $9  9.4%

Percent of net revenues

  0.1% 0.1%      

        The change in the first quarters of fiscal 2010 and 2009. Other income for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 consisted primarily of an insurance settlement received for water damage at one of our subsidiaries. For the period ended December 31, 2008, we recognized other income relatedprimarily relates to a gain on foreign exchange transactions.


Table of Contents

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)


 December 31,  
  
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 

 2009 2008 Change  2010 2009 $ % 

 (in thousands) $ %  (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Income tax (benefit) expense

 $1,878 $650 $1,228 188.9%  

Income tax expense (benefit) expense

 $4,147 $(554)$4,701 848.6%

Percent of net revenues

 4.5% 1.3%      9.4% (1.6)%     


 
 Six Months Ended
March 31,
 Change 
 
 2010 2009 $ % 
 
 (in thousands,
except percentages)

  
  
 

Income tax expense

 $6,025 $96 $5,929  6176.0%

Percent of net revenues

  7.0% 0.1%      

        Income tax expense was $1.9$4.1 million for the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to income tax benefit of $0.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2009, compared toan increase of $4.7 million. The increase in expense is primarily the result of $0.7limitations on the Company's NOL carryforwards as a result of an "ownership change" experienced for tax purposes on October 30, 2009. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, income tax benefit represents the impact of taxable losses for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

        Income tax expense was $6.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Incomesix months ended March 31, 2010 compared to income tax expense of $0.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2009, an increase of $5.9 million. The increase in expense is primarily the result of limitations on the Company's NOL carryforwards as a result of an "ownership change" experienced for tax purposes on October 30, 2009. Net income tax expense for the six month ended March 31, 2010 represents primarilyminimum federal, state, and foreign income tax on income not eligible for offset by federal, state or foreign loss carryforwards. The Company will be subject to limitations on the amount of loss carryforwards that can be utilized to offset taxable income as a result of a Change in Ownership (see Note 4—Debt and Note 6—Income Taxes in the accompanying financial statements).

Noncontrolling Interest in Loss of Consolidated Subsidiary

 
 December 31,  
  
 
 
 2009 2008 Change 
 
 (in thousands) $ % 

Noncontrolling interest in loss of consolidated subsidiary

 $ $(1)$1  100.0%

Percent of net revenues

  0.0% (0.0)%      

        A noncontrolling interest in the operations of our consolidated joint ventures, the Vitesse Venture Fund, L.P. and the Vitesse Venture Fund, L.P. II (together, "the Funds"), was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, representing the limited partners' interest in the Funds' operating expenses, including licensing and bank fees.

Fair Value Adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

 
 December 31,  
  
 
 
 2009 2008 Change 
 
 (in thousands) $ % 

Fair value adjustment of Preferred Stock—Series B

 $126 $ $126  0.0%

Percent of net revenues

  0.3% 0.0%      

Table of Contents

        On October 30, 2009, in connection with our debt restructuring, we issued 770,786 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, convertible into 100 shares of common stock per each share of preferred stock. At the date of issuance, the Company did not have sufficient authorized common shares for the conversion of all of the issued preferred stock. As such, the fair value of the preferred stock that could not be settled upon conversion through the issuance of common shares was recorded as temporary equity on the balance sheet with the fair value included as a component of the loss on the extinguishment of debt.

        As of December 31, 2009, there were 44,533 preferred shares for which we did not have sufficient authorized common shares to issue upon conversion of the preferred shares. These preferred shares were recorded as temporary equity in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet. These shares were measured at the fair value of the common stock they would be converted into at December 31, 2009, which was $0.25 per share, with the change in fair value of $0.1 million from October 30, 2009 recorded to additional paid in capital during the quarter ended December 31, 2009. In accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, originally issued as EITF D-98, "Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities" the change in the fair value of these shares reduces our net loss available to common shareholders in the calculation of earnings per share.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $35.6$37.2 million at DecemberMarch 31, 2009,2010, from $57.5 million at September 30, 2009, primarily as a result of the pay-down of the Senior SecuredTerm Loan of $5.0 million, repayment of a portion of the 2024 Debentures of $10.0 million and approximately $6.0 million in legal and other fees to complete the debt restructuring transaction.


 December 31,  Six Months Ended
March 31,
 

 2009 2008  2010 2009 

 (in thousands)  (in thousands)
 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 $(3,717)$5,681 

Net cash used in operating activities

 $(1,503)$(159)

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 (700) 5,004  (1,231) 2,819 

Net cash used in financing activities

 (17,539)   (17,620)  
          

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 (21,956) 10,685  $(20,354)$2,660 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 57,544 36,722 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 57,544 36,722 
          

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 $35,588 $47,407 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $37,190 $39,382 
          

        In the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2009,2010, our operating activities used $3.7$1.5 million in cash. Our net loss of $33.9$67.9 million for the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 included non-cash charges of $20.8 million for the loss on extinguishment $8.2of debt, $38.6 million in the change in the market value of the embedded derivative liability, $0.9$1.7 million of depreciation and $0.7$1.1 million of stock-based compensation.

In the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2008,2009, our operating activities provided $5.7used $0.2 million in


Table of Contents


cash. Our net loss of $190.0$197.0 million for the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20082009 included non-cash charges of $1.1$2.2 million of depreciation, $0.8$1.6 million of stock-based compensation, and $191.4 million of goodwill impairment offset by the gain on the sale of the Colorado building forof $2.9 million.

        Accounts receivable, net of allowance for sales return, increased $1.5$3.0 million from $11.4$15.1 million at September 30, 2009 to $12.8$18.1 million at DecemberMarch 31, 2009.2010. The increase iswas primarily due to higherthe timing of sales from new direct customers.to our end users via our distributor network. Inventories increased $0.6$1.0 million, from $18.8 million at September 30, 2009 to $19.4$19.9 million at DecemberMarch 31, 2009,2010, as our channel partners and distributors took action to reduceincrease their inventory in response to weakerstronger demand. We were able to respond quickly to the change in demand, reducingincreasing orders to our suppliers. As a result of the increase in inventory, accounts payable


Table of Contents


slightly increased from $14.2 million to $14.4 million due to more orders placed with of our top suppliers.

        Investing activities used cash of $0.7$1.2 million in the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20092010 for capital expenditures. Investing activities provided cash of $5.0$2.8 million in the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2008,2009, which was primarily the result of the proceeds from the sale of the Colorado building for $6.0 million, net of commissions and transactions costs, partially offset by capital expenditures of approximately $0.9$1.2 million and additions to intangibles of $2.0 million.

        In the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2009,2010, our financing activities used $17.5 million. This is$17.6 million primarily due to a cash payment of $10.0 million to the holders of 2024 Debentures, $5.0 million to pay down the principal amount of the Senior Term Loan, equity issuance costs of $1.1 million and debt issuance costs of $1.4 million. (See Note 4—3—Debt in the accompanying consolidated financial statements).

        On October 30, 2009, we closed the debt restructuring transaction with our major creditors pursuant to which we issued approximately $50.0 million of 2014 Debentures (See Note 4—3—Debt in the accompanying consolidated financial statements). We believe that our available cash will be adequate to finance our operating needs and meet our obligations for the next 12 months. Annual interest payments on the 2014 Debentures will be $4.0 million annually, an increase of $2.5 million over the annual interest payments on the 2024 Debentures. The first interest payment on the 2014 Debentures is due April 1, 2010.

        Concurrent with the issue of the 2014 Debentures, the Company amended the terms of the Senior Term Loan Agreement. The amendment of the Senior Term Loan included a $5.0 million repayment of principal;principal, a fee of 1.0% of the amount of repayments; and a change to the interest terms on the note.terms. The amended interest terms on the Senior Term Loan will not materially impact the amount of quarterly interest payments over the remaining life of the associated note, but additional interest expense accrued under a payment-in-kind interest ("PIK") provision will increase the final payment due on the Senior Term Loan at maturity in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012 by approximately $2.6 million over the face value of the note.

        As part of the debt restructuring transactions, on October 30, 2009, the Company paid $10.1 millionWe believe that our available cash will be adequate to repay a portion of the 2024 Debentures. The Company also incurred approximately $6.0 million in legalfinance our operating needs and other fees to complete the transaction.

        On December 28, 2007, the Company entered into an arrangement to license IP to a third-party. The contract is a perpetual, nonexclusive, non-transferable, irrevocable license for specified IP. As part of the contract, we were granted a perpetual, nonexclusive, non-transferable, irrevocable license to improvements to the technology made by the licensee, subject to certain limitations. Under the agreement, Vitesse received $15.0 million in license fees and royaltiesmeet our obligations for the rights to certain products and technology. Of the fees and royalty payments, $10.0 million in fees was received upon delivery and acceptancenext 12 months.

Special Meeting of the licensed technology. The remaining $5.0 million of fees was received upon the one-year anniversary of the agreement. For a period of seven years from the effective date of the contract, licensee will pay royalties on a per unit basis, on each commercial sale incorporating the licensed products. Royalties will be accounted for when received. No royalties were received or recognized for the 12 months ended September 30, 2009 or the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Capital Resources, including Long-Term Debt, Contingent Liabilities and Operating LeasesStockholders

Debt Restructuring

        In October 2009, Vitesse completed its debt restructuring transactions. The debt restructuring agreements resulted in the conversion of 96.7% of the Company's 2024 Debentures into a combination


Table of Contents


of cash, common stock, Series B Preferred Stock and 2014 Debentures. With respect to the remaining 3.3% of the 2024 Debentures, the Company settled its obligations in cash. Additionally, Vitesse repaid approximately $5.0 million of its $30.0 million Senior Term Loan, the terms of which were amended as part of the debt restructuring transactions.

        Under the terms of the debt restructuring transactions, Vitesse:

        At the special meeting of our stockholders on January 7, 2010, the stockholders approved an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock from 500,000,000 to 5,000,000,000 shares to permit the conversion of the 2014 Notes Debentures and to provide additional shares of common stock.5,000,000,000. This increase permits the conversion of the 2014Debentures Due 2014 Debentures into shares of common stock and provides additional available shares for other general corporate purposes. In addition, the Company's shareholders also authorized the board of directors to affect a reverse stock-split when it is deemed appropriate. As of February 9,May 14, 2010, the reverse stock-split has not been executed.


Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations



 Payment Obligations by Year 
 Payment Obligations by Year 


 <1 Year 1 - 3 Years 3 - 5 Years >5 Years Total 
 <1 Year 1 - 3 Years 3 - 5 Years >5 Years Total 

Convertible subordinated debt

Convertible subordinated debt

 $ $ $50,000 $ $50,000 

Convertible subordinated debt

 $ $ $50,000 $ $50,000 

Long term debt

Long term debt

  25,000   25,000 

Long term debt

  25,000   25,000 

Operating leases

Operating leases

 3,104 5,914 2,809 199 12,026 

Operating leases

 3,076 5,814 2,711 199 11,800 

Inventory and related purchase obligations

Inventory and related purchase obligations

 3,645    3,645 

Inventory and related purchase obligations

 3,976    3,976 

Software Licenses

Software Licenses

 7,019 9,385 3,200  19,604 

Software Licenses

 7,059 9,425 3,200  19,684 
                       

Total

 $13,768 $40,299 $56,009 $199 $110,275 

Total

 $14,111 $40,239 $55,911 $199 $110,460 
                       

        As of DecemberMarch 31, 2009,2010, the 2014 Debentures, with a face value of $50.0 million, are outstanding. Additionally, we have $25.0 million in long-term debt under the Senior Term Loan. Payments with respect to the Senior Term Loan are interest only until the maturity date of October 29, 2011. Effective October 16, 2009, the Company entered into the an amendment of the Senior Term Loan to include 2.0% payment-in-kind interest ("PIK"), plus an additional 0.3% PIK interest for every $1.0 million above $15.0 million of the senior term loan that is not paid down by the Company for the period from


Table of Contents


October 17, 2009 until maturity or full payment of the note. As part of the debt restructuring transactions, the Company paid $5.0 million of the original $30.0 million principal balance of the Senior Term Loan. Subsequent to the $5.0 million prepayment-prepayment of the Senior Term Loan, the Company has the ability to reduce the rate of interest by 0.3% for every $1.0 million of additional principal prepayment. The Company is incurring PIK interest of 5.0% on the $25.0 million balance at the time of the amendment. Assuming no additional principal payments prior to the maturity of the note, the Company will have an additional obligation of $2.7 million to the holders of the Senior Term Loan. (See Note 4—3—Debt in the accompanying consolidated financial statements).

        We lease facilities under non-cancellable operating leases that expire through 2015. Approximate minimum rental commitments under all non-cancellable operating leases as of DecemberMarch 31, 2009,2010, are included in the table above.

        Inventory and related purchase obligations represent non-cancellable purchase commitments for wafers and substrate parts. Software license commitments represent non-cancellable licenses of intellectual property from third-parties used in the development of the Company's products.

        For purposes of the table above, obligations for the purchase of goods or services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms. Our purchase orders are based on our current manufacturing needs and are typically fulfilled by our vendors within a relatively short time horizon.time.

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily a result of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates.rates and is not material to our financial position. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Cash Equivalents and Investments

        Our cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these instruments. As of December 31, 2009, the carrying value of our cash and cash equivalents approximated fair value because of the ready market for the cash instruments.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

        We consider our direct exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations to be minimal. Currently, sales to customers and arrangements with third-party manufacturers provide for pricing and payment in United States dollars, and, therefore, are not subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Increases in the value of the United States' dollar relative to other currencies could make our products more expensive, which could negatively impact our ability to compete. Conversely, decreases in the value of the United States' dollar relative to other currencies could result in our suppliers raising their prices to continue doing business with us. The Company funds operations in international jurisdictions. All disbursements from these locations are made in the local currency of the foreign country. Fluctuations in the value of the United States' dollar relative to the currencies of these other countries could make the cost of operations in these other countries more expensive and negatively impact the Company's cash flows.

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        We evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of DecemberMarch 31, 2009,2010, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange


Table of Contents


Act. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of DecemberMarch 31, 20092010, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

        Management has identifiedeffective because of the following material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting:


Table of Contents

    Effective controls to ensure the accuracy, valuation and timeliness of the financial accounting process around inventory, including a lack of accuracy and basis for valuation resulting in adjustments to the amount of cost of revenues and the carrying amount of inventory.

        Due to the identified material weaknesses, management has also concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of DecemberMarch 31, 2009.2010.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Remediation of the Material Weaknesses

        During the quarter ended December 31, 2009, no other changes to our internal control over financial reporting were identified, that materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Based on the procedures performed as part of the Company's ongoing remediation of its financial controls, management has concluded that as of December 31, 2009, certain material weaknesses were remediated.

        During our first quarter of fiscal 2010 we continued our ongoing remediation of financial controls. We are investing in ongoing efforts to continuously improve the control environment and have committed considerable resources to the continuous improvement of the design, implementation, documentation, testing, and monitoring of our internal controls.

Remediation Plans

        Management, in coordination with the input, oversight and support of our Audit Committee, continues its ongoing efforts to strengthen our internal control over financial reporting and to address the material weaknesses described above. We are investing in ongoing efforts to continuously improve the control environment and have committed considerable resources to the continuous improvement of the design, implementation, documentation, testing, and monitoring of our internal controls. In addition to improving the effectiveness and compliance with key controls, our remediation efforts involve ongoing business and accounting process improvements and the implementation of key system enhancements. The process and system enhancements are generally designed to simplify and standardize business practices and to improve timeliness and access to associated accounting data through increased systems automation appropriate limitations around IT access as well as timely testing of controls throughout the fiscal year. While we expect remedial actions to be essentially implemented in fiscal 2010, some actions may not be in place for a sufficient period of time to help us certify that material weaknesses have been fully remediated as of the end of fiscal year 2010. We will continue to develop our remediation plans and implement additional measures during fiscal 2010 and possibly into fiscal 2011.


Table of Contents        For the period ended March 31, 2010, we have increased controls to limit access to key applications and data.

Inherent Limitation on the Effectiveness of Internal Controls

        The effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting is subject to inherent limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing, operating, and evaluating the controls and procedures, and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. Accordingly, any system of internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurances. In addition, 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. We intend to continue to monitor and upgrade our internal controls as necessary or appropriate for our business, but cannot assure you that such improvements will be sufficient to provide us with effective internal control over financial reporting.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        The information set forth under Note 8 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report, is incorporated herein by reference. For an additional discussion of certain risks associated with legal proceedings, see "Risk Factors" immediately below.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully considerThere have been no material changes to the risks described below before investingrisk factors disclosed in Part II, Item 1A of our securities. We have organized our risks intoQuarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the following categories:

    Risks Relating to Our Business;

    Risks Relating to our Current and Prior Financial Statements and Related Matters; and

    Risks Relating to Our Capital Structure

Risks Relating to Our Business

We have experienced losses from operations and we anticipate future losses from operations.

        For the three monthsperiod ended December 31, 2009, which updated the Company had a net loss of $33.9 million, primarily due to the loss on extinguishment of debt charge to record the loss in the debt exchange of $21.6 million. There can be no assurance that we will not have operating losses in future periods. Due to general economic conditions and slowdowns in purchases of networking equipment, it has become increasingly difficult for us to predict the purchasing activities of our customers. We expect that our operating results will fluctuate in the future; we anticipate future losses from operations. Future fluctuations in operating results may also be caused by a number ofrisk factors many of which are outside our control. During the past two fiscal years, our annual and quarterly total revenues, net income and cash flows have fluctuated significantly as a result of fluctuationsdisclosed in our sales and licensing of IP. Sales and licenses of our IP have very little associated incremental expense, which means that our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly depending upon the amount of sales and licenses of IP, if any, we realize in a quarter. Additional factors that could affect our future operating results include the following:

    The loss of major customers;

    Variations, delays or cancellations of orders and shipments of our products;

    Increased competition from current and future competitors;

    Reductions in the selling prices of our products;

    Significant changes in the type and mix of products being sold;

Table of Contents

    Delays in introducing new products;

    Design changes made by our customers;

    Failure by third-party foundries and other subcontractors to manufacture and ship productsAnnual Report on time;

    Changes in third-party foundries' and other subcontractors' manufacturing capacity, utilization of their capacity and manufacturing yields;

    Variations in product development costs;

    Changes in our or our customers' inventory levels;

    Expenses or operational disruptions resulting from acquisitions; and

    Sales or closures of discontinued operations.

        In order to achieve and sustain profitability, we must achieve a combination of substantial revenue growth and/or a reduction in operating expenses.

If we are unable to accurately predict our future sales and to appropriately budget for our expenses, our operating results could suffer.

        The rapidly changing nature of the markets in which we sell our products limit our ability to accurately forecast quarterly and annual sales. Additionally, because many of our expenses are fixed in the short-term or are incurred in advance of anticipated sales, we may not be able to decrease our expenses in a timely manner to offset any shortfall of sales.

Our operating results may be adversely impacted by worldwide political and economic uncertainties and specific conditions in the markets we address, including the cyclical nature of and volatility in the semiconductor industry. As a result, the market price of our common stock may decline.

        We operate primarily in the semiconductor industry, which is cyclical and subject to rapid change and evolving industry standards. From time to time, the semiconductor industry has experienced significant downturns. These downturns are characterized by decreases in product demand, excess customer inventories and accelerated erosion of prices. These factors could cause substantial fluctuations in our revenue and in our results of operations. Any downturns in the semiconductor industry may be severe and prolonged and any failure of the industry or wired and wireless communications markets to fully recover from downturns could seriously impact our revenue and harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. The semiconductor industry also periodically experiences increased demand and production capacity constraints, which may affect our ability to ship products. Accordingly, our operating results may vary significantly as a result of the general conditions in the semiconductor industry, which could cause large fluctuations in our stock price.

        Additionally, recently general worldwide economic conditions have experienced a significant downturn due to slower economic activity, an increase in bankruptcy filings, concerns about inflation and deflation, increased energy costs, decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business conditions and liquidity concerns in the wired and wireless communications markets, recent international conflicts and terrorist and military activity, and the impact of natural disasters and public health emergencies. These conditions make it extremely difficult for our customers, our vendors and us to accurately forecast and plan future business activities, and they could cause U.S. and foreign businesses to slow spending on our products and services, which would delay and lengthen sales cycles. We cannot predict the timing, strength or duration of any slowdown or subsequent recovery in the worldwide economy, the semiconductor industry or the wired and wireless communications markets. If the economy or markets in which we operate do not return to


Table of Contents


historical levels, our business, financial condition and results of operations will likely be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, the combination of our lengthy sales cycle coupled with challenging macroeconomic conditions could have a negative impact on the results of our operations.

The short life cycles of some of our products may leave us with obsolete or excess inventories, which could have an adverse impact on our operating profit and net income.

        The life cycles of some of our products depend heavily upon the life cycles of the end products for which our products are designed. Products with short life cycles require us to manage production and inventory levels closely. We cannot assure you that obsolete or excess inventories, which may result from unanticipated changes in the estimated total demand for our products and/or the estimated life cycles of the end products for which our products are designed, will not result in significant charges that will negatively affect our operating profit and net income.

We have limited control over the indirect channels of distribution we utilize, which makes it difficult to accurately forecast orders and could result in the loss of certain sales opportunities.

        Our revenues could be adversely affected if our relationships with resellers or distributors were to deteriorate or if the financial condition of these resellers or distributors were to decline. In addition, as our business grows, there may be an increased reliance on indirect channels of distribution. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in maintaining or expanding these indirect channels of distribution. This could result in the loss of certain sales opportunities. Furthermore, the reliance on indirect channels of distribution may reduce visibility with respect to future business, thereby, making it more difficult to accurately forecast orders.

Order or shipment cancellations or deferrals could cause our revenue to decline or fluctuate.

        We sell, and expect to continue selling, a significant number of products pursuant to purchase orders that customers may cancel or defer on short notice without incurring a significant penalty. Cancellations or deferrals could cause us to hold excess inventory, which could adversely affect our results of operations. If a customer cancels or defers product shipments or refuses to accept shipped products, we may incur unanticipated reductions or delays in recognizing revenue. If a customer does not pay for products in a timely manner, we could incur significant charges against income, which could materially and adversely affect our revenue and cash flows.

Our international sales and operations subject us to risks that could adversely affect our revenue and operating results.

        Sales to customers located outside the U.S. have historically accounted for a significant percentage of our revenue and we anticipate that such sales will continue to be a significant percentage of our revenue. International sales constituted 59% and 49% of our net revenue in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively, and 57%Form 10-K for the quarteryear ended December 31,September 30, 2009. Development and customer support operations located outside the U.S. have historically accounted for a significant percentage of our operating expenses and we anticipate that such operations will continue to be a significant percentage of our expenses. International sales and operations involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, including risks related to:

    Reliance on strategic alliance partners;

    Compliance with changing foreign regulatory requirements and tax laws;

    Difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;

    Reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;

Table of Contents

    Longer payment cycles to collect accounts receivable in some countries;

    Political and economic instability;

    Economic downturns in international markets;

    Currency risks;

    Changing restrictions imposed by U.S. export laws; and

    Competition from U.S.-based companies that have established significant international operations.

        Failure to successfully address these risks and uncertainties could adversely affect our international sales, which could in turn, have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

If we are unable to develop and introduce new products successfully or to achieve market acceptance of our new products, our revenues, and operating income will be adversely affected.

        Our future success will depend on our ability to develop new, high-performance ICs for existing and new markets, the cost-effective and timely introduction of such products, and our ability to convince leading communications equipment manufacturers to select these products. Our financial results in the past have been, and are expected in the future to continue to be, dependent on the introduction of a relatively small number of new products and the timely completion and delivery of those products to customers. The development of new ICs is highly complex, and from time to time, we have experienced delays in completing the development and introduction of new products. 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 define new products;

    Complete and introduce new products in a timely manner;

    Qualify and obtain industry interoperability certification of our products and our customers' products into which our products will be incorporated;

    Work with our wafer foundry, assembly, and probe and test subcontractors to achieve high manufacturing yields; and

    Gain market acceptance of our products and our customers' products.

        If we are not able to develop and introduce new products successfully, our revenues and operating income will be materially and adversely affected. In particular, our revenue growth and profitability could be impacted by substantial delays in introducing new products. Our success will also depend on the ability of our customers to successfully develop new products and enhance existing products for the carrier and enterprise networking and storage markets. These markets may not develop in the manner or in the time periods that our customers anticipate. If they do not, or if our customers' products do not gain widespread acceptance in these markets, our revenues and operating income may be materially and adversely affected.

Demand for our products may be negatively affected if our expectations regarding market demand for particular products are not accurate.

        Product introductions as well as future roadmap products are based on our expectations regarding market demand and direction. If our expectations regarding market demand and direction are incorrect, the rate of development or acceptance of our current and next-generation solutions do not


Table of Contents


meet market demand and customer expectation, the sales of our legacy or current carrier and enterprise networking and storage products decline more rapidly than we anticipate, or if the rate of decline continues to exceed the rate of growth of our new products, it could negatively affect demand for our products, consolidated revenues, and profitability.

We are dependent on a small number of customers in a few industries for a significant amount of net revenues. A decrease in sales to or the loss of, one or more significant customers could adversely impact our revenues and results of operations.

        We focus our sales efforts on a small number of customers in the carrier and enterprise networking and storage markets that require high-performance ICs and intend to continue doing so in the future. Some of these customers are also our competitors. If any of our major customers were to delay orders of our products or stop buying our products, our business and financial condition would be severely affected. Additionally, if any of our customers are impacted by consolidation, experience financial difficulty including filing for bankruptcy protection, or are impacted by adverse economic conditions that would delay networking infrastructure upgrades, build-outs or new installations, this could also result in increased competition for our products and downward pressure on the pricing for our products.

Defects, errors, or failures in our products could result in higher costs than we expect and could harm our reputation and adversely affect our revenues and level of customer satisfaction.

        Due to the highly complex nature of our products, on occasion an undetected defect, error, or failure may occur when one of our products is deployed in the field. The occurrence of defects, errors, or failures in our products could result in cancellation of orders, product returns, and the loss of, or delay in, market acceptance of our IC solutions. Our customers could, in turn, bring legal actions against us, resulting in the diversion of our resources, legal expenses and judgments, fines or other penalties, or losses. Any of these occurrences could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

We depend on third-party wafer foundries and other suppliers and subcontract manufacturers to manufacture substantially all of our current products and any delays in materials, packaging, or manufacturing capacity or failure to meet quality control requirements could have material adverse effects on our customer relationships, revenues, and cash flows.

        Wafer fabrication for our products is outsourced to third-party silicon wafer foundry subcontractors such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation ("TSMC"), Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, IBM, LSI Logic and United Microelectronics Corporation. As a result, we depend on third-party wafer foundries to allocate a portion of their manufacturing capacity sufficient to meet our needs and to produce products of acceptable quality in a timely manner. There are significant risks associated with our reliance on third-party foundries, including:

    Lack of assured wafer supply, the potential for wafer shortages, and possible increase in wafer prices;

    Limited control over delivery schedules, manufacturing yields, product costs, and product quality; and

    Unavailability of, or delays in, obtaining access to key process technologies.

        These and other risks associated with our reliance on third-party wafer foundries could materially and adversely affect our revenues, cash flows, and relationships with our customers. For example, the third-party foundries that manufacture our wafers have from time to time experienced manufacturing defects and reductions in manufacturing yields. In addition, disruptions and shortages in wafer foundry


Table of Contents

capacity may impair our ability to meet our customers' needs and negatively impact our operating results. Our third-party wafer foundries fabricate products for other companies and, in certain cases, manufacture products of their own design. Historically, there have been periods in which there has been a worldwide shortage of wafer foundry capacity for the production of high-performance integrated circuits such as ours. Instead of having long-term agreements with any of our third-party foundries, we instead subcontract our manufacturing requirements on a purchase order basis. As a result, it is possible that the capacity we will need in the future may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all.

        In addition to third-party wafer foundries, we also depend on third-party subcontractors in Asia and the United States for the assembly, wafer probe and package testing of our products. As with our wafer foundries, any difficulty in obtaining parts or services from these subcontractors could affect our ability to meet scheduled product deliveries to customers, which, could in turn, have a materially adverse effect on our customer relationships, revenues, and cash flows. These third-party subcontractors purchase materials used in the assembly process based on our forecast. In the event we fail to meet our obligations by placing purchase orders that are inconsistent with our forecast, we may be required to pay compensation for material forecasted, but not ordered. This may have an adverse effect on revenues, operating results, and cash flows.

        Finally, we are subject to occasional end-of-life ("EOL") notices on certain material and/or products. This may impact our ability to continue to support certain products, forcing us to EOL our products if we cannot obtain a replacement source of material. This may impact revenue and/or require us to incur additional costs to provide alternative sources for these materials.

If we do not achieve satisfactory manufacturing yields or quality, our business will be harmed because of increases in our business expenses.

        The fabrication of ICs is a highly-complex and technically-demanding process. Defects in designs, problems associated with transitions to newer manufacturing processes, and the inadvertent use of defective or contaminated materials can result in unacceptable manufacturing yields and performance. These problems are frequently difficult to detect in the early stages of the production process and can be time consuming and expensive to correct once detected. Even though we procure substantially all of our wafers from third-party foundries, we may be responsible for low yields when these wafers are tested against our quality control standards.

        In the past, we have experienced difficulties in achieving acceptable probe and/or final test yields on some of our products, particularly with new products, which frequently involve new manufacturing processes and smaller geometry features than previous generations. Maintaining high numbers of good die per wafer is critical to our operating results, as decreased yields can result in higher unit costs, shipment delays, and increased expenses associated with resolving yield problems. Because we also use estimated yields to value work-in-process inventory, yields below our estimates may require us to increase the value of inventory and related reserves reflected on our financial statements. In addition, defects in our existing or new products may require us to incur significant warranty, support and repair costs, and could divert the attention of our engineering personnel away from the development of new products. As a result, poor manufacturing yields, defects or other performance problems with our products could adversely affect our ability to provide competitively priced products.

We must attract and retain key employees in a highly competitive environment.

        Our success depends in part upon our ability to retain key employees. In some of the fields in which we operate, there are only a limited number of people in the job market who possess the requisite skills. We have experienced difficulty in hiring and retaining sufficient numbers of qualified engineers in parts of our business. The loss of services of any key personnel or the inability to hire new


Table of Contents


personnel with the requisite skills could restrict our ability to develop new products or enhance existing products in a timely matter, to sell products to customers, or to manage our business effectively.

We face significant emerging and existing competition and, therefore, may not be able to maintain our market share or may be negatively impacted by competitive pricing practices.

        The markets for our products are intensely competitive and subject to rapid technological advancement in design technology, wafer-manufacturing techniques, and alternative networking technologies. We must identify and capture future market opportunities to offset the rapid price erosion that characterizes our industry. We may not be able to develop new products at competitive pricing and performance levels. Even if we are able to do so, we may not complete a new product and introduce it to market in a timely manner.

        We typically face competition at the design stage, where customers evaluate alternative design approaches that require ICs. Our competitors have increasingly frequent opportunities to supplant our products in next-generation systems because of shortened product life and design cycles in many of our customers' products.

        Competition is particularly strong in the market for communications ICs, in part, due to the market's historical growth rate, which attracts larger competitors, and in part, to the number of smaller companies focused on this area. Larger competitors in our market have acquired both mature and early stage companies with advanced technologies. These acquisitions could enhance the ability of larger competitors to obtain new business that we might have otherwise won.

        Our customers may substitute use of our products in their next-generation equipment with those of current or future competitors. In the communications market, which includes our Carrier and Enterprise Network markets, our competitors include Applied Micro Circuits Corporation, Broadcom Corporation, Marvell Technology Group Ltd., Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Mindspeed Technologies, Inc., and PMC-Sierra, Inc. Over the next few years, we expect additional competitors, some of which may have greater financial and other resources, to enter the market with new products. In addition, we are aware of smaller privately-held companies that focus on specific portions of our range of products. These companies, individually and collectively, represent future competition during the design stage and in subsequent product sales.

We must keep pace with rapid technological change and evolving industry standards in order to grow our revenues and our business.

        We sell products in markets that are characterized by rapid changes in both product and process technologies, including evolving industry standards, frequent new product introductions, short product life cycles, and increasing demand for higher-levels of integration and smaller process geometries. We believe that our success, to a large extent, depends on our ability to adapt to these changes, to continue to improve our product technologies, and to develop new products and technologies to maintain our competitive position. Our failure to accomplish any of the above could have a negative impact on our business and financial results. If new industry standards emerge, our products or our customers' products could become unmarketable or obsolete, and we could lose market share. We may also have to incur substantial unanticipated costs to comply with these new standards.

        Development costs for new product technologies continue to increase. We may incur substantially higher R&D costs for next-generation products, as these products are typically more complex and must be implemented in more advanced wafer fabrication processes and assembly technologies.


Table of Contents

Our business is subject to environmental regulations that could increase our operating expenses.

        We are subject to a variety of federal, state, and local environmental regulations relating to the use, storage, discharge, and disposal of toxic, volatile, and other hazardous chemicals used in our designing and manufacturing processes. In some circumstances, these regulations may require us to fund remedial action regardless of fault. Consequently, it is often difficult to estimate the future impact of environmental matters, including the potential liabilities associated with chemicals used in our designing and manufacturing processes. If we fail to comply with these regulations, we could be subject to fines or be required to suspend or cease our operations. In addition, these regulations may restrict our ability to expand operations at our present locations in the United States and worldwide or require us to incur significant compliance-related expenses.

If we are not successful in protecting our intellectual property rights, it may harm our ability to compete or maintain market share.

        We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret protections, as well as confidentiality agreements and other methods, to protect our proprietary technologies and processes. For example, we enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, and business partners, and control access to and distribution of our proprietary information. As of December 31, 2009, we had 87 U.S. patents and 17 foreign patents for various aspects of design and process innovations and have a number of pending U.S. and foreign patent applications.

        However, despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property, we cannot assure you that:

    Steps we take to prevent misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual property will be successful;

    Any existing or future patents will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented;

    Any pending patent applications or future applications will be approved;

    Others will not independently develop similar products or processes to ours or design around our patents; or

    Any of the measures described above will provide meaningful protection.

        A failure by us to meaningfully protect our intellectual property could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results, and ability to compete, including maintaining our competitive position in the market. In addition, effective patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain countries. We have begun to find opportunities to license our intellectual property. While this may provide a substantial business opportunity for us, it may also increase the potential for others to misappropriate or infringe upon our intellectual property.

We may be subject to claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights or demands that we license third-party technology, which could result in significant expense and loss of our proprietary rights.

        The semiconductor industry is characterized by vigorous protection and pursuit of intellectual property rights. As is common in the industry, from time to time, third parties have asserted patent, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property rights to technologies that are important to our business and have demanded that we license their patents and technology. To date, none of these claims has resulted in the commencement of any litigation against us, nor have we believed that it is necessary to license any of the rights referred to in such claims. We expect, however, that we will continue to receive such claims in the future, and any litigation to determine their validity, regardless of their merit or resolution, could be costly and divert the efforts and attention of our management and technical personnel. We have begun to find opportunities to license our intellectual property. While this


Table of Contents


may provide a substantial business opportunity for the Company, it may also increase the potential for others to initiate claims against us. We cannot assure that we would prevail in such disputes given the complex technical issues and inherent uncertainties in intellectual property litigation. If such litigation were to result in an adverse ruling we could be required to:

    Pay substantial damages;

    Discontinue the use of infringing technology, including ceasing the manufacture, use or sale of infringing products;

    Expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology; or

    License technology from the party claiming infringement, which license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms.

Risks Relating to our Current and Prior Financial Statements and Related Matters

Since 2006, we have had material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and cannot provide assurance that additional material weaknesses will not be identified in the future. If our internal control over financial reporting or disclosure control and procedures are not effective, there may be errors in our financial statements that could require a restatement or our filings may not be timely and investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could lead to a decline in our stock price.

        Commencing in mid-2006, in order to rectify identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, the Company began: (i) hiring more experienced and senior finance and legal personnel; (ii) developing additional financial policies and procedures; (iii) establishing processes and procedures to increase communications between the financial reporting, accounting functions and senior management; and (iv) instituting a formal Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and whistle-blower policy.

        In addition, the Company has implemented, or is currently implementing the following:

    Engagement of third-party administrator for share-based compensation;

    Enhancement of corporate governance and oversight;

    Development and implementation of several new policies and procedures to address key weaknesses; and

    Development of specific accounting and finance policies and standardized processes in all critical accounting areas.

        While we are committed to the changes made to our internal control over financial reporting, and believe we have made progress towards resolving our material weaknesses, until sufficient time has passed as to evaluate the effectiveness of the modifications of our internal control over financial reporting, we cannot assure you that there will not be errors in our financial statements that could require a restatement or delay in filings, and as a result investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could lead to a decline in our stock price.

        In fact, management's most recent evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting identified material weaknesses resulting from design and operating deficiencies in the internal control system, including that we did not maintain: (i) sufficient controls in information systems limiting access to key applications and data; and (ii) effective controls over inventory, including lack of accuracy and basis for valuation resulting in adjustments to the amount of cost of revenues and the carrying amount of inventory. Management is committed to remediating these material weaknesses.


Table of Contents

Risks Relating to our Capital Structure

Our shareholders holding shares purchased prior to October 30, 2009 will experience significant dilution in connection with the conversion of our Series B Preferred Stock and our 8.0% Convertible Second Lien Debentures Due 2014.

        We currently have approximately 403.0 million shares of common stock outstanding. In connection with the October 30, 2009 debt restructuring transaction we issued approximately 771,000 shares of our Series B Preferred Stock that are convertible into an aggregate of approximately 77.1 million shares of our common stock. In addition, full conversion of the currently outstanding principal amount of the 2014 Notes would result in the issuance of approximately 222.2 million shares of common stock. The holders of the 2014 Notes have the right to receive a maximum of approximately 125 million additional shares of common stock upon conversion in connection with certain change of control events, depending upon the timing of the change of control event and the trading price of our common stock at the time of such change of control event. The conversion of our shares of Series B Preferred Stock and the conversion of our 2014 Notes could have a significant dilutive impact on the ownership rights of our shareholders.

The market price for our common stock has been volatile due, in part, to our delisting from the NASDAQ National Market in June 2006 and future volatility could cause the value of investments in our Company to fluctuate.

        As a result of our failure to comply fully with our reporting requirements under the Exchange Act, our common stock has been delisted from the NASDAQ National Market. We currently are quoted under the symbol VTSS.PK on the Pink Sheets, an electronic quotation service for securities traded over-the-counter. As a result, there may be significantly less liquidity in the market for our common stock. In addition, our ability to raise additional capital through equity financing, and attract and retain personnel by means of equity compensation, may be impaired. Furthermore, we may experience decreases in institutional and other investor demand, analyst coverage, market-making activity, and information available concerning trading prices and volume, and fewer broker-dealers may be willing to execute trades with respect to our common stock. The delisting has decreased the attractiveness of our common stock and caused the trading volume of our common stock to decline significantly, which has resulted in a significant decline in the market price of our common stock.

        We intend to seek to be relisted on a securities exchange in the future. There can be no assurance whether we will satisfy the standards for listing on an exchange or that an exchange will approve our listing. Nor can there be any assurance, at this time, when a relisting would occur. Continuing to be quoted only on Pink Sheets could result in continued volatility in the trading price of our common stock and could cause its value to fluctuate.

The former holders of our convertible subordinated debentures due 2024 continue to have significant influence over us and could act in a manner with which other stockholders may disagree or that is not necessarily in the interests of other stockholders.

        On October 30, 2009, the holders of the our 2024 Debentures exchanged their 2024 Debentures for shares of our common stock and in some cases shares of Series B Preferred Stock as well as the 2014 Debentures. As a result, as of December 31, 2009 these holders owned approximately 42.8% of our outstanding common stock and all of our Series B Preferred Stock. Even though these former debenture owners own less than a majority of our outstanding common stock, they have significant influence over all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. For as long as these former holders of the 2024 Debentures also own the 2014 Debentures, they may have interests that are different from those of other stockholders who do not simultaneously own 2014 Debentures. For


Table of Contents


example, these former holders of the 2024 Debentures they may support proposals and actions with which other stockholders may disagree or which are not in their interests. In addition, their combined ownership of common stock, Series B Preferred Stock and 2014 Debentures could motivate them to support a sale of the Company at a price that is not attractive to many of our shareholders. Furthermore, the concentration of ownership could delay or prevent a change in control of us or otherwise discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could reduce the price of our common stock.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that could discourage a third party from acquiring us and consequently decrease the market value of an investment in our common stock.

        Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware corporate law each contain provisions that could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of our company or changes in our management. Among other things, these provisions:

    authorize us to issue preferred stock that can be created and issued by the board of directors without prior stockholder approval, with rights senior to those of our common stock;

    allow our directors to amend our bylaws.

        These provisions could discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for our stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions, which may prevent a change of control or changes in our management that a stockholder might consider favorable. In addition, Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of us. Any delay or prevention of a change in control or change in management that stockholders might otherwise consider to be favorable could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY AND USE OF PROCEEDS

        None.


Table of Contents


ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

        None.

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE BY SHAREHOLDERSRESERVED

        On January 7, 2010, Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation (the "Company") held a Special Meeting of Stockholders (the "Special Meeting"). At the close of business on the November 10, 2009 record date, 403,841,802 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote. At the Special Meeting, 361,675,786 or 89.56% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote were represented by proxy or in person. The following proposals were voted upon and approved by the stockholders.

        Proposal 1—Increase the number of authorized shares of the Company's common stock from 500,000,000 to 5,000,000,000

Votes For Votes
Withheld
 Abstentions Broker
Non-Votes

239,706,829

 10,525,814 687,304 110,755,839

Table of Contents

    Proposal 2—Approval of Reverse Stock Split

Votes For Votes
Withheld
 Abstentions Broker Non-Votes

336,543,106

 23,768,254 1,364,426 

ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION

        None.


Table of Contents

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

 2.13.1* Purchase and Sale Letter Agreement, dated October 29, 2007 between the Company and Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed August 29, 2007).


3.1


Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2000 filed May 5, 2000).

 

3.2


Bylaws. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's current report on Form 8-K filed on December 2, 2004).


4.1


Specimen of Registrant's Common Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File no. 33-43548), effective December 10, 1991 filed October 25, 1991).


4.2


Warrant Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 25, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed January 31, 2007).


4.3


Certificate of Designation with respect to Series B Participating Convertible Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Form 8-K filed October 30, 2009).


4.4


Indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, dated as of October 30, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed October 30, 2009).


4.5


Form of 8.0% Convertible Second Lien Debentures Due 2014 (included in Exhibit 4.4)


4.6


Guaranty, dated October 30, 2009, executed by Vitesse Manufacturing & Development Corporation and Vitesse Semiconductor Sales Corporation in favor of U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, under the Indenture dated September 22, 2004, governing the Company's 8.0% Convertible Second Lien Debentures Due 2014


10.1

10.1*

Change in Control
Resignation and Separation Agreement and General Release of Claims between the Company and Michael Green dated February 25, 2009. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K filed February 26, 2009).5, 2010.

 

10.2

10.2*

Employment Agreement between the Company and Richard Yonker dated February 20, 2009. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed February 26, 2009).

 

10.3


Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Christopher Gardner dated February 25, 2009. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed February 26, 2009).

Table of Contents

12, 2010.
 10.431.1*Letter Agreement, dated October 26, 2007 between the Company and Dr. Martin C. Nuss (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed November 20, 2007).


10.5


Form of Indemnity Agreement between the directors and the Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed August 22, 2007).


10.6


Loan Agreement, dated August 23, 2007 between the Company and Whitebox VSC, Ltd. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K filed August 29, 2007).


10.7


First Amendment to Loan Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2009, among Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation, the Lenders named therein and Whitebox VSC Ltd., as agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 8-K filed October 20, 2009).


10.8


Term Note, dated October 29, 2007 between the Company and Whitebox VSC, Ltd. for $30 million. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed October 31, 2007).


10.9


Debt Conversion Agreement, dated October 16, 2009, by and among the Company and AQR Absolute Return Master Account, L.P., Aristeia Master, L.P., Aristeia Partners, L.P., CNH Master Account,  L.P., Linden Capital L.P., Whitebox Advisors, LLC, Tonga Partners, L.P., Tonga Partners QP, L.P., Anegada Master Fund, LTD., Cuttyhunk Master Portfolio and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed October 20, 2009).


10.10


Form of Lock-Up Agreement, dated October 16, 2009, by and among the Company and the beneficial owners of 1.5% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2024 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Form 8-K filed October 20, 2009).


10.11


Intellectual Property, Assignment and License Agreement, dated October 29, 2007 between the Company and Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed October 31, 2007).


10.12


Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2009, between the Company and a third-party purchaser (portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed August 10, 2009).


10.13


Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Incentive Plan as of September 4, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed January 28, 2010).


10.14


Form of Notice of Grant of Stock Options and Option Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed January 28, 2010).


10.15


Form of Notice of Grant of Restricted Stock Units and RSU Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Form 10-K/A filed January 28, 2010).


10.16

*†

Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation Fiscal Year 2010 Executive Bonus Plan, dated as of January 7, 2010 (portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment).


31.1

*

Rule13a-14(a)/302 SOX Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

 

31.231.2*

*

Rule13a-14(a)/302 SOX Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

 

32.132.1*

*

Section 1350 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

*
Filed herewith.

Executive Compensation Plan or Agreement

Table of Contents


Executive Compensation Plan or AgreementSIGNATURESIGNATURES

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

February 9,May 17, 2010

 VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION



 


By:


 


/s/ CHRISTOPHER R. GARDNER


Christopher R. Gardner
Chief Executive Officer


February 9,May 17, 2010


 


VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION



 


By:


 


/s/ RICHARD C. YONKER


Richard C. Yonker
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)