form10k.htm


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

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008
or

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File Number 0-22175

 


EMCORE Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New Jersey
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
22-2746503
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
10420 Research Road, SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
(Address of principal executive offices)
87123
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (505) 332-5000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class:
Common Stock, No Par Value
Name of each exchange on which registered:
NASDAQ

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   ¨Yes    xNo

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.   ¨Yes    xNo

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.   xYes    o No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):      o Large accelerated filer    x Accelerated filer     o Non-accelerated filer
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  ¨Yes  xNo

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2008 (the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $388.5 million, based on the closing sale price of $5.76 per share of common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Market.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s no par value common stock as of December 29, 2008 was 77,791,229.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

In accordance with General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, certain information required by Part III hereof will either be incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant's 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed within 120 days of September 30, 2008 or will be included in an amendment to this Form 10-K filed within 120 days of September 30, 2008.
 




EMCORE Corporation
FORM 10-K
For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS


     
PAGE
       
       
Part I
     
 
Item 1.
3
 
Item 1A.
16
 
Item 1B.
41
 
Item 2.
41
 
Item 3.
42
 
Item 4.
43
       
Part II
     
 
Item 5.
44
 
Item 6.
47
 
Item 7.
50
 
Item 7A.
70
 
Item 8.
71
       
   
71
   
72
   
73
   
74
   
76
   
106
       
 
Item 9.
107
 
Item 9A.
107
 
Item 9B.
110
       
Part III
     
 
Item 10.
110
 
Item 11.
110
 
Item 12.
110
 
Item 13.
110
 
Item 14.
110
       
Part IV
     
 
Item 15.
111
       
   
114
 

PART I

Business


Company Overview

EMCORE Corporation (the “Company”, “we”, or “EMCORE”) is a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber optic, satellite and terrestrial solar power markets.  We were established in 1984 as a New Jersey corporation. We have two reporting segments: Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics.  EMCORE's Fiber Optics segment offers optical components, subsystems and systems that enable the transmission of video, voice and data over high-capacity fiber optic cables for high-speed data and telecommunications, cable television (“CATV”) and fiber-to-the-premises (“FTTP”) networks.  EMCORE's Photovoltaics segment provides solar products for satellite and terrestrial applications. For satellite applications, EMCORE offers high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based gallium arsenide (“GaAs”) solar cells, covered interconnect cells (“CICs”) and fully integrated solar panels.  For terrestrial applications, EMCORE offers concentrating photovoltaic (“CPV”) systems for utility scale solar applications as well as offering its high-efficiency GaAs solar cells and CPV components for use in solar power concentrator systems.  For specific information about our Company, our products or the markets we serve, please visit our website at http://www.emcore.com.

EMCORE is subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We file periodic reports, current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  The SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains all of our information that has been filed electronically. Our annual reports are available on our website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.  The information on EMCORE’s website is not incorporated by reference into and is not made a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or a part of any other report or filing with the SEC.

Industry Overview

Compound semiconductor-based products provide the foundation of components, subsystems and systems used in a broad range of technology markets, including broadband, datacom, telecom and satellite communication equipment and networks, advanced computing technologies and satellite and terrestrial solar power generation systems.  Compound semiconductor materials are capable of providing electrical or electro-optical functions, such as emitting optical communications signals, detecting optical communications signals, and converting sunlight into electricity.

Our Markets

Collectively, our products serve the telecommunications, datacom, cable television, fiber-to-the-premises, high-performance computing, defense and homeland security, and satellite and terrestrial solar power markets.  

Fiber Optics

Our fiber optics products enable information that is encoded on light signals to be transmitted, routed (switched) and received in communication systems and networks.  Our Fiber Optics segment primarily offers the following product lines:

Telecom Optical Products – We believe we are a leading supplier of 10 gigabit per second (Gb/s) fully C-band and L-band tunable dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) and coarse wavelength division multiplexed (CWDM) products for the next generation tele-communications systems. We are one of the few suppliers who offer vertically-integrated products, including external-cavity laser modules, integrated tunable laser assemblies (ITLAs) and 300-pin transponders. The laser module operates at a continuous wave mode, and is capable for applications of 10, 40, and 100 Gb/s due to the superior narrow linewidth characteristics. The ITLA and transponder products are fully Telcordia® qualified and comply with multi-source agreements (MSAs). We also offer a range of XFP platform OC-192 products for telecom applications. We supply to most major telecom equipment companies worldwide.
 
Enterprise Datacom Products – We believe we provide leading-edge optical components and transceiver modules for data applications that enable switch-to-switch, router-to-router and server-to-server backbone connections at aggregate speeds of 10 Gb/s and above. We offer the broadest range of products with XENPAK form factor which comply with 10 Gb/s Ethernet (10-GE) IEEE802.3ae standard. Our 10-GE products include short-reach (SR), long-reach (LR), extended-reach (ER), coarse WDM LX4 optical transceivers to connect between the photonic physical layer and the electrical section layer and CX4 transceivers.  In addition to the 10-GE products, EMCORE offers traditional  MSA Gigabit Ethernet (GE) 1310-nm small form factor (SFF) and small form factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceivers.  These transceivers also provide integrated duplex data links for bi-directional communication over single mode optical fiber providing high-speed Gigabit Ethernet data links operating at 1.25Gbps.
 
 
Laser/photodetector Component Products - We believe we are a leading provider of optical components including lasers, photodetectors and various forms of packaged subassemblies. Products include chip, TO, and TOSA forms of high-speed 850nm vertical cavity VCSELs, distributed feedback Bragg (DFB) lasers, positive-intrinsic-negative (pin) and avalanche photodiode (APD) components for 2G, 8G and 10G Fibre Channel, Ethernet and 10 GE, FTTP, and Telecom applications.  While we provide the component products to the entire industry, we also enjoy the benefits of vertically-integrated infrastructure through a low-cost and early availability of new product introduction.
 
 
Parallel Optical Transceiver and Cable Products – EMCORE has been the technology and product leader of optical transmitter and receiver products utilizing arrays of optical emitting or detection devices, e.g., vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and photodetectors (PDs). These optical transmitter, receiver, and transceiver products are used for back-plane interconnects, switching/routing between telecom racks and high-performance computing clusters. EMCORE’s products include 12-lane SNAP-12 MSA transmitter and receivers with single, double, and quadruple data rates and 4-lane optical media converters with single and double data rates. Based on the core competency of 4-lane parallel optical transceivers, we offer optical fiber ribbon cables with embedded parallel-optical transceivers within the connectors, EMCORE Connects Cables (ECC). These products, with aggregated bandwidth between 10-40 Gb/s, are ideally suited for high-performance computing clusters. Our products provide our customers with increased network capacity; increased data transmission distance and speeds; increased bandwidth; lower power consumption; improved cable management over copper interconnects; and lower cost optical interconnections for massively parallel multi-processors.
 
 

Fiber Channel Transceiver Products - EMCORE offers tri-rate SFF and SFP optical transceivers for storage area networks. The MSA transceiver module is designed for high-speed Fibre Channel data links supporting up to 4.25 Gb/s (4X Fibre Channel rate). The products provide integrated duplex data links for bi-directional communication over Multimode optical fiber.

 Cable Television (CATV) Products - We are a market leader in providing radio frequency (RF) over fiber products for the CATV industry.  Our products are used in hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) networks that enable cable service operators to offer multiple advanced services to meet the expanding demand for high-speed Internet, on-demand and interactive video and other advanced services, such as high-definition television (HDTV) and voice over IP (VoIP).  Our CATV products include forward and return-path analog and digital lasers, photodetectors and subassembly components, broadcast analog and digital fiber-optic transmitters and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) transmitters and receivers.  Our products provide our customers with increased capacity to offer more cable services; increased data transmission distance, speed and bandwidth; lower noise video receive; and lower power consumption.
 

 Fiber-To-The-Premises (FTTP) Products - Telecommunications companies are increasingly extending their optical infrastructure to their customers’ location in order to deliver higher bandwidth services. We have developed customer qualified FTTP components and subsystem products to support plans by telephone companies to offer voice, video and data services through the deployment of new fiber optics-based access networks.  Our FTTP products include passive optical network (PON) transceivers, analog fiber optic transmitters for video overlay and high-power erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA), analog and digital lasers, photodetectors and subassembly components, analog video receivers and multi-dwelling unit (MDU) video receivers.  Our products provide our customers with higher performance for analog and digital characteristics; integrated infrastructure to support competitive costs; and additional support for multiple standards.
 

 Satellite Communications (Satcom) Products - We believe we are a leading provider of optical components and systems for use in equipment that provides high-performance optical data links for the terrestrial portion of satellite communications networks. Our products include transmitters, receivers, subsystems and systems that transport wideband radio frequency and microwave signals between satellite hub equipment and antenna dishes.  Our products provide our customers with increased bandwidth and lower power consumption.
 

Video Transport - Our video transport product line offers solutions for broadcasting, transportation, IP television (IPTV), mobile video and security & surveillance applications over private and public networks. EMCORE’s video, audio, data and RF transmission systems serve both analog and digital requirements, providing cost-effective, flexible solutions geared for network reconstruction and expansion.
 
 

Defense and Homeland Security - - Leveraging our expertise in RF module design and high-speed parallel optics, we provide a suite of ruggedized products that meet the reliability and durability requirements of the U.S. Government and defense markets.  Our specialty defense products include fiber optic gyro components used in precision guided munitions, ruggedized parallel optic transmitters and receivers, high-frequency RF fiber optic link components for towed decoy systems, optical delay lines for radar systems, EDFAs, terahertz spectroscopy systems and other products.  Our products provide our customers with high frequency and dynamic range; compact form-factor; and extreme temperature, shock and vibration tolerance.
 
 
 
Photovoltaics

We believe our high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based multi-junction solar cell products provide our customers with compelling cost and performance advantages over traditional silicon-based solutions.  These advantages include higher solar cell efficiency allowing for greater conversion of light into electricity as well as a  superior ability to withstand extreme heat and radiation environments. These advantages enable a reduction in a customer’s solar product footprint by providing more power output with less solar cells, which is an enhanced benefit when our product is used in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems.  Our Photovoltaics segment primarily targets the following markets:

 
·
Satellite Solar Power Generation - We believe we are a leader in providing solar power generation solutions to the global communications satellite industry and U.S. government space programs.  A satellite’s operational success and corresponding revenue depend on its available power and its capacity to transmit data. We provide advanced compound semiconductor-based solar cells and solar panel products, which are more resistant to radiation levels in space and generate substantially more power from sunlight than silicon-based solutions.  Space power systems using our multi-junction solar cells weigh less per unit of power than traditional silicon-based solar cells. Our products provide our customers with higher conversion efficiency for reduced solar array size and launch costs, higher radiation tolerance, and longer lifetime in harsh space environments.

We design and manufacture multi-junction compound semiconductor-based solar cells for both commercial and military satellite applications. We currently manufacture and sell one of the most efficient and reliable, radiation resistant advanced triple-junction solar cells in the world, with an average "beginning of life" efficiency of 28.5%.  EMCORE is in the final stages of qualifying the next generation high efficiency multi-junction solar cell platform for space applications which will have an average conversion efficiency of 30%, providing our customers with expanded capability.

Additionally, we are developing an entirely new class of advanced multi-junction solar cell with even higher conversion efficiency.  This new architecture, called inverted metamorphic (IMM), is being developed in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the US Air Force Research Laboratory and to date has demonstrated conversion efficiency exceeding 33% on an R&D scale.  We believe EMCORE is also the only manufacturer to supply true monolithic bypass diodes for shadow protection by utilizing several EMCORE patented methods.

EMCORE also provides covered interconnect cells (CICs) and solar panel lay-down services, giving us the capability to manufacture fully integrated solar panels for space applications. We can provide satellite manufacturers with proven integrated satellite power solutions that significantly improve satellite economics. Satellite manufacturers and solar array integrators rely on EMCORE to meet their satellite power needs with our proven flight heritage. The pictures below represent a solar cell and solar panel used for satellite space power applications.

 


 
 
·
Terrestrial Solar Power Generation - Solar power generation systems utilize photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight to electricity and have been used in space programs and, to a lesser extent, in terrestrial applications for several decades.  The market for terrestrial solar power generation solutions has grown significantly as solar power generation technologies improve in efficiency, as global prices for non-renewable energy sources (i.e., fossil fuels) continue to rise over the long term, and as concern has increased regarding the effect of carbon emissions on global warming. Terrestrial solar power generation has emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding renewable energy sources due to certain advantages solar power has when compared to other energy sources, including reduced environmental impact, elimination of fuel price risk, installation flexibility, scalability, distributed power generation (i.e., electric power is generated at the point of use rather than transmitted from a central station to the user), and reliability. The rapid increase in demand for solar power has created a growing need for highly efficient, reliable and cost-effective concentrating solar power systems.

EMCORE has adapted its high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based multi-junction solar cell products for terrestrial applications, which are intended for use with concentrator photovoltaic (CPV)  systems in utility-scale installations. EMCORE has attained 39% peak conversion efficiency under 1000x illumination on its terrestrial concentrating solar cell products in volume production. This compares favorably to average efficiency of 15-21% of silicon-based solar cells and approximately 35% for competing multi-junction cells. We believe that solar concentrator systems assembled using our compound semiconductor-based solar cells will be competitive with silicon-based solar power generation systems, in certain geographic regions, because they are more efficient and, when combined with the advantages of concentration, we believe will result in a lower cost of power generated.  Our multi-junction solar cell technology is not subject to silicon shortages, which have led to increasing prices in the raw materials required for silicon-based solar cells.  EMCORE currently serves the terrestrial solar market with two levels of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) products: components (including solar cells and solar cell receivers) and CPV power systems, as shown in the pictures below:

 
 
 

While the terrestrial power generation market is still developing, we are currently shipping production orders of CPV components to several solar concentrator companies, and providing samples to many others, including major system manufacturers in the United States, Europe, and Asia.  We have finished installations of a total of approximately 1 megawatt (MW) CPV systems in Spain, China, and US with our own Gen-II design (as shown in the picture above). EMCORE has recently responded to several RFPs from public utility companies in the US for a total of several hundred MWs using its Gen-III design. The Gen-III product, with enhanced performance (including a module efficiency of approximately 30%) and much improved cost structure, is scheduled to be in volume production by the second half of calendar 2009.
 
In July 2008, we announced our solar cell technology which provides a platform for EMCORE’s next generation photovoltaic products for space and terrestrial solar power applications. Solar cells built using Inverted Metamorphic (“IMM”) technology recently achieved world record conversion efficiency of 33% when used in space, and it is anticipated that efficiency levels in the 42%-45% range will be achieved when adapted for use under the 500-1500X concentrated illumination, typical in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. Once commercialized, the CPV systems that are powered with EMCORE’s IMM-based solar cells will realize an approximately 10% to 20% reduction in the cost of power generated. EMCORE expects to begin commercializing this technology for both space and terrestrial applications in 2009. Due to its unique design, the IMM cell is approximately one fifteenth the thickness of the conventional multi-junction solar cell and will enable a new class of extremely lightweight, high-efficiency, and flexible solar arrays for space applications. Furthermore, this technology can be readily integrated into EMCORE’s complete line of CPV receiver products and provide increased energy conversion efficiency in CPV power systems.


EMCORE’s Strategy

After completing several strategic acquisitions and divestures over the past few years, EMCORE has developed a strong business focus and comprehensive product portfolio in two main sectors: Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics.  Our principal objective is to maximize shareholder value by leveraging our expertise in advanced compound semiconductor technologies to be a leading provider of high-performance, cost-effective product solutions in each of the markets that we serve.  Key elements of our strategy include:

Drive Business Growth, Reduce Cost, and Deliver Profitability.
With our enhanced product portfolio, expanded customer base, and established vertically-integrated, low-cost manufacturing infrastructure in our fiber optics business, we are better positioned than ever to leverage our resources and infrastructure to grow our revenue through new product introductions and gain market share. Several initiatives for cost reduction will come to fruition in fiscal 2009, which should improve our gross profit and margins.  The Company has also significantly reduced capital expenditures and has placed a greater emphasis on improving its working capital management. While we enjoy the moderate growth and greater visibility in our satellite photovoltaics business, we recognize the need of further investment in our CPV business to develop a more cost competitive design. It is the commitment of management to deliver overall profitability once the Gen-III product is deployed.

Focus Our R&D Effort on Cost Reduction and Market Share Gain..
EMCORE has invested substantially in research and development and product engineering over the past years. We have developed a clear path towards business growth and are recognized as a technology leader in both our Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics segments.  In fiscal 2009, we will be focusing our R&D and product engineering efforts on product cost reduction and market share gain through more complete product solutions for our customers.

Grow Our Terrestrial Solar Power Business by Focused Effort and Strategic Partnership.
For our CPV component business, we will continue to secure and expand our leadership position by providing high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective products and excellent customer service. For our CPV system business, our business development focus will be in the U.S. market primarily due to the extension of the investment tax credit (ITC) and other favorable policies for renewable energy in the U.S. Our Gen-III CPV system solution should provide a competitive levelized cost of energy for utility scale projects in certain regions. We will continue to develop and expand strategic partnerships with major international companies to drive our business penetration and expansion into the international markets. We expect a substantial ramp of our CPV business to occur in the second half of 2009.

Pursue Strategic Acquisitions and Partnership Opportunities.
We are committed to the ongoing evaluation of strategic opportunities that can expand our addressable markets and strengthen our competitive position. Where appropriate, we will acquire additional products, technologies, or businesses that are complementary to, or that broaden the markets in which we operate. We plan to pursue strategic acquisitions and partnerships to increase revenue which will allow for higher overhead absorption and improved gross margins.
 
On August 28, 2008, EMCORE entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with a subsidiary of an international conglomerate headquartered in South Korea, outlining the terms pursuant to which the parties would cooperate with respect to bidding on CPV and other photovoltaic projects in North America, Europe and the Middle East.  The Memorandum also described other possible areas of cooperation, including supply chain management and the possible establishment of a manufacturing joint venture.
 
Recent acquisitions include:

 
·
On February 22, 2008, EMCORE acquired telecom-related assets of Intel Corporation’s Optical Platform Division (“OPD”) that included inventory, fixed assets, intellectual property, and technology comprised of tunable lasers, tunable transponders, 300-pin transponders, and integrated tunable laser assemblies.

 
·
On April 20, 2008, EMCORE acquired the enterprise and storage-related assets of Intel Corporation’s OPD business, as well as Intel’s Connects Cables business.  The assets acquired include inventory, fixed assets, intellectual property, and technology relating to optical transceivers for enterprise and storage customers, as well as optical cable interconnects for high-performance computing clusters.

Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 7 and Financial Statements and Supplemental Data under Item 8 for further discussion of these transactions.


Restructuring Programs

EMCORE is committed to achieving profitability by increasing revenue through the introduction of new products, reducing our cost structure and lowering the breakeven points of our product lines.  We have significantly streamlined our manufacturing operations by focusing on core competencies to identify cost efficiencies. Where appropriate, we transferred the manufacturing of certain product lines to low-cost contract manufacturers or our own manufacturing facility in China whenever such transfer can lower costs while maintaining quality and reliability.

EMCORE’s restructuring programs are designed to further reduce the number of our manufacturing facilities, in addition to the divesture or exit from selected businesses and product lines that are not strategic or are not capable of achieving desired revenue or profitability goals.  In addition, we will continue to drive operational efficiency and reduce overhead costs.

Our results of operations and financial condition have and will continue to be significantly affected by severance, restructuring charges, impairment of long-lived assets and idle facility expenses incurred during facility closing activities.  Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 7 and Financial Statements and Supplemental Data under Item 8 for further discussion of these items.


Government Research Contract Funding

We derive a portion of our revenue from funding by various agencies of the U.S. Government of research contracts and subcontracts. These contracts typically cover work performed over extended periods of time, from several months up to several years. These contracts may be modified or terminated at the convenience of the U.S. Government and may be subject to government budgetary fluctuations.

Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 7 and Financial Statements and Supplemental Data under Item 8 for further discussion of U.S. Government contracts.


Sales and Marketing

We sell our products worldwide through our direct sales force, external sales representatives and distributors and application engineers. Our sales force communicates with our customers’ engineering, manufacturing and purchasing personnel to determine product design, qualifications, performance and cost. Our strategy is to use our direct sales force to sell to key accounts and to expand our use of external sales representatives for increased coverage in international markets and certain domestic segments.


Throughout our sales cycle, we work closely with our customers to qualify our products into their product lines. As a result, we develop strategic and long-lasting customer relationships with products and services that are tailored to our customers’ requirements.

We focus our marketing communication efforts on increasing brand awareness, communicating our technologies’ advantages and generating leads for our sales force.  We use a variety of marketing methods, including our website, participation at trade shows and selective advertising to achieve these goals.

Externally, our marketing group works with customers to define requirements, characterize market trends, define new product development activities, identify cost reduction initiatives and manage new product introductions.  Internally, our marketing group communicates and manages customer requirements with the goal of ensuring that our product development activities are aligned with our customers’ needs.  These product development activities allow our marketing group to manage new product introductions and new product and market trends.

Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 7 and Financial Statements and Supplemental Data under Item 8 for further discussion of sales and marketing, including information regarding our customers and geographic areas in which we do business.


Manufacturing

As of September 30, 2008, we had thirteen dedicated MOCVD (metal organic chemical vapor deposition) systems for both development and production, which are capable of processing virtually all compound semiconductor-based materials and devices.  Our operations include wafer fabrication, device design and production, fiber optic module, subsystem and system design and manufacture, and solar panel engineering and assembly.  Many of our manufacturing operations are computer monitored or controlled to enhance production output and statistical control. We employ a strategy of minimizing ongoing capital investments, while maximizing the variable nature of our cost structure. We maintain supply agreements with many key suppliers throughout our supply chain management function. Where we can gain cost advantages while maintaining quality and intellectual property control, we outsource the production of certain subsystems, components and subassemblies to contract manufacturers located overseas. Our contract manufacturers must maintain comprehensive quality and delivery systems, and we continuously monitor them for compliance.

Our various manufacturing processes involve extensive quality assurance systems and performance testing. Our facilities have acquired and maintain certification status for their quality management systems. Our manufacturing facilities located in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Alhambra, California and LangFang, China are registered to ISO 9001 standards.

Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 7 for further discussion of manufacturing activities.


Sources of Raw Materials

We depend on a limited number of suppliers for certain raw materials, components and equipment used in our products. We continually review our vendor relationships to mitigate risks and lower costs, especially where we depend on one or two vendors for critical components or raw materials. While maintaining inventories that we believe are sufficient to meet our near-term needs, we generally do not carry significant inventories of raw materials. Accordingly, we maintain ongoing communications with our vendors in order to prevent any interruptions in supply, and have implemented a supply-chain management program to maintain quality and lower purchase prices through standardized purchasing efficiencies and design requirements. To date, we generally have been able to obtain sufficient quantities of quality supplies in a timely manner.

Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A for further discussion of our reliance upon sole or limited sources of raw materials.


Research and Development

Our research and development (R&D) efforts have been focused on maintaining our technological leadership position by working to improve the quality and attributes of our product lines. We also invest significant resources to develop new products and production technology to expand into new market opportunities by leveraging our existing technology base and infrastructure. Our industry is characterized by rapid changes in process technologies with increasing levels of functional integration. Our efforts are focused on designing new proprietary processes and products, on improving the performance of our existing materials, components and subsystems, and on reducing costs in the product manufacturing process.

As of September 30, 2008, we had three MOCVD systems dedicated to R&D efforts.  The R&D staff utilizes x-ray, optical and electrical characterization equipment, as well as device and module fabrication and testing equipment, which generates data rapidly, allowing for shortened development cycles and rapid customer response.

As part of the ongoing effort to cut costs, many of our projects are used to develop lower cost versions of our existing products. We also actively compete for R&D funds from U.S. Government agencies and other entities. In view of the high cost of development, we solicit research contracts that provide opportunities to enhance our core technology base and promote the commercialization of targeted products. Generally, internal R&D funding is used for the development of products that will be released within twelve months and external funding is used for long-term R&D efforts.

EMCORE’s Photovoltaics division recently announced the following new product development:

 
·
In July 2008, we announced our solar cell technology which provides a platform for EMCORE’s next generation photovoltaic products for space and terrestrial solar power applications. Solar cells built using Inverted Metamorphic (“IMM”) technology recently achieved world record conversion efficiency of 33% when used in space, and it is anticipated that efficiency levels in the 42%-45% range will be achieved when adapted for use under the 500-1500X concentrated illumination, typical in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems. Once commercialized, the CPV systems that are powered with EMCORE’s IMM-based solar cells will realize an approximately 10% to 20% reduction in the cost of power generated. EMCORE expects to begin commercializing this technology for both space and terrestrial applications in 2009. Due to its unique design, the IMM cell is approximately one fifteenth the thickness of the conventional multi-junction solar cell and will enable a new class of extremely lightweight, high-efficiency, and flexible solar arrays for space applications. Furthermore, this technology can be readily integrated into EMCORE’s complete line of CPV receiver products and provide increased energy conversion efficiency in CPV power systems.

 
EMCORE’s Fiber Optics division recently announced the following new product development:

 
·
In June 2008, we announced that our optical fiber EMCORE Connects Cables (ECC) are being used by IBM on the Department of Energy’s supercomputer nicknamed Roadrunner, the first supercomputer to break the 1,000 trillion calculations per second mark known as a Petaflop.  EMCORE Connects Cables are high-performance InfiniBand® interconnects that operate at high-speed 20G data rates with an extremely low bit error rate of 10-15.

Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 7 and Financial Statements and Supplemental Data under Item 8 for further discussion of our R&D efforts.


Intellectual Property and Licensing

We protect our proprietary technology by applying for patents, where appropriate, and in other cases by preserving the technology, related know-how and information as trade secrets. The success and competitive position of our product lines depends significantly on our ability to obtain intellectual property protection for our R&D efforts. We also acquire, through license grants or assignments, rights to patents on inventions originally developed by others.  As of September 30, 2008, we held approximately 148 U.S. patents and 12 foreign patents and have over 100 additional patent applications pending. Our U.S. patents will expire on varying dates between 2009 and 2027.  These patents and patent applications claim various aspects of current or planned commercial versions of our materials, components, subsystems and systems.


We also have entered into license agreements with the licensing agencies of universities and other organizations, under which we have obtained exclusive or non-exclusive rights to practice inventions claimed in various patents and applications issued or pending in the U.S. and other foreign countries. We do not believe the financial obligations under any of these agreements materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We rely on trade secrets to protect our intellectual property when we believe that publishing patents would make it easier for others to reverse engineer our proprietary processes. A “trade secret” is information that has value to the extent it is not generally known, not readily ascertainable by others through legitimate means, and protected in a way that maintains its secrecy. Reliance on trade secrets is only an effective business practice insofar as trade secrets remain undisclosed and a proprietary product or process is not reverse engineered or independently developed. To protect our trade secrets, we take certain measures to ensure their secrecy, such as partitioning the non-essential flow of information between our different groups and executing non-disclosure agreements with our employees, customers and suppliers. We also rely upon other intellectual property rights such as trademarks and copyrights where appropriate.
 
Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A, Legal Proceedings under Item 3, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 7 and Financial Statements and Supplemental Data under Item 8 for further discussion of intellectual property.


Environmental Regulations

We are subject to U.S. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning the use, storage, handling, generation, treatment, emission, release, discharge, and disposal of certain materials used in our R&D and production operations, as well as laws and regulations concerning environmental remediation, homeland security, and employee health and safety. The production of wafers and devices involves the use of certain hazardous raw materials, including, but not limited to, ammonia, phosphine, and arsine.  If our control systems are unsuccessful in preventing release of these or other hazardous materials or we fail to comply with such environmental provisions, our actions, whether intentional or inadvertent, could result in fines and other liabilities to the U.S. Government or third parties, and injunctions requiring us to suspend or curtail operations which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We have in-house professionals to address compliance with applicable environmental, homeland security, and health and safety laws and regulations. We believe that we are currently in compliance with all applicable environmental laws, including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A for further discussion of our compliance efforts associated with environmental regulations.


Competition

The markets for our products in each of our reporting segments are extremely competitive and are characterized by rapid technological change, frequent introduction of new products, short product life cycles and significant price erosion. We face actual and potential competition from numerous domestic and international companies. Many of these companies have greater engineering, manufacturing, marketing and financial resources than we have. Partial lists of these competitors within the markets we participate in include:

Fiber Optics

CATV Networks.  Our competitors include Finisar and Hitachi Yagi at the subsystem level and Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. and Eudyna Device, Inc. at the component product level.

FTTP and Telecommunications Networks.  Our competitors include Cyoptics, MRV Communications, and Sumitomo for telecommunications and FTTP components.  For 10G transceivers and parallel optical modules, our principal competitors include Avago, Finisar Corporation, JDSU, Opnext, Inc. and numerous smaller vendors.

Data Communications, Storage Area Networks and Consumer Products.   Our competitors include Avago, Finisar, Hitachi Cable and Opnext and numerous smaller vendors.

Satellite Communications Networks.   Our primary competitors are Foxcom and MITEQ, Inc.

Video Transport Products.   Our primary competitors are Evertz and Telecast.

Defense and Homeland Security. The competitors in RF transport for defense and homeland security products include Aegis Technologies, Finisar Corporation, Gemfire Corporation, Linear Photonics, LLC, and JDSU.

Photovoltaics

Satellite Solar Power Generation.  In the market for satellite solar power products, we primarily compete with Azure Solar GmbH, SHARP Corporation and Spectrolab, Inc., a subsidiary of Boeing.

 
Terrestrial Solar Power Generation.  In the market for terrestrial solar power products, we primarily compete with Azure Solar GmbH and Spectrolab, Inc. in the solar cell market and Amonix, Concentrix, GreenVolts, Menova, Renovalia, and SolFocus in the solar power systems market.

In addition to the companies listed above, we compete with many research institutions and universities for research contract funding. We also sell our products to current competitors and companies with the capability of becoming competitors. As the markets for our products grow, new competitors are likely to emerge and current competitors may increase their market share. In the European Union (“EU”), political and legal requirements encourage the purchase of EU-produced goods, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage against our European competitors.

There are substantial barriers to entry by new competitors across our product lines. These barriers include the large number of existing patents, the time and costs to be incurred to develop products, the technical difficulty in manufacturing semiconductor-based products, the lengthy sales and qualification cycles and the difficulties in hiring and retaining skilled employees with the required scientific and technical backgrounds. We believe that the primary competitive factors within our current markets are yield, throughput, performance, reliability, breadth of product line, product heritage, customer satisfaction and customer commitment to competing technologies. Competitors may develop enhancements to or future generations of competitive products that offer superior price and performance characteristics. We believe that in order to remain competitive, we must invest significant financial resources in developing new product features and enhancements and in maintaining customer satisfaction worldwide.


Order Backlog

As of September 30, 2008, we had an order backlog of approximately $117.2 million compared to $149 million in the prior year.  Our order backlog is defined as purchase orders or supply agreements accepted by the Company with expected product delivery and / or services to be performed in the future.  The September 30, 2008 order backlog is comprised of $96.1 million related to our Photovoltaics segment of which $60.9 million is expected to be delivered subsequent to fiscal 2009 and $21.1 million related to our Fiber Optics segment expected to be delivered in fiscal 2009.
 
On December 17, 2007, EMCORE announced that it had received a purchase order to supply 5.7 Megawatts of CPV, along with a letter of intent for follow-on projects of 14.3 MW, from DI Semicon, a South Korean semiconductor packaging company, and that it had also executed an agreement with the same company relating to the formation of a joint venture in South ever Korea to manufacture CPV systems in South Korea.   No amounts from this order were included in EMCORE’s backlog, and, due to DI Semicon’s inability to obtain necessary financing, EMCORE no longer expects any product orders from, or other arrangements with, DI Semicon to result in the foreseeable future.
 
From time to time, our customers may request that we delay shipment of certain orders and our backlog could also be adversely affected if customers unexpectedly cancel purchase orders that we’ve previously accepted.  A majority of our fiber optics products typically ship within the same quarter as when the purchase order is received; therefore, our backlog at any particular date is not necessarily indicative of actual revenue or the level of orders for any succeeding period.
 
 
Employees

As of September 30, 2008, we had 1,006 employees, including 191 employees in China.  Of our total employees 51 had a Ph.D. degree.  Our year-end headcount included 609 employees in manufacturing operations, 170 employees in R&D, 193 employees in sales, general and administration (SG&A), and 34 temporary employees. This represented a net increase of 221 employees or 28% when compared to September 30, 2007.   Excluding headcount in China, the Company' headcount increased 86 employees from September 30, 2007 primarily due to the acquisition of Intel Corporation's Optical Platform Division.

None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  We have never experienced any labor-related work stoppage and believe that our employee relations are good.

Competition is intense in the recruiting of personnel in the semiconductor industry.  Our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel is essential to our continued success. We are focused on retaining key contributors, developing our staff and cultivating their level of commitment.
 

Risk Factors


Our disclosure and analysis in this 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K contain some forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of Exchange Act, that set forth anticipated results based on management’s plans and assumptions. From time to time, we also provide forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public.  These statements are based largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of our business.  They relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements of our business or our industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. Such statements include, in particular, projections about our future results, statements about our plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in our business and the markets in which we operate.  These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “estimates”, “targets”, “can”, “may”, “could”, “will”, and variations of these terms and similar phrases.
 
We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and potentially inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. You should keep this in mind as you consider forward-looking statements.
 
We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our Form 10-Qs and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. Also note that we provide the following cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions relevant to our businesses. These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, we think could cause our actual results to differ materially from historical and expected results. We note these factors for investors as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider the following to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.
 

We have a history of incurring significant net losses and our future profitability is not assured.

We commenced operations in 1984 and as of September 30, 2008, we had an accumulated deficit of $424.8 million. We incurred a net loss of $80.9 million in fiscal 2008, net loss of $58.7 million in fiscal 2007, and net income of $54.9 million in fiscal 2006.  Fiscal 2006 results include the sale of our GELcore joint venture that resulted in a net gain, before tax, of $88.0 million.  Our operating results for future periods are subject to numerous uncertainties and we cannot assure you that we will not continue to experience net losses for the foreseeable future.  Although our revenue has grown in recent years, we may be unable to sustain such growth rates in light of potential changes in market or economic conditions.  If we are not able to increase revenue and reduce our costs, we may not be able to achieve profitability.

We may be unable to obtain additional financing, increase our revenue and lower our costs of operations, which could adversely affect our ability to continue as a going concern.

Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain financing and achieve levels of revenue and cost reductions that are adequate to support our capital and operating requirements.  No assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain additional financing on terms that are satisfactory to us or increase our revenue and reduce our operating costs to levels that will sufficiently support our capital and operating requirements.  We may be unable to obtain adequate financing, increase our revenue and/or lower our costs.  Our recurring losses raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.  Our auditors have included in their report an explanatory paragraph regarding the recurring losses that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
 
We may not be able to increase or sustain our recent revenue growth rate, and we may not be able to manage our future revenue growth effectively.
 
Over the last five years, the Company’s compound annual revenue growth rate exceeded 32%.  We may not be able to increase or sustain this revenue growth rate.  In February 2008, the Company acquired assets of the telecom portion of Intel Corporation’s Optical Platform Division (“OPD”).  In April 2008, the Company acquired the enterprise and storage assets of Intel Corporation’s OPD business, as well as Intel’s Connects Cables business.  These acquisitions totaled approximately $41.6 million or approximately 17% of total consolidated revenue in fiscal 2008.  We may not experience similar growth of our total consolidated revenue or even similar revenue growth within our Fiber Optics segment in future periods. Accordingly, investors should not rely on the results of any prior quarterly or annual period as an indication of our future operating performance.
 
Our future revenue is inherently unpredictable.  As a result, our operating results are likely to fluctuate from period to period, and we may fail to meet the expectations of our analysts and/or investors, which may cause volatility in our stock price and may cause our stock price to decline.

Our quarterly and annual operating results have fluctuated substantially in the past and are likely to fluctuate significantly in the future due to a variety of factors, some of which are outside of our control.  Factors that could cause our quarterly or annual operating results to fluctuate include:
 
 
market acceptance of our products;
 
market demand for the products and services provided by our customers;
 
disruptions or delays in our manufacturing processes or in our supply of raw materials or product components;
 
changes in the timing and size of orders by our customers;
 
cancellations and postponements of previously placed orders;
 
reductions in prices for our products or increases in the costs of our raw materials; and
 
the introduction of new products and manufacturing processes.
 
In addition, the limited lead times with which several of our customers order our products restrict our ability to forecast revenue.  We may also experience a delay in generating or recognizing revenue for a number of reasons.  For example, orders at the beginning of each quarter typically represent a small percentage of expected revenue for that quarter and are generally cancelable at any time. We depend on obtaining orders during each quarter for shipment in that quarter to achieve our revenue objectives. Failure to ship these products by the end of a quarter may adversely affect our results of operations.
 
Our credit facility agreement with Bank of America, N.A., contains customary covenants and defaults, including among others, limitations on dividends, incurrence of indebtedness and liens and mergers and acquisitions and may restrict our operating flexibility.
 
As a result of the foregoing, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations should not be relied upon as indications of future performance.  In addition, our results of operations in one or more future quarters may fail to meet the expectations of analysts or investors, which would likely result in a decline in the trading price of our common stock.

 
15

 

Our ability to achieve operational and material cost reductions and to realize production efficiencies for our operations is critical to our ability to achieve long-term profitability.

We have implemented a number of operational and material cost reductions and productivity improvement initiatives, which are intended to reduce our expense structure at both the cost of goods sold and the operating expense levels. Cost reduction initiatives often involve facility consolidation and re-design of our products, which requires our customers to accept and qualify the new designs, potentially creating a competitive disadvantage for our products.  These initiatives can be time-consuming and disruptive to our operations and costly in the short-term.  Successfully implementing these and other cost-reduction initiatives throughout our operations is critical to our future competitiveness and ability to achieve long-term profitability. However, there can be no assurance that these initiatives will be successful in creating profit margins sufficient to sustain our current operating structure and business.



Financial markets worldwide are currently in the midst of an unprecedented crisis which may have a materially adverse impact on the Company, our customers and our suppliers.
 
Financial markets are in an unprecedented financial crisis worldwide, affecting both debt and equity markets, which has substantially limited the amount of financing available to all companies, including companies with substantially greater resources, better credit ratings and more successful operating histories than us.  It is impossible to predict how long this crisis will last or how it will be resolved.  It may, however, have a materially adverse affect on the Company for a number of reasons, such as:
 
·  
The Company’s historic lack of profitability has caused it to consume cash, through acquisitions, operations and as a result of the research and development and capital expenditures necessary to expand the market which the Company serves (particularly the terrestrial solar market), as discussed in more detail below.  The Company may be unable to acquire the cash necessary to finance these activities from either the debt or the equity markets and as a result the Company may be unable to continue operations.

·  
The Company’s fiber optics products are sold principally to large publicly held companies which are also dependent on public debt and equity markets.  Our customers may be unable to obtain the financing necessary to continue their own operations.

·  
The market for the products of the Company’s fiber optics customers, into which the Company’s fiber optics products are incorporated, is dependent on capital spending from telecommunications and data communications companies, which may also be adversely affected by the lack of financing.

·  
The market for the Company’s satellite solar cells may also be adversely affected by the worldwide financial crisis, because the market for commercial satellites depends on capital spending by telecommunications companies and the market for military satellites depends on resources allocated for military intelligence spending, which may be restricted.  The market for the Company’s terrestrial solar products is dependent on the availability of project financing for photovoltaic projects, which may no longer be available, and is also largely dependent on government support of various types, such as investment tax credits, which may no longer be available as governments allocate scarce resources to deal with the financial crisis.

·  
A reduction in the Company’s sales will adversely affect the Company’s ability to draw on its existing line of credit with Bank of America because that line of credit is largely dependent on the level of the Company’s accounts receivable.
 
In addition, the worldwide financial crisis may adversely affect certain assets held by the Company.  Historically, the Company has invested in securities with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”).  Beginning in February 2008, the auction rate securities market experienced a significant increase in the number of failed auctions, resulting from a lack of liquidity, which occurs when sell orders exceed buy orders, and does not necessarily signify a default by the issuer. In February 2008, the auction market failed for the Company’s auction rate securities, which meant the Company was unable to sell its investments in auction rate securities.   At September 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $3.1 million in auction rate securities.  For failed auctions, we continue to earn interest on these investments at the maximum contractual rate as the issuer is obligated under contractual terms to pay penalty rates should auctions fail. The underlying assets for $1.7 million of this total are currently AAA rated, the highest rating by a rating agency.  The remaining $1.4 million of investments are securities whose underlying assets are primarily student loans which are substantially backed by the U.S. Government. In October 2008, the Company received agreements from its investment brokers announcing settlement of the auction rate securities at 100% par value, of which $1.7 million was settled in November 2008 and $1.4 million is expected to be settled by June 2010.  The Company classified $1.7 million as a current asset and the remaining $1.4 million as a long-term asset based on the expected settlement dates.  Due to the fact the Company will receive full value for all securities; we have not recorded any impairment on these investments as of September 30, 2008.  If we are unable to liquidate and settle these auction rate securities on favorable terms and conditions, such liquidity limitations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.
 

The market price for our common stock has experienced significant price and volume volatility and is likely to continue to experience significant volatility in the future.  This volatility may impair our ability to finance strategic transactions with our stock and otherwise harm our business


The closing price of our common stock fluctuated from a high of $15.30 per share to a low of $4.46 per share during the year ended September 30, 2008.  As of December 29, 2008 our stock price was $0.90.  Our stock price is likely to experience significant volatility in the future as a result of numerous factors outside our control.  Significant declines in our stock price may interfere with our ability to raise additional funds through equity financing or to finance strategic transactions with our stock.  We have historically used equity incentive compensation as part of our overall compensation arrangements.  The effectiveness of equity incentive compensation in retaining key employees may be adversely impacted by volatility in our stock price.  In addition, there may be increased risk of securities litigation following periods of fluctuations in our stock price.  These and other consequences of volatility in our stock price could have the effect of diverting management’s attention and could materially harm our business, and could be exacerbated by the current worldwide financial crisis.


We have significant liquidity and capital requirements and may require additional capital in the future.  If we are unable to obtain the additional capital necessary to meet our requirements, our business may be adversely affected.

Historically, the Company has consumed cash from operations.  We had negative cash flow from operations of approximately $41.9 million during fiscal 2008.  We have managed our liquidity situation through a series of cost reduction initiatives, capital markets transactions and the sale of assets.  We currently have approximately $79.2 million in working capital as of September 30, 2008.  The global credit market crisis has had a dramatic effect on the markets we serve and has created a substantially more difficult business environment for us. We do not believe it is likely that these adverse economic conditions, and their effect on the technology industry, will improve significantly in the near term, notwithstanding the unprecedented intervention by the U.S. and other governments in the global banking and financial systems.

If our cash on hand is not sufficient to fund the cash used by our operating activities and meet our other liquidity requirements, we will seek to obtain additional equity or debt financing or dispose of assets to provide additional working capital in the future.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the capital markets, particularly in the technology sector, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital if and when it is required, especially if we experience disappointing operating results.  If adequate funds are not available or not available on acceptable terms, our ability to continue to fund expansion, develop and enhance products and services, or otherwise respond to competitive pressures may be severely limited.  Such a limitation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.


16

 The market for our terrestrial solar power products for utility-scale applications may take time to develop, is rapidly changing and extremely price-sensitive, involves issues with which the Company has little experience, and is currently dependent on the policy decisions of governments both inside and outside the United States.


We have invested and intend to continue to invest significant resources in the adaptation of our high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based GaAs solar cell products for terrestrial applications, including the sale of both concentrator photovoltaics (“CPV”) components and systems.  We generated our first revenue from the sale of CPV systems in 2008, which involved the design, manufacture and installation of large and complex structures intended for outdoor operation, with which the Company has had no previous experience.

Factors such as changes in energy prices or the development of new and efficient alternative energy technologies could also limit growth in, or reduce the market for, our terrestrial solar power products.  In addition, we experienced difficulties in applying our satellite-based solar products to terrestrial applications.  We may experience further difficulties in the future in competing with new and emerging terrestrial solar power products, which we have determined to be extremely price sensitive and rapidly changing as well as obtaining financing for utility-scale projects utilizing our technology, particularly in view of the current worldwide financial crisis.

We have determined that the terrestrial solar power business will require substantial additional funding for the hiring of employees, research and development and investment in capital equipment in order to successfully compete.   In addition, historically much of the market for CPV systems has been outside the U.S.  This has involved partnering with non-U.S. entities, which (because terrestrial solar power generation is a relatively new industry) may have little experience in the field and which may be new companies.  Participation in non-U.S. markets will involve evaluation and compliance with non-U.S. laws, regulations, and government electric supply contracts which the Company has limited experience in. The rates available under non-U.S. government electric supply contracts are subject to policy decisions of these governments, which can change in unpredictable ways.    Because of a reduction in rates offered under non-U.S. electric supply contracts, we believe that most of our future business in the near term will involve projects located within the United States, which has a substantially less developed program for encouraging the use of solar power and where the economic competitiveness of our products will be even more significant.  There can be no assurance that our bids on solar power installations will be accepted, that we will win any of these bids, that our CPV systems will be qualified for these projects, or that governments will continue to offer electric supply contracts and other incentives that will make our products economically viable.  If our terrestrial solar power cell products are not cost competitive or accepted by the market, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

 Successful deployment of our solar power systems may require us to assume roles with respect to solar power projects with which we have limited or no experience (such as acting as general contractor) and which may expose us to certain financial risks (such as cost overruns and performance guaranties) which we ay not have the expertise to properly evaluate or manage.  In addition, Since we cannot test our CPV components and solar power systems for the duration of our standard 20-year warranty period, we may be subject to unexpected warranty expense; if we are subject to warranty and product liability claims, such claims could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.



The competitive environment in which our CPV solar power systems business operates may requires us to arrange financing for our customer’s projects and/or undertake post-sale customer obligations. If we are unable to arrange adequate financing or if our post-sale customer obligations are more costly than expected, our revenue and financial results could be materially and adversely affected.
 
We may arrange third-party financing for our end customer’s solar projects.  Additionally, we may be required as a condition of financing or at the request of our end customer to undertake certain post-sale obligations such as:

             •           System output performance guaranties;

             •           System maintenance;

 
Liquidated damage payments or customer termination rights if the system is not commissioned within specified timeframes;

             •           Guaranties of certain minimum residual value of the system at specified future dates; and

 
System termination clauses whereby we could be required to buy-back a customer’s system at fair value on specified future dates.

Such financing arrangements and post-sale obligations involve complex accounting analyses and judgments regarding the timing of revenue and expense recognition and in certain situations these factors may require us to defer revenue recognition until projects are completed, which could adversely affect revenue in a particular period. 

Due to the recent tightening of credit markets and concerns regarding the availability of credit, our customers may be delayed in obtaining, or may not be able to obtain, necessary financing for their purchases of solar power systems. If we are unable to arrange adequate financing or if our post-sale customer obligations are more costly than expected, our revenue and financial results could be materially and adversely affected.
 

Our Photovoltaics segment recognizes certain contract revenue on a “percentage-of-completion” basis and upon the achievement of contractual milestones and any delay or cancellation of a project could adversely affect our business.
 
Our Photovoltaics segment recognizes certain revenue on a “percentage-of-completion” basis and, as a result, revenue from this segment is driven by the performance of our contractual obligations. The percentage-of-completion method of accounting for revenue recognition is inherently subjective because it relies on management estimates of total project cost as a basis for recognizing revenue and profit. Accordingly, revenue and profit we have recognized under the percentage-of-completion method are potentially subject to adjustments in subsequent periods based on refinements in estimated costs of project completion that could materially impact our future revenue and profit.
 
As with any project-related business, there is the potential for delays within any particular customer project. Variation of project timelines and estimates may impact our ability to recognize revenue in a particular period. Moreover, incurring penalties involving the return of the contract price to the customer for failure to timely install one project could negatively impact our ability to continue to recognize revenue on a “percentage-of-completion” basis generally for other projects. In addition, certain customer contracts may include payment milestones due at specified points during a project. Because our Photovoltaics segment usually must invest substantial time and incur significant expense in advance of achieving milestones and the receipt of payment, failure to achieve such milestones could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.


17

As supply of polysilicon increases, the corresponding increase in the global supply of silicon-based solar cells and panels may cause substantial downward pressure on the prices of our terrestrial solar power products, resulting in lower revenues.

As additional polysilicon becomes available, we expect solar panel production globally to increase. Decreases in polysilicon pricing and increases in silicon-based solar panel production could each result in substantial downward pressure on the price of solar cells and panels, including our terrestrial solar power products. Such price reductions could have a negative impact on our revenue, and our business, financial condition results of operations and cash flows may be materially and adversely affected.
 

We are substantially dependent on a small number of customers and the loss of any one of these customers could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, our top five customers accounted for 46%, 49%, and 39%, respectively of our total annual consolidated revenue.  There can be no assurance that we will continue to achieve historical levels of sales of our products to our largest customers.  Even though our customer base is expected to increase and our revenue streams to diversify, a substantial portion of our net revenues could continue to depend on sales to a limited number of customers.  Our agreements with these customers may be cancelled if we fail to meet certain product specifications or materially breach the agreement, and our customers may seek to renegotiate the terms of current agreements or renewals. The loss of or a reduction in sales to one or more of our larger customers could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


Long-term, firm commitment supply agreements could result in insufficient or excess inventory or place us at a competitive disadvantage.
 
We manufacture our products utilizing materials, components, and services provided by third parties. We seek to obtain a lower cost of inventory by negotiating multi-year, binding contractual commitments directly with our suppliers. Under such agreements, we may be required to purchase a specified quantity of products or use a certain amount of services, which is often over a period of twelve months or more. We also may be required to make substantial prepayments or issue secured letters of credit to these suppliers against future deliveries. These contractual commitments, or any other “take or pay” agreement we enter into, allows the supplier to invoice us for the full purchase price of product or services that we are under contract for, whether or not we actually order the required volume or services. If for any reason we fail to order the required volume or services, the resulting monetary damages could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
 
We do not obtain contracts or commitments from customers for all of our products manufactured with materials purchased under such firm commitment contracts. Instead, we rely on our long-term internal forecasts to determine the timing of our production schedules and the volume and mix of products to be manufactured. The level and timing of orders placed by customers may vary for many reasons. As a result, at any particular time, we may have insufficient or excess inventory, which could render us unable to fulfill customer orders or increase our cost of production.  This would place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Long-term contractual commitments also expose us to specific counter-party risk, which can be magnified when dealing with suppliers without a long, stable production and financial history. For example, if one or more of our contractual counterparties is unable or unwilling to provide us with the contracted amount of product, we could be required to attempt to obtain product in the open market, which could be unavailable at that time, or only available at prices in excess of our contracted prices. In addition, in the event any such supplier experiences financial difficulties, it may be difficult or impossible, or may require substantial time and expense, for us to recover any or all of our prepayments. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.


Our operating results could be harmed if we lose access to sole or limited sources of materials, components or services.

We currently obtain some materials, components and services used in our products from limited or single sources.  We generally do not carry significant inventories of any raw materials. Because we often do not account for a significant part of our suppliers’ businesses, we may not have access to sufficient capacity from these suppliers in periods of high demand. In addition, since we generally do not have guaranteed supply arrangements with our suppliers, we risk serious disruption to our operations if an important supplier terminates product lines, changes business focus, or goes out of business. Because some of these suppliers are located overseas, we may be faced with higher costs of purchasing these materials if the U.S. dollar weakens against other currencies. If we were to change any of our limited or sole source suppliers, we would be required to re-qualify each new supplier. Re-qualification could prevent or delay product shipments that could materially adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, our reliance on these suppliers may materially adversely affect our production if the components vary in quality or quantity. If we are unable to obtain timely deliveries of sufficient components of acceptable quality or if the prices of components for which we do not have alternative sources increase, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.


18

If our contract manufacturers fail to deliver quality products at reasonable prices and on a timely basis, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.


We are increasing our use of contract manufacturers located outside of the U.S. as a less-expensive alternative to performing our own manufacturing of certain products.  Contract manufacturers in Asia currently manufacture a significant portion of our high-volume fiber optics products.  We supply inventory to our contract manufacturers and we bear the risk of loss, theft or damage to our inventory while it is held in their facilities.

If these contract manufacturers do not fulfill their obligations to us, or if we do not properly manage these relationships and the transition of production to these contract manufacturers, our existing customer relationships may suffer.  In addition, by undertaking these activities, we run the risk that the reputation and competitiveness of our products and services may deteriorate as a result of the reduction of our ability to oversee and control quality and delivery schedules.

The use of contract manufacturers located outside of the U.S. also subjects us to the following additional risks that could significantly impair our ability to source our contract manufacturing requirements internationally, including:

 
unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
 
legal uncertainties regarding liability, tariffs and other trade barriers;
 
inadequate protection of intellectual property in some countries;
 
greater incidence of shipping delays;
 
greater difficulty in hiring talent needed to oversee manufacturing operations; and
 
potential political and economic instability.
 
potential adverse actions by the incoming Obama Administration pursuant to its stated intention to reduce the loss of U.S. jobs


Prior to our customers accepting products manufactured at our contract manufacturers, they must requalify the product and manufacturing processes. The qualification process can be lengthy and expensive, with no guarantee that any particular product qualification process will lead to profitable product sales. The qualification process determines whether the product manufactured at our contract manufacturer achieves our customers’ quality, performance and reliability standards. Our expectations as to the time periods required to qualify a product line and ship products in volumes to customers may be erroneous. Delays in qualification can impair the expected timing of the transfer of a product line to our contract manufacturer and may impair the expected amount of sales of the affected products. We may, in fact, experience delays in obtaining qualification of products produced by our contract manufacturers and, therefore, our operating results and customer relationships could be materially adversely affected.

 If we do not keep pace with rapid technological change, our products may not be competitive.


We compete in markets that are characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product introductions, changes in customer requirements, evolving industry standards, continuous improvement in products and the use of our existing products in new applications.  We may not be able to develop the underlying core technologies necessary to create new products and enhancements at the same rate as or faster than our competitors, or to license the technology from third parties that is necessary for our products.

Product development delays may result from numerous factors, including:

 
changing product specifications and customer requirements;
 
unanticipated engineering complexities;
 
expense reduction measures we have implemented and others we may implement;
 
difficulties in hiring and retaining necessary technical personnel; and
 
difficulties in allocating engineering resources and overcoming resource limitations.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify, develop, manufacture, market or support new or enhanced products successfully, if at all, or on a timely, cost effective or repeatable basis. Our future performance will depend on our successful development and introduction of, as well as market acceptance of, new and enhanced products that address market changes as well as current and potential customer requirements and our ability to respond effectively to product announcements by competitors, technological changes or emerging industry standards. Because it is generally not possible to predict the amount of time required and the costs involved in achieving certain research, development and engineering objectives, actual development costs may exceed budgeted amounts and estimated product development schedules may be extended. If we incur budget overruns or delays in our research and development efforts, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.


The competitive and rapidly evolving nature of our industry has in the past resulted and is likely in the future to result in reductions in our product prices and periods of reduced demand for our products.

We face substantial competition in each of our reporting segments from a number of companies, many of which have greater financial, marketing, manufacturing and technical resources than us. Larger-sized competitors often spend more on research and development, which could give those competitors an advantage in meeting customer demands and introducing technologically innovative products before we do. We expect that existing and new competitors will improve the design of their existing products and will introduce new products with enhanced performance characteristics.

The introduction of new products and more efficient production of existing products by our competitors has resulted and is likely in the future to result in price reductions and increases in expenses and reduced demand for our products.  In addition, some of our competitors may be willing to provide their products at lower prices, accept a lower profit margin or expend more capital in order to obtain or retain business.  Competitive pressures have required us to reduce the prices of some of our products. These competitive forces could diminish our market share and gross margins, resulting in a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

New competitors may also enter our markets, including some of our current and potential customers who may attempt to integrate their operations by producing their own components and subsystems or acquiring one of our competitors, thereby reducing demand for our products.  In addition, rapid product development cycles, increasing price competition due to maturation of technologies, the emergence of new competitors in Asia with lower cost structures and industry consolidation resulting in competitors with greater financial, marketing and technical resources could result in lower prices or reduced demand for our products.

Expected and actual introductions of new and enhanced products may cause our customers to defer or cancel orders for existing products and may cause our products to become obsolete. A slowdown in demand for existing products ahead of a new product introduction could result in a write-down in the value of inventory on hand related to existing products. We have in the past experienced a slowdown in demand for existing products and delays in new product development and such delays may occur in the future. To the extent customers defer or cancel orders for existing products due to a slowdown in demand or in anticipation of a new product release or if there is any delay in development or introduction of our new products or enhancements of our products, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.


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Our products are difficult to manufacture.  Our production could be disrupted and our results will suffer if our production yields are low as a result of manufacturing difficulties.

We manufacture many of our wafers and devices in our own production facilities. Difficulties in the production process, such as contamination, raw material quality issues, human error or equipment failure, can cause a substantial percentage of wafers and devices to be nonfunctional. Lower-than-expected production yields may delay shipments or result in unexpected levels of warranty claims, either of which can materially adversely affect our results of operations. We have experienced difficulties in achieving planned yields in the past, particularly in pre-production and upon initial commencement of full production volumes, which have adversely affected our gross margins. Because the majority of our manufacturing costs are fixed, achieving planned production yields is critical to our results of operations. Because we manufacture many of our products in a single facility, we have greater risk of interruption in manufacturing resulting from fire, natural disaster, equipment failures, or similar events than we would if we had back-up facilities available for manufacturing these products.  We could also incur significant costs to repair and/or replace products that are defective and in some cases costly product redesigns and/or rework may be required to correct a defect.  Additionally, any defect could adversely affect our reputation and result in the loss of future orders.

Some of the capital equipment used in the manufacture of our products have been developed and made specifically for us, is not readily available from multiple vendors and would be difficult to repair or replace if it were to become damaged or stop working.  If any of these suppliers were to experience financial difficulties or go out of business, or if there were any damage to or a breakdown of our manufacturing equipment at a time when we are manufacturing commercial quantities of our products, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.


We face lengthy sales and qualifications cycles for our new products and, in many cases, must invest a substantial amount of time and funds before we receive orders.

Most of our products are tested by current and potential customers to determine whether they meet customer or industry specifications. The length of the qualification process, which can span a year or more, varies substantially by product and customer, and thus can cause our results of operations to be unpredictable. During a given qualification period, we invest significant resources and allocate substantial production capacity to manufacture these new products prior to any commitment to purchase by customers. In addition, it is difficult to obtain new customers during the qualification period as customers are reluctant to expend the resources necessary to qualify a new supplier if they have one or more existing qualified sources.  If we are unable to meet applicable specifications or do not receive sufficient orders to profitably use the allocated production capacity, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

Our historical and future budgets for operating expenses, capital expenditures, operating leases and service contracts are based upon our assumptions as to the future market acceptance of our products. Because of the lengthy lead times required for product development and the changes in technology that typically occur while a product is being developed, it is difficult to accurately estimate customer demand for any given product. If our products do not achieve an adequate level of customer demand, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.



 
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Shifts in industry-wide demands and inventories could result in significant inventory write-downs.

The life cycles of some of our products depend heavily upon the life cycles of the end products into which our products are designed. Products with short life cycles require us to manage production and inventory levels closely. We evaluate our ending inventories on a quarterly basis for excess quantities, impairment of value and obsolescence. This evaluation includes analysis of sales levels by product and projections of future demand based upon input received from our customers, sales team and management estimates. If inventories on hand are in excess of demand, or if they are greater than 12-months old, appropriate reserves may be recorded. In addition, we write off inventories that are considered obsolete based upon changes in customer demand, manufacturing process changes that result in existing inventory obsolescence or new product introductions, which eliminate demand for existing products. Remaining inventory balances are adjusted to approximate the lower of our manufacturing cost or market value.

If future demand or market conditions are less favorable than our estimates, inventory write-downs may be required. We cannot assure investors 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 into which our products are designed, will not affect us beyond the inventory charges that we have already taken.


The types of sales contracts which we use in the markets which we serve subject us to unique risks in each of those markets.

In our Fiber Optics reporting segment, we generally do not have long-term contracts with our customers and we typically sell our products pursuant to purchase orders with short lead times.  As a result, our customers could stop purchasing our products at any time and we must fulfill orders in a timely manner to keep our customers.  Risks associated with the absence of long-term contracts with our customers include the following:

 
our customers can stop purchasing our products at any time without penalty;
 
our customers may purchase products from our competitors; and
•          our customers are not required to make minimum purchases.

These risks are increased by the fact that our customers in this market are large, sophisticated companies which have considerable purchasing power and control over their suppliers. In the Fiber Optics market, we generally sell our products pursuant to individual purchase orders, which often have extremely short lead times.  If we are unable to fulfill these orders in a timely manner, it is likely that we will lose sales and customers.  In addition, we sell some of our products to the U.S. Government and governmental entities.  These contracts are generally subject to termination for convenience provisions and may be cancelled at any time.

Cancellations or rescheduling of customer orders could result in the delay or loss of anticipated sales without allowing us sufficient time to reduce, or delay the incurrence of, our corresponding inventory and operating expenses. In addition, changes in forecasts or the timing of orders from these or other customers expose us to the risks of inventory shortages or excess inventory.

In contrast, in our Photovoltaics reporting segment, we generally enter into long-term firm fixed-price contracts, which could subject us to losses if we have cost overruns. While firm fixed-price contracts allow us to benefit from cost savings, they also expose us to the risk of cost overruns. If the initial estimates we used to determine the contract price and the cost to perform the work prove to be incorrect, we could incur losses. In addition, some of our contracts have specific provisions relating to cost, schedule, and performance. If we fail to meet the terms specified in those contracts, then our cost to perform the work could increase or our price could be reduced, which would adversely affect our financial condition. These programs have risk for reach-forward losses if our estimated costs exceed our estimated price.
 
Fixed-price development work inherently has more uncertainty than production contracts and, therefore, more variability in estimates of the cost to complete the work. Many of these development programs have very complex designs. As technical or quality issues arise, we may experience schedule delays and cost impacts, which could increase our estimated cost to perform the work or reduce our estimated price, either of which could adversely affect our financial condition. Some fixed-price development contracts include initial production units in their scope of work. Successful performance of these contracts depends on our ability to meet production specifications and delivery rates.  If we are unable to perform and deliver to contract requirements, our contract price could be reduced through the incorporation of liquidated damages, termination of the contract for default, or other financially significant exposure. Management uses its best judgment to estimate the cost to perform the work and the price we will eventually be paid on fixed-price development programs. While we believe the cost and price estimates incorporated in the financial statements are appropriate, future events could result in either favorable or unfavorable adjustments to those estimates.

The risk of fixed price contracts in the photovoltaics market is increased by the new and rapidly changing nature of the terrestrial photovoltaics market and the Company’s lack of experience in that market.


We are a party to several U.S. Government contracts, which are subject to unique risks.

In 2008, 5% of our revenue was derived from U.S. Government contracts.  We intend to continue our policy of selectively pursuing contract research, product development and market development programs funded by various agencies of the U.S. federal and state governments to complement and enhance our own resources. Depending on the type of contract, funding from government grants is either recorded as revenue or as an offset to our research and development expense.

In addition to normal business risks, our contracts with the U.S. Government are subject to unique risks, some of which are beyond our control.  We have had government contracts modified, curtailed or terminated in the past and we expect this will continue to happen from time to time.

The funding of U.S. Government programs is subject to Congressional appropriations. Many of the U.S. Government programs in which we participate may extend for several years; however, these programs are normally funded annually. Long-term government contracts and related orders are subject to cancellation if appropriations for subsequent performance periods are not made. The termination of funding for a U.S. Government program would result in a loss of anticipated future revenue attributable to that program, which could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

The U.S. Government may modify, curtail, or terminate our contracts. The U.S. Government may modify, curtail, or terminate its contracts and subcontracts without prior notice at its convenience upon payment for work done and commitments made at the time of termination.  A reduction or discontinuance of these programs or of our participation in these programs would materially increase our research and development expenses, which would adversely affect our profitability and could impair our ability to develop our solar power products and services. Modification, curtailment or termination of our major programs or contracts could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our contract costs are subject to audits by U.S. Government agencies. U.S. Government representatives may audit the costs we incur on our U.S. Government contracts, including allocated indirect costs. Such audits could result in adjustments to our contract costs. Any costs found to be improperly allocated to a specific contract will not be reimbursed, and such costs already reimbursed must be refunded. We have recorded contract revenue based upon costs we expect to realize upon final audit. However, we do not know the outcome of any future audits and adjustments and we may be required to reduce our revenue or profits upon completion and final negotiation of audits. If any audit uncovers improper or illegal activities, we may be subject to civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from doing business with the U.S. Government.  We have been audited in the past by the U.S. Government and expect that we will be in the future.

Our business is subject to potential U.S. Government review. We are sometimes subject to certain U.S. Government reviews of our business practices due to our participation in government contracts. Any such inquiry or investigation could potentially result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our U.S. Government business is also subject to specific procurement regulations and other requirements. These requirements, although customary in U.S. Government contracts, increase our performance and compliance costs. These costs might increase in the future, reducing our margins, which could have a negative effect on our financial condition. Failure to comply with these regulations and requirements could lead to suspension or debarment, for cause, from U.S. Government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time and could have an adverse effect on our reputation and ability to secure future U.S. Government contracts.




 
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We have significant international sales, which expose us to additional risks and uncertainties

Sales to customers located outside the U.S. accounted for approximately 44% of our consolidated revenue in fiscal 2008, 27% of our revenue in fiscal 2007 and 24% of our revenue in fiscal 2006. Sales to customers in Asia represent the majority of our international sales. We believe that international sales will continue to account for a significant percentage of our revenue as we seek international expansion opportunities. Because of this, the following international commercial risks may materially adversely affect our revenue:

 
political and economic instability or changes in U.S. Government policy with respect to these foreign countries may inhibit export of our devices and limit potential customers’ access to U.S. dollars in a country or region in which those potential customers are located;
 
we may experience difficulties in the timeliness of collection of foreign accounts receivable and be forced to write off these receivables;
 
tariffs and other barriers may make our devices less cost competitive;
 
the laws of certain foreign countries may not adequately protect our trade secrets and intellectual property or may be burdensome to comply with;
 
potentially adverse tax consequences to our customers may damage our cost competitiveness;
 
currency fluctuations, which may make our products less cost competitive, affecting overseas demand for our products or otherwise adversely affect our business; and
 
language and other cultural barriers may require us to expend additional resources competing in foreign markets or hinder our ability to effectively compete.

 
In addition, we may be exposed to additional legal risks under the laws of both the countries in which we operate and in the United States, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

We are increasing operations in China, which exposes us to risks inherent in doing business in China.

In May 2007, EMCORE Hong Kong, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of EMCORE Corporation, announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Langfang, China. Our new company, Langfang EMCORE Optoelectronics Co. Ltd., is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Beijing and currently occupies a space of 44,000 square feet with a Class-10,000 clean room for optoelectronic device packaging.  Another 40,000 square feet is available for future expansion.  We have begun the transfer of our most cost sensitive optoelectronic devices to this facility.  This facility, along with a strategic alignment with our existing contract-manufacturing partners, should enable us to improve our cost structure and gross margins across product lines. We expect to develop and provide improved service to our global customers by having a local presence in Asia.   As we continue to consolidate our manufacturing operations, we will incur additional costs to transfer product lines to our China facility, including costs of qualification testing with our customers, which could have a material adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.

Our China-based activities are subject to greater political, legal and economic risks than those faced by our other operations.  In particular, the political, legal and economic climate in China (both at national and regional levels) is extremely fluid and unpredictable. Our ability to operate in China may be adversely affected by changes in Chinese laws and regulations, such as those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, environmental regulations, land use rights, intellectual property and other matters, which laws and regulations remain highly underdeveloped and subject to change, with little or no prior notice, for political or other reasons. Moreover, the enforceability of applicable existing Chinese laws and regulations is uncertain.  In addition, we may not obtain the requisite legal permits to continue to operate in China and costs or operational limitations may be imposed in connection with obtaining and complying with such permits. Our business could be materially harmed by any changes in the political, legal or economic climate in China or the inability to enforce applicable Chinese laws and regulations.

As a result of a government order to ration power for industrial use, operations in our China facility may be subject to possible interruptions or shutdowns, adversely affecting our ability to complete manufacturing commitments on a timely basis. If we are required to make significant investments in generating capacity to sustain uninterrupted operations at our facility, we may not realize the reductions in costs anticipated from our expansion in China. In addition, future outbreaks of avian influenza, or other communicable diseases, could result in quarantines or closures of our facility, thereby disrupting our operations and expansion in China.

We intend to export the majority of the products manufactured at our facilities in China. Accordingly, upon application to and approval by the relevant governmental authorities, we will not be subject to certain Chinese taxes and are exempt from customs duty assessment on imported components or materials when the finished products are exported from China. We are, however, required to pay income taxes in China, subject to certain tax relief. As the Chinese trade regulations are in a state of flux, we may become subject to other forms of taxation and duty assessments in China or may be required to pay for export license fees in the future. In the event that we become subject to any increased taxes or new forms of taxation imposed by authorities in China, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.




We will lose sales if we are unable to obtain government authorization to export our products.

Exports of our products are subject to export controls imposed by the U.S. Government and administered by the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce. In certain instances, these regulations may require pre-shipment authorization from the administering department.  For products subject to the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) administered by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, the requirement for a license is dependent on the type and end use of the product, the final destination and the identity of the end user.  Virtually all exports of products subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) regulations administered by the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls require a license.  Most of our fiber optics products and our terrestrial solar power products are subject to EAR; however, certain fiber optics products and all of our commercially available solar cell satellite power products are currently subject to ITAR.

Given the current global political climate, obtaining export licenses can be difficult and time-consuming.  Failure to obtain export licenses for product shipments could significantly reduce our revenue and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Compliance with U.S. Government regulations may also subject us to additional fees and costs. The absence of comparable restrictions on competitors in those countries may adversely affect our competitive position.


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 Protecting our trade secrets and obtaining patent protection is critical to our ability to effectively compete.

Our success and competitive position depend on protecting our trade secrets and other intellectual property. Our strategy is to rely on trade secrets and patents to protect our manufacturing and sales processes and products. Reliance on trade secrets is only an effective business practice if trade secrets remain undisclosed and a proprietary product or process is not reverse engineered or independently developed. We take measures to protect our trade secrets, including executing non-disclosure agreements with our employees, customers and suppliers. If parties breach these agreements or the measures we take are not properly implemented, we may not have an adequate remedy. Disclosure of our trade secrets or reverse engineering of our proprietary products, processes, or devices could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.



Our failure to obtain or maintain the right to use certain intellectual property may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The compound semiconductor, optoelectronics and fiber optic communications industries are characterized by frequent litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. From time to time we have received, and may receive in the future; notice of claims of infringement of other parties’ proprietary rights and licensing offers to commercialize third party patent rights. There can be no assurance that:

 
infringement claims (or claims for indemnification resulting from infringement claims) will not be asserted against us or that such claims will not be successful;
 
future assertions will not result in an injunction against the sale of infringing products, which could significantly impair our business and results of operations;
 
any patent owned or licensed by us will not be invalidated, circumvented or challenged; or
 
we will not be required to obtain licenses, the expense of which may adversely affect our results of operations and profitability.

In addition, effective copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain foreign countries. Litigation, which could result in substantial cost and diversion of our resources, may be necessary to defend our rights or defend us against claimed infringement of the rights of others.  In certain circumstances, our intellectual property rights associated with government contracts may be limited.

Protection of the intellectual property owned or licensed to us may require us to initiate litigation, which can be an extremely expensive, protracted procedure with an uncertain outcome.  The availability of financial resources may limit the Company’s ability to commence or defend such litigation.


Failure to comply with environmental and safety regulations, resulting in improper handling of hazardous raw materials used in our manufacturing processes, could result in costly remediation fees, penalties or damages.

We are subject to laws and regulations and must obtain certain permits and licenses relating to the use of hazardous materials. Our production activities involve the use of certain hazardous raw materials, including, but not limited to, ammonia, gallium, phosphate and arsine. If our control systems are unsuccessful in preventing a release of these materials into the environment or other adverse environmental conditions or human exposures occur, we could experience interruptions in our operations and incur substantial remediation and other costs or liabilities.  In addition, certain foreign laws and regulations place restrictions on the concentration of certain hazardous materials, including, but not limited to, lead, mercury and cadmium, in our products. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could subject us to future liabilities or result in the limitation or suspension of the sale or production of our products. These regulations include the European Union’s (“EU”) Restrictions on Hazardous Substances, Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and the directive on End of Life for Vehicles. Failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations may limit our ability to export products to the EU and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, during the past year the Department of Homeland Security has commenced a program to evaluate the security of certain chemicals which may be of interest to terrorists, including chemicals utilized by the Company.  This evaluation may lead to regulations or restrictions affecting the Company’s ability to utilize these chemicals or the costs of doing so.


Our recent acquisitions have placed, and will continue to place, a significant strain on our management, personnel, systems, and resources.

Our recent acquisitions have placed, and will continue to place, a significant strain on our management, personnel, systems, and resources. To successfully manage our growth and handle the responsibilities of being a public company, we believe we must effectively:

 
hire, train, integrate and manage additional qualified engineers for research and development activities, sales and marketing personnel, and financial and information technology personnel;

 
retain key management and augment our management team, particularly if we lose key members;

 
continue to enhance our customer resource management and manufacturing management systems;

 
implement and improve additional and existing administrative, financial and operations systems, procedures and controls, including the need to update and integrate our financial internal control systems;

      •           expand and upgrade our technological capabilities; and

      •           manage multiple relationships with our customers, suppliers and other third parties.

We may encounter difficulties in effectively managing the budgeting, forecasting and other process control issues presented by the acquisitions. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities, develop new products, satisfy customer requirements, execute our business plan or respond to competitive pressures.


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A failure to attract and retain managerial, technical and other key personnel could reduce our revenue and our operational effectiveness

Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain certain key personnel, including scientific, operational, financial, and managerial personnel.  In addition, our technical personnel represent a significant asset and serve as the source of our technological and product innovations. The competition for attracting and retaining key employees (especially scientists, technical personnel, financial personnel and senior managers and executives) is intense. Because of this competition for skilled employees, we may be unable to retain our existing personnel or attract additional qualified employees in the future. If we are unable to retain our skilled employees and attract additional qualified employees to the extent necessary to keep up with our business demands and changes, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.  The risks involved in recruiting and retaining these key personnel may be increased by our lack of profitability, the volatility of our stock price and the perceived affect of reductions in force and other cost reduction efforts which we have recently implemented.


It may be difficult or costly to obtain director and officer insurance coverage as a result of our historical stock option granting practices.

Although we have recently renewed our directors and officer insurance coverage on what we believe to be favorable terms, it may become more difficult to obtain director and officer insurance coverage in the future.  If we are able to obtain this coverage, it could be significantly more expensive than in the past, which would have an adverse effect on our financial results and cash flow. As a result of this and related factors, our directors and officers could face increased risks of personal liability in connection with the performance of their duties. As a result, we may have difficultly attracting and retaining qualified directors and officers, which could adversely affect our business.


We are subject to risks associated with the availability and coverage of insurance.

For certain risks, the Company does not maintain insurance coverage because of cost and/or availability. Because the Company retains some portion of its insurable risks, and in some cases self-insures completely, unforeseen or catastrophic losses in excess of insured limits may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.


Our business and operations would be adversely impacted in the event of a failure of our information technology infrastructure.

We rely upon the capacity, reliability and security of our information technology hardware and software infrastructure and our ability to expand and update this infrastructure in response to our changing needs. We are constantly updating our information technology infrastructure. Any failure to manage, expand and update our information technology infrastructure or any failure in the operation of this infrastructure could harm our business.

Despite our implementation of security measures, our systems are vulnerable to damages from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access and other similar disruptions. Any system failure, accident or security breach could result in disruptions to our operations. To the extent that any disruptions or security breach results in a loss or damage to our data, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential information, it could harm our business. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future.

In addition, implementation of new software programs, including the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) program which the Company intends to install during the upcoming year, may have adverse impact on the Company, including interruption of operations, loss of data, budget overruns and the consumption of management time and resources.


If we fail to remediate deficiencies in our current system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, our business could be harmed and current and potential investors could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our equity securities.

The Company is subject to the ongoing internal control provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. These provisions provide for the identification of material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, which is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our brand, operating results and the market value of our equity securities could be harmed. We have in the past discovered, and may in the future discover, areas of our internal controls that need improvement.  In fiscal 2008 and 2007, the Company identified deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting.

We have devoted significant resources to remediate and improve our internal controls. We have also been monitoring the effectiveness of these remediated measures. We cannot be certain that these measures will ensure adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. We intend to continue implementing and monitoring changes to our processes to improve internal controls over financial reporting. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations.

Inadequate internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our equity securities. Further, the impact of these events could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our Board of Directors or as executive officers, which could harm our business. The additions of our manufacturing facility in China and acquisitions increase the burden on our systems and infrastructure, and impose additional risk to the ongoing effectiveness of our internal controls, disclosure controls, and procedures.


Certain provisions of New Jersey law and our charter may make a takeover of EMCORE difficult even if such takeover could be beneficial to some of our shareholders.

New Jersey law and our certificate of incorporation, as amended, contain certain provisions that could delay or prevent a takeover attempt that our shareholders may consider in their best interests. Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Directors are elected to serve staggered three-year terms and are not subject to removal except for cause by the vote of the holders of at least 80% of our capital stock. In addition, approval by the holders of 80% of our voting stock is required for certain business combinations unless these transactions meet certain fair price criteria and procedural requirements or are approved by two-thirds of our continuing directors. We may in the future adopt other measures that may have the effect of delaying or discouraging an unsolicited takeover, even if the takeover were at a premium price or favored by a majority of unaffiliated shareholders. Certain of these measures may be adopted without any further vote or action by our shareholders and this could depress the price of our common stock.

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Additional litigation may arise in the future relating to our historical stock option practices and other issues.

Although we have received final court approval of the settlement of the three derivative actions which were filed against certain of our current and former directors and officers relating to historical stock options practices, and the SEC has indicated that is has terminated its investigation of these matters, additional securities-related litigation (including possible litigation involving employees) may still arise.  Additional lawsuits, regardless of their underlying merit, could become time consuming and expensive, and if they result in unfavorable outcomes, there could be material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  We may be required to pay substantial damages or settlement costs in excess of our insurance coverage related to these matters, which would have a further material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.


Acquisitions of other companies or investments in joint ventures with other companies could adversely affect our operating results, dilute our shareholders’ equity, or cause us to incur additional debt or assume contingent liabilities.
 
To increase our business and maintain our competitive position, we may acquire other companies or engage in joint ventures in the future. Acquisitions and joint ventures involve a number of risks that could harm our business and result in the acquired business or joint venture not performing as expected, including:

 
insufficient experience with technologies and markets in which the acquired business is involved, which may be necessary to successfully operate and integrate the business;

 
problems integrating the acquired operations, personnel, technologies or products with the existing business and products;

 
diversion of management time and attention from the core business to the acquired business or joint venture;

 
potential failure to retain key technical, management, sales and other personnel of the acquired business or joint venture;

 
difficulties in retaining relationships with suppliers and customers of the acquired business, particularly where such customers or suppliers compete with us;

          •           reliance upon joint ventures which we do not control;

          •           subsequent impairment of the acquired assets, including intangible assets; and

 
assumption of liabilities including, but not limited to, lawsuits, tax examinations, warranty issues, etc.

We may decide that it is in our best interests to enter into acquisitions or joint ventures that are dilutive to earnings per share or that negatively impact margins as a whole. In addition, acquisitions or joint ventures could require investment of significant financial resources and require us to obtain additional equity financing, which may dilute our shareholders’ equity, or require us to incur additional indebtedness.
 
 
Changes to financial accounting standards may affect our consolidated results of operations and cause us to change our business practices.
 
We prepare our financial statements to conform with U.S. GAAP. These accounting principles are subject to interpretation by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the SEC and various bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting policies. A change in those policies can have a significant effect on our consolidated reported results and may affect our reporting of transactions completed before a change is announced. Changes to those rules or the questioning of current practices may adversely affect our reported financial results or the way we conduct our business.  For example, in December 2003, the FASB issued Staff Position Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”, or FIN 46(R). The accounting method under FIN 46(R) may impact our accounting for future joint ventures or project companies. In the event that we are deemed the primary beneficiary of a Variable Interest Entity (VIE) subject to the accounting of FIN 46(R), we may have to consolidate the assets, liabilities and financial results of the joint venture. This could have an adverse impact on our financial position, gross margin and operating results.

 
25

 


 Our announced strategy to split the Company may not be successfully implemented.

On April 4, 2008, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to proceed with the prospects of splitting the Company into two separate corporations, one consisting of the Fiber Optics reporting segment and one consisting of the Photovoltaics business segment.  These studies continue, and certain steps have been undertaken to implement this strategy.  There can be no assurance, however, that this strategy will be successfully implemented, or when this implementation will occur.  Among the factors which may adversely impact or delay the implementation of this strategy include the following:
 
 
Further study may reveal issues which make such a split inadvisable or uneconomical, or future changes in laws, regulations or accounting rules may create such issues;
 
Key customers or suppliers may not consent to contract assignments or other arrangements necessary to implement this strategy;
 
It may not be possible to obtain shareholder consent for the implementation of this strategy;
 
Future capital market developments may prevent the Company from obtaining necessary financing for one or both of the resulting corporations; and
 
It may not be possible to fully staff the Board of Directors of one or both resulting corporations.
 
 
In addition, because the future management of each of the resulting corporations has not been identified, it is not possible to currently predict what the strategy of each of these corporations would be following their separation, or whether such strategy(ies) would be successful



ITEM 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments

Not Applicable.

Properties

The following chart contains certain information regarding each of our principal facilities.

Location
Function
Approximate
Square Footage
Term
(in calendar year)
       
Active Properties:
     
       
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Corporate Headquarters
Manufacturing facility for photovoltaic products
Manufacturing facility for digital fiber optic products
R&D facility
165,000
Facilities are owned by the Company; certain land is leased.  Land lease expires in 2050
       
Alhambra, California
Manufacturing facility for CATV, FTTP and Satcom products
R&D facility
91,000
Lease expires in 2011 (1)
       
Newark, California
R&D facility
55,000
Lease expires in 2013(1)
       
Langfang, China
Manufacturing facility for fiber optics products
44,000
Lease expires in 2012(1)
       
San Diego, California
Manufacturing facility for video transport products
R&D facility (April 2007 - Acquisition of Opticomm Corporation)
8,100
Lease expires in April 2009
       
Ivyland, Pennsylvania
Manufacturing facility for CATV and Satcom products R&D facility
9,000
Lease expires in 2011(1)
       
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Storage warehouse
6,000
Lease expires in 2010(1)
       
Taipei City, Taiwan
R&D facility
6,000
Lease expires in 2013
       
Somerset, New Jersey
R&D facility
5,000
Lease to commence in November 2008 and expires in 2010(1)
Vacated Properties:
     
Sunnyvale, California
Manufacturing facility for ECL lasers
R&D facility
Facility was vacated in August 2008
15,000
Lease terminated.
       
Naperville, Illinois
Manufacturing facility for LX4 modules
R&D facility
Facility was vacated in October 2007
11,000
Lease expires in February 2013 and it is in the process of being subleased.
       
Blacksburg, Virginia
Manufacturing facility for video transport products
R&D facility.
Facility was vacated in June 2007
6,000
Lease expired in December 2008.
 


Note:
 
(1)
This lease has the option to be renewed by the Company, subject to inflation adjustments.


Legal Proceedings

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims as discussed below. The Company is also subject to certain other legal proceedings and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and which have not been fully adjudicated.  The Company does not believe it has a potential liability related to current legal proceedings and claims that could individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. However, the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Should the Company fail to prevail in any legal matters or should several legal matters be resolved against the Company in the same reporting period, the operating results of a particular reporting period could be materially adversely affected.


Shareholder Derivative Litigation Relating to Historical Stock Option Practices

On February 1, 2007, Plaintiff Lewis Edelstein filed a purported stockholder derivative action (the “Federal Court Action”) on behalf of the Company against certain of its present and former directors and officers (the “Individual Defendants”), as well as the Company as nominal defendant, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Edelstein v. Brodie, et. al., Case No. 3:07-cv-00596-FLW-JJH (D.N.J.).   On May 22, 2007, Plaintiffs Kathryn Gabaldon and Michael Sackrison each filed a purported stockholder derivative action against the Individual Defendants, and the Company as nominal defendant, in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Somerset County, Gabaldon v. Brodie, et. al., Case No. 3:07-cv-03185-FLW-JJH (D.N.J.) and Sackrison v. Brodie, et. al., Case No. 3:07-cv-00596-FLW-JJH (D.N.J.) (collectively, the “State Court Actions”).

A motion to approve an agreement among the parties to settle the matter reflected in a stipulation of compromise and settlement was filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on December 3, 2007.   The Court granted the motion for preliminary approval of the settlement on January 3, 2008, and, at a hearing held on March 28, 2008, the Court issued an order giving final approval to the settlement.   The settlement has become final and effective upon the expiration of the appeal period on April 30, 2008.  Thus, the settlement is now binding on all parties and represents a final settlement of both the Federal Court Action and the State Court Actions.  For additional information regarding this matter, please see the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008.


Intellectual Property Lawsuits

We protect our proprietary technology by applying for patents where appropriate and in other cases by preserving the technology, related know-how and information as trade secrets. The success and competitive position of our product lines are significantly impacted by our ability to obtain intellectual property protection for our R&D efforts.

We have, from time to time, exchanged correspondence with third parties regarding the assertion of patent or other intellectual property rights in connection with certain of our products and processes. Additionally, on September 11, 2006, we filed a lawsuit against Optium Corporation (Optium, a company purchased by Finisar Corporation in August 2008) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania for patent infringement. In the suit, the Company and JDS Uniphase Corporation (JDSU) allege that Optium is infringing on U.S. patents 6,282,003 and 6,490,071 with its Prisma II 1550nm transmitters. On March 14, 2007, following denial of a motion to add additional claims to its existing lawsuit, the Company and JDSU filed a second patent suit in the same court against Optium alleging infringement of JDSU's patent 6,519,374 ("the '374 patent").  On March 15, 2007, Optium filed a declaratory judgment action against the Company and JDSU. Optium sought in this litigation a declaration that certain products of Optium do not infringe the '374 patent and that the patent is invalid, but the District Court dismissed the action on January 3, 2008 without addressing the merits. The '374 patent is assigned to JDSU and licensed to the Company.
 

On December 20, 2007, the Company was served with a complaint in another declaratory relief action which Optium had filed in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  This action seeks to have U.S. patents 6,282,003 and 6,490,071 declared invalid or unenforceable because of certain conduct alleged to have occurred in connection with the grant of these patents.  These allegations are substantially the same as those brought by Optium by motion in the Company’s own case against Optium, which motion had been denied by the Court.  The Court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss this action and has indicated that it will be tried at the same time as the Optium Plaintiff Matters.  The Company filed its answer in this matter on May 12, 2008.  In its complaint, Optium does not seek monetary damages but asks that the patents in question be declared unenforceable and that it be awarded attorneys’ fees.  The Company believes that this claim is without merit. On August 11, 2008, both actions pending in the Western District of Pennsylvania were consolidated before a single judge, and a trial date of October 19, 2009 was set.

On December 5, 2008, EMCORE, along with Fabrinet, its principal contract manufacturer, was also served with a complaint by Avago Technologies filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division alleging infringement of two patents by the Company’s VCSEL products.  The Company believes this complaint is without merit and intends to file an answer denying the claims asserted.

Commercial Litigation

On July 15, 2008 the Company was served with a complaint filed by Avago Technologies and what appear to be affiliates thereof in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division.  In this complaint, Avago asserts claims for breach of contract and breach of express warranty against Venture Corporation Limited (one of the Company’s customers) and asserts a tort claim for negligent interference with prospective economic advantage against the Company.  The Company has not yet filed an answer in this matter, but believes the complaint is without merit and intends to file an answer denying the claims asserted.
 
Shareholder Class Action

On December 23, 2008, Plaintiffs Maurice Prissert and Claude Prissert filed a purported shareholder class action (the “Action”) pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 allegedly on behalf of a class of Company shareholders against the Company and certain of its present and former directors and officers (the “Individual Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico captioned, Maurice Prissert and Claude Prissert v. EMCORE Corporation, Adam Gushard, Hong Q. Hou, Reuben F. Richards, Jr., David Danzilio and Thomas Werthan, Case No. 1:08cv1190 (D.N.M.).  The Complaint alleges that the Company and the Individual Defendants violated certain provisions of the federal securities laws, including Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, arising out of the Company’s disclosure regarding its customer Green and Gold Energy (“GGE”) and the associated backlog of GGE orders with the Company’s photovoltaic business segment.  The Complaint in the Action seeks, among other things, an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and other costs and expenses associated with the maintenance of the Action. The Complaint in the Action has not yet been served upon the Company.   The Company believes the claims asserted in the Action are without merit and intends to defend the Action vigorously.

Securities Matters

a.  SEC Communications.
On or about August 15, 2008, the Company received a letter from the Denver office of the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission wherein it sought EMCORE's voluntary production of documents relating to, among other things, the Company's business relationship with Green and Gold Energy, Inc., its licensees, and the photovoltaic backlog the Company reported to the public.  Since that time, the Company has produced documents to the staff of the SEC and met with the staff on December 12, 2008 to make a presentation addressing certain issues relating to this matter.  Since that meeting the Company has received no requests for further documentation from the SEC.

b. NASDAQ Communication.
On or about November 13, 2008, the Company received a letter from the NASDAQ Listings Qualifications group concerning the Company's removal of $79 million in backlog attributable to GGE which the Company announced on August 8, 2008 and the remaining backlog exclusive of GGE. The Company advised NASDAQ that it would cooperate with its inquiry, and has begun producing the requested information.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2008.


PART II
 
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


The Company’s common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Market and is quoted under the symbol "EMKR". The reported closing sale price of our common stock on December 29, 2008 was $0.90 per share. As of December 29, 2008, we had approximately 185 shareholders of record.  Many of our shares of common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders, and we are unable to estimate the number of these shareholders.


Price Range of Common Stock

The price range per share of common stock presented below represents the highest and lowest sales prices for the Company’s common stock on The NASDAQ Global Market during each quarter of the two most recent fiscal years.

   
First Quarter
   
Second Quarter
   
Third Quarter
   
Fourth Quarter
 
Fiscal 2008 price range per share of common stock
  $ 7.22 $15.90     $ 5.62 – $15.70     $ 5.80 – $9.30     $ 3.90 – $6.65  
Fiscal 2007 price range per share of common stock
  $ 4.60 $ 6.47     $ 3.84 – $ 5.89     $ 4.32 – $5.78     $ 5.45 – $9.91  


Dividend Policy

We have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock since the Company's formation. We currently do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future, so that we may reinvest any earnings in our business. The payment of dividends, if any, in the future is at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  Due to the Company’s credit facility signed in September 2008, the Company agreed to not issue any dividends until full payment is made on the outstanding credit facility.


Performance Graph

The following stock performance graph does not constitute soliciting material, and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this stock performance graph by reference therein.

The following graph and table compares the cumulative total shareholders’ return on the Company’s common stock for the five-year period from September 30, 2003 through September 30, 2008 with the cumulative total return on The NASDAQ Stock Market Index, The NASDAQ Electronic Components Stocks Index (SIC Code 3674) and The NASDAQ Computer Stocks Index.  The comparison assumes $100 was invested on September 30, 2003 in the Company’s common stock.  The Company did not declare, nor did it pay, any dividends during the comparison period.



      9/03       9/04       9/05       9/06       9/07       9/08  
                                                 
EMCORE Corporation
    100.00       67.01       208.16       201.36       326.53       168.03  
NASDAQ Composite
    100.00       107.74       123.03       131.60       158.88       119.05  
NASDAQ Electronic Components
    100.00       80.82       97.22       93.26       114.21       79.72  
NASDAQ Computer
    100.00       99.32       113.13       119.80       144.37       109.15  


Equity Compensation Plan Information

The description of equity compensation plans required by Regulation S-K, Item 201(d) is incorporated herein by reference to Part III, Item 12 – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
 

Sales of Unregistered Securities

On February 20, 2008, the Company completed the sale of $100.0 million of restricted common stock and warrants through a private placement transaction to fund the Intel Acquisitions.  In this transaction, investors purchased 8 million shares of our common stock, no par value, and warrants to purchase an additional 1.4 million shares of our common stock.  The purchase price was $12.50 per share, priced at the 20-day volume-weighted average price.  The warrants grant the holder the right to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $15.06 per share, representing a 20.48% premium over the purchase price.  The warrants are immediately exercisable and remain exercisable until February 20, 2013.  In addition, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the investors to register for resale the shares of common stock issued in this transaction and the shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the warrants.  Beginning two years after their issuance, the warrants may be called by the Company for a price of $0.01 per underlying share if the closing price of its common stock has exceeded 150% of the exercise price for at least 20 trading days within a period of any 30 consecutive trading days and other certain conditions are met.   In addition, in the event of certain fundamental transactions, principally the purchase of the Company’s outstanding common stock for cash, the holders of the warrants may demand that EMCORE purchase the unexercised portions of their warrants for a price equal to the Black-Scholes Value of such unexercised portions as of the time of the fundamental transaction.  Total agent fees incurred were 5.75% of the gross proceeds, or $5.8 million.  The Company used a substantial portion of the net proceeds to acquire the telecom-related assets of Intel Corporation's Optical Platform Division in 2008.
 
 
Selected Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial data of the Company's five most recent fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under Item 7 and Financial Statements and Supplementary Data under Item 8.  The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of results for future operations.  Significant transactions that affect the comparability of the Company’s operating results and financial condition include:
 
Significant Transactions:
 
Fiscal 2008:
 
 
·
In June and July 2008, the Company sold a total of two million shares of Series D Preferred Stock of WorldWater and Solar Technologies Corporation (WWAT), together with 200,000 warrants to a major shareholder of both the Company and WWAT at a price equal to $6.54 per share.  The Company recognized a total gain of $7.4 million on the sale of this stock.

 
·
In February and April 2008, the Company acquired the telecom, datacom, and optical cable interconnects-related assets of Intel’s Optical Platform Division for $120 million in cash and the Company’s common stock.

 
·
In February 2008, the Company completed the sale of $100 million of restricted common stock and warrants to fund the Intel Acquisitions.  Investors purchased 8 million shares of our common stock, no par value, and warrants to purchase an additional 1.4 million shares of our common stock.

 
·
In January and February 2008, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding 5.5% convertible subordinated notes due 2011 pursuant to which the holders converted their notes into the Company's common stock.  The Company recognized a loss totaling $4.7 million related to the conversion of notes to equity.

 
·
Fiscal 2008 operating expenses included $4.8 million related to Intel Corporation’s transition services agreement charges associated with the acquisition of certain assets from Intel.

·      
The Company recorded approximately $22.0 million of impairment charges on goodwill related to the fiber optics reporting segment.
 
·      
The Company accounted for the modification of stock options still held to terminated employees as additional compensation expense of $4.3 million in accordance with SFAS 123(R) in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.
 
·      
Other expenses included a charge of $1.5 million associated with the impairment of certain investments.

Fiscal 2007:
 
 
·
In November 2006, the Company invested $13.1 million in WWAT in return for convertible preferred stock and warrants.
 
 
·
In April 2007, the Company modified its convertible subordinated notes to resolve an alleged default event.  The interest rate was increased from 5% to 5.5% and the conversion price was decreased from $8.06 to $7.01.  The Company also repurchased $11.4 million of outstanding notes to reduce interest expense and share dilution.
 
 
·
In April 2007, the Company acquired privately-held Opticomm Corporation for $4.1 million in cash.
 
 
·
Fiscal 2007 operating expenses included:
 
 
§
$10.6 million related to our review of historical stock option granting practices;
 
 
§
$6.1 million related to non-recurring legal expenses; and,
 
 
§
$2.8 million related to severance charges associated with facility closures and consolidation of operations.
 
 
Fiscal 2006:
 
 
·
In November 2005, the Company exchanged $14.4 million of convertible subordinated notes due in May 2007 for $16.6 million of newly issued convertible senior subordinated notes due May 15, 2011. As a result of this transaction, the Company recognized approximately $1.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 related to the early extinguishment of debt.
 
 
·
The Company received manufacturing equipment valued at $2.0 million less tax of $0.1 million as a final earn-out payment from Veeco Instruments, Inc. (Veeco) in connection with the sale of the TurboDisc division.
 
 
·
In August 2006, the Company sold its Electronic Materials & Device (EMD) division to IQE plc (IQE) for $16.0 million. The net gain associated with the sale of the EMD business totaled approximately $7.6 million, net of tax of $0.5 million.  The results of operations of the EMD division have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented.
 
 
·
In August 2006, the Company sold its 49% membership interest in GELcore, LLC for $100.0 million to General Electric Corporation, which prior to the transaction owned the remaining 51% membership interest in GELcore.  The Company recorded a net gain of $88.0 million, before tax, on the sale of GELcore, after netting the Company’s investment in this joint venture of $10.8 million and transaction expenses of $1.2 million.
 
 
·
The Company recorded approximately $2.2 million of impairment charges on goodwill and intellectual property associated with the June 2004 acquisition of Corona Optical Systems.
 
 
·
Fiscal 2006 operating expense included $1.3 million related to our review of historical stock option granting practices.
 
 
·
Other expense included a charge of $0.5 million associated with the write-down of the Archcom investment.
 
 
·
The Company recognized a provision for income taxes of $1.9 million from continuing operations for the year ended September 30, 2006.
 
Fiscal 2005:
 
 
·
SG&A expense included approximately $0.9 million in severance-related charges and $2.3 million of charges associated with the consolidation of the Company’s City of Industry, California location to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
 
 
·
The Company received a $12.5 million net earn-out payment from Veeco in connection with the 2003 sale of the TurboDisc division.
 
Fiscal 2004:
 
 
·
In November 2003, the Company sold its TurboDisc division to Veeco. The results of operations of TurboDisc have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented. The net gain associated with the sale of the TurboDisc business totaled approximately $19.6 million.
 
 
·
In February 2004, the Company exchanged approximately $146.0 million, or 90.2%, of the convertible subordinated notes due in May 2007 for approximately $80.3 million of new convertible subordinated notes due May 15, 2011 and approximately 7.7 million shares of the Company common stock. The total net gain from debt extinguishment was $12.3 million.
 
 
·
SG&A expense included approximately $1.2 million in severance-related charges.
 
 
·
Other expense included a charge of $0.5 million associated with the write-down of the Archcom investment.
 
 
Selected Financial Data

Statements of Operations Data
For the fiscal years ended September 30
(in thousands, except per share data)
   
 
  
2008
 
2007
 
2006 (1)
 
2005 (1)
 
2004 (1)
                                         
Product revenue
  
$
228,977
   
$
148,334
   
$
132,304
   
$
106,656
   
$
77,782
 
Services revenue
   
10,326
     
21,272
     
11,229
     
8,801
     
4,103
 
Total revenue
   
239,303
     
169,606
     
143,533
     
115,367
     
81,885
 
Gross profit
   
29,895
     
30,368
     
25,952
     
19,302
     
4,473
 
Operating loss
  
 
(75,281
)
   
(57,456
   
(34,150
   
(20,371
   
(35,604
(Loss) income from continuing operations
  
 
(80,860
)
   
(58,722
)
   
45,039
     
(24,685
)
   
(28,376
Income from discontinued operations
  
 
-
     
-
     
9,884
     
11,200
     
14,422
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(80,860
)
 
$
(58,722
)
 
$
54,923
   
$
(13,485
)
 
$
(13,954
 
  
                                     
Per share data:
                                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations:
                                       
Per basic share
  
$
(1.20
)
 
$
(1.15
)
 
$
0.91
   
$
(0.52
)
 
$
(0.66
Per diluted share
 
$
(1.20
)
 
$
(1.15
)
 
$
0.87
   
$
(0.52
)
 
$
(0.66

Balance Sheet Data
As of September 30
(in thousands)
  
                                     
     
2008
     
2007
     
2006
     
2005
     
2004
 
                                         
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and current available-for-sale  securities
 
$
22,760
   
$
41,226
   
$
123,967
   
$
40,175
   
$
51,572
 
Working capital
   
79,234
     
63,204
     
129,683
     
56,996
     
58,486
 
Total assets
   
329,278
     
234,736
     
287,547
     
206,287
     
213,243
 
Long-term liabilities
   
-
     
84,981
     
84,516
     
94,701
     
96,051
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
253,722
     
98,157
     
149,399
     
75,563
     
85,809
 
 
_______________________
 
 
(1)
In August 2006, EMCORE sold its Electronic Materials & Device (EMD) division to IQE plc (IQE). The results of operations of the EMD division have been reclassified to discontinued operations for fiscal years ended September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004.
 
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


Business Overview

EMCORE Corporation (the “Company”, “we”, or “EMCORE”) is a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber optic, satellite and terrestrial solar power markets.  We have two reporting segments: Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics.  EMCORE's Fiber Optics segment offers optical components, subsystems and systems that enable the transmission of video, voice and data over high-capacity fiber optic cables for high-speed data and telecommunications, cable television (“CATV”) and fiber-to-the-premises (“FTTP”) networks.  EMCORE's Photovoltaics segment provides solar products for satellite and terrestrial applications. For satellite applications, EMCORE offers high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based gallium arsenide (“GaAs”) solar cells, covered interconnect cells (“CICs”) and fully integrated solar panels.  For terrestrial applications, EMCORE offers Concentrating Photovoltaic Systems (“CPV”) for utility scale solar applications as well as offering its high-efficiency GaAs solar cells for use in solar power concentrator systems.  For specific information about our Company, our products or the markets we serve, please visit our website at http://www.emcore.com.  We were established in 1984 as a New Jersey corporation.


Management Summary

Our principal objective is to maximize shareholder value by leveraging our expertise in advanced compound semiconductor-based technologies to be a leading provider of high-performance, cost-effective product solutions in each of the markets we serve.

We target market opportunities that we believe have large potential growth and where the favorable performance characteristics of our products and high volume production efficiencies may give us a competitive advantage over our competitors.  We believe that as compound semiconductor production costs continue to be reduced, existing and new customers will be compelled to increase their use of these products because of their attractive performance characteristics and superior value.

Through several strategic acquisitions and divestures over the past few years, EMCORE has developed a strong business focus and comprehensive product portfolios in two main sectors: Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics.


Fiber Optics

Our fiber optics products enable information that is encoded on light signals to be transmitted, routed (switched) and received in communication systems and networks.  Our Fiber Optics segment primarily offers the following products:

·
Telecom Optical Products – We are the leading supplier of 10 gigabit per second (Gb/s) fully C-band and L-band tunable dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) and coarse wavelength division multiplexed (CWDM) products for the next generation tele-communications systems. We are one of the few suppliers who offer vertically-integrated products, including external-cavity laser modules, integrated tunable laser assemblies (ITLAs) and 300-pin transponders. The laser module operates at a continuous wave mode, and is capable for applications of 10, 40, and 100 Gb/s due to the superior narrow linewidth characteristics. The ITLA and transponder products are fully Telcordia® qualified and comply with multi-source agreements (MSAs). We also offer a range of XFP platform OC-192 products for telecom applications. We supply to almost all major telecom equipment companies worldwide.

·
Enterprise Datacom Products – We provide leading-edge optical components and transceiver modules for data applications that enable switch-to-switch, router-to-router and server-to-server backbone connections at aggregate speeds of 10 Gb/s and above. We offer the broadest range of products with XENPAK form factor which comply with 10 Gb/s Ethernet (10-GE) IEEE802.3ae standard. Our 10-GE products include short-reach (SR), long-reach (LR), extended-reach (ER), coarse WDM LX4 optical transceivers to connect between the photonic physical layer and the electrical section layer and CX4 transceivers.  In addition to the 10-GE products, EMCORE offers traditional  MSA Gigabit Ethernet (GE) 1310-nm small form factor (SFF) and small form factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceivers.  These transceivers also provide integrated duplex data links for bi-directional communication over single mode optical fiber providing high-speed Gigabit Ethernet data links operating at 1.25Gbps.

 
·
Cable Television (CATV) Products - We are a market leader in providing radio frequency (RF) over fiber products for the CATV industry.  Our products are used in hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) networks that enable cable service operators to offer multiple advanced services to meet the expanding demand for high-speed Internet, on-demand and interactive video and other advanced services, such as high-definition television (HDTV) and voice over IP (VoIP).  Our CATV products include forward and return-path analog and digital lasers, photodetectors and subassembly components, broadcast analog and digital fiber-optic transmitters and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) transmitters and receivers.  Our products provide our customers with increased capacity to offer more cable services; increased data transmission distance, speed and bandwidth; lower noise video receive; and lower power consumption.

·
Fiber-To-The-Premises (FTTP) Products - Telecommunications companies are increasingly extending their optical infrastructure to their customers’ location in order to deliver higher bandwidth services. We have developed and maintained customer qualified FTTP components and subsystem products to support plans by telephone companies to offer voice, video and data services through the deployment of new fiber optics-based access networks.  Our FTTP products include passive optical network (PON) transceivers, analog fiber optic transmitters for video overlay and high-power erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA), analog and digital lasers, photodetectors and subassembly components, analog video receivers and multi-dwelling unit (MDU) video receivers.  Our products provide our customers with higher performance for analog and digital characteristics; integrated infrastructure to support competitive costs; and additional support for multiple standards.

·
Parallel Optical Transceiver and Cable Products – EMCORE is the technology and product leader of the optical transmitter and receiver products utilizing arrays of optical emitting or detection devices, e.g., vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) or photodetectors (PDs). These optical transmitter, receiver, and transceiver products are used for back-plane interconnects, switching/routing between telecom racks and high-performance computing clusters. EMCORE’s products include 12-lane SNAP-12 MSA transmitter and receivers with single, double, and quadruple data rates and 4-lane optical media converters with single and double data rates. Based on the core competency of 4-lane parallel optical transceivers, we offer the optical fiber ribbon cables with embedded parallel-optical transceivers in the connectors, EMCORE Connects Cables (ECC). These products, with aggregated bandwidth between 10-40 Gb/s, are ideally suited for high-performance computing clusters. Our products provide our customers with increased network capacity; increased data transmission distance and speeds; increased bandwidth; lower power consumption; improved cable management over copper interconnects; and lower cost optical interconnections for massively parallel multi-processors.

·
Fibre Channel Transceiver Products - EMCORE offers tri-rate SFF and SFP optical transceivers for storage area networks. The MSA transceiver module is designed for high-speed Fibre Channel data links supporting up to 4.25 Gb/s (4X Fibre Channel rate). The products provide integrated duplex data links for bi-directional communication over Multimode optical fiber.

·
Satellite Communications (Satcom) Products - We believe we are a leading provider of optical components and systems for use in equipment that provides high-performance optical data links for the terrestrial portion of satellite communications networks. Our products include transmitters, receivers, subsystems and systems that transport wideband radio frequency and microwave signals between satellite hub equipment and antenna dishes.  Our products provide our customers with increased bandwidth and lower power consumption.

·
Laser/photodetector Component Products - We believe we are a leading provider of optical components including lasers, photodetectors and various forms of packaged subassemblies. Products include chip, TO, and TOSA forms of high-speed 850nm vertical cavity VCSELs, distributed feedback Bragg (DFB) lasers, positive-intrinsic-negative (pin) and avalanche photodiode (APD) components for 2G, 8G and 10G Fibre Channel, Ethernet and 10 GE, FTTP, and Telecom applications.  While we provide the component products to the entire industry, we do enjoy the benefits of vertically-integrated infrastructure through a low-cost and early availability for new product introduction.


·
Video Transport - Our video transport product line offers solutions for broadcasting, transportation, IP television (IPTV), mobile video and security & surveillance applications over private and public networks. EMCORE’s video, audio, data and RF transmission systems serve both analog and digital requirements, providing cost-effective, flexible solutions geared for network reconstruction and expansion.

 
·
Defense and Homeland Security - Leveraging our expertise in RF module design and high-speed parallel optics, we provide a suite of ruggedized products that meet the reliability and durability requirements of the U.S. Government and defense markets.  Our specialty defense products include fiber optic gyro components used in precision guided munitions, ruggedized parallel optic transmitters and receivers, high-frequency RF fiber optic link components for towed decoy systems, optical delay lines for radar systems, EDFAs, terahertz spectroscopy systems and other products.  Our products provide our customers with high frequency and dynamic range; compact form-factor; and extreme temperature, shock and vibration tolerance.


Photovoltaics

We believe our high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based multi-junction solar cell products provide our customers with compelling cost and performance advantages over traditional silicon-based solutions.  These advantages include higher solar cell efficiency allowing for greater conversion of light into electricity as well as a  superior ability to withstand extreme heat and radiation environments. These advantages enable a reduction in a customer’s solar product footprint by providing more power output with less solar cells, which is an enhanced benefit when our product is used in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems.  Our Photovoltaics segment primarily targets the following markets:

·
Satellite Solar Power Generation - We are a leader in providing solar power generation solutions to the global communications satellite industry and U.S. government space programs.  A satellite’s operational success and corresponding revenue depend on its available power and its capacity to transmit data. We provide advanced compound semiconductor-based solar cells and solar panel products, which are more resistant to radiation levels in space and generate substantially more power from sunlight than silicon-based solutions.  Space power systems using our multi-junction solar cells weigh less per unit of power than traditional silicon-based solar cells. Our products provide our customers with higher conversion efficiency for reduced solar array size and launch costs, higher radiation tolerance, and longer lifetime in harsh space environments.

We design and manufacture multi-junction compound semiconductor-based solar cells for both commercial and military satellite applications. We currently manufacture and sell one of the most efficient and reliable, radiation resistant advanced triple-junction solar cells in the world, with an average "beginning of life" efficiency of 28.5%.  EMCORE is in the final stages of qualifying the next generation high efficiency multi-junction solar cell platform for space applications and this product family will have an average conversion efficiency of 30%, providing our customers with expanded capability.

Additionally, we are developing an entirely new class of advanced multi-junction solar cell with even higher conversion efficiency.  This new architecture, called inverted metamorphic (IMM), is being developed in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the US Air Force Research Laboratory and to date has demonstrated conversion efficiency of exceeding 33% on an R&D scale.  EMCORE is also the only manufacturer to supply true monolithic bypass diodes for shadow protection, utilizing several EMCORE patented methods.

EMCORE also provides covered interconnect cells (CICs) and solar panel lay-down services, giving us the capability to manufacture fully integrated solar panels for space applications. We can provide satellite manufacturers with proven integrated satellite power solutions that considerably improve satellite economics. Satellite manufacturers and solar array integrators rely on EMCORE to meet their satellite power needs with our proven flight heritage. The pictures below represent a solar cell and solar panel used for satellite space power applications.

·
Terrestrial Solar Power Generation - Solar power generation systems utilize photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight to electricity and have been used in space programs and, to a lesser extent, in terrestrial applications for several decades.  The market for terrestrial solar power generation solutions has grown significantly as solar power generation technologies improve in efficiency, as global prices for non-renewable energy sources (i.e., fossil fuels) continue to rise over the long term, and as concern has increased regarding the effect of carbon emissions on global warming. Terrestrial solar power generation has emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding renewable energy sources due to certain advantages solar power holds over other energy sources, including reduced environmental impact, elimination of fuel price risk, installation flexibility, scalability, distributed power generation (i.e., electric power is generated at the point of use rather than transmitted from a central station to the user), and reliability. The rapid increase in demand for solar power has created a growing need for highly efficient, reliable, and cost-effective concentrating solar power systems.

 
EMCORE has adapted its high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based multi-junction solar cell products for terrestrial applications, which are intended for use with concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) systems in utility-scale installations. EMCORE has attained 39% peak conversion efficiency under 1000x illumination on its terrestrial concentrating solar cell products in volume production. This compares favorably to typical efficiency of 15-21% on silicon-based solar cells and approximately 35% for competing multi-junction cells. We believe that solar concentrator systems assembled using our compound semiconductor-based solar cells will be competitive with silicon-based solar power generation systems, in certain geographic regions, because they are more efficient and, when combined with the advantages of concentration, we believe will result in a lower cost of power generated.  Our multi-junction solar cell technology is not subject to silicon shortages, which have led to increasing prices in the raw materials required for silicon-based solar cells.
 
While the terrestrial power generation market is still developing, we are currently shipping production orders of CPV components to several solar concentrator companies, and providing samples to many others, including major system manufacturers in the United States, Europe, and Asia.  We have finished installations of a total of approximately 1 megawatt (MW) CPV systems in Spain, China, and US with our own Gen-II design (as shown in the picture above). EMCORE has recently responded to several RFPs from public utility companies in the US for a total of several hundred MWs using its Gen-III design. The Gen-III product, with enhanced performance (including a module efficiency of approximately 30%) and much improved cost structure, is scheduled to be in volume production by the second half of calendar 2009.
 

We are committed to the ongoing evaluation of strategic opportunities that can expand our addressable markets and strengthen our competitive position. Where appropriate, we will acquire additional products, technologies, or businesses that are complementary to, or broaden the markets in which we operate. We plan to pursue strategic acquisitions, investments, and partnerships to increase revenue and allow for higher overhead absorption that will improve our gross margins.

Recent acquisitions include:

 
·
On February 22, 2008, EMCORE acquired telecom-related assets of Intel Corporation’s Optical Platform Division (“OPD”) that included inventory, fixed assets, intellectual property, and technology comprised of tunable lasers, tunable transponders, 300-pin transponders, and integrated tunable laser assemblies.

 
 
·
On April 20, 2008, EMCORE acquired the enterprise and storage-related assets of Intel Corporation’s OPD business, as well as Intel’s Connects Cables business.  The assets acquired include inventory, fixed assets, intellectual property, and technology relating to optical transceivers for enterprise and storage customers, as well as optical cable interconnects for high-performance computing clusters.

All of these acquired businesses are part of EMCORE's Fiber Optics reporting segment.  Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A and Financial Statements and Supplemental Data under Item 8 for further discussion of these transactions.


EMCORE is committed to achieving profitability by increasing revenue through the introduction of new products, reducing our cost structure and lowering the breakeven points of our product lines.  We have significantly streamlined our manufacturing operations by focusing on core competencies to identify cost efficiencies. Where appropriate, we transferred the manufacturing of certain product lines to low-cost contract manufacturers when we can lower costs while maintaining quality and reliability.

EMCORE’s restructuring programs are designed to further reduce the number of manufacturing facilities, in addition to the divesture or exit from selected businesses and product lines that are not strategic and/or are not capable of achieving desired revenue or profitability goals.

Our results of operations and financial condition have and will continue to be significantly affected by severance, restructuring charges, impairment of long-lived assets and idle facility expenses incurred during facility closing activities.  Please refer to Risk Factors under Item 1A and Financial Statements and Supplemental Data under Item 8 for further discussion of these items.


Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Management develops estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the best information available. EMCORE’s reported financial position or results of operations may be materially different under changed conditions or when using different estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to significant accounting policies, which are discussed below. In the event that estimates or assumptions prove to differ from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. EMCORE's most significant estimates relate to accounts receivable, inventory, goodwill, intangibles, other long-lived assets, warranty accruals, revenue recognition, and valuation of stock-based compensation.

Valuation of Accounts Receivable. The Company regularly evaluates the collectibility of its accounts receivable and accordingly maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to meet their financial obligations to us. The allowance is based on the age of receivables and a specific identification of receivables considered at risk. The Company classifies charges associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts as SG&A expense. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate impacting their ability to pay us, additional allowances may be required.

Valuation of Inventory. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using the standard cost method. The Company reserves against inventory once it has been determined that: (i) conditions exist that may not allow the inventory to be sold for its intended purpose, (ii) the inventory’s value is determined to be less than cost, or (iii) the inventory is determined to be obsolete. The charge related to inventory reserves is recorded as a cost of revenue. The majority of the inventory write-downs are related to estimated allowances for inventory whose carrying value is in excess of net realizable value and on excess raw material components resulting from finished product obsolescence. In most cases where the Company sells previously written down inventory, it is typically sold as a component part of a finished product. The finished product is sold at market price at the time resulting in higher average gross margin on such revenue. The Company does not track the selling price of individual raw material components that have been previously written down or written off, since such raw material components usually are only a portion of the resultant finished products and related sales price. The Company evaluates inventory levels at least quarterly against sales forecasts on a significant part-by-part basis, in addition to determining its overall inventory risk. Reserves are adjusted to reflect inventory values in excess of forecasted sales, as well as overall inventory risk assessed by management. We have incurred, and may in the future incur, charges to write-down our inventory. While we believe, based on current information, that the amount recorded for inventory is properly reflected on our balance sheet, if market conditions are less favorable than our forecasts, our future sales mix differs from our forecasted sales mix, or actual demand from our customers is lower than our estimates, we may be required to record additional inventory write-downs.

 
Valuation of Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business or assets over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Management has elected December 31 as its annual assessment date.  Circumstances that could trigger an impairment test include but are not limited to: a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors; an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; unanticipated competition; loss of key personnel; the likelihood that a reporting unit or significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed; results of testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit. The determination as to whether a write-down of goodwill is necessary involves significant judgment based on the short-term and long-term projections of the future performance of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is attributed. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we tested for impairment of our goodwill and based on that analysis, we determined that the carrying amount of the reporting units did not exceed their fair value, and therefore, no impairment was recognized for any period presented in the consolidated financial statements.  As of September 30, 2008, due to the recent decline in the Company’s stock price and economic downturn, we tested again for impairment of our goodwill.  Based on that analysis, we determined that an impairment of $22.0 million should be recognized for the period ended September 30, 2008.  Subsequent to our fiscal year-end, we’ve experienced further price decline in our common stock.  Accordingly, an impairment test will be performed on our annual schedule and further impairment is likely to result.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets and Other Intangible Assets.  Long-lived assets consist primarily of our property, plant, and equipment.  Other intangible assets consist primarily of intellectual property that has been internally developed or purchased.  Purchased intangible assets include existing and core technology, trademarks and trade names, and customer contracts.  Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from one to fifteen years.  Because all of intangible assets are subject to amortization, the Company reviews these intangible assets for impairment in accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of.  The Company reviews long-lived assets and other intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. A long-lived asset or other intangible asset is considered impaired when its anticipated undiscounted cash flow is less than its carrying value. In making this determination, the Company uses certain assumptions, including, but not limited to: (a) estimates of the fair market value of these assets; and (b) estimates of future cash flows expected to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, length of service that assets will be used in our operations, and estimated salvage values. As of September 30, 2008, due to the recent decline in the Company’s stock price and economic downturn, we tested for impairment of our long-lived assets and other intangible assets and based on that analysis, we determined that no impairment was recognized for any period presented in the consolidated financial statements.

Product Warranty Reserves. The Company provides its customers with limited rights of return for non-conforming shipments and warranty claims for certain products. In accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies, the Company makes estimates of product warranty expense using historical experience rates as a percentage of revenue and accrues estimated warranty expense as a cost of revenue. We estimate the costs of our warranty obligations based on our historical experience of known product failure rates, use of materials to repair or replace defective products and service delivery costs incurred in correcting product issues. In addition, from time to time, specific warranty accruals may be made if unforeseen technical problems arise. Should our actual experience relative to these factors differ from our estimates, we may be required to record additional warranty reserves. Alternatively, if we provide more reserves than we need, we may reverse a portion of such provisions in future periods.

 
Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized upon shipment provided persuasive evidence of a contract exists, (such as when a purchase order or contract is received from a customer), the price is fixed, the product meets its specifications, title and ownership have transferred to the customer, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. In those few instances where a given sale involves post shipment obligations, formal customer acceptance documents, or subjective rights of return, revenue is not recognized until all post-shipment conditions have been satisfied and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. The majority of our products have shipping terms that are free on board (“FOB”) or free carrier alongside (“FCA”) shipping point, which means that the Company fulfills its delivery obligation when the goods are handed over to the freight carrier at our shipping dock. This means the buyer bears all costs and risks of loss or damage to the goods from that point. In certain cases, the Company ships its products cost insurance and freight (“CIF”). Under this arrangement, revenue is recognized under FCA shipping point terms, but the Company pays (and bills the customer) for the cost of shipping and insurance to the customer's designated location. The Company accounts for shipping and related transportation costs by recording the charges that are invoiced to customers as revenue, with the corresponding cost recorded as cost of revenue. In those instances where inventory is maintained at a consigned location, revenue is recognized only when our customer pulls product for its use and title and ownership have transferred to the customer. Revenue from time and material contracts is recognized at the contractual rates as labor hours and direct expenses are incurred.  The Company also generates service revenue from hardware repairs and calibrations that is recognized as revenue upon completion of the service.  Any cost of warranties and remaining obligations that are inconsequential or perfunctory are accrued when the corresponding revenue is recognized.

Distributors - The Company uses a number of distributors around the world. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition, the Company recognizes revenue upon shipment of product to these distributors. Title and risk of loss pass to the distributors upon shipment, and our distributors are contractually obligated to pay the Company on standard commercial terms, just like our other direct customers.  The Company does not sell to its distributors on consignment and, except in the event of product discontinuance, does not give distributors a right of return.

Solar Panel and Solar Power Systems Contracts - The Company records revenues from certain solar panel  and solar power systems contracts using the percentage-of-completion method in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 81-1 ("SOP 81-1"), Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts. Revenue is recognized in proportion to actual costs incurred compared to total anticipated costs expected to be incurred for each contract. If estimates of costs to complete long-term contracts indicate a loss, a provision is made for the total loss anticipated. The Company has numerous contracts that are in various stages of completion. Such contracts require estimates to determine the appropriate cost and revenue recognition. The Company uses all available information in determining dependable estimates of the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenues, and contract costs. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available.   Due to the fact that the Company accounts for these contracts under the percentage-of-completion method, unbilled accounts receivable represent revenue recognized but not yet billed pursuant to contract terms or accounts billed after the period end.

Government R&D Contracts - - R&D contract revenue represents reimbursement by various U.S. Government entities, or their contractors, to aid in the development of new technology. The applicable contracts generally provide that the Company may elect to retain ownership of inventions made in performing the work, subject to a non-exclusive license retained by the U.S. Government to practice the inventions for governmental purposes. The R&D contract funding may be based on a cost-plus, cost reimbursement, or a firm fixed price arrangement. The amount of funding under each R&D contract is determined based on cost estimates that include both direct and indirect costs. Cost-plus funding is determined based on actual costs plus a set margin. As we incur costs under cost reimbursement type contracts, we record revenue. Contract costs include material, labor, special tooling and test equipment, subcontracting costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs. An R&D contract is considered complete when all significant costs have been incurred, milestones have been reached, and any reporting obligations to the customer have been met.  Government contract revenue is primarily recognized as service revenue.

The Company also has certain cost-sharing R&D arrangements.  Under such arrangements in which the actual costs of performance are divided between the U.S. Government and the Company on a best efforts basis, no revenue is recorded and the Company’s R&D expense is reduced for the amount of the cost-sharing receipts.

 
The U.S. Government may terminate any of our government contracts at their convenience as well as for default based on our failure to meet specified performance measurements. If any of our government contracts were to be terminated for convenience, we generally would be entitled to receive payment for work completed and allowable termination or cancellation costs. If any of our government contracts were to be terminated for default, generally the U.S. Government would pay only for the work that has been accepted and can require us to pay the difference between the original contract price and the cost to re-procure the contract items, net of the work accepted from the original contract. The U.S. Government can also hold us liable for damages resulting from the default.

Stock-Based Compensation.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the straight-line attribution approach to determine the fair-value of stock-based awards under SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment (revised 2004). The Company elected to use the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS 123(R) and accordingly prior periods were not restated to reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R). The modified prospective transition method requires that stock-based compensation expense be recorded for all new and unvested stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered beginning on October 1, 2005, the first day of the Company’s fiscal year 2006. The option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option’s expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. EMCORE’s expected term represents the period that stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and is determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior as influenced by changes to the terms of its stock-based awards. The expected stock price volatility is based on EMCORE’s historical stock prices. See Note 4, Equity, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

***

The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. GAAP. There also are areas in which management's judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. See our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which contain a discussion of our accounting policies, recently adopted accounting pronouncements and other required U.S. GAAP disclosures.


Business Segments, Geographic Revenue, Significant Customers and Backlog

EMCORE has five operating segments: (1) EMCORE Digital Fiber-Optic Products, (2) EMCORE Broadband Photo-Optic Products, and (3) EMCORE Hong Kong, which are aggregated as a separate reporting segment, Fiber Optics, and (4) EMCORE Photovoltaics and (5) EMCORE Solar Power, which are aggregated as a separate reporting segment, Photovoltaics. EMCORE's Fiber Optics revenue is derived primarily from sales of optical components and subsystems for CATV, FTTP, enterprise routers and switches, telecom grooming switches, core routers, high performance servers, supercomputers, and satellite communications data links.  EMCORE's Photovoltaics revenue is derived primarily from the sales of solar power conversion products for the space and terrestrial markets, including solar cells, covered interconnect solar cells, solar panel concentrator solar cells and Concentrating Photovoltaic Systems (“CPV”) receiver assemblies. EMCORE evaluates its reportable segments in accordance with SFAS 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. EMCORE’s Chief Executive Officer is EMCORE’s Chief Operating Decision Maker pursuant to SFAS 131, and he allocates resources to segments based on their business prospects, competitive factors, net revenue, operating results and other non-GAAP financial ratios.

 
The following table sets forth the revenue and percentage of total revenue attributable to each of EMCORE's reporting segments for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Segment Revenue
(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
   
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
 
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
 
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
Fiber Optics
 
$
171,276
     
72
%
 
$
110,377
     
65
%
 
$
104,852
     
73
%
Photovoltaics
   
68,027
     
28
     
59,229
     
35
     
38,681
     
27
 
Total revenue
 
$
239,303
     
100
%
 
$
169,606
     
100
%
 
$
143,533
     
100
%

The following table sets forth EMCORE's consolidated revenue by geographic region for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.  Revenue was assigned to geographic regions based on our customers’ or contract manufacturers’ billing address.

Geographic Revenue
(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
   
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
 
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
 
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
United States
 
$
134,796
     
56
%
 
$
124,012
     
73
%
 
$
109,614
     
76
%
Asia
   
73,311
     
31
     
34,574
     
20
     
28,537
     
20
 
Europe
   
20,420
     
8
     
10,821
     
7
     
4,152
     
3
 
Other
   
10,776
     
5
     
199
     
-
     
1,230
     
1
 
Total revenue
 
$
239,303
     
100
%
 
$
169,606
     
100
%
 
$
143,533
     
100
%


The following table sets forth significant customers by reporting segment.

Significant Customers
As a percentage of total consolidated revenue
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Fiber Optics-related customers:
                       
                         
Customer A
   
14
%
   
-
     
-
 
                         
Customer B
   
12
%
   
-
     
-
 
                         
Customer C
   
-
     
13
%
   
-
 
                         
Customer D
   
-
     
-
     
12
%
                         
Photovoltaics – related customer:
                       
                         
Customer E
   
-
     
11
%
   
-
 

As of September 30, 2008, we had an order backlog of approximately $117.2 million compared to $149 million in the prior year.  Our order backlog is defined as purchase orders or supply agreements accepted by the Company with expected product delivery and / or services to be performed in the future.  The September 30, 2008 order backlog is comprised of $96.1 million related to our Photovoltaics segment of which $60.9 million is expected to be delivered subsequent to fiscal 2009 and $21.1 million related to our Fiber Optics segment expected to be delivered in the fiscal 2009.

On December 17, 2007, EMCORE announced that it had received a purchase order to supply 5.7 Megawatts of CPV, along with a letter of intent for follow-on projects of 14.3 MW, from DI Semicon, a South Korean semiconductor packaging company, and that it had also executed an agreement with the same company relating to the formation of a joint venture in South ever Korea to manufacture CPV systems in South Korea.   No amounts from this order were included in EMCORE’s backlog, and, due to DI Semicon’s inability to obtain necessary financing, EMCORE no longer expects any product orders from, or other arrangements with, DI Semicon to result in the foreseeable future.

From time to time, our customers may request that we delay shipment of certain orders and our backlog could also be adversely affected if customers unexpectedly cancel purchase orders that we’ve previously accepted.  A majority of our fiber optics products typically ship within the same quarter as when the purchase order is received; therefore, our backlog at any particular date is not necessarily indicative of actual revenue or the level of orders for any succeeding period.

 
The following table sets forth operating losses attributable to each EMCORE reporting segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Statement of Operations Data
(in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Operating loss by segment:
                       
Fiber Optics
 
$
(49,903
)
 
$
(25,877
)
 
$
(18,950
)
Photovoltaics
   
(25,238
)
   
(11,202
)
   
(8,365
)
Corporate
   
(140
)
   
(20,377
)
   
(6,835
)
Operating loss
 
$
(75,281
)
 
$
(57,456
)
 
$
(34,150
)


In fiscal 2008, the Company recognized several one-time gains and a significant reduction in interest expense which were not allocated to the reporting segments due to these being corporate charges in prior periods.

The following table sets forth the depreciation and amortization attributable to each of EMCORE's reporting segments for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.


Segment Depreciation and Amortization
(in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Fiber Optics
 
$
9,067
   
$
6,991
   
$
8,378
 
Photovoltaics
   
4,472
     
2,860
     
3,470
 
Corporate
   
77
     
271
     
484
 
Total depreciation and amortization
 
$
13,616
   
$
10,122
   
$
12,332
 

 
Long-lived assets (consisting of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets) for each reporting segment as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

Long-lived Assets
(in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
                 
Fiber Optics
 
$
107,684
   
$
56,816
 
Photovoltaics
   
55,232
     
46,706
 
Corporate
   
622
     
-
 
Total long-lived assets
 
$
163,538
   
$
103,522
 
 
 
Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the consolidated statements of operations data of EMCORE expressed as a percentage of total revenue for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA

   
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Product revenue
   
95.7
%
   
87.5
%
   
92.2
%
Service revenue
   
4.3
     
12.5
     
7.8
 
Total revenue
   
100.0
     
100.0
     
100.0
 
                         
Cost of product revenue
   
87.3
     
73.3
     
75.4
 
Cost of service revenue
   
0.2
     
8.7
     
6.5
 
Total cost of revenue
   
87.5
     
82.0
     
81.9
 
Gross profit
   
12.5
     
18.0
     
18.1
 
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Selling, general and administrative
   
18.2
     
34.1
     
26.6
 
Research and development
   
16.5
     
17.8
     
13.7
 
Impairment of goodwill and/or intellectual property
   
9.3
     
-
     
1.6
 
Total operating expenses
   
44.0
     
51.9
     
41.9
 
                         
Operating loss
   
(31.5
)
   
(33.9
)
   
(23.8
)
                         
Other expense (income):
                       
Interest income
   
(0.4
)
   
(2.4
)
   
(0.9
)
Interest expense
   
0.7
     
2.9
     
3.7
 
Loss from conversion of subordinated notes
   
1.9
     
-
     
-
 
Loss from convertible subordinated notes exchange offer
   
-
     
-
     
0.8
 
Loss from early redemption of convertible notes
   
-
     
0.3
     
-
 
Stock-based compensation expense from tolled options
   
1.8
     
-
     
-
 
Gain from insurance proceeds
   
-
     
(0.2
)
   
-
 
Gain from sale of WWAT Investment
   
(3.1
)
               
Impairment of investment
   
0.7
     
-
     
0.3
 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
0.4
     
0.1
     
0.3
 
Net gain on sale of GELcore investment
   
-
     
-
     
(61.3
)
Equity in net loss of GELcore investment
   
-
     
-
     
0.4
 
Equity in net loss of Velox investment
   
-
     
-
     
0.2
 
Foreign exchange loss
   
0.3
     
-
     
-
 
Total other expense (income)
   
2.3
     
0.7
     
(56.5
)
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
(33.8
)
   
(34.6
)
   
32.7
 
                         
Provision for income taxes
   
-
     
-
     
1.3
 
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations
   
(33.8
)
   
(34.6
)
   
31.4
 
                         
Discontinued operations:
                       
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
0.3
 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
6.6
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
6.9
 
                         
Net (loss) income
   
(33.8
)%
   
(34.6
)%
   
38.3
%
 

Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

Consolidated Revenue

EMCORE’s consolidated revenue increased $69.7 million, or 41%, to $239.3 million from $169.6 million, as reported in the prior year. International sales increased $57.8 million, or 126%, when compared to the prior year. Government contract revenue, which is primarily service revenue, decreased $10.3 million, or 47%, to $11.6 million from $21.9 million, as reported in the prior year. A comparison of revenue achieved within each of EMCORE’s reporting segments is as follows.

Fiber Optics

Over the past several years, communications networks have experienced dramatic growth in data transmission traffic due to worldwide Internet access, e-mail, and e-commerce. As Internet content expands to include full motion video on-demand, HDTV, multi-channel high quality audio, online video conferencing, image transfer, online multi-player gaming, and other broadband applications, the delivery of such data will place a greater demand on available bandwidth and require the support of higher capacity networks. The bulk of this traffic, which continues to grow at a very high rate, is already routed through the optical networking infrastructure used by local and long distance carriers, as well as Internet service providers. Optical fiber offers substantially greater bandwidth capacity, is less error prone, and is easier to administer than older copper wire technologies. As greater bandwidth capability is delivered closer to the end user, increased demand for higher content, real-time, interactive visual and audio content is expected. We believe that EMCORE is well positioned to benefit from the continued deployment of these higher capacity fiber-optic networks.

Major customers for the Fiber Optics segment include: Alcatel-Lucent, Aurora Networks, BUPT-GUOAN Broadband, C-Cor Electronics, Ciena, Cisco, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, Huawei, IBM, Intel, Jabil, JDSU, Merge Optics, Motorola, Network Appliance, Sycamore Networks, Inc., Tellabs, and ZTE.

Annual Fiber Optics revenue increased $60.9 million, or 55%, to $171.3 million from $110.4 million, as reported in the prior year. Fiscal 2008 revenue, on a sequential quarterly basis, was $34.0 million, $37.6 million, $53.6 million and $46.1 million. Fiscal 2007 revenue, on a sequential quarterly basis, was $31.3 million, $27.6 million, $26.2 million and $25.3 million.  The annual increase in Fiber Optics revenue was primarily due to our recent acquisitions, which totaled approximately $41.6 million in revenue in fiscal 2008.  In February and April 2008, the Company acquired the telecom, datacom, and optical cable interconnects-related assets of Intel’s Optical Platform Division for $120 million in cash and shares of the Company’s common stock.  There was no Fiber Optics-related U.S. Government contract revenue in fiscal 2008 and U.S. Government contract revenue in fiscal 2007 totaled $1.5 million.  Fiber Optics revenue represented 72% and 65% of EMCORE's total consolidated revenue for fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.


Photovoltaics

EMCORE is a leader in providing solar power generation solutions to the global communications satellite industry and U.S. Government space programs.  EMCORE manufactures advanced compound semiconductor-based solar cell products and solar panels, which are more resistant to radiation levels in space and convert substantially more power from sunlight than silicon-based solutions. EMCORE’s Photovoltaics segment designs and manufactures multi-junction compound semiconductor-based solar cells for both commercial and military satellite applications.

Major customers for the Photovoltaics segment include Boeing, General Dynamics, Indian Space Research Organization (“ISRO”), NASA JPL, Lockheed Martin, Menova Energy, Northrop Grumman, Space Systems/Loral, Maxima Energies Renovables Ibahernando, ISFOC, and Solarig.

Annual photovoltaics revenue increased $8.8 million, or 15%, to $68.0 million from $59.2 million, as reported in the prior year. Fiscal 2008 revenue, on a sequential quarterly basis, was $12.9 million, $18.7 million, $21.9 million and $14.5 million. Fiscal 2007 revenue, on a sequential quarterly basis, was $15.8 million, $16.8 million, $13.4 million and $13.2 million.  The increase in annual revenue was primarily due the Company’s launch of its new concentrating photovoltaic components (including solar cells and solar cell receivers) and to CPV power system installations.  The increase in CPV-related revenue was offset by a decrease in Government contract revenue.  Government contract revenue totaled $11.6 million and $20.4 million in fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Photovoltaics revenue represented 28% and 35% of EMCORE's total consolidated revenue for fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 
Gross Profit

EMCORE’s consolidated gross profit decreased by $0.5 million, or 2%, to $29.9 million from $30.4 million as reported in the prior year. Consolidated gross margins decreased from 17.9% in fiscal 2007 to 12.5% in fiscal 2008. On a segment basis, annual Fiber Optics gross margins increased from 18.4% to 20.7% which was primarily due to increased revenue which provided a greater base on which to allocate certain fixed costs, benefits associated from the use of contract manufacturers and better utilization of our China manufacturing facility.  Gross margins also increased due to the implementation of certain cost reduction initiatives and improved efficiencies driven by facility consolidations.  Our Fiber Optics segment also incurred approximately $5.4 million in expenses related to inventory write-downs and product warranty accruals in fiscal 2008.  Such write-downs pertained primarily to the telecom assets purchased in the OPD acquisition.  Annual Photovoltaics gross margins decreased from 17.0% in fiscal 2007 to a negative 8.3% in fiscal 2008 due to significant project losses on several initial CPV solar power systems installation projects, which was primarily the result of higher than expected material, freight and installation costs.  Our Photovoltaics segment also incurred approximately $13.5 million in expenses related to inventory write-downs, contract losses, and product warranty accruals associated with our CPV-related business in fiscal 2008.  The CPV products were in the early stages of deployment and therefore certain additional expenses were incurred during installations that are not expected to recur.  The inventory write-downs pertained mainly to product obsolescence related to the progression from generation 2 to Generation 3 products.

Initiatives designed to improve our gross margins (through product mix improvements, cost reductions associated with product transfers and product rationalization, maximizing production yields on high-performance devices and quality improvements, among other things) continue to be a principal focus for us.  We focus much of our activities on developing new process control and yield management tools that enable us to accelerate the adoption of new technologies into full-volume production, while minimizing their associated risks.


Operating Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative. EMCORE’s consolidated SG&A expenses decreased by $14.3 million, or 25%, to $43.5 million from $57.8 million as reported in the prior year. As a percentage of revenue, SG&A expenses decreased from 34.1% to 18.2%.  The decrease in annual SG&A expenses was primarily due to a reduction of non-recurring legal and professional fees of approximately $17.4 million associated with the Company’s review of historical stock option grants and patent litigation in fiscal 2007.  In fiscal 2008, approximately $7.6 million of SG&A was related to the Intel Acquisitions with $2.2 million related to Intel Corporation’s transition services agreement (TSA) charges associated with the Intel Acquisitions.

The Company continues to focus on lowering SG&A expenses through reducing headcount and minimizing the use of external consultants where appropriate.

Research and Development.   Our R&D efforts have been focused on maintaining our technological leadership position by working to improve the quality and attributes of our product lines. We also invest significant resources to develop new products and production technology to expand into new market opportunities by leveraging our existing technology base and infrastructure. Our efforts are focused on designing new proprietary processes and products, on improving the performance of our existing materials, components, and subsystems, and on reducing costs in the product manufacturing process. In addition to using our internal capacity to develop and manufacture products for our target markets, EMCORE continues to expand its portfolio of products and technologies through acquisitions.

EMCORE’s consolidated R&D expenses increased $9.5 million, or 32%, to $39.5 million from $30.0 million in the prior year.  The increase in R&D expenses is primarily related to our recent acquisitions and significant product development within our Fiber Optics business.  We incurred approximately $7.9 million of R&D expense associated with our recent acquisitions, of which $2.6 million related to Intel transition service charges.  The majority of the increase in R&D expense relates to our efforts to release new products in the telecommunications and enterprise sectors directly related to the Intel acquisitions.  These are highly competitive areas that require continuous investment to keep pace with market developments.  We believe that recently completed R&D projects have the potential to significantly improve our competitive position and drive revenue growth over the next few years.

As part of the ongoing effort to reduce costs, many of our projects involve developing lower cost versions of our existing products and of our existing processes while, at the same time, improving quality and reliability. Also, we have implemented a program to focus our research and product development efforts on projects that we expect to generate returns within one year. As a result, over the last several years, EMCORE has reduced overall R&D costs as a percentage of revenue without, we believe, jeopardizing future revenue opportunities. Our technology and product leadership is an important competitive advantage.  Based upon current and anticipated demand, we will continue to invest in new technologies and products that offer our customers increased efficiency, higher performance, greater reliability, improved functionality, and/or higher levels of integration.

 
Impairment.  The Company recorded approximately $0.2 million of impairment charges on intellectual property associated with the January 2006 acquisition of K2 Optronics, IncAs a result of the ongoing financial liquidity crisis, the current economic recession, reductions to our internal revenue forecasts, changes to our internal operating forecasts and a drastic reduction in our market capitalization, during the period, we performed an analysis to determine if there was an indication of impairment of our intangible assets. As a result of this analysis, we determined that the goodwill related to our Fiber Optics reporting unit was impaired. As a result, we recorded an estimated impairment charge of $22.0 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

Other Income & Expenses

Interest Income.  The Company realized a significant decrease in interest income of $3.3 million for 2008 primarily due to its lower average cash, cash equivalents and investment balances when compared to the prior year.

Interest Expense.  The Company realized a significant decrease in interest expense of $3.4 million for 2008 primarily due to the February 2008 conversion of its convertible subordinated notes to equity.

Loss from Conversion of Subordinated Notes.  In January 2008, the Company entered into agreements with holders of approximately 97.5%, or approximately $83.3 million of its outstanding 5.50% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2011 (the "Notes") pursuant to which the holders converted their Notes into the Company's common stock.  In addition, the Company called for redemption all of its remaining outstanding Notes. Upon conversion of the Notes, the Company issued shares of its common stock, based on a conversion price of $7.01 per share, in accordance with the terms of the Notes. To incentivize certain holders to convert their Notes, the Company made cash payments to such holders equal to 4% of the principal amount of the Notes converted, plus accrued interest.  By February 20, 2008, all Notes were redeemed and converted into the Company’s common stock. As a result of this transaction, 12.2 million shares of the Company common stock were issued.   The Company recognized a loss totaling $4.7 million on the conversion of Notes to equity.  The Notes conversion resulted in a reduction of future interest payments of approximately $4.7 million, on an annual basis, through May 2011.

Stock-based compensation expense from tolled options.  Under the terms of stock option agreements issued under the 2000 Incentive Stock Option Plan, terminated employees who have vested and exercisable stock options have 90 days subsequent to the date of their termination to exercise their stock options. In November 2006, the Company announced that it was suspending its reliance on previously issued financial statements, which in turn caused the Company’s Form S-8 registration statements for shares of common stock issuable under the Option Plans not to be available. Therefore, terminated employees were precluded from exercising their stock options during the remaining contractual term (the “Blackout Period”).  To address this issue, the Company’s Board of Directors agreed in April 2007 to approve a stock option grant “modification” for these individuals by extending the normal 90-day exercise period after termination date to a date after which the Company became compliant with its SEC filings and the registration of the stock option shares was once again effective.  The Company communicated the terms of the tolling agreement with its terminated employees in November 2007.  The Company’s Board of Directors approved an extension of the stock option expiration date equal to the number of calendar days during the Blackout Period before such stock option would have otherwise expired (the “Tolling Period”).   Former employees were able to exercise their vested stock options beginning on the first day after the lifting of the Blackout Period for a period equal to the Tolling Period.  The Company accounted for the modification of stock options issued to terminated employees as additional compensation expense of $4.3 million in accordance with SFAS 123(R) in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and adjusted the stock options to market value in the first and second quarters of 2008.  All tolled stock options were either exercised or expired by January 29, 2008.
 
Gain from sale of investment. In June and July 2008, the Company sold two million shares of Series D Preferred Stock and 200,000 warrants of WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corporation. Total cash proceeds from the sale approximated $13.1 million with a gain from the sale totaling $7.4 million.
 
Impairment of Investments. In April 2008, the Company invested approximately $1.5 million in Lightron Corporation, a Korean Company publicly traded on the Korean Stock Market.  The Company initially accounted for this investment as a long-term available for sale security.  Due to the decline in the market value of this investment and the expectation of non-recovery of this investment beyond its current market value, the Company recorded a $0.5 million “other than temporary” impairment loss on this investment as of September 30, 2008.  The Company also wrote off its remaining investment in Velox Corporation, which totaled approximately $1.0 million, due to the company’s current financial and operational condition.

Foreign exchange gain.  For fiscal 2008, the Company recognized a loss on foreign currency exchange primarily due to its operating activities in Spain, the Netherlands and in China primarily due to the weakening of the US Dollar compared to the EURO.

 
Provision for Income Taxes

As a result of its losses, the Company did not incur any income tax expense in fiscal 2008 or 2007.


Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

EMCORE sold its Electronic, Materials and Device (“EMD”) division in August 2006.  All financial information in fiscal 2006 that related to this division has been excluded from operations for comparison of historical financial performance.

Consolidated Revenue

EMCORE’s consolidated revenue increased $26.1 million, or 18%, to $169.6 million from $143.5 million, as reported in the prior year. International sales increased $11.7 million, or 34%, when compared to the prior year. Government contract revenue, which is primarily service revenue, increased $10.8 million, or 97%, to $21.9 million from $11.1 million, as reported in the prior year. A comparison of revenue achieved within each of EMCORE’s reporting segments is as follows:

Fiber Optics

Annual Fiber Optics revenue increased $5.5 million, or 5%, to $110.4 million from $104.9 million, as reported in the prior year. On a sequential quarterly basis, fiscal 2007 revenue was $25.3 million, $26.2 million, $27.6 million and $31.3 million. On a sequential quarterly basis, fiscal 2006 revenue was $25.0 million, $25.9 million, $26.0 million and $28.0 million.  The annual increase in revenue was primarily due to recent acquisitions and a significant increase in the demand for our CATV products, satellite communications, telecommunications and FTTP components. Also, despite higher revenue for this segment, revenue from our legacy products that serve the digital fiber optics sector was lower than the prior year due to customer inventory management and increased competition.  Government contract revenue in fiscal 2007 and 2006 totaled $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively.  Fiber Optics revenue represented 65% and 73% of EMCORE's total consolidated revenue for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Photovoltaics

Annual photovoltaics revenue increased $20.5 million, or 53%, to $59.2 million from $38.7 million, as reported in the prior year. On a sequential quarterly basis, fiscal 2007 revenue was $13.2 million, $13.4 million, $16.8 million and $15.8 million. On a sequential quarterly basis, fiscal 2006 revenue was $10.7 million, $10.3 million, $10.4 million and $7.3 million.  In fiscal 2007, our Photovoltaics division continued to experience increased demand for its space and terrestrial solar cells, solar panels and U.S. Government-related research contracts.  Revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 was reduced because EMCORE did not receive export licenses covering three international satellite programs in sufficient time to ship product.  Subsequently, EMCORE received license approvals on all three of the programs and the delayed orders were shipped to the customers in the first quarter of fiscal 2007.  Government contract revenue totaled $20.4 million and $9.2 million in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Photovoltaics revenue represented 35% and 27% of EMCORE's total consolidated revenue for fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.

In fiscal 2006 and 2007, EMCORE had been engaged in a multi-year cost reimbursable solar cell development and production contract for a major U.S. aerospace corporation.  Subsequently, the Company reported that the contract would exceed $40.0 million in development and production revenue over the next several years.  Although we recognized significant revenue for this program during fiscal 2007, our customer notified us in August 2007 that their program had been terminated for convenience by the U.S. Government.

Gross Profit

EMCORE’s consolidated gross profit increased $4.4 million, or 17%, to $30.4 million from $26.0 million in the prior year. Compared to the prior year, gross margins remained constant at 18%. On a segment basis, gross margins for Fiber Optics decreased slightly from 20% in 2006 to 19% in 2007 primarily due to unabsorbed overhead as a result of lower revenue from our legacy products that serve the digital fiber optics sector.  Gross margins for the Photovoltaics segment increased from 12% in 2006 to 17% in 2007.  This increase was due to increased revenues and improved product mix, a shift to generally higher margin products along with higher overhead absorption. In October 2006, EMCORE consolidated its solar panel manufacturing into a state-of-the-art facility located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The establishment of a modern solar panel manufacturing facility, adjacent to our solar cell fabrication operations, facilitates consistency, as well as lower manufacturing costs.

 
Operating Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative.  EMCORE’s consolidated SG&A expenses increased $19.6 million, or 51%, to $57.8 million from $38.2 million in the prior year.  Consistent with prior years, SG&A expense includes corporate overhead expenses.  As a percentage of revenue, SG&A increased from 27% to 34%. The increase in SG&A expense is primarily due to:

 
·
$10.6 million related to professional fees associated with our review of historical stock option granting practices;
 
·
$6.1 million in non-recurring legal expenses and $2.8 million in restructuring and severance-related charges associated with facility closures and consolidation of operations; and
 
·
continued investment in personnel strategic to our business.

Research and Development.  EMCORE’s consolidated R&D expenses increased $10.3 million, or 52%, to $30.0 million from $19.7 million in the prior year.  The increase in R&D is due to $7.9 million of R&D expenses incurred in our newly formed terrestrial solar power business.  As a percentage of revenue, R&D increased to 18% from 14% reported in the prior year.

Other Income & Expenses

Loss from Convertible Subordinated Notes Exchange Offer. In November 2005, EMCORE exchanged $14.4 million of convertible subordinated notes due in May 2006 for $16.6 million of newly issued convertible subordinated notes due May 15, 2011. As a result of this transaction, EMCORE recognized approximately $1.1 million of expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 related to the early extinguishment of debt.

Loss from Early Redemption of Convertible Subordinated Notes.  In April 2007, EMCORE redeemed $11.4 million of convertible subordinated notes due in May 2011. As a result of this transaction, EMCORE recognized a loss of approximately $0.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 related to the redemption of debt.

Impairment of Investment. In February 2002, EMCORE purchased preferred stock of Archcom Technologies, Inc., a venture-funded, start-up optical networking components company that designs, manufactures and markets a series of high performance lasers and photodiodes for datacom and telecom industries. In fiscal 2006, EMCORE wrote-off its remaining investment in Archcom totaling $0.5 million. 

Gain on Insurance Proceeds. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we recognized a gain of $0.4 million related to insurance proceeds received.

Net Gain on Sale of GELcore Investment. In August 2006, EMCORE sold its 49% membership interest in GELcore, LLC for $100.0 million to General Electric Corporation which, prior to the transaction, owned the remaining 51% membership interest in GELcore.  EMCORE recorded a net gain of $88.0 million, before tax, on the sale of GELcore, after netting EMCORE’s investment in this joint venture of $10.8 million and transaction expenses of $1.2 million.

Provision for Income Taxes

As a result of its losses, the Company did not incur any income tax expense in fiscal 2007. EMCORE recorded a provision for income taxes totaling $1.9 million in connection with the gain on the sale of GELcore in fiscal 2006.

Discontinued Operations

On August 18, 2006, EMCORE completed the sale of the assets of its EMD division, including inventory, fixed assets, and intellectual property to IQE.  Under the terms of the purchase agreement, EMCORE sold the EMD division to IQE for $16.0 million, consisting of $13.0 million in cash and $3.0 million in the form of a secured promissory note from IQE, guaranteed by IQE's affiliates. The note was completely repaid in fiscal 2007, via four quarterly installments with an annual interest rate of 7.5%.  EMCORE recorded a net gain of $7.6 million, after tax, on the sale of EMD, after netting EMCORE’s investment in EMD of $6.0 million and transaction expenses of $2.4 million.

 
In November 2003, EMCORE sold its TurboDisc division in an asset sale to a subsidiary of Veeco Instruments Inc. (Veeco). The selling price was $60.0 million in cash at closing, with a potential additional earn-out up to $20.0 million over the next two years, calculated based on the net sales of TurboDisc products. In March 2005, EMCORE received $13.2 million of earn-out payment from Veeco in connection with its first year of net sales of TurboDisc products. After offsetting this receipt against expenses related to the discontinued operation, EMCORE recorded a net gain from the disposal of discontinued operations of $12.5 million. In March 2006, EMCORE received manufacturing equipment valued at $2.0 million less $0.1 million tax as a final earn-out payment from Veeco in connection with Veeco’s second year of net sales of TurboDisc products.  The cumulative additional earn-out totaled $15.2 million or 76% of the maximum available payout of $20.0 million.

Liquidity Matters
 
The Company commenced operations in 1984 and as of September 30, 2008, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $424.8 million. We incurred a net loss of $80.9 million in fiscal 2008, net loss of $58.7 million in fiscal 2007, and net income of $54.9 million in fiscal 2006.  Fiscal 2006 results included the sale of our GELcore joint venture that resulted in a net gain, before tax, of $88.0 million.  Our operating results for future periods are subject to numerous uncertainties and we cannot assure you that we will not continue to experience net losses for the foreseeable future.  Although our revenue has grown in recent years, we may be unable to sustain such growth rates if there are adverse changes in market or economic conditions.  If we are not able to increase revenue and/or reduce our costs, we may not be able to achieve profitability.
 
At September 30, 2008, cash, cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities and restricted cash totaled approximately $24.7 million. Historically, the Company has consumed cash from operations.  During fiscal 2008, we consumed cash from operations of approximately $41.9 million, with the rate of cash consumption declining in the third and fourth quarters.  Historically, we have addressed our liquidity requirements through a series of cost reduction initiatives, capital markets transactions and the sale of assets. As of September 30, 2008, we had approximately $79.2 million in working capital.  Although we expect our operating performance to improve in future periods, we anticipate that the recession in the United States and the slowdown of economic growth in the rest of the world may create a more challenging business environment for us in the near term.
 
These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

Management Actions and Plans

Recently, we have revised the assumptions underlying our operating plans and recognized that additional actions were needed to position our operations to minimize cash usage.  Accordingly, we undertook a number of initiatives aimed at conserving or generating cash on an incremental basis through the end of 2009. These initiatives included business realignment, structural cost and headcount reductions, reduction of capital spending, a greater emphasis on managing our working capital, and certain asset sales. In December 2008, we announced an agreement to sell our non-core equity interests for approximately $11.4 million in cash.

In addition to these operational measures, we are actively pursuing a number of capital raising initiatives including the sale of a minority ownership position in the Company’s photovoltaics business as an initial step towards a potential spin off of the business. In October 2008, we announced the closing of a $25 million secured credit facility with Bank of America and, in November 2008, the Company sold $1.7 million of our auction rate securities at 100% par value with the remaining $1.4 million in auction rate securities expected to be settled at 100% par value by June 2010.

 
52

 


These initiatives are intended to conserve or generate cash in response to the deterioration in the global economy so that we can preserve adequate liquidity through December 2009.  However, the full effect of many of these actions will not be realized until later in 2009, even if they are successfully implemented. We are committed to exploring all of the initiatives discussed above and there is no assurance that capital markets conditions will improve within that time frame. Our ability to continue as a going concern is substantially dependent on the successful execution of many of the actions referred to above within the timeline contemplated by our plans.

Conclusion

If cash generated from operations and cash on hand are not sufficient to satisfy EMCORE's liquidity requirements, EMCORE will seek to obtain additional equity or debt financing.  Due to the unpredictable nature of the capital markets, additional funding may not be available when needed, or on terms acceptable to EMCORE.  If EMCORE is required to raise additional financing and if adequate funds are not available or not available on acceptable terms, our ability to continue to fund expansion, develop and enhance products and services, or otherwise respond to competitive pressures may be severely limited. Such a limitation could have a material adverse effect on EMCORE's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.

 
Auction Rate Securities
 
Historically, the Company has invested in securities with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”).  In February 2008, the auction market failed for the Company’s auction rate securities, which meant that the Company was unable to sell its investments in auction rate securities.  At September 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $3.1 million in auction rate securities.  The underlying assets for $1.7 million of this total are currently AAA rated, the highest rating by a rating agency.  The remaining $1.4 million of investments are securities whose underlying assets are primarily student loans which are substantially backed by the U.S. Government. In October 2008, the Company received agreements from its investment brokers announcing settlement of the auction rate securities at 100% par value, of which $1.7 million was settled at 100% par value in November 2008 and the remaining $1.4 million is expected to be settled by June 2010.  The Company classified the $1.7 million securities as a current asset and the remaining $1.4 million securities as a long-term asset based on actual and expected settlement dates.  Due to the fact the Company believes that it will receive full value of its remaining $1.4 million securities, we have not recorded any impairment on these investments as of September 30, 2008.  If we are unable to liquidate and settle these auction rate securities on favorable terms and conditions, such liquidity limitations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.


Working Capital

As of September 30, 2008, the Company had working capital of approximately $79.2 million compared to $63.2 million as of September 30, 2007.  Cash, cash equivalents, and current available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2008 totaled $22.8 million, which reflects a net decrease of $18.4 million from September 30, 2007.


Cash Flow

Cash Used for Operations
 
In fiscal 2008, net cash used by operating activities totaled approximately $41.9 million, which represents a decrease of $4.5 million from $46.4 million in cash used by operating activities in fiscal 2007.  In fiscal 2008, cash usage was primarily due the Company’s net loss and an increase in working capital.  The Company experienced an increase in accounts receivable of approximately $24.1 million, an increase in inventory, net of acquisitions, of approximately $7.4 million and an increase in prepaid and other current assets and other assets of approximately $4.5 million.  A net increase in accounts payable and all other current liabilities represented cash provided by operating activities of approximately $22.3 million.  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities included $13.6 million related to depreciation and amortization expense, $22.2 million of impairment charges against goodwill and intangibles, and $11.3 million related to stock-based compensation expense.


Net Cash Used for Investing Activities
 
In fiscal 2008, net cash used by investing activities totaled $53.9 million, which represents an increase of $100.9 million from $47.0 million in cash provided by investing activities in fiscal 2007.  Changes in cash flow from investing activities for fiscal 2008 and 2007 consisted primarily of:

 
·
In February 2008, the Company purchased the telecom-assets from Intel Corporation’s Optical Platform Division for $85.0 million, of which $75.0 million plus direct transactions costs of $0.7 million was in cash.

 
·
The Company increased spending on capital expenditures.  In fiscal 2008, capital expenditures totaled $17.2 million, which was primarily related to the purchase of our CPV-related production lines and certain MOCVD reactor upgrades in our Photovoltaics segment of approximately $11.5 million and additional equipment for our Fiber Optics segment of approximately $5.8 million.  In fiscal 2007, capital expenditures totaled $10.1 million.

 
 
·
In November 2006, EMCORE invested $13.5 million, and incurred $0.4 million in transaction costs, to acquire preferred stock and warrants in WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corporation (“WWAT”).  In June 2008, the Company agreed to sell two million shares of preferred stock of WWAT, together with 200,000 warrants to a major shareholder of both EMCORE and WWAT at a price equal to $6.54 per share.  The sale took place through two closings, one for one million shares and 100,000 warrants, which closed in June 2008, and one for an equal number of shares and warrants which closed in July 2008. Total proceeds from the sale were approximately $13.1 million.

 
·
In April 2008, the Company purchased common stock of Lightron Corporation, a publicly traded Korean Corporation, for approximately $1.5 million.

 
·
In April 2007, the Company acquired privately-held Opticomm Corporation for $4.1 million in cash.

 
·
In August 2006, the Company completed the sale of the assets of its EMD division to IQE for $16.0 million, consisting of $13.0 million in cash and $3.0 million in the form of a secured promissory note from IQE, guaranteed by IQE's affiliates. The $3.0 million note from IQE was completely repaid in fiscal 2007.

 
·
Proceeds from the sale of securities deceased $45.9 million year-over-year.  In fiscal 2008, net sales of available-for-sale securities totaled $26.4 million.  In fiscal 2007, net sales of available-for-sale securities totaled $72.3 million.


Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

In fiscal 2008, net cash provided by financing activities totaled $101.4 million, which represents an increase of $112.4 million from $11.0 million in cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2007.  Changes in cash flow from financing activities was due to net proceeds from a private placement of common stock and warrants in fiscal 2008 of $93.6 million, plus the proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $7.0 million.  In fiscal 2007, the Company paid a principal payment on its convertible subordinated notes totaling $11.4 million.


Private Placement of Common Stock and Warrants

On February 20, 2008, the Company completed the sale of $100.0 million of restricted common stock and warrants through a private placement transaction to fund the Intel Acquisitions.  In this transaction, investors purchased 8 million shares of our common stock, no par value, and warrants to purchase an additional 1.4 million shares of our common stock.  The purchase price was $12.50 per share, priced at the 20-day volume-weighted average price.  The warrants grant the holder the right to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $15.06 per share, representing a 20.48% premium over the purchase price.  The warrants are immediately exercisable and remain exercisable until February 20, 2013.  In addition, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the investors to register for resale the shares of common stock issued in this transaction and the shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the warrants.  Beginning two years after their issuance, the warrants may be called by the Company for a price of $0.01 per underlying share if the closing price of its common stock has exceeded 150% of the exercise price for at least 20 trading days within a period of any 30 consecutive trading days and other certain conditions are met.   In addition, in the event of certain fundamental transactions, principally the purchase of the Company’s outstanding common stock for cash, the holders of the warrants may demand that EMCORE purchase the unexercised portions of their warrants for a price equal to the Black-Scholes Value of such unexercised portions as of the time of the fundamental transaction.  Total agent fees incurred were 5.75% of the gross proceeds, or $5.8 million.  The Company used a substantial portion of the net proceeds to acquire the telecom-related assets of Intel Corporation's Optical Platform Division in 2008.

 
In the registration rights agreement, the Company agreed to pay liquidated damages in the event that it did not file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to the registrable securities, or if the registration statement was not declared effective, within certain deadlines.  The Company filed the registration statement, and it was declared effective within the deadlines specified in the registration rights agreement.   The Company further agreed to pay liquidated damages if sales of the registrable securities included in the registration statement are unable to be made or, if after a period of six months following the closing, the Company does not file with the SEC the reports required to be filed pursuant to Rule 144(c)(1) under the Securities Act and, as a result, holders are unable to sell their registrable securities.  In such events, the Company agreed to pay as liquidated damages to each holder of registrable securities an amount in cash equal to one  percent (1.0%) of the aggregate purchase price of such holder’s registrable securities included in such registration statement on the day that such a failure first occurs and on every thirtieth day thereafter until such failure is cured.   Liquidated damages shall be paid on the earlier of (i) the last day of the calendar month during which such damages are incurred and (ii) the third business day after the event or failure giving rise to the damages is cured.  In the event the Company fails to make such payments in a timely manner, such liquidated damages shall bear simple interest at the rate of four percent (4.0%) per month until paid in full.  In no event shall the aggregate amount of liquidated damages exceed, in the aggregate, ten percent (10.0%) of the aggregate purchase price of the common stock sold in the private placement.
 
 
Share Dilution

The following table summarizes the Company’s equity transactions for the year ended September 30, 2008:
   
Number of
Common Stock
Shares Outstanding
Common stock shares outstanding – as of October 1, 2007
   
51,048,481
 
         
Conversion of convertible subordinated notes to equity
   
12,186,656
 
Private placement transaction
   
8,000,000
 
Acquisition of Intel Corporation’s Optical Platform Division
   
4,422,688
 
Stock option exercises and other compensatory stock issuances
   
2,103,138
 
         
Common stock shares outstanding – as of September 30, 2008
   
77,760,963
 


Contractual Obligations and Commitments

EMCORE’s contractual obligations and commitments over the next five years are summarized in the table below:

As of September 30, 2008
(in millions)
 
 
Total
   
2009
   
2010 to 2011
   
2012 to 2013
   
2014
and later
 
                               
Operating lease obligations
   $ 11.7      $ 2.8      $ 4.5      $ 1.7      $ 2.7  
Letters of credit
    2.4       2.4       -       -       -  
Purchase commitments (1)
    226.1       68.4       134.8       22.9       -  
                                         
Total contractual cash obligations and commitments
  $ 240.2     $ 73.6     $ 139.3     $ 24.6     $ 2.7  

_______________
(1)
The purchase commitments primarily represent the value of purchase agreements issued for raw materials and services that have been scheduled for fulfillment over the next three to five years.

Operating leases include non-cancelable terms and exclude renewal option periods, property taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses on leased properties.  As of September 30, 2008, EMCORE does not have any significant purchase obligations or other long-term liabilities beyond those listed in the table above.

Change in Management

On March 31, 2008, Dr. Hong Q. Hou was appointed the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.  The Company also appointed Mr. Reuben F. Richards, the former Chief Executive Officer, as Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Dr. Thomas J. Russell, the former Chairman, as Chairman Emeritus and Lead Director.

On August 18, 2008, John M. Markovich was appointed the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.


ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Currency Exchange Rates. The United States dollar is the functional currency for the Company’s consolidated financials. The functional currency of the Company’s Spanish subsidiary is the Euro and for the China subsidiary it is the Yuan Renminbi. The financial statements of these entities are translated to United States dollars using period end rates for assets and liabilities, and the weighted average rate for the period for all revenue and expenses. During the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to market risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the Euro. To reduce the impact of these risks on the Company’s earnings and to increase the predictability of cash flows, the Company uses natural offsets in receipts and disbursements within the applicable currency as the primary means of reducing the risk. Some of our foreign suppliers may adjust their prices (in $US) from time to time to reflect currency exchange fluctuations, and such price changes could impact our future financial condition or results of operations.  The Company does not currently hedge its foreign currency exposure.

Interest Rates. We maintain an investment portfolio in a variety of high-grade (AAA), short-term debt and money market instruments that includes auction-rate securities. As a result, our future investment income may be less than expected because of changes in interest rates, or we may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities that have experienced a decline in market value because of changes in interest rates.  The Company does not currently hedge its interest rate exposure.


Credit Market Conditions

Recently, the U.S. and global capital markets have been experiencing turbulent conditions, particularly in the credit markets, as evidenced by tightening of lending standards, reduced availability of credit, and reductions in certain asset values.  This could impact the Company’s ability to obtain additional funding through financing or asset sales.


Auction Rate Securities
 
Historically, the Company has invested in securities with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”).  In February 2008, the auction market failed for the Company’s auction rate securities, which meant that the Company was unable to sell its investments in auction rate securities.  At September 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $3.1 million in auction rate securities.  The underlying assets for $1.7 million of this total are currently AAA rated, the highest rating by a rating agency.  The remaining $1.4 million of investments are securities whose underlying assets are primarily student loans which are substantially backed by the U.S. Government. In October 2008, the Company received agreements from its investment brokers announcing settlement of the auction rate securities at 100% par value, of which $1.7 million was settled at 100% par value in November 2008 and the remaining $1.4 million is expected to be settled by June 2010.  The Company classified the $1.7 million securities as a current asset and the remaining $1.4 million securities as a long-term asset based on actual and expected settlement dates.  Due to the fact the Company believes that it will receive full value of its remaining $1.4 million securities; we have not recorded any impairment on these investments as of September 30, 2008.  If we are unable to liquidate and settle these auction rate securities on favorable terms and conditions, such liquidity limitations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.
 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

EMCORE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(in thousands, except per share data)

   
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Product revenue
 
$
228,977
   
$
148,334
   
$
132,304
 
Service revenue
   
10,326
     
21,272
     
11,229
 
Total revenue
   
239,303
     
169,606
     
143,533
 
                         
Cost of product revenue
   
208,963
     
124,480
     
109,880
 
Cost of service revenue
   
445
     
14,758
     
7,701
 
Total cost of revenue
   
209,408
     
139,238
     
117,581
 
Gross profit
   
29,895
     
30,368
     
25,952
 
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Selling, general and administrative
   
43,460
     
57,844
     
38,177
 
Research and development
   
39,483
     
29,980
     
19,692
 
Impairment of goodwill and/or intellectual property
   
22,233
     
-
     
2,233
 
Total operating expenses
   
105,176
     
87,824
     
60,102
 
Operating loss
   
(75,281
)
   
(57,456
)
   
(34,150
)
                         
Other expense (income):
                       
Interest income
   
(862
)
   
(4,120
)
   
(1,286
)
Interest expense
   
1,580
     
4,985
     
5,352
 
Loss from conversion of subordinated notes
   
4,658
     
-
     
-
 
Loss from convertible subordinated notes exchange offer
   
-
     
-
     
1,078
 
Loss from early redemption of convertible subordinated notes
   
-
     
561
     
-
 
Stock-based compensation expense from tolled options
   
4,316
     
-
     
-
 
Gain from insurance proceeds
   
-
     
(357
)
   
-
 
Gain from sale of WWAT Investment
   
(7,384
)
   
-
     
-
 
Impairment of investment
   
1,461
     
-
     
500
 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
1,064
     
210
     
424
 
Net gain on sale of GELcore investment
   
-
     
-
     
(88,040
)
Equity in net loss of GELcore investment
   
-
     
-
     
599
 
Equity in net loss of Velox investment
   
-
     
-
     
332
 
Foreign exchange loss (gain)
   
746
     
(13
)
   
-
 
Total other expense (income)
   
5,579
     
1,266
     
(81,041
)
                         
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
(80,860
)
   
(58,722
)
   
46,891
 
                         
Provision for income taxes
   
-
     
-
     
1,852
 
(Loss) income from continuing operations
   
(80,860
)
   
(58,722
)
   
45,039
 
                         
Discontinued operations:
                       
Income from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
373
 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax
   
-
     
-
     
9,511
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
9,884
 
                         
Net (loss) income
 
$
(80,860
)
 
$
(58,722
)
 
$
54,923
 
                         
Per share data:
                       
Basic per share data:
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations
 
$
(1.20
)
 
$
(1.15
)
 
$
0.91
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
0.20
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(1.20
)
 
$
(1.15
)
 
$
1.11
 
                         
Diluted per share data:
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations
 
$
(1.20
)
 
$
(1.15
)
 
$
0.87
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
0.19
 
Net (loss) income
 
$
(1.20
)
 
$
(1.15
)
 
$
1.06
 
                         
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
                       
Basic
   
67,568
     
51,001
     
49,687
 
Diluted
   
67,568
     
51,001
     
52,019
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


EMCORE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of September 30, 2008 and 2007
(in thousands)

   
2008
 
2007
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
18,227
   
$
12,151
 
Restricted cash
   
1,854
     
1,538
 
Available-for-sale securities
   
2,679
     
29,075
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,377 and $802, respectively
   
60,313
     
38,151
 
Receivables, related parties
   
-
     
332
 
Income tax receivable
   
130
     
-
 
Inventory, net
   
64,617
     
29,205
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
6,970
     
4,350
 
                 
Total current assets
   
154,790
     
114,802
 
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
83,278
     
57,257
 
Goodwill
   
52,227
     
40,990
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
28,033
     
5,275
 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
   
8,240
     
14,872
 
Available-for-sale securities, non-current
   
1,400
     
-
 
Long-term restricted cash
   
569
     
-
 
Other non-current assets, net
   
741
     
1,540
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
329,278
   
$
234,736
 
                 
LIABILITIES and SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
 
$
52,266
   
$
22,685
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
22,696
     
28,776
 
Income taxes payable
   
594
     
137
 
                 
Total current liabilities
   
75,556
     
51,598
 
                 
Convertible subordinated notes
   
-
     
84,981
 
                 
Total liabilities
   
75,556
     
136,579
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
               
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par, 5,882 shares authorized, no shares outstanding
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, no par value, 200,000 shares authorized, 77,920 shares issued and 77,761 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2008; 51,208 shares issued and 51,049 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2007
   
680,020
     
443,835
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(424,764
)
   
(343,578
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
549
     
(17
)
Treasury stock, at cost; 159 shares as of September 30, 2008 and 2007
   
(2,083
)
   
(2,083
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
253,722
     
98,157
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
329,278
   
$
234,736
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


EMCORE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(in thousands)
 
   
Common
Stock Shares
   
Common
Stock
Amount
   
Accumulated Deficit
   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Treasury
Stock
   
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Balance at October 1, 2005
    48,003      $ 416,274      $ (339,779 )    $ -      $ (932 )    $ 75,563  
                                                 
Net income (and comprehensive income)
                    54,923                       54,923  
Stock-based compensation
            4,994                               4,994  
Stock option exercises
    1,655       6,326                               6,326  
Compensatory stock issuances
    97       758                               758  
Issuance of common stock – ESPP
    217       1,108                               1,108  
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of:
                                               
Force, Inc.
    240       1,625                               1,625  
Phasebridge, Inc.
    128       700                               700  
K2 Optronics, Inc.
    549       4,135                               4,135  
Shares issued in lieu of royalties
    53       418                               418  
Treasury stock
    (139 )                             (1,151 )     (1,151 )
                                                 
Balance at September 30, 2006
    50,803       436,338       (284,856 )     -       (2,083 )     149,399  
                                                 
Net loss
                    (58,722 )                     (58,722 )
Translation adjustment
                            (17 )             (17 )
Comprehensive loss
                    (58,722 )     (17 )             (58,739 )
                                                 
Stock-based compensation
            5,939                               5,939  
Stock option exercises
    86       202                               202  
Compensatory stock issuances
    160       787                               787  
Discount on debt due to early redemption of convertible subordinated notes
            293                               293  
Proceeds from executives for profits received upon exercise of stock options
            276                               276  
                                                 
Balance at September 30, 2007
    51,049     $ 443,835     $ (343,578 )   $ (17 )   $ (2,083 )   $ 98,157  
                                                 
Net loss
                    (80,860 )                     (80,860 )
Translation adjustment
                            566               566  
Comprehensive loss
    -       -       (80,860 )     566       -       (80,294 )
                                                 
Cumulative adjustment for the implementation of FIN 48
                    (326 )                     (326 )
Stock-based compensation
            11,278                               11,278  
Stock option exercises
    1,659       7,047                               7,047  
Compensatory stock issuances
    178       1,282                               1,282  
Issuance of common stock - ESPP
    121       679                               679  
Proceeds from Section 16 Officers
    -       31                               31  
Conversion of subordinated convertible notes
    12,187       85,429                               85,429  
Issuance of common stock in private placement transaction
    8,000       93,647                               93,647  
Issuance of common stock in Opticomm acquisition
    145       707                               707  
Issuance of common stock in Intel acquisitions
    4,422       36,085                               36,085  
                                                 
Balance at September 30, 2008
    77,761     $ 680,020     $ (424,764 )   $ 549     $ (2,083 )   $ 253,722  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


EMCORE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(in thousands)

   
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net (loss) income
 
$
(80,860
)
 
$
(58,722
)
 
$
54,923
 
                         
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:
                       
Stock-based compensation expense
   
11,278
     
5,939
     
4,727
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
(373
)
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
(9,511
)
Gain on sale of GELcore investment
   
-
     
-
     
(88,040
)
Depreciation and amortization expense
   
13,616
     
10,122
     
12,332
 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
1,064
     
210
     
424
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
1,892
     
1,341
     
183
 
Inventory write-downs
   
5,053
     
3,513
     
1,955
 
Accretion of loss from convertible subordinated notes exchange offer
   
41
     
198
     
165
 
Loss from conversion of subordinated notes
   
1,169
     
-
     
-
 
Loss from convertible subordinated notes exchange offer
   
-
     
-
     
1,078
 
Loss from early redemption of convertible subordinated notes
   
-
     
561
     
-
 
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliates
   
-
     
-
     
931
 
Gain from sale of WWAT investment
   
(7,384
)
   
-
     
-
 
Compensatory stock issuances
   
1,282
     
787
     
758
 
Reduction of note receivable due for services received
   
520
     
521
     
521
 
Impairment of goodwill and/or intellectual property
   
22,233
     
-
     
2,233
 
Impairment of investment
   
1,461
     
-
     
500
 
Forgiveness of shareholders’ notes receivable
   
-
     
82
     
2,613
 
Total non-cash adjustments
   
52,225
     
23,274
     
(69,504
)
                         
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
                       
Accounts receivable
   
(24,062
)
   
(10,408
)
   
(7,690
)
Related party receivables
   
332
     
-
     
67
 
Inventory
   
(7,360
)
   
(8,760
)
   
(7,478
)
Prepaid and other current assets
   
(2,646
)
   
358
     
(48
)
Other assets
   
(1,895
)
   
(631
)
   
(302
)
Accounts payable
   
29,581
     
2,187
     
4,148
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
(7,257
)
   
6,320
     
1,248
 
Total change in operating assets and liabilities
   
(13,307
)
   
(10,934
)
   
(10,055
)
                         
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations
   
(41,942
)
   
(46,382
)
   
(24,636
)
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
(1,652
)
                         
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(41,942
)
   
(46,382
)
   
(26,288
)
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Cash proceeds from sale of investment
   
13,080
     
-
     
100,000
 
Purchase of plant and equipment
   
(17,238
)
   
(10,065
)
   
(7,311
)
Proceeds from insurance recovery
   
1,189
     
362
     
-
 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates
   
(1,503
)
   
(13,891
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from employee notes receivable
   
-
     
121
     
-
 
Proceeds from notes receivable
   
-
     
3,000
     
-
 
Proceeds from associated company
   
-
     
-
     
500
 
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
   
(75,707
)
   
(4,097
)
   
610
 
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
   
(7,000
)
   
(26,000
)
   
(100,325
)
Sale of available-for-sale securities
   
33,392
     
98,300
     
19,600
 
Funding of restricted cash
   
(316
)
   
(800
)
   
(138
)
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
   
162
     
22
     
21
 
Investing activities of discontinued operations
   
-
     
-
     
11,267
 
                         
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
$
(53,941
)
 
$
46,952
   
$
24,224
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


EMCORE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006
(in thousands)

(Continued from previous page)
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Payments on other long-term obligations
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
(839
)
Payments on capital lease obligations
   
(11
)
   
(44
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
7,047
     
202
     
6,326
 
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
   
679
     
-
     
1,108
 
Proceeds from executives for profits received upon exercise of stock options
   
31
     
276
     
-
 
Payments of convertible debt obligation
   
-
     
(11,428
)
   
(1,350
)
Proceeds from private placement of common stock and warrants, Net of issuance costs
   
93,647
     
-
     
-
 
Convertible debt/equity issuance costs
   
-
     
-
     
(114
)
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
101,393
     
(10,994
)
   
5,131
 
                         
Effect of foreign currency
   
566
     
(17
)
   
-
 
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
6,076
     
(10,441
)
   
3,067
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
12,151
     
22,592
     
19,525
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
18,227
   
$
12,151
   
$
22,592
 
                         
                         
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                       
                         
Cash paid during the period for interest
 
$
3,314
   
$
4,836
   
$
4,428
 
                         
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
                         
Acquisition of property and equipment under capital leases
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
126
 
Common stock issued in connection with Intel acquisition
 
$
36,085
   
$
-
   
$
6,460
 
Common stock issued in connection with Opticomm acquisition
 
$
707
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Issuance of common stock for conversion of convertible senior subordinated notes
 
$
85,429
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Issuance of common stock in lieu of royalties
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
418
 
Note receivable received in connection with sale of discontinued operations
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
3,000
 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment on account
 
$
-
   
$
390
   
$
339
 
Manufacturing equipment received in lieu of earn-out proceeds from disposition of discontinued operations
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
2,012
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


EMCORE Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


NOTE 1.  Description of Business

EMCORE Corporation and consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company” or “EMCORE”) designs, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor-based products for the broadband, fiber optic, satellite and solar power markets. The Company has two reporting segments: Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics.  The Fiber Optics segment offers optical components, subsystems and systems that enable the transmission of video, voice and data over high-capacity fiber optic cables for high-speed data communications and telecommunications networks, cable television (“CATV”) and fiber-to-the-premises (“FTTP”) networks. The products enable information that is encoded on light signals to be transmitted, routed (switched) and received in communication networks.  The Photovoltaics segment provides products for satellite and terrestrial applications.  For satellite applications, the Company offers high efficiency gallium arsenide (“GaAs”) solar cells, covered interconnect cells (“CICs”) and fully integrated solar panels.  For terrestrial applications, the Company has adapted its high-efficiency GaAs solar cells for use in concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems.  Furthermore, the Company has developed CPV systems for the utility scale solar market.  The Company believes its products provide their customers with compelling cost and performance advantages over traditional silicon-based solutions. These advantages include higher solar cell efficiency allowing for greater conversion of light into electricity as well as a superior ability to withstand extreme heat and radiation environments. These advantages enable a reduction in a customer’s solar product footprint by providing more power output with less solar cells, which is an enhanced benefit when our product is used in CPV systems.


Liquidity Matters
 
The Company commenced operations in 1984 and as of September 30, 2008, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $424.8 million. We incurred a net loss of $80.9 million in fiscal 2008, net loss of $58.7 million in fiscal 2007, and net income of $54.9 million in fiscal 2006.  Fiscal 2006 results included the sale of our GELcore joint venture that resulted in a net gain, before tax, of $88.0 million.  Our operating results for future periods are subject to numerous uncertainties and we cannot assure you that we will not continue to experience net losses for the foreseeable future.  Although our revenue has grown in recent years, we may be unable to sustain such growth rates if there are adverse changes in market or economic conditions.  If we are not able to increase revenue and/or reduce our costs, we may not be able to achieve profitability.
 
At September 30, 2008, cash, cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities and restricted cash totaled approximately $24.7 million. Historically, the Company has consumed cash from operations.  During fiscal 2008, we consumed cash from operations of approximately $41.9 million, with the rate of cash consumption declining in the third and fourth quarters.  Historically, we have addressed our liquidity requirements through a series of cost reduction initiatives, capital markets transactions and the sale of assets. As of September 30, 2008, we had approximately $79.2 million in working capital.  Although we expect our operating performance to improve in future periods, we anticipate that the recession in the United States and the slowdown of economic growth in the rest of the world may create a more challenging business environment for us in the near term.
 
These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
 
Management Actions and Plans
 
Recently, we have revised the assumptions underlying our operating plans and recognized that additional actions were needed to position our operations to minimize cash usage.  Accordingly, we undertook a number of initiatives aimed at conserving or generating cash on an incremental basis through the end of 2009. These initiatives included business realignment, structural cost and headcount reductions, reduction of capital spending, a greater emphasis on managing our working capital, and certain asset sales. In December 2008, we announced an agreement to sell our non-core equity interests for approximately $11.4 million in cash.

In addition to these operational measures, we are actively pursuing a number of capital raising initiatives including the sale of a minority ownership position in the Company’s photovoltaics business as an initial step towards a potential spin off of the business. In October 2008, we announced the closing of a $25 million secured credit facility with Bank of America and, in November 2008, the Company sold $1.7 million of our auction rate securities at 100% par value with the remaining $1.4 million in auction rate securities expected to be settled at 100% par value by June 2010.
 
These initiatives are intended to conserve or generate cash in response to the deterioration in the global economy so that we can preserve adequate liquidity through December 2009.  However, the full effect of many of these actions will not be realized until later in 2009, even if they are successfully implemented. We are committed to exploring all of the initiatives discussed above and there is no assurance that capital markets conditions will improve within that time frame. Our ability to continue as a going concern is substantially dependent on the successful execution of many of the actions referred to above within the timeline contemplated by our plans.


Conclusion

If cash generated from operations and cash on hand are not sufficient to satisfy EMCORE's liquidity requirements, EMCORE will seek to obtain additional equity or debt financing.  Due to the unpredictable nature of the capital markets, additional funding may not be available when needed, or on terms acceptable to EMCORE.  If EMCORE is required to raise additional financing and if adequate funds are not available or not available on acceptable terms, our ability to continue to fund expansion, develop and enhance products and services, or otherwise respond to competitive pressures may be severely limited. Such a limitation could have a material adverse effect on EMCORE's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.

NOTE 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include EMCORE and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period. Management develops estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the best information available. EMCORE’s reported financial position or results of operations may be materially different under changed conditions or when using different estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to significant accounting policies.  In the event that estimates or assumptions prove to differ from actual results, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information.

Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments that may subject EMCORE to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. EMCORE’s cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities are held in safekeeping by certain large creditworthy financial institutions in excess of the $250,000 insured limit of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. EMCORE has established guidelines relative to credit ratings, diversification and maturities that seek to maintain safety and liquidity. From time to time, EMCORE performs credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and occasionally requests deposits or letters of credit in advance of shipping to its customers. These evaluations require significant judgment and are based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, current economic trends, historical payment patterns, bad debt write-off experience, and financial review of the customer.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of highly liquid short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase.

Restricted Cash. Restricted cash represents interest-bearing investments in bank certificates of deposit and money market funds which act as collateral supporting the issuance of letters of credit and performance bonds for the benefit of third parties.

Available-for-Sale Securities.  Investments in securities with remaining maturities in excess of three months, which are held for purposes of funding our current operations, are classified as available for sale and reported at fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Standard No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities (“SFAS 115”).  The investments consist of auction rate securities, which have interest rates that reset generally every 7 to 35 days, and equity securities.


Valuation of Accounts Receivable. The Company regularly evaluates the collectibility of its accounts receivable and accordingly maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to meet their financial obligations to us. The allowance is based on the age of receivables and a specific identification of receivables considered at risk. The Company classifies charges associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts as SG&A expense. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate impacting their ability to pay us, additional allowances may be required.

Valuation of Inventory. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using the standard cost method. The Company reserves against inventory once it has been determined that: (i) conditions exist that may not allow the inventory to be sold for its intended purpose, (ii) the inventory’s value is determined to be less than cost, or (iii) the inventory is determined to be obsolete. The charge related to inventory reserves is recorded as a cost of revenue. The majority of the inventory write-downs are related to estimated allowances for inventory whose carrying value is in excess of net realizable value and on excess raw material components resulting from finished product obsolescence. In most cases where the Company sells previously written down inventory, it is typically sold as a component part of a finished product. The finished product is sold at market price at the time resulting in higher average gross margin on such revenue. The Company does not track the selling price of individual raw material components that have been previously written down or written off, since such raw material components usually are only a portion of the resultant finished products and related sales price. The Company evaluates inventory levels at least quarterly against sales forecasts on a significant part-by-part basis, in addition to determining its overall inventory risk. Reserves are adjusted to reflect inventory values in excess of forecasted sales, as well as overall inventory risk assessed by management. We have incurred, and may in the future incur, charges to write-down our inventory. While we believe, based on current information, that the amount recorded for inventory is properly reflected on our balance sheet, if market conditions are less favorable than our forecasts, our future sales mix differs from our forecasted sales mix, or actual demand from our customers is lower than our estimates, we may be required to record additional inventory write-downs.

Property, Plant, and Equipment. Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:
 
 
Estimated
Useful Life
Buildings
40   years
Leasehold Improvements
5 - 7 years
Machinery and equipment
5    years
Furniture and fixtures
5    years
 
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the asset life or the life of the related lease. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. The costs for major renewals and improvements are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of the assets are removed from the accounts upon disposition and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated statement of operations.

Valuation of Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business or assets over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Management has elected December 31 as its annual assessment date.  Circumstances that could trigger an impairment test include but are not limited to: a significant adverse change in the business climate or legal factors; an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; unanticipated competition; loss of key personnel; the likelihood that a reporting unit or significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or otherwise disposed; results of testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit. The determination as to whether a write-down of goodwill is necessary involves significant judgment based on the short-term and long-term projections of the future performance of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is attributed. The Company has determined it has four operating units.  As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we tested for impairment of our goodwill and based on that analysis, we determined that the carrying amount of the reporting units did not exceed their fair value, and therefore, no impairment was recognized for any period presented in the consolidated financial statements.  As of September 30, 2008, due to the recent decline in the Company’s stock price and economic downturn, we tested again for impairment of our goodwill.  Based on that analysis, we determined that an impairment of $22.0 million should be recognized for the period ended September 30, 2008.  Subsequent to our fiscal year-end, we’ve experienced further price decline in our common stock.  Accordingly, an impairment test will be performed on our annual schedule and further impairment is likely to result.

 
Valuation of Long-lived Assets and Other Intangible Assets.  Long-lived assets consist primarily of our property, plant, and equipment.  Other intangible assets consist primarily of intellectual property that has been internally developed or purchased.  Purchased intangible assets include existing and core technology, trademarks and trade names, and customer contracts.  Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from one to fifteen years.  Because all of intangible assets are subject to amortization, the Company reviews these intangible assets for impairment in accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived  Assets to be Disposed Of.  The Company reviews long-lived assets and other intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. A long-lived asset or other intangible asset is considered impaired when its anticipated undiscounted cash flow is less than its carrying value. In making this determination, the Company uses certain assumptions, including, but not limited to: (a) estimates of the fair market value of these assets; and (b) estimates of future cash flows expected to be generated by these assets, which are based on additional assumptions such as asset utilization, length of service that assets will be used in our operations, and estimated salvage values. As of September 30, 2008, due to the recent decline in the Company’s stock price and economic downturn, we tested for impairment of our long-lived assets and other intangible assets and based on that analysis, we determined that no impairment was recognized for any period presented in the consolidated financial statements.

Investments. EMCORE accounts for its investments in common stock over which it has the ability to exercise significant influence, using the equity method of accounting. EMCORE accounts for similar investments that do not permit the Company to exercise significant influence over the entity in which EMCORE is investing by using the cost method of accounting. The recorded amounts generally represent the Company’s cost of the investment less any adjustments made when it is determined that an investment’s carrying value is other-than-temporarily impaired. EMCORE periodically reviews these investments for impairment. In the event the carrying value of an investment exceeds its fair value and the decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary, EMCORE writes down the value of the investment to its fair value.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of investments approximates fair market value. Fair value for investments in privately-held companies is estimated based upon one or more of the following: assessment of historical and forecasted financial condition; operating results and cash flows, valuation estimates based on recent rounds of financing, and/or quoted market prices of comparable public companies.

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized upon shipment provided persuasive evidence of a contract exists, (such as when a purchase order or contract is received from a customer), the price is fixed, the product meets its specifications, title and ownership have transferred to the customer, and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. In those few instances where a given sale involves post shipment obligations, formal customer acceptance documents, or subjective rights of return, revenue is not recognized until all post-shipment conditions have been satisfied and there is reasonable assurance of collection of the sales proceeds. The majority of our products have shipping terms that are free on board (“FOB”) or free carrier alongside (“FCA”) shipping point, which means that the Company fulfills its delivery obligation when the goods are handed over to the freight carrier at our shipping dock. This means the buyer bears all costs and risks of loss or damage to the goods from that point. In certain cases, the Company ships its products cost insurance and freight (“CIF”). Under this arrangement, revenue is recognized under FCA shipping point terms, but the Company pays (and bills the customer) for the cost of shipping and insurance to the customer's designated location. The Company accounts for shipping and related transportation costs by recording the charges that are invoiced to customers as revenue, with the corresponding cost recorded as cost of revenue. In those instances where inventory is maintained at a consigned location, revenue is recognized only when our customer pulls product for its use and title and ownership have transferred to the customer. Revenue from time and material contracts is recognized at the contractual rates as labor hours and direct expenses are incurred.  The Company also generates service revenue from hardware repairs and calibrations that is recognized as revenue upon completion of the service.  Any cost of warranties and remaining obligations that are inconsequential or perfunctory are accrued when the corresponding revenue is recognized.

Distributors - The Company uses a number of distributors around the world. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition, the Company recognizes revenue upon shipment of product to these distributors. Title and risk of loss pass to the distributors upon shipment, and our distributors are contractually obligated to pay the Company on standard commercial terms, just like our other direct customers.  The Company does not sell to its distributors on consignment and, except in the event of product discontinuance, does not give distributors a right of return.

 
Solar Panel and Solar Power Systems Contracts - The Company records revenues from certain solar panel  and solar power systems contracts using the percentage-of-completion method in accordance with AICPA Statement of Position 81-1 ("SOP 81-1"), Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts. Revenue is recognized in proportion to actual costs incurred compared to total anticipated costs expected to be incurred for each contract. If estimates of costs to complete long-term contracts indicate a loss, a provision is made for the total loss anticipated. The Company has numerous contracts that are in various stages of completion. Such contracts require estimates to determine the appropriate cost and revenue recognition. The Company uses all available information in determining dependable estimates of the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenues, and contract costs. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available.   Due to the fact that the Company accounts for these contracts under the percentage-of-completion method, unbilled accounts receivable represent revenue recognized but not yet billed pursuant to contract terms or accounts billed after the period end.

Government R&D Contracts - - R&D contract revenue represents reimbursement by various U.S. Government entities, or their contractors, to aid in the development of new technology. The applicable contracts generally provide that the Company may elect to retain ownership of inventions made in performing the work, subject to a non-exclusive license retained by the U.S. Government to practice the inventions for governmental purposes. The R&D contract funding may be based on a cost-plus, cost reimbursement, or a firm fixed price arrangement. The amount of funding under each R&D contract is determined based on cost estimates that include both direct and indirect costs. Cost-plus funding is determined based on actual costs plus a set margin. As we incur costs under cost reimbursement type contracts, we record revenue. Contract costs include material, labor, special tooling and test equipment, subcontracting costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs. An R&D contract is considered complete when all significant costs have been incurred, milestones have been reached, and any reporting obligations to the customer have been met.  Government contract revenue is primarily recognized as service revenue.

The Company also has certain cost-sharing R&D arrangements.  Under such arrangements in which the actual costs of performance are divided between the U.S. Government and the Company on a best efforts basis, no revenue is recorded and the Company’s R&D expense is reduced for the amount of the cost-sharing receipts.

The U.S. Government may terminate any of our government contracts at their convenience as well as for default based on our failure to meet specified performance measurements. If any of our government contracts were to be terminated for convenience, we generally would be entitled to receive payment for work completed and allowable termination or cancellation costs. If any of our government contracts were to be terminated for default, generally the U.S. Government would pay only for the work that has been accepted and can require us to pay the difference between the original contract price and the cost to re-procure the contract items, net of the work accepted from the original contract. The U.S. Government can also hold us liable for damages resulting from the default.

Product Warranty Reserves. EMCORE provides its customers with limited rights of return for non-conforming shipments and warranty claims for certain products. In accordance with SFAS 5, Accounting for Contingencies, EMCORE makes estimates of product warranty expense using historical experience rates as a percentage of revenue and accrues estimated warranty expense as a cost of revenue. We estimate the costs of our warranty obligations based on our historical experience of known product failure rates, use of materials to repair or replace defective products and service delivery costs incurred in correcting product issues. In addition, from time to time, specific warranty accruals may be made if unforeseen technical problems arise. Should our actual experience relative to these factors differ from our estimates, we may be required to record additional warranty reserves. Alternatively, if we provide more reserves than we need, we may reverse a portion of such provisions in future periods.

Research and Development. Research and development costs are charged as an expense as they are incurred.

Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts.  Management provides valuation allowances against the deferred tax asset for amounts which are considered “more likely than not” to be realized. See Note 15, Income Taxes.
 

Comprehensive Income (Loss). SFAS 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in financial statements. It requires that all items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive income be reported in the financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net earnings and foreign currency translation adjustments and is presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of shareholders' equity.


Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) are calculated by dividing net earnings applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common stock shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if EMCORE’s outstanding stock options were exercised. The effect of outstanding common stock purchase options and warrants and the convertible subordinated notes has been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation if the effect of such securities is anti-dilutive.  The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the computations of both basic and diluted EPS:

(in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
                         
Numerator:
                       
(Loss) income from continuing operations
 
$
(80,860
)
 
$
(58,722
)
 
$
45,039
 
                         
Denominator:
                       
Basic EPS:
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
67,568
     
51,001
     
49,687
 
Basic EPS for (loss) income from continuing operations
 
$
(1.20
)
 
$
(1.15
)
 
$
0.91
 
                         
Diluted EPS:
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding
   
67,568
     
51,001
     
49,687
 
Stock options
   
-
     
-
     
2,332
 
     
67,568
     
51,001
     
52,019
 
Diluted EPS for (loss) income from continuing operations
 
$
(1.20
)
 
$
(1.15
)
 
$
0.87
 

 
For the periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, 2,255,527 and 5,697,766 common shares representing options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations. These options, along with the Company’s convertible subordinated notes, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share in the periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 as the Company incurred a net loss for the periods and any effect would have been anti-dilutive.  For the period ended September 30, 2006, 2,331,715 common shares representing options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations.  There was no dilutive effect from these shares or the shares related to our convertible subordinated notes of 12,016,930 at September 30, 2006 because the average market price of our common stock during that period did not exceed the conversion price.
 

Stock-Based Compensation.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the straight-line attribution approach to determine the fair-value of stock-based awards under SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment (revised 2004). The Company elected to use the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS 123(R) and accordingly prior periods were not restated to reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R). The modified prospective transition method requires that stock-based compensation expense be recorded for all new and unvested stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered beginning on October 1, 2005, the first day of the Company’s fiscal year 2006.  The option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the option’s expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock. The Company’s expected term represents the period that stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and is determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior as influenced by changes to the terms of its stock-based awards. The expected stock price volatility is based on EMCORE’s historical stock prices. See Note 4, Equity, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
 

NOTE 3.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 
SFAS 141(R) - In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) 141(R), Business Combinations. This statement replaces SFAS 141, Business Combinations, and requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, including those arising from contractual contingencies, any contingent consideration, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date, with limited exceptions specified in the statement. SFAS 141(R) also requires the acquirer in a business combination achieved in stages (sometimes referred to as a step acquisition) to recognize the identifiable assets and liabilities, as well as the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, at the full amounts of their fair values (or other amounts determined in accordance with SFAS 141(R)). In addition, SFAS 141(R)'s requirement to measure the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at fair value will result in recognizing the goodwill attributable to the noncontrolling interest in addition to that attributable to the acquirer. SFAS 141(R) amends SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to require the acquirer to recognize changes in the amount of its deferred tax benefits that are recognizable because of a business combination either in income from continuing operations in the period of the combination or directly in contributed capital, depending on the circumstances. It also amends SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to, among other things, provide guidance on the impairment testing of acquired research and development intangible assets and assets that the acquirer intends not to use. SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Management is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) in fiscal 2010 could have on the Company’s financial statements.
 
SFAS 157 - In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, providing a framework for measuring fair value, and expands the disclosures required for fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require fair value measurements; it does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  In February 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) finalized FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 157-2. This FSP delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years, except for those items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Management is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS 157 in fiscal 2009 could have on the Company’s financial statements.  In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS No. 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When The Market for That Asset Is Not Active” (FSP 157-3), to clarify the application of the provisions of SFAS 157 in an inactive market and how an entity would determine fair value in an inactive market. FSP 157-3 is effective immediately and applies to our financial statements on September 30, 2008. The application of the provisions of FSP 157-3 did not materially affect our results of operations or financial condition.
 
SFAS 159 - In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. The fair value option permits entities to choose to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value at specified election dates. The entity will report unrealized gains and losses on the items on which it has elected the fair value option in earnings. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and is required to be adopted by the Company on October 1, 2008. Management has elected to not apply the fair value option and does not believe the adoption of SFAS 159 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

SFAS 160 - In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It also clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 also changes the way the consolidated income statement is presented by requiring consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated statement of income, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. SFAS 160 requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and requires expanded disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent owners and the interests of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal periods, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Management is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS 160 in calendar 2009 could have on our financial statements.

 
SFAS 161 - In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133. SFAS 161 changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedge items are accounted for under Statement 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 is intended to enhance the current disclosure framework in SFAS 133 and requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk related contingent features in derivative agreements. The provisions of SFAS 161 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. Management is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of SFAS 161 in calendar 2009 could have on our financial statements.

FSP 142-3 - In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.  FSP 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of under FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations.  FSP 142-3 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009.  Management is currently assessing the potential impact that the adoption of FSP 142-3 in calendar 2009 could have on our financial statements.

FSP APB 14-1 - In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (FSP APB 14-1). FSP APB 14-1 requires the proceeds from the issuance of such convertible debt instruments to be allocated between a liability component (issued at a discount) and an equity component. The resulting debt discount is amortized over the period the convertible debt is expected to be outstanding as additional non-cash interest expense. The change in accounting treatment is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2010, and will be applied retrospectively to prior periods. Management is currently assessing that the adoption of FSP APB 14-1 in fiscal 2010 could have on the Company’s financial statements.

NOTE 4.  Equity

Stock Options

EMCORE has stock option plans to provide long-term incentives to eligible officers, directors and employees in the form of stock options.  Most of the stock options vest and become exercisable over four to five years and have a contractual life of ten years. EMCORE maintains two stock option plans: the 2000 Incentive Stock Option Plan (“2000 Plan”), and the 1995 Incentive and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (“1995 Plan” and, together with the 2000 Plan, the “Option Plans”). The 1995 Plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to 2,744,118 shares of EMCORE's common stock. The 2000 Plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to 9,350,000 shares of EMCORE's common stock. As of September 30, 2008, no options were available for issuance under the 1995 Plan and 287,003 options were available for issuance under the 2000 Plan. Certain options under the Option Plans are intended to qualify as incentive stock options pursuant to Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code.  EMCORE issues new shares of common stock to satisfy the issuance of shares under this stock-based compensation plan.

The following table summarizes the activity under the Option Plans:

   
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual Life
(in years)
Outstanding as of October 1, 2005
   
6,166,226
   
$
4.16
         
                         
Granted
   
2,184,407
     
7.79
         
Exercised
   
(1,654,535
)
   
3.82
         
Cancelled
   
(463,563
)
   
4.57
         
Outstanding as of September 30, 2006
   
6,232,535
   
$
5.49
         
                         
Granted
   
1,340,200
     
6.24
         
Exercised
   
(86,484
)
   
2.33
         
Forfeited
   
(285,000
)
   
11.40
         
Cancelled
   
(1,503,485
)
   
9.78
         
Outstanding as of September 30, 2007
   
5,697,766
   
$
5.46
         
                         
Granted
   
4,695,250
     
7.40
         
Tolled
   
658,989
     
5.19
         
Exercised
   
(1,658,723
)
   
4.25
         
Forfeited
   
(406,898
)
   
6.94
         
Cancelled
   
(56,931
)
   
14.01
         
Outstanding as of September 30, 2008
   
8,929,453
   
$
6.57
     
8.22
 
                         
Exercisable as of September 30, 2008
   
2,765,276
   
$
5.22
     
6.12
 
                         
Expected to vest after September 30, 2008
   
6,449,371
   
$
6.36
     
7.89
 
 
 
As of September 30, 2008 there was approximately $18.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the Option Plans. This expense is expected to be recognized over an estimated weighted average life of 3.41 years. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $11.6 million, $0.3 million, and $8.0 million, respectively.  Intrinsic value for stock options is the in-the-money portion of the stock option's premium.  The aggregate intrinsic value of fully vested and expected to vest share options as of September 30, 2008 was $3.5 million.  The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable stock options as of September 30, 2008 was $3.3 million.


     
Number of Stock Options Outstanding
   
Options Exercisable
 
Exercise Price of Stock Options
   
Number Outstanding
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)
   
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
   
Number Exercisable
   
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
 
>=$1.00 to <$5.00
      2,212,084       6.39     $ 3.23       1,533,465     $ 2.82  
>=$5.00 to <$10.00
      6,566,299       8.91     $ 7.45       1,142,431     $ 7.22  
>$10.00       151,070       4.89     $ 17.08       89,380     $ 20.91  
TOTAL
      8,929,453       8.22     $ 6.57       2,765,276     $ 5.22  


Stock-based compensation expense is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, over the requisite service period.  As required by SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment (revised 2004), management has made an estimate of expected forfeitures and is recognizing compensation expense only for those equity awards expected to vest. The effect of recording stock-based compensation expense during 2008 and 2007 was as follows:

(in thousands, except per share data)
     
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Stock-based compensation expense by award type:
           
Employee stock options
  $ 6,455     $ 5,939  
Employee stock purchase plan
    507       -  
Former employee stock options tolled
    4,316       -  
Total stock-based compensation expense
  $ 11,278     $ 5,939  
                 
Net effect on net loss per basic and diluted share
  $ (0.17 )   $ (0.12 )
 
 
Former Employee Stock Options Tolled

Under the terms of stock option agreements issued under the 2000 Plan, terminated employees who have vested and exercisable stock options have 90 days subsequent to the date of their termination to exercise their stock options. In November 2006, the Company announced that it was suspending its reliance on previously issued financial statements, which in turn caused the Company’s Form S-8 registration statements for shares of common stock issuable under the Option Plans not to be available. Therefore, terminated employees were precluded from exercising their stock options during the remaining contractual term (the “Blackout Period”).  To address this issue, the Company’s Board of Directors agreed in April 2007 to approve a stock option grant “modification” for these individuals by extending the normal 90-day exercise period after the termination date to a date after which the Company became compliant with its SEC filings and the registration of the stock option shares was once again effective.  The Company communicated the terms of the tolling agreement with its terminated employees in November 2007.  The Company’s Board of Directors approved an extension of the stock option expiration date equal to the number of calendar days during the Blackout Period before such stock option would have otherwise expired (the “Tolling Period”).   Former employees were able to exercise their vested stock options beginning on the first day after the lifting of the Blackout Period for a period equal to the Tolling Period.  Approximately 50 individuals were impacted by this modification.  The Company accounted for the modification of stock options issued to terminated employees as additional compensation expense in accordance with SFAS 123(R) in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and adjusted the stock options to market value in the first quarter of 2008 and recognized income on expired options in the quarters ended December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008.   All tolled options were either exercised or expired by January 29, 2008.


Valuation Assumptions

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and the straight-line attribution approach using the following weighted-average assumptions.  The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $5.02, $4.87, and $6.22, respectively.


Black-Scholes Weighted-Average Assumptions
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Expected dividend yield
   
0.0
%
   
0.0
%
   
0.0
%
Expected stock price volatility
   
71.0
%
   
94.0
%
   
97.0
%
Risk-free interest rate 
   
3.1
%
   
4.5
%
   
4.7
%
Expected term (in years)
   
5.0
     
6.0
     
6.1
 
Estimated pre-vesting forfeitures
   
17.4
%
   
24.9
%
   
18.7
%

Expected Dividend Yield:  The Black-Scholes valuation model calls for a single expected dividend yield as an input. EMCORE has not issued any dividends.

Expected Stock Price Volatility:  The fair values of stock-based payments were valued using the Black-Scholes valuation method with a volatility factor based on EMCORE’s historical stock prices.

Risk-Free Interest Rate:  EMCORE bases the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes valuation method on the implied yield that was currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term. Where the expected term of EMCORE’s stock-based awards do not correspond with the terms for which interest rates are quoted, EMCORE performed a straight-line interpolation to determine the rate from the available maturities.

Expected Term: Expected term represents the period that EMCORE’s stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding and was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior as influenced by changes to the terms of its stock-based awards.

Estimated Pre-vesting Forfeitures: When estimating forfeitures, EMCORE considers voluntary termination behavior as well as workforce reduction programs.


Preferred Stock

EMCORE’s certificate of incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to issue up to 5,882,352 shares of preferred stock of EMCORE upon such terms and conditions having such rights, privileges, and preferences as the Board of Directors may determine.  As of September 30, 2008 and 2007, there is no preferred stock outstanding.
 
 
Warrants

As of September 30, 2008, EMCORE had 1,400,003 outstanding warrants from the private placement of common stock and warrants in February 2008 exercisable immediately at $15.06 per share of common stock.  As of September 30, 2007, EMCORE did not have any outstanding warrants.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In fiscal 2000, EMCORE adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). The ESPP provides employees of EMCORE an opportunity to purchase common stock through payroll deductions. The ESPP is a 6-month duration plan with new participation periods beginning the first business day of January and July of each year. The purchase price is set at 85% of the average high and low market price for EMCORE's common stock on either the first or last day of the participation period, whichever is lower, and contributions are limited to the lower of 10% of an employee's compensation or $25,000. In November 2006 through December 2007, the Company suspended the ESPP due to its review of historical stock option granting practices.  The Company reinstated the ESPP on January 1, 2008.  The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP is 2,000,000 shares. EMCORE issues new shares of common stock to satisfy the issuance of shares under this stock-based compensation plan.


The amount of shares issued for the ESPP are as follows:

   
Number of Common Stock Shares Issued
 
Purchase Price per Common Stock Share
Amount of shares reserved for the ESPP
   
2,000,000
         
                 
Number of shares issued in calendar years 2000 through 2003
   
(398,159
)
  $
1.87 - $40.93
 
Number of shares issued in June 2004 for first half of calendar year 2004
   
(166,507
)
  $
2.73
 
Number of shares issued in December 2004 for second half of calendar year 2004
   
(167,546
)
  $
2.95
 
Number of shares issued in June 2006 for first half of calendar year 2006
   
(174,169
)
  $
2.93
 
Number of shares issued in December 2006 for second half of calendar year 2006
   
(93,619
)
  $
3.48
 
Number of shares issued in June 2007 for first half of calendar year 2007
   
(123,857
)
  $
6.32
 
Number of shares issued in June 2008 for first half of calendar year 2008
   
(120,791
)
  $
5.62
 
                 
Remaining shares reserved for the ESPP as of September 30, 2008
   
755,352
         


Future Issuances

As of September 30, 2008, EMCORE has reserved a total of 12,671,811 shares of its common stock for future issuances as follows:
   
Number of Common Stock Shares Available
For exercise of outstanding common stock options
   
8,929,453
 
For future issuances to employees under the ESPP plan
   
755,352
 
For future common stock option awards
   
287,003
 
For future exercise of warrants
   
1,400,003
 
For future issuance in relation to the acquisition of Intel’s Optical Platform Division (See Note 5 - Acquisitions)
   
1,300,000
 
         
Total reserved
   
12,671,811
 
 
 
Private Placement of Common Stock and Warrants

On February 20, 2008, the Company completed the sale of $100.0 million of restricted common stock and warrants through a private placement transaction to fund the Intel Acquisitions.  In this transaction, investors purchased 8 million shares of our common stock, no par value, and warrants to purchase an additional 1.4 million shares of our common stock.  The purchase price was $12.50 per share, priced at the 20-day volume-weighted average price.  The warrants grant the holder the right to purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $15.06 per share, representing a 20.48% premium over the purchase price.  The warrants are immediately exercisable and remain exercisable until February 20, 2013.  In addition, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the investors to register for resale the shares of common stock issued in this transaction and the shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the warrants.  Beginning two years after their issuance, the warrants may be called by the Company for a price of $0.01 per underlying share if the closing price of its common stock has exceeded 150% of the exercise price for at least 20 trading days within a period of any 30 consecutive trading days and other certain conditions are met.  Total agent fees incurred were 5.75% of the gross proceeds, or $5.8 million.  The Company used a substantial portion of the net proceeds to acquire the telecom-related assets of Intel Corporation's Optical Platform Division.  See Note 5 – Acquisitions.
 
In the registration rights agreement, the Company agreed to pay liquidated damages in the event that it did not file a registration statement with the SEC with respect to the registrable securities, or if the registration statement was not declared effective, within certain deadlines.  The Company filed the registration statement, and it was declared effective within the deadlines specified in the registration rights agreement.   The Company further agreed to pay liquidated damages if sales of the registrable securities included in the registration statement are unable to be made or, if after a period of six months following the closing, the Company does not file with the SEC the reports required to be filed pursuant to Rule 144(c)(1) under the Securities Act and, as a result, holders are unable to sell their registrable securities.  In such events, the Company agreed to pay as liquidated damages to each holder of registrable securities an amount in cash equal to one percent (1.0%) of the aggregate purchase price of such holder’s registrable securities included in such registration statement on the day that such a failure first occurs and on every thirtieth day thereafter until such failure is cured.   Liquidated damages shall be paid on the earlier of (i) the last day of the calendar month during which such damages are incurred and (ii) the third business day after the event or failure giving rise to the damages is cured.  In the event the Company fails to make such payments in a timely manner, such liquidated damages shall bear simple interest at the rate of four percent (4.0%) per month until paid in full.  In no event shall the aggregate amount of liquidated damages exceed, in the aggregate, ten percent (10.0%) of the aggregate purchase price of the common stock sold in the private placement.
 
The Company accounted for the various components of the private placement transaction using the provisions of EITF Issue No. 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in a Company’s Own Stock; and FASB Staff Position EITF 00-19-2, Accounting for Registration Payment Arrangements. Warrants issued to the investors were accounted for as an equity transaction with a value of $9.8 million recorded to common stock. The potential future payments to the investors were considered a contingent liability in accordance with SFAS No. 5 Accounting for Contingencies. As of September 30, 2008, the Company did not record any contingent liability associated with the liquidated damages clause.

The costs associated with this equity offering were $6.3 million which were recorded against the issuance of common stock.


Share Dilution

The following table summarizes the Company’s equity transactions and effect on share dilution for the year ended September 30, 2008:
   
Number of
Common Stock
Shares Outstanding
Common stock shares outstanding – as of October 1, 2007
   
51,048,481
 
         
Conversion of convertible subordinated notes to equity (see Note 13 - Debt)
   
12,186,656
 
Private placement transaction
   
8,000,000
 
Acquisition of Intel’s Optical Platform Division (see Note 5 – Acquisitions)
   
4,422,688
 
Stock option exercises and other compensatory stock issuances
   
2,103,138
 
         
Common stock shares outstanding – as of September 30, 2008
   
77,760,963
 

On March 31, 2008, the Board of Directors authorized an additional 100 million shares of common stock available for issuance for a total of 200 million shares authorized.
 
 

NOTE 5.  Acquisitions


Intel’s Optical Platform Division

On February 22, 2008, the Company acquired assets of the telecom portion of Intel Corporation’s Optical Platform Division (“OPD”). The telecom assets acquired include inventory, fixed assets, intellectual property, and technology comprised of tunable lasers, tunable transponders, 300-pin transponders, and integrated tunable laser assemblies.  The purchase price was $75 million in cash and $10 million in the Company’s common stock, priced at a volume-weighted average price of $13.84 per share. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, the purchase price of $85 million is subject to adjustment based on an inventory true-up, plus specifically assumed liabilities.  Direct transaction costs totaled $0.5 million.  This acquisition was financed through proceeds received from the $100 million private placement of common stock and warrants (see Note 4 - Equity).

On April 20, 2008, the Company acquired the enterprise and storage assets of Intel Corporation’s OPD business, as well as Intel’s Connects Cables business.  The assets acquired include inventory, fixed assets, intellectual property, and technology relating to optical transceivers for enterprise and storage customers, as well as optical cable interconnects for high-performance computing clusters.  As consideration for the purchase of assets, the Company issued 3.7 million restricted shares of the Company’s common stock to Intel.  In addition, the Company may be required to make an additional payment to Intel based on the Company’s stock price twelve months after the closing of the transaction.  The final valuation and purchase price allocation is expected to be completed in fiscal 2009.  In the event that the Company is required to make an additional payment, it has the option to make that payment in cash, common stock or both (but not to exceed the equivalent value of 1.3 million shares).
 
The purchase price was allocated as follows:
 
(in thousands)
Intel’s Optical Platform Division
   
         
Net purchase price
 
$
111,792
 
Net assets acquired
   
(79,444
)
         
Excess purchase price allocated to goodwill
 
$
32,348
 

Net assets acquired in the acquisition were as follows:
 
         
Inventory
 
$
33,287
 
Fixed assets
   
19,878
 
Intangible assets
   
26,279
 
         
Net assets acquired
 
$
79,444
 

 
The primary reason for the acquisition of Intel Corporation’s OPD business was to expand the product line of EMCORE’s Fiber Optics business.  The main factor that contributed to the recognition of goodwill in the transaction was that OPD was an established business with significant assets and customer recognition.  The assets include certain non-quantifiable benefits that accrue to EMCORE such as customer acceptance of the OPD products, ready market for EMCORE’s existing products and customers for any new products EMCORE may bring to the market.
 
 
The $26.3 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted average life of approximately eight years.  The intangible assets that make up that amount include customer lists of $7.5 (8 to 10 year useful life), developed and core technology of $16.6 (6 to 10 year useful life), and in-process research and development of $2.2.  Amortization expense totaled $2.3 million for the fiscal 2008.  Of the total goodwill recognized, approximately $32.3 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes over a 15 year life.
 
 
In connection with this acquisition, Intel and the Company entered into a Transition Services Agreement (the “TSA”), which facilitated Intel to carve-out the business and deliver those assets to the Company. Intel also provided certain transition services to the Company, including financial services, supply chain support, data extraction, conversion services, facilities and site computing support, and office space services.  Operating expenses associated with the TSA were expensed as incurred. For the year ended September 30, 2008, the Company incurred $4.8 million of TSA-related fees in operating expenses and the TSA was substantially completed as of August 2008.

 
The following unaudited condensed consolidated pro forma financial data has been prepared to give effect to the Company’s acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of OPD. The pro forma financial information has been developed by the application of pro forma adjustments to the estimated results of operations of OPD, and the historical Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations of the Company as if OPD had been acquired as of October 1, 2006. The pro forma financial information is based upon available information and assumptions that management believes are reasonable. The pro forma financial information does not purport to represent what our consolidated results of operations would have been had the Company’s acquisition of OPD occurred on the dates indicated, or to project our consolidated financial performance for any future period.


Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Statement of Operations
(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)
 
Period Ended
September 30, 2008
   
Period Ended
September 30, 2007
 
   
EMCORE
   
Pro Forma
   
EMCORE
   
Pro Forma
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 239,303     $ 276,828     $ 169,606     $ 273,063  
Net loss
    (58,640     (57,285 )     (58,722 )     (55,542
                                 
Net loss per basic and diluted shares
  $ (0.87 )   $ (0.85 )   $ (1.15 )   $ (1.03 )
 
 
Opticomm Corporation
 
In April 2007, the Company acquired privately-held Opticomm Corporation of San Diego, California, including its fiber optic video, audio and data networking business, technologies, and intellectual property.  At the time, Opticomm was one of the leading specialists in the field of fiber optic video, audio and data networking for the commercial, governmental and industrial sectors.  The Company paid $4.2 million initial consideration, less $0.1 million cash received at acquisition, for all of the shares of Opticomm. The Company also agreed to an additional earn-out payment based on Opticomm’s 2007 revenue which amounted to approximately $0.7 million.
 
 
The Company completed the valuation of Opticomm's inventory, property and equipment, and identifiable intangible assets and adjusted the preliminary purchase price allocation in March 2008 to reflect the final valuation of acquired assets.  Goodwill was adjusted by approximately $0.1 million to properly reflect purchased goodwill, $1.4 million of goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes.  The purchase price allocation identified $2.2 million of intangible assets with a five year weighted average amortization period, which included $1.4 million in customer lists, $0.7 million in patents and $0.1 million in order backlog.  Amortization expense totaled $0.3 million and $0.3 million, for the fiscal ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
 
The final purchase price was allocated as follows:
 

(in thousands)
Opticomm Corporation Acquisition
 
Preliminary
   
Adjustments
   
Final
 
                   
Net purchase price
  $ 4,097     $ 781     $ 4,878  
Net assets acquired
    (3,573 )     103       (3,470 )
                         
Excess purchase price allocated to goodwill
  $ 524     $ 884     $ 1,408  

Net assets acquired in the acquisition were as follows:

Working capital
  $ 1,058     $ 223     $ 1,281  
Fixed assets
    81       -       81  
Intangible assets
    2,504       (326 )     2,178  
Current liabilities
    (70 )     -       (70 )
                         
Net assets acquired
  $ 3,573     $ (103 )   $ 3,470  


These transactions were accounted for as a business combination using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS 141, Business Combinations; therefore, the tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at fair value on the acquisition date. The operating results of the entire business acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations from the date of acquisition.  The acquired business is part of the Company’s Fiber Optics reporting segment.


NOTE 6.  Investments

Auction Rate Securities
 
In fiscal 2008, the Company purchased $7.0 million of available-for-sale securities and sold approximately $33.4 million to fund operations.  See Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion regarding the Company’s investment in auction rate securities.
 
Lightron Equity Securities

In April 2008, the Company invested approximately $1.5 million in Lightron Corporation, a Korean Company publicly traded on the Korean Stock Market.  The Company initially accounted for this investment as an available for sale security.  Due to the decline in the market value of this investment and the expectation of non-recovery of this investment beyond its current market value, the Company recorded a $0.5 million “other than temporary” impairment loss on this investment as of September 30, 2008.

WorldWater & Solar Technologies and Velox Corporation

See Note 18 – Related Party Transactions for a discussion regarding the Company’s investment in WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corporation and Velox Corporation.
 

NOTE 7.  Restructuring Charges

As EMCORE has acquired businesses and consolidated them into its existing operations, EMCORE has incurred charges associated with the transition and integration of those activities. In accordance with Statement of Financial Standards No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS 146”), expenses recognized as restructuring charges include costs associated with the integration of several business acquisitions and EMCORE’s overall cost-reduction efforts.  Restructuring charges are included in SG&A.  The charges recognized in fiscal 2008 and restructuring activities expected to be completed in fiscal 2009 are primarily related to our Fiber Optics reporting segment.  Restructuring charges incurred and expected to be incurred consist of the following:
 

(in thousands)
 
Amount Incurred in Period
   
Cumulative Amount Incurred to Date
   
Amount Expected in Future Periods
   
Total Amount Expected to be Incurred
   
Accrual as of September 30, 2008
 
                               
One-time termination benefits
  $ 96     $ 3,275     $ -     $ 3,275     $ 79  
Contract termination Costs
    -       590       -       590       152  
Other associated costs
    -       3,436       -       3,436       100  
Total restructuring charges
  $ 96     $ 7,301     $ -     $ 7,301     $ 331  

The following table sets forth changes in the accrual for restructuring charges:

(in thousands)
   
         
Balance at September 30, 2006
 
$
256
 
Increase in liability due to restructuring activities within our Photovoltaics segment
   
3,752
 
Costs paid or otherwise settled
   
(1,896
)
         
Balance at September 30, 2007
   
2,112
 
Increase in liability due to restructuring activities within our Fiber Optics segment
   
96
 
Costs paid or otherwise settled
   
(1,877
)
         
Balance at September 30, 2008
 
$
331
 


NOTE 8.  Receivables

The components of accounts receivable as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
Accounts receivable
 
$
57,703
   
$
35,558
 
Accounts receivable – unbilled
   
4,987
     
3,395
 
                 
Accounts receivable, gross
   
62,690
     
38,953
 
                 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
(2,377
)
   
(802
)
                 
Total accounts receivable, net
 
$
60,313
   
$
38,151
 


The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
802
   
$
552
   
$
320
 
Charge to provision (recovery)
   
1,892
     
494
     
364
 
Write-offs (deductions against receivables)
   
(317
)
   
(244
)
   
(132
)
                         
Balance at end of year
 
$
2,377
   
$
802
   
$
552
 

See discussion on related party receivables in Note 18 – Related Party Transactions.


NOTE 9.  Inventory, net

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using the standard cost method that includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs. The components of inventory as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
Raw Materials
 
$
38,304
   
$
19,884
 
Work-in-process
   
7,293
     
6,842
 
Finished goods
   
32,010
     
10,891
 
Inventory, gross
   
77,607
     
37,617
 
                 
Less: reserves
   
(12,990
)
   
(8,412
)
                 
Total inventory, net
 
$
64,617
   
$
29,205
 


The following table summarizes the changes in the inventory reserve accounts for the years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
8,412
   
$
6,472
   
$
8,039
 
Account adjustments charged to cost of sales
   
5,053
     
3,513
     
1,955
 
Write-offs
   
(475
)
   
(1,573
)
   
(3,522
)
                         
Balance at end of year
 
$
12,990
   
$
8,412
   
$
6,472
 

The significant increase in the Company’s inventory reserve is due to the increase in inventory related to the acquisition of Intel Corporation’s OPD business (See Note 5 – Acquisitions for further detail) as well as significant valuation reserves taken by the Company due to the declining market and overall economic downturn at the end of fiscal 2008.

NOTE 10.  Property, Plant, and Equipment, net

The components of property, plant, and equipment as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
Land
 
$
1,502
   
$
1,502
 
Building and improvements
   
44,607
     
43,397
 
Equipment
   
106,947
     
75,631
 
Furniture and fixtures
   
5,403
     
5,643
 
Leasehold improvements
   
478
     
2,141
 
Construction in progress
   
4,395
     
3,744
 
Property, plant and equipment, gross
   
163,332
     
132,058
 
                 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(80,054
)
   
(74,801
)
                 
Total property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
83,278
   
$
57,257
 

As of September 30, 2008 and 2007, EMCORE did not have any significant capital lease agreements.

Depreciation expense was $10.1 million, $7.8 million and $9.6 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 

NOTE 11.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

The following table sets forth changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reporting segment:
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Fiber Optics
 
Photovoltaics
 
Total
Balance at September 30, 2006
    $
20,063
      $
20,384
      $
40,447
 
Acquisition – Opticomm Corporation
   
524
     
-
     
524
 
Acquisition – earn-out payments
   
19
     
-
     
19
 
                         
Balance at September 30, 2007
   
20,606
     
20,384
     
40,990
 
Acquisition – earn-out payments
   
771
     
-
     
771
 
Acquisition – Intel’s Optical Platform Division
   
32,348
     
-
     
32,348
 
Final purchase price allocation adjustment: Opticomm acquisition
   
118
     
-
     
118
 
    Impairment of goodwill     (22,000 )    
-
      (22,000
                         
Balance at September 30, 2008
 
$
31,843
   
$
20,384
   
$
52,227
 
 
The Company’s step one analysis under SFAS 142 as of September 30, 2008 has provided an indicator that goodwill impairment is probable in its EDP reporting unit.  Accordingly, the Company is required to perform step two of the SFAS 142 impairment analysis, determining the amount of goodwill impairment to be recorded.  The amount is calculated by comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill to its carrying amount.  This exercise requires the Company to allocate the fair value determined in step one to the individual assets and liabilities of the reporting unit.  Any remaining fair value would be the implied fair value of goodwill on the testing date.   As of the filing of this 10-K, the Company had not completed its analysis due to the complexities involved in determining the implied fair value of the goodwill for that particular reporting unit, which is based on the determination of the fair value of all assets and liabilities in the reporting unit. However, based on the work performed through the date of the filing, the Company concluded that an impairment loss can be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, the Company has recorded a $22.0 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge, representing its best estimate of the impairment loss present at September 30, 2008.

The Company expects to finalize its goodwill impairment analysis prior to the filing of its 10-Q for the first fiscal 2009 quarter. There could be material adjustments to the goodwill impairment charge when the goodwill impairment test is completed. Any adjustments to its preliminary estimates as a result of completing this evaluation will be recorded in the financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

The following table sets forth changes in the carrying value of intangible assets by reporting segment:

(in thousands) 
 
As of September 30, 2008
   
As of September 30, 2007
 
   
Gross Assets
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Assets
   
Gross Assets
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Assets
 
                                     
                                     
Fiber Optics
   $ 35,991      $ (8,502 )    $ 27,489      $ 10,675      $ (5,755 )    $ 4,920  
Photovoltaics
    956       (412 )     544       2,515       (2,160 )     355  
                                                 
Total
  $ 36,947     $ (8,914 )   $ 28,033     $ 13,190     $ (7,915 )   $ 5,275  

During 2008, the Company acquired intellectual property assets for $26.3 million with a weighted-average life of eight years, based on the preliminary purchase price allocation. All of the Company’s identified intangible assets are subject to amortization. Amortization expense for intellectual property assets was $3.6 million and $2.0 million during fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. The amortization of an intellectual property asset is generally included in SG&A on the consolidated statements of operations.

Based on the carrying amount of the intangible assets as of September 30, 2008, and assuming no future impairment of the underlying assets, the estimated future amortization expense is as follows:

(in thousands)
   
Fiscal year ending:
       
September 30, 2009
 
$
5,691
 
September 30, 2010
   
5,578
 
September 30, 2011
   
4,163
 
September 30, 2012
   
3,105
 
September 30, 2013
   
2,876
 
Thereafter
   
6,620
 
         
Total future amortization expense
 
$
28,033
 


 

NOTE 12.  Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
Compensation-related
 
$
6,640
     
8,398
 
Interest
   
-
     
1,775
 
Warranty
   
4,640
     
1,310
 
Professional fees
   
2,099
     
6,213
 
Royalty
   
1,414
     
705
 
Self insurance
   
1,044
     
794
 
Deferred revenue and customer deposits
   
1,422
     
687
 
Tax-related
   
2,961
     
3,460
 
Acquisition-related
   
-
     
310
 
Accrued program loss
   
843
     
-
 
Inventory obligation
   
982
     
1,499
 
Restructuring accrual
   
331
     
2,112
 
Other
   
320
     
1,513
 
                 
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities
 
$
22,696
     
28,776
 

In February 2008, the Company converted all of its convertible subordinated notes into shares of common stock (see Note 13 – Debt).  As of September 30, 2008, the Company did not have any long-term debt or related accrued interest.

The following table sets forth changes in the product warranty accrual account:

(in thousands)
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
 
2008
 
2007
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
1,310
   
$
1,074
 
Provision adjustments
   
3,330
     
236
 
Utilization of warranty accrual
   
-
     
-
 
                 
Balance at end of year
 
$
4,640
   
$
1,310
 


The majority of the increased product warranty accrual relates to the Photovoltaics reporting segment.  Specifically as of September 30, 2008, the Company had accrued $0.8 million related to estimated contract losses on certain CPV system-related orders.  The Company had noted potential failures related to materials used in the manufacturing process which could experience failures in the field.  The remaining portion of the increase primarily related to product issues within our terrestrial line.  These issues mainly were in relation to epoxy failures which have been corrected by moving to a solder process.


NOTE 13.  Debt

Convertible Subordinated Notes

In January 2008, the Company entered into agreements with holders of approximately 97.5%, or approximately $83.3 million of its outstanding 5.50% convertible subordinated notes due 2011 (the "Notes") pursuant to which the holders converted their Notes into the Company's common stock.  In addition, the Company called for redemption of all of its remaining outstanding Notes. Upon conversion of the Notes, the Company issued shares of its common stock, based on a conversion price of $7.01 per share, in accordance with the terms of the Notes. To incentivize certain holders to convert their Notes, the Company made cash payments to such holders equal to 4% of the principal amount of the Notes converted, plus accrued interest.  By February 20, 2008, all Notes were redeemed and converted into the Company common stock. As a result of these transactions, 12.2 million shares of the Company common stock were issued.  The Company recognized a loss totaling $4.7 million on the conversion of Notes to equity of which $3.5 million was paid in cash.  Interest expense incurred on the Notes totaled $1.6 million, $5.0 million and $5.4 million for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 

Revolving Credit Facility

In September 2008, the Company closed a $25 million revolving credit facility with Bank of America. The asset-backed credit facility provides for borrowings up to $25 million and can be used for working capital, letters of credit and other general corporate purposes.  The credit facility, which incorporates both LIBOR and Prime-based borrowing alternatives, is subject to certain financial covenants and a borrowing base formula. As of September 30, 2008, the Company had the ability to borrow up to $16.9 million against the credit facility.  The agreement matures in September 2011 and is secured by virtually all assets of the Company.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company had no outstanding borrowings against the credit facility.  As of December 30, 2008, the Company borrowed $15.0 million against this facility for working capital purposes.


NOTE 14.  Commitments and Contingencies

EMCORE leases certain land, facilities, and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. The leases provide for rental adjustments for increases in base rent (up to specific limits), property taxes, insurance and general property maintenance that would be recorded as rent expense. Net facility and equipment rent expense under such leases amounted to approximately $1.6 million, $1.6 million, and $2.1 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Future minimum rental payments under EMCORE's non-cancelable operating leases with an initial or remaining term of one year or more as of September 30, 2008 are as follows:

(in thousands)
Operating Leases
   
         
Fiscal year ending:
       
September 30, 2009
 
$
2,766
 
September 30, 2010
   
2,609
 
September 30, 2011
   
1,865
 
September 30, 2012
   
1,076
 
September 30, 2013
   
565
 
Thereafter
   
2,776
 
         
Total minimum lease payments
 
$
11,657
 

As of September 30, 2008, EMCORE had ten standby letters of credit issued and outstanding which totaled approximately $2.4 million.


Credit Market Conditions

Recently, the U.S. and global capital markets have been experiencing turbulent conditions, particularly in the credit markets, as evidenced by tightening of lending standards, reduced availability of credit, and reductions in certain asset values.  This could impact the Company’s ability to obtain additional funding through financing or asset sales.

Auction Rate Securities

Historically, the Company has invested in securities with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”).  In February 2008, the auction market failed for the Company’s auction rate securities, which meant that the Company, was unable to sell its investments in auction rate securities.  At September 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $3.1 million in auction rate securities.  The underlying assets for $1.7 million of this total are currently AAA rated, the highest rating by a rating agency.  The remaining $1.4 million of investments are securities whose underlying assets are primarily student loans which are substantially backed by the U.S. Government. In October 2008, the Company received agreements from its investment brokers announcing settlement of the auction rate securities at 100% par value, of which $1.7 million was settled at 100% par value in November 2008 and the remaining $1.4 million is expected to be settled by June 2010.  The Company classified the $1.7 million securities as a current asset and the remaining $1.4 million securities as a long-term asset based on actual and expected settlement dates.  Due to the fact the Company believes that it will receive full value of its remaining $1.4 million securities; we have not recorded any impairment on these investments as of September 30, 2008.


The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that are discussed below. The Company is also subject to certain other legal proceedings and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and which have not been fully adjudicated.  The Company does not believe it has a potential liability related to current legal proceedings and claims that could individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. However, the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Should the Company fail to prevail in any legal matters or should several legal matters be resolved against the Company in the same reporting period, the operating results of a particular reporting period could be materially adversely affected. The Company settled certain matters during 2008 that did not individually or in the aggregate have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Shareholder Derivative Litigation Relating to Historical Stock Option Practices

On February 1, 2007, Plaintiff Lewis Edelstein filed a purported stockholder derivative action (the “Federal Court Action”) on behalf of the Company against certain of its present and former directors and officers (the “Individual Defendants”), as well as the Company as nominal defendant, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Edelstein v. Brodie, et. al., Case No. 3:07-cv-00596-FLW-JJH (D.N.J.).   On May 22, 2007, Plaintiffs Kathryn Gabaldon and Michael Sackrison each filed a purported stockholder derivative action against the Individual Defendants, and the Company as nominal defendant, in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Somerset County, Gabaldon v. Brodie, et. al., Case No. 3:07-cv-03185-FLW-JJH (D.N.J.) and Sackrison v. Brodie, et. al., Case No. 3:07-cv-00596-FLW-JJH (D.N.J.) (collectively, the “State Court Actions”).

A motion to approve an agreement among the parties to settle the matter reflected in a stipulation of compromise and settlement was filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on December 3, 2007.   The Court granted the motion for preliminary approval of the settlement on January 3, 2008, and, at a hearing held on March 28, 2008, the Court issued an order giving final approval to the settlement.   The settlement has become final and effective upon the expiration of the appeal period on April 30, 2008.  Thus, the settlement is now binding on all parties and represents a final settlement of both the Federal Court Action and the State Court Actions.  For additional information regarding this matter, please see EMCORE’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008.

Intellectual Property Lawsuits

We protect our proprietary technology by applying for patents where appropriate and in other cases by preserving the technology, related know-how and information as trade secrets. The success and competitive position of our product lines are significantly impacted by our ability to obtain intellectual property protection for our R&D efforts.

We have, from time to time, exchanged correspondence with third parties regarding the assertion of patent or other intellectual property rights in connection with certain of our products and processes. Additionally, on September 11, 2006, we filed a lawsuit against Optium Corporation (Optium) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania for patent infringement. In the suit, the Company and JDS Uniphase Corporation (JDSU) allege that Optium is infringing on U.S. patents 6,282,003 and 6,490,071 with its Prisma II 1550nm transmitters. On March 14, 2007, following denial of a motion to add additional claims to its existing lawsuit, the Company and JDSU filed a second patent suit in the same court against Optium alleging infringement of JDSU's patent 6,519,374 ("the '374 patent").  On March 15, 2007, Optium filed a declaratory judgment action against the Company and JDSU. Optium sought in this litigation a declaration that certain products of Optium do not infringe the '374 patent and that the patent is invalid, but the District Court dismissed the action on January 3, 2008 without addressing the merits. The '374 patent is assigned to JDSU and licensed to the Company.

On December 20, 2007, the Company was served with a complaint in another declaratory relief action which Optium had filed in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.  This action seeks to have U.S. patents 6,282,003 and 6,490,071 declared invalid or unenforceable because of certain conduct alleged to have occurred in connection with the grant of these patents.  These allegations are substantially the same as those brought by Optium by motion in the Company’s own case against Optium, which motion had been denied by the Court.  The Court denied the Company’s motion to dismiss this action and has indicated that it will be tried at the same time as the Optium Plaintiff Matters.  The Company filed its answer in this matter on May 12, 2008.  In its complaint, Optium does not seek monetary damages but asks that the patents in question be declared unenforceable and that it be awarded attorneys’ fees.  The Company believes that this claim is without merit. On August 11, 2008, both actions pending in the Western District of Pennsylvania were consolidated before a single judge, and a trial date of October 19, 2009 was set.

 
On December 5, 2008, EMCORE, along with Fabrinet, its principal contract manufacturer, was also served with a complaint by Avago Technologies filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division alleging infringement of two patents by the Company’s VCSEL products.  The Company believes this complaint is without merit and intends to file an answer denying the claims asserted.

Commercial Litigation

On July 15, 2008 the Company was served with a complaint filed by Avago Technologies and what appear to be affiliates thereof in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division.  In this complaint, Avago asserts claims for breach of contract and breach of express warranty against Venture Corporation Limited (one of the Company’s customers) and asserts a tort claim for negligent interference with prospective economic advantage against the Company.  The Company has not yet filed an answer in this matter, but believes the complaint is without merit and intends to file an answer denying the claims asserted.
 
Shareholder Class Action

On December 23, 2008, Plaintiffs Maurice Prissert and Claude Prissert filed a purported shareholder class action (the “Action”) pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 allegedly on behalf of a class of Company shareholders against the Company and certain of its present and former directors and officers (the “Individual Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico captioned, Maurice Prissert and Claude Prissert v. EMCORE Corporation, Adam Gushard, Hong Q. Hou, Reuben F. Richards, Jr., David Danzilio and Thomas Werthan, Case No. 1:08cv1190 (D.N.M.).  The Complaint alleges that the Company and the Individual Defendants violated certain provisions of the federal securities laws, including Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, arising out of the Company’s disclosure regarding its customer Green and Gold Energy (“GGE”) and the associated backlog of GGE orders with the Company’s photovoltaic business segment.  The Complaint in the Action seeks, among other things, an unspecified amount of compensatory damages and other costs and expenses associated with the maintenance of the Action. The Complaint in the Action has not yet been served upon the Company.   The Company believes the claims asserted in the Action are without merit and intends to defend the Action vigorously.

Securities Matters

a.  SEC Communications.
On or about August 15, 2008, the Company received a letter from the Denver office of the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission wherein it sought EMCORE's voluntary production of documents relating to, among other things, the Company's business relationship with Green and Gold Energy, Inc., its licensees, and the photovoltaic backlog the Company reported to the public.  Since that time, the Company has produced documents to the staff of the SEC and met with the staff on December 12, 2008 to make a presentation addressing certain issues relating to this matter.  Since that meeting the Company has received no requests for further documentation from the SEC.

b. NASDAQ Communication.
On or about November 13, 2008, the Company received a letter from the NASDAQ Listings Qualifications group concerning the Company's removal of $79 million in backlog attributable to GGE which the Company announced on August 8, 2008 and the remaining backlog exclusive of GGE. The Company advised NASDAQ that it would cooperate with its inquiry, and has begun producing the requested information.



NOTE 15.  Income Taxes

EMCORE, incorporated in the state of New Jersey, incurred income tax expense of $0, $0, and $1.9 million, during the years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes, with the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. Federal and state income tax rates to income before provision for income taxes for the years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

(dollars in millions)
 
 
  
Years Ended September 30,
 
  
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Income tax (benefit ) expense computed at U.S. Federal statutory rate
  
$
(27.5
)
 
$
(19.5
)
 
$
16.4
 
State taxes, net of U.S. Federal effect
  
 
(4.1
)
   
(3.4
)
   
 2.7
 
Non-deductible executive compensation
  
 
-
     
-
     
 0.9
 
Debt Conversion
   
1.6
     
-
     
-
 
Other
   
0.8
     
-
     
-
 
Valuation allowance
  
 
29.2
     
22.9
     
 (18.1
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
  
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
1.9
 
Effective tax rate
   
0%
     
0%
     
3.95
%


Significant components of EMCORE’s deferred tax assets are as follows:

(in thousands)
 
 
September 30, 2008
   
September 30, 2007
 
             
Deferred tax assets (liabilities): 
           
Federal net operating loss carryforwards
  $ 110,963     $ 84,539  
    Foreign net operating loss carryforwards     1,814          
Research credit carryforwards (state and U.S. Federal)
    2,338       1,951  
Inventory reserves
    5,200       2,797  
Accounts receivable reserves
    992       226  
Accrued warranty reserve
    1,937       445  
State net operating loss carryforwards
    20,128       16,403  
Investment write-down
    6,461       4,766  
Legal reserves
    426       1,831  
Deferred compensation
    1,756       2,588  
Tax reserves
    663       1,112  
Other
    1,471       538  
Fixed assets and intangibles
    3,901       (6,611
Total deferred tax assets
    158,050       110,585  
Valuation allowance
    (158,050 )     (110,585 )
Net deferred tax assets
  $ -     $ -  

As of September 30, 2008, EMCORE had net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. Federal income tax purposes of approximately $326.3 million, which expire beginning in the year 2021 through 2028. EMCORE has feriegn net operating loss carryforwards of $7.1 million.  EMCORE also has state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $259.9 million, which expire beginning in the year 2009.  EMCORE also has U.S. Federal and state research and development tax credits of approximately $1.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The research credits will begin to expire in the year 2009 through 2025.  Utilization of EMCORE’s net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations set forth in Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and similar state provisions. Such an annual limitation could result in the expiration of the net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards before utilization.

 
The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”) an interpretation of SFAS No. 109 on October 1, 2007. The Interpretation prescribes recognition threshold and measurement parameters for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the Company’s tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. At the adoption date of October 1, 2007, the Company recorded an increase in accumulated deficit and an increase in the liability for unrecognized state tax benefits of approximately $326,000 (net of the federal benefit for state tax liabilities). All of this amount, if recognized, would reduce future income tax provisions and favorably impact effective tax rates. During the year ended September 30, 2008, there were no material increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized gross tax benefits is as follows:

(in thousands)
 
       
         
Balance at October 1, 2007:
 
$
338
 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
   
-
 
Additions for tax positions of prior years
   
-
 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
   
-
 
Expiration of statute of limitations
   
-
 
Balance at September 30, 2008
 
$
338
 

As of September 30, 2008, management does not anticipate any material increases or decreases in the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits over the next twelve months.

The Company’s historical accounting policy with respect to interest and penalties related to tax uncertainties has been to classify these amounts as income taxes, and the Company continued this classification upon the adoption of FIN 48.  At September 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $139,000 of interest and penalties accrued as tax liabilities.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal, state and local jurisdictions.  No federal, state and local income tax returns are currently under examination. Certain income tax returns for fiscal years 2004 through 2007 remain open to examination by U.S. federal, state and local tax authorities.

The following tax years remain open to income tax examination for each of the more significant jurisdictions where the company is subject to income taxes: after fiscal year 2004 for U.S. federal; after fiscal year 2003 for the state of California and after fiscal year 2004 for the state of New Mexico.


NOTE 16.  Segment Data and Related Information

EMCORE has two reporting segments: Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics.  EMCORE's Fiber Optics segment offers optical components, subsystems and systems that enable the transmission of video, voice and data over high-capacity fiber optic cables for high-speed data and telecommunications, cable television (“CATV”) and fiber-to-the-premises (“FTTP”) networks.  EMCORE's Photovoltaics segment provides solar products for satellite and terrestrial applications. For satellite applications, EMCORE offers high-efficiency compound semiconductor-based gallium arsenide (“GaAs”) solar cells, covered interconnect cells (“CICs”) and fully integrated solar panels.  For terrestrial applications, EMCORE offers concentrating photovoltaic (“CPV”) systems for utility scale solar applications as well as offering its high-efficiency GaAs solar cells and CPV components for use in solar power concentrator systems.  EMCORE evaluates its reportable segments in accordance with SFAS 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. EMCORE’s Chief Executive Officer is EMCORE’s Chief Operating Decision Maker pursuant to SFAS 131, and he allocates resources to segments based on their business prospects, competitive factors, net revenue, operating results and other non-GAAP financial ratios.

 
The following table sets forth the revenue and percentage of total revenue attributable to each of EMCORE's reporting segments for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Segment Revenue
(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
   
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
 
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
 
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
Fiber Optics
 
$
171,276
     
72
%
 
$
110,377
     
65
%
 
$
104,852
     
73
%
Photovoltaics
   
68,027
     
28
     
59,229
     
35
     
38,681
     
27
 
Total revenue
 
$
239,303
     
100
%
 
$
169,606
     
100
%
 
$
143,533
     
100
%

The following table sets forth EMCORE's consolidated revenue by geographic region for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.  Revenue was assigned to geographic regions based on our customers’ or contract manufacturers’ billing address.

Geographic Revenue
(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
   
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
 
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
 
Revenue
 
% of Revenue
United States
 
$
134,796
     
56
%
 
$
124,012
     
73
%
 
$
109,614
     
76
%
Asia
   
73,311
     
31
     
34,574
     
20
     
28,537
     
20
 
Europe
   
20,420
     
8
     
10,821
     
7
     
4,152
     
3
 
Other
   
10,776
     
5
     
199
     
-
     
1,230
     
1
 
Total revenue
 
$
239,303
     
100
%
 
$
169,606
     
100
%
 
$
143,533
     
100
%



The following table sets forth significant customers by reporting segment.

Significant Customers
As a percentage of total consolidated revenue
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
                         
Fiber Optics-related customers:
                       
                         
Customer A
   
14
%
   
-
     
-
 
                         
Customer B
   
12
%
   
-
     
-
 
                         
Customer C
   
-
     
13
%
   
-
 
                         
Customer D
   
-
     
-
     
12
%
                         
Photovoltaics – related customer:
                       
                         
Customer E
   
-
     
11
%
   
-
 

The following table sets forth operating losses attributable to each EMCORE reporting segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

Statement of Operations Data
(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Operating loss by segment:
                       
Fiber Optics
 
$
(49,903
)
 
$
(25,877
)
 
$
(18,950
)
Photovoltaics
   
(25,238
)
   
(11,202
)
   
(8,365
)
Corporate
   
(140
)
   
(20,377
)
   
(6,835
)
Operating loss
 
$
(75,281
)
 
$
(57,456
)
 
$
(34,150
)

In fiscal 2008, the Company recognized several one-time gains and a significant reduction in interest expense which were not allocated to the reporting segments due to these being corporate charges in prior periods.

The following table sets forth the depreciation and amortization attributable to each of EMCORE's reporting segments for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006.


Segment Depreciation and Amortization
(in thousands)
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
Fiber Optics
 
$
9,067
   
$
6,991
   
$
8,378
 
Photovoltaics
   
4,472
     
2,860
     
3,470
 
Corporate
   
77
     
271
     
484
 
Total depreciation and amortization
 
$
13,616
   
$
10,122
   
$
12,332
 


Long-lived assets (consisting of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets) for each reporting segment as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

Long-lived Assets
(in thousands)
 
2008
 
2007
                 
Fiber Optics
 
$
107,684
   
$
56,816
 
Photovoltaics
   
55,232
     
46,706
 
Corporate
   
622
     
-
 
Total long-lived assets
 
$
163,538
   
$
103,522
 
 
 
NOTE 17.  Employee Benefit Plans

EMCORE has a Savings Plan that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the Savings Plan, participating employees may defer a portion of their pretax earnings, up to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. All employer contributions are made in EMCORE's common stock. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006, EMCORE contributed approximately $1.0 million, $1.0 million, and $0.9 million, respectively, in common stock to the Savings Plan.


NOTE 18. Related Party Transactions

Investments

On November 29, 2006, EMCORE invested $13.5 million, and incurred $0.4 million in transaction costs, in WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corporation (“WWAT”), a leader in solar electric engineering, water management solutions and solar energy installations and products.  At September 30, 2007, EMCORE held an approximately 21% equity ownership in WWAT.  In connection with the investment, EMCORE received two seats on WWAT's Board of Directors.  EITF 02-14, Whether an Investor Should Apply the Equity Method of Accounting to Investments Other Than Common Stock, provides guidance on whether an investor should apply the equity method of accounting to investments other than common stock.  In accordance with EITF 02-14, although the investment in WWAT provides us the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee, since the investment does not qualify as in-substance common stock, the equity method of accounting is not appropriate.  In-substance common stock is an investment in an entity that has risk and reward characteristics that are substantially similar to the entity’s common stock.  The risk and reward characteristics of our investment are not substantially similar to WWAT’s common stock because our investment’s liquidation preference is considered substantive. Therefore, we are accounting for the investment in WWAT under the cost method of accounting and evaluating it for other-than-temporary impairment each reporting period.

In June 2008, the Company agreed to sell two million shares of Series D Preferred Stock of WWAT, together with 200,000 warrants to a major shareholder of both EMCORE and WWAT at a price equal to $6.54 per share.  The sale took place through two closings, one for one million shares and 100,000 warrants, which closed in June 2008, and one for an equal number of shares and warrants which closed in July 2008. Total proceeds from the sale were approximately $13.1 million.  In the three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company recognized a gain of $3.7 million on the first sale of stock that occurred in June 2008.  In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recognized an additional gain of $3.7 million related to the second closing in July 2008.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company had approximately $8.2 million invested in WWAT which approximates a 16% ownership.  

 
Receivables

In the September quarter of 2008, the Company took impairment against our $1.0 million investment in Velox Corporation.  The Company also fully reserved against a receivable balance of $0.2 million owed from Velox Corporation.  During fiscal 2008, the Company received payment of $0.1 million on the Velox receivable.  These losses are included in total net loss for fiscal 2008.  The Company took this charge against the investment in Velox Corporation and receivable from Velox, due to the company’s current financial and operational condition.
 

NOTE 19.  Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

The following tables present EMCORE’s unaudited results of operations for the eight most recently ended quarters. EMCORE believes that all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, have been included in the amounts below to present fairly the selected quarterly information when read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this document. EMCORE’s results from operations may vary substantially from quarter to quarter. Accordingly, the operating results for a quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent quarter or for the full year. EMCORE has experienced and expects to continue to experience significant fluctuations in quarterly results.

Statements of Operations
Fiscal 2008
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Quarter 1
December 31,
2007
 
Quarter 2
March 31,
2008
 
Quarter 3
June 30,
2008
 
Quarter 4
September 30, 2008
Product revenue
 
$
44,501
   
$
54,236
   
$
71,941
   
$
58,299
 
Service revenue
   
2,386
     
2,043
     
3,561
     
2,336
 
Total revenue
   
46,887
     
56,279
     
75,502
     
60,635
 
                                 
Cost of product revenue
   
36,611
     
49,556
     
61,763
     
61,033
 
Cost of service revenue
   
173
     
75
     
93
     
104
 
Total cost of revenue
   
36,784
     
49,631
     
61,856
     
61,137
 
Gross profit
   
10,103
     
6,648
     
13,646
     
(502
)
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Selling, general and administrative
   
11,863
     
10,263
     
13,906
     
7,428
 
Research and development
   
7,420
     
9,330
     
11,382
     
11,351
 
Impairment of goodwill and/or intellectual property
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
22,233
  (1)
Total operating expenses
   
19,283
     
19,593
     
25,288
     
41,012
 
Operating loss
   
(9,180
)
   
(12,945
)
   
(11,642
)
   
(41,514
)
                                 
Other (income) expense:
                               
Interest income
   
(427
)
   
(227
)
   
(124
)
   
(84
)
Interest expense
   
1,205
     
375
     
-
     
-
 
Impairment of investment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,461
 
Loss from conversion of  convertible subordinated notes
   
-
     
4,658
     
-
     
-
 
Stock-based compensation expense from tolled options
   
4,374
     
(58
)
   
-
     
-
 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
86
     
-
     
-
     
978
 
Gain on sale of WWAT investment
   
-
     
-
     
(3,692
)
   
(3,692
)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
   
(12
)
   
(186
)
   
(104
)
   
1,048
 
Total other (income) expenses
   
5,226
     
4,562
     
(3,920
)
   
(289
)
                                 
Net loss
 
$
(14,406
)
 
$
(17,507
)
 
$
(7,722
)
 
$
(41,225
)
Per share data:
                               
Basic and diluted per share data:
                               
Net loss
 
$
(0.28
)
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
(0.10
)
 
$
(0.53
)
                                 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
                               
Basic and diluted
 
$
52,232
   
$
64,560
   
$
76,582
   
$
77,734
 
_________________________
(1)    As noted in Note 11 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net, the company recorded an estimated impairment charge of $22.0 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

 
 
Statements of Operations
Fiscal 2007
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Quarter 1
December 31,
2006
 
Quarter 2
March 31,
2007
 
Quarter 3
June 30,
2007
 
Quarter 4
September 30, 2007
Product revenue
 
$
35,626
   
$
33,716
   
$
39,565
   
$
39,427
 
Service revenue
   
2,970
     
5,882
     
4,863
     
7,557
 
Total revenue
   
38,596
     
39,598
     
44,428
     
46,984
 
                                 
Cost of product revenue
   
30,941
     
28,170
     
32,181
     
33,188
 
Cost of service revenue
   
2,159
     
4,459
     
2,542
     
5,598
 
Total cost of revenue
   
33,100
     
32,629
     
34,723
     
38,786
 
Gross profit
   
5,496
     
6,969
     
9,705
     
8,198
 
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Selling, general and administrative
   
12,539
     
13,143
     
15,516
     
16,646
 
Research and development
   
6,611
     
7,528
     
7,668
     
8,173
 
Total operating expenses
   
19,150
     
20,671
     
23, 184
     
24,819
 
Operating loss
   
(13,654
)
   
(13,702
)
   
(13,479
)
   
(16,621
)
                                 
Other (income) expense:
                               
Interest income
   
(1,651
)
   
(1,169
)
   
(723
)
   
(577
)
Interest expense
   
1,262
     
1,260
     
1,254
     
1,209
 
Loss from early redemption of convertible subordinated notes
   
-
     
-
     
561
     
-
 
Gain from insurance proceeds
   
-
     
(357
)
   
-
     
-
 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
210
 
Foreign exchange gain
   
-
     
-
     
(12
)
   
(1
)
Total other (income) expenses
   
(389
)
   
(266
)
   
1,080
     
841
 
                                 
Net loss from continuing operations
 
$
(13,265
)
 
$
(13,436
)
 
$
(14,559
)
 
$
(17,462
)
Per share data:
                               
Basic and diluted per share data:
                               
Net loss from continuing Operations
 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
(0.29
)
 
$
(0.34
)
                                 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
                               
Basic and diluted
   
50,875
     
50,947
     
51,043
     
51,081
 


 

NOTE 20.  Subsequent Events

1.
Tender Offer

In November 2008, EMCORE announced that it had commenced a tender offer for 164,088 stock options outstanding under its 2000 Incentive Stock Option Plan which are held by 91 of its current non-officer employees. As a result of the Company's previously announced voluntary inquiry into its historical stock option granting practices, which was concluded in 2006, the Company determined that an incorrect grant date was used in the granting certain options. As a result, the options were granted at an exercise price below the fair market value of the Company's common stock as of the correct date of grant. Consequently, employees holding these options face a potential tax liability under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and similar sections of certain state tax codes, unless remedial action is taken to adjust the exercise price of these options prior to December 31, 2008.

Under the terms of the tender, employees holding such options were given the opportunity to amend these options to increase the exercise price to a higher price that is equal to the fair market value on the date which has been determined to be the correct date of issuance for these options. In addition, employees electing to tender their options will also receive a cash payment for each tendered option equal to the difference between the original exercise price and the new exercise price. If all eligible options are tendered, the anticipated cash payment will total $44,000. The tender offer remained open until 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on December 17, 2008.  As a result of the tender offer 163,838 options were tendered and the cash payment totaled an aggregate amount of up to approximately $44,050. Further details regarding the tender can be obtained from the filing on Schedule TO which the Company filed on December 18, 2008 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
2.    Auction Rate Securities
 
In October 2008, the Company received agreements from its investment brokers announcing settlement of the auction rate securities at 100% par value, of which $1.7 million was settled in November 2008 and $1.4 million is expected to be settled by June 2010.  

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
EMCORE Corporation
Albuquerque, NM

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EMCORE Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2008.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of EMCORE Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2008 have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern.  As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company's recurring losses from operations raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.  Management's plans concerning these matters are also discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.  The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated December 30, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Dallas, TX
December 30, 2008


ITEM 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

ITEM 9A.
Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods and accumulated and communicated to management, including its Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer), evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that, as of that date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting of the Company.  Management’s intent is to design this system to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
 
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
 
1)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
 
2)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and
 
3)
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008, utilizing the criteria described in the “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The objective of this assessment was to determine whether the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2008. In its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008, management determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2008.  

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
 
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within EMCORE have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.  Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls.  The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.  Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with associated policies or procedures.  Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
EMCORE Corporation
Albuquerque, NM
 
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of EMCORE Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 30, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  
 
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2008 of the Company and our report dated December 30, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
 
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Dallas, TX
December 30, 2008
 
ITEM 9B.
Other Information

None.


PART III

ITEM 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information regarding our executive officers and directors required by this Item is incorporated by reference to EMCORE’s Definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.  Information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement.

We have adopted a code of ethics entitled the “EMCORE Corporation Code of Business Conduct and Ethics,” which is applicable to all employees, officers, and directors of EMCORE.  The full text of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is included with the Corporate Governance information available on our website (www.emcore.com).

ITEM 11.
Executive Compensation

Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement.

 
ITEM 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement.

Information regarding EMCORE’s equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Equity Compensation Plans” in the Proxy Statement.

 
ITEM 13.
Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence 

Information regarding required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled “Certain relationships and Related Transactions” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Proxy Statement.
 
 
ITEM 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Independent Auditors” in the Proxy Statement.


PART IV

ITEM 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1)
Financial Statements

Included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 and 2007
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2007, and 2006
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


(a)(2)
Financial Statement Schedules

The applicable financial statement schedules required under this Item 15(a)(2) are presented in the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


(a)(3)
Exhibits

2.1
Merger Agreement, dated January 12, 2006, by and among K2 Optronics, Inc., EMCORE Corporation, and EMCORE Optoelectronics Acquisition Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2006).
   
2.2
Asset Purchase Agreement between IQE RF, LLC, IQE plc, and EMCORE Corporation, dated July 19, 2006. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2006).
   
2.3
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2006, by and between General Electric Company, acting through the GE Lighting operations of its Consumer and Industrial division, and EMCORE Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 7, 2006).
   
2.4
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2007, by and among Registrant, Opticomm Corporation and the persons named on Exhibit 1 thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 19, 2007).
   
Loan and Security Agreement dated as of September 29, 2008, between Bank of America, N.A. and Registrant.
   
2.6
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated December 17, 2007, between EMCORE Corporation and Intel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on February 11, 2008)
   
2.7
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated April 9, 2008, between EMCORE Corporation and Intel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2008)
   
2.8
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 15, 2008, between EMCORE Corporation and each investor identified on the signature pages thereto (Filed as part of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission file no. 000-22175, dated February 20, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference)
   
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated April 4, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 4, 2008).
   
3.2
Amended By-Laws, as amended through August 7, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 13, 2008).
   
4.1
Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 15, 2008, between EMCORE Corporation and the investors identified on the signature pages thereto (Filed as part of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission file no. 000-22175, dated February 20, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference)
   
4.2
Form of Warrant, dated February 15, 2008 (Filed as part of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission file no. 000-22175, dated February 20, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference)
   
4.3
Specimen certificate for shares of common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-18565) filed with the Commission on February 24, 1997).
   
10.1†
1995 Incentive and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on February 6, 1997).
 
 
10.2†
1996 Amendment to Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on February 6, 1997).
   
10.3†
MicroOptical Devices 1996 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on February 6, 1998).
   
10.4†
2000 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated on March 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to the attached Exhibit to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on March 4, 2008).
   
10.5†
2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated on February 13, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2006).
   
10.6†
Directors’ Stock Award Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Registrant’s Original Registration Statement of Form S-8 filed on November 5, 1997), as amended by the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on August 10, 2004.
   
10.7
Memorandum of Understanding, dated as of September 26, 2007 between Lewis Edelstein and Registrant regarding shareholder derivative litigation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 20, 2006).
   
10.8†
Fiscal 2008 Executive Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to  Exhibit 10.1 the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2008).
   
10.9†
Executive Severance Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2007).
   
10.10†
Outside Directors Cash Compensation Plan, as amended and restated on February 13, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2006).
   
10.11
Exchange Agreement, dated as of November 10, 2005, by and between Alexandra Global Master Fund Ltd. and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005).
   
10.12
Consent to Amendment and Waiver, dated as of April 9, 2007, by and among EMCORE Corporation and certain holders of the 2004 Notes party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 10, 2007).
   
10.13
Consent to Amendment and Waiver, dated as of April 9, 2007, by and between EMCORE Corporation and the holder of the 2005 Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 10, 2007).
   
10.14
Investment Agreement between WorldWater and Power Corp. and Registrant, dated November 29, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 5, 2006).
   
10.15
Registration Rights Agreement between WorldWater and Power Corp. and Registrant, dated November 29, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 5, 2006).
   
10.16
Letter Agreement between WorldWater and Power Corp. and Registrant, dated November 29, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 5, 2006). Confidential Treatment has been requested by the Company with respect to portions of this document. Such portions are indicated by “*****”.
   
10.17†
Dr. Hong Hou Offer Letter dated December 14, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report filed on December 20, 2006).
   
10.18
Stipulation of Compromise and Settlement, dated as of November 28, 2007 executed by the Company and the other defendants and the plaintiffs in the Federal Court Action and the State Court Actions (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed of December 31, 2007).
   
10.19†
2008 Director’s Stock Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on February 11, 2008).
   
10.20†*
Mr. John M. Markovich Offer Letter dated August 7, 2008.
   
14.1
Code of Ethics for Financial Professionals (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003).
   
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
   
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
   
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated December 30, 2008.
   
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated December 30, 2008.
 
 
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated December 30, 2008.
   
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated December 30, 2008.
__________
* Filed herewith
Management contract or compensatory plan


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

     
EMCORE CORPORATION
       
 
Date: December 30, 2008
By:
/s/ Hong Q. Hou, Ph.D.
   
Hong Q. Hou, Ph.D.
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints and hereby authorizes Hong Q. Hou, Ph.D. and, severally, such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution or resubstitution, for such person and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign on such person’s behalf, individually and in each capacity stated below, any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments to this Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission granting unto said attorneys-in-fact, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated, on December 30, 2008.

 
Signature
Title
     
    /s/ Thomas Russell
Chairman Emeritus and Lead Director
     
 
Thomas J. Russell, Ph.D
 
     
    /s/ Reuben Richards
Executive Chairman & Chairman of the Board
     
 
Reuben F. Richards, Jr.
 
     
    /s/ Hong Hou
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
     
 
 Hong Q. Hou, Ph.D
 
     
    /s/ John M. Markovich
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
     
 
John M. Markovich
 
     
    /s/ Charles Scott
Director
     
 
Charles T. Scott
 
     
    /s/ John Gillen
Director
     
 
John Gillen
 
     
    /s/ Robert Bogomolny
Director
     
 
Robert Bogomolny
 

 
114

ex2_5.htm


Execution Version

 
LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
 
 
DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2008
 

among
 
 
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
 
as Lender,

 
EMCORE CORPORATION,
 
as Borrower
 
 
and
 
 
Each Obligor Party Hereto

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
     
PAGE
       
1.
DEFINITIONS
1
     
2.
LOANS
12
 
(a)
Revolving Loans
12
 
(b)
[Reserved.]
14
 
(c)
Repayments
14
 
(d)
Notes
14
       
3.
LETTERS OF CREDIT
14
 
(a)
General Terms
14
 
(b)
Requests for Letters of Credit
15
 
(c)
Obligations Absolute
15
 
(d)
Expiration Dates of Letters of Credit
15
       
4.
INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES
16
 
(a)
Interest Rate
16
 
(b)
Other LIBOR Provisions
16
 
(c)
Fees And Charges
18
 
(d)
Taxes
19
 
(e)
Maximum Interest
20
       
5.
COLLATERAL
20
 
(a)
Grant of Security Interest to Lender
20
 
(b)
Other Security
21
 
(c)
Possessory Collateral
21
 
(d)
Electronic Chattel Paper
21
       
6.
PRESERVATION OF COLLATERAL AND PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTERESTS THEREIN
22
     
7.
POSSESSION OF COLLATERAL AND RELATED MATTERS
22
     
8.
COLLECTIONS
23
     
9.
COLLATERAL, AVAILABILITY AND FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SCHEDULES
25
 
(a)
Weekly/Monthly Reports
25
 
(b)
Monthly Reports
25
 
(c)
Financial Statements
25
 
(d)
Projections
26
 
(e)
Public Reporting
26
 
(f)
Other Information
26

 
i

 
 
10.
TERMINATION; AUTOMATIC RENEWAL
27
     
11.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
27
 
(a)
Financial Statements and Other Information
27
 
(b)
Locations
28
 
(c)
Loans by Borrower
28
 
(d)
Accounts and Inventory
28
 
(e)
Liens
29
 
(f)
Organization, Authority and No Conflict
29
 
(g)
Litigation
29
 
(h)
Compliance with Laws and Maintenance of Permits
29
 
(i)
Affiliate Transactions
30
 
(j)
Names and Trade Names
30
 
(k)
Equipment
30
 
(l)
Enforceability
30
 
(m)
Solvency
30
 
(n)
Indebtedness
31
 
(o)
Margin Security and Use of Proceeds
31
 
(p)
Subsidiaries and Affiliates
31
 
(q)
No Defaults
31
 
(r)
Employee Matters
31
 
(s)
Intellectual Property
32
 
(t)
Environmental Matters
32
 
(u)
ERISA Matters
32
       
12.
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
33
 
(a)
Maintenance of Records
33
 
(b)
Notices
33
 
(c)
Compliance with Laws and Maintenance of Permits
34
 
(d)
Inspection and Audits
35
 
(e)
Insurance
35
 
(f)
Collateral
37
 
(g)
Use of Proceeds
37
 
(h)
Taxes
37
 
(i)
Intellectual Property
37
 
(j)
Checking Accounts and Cash Management Services
38
 
(k)
Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act and Office of Foreign Assets Control
38
       
13.
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
38
 
(a)
Guaranties
39
 
(b)
Indebtedness
39
 
(c)
Liens
39
 
(d)
Mergers, Sales, Acquisitions, Subsidiaries and Other Transactions Outside the Ordinary Course of Business
39
 
(e)
Dividends and Distributions
40
 
(f)
Investments; Loans
40

 
ii

 
 
 
(g)
Fundamental Changes, Line of Business
40
 
(h)
Equipment
40
 
(i)
Affiliate Transactions
41
 
(j)
Settling of Accounts
41
 
(k)
Amendments to Certain Documents
41
       
14.
FINANCIAL COVENANTS
41
 
(a)
Fixed Charge Coverage
41
 
(b)
Minimum EBITDA
41
       
15.
DEFAULT
42
 
(a)
Payment
42
 
(b)
Breach of this Agreement and the Other Agreements
42
 
(c)
Breaches of Other Obligations
42
 
(d)
Breach of Representations and Warranties
42
 
(e)
Loss of Collateral
42
 
(f)
Levy, Seizure or Attachment
43
 
(g)
Bankruptcy or Similar Proceedings
43
 
(h)
Appointment of Receiver
43
 
(i)
Judgment
43
 
(j)
Dissolution of Obligor
43
 
(k)
Default or Revocation of Guaranty
44
 
(l)
Criminal Proceedings
44
 
(m)
Change of Control
44
 
(n)
Material Adverse Change
44
       
16.
REMEDIES UPON AN EVENT OF DEFAULT
44
     
17.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
45
     
18.
INDEMNIFICATION
47
     
19.
NOTICE
48
     
20.
CHOICE OF GOVERNING LAW; CONSTRUCTION; FORUM SELECTION
48
     
21.
MODIFICATION AND BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT
49
     
22.
HEADINGS OF SUBDIVISIONS
49
     
23.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
49
     
24.
CONFIDENTIALITY
49
     
25.
COUNTERPARTS
50
     
26.
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS
50
     
27.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL; OTHER WAIVERS
50
     
28.
NONLIABILITY OF LENDER
51

 
iii

 

EXHIBIT A – BUSINESS AND COLLATERAL LOCATIONS
EXHIBIT B – COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
EXHIBIT C – COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS
EXHIBIT D – CONTINUING UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTY


SCHEDULE 1 – PERMITTED CAPITALIZED LEASE OBLIGATIONS
SCHEDULE 1-A – VEHICLE LOANS
SCHEDULE 1-B – PERMITTED LIENS
SCHEDULE 11(c) – LOANS BY BORROWER
SCHEDULE 11(f) – ORGANIZATION, AUTHORITY AND NO CONFLICT
SCHEDULE 11(i) – AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS
SCHEDULE 11(j) – NAMES & TRADE NAMES
SCHEDULE 11(n) – INDEBTEDNESS
SCHEDULE 11(p)(i) –SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES
SCHEDULE 11(p)(ii) – PLEDGED CAPITAL STOCK
SCHEDULE 11(v) – PREMISES NOT COVERED BY LANDLORD AGREEMENTS
SCHEDULE 12(j) – CERTAIN DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS
SCHEDULE 12(l) – POST-CLOSING OBLIGATIONS
SCHEDULE 17(a) – CLOSING DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

 
iv

 

LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
 
THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, this “Agreement”) made this 29th day of September, 2008 (the “Closing Date”) by and between BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association (together with its successors and assigns, “Lender”), 135 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603-4105, and EMCORE CORPORATION, a New Jersey corporation, having its principal place of business at 10420 Research Road, SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123 (“Borrower”) and each other Obligor (as defined herein) listed on the signature pages hereto.
 
WITNESSETH:
 
WHEREAS, Borrower may, from time to time, request Loans from Lender, and the parties wish to provide for the terms and conditions upon which such Loans or other financial accommodations, if made by Lender, shall be made;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of any Loan (including any Loan by renewal or extension) hereafter made to Borrower by Lender, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by Obligors, the parties agree as follows:
 
 
1.
DEFINITIONS
 
Account”, “Account Debtor”, “Chattel Paper”, “Commercial Tort Claims”, “Deposit Accounts”, “Documents”, “Electronic Chattel Paper”, “Equipment”, “Fixtures”, “General Intangibles”, “Goods”, “Instruments”, “Inventory”, “Investment Property”, “Letter-of-Credit Right”, “Proceeds” and “Tangible Chattel Paper” shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Illinois Uniform Commercial Code, as the same may be in effect from time to time.
 
Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person, (i) which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person, (ii) which beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of the voting control or equity interests of such Person, or (iii) five percent (5%) or more of the voting control or equity interests of which is beneficially owned or held by such Person.
 
Agreement” shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
 
Approved Electronic Form” shall have the meaning specified in Section 0 hereof.
 
Approved Electronic Form Notice” shall have the meaning specified in Section 0 hereof.
 
Authorizations” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0.
 
Bank of America” shall mean Bank of America, N.A.
 
Borrower” shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

 
 

 

BSA” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
Business Dayshall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or (i) with respect to all matters, determinations, fundings and payments in connection with LIBOR Rate Loans, any day on which banks in London, England or Chicago, Illinois are required or permitted to close, and (ii) with respect to all other matters, any day that banks in Chicago, Illinois are required or permitted to close.
 
Capital Adequacy Charge” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4(c)(v).
 
Capital Adequacy Demand” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 4(c)(v).
 
Capital Expenditures” means, with respect to any Person for any period, the sum of (i) the aggregate of all expenditures by such Person and its Subsidiaries during such period that in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied are or should be included in “property, plant and equipment” or in a similar fixed asset account on its balance sheet, whether such expenditures are paid in cash or financed and including all Capitalized Lease Obligations paid or payable during such period, and (ii) to the extent not covered by clause (i) above, the aggregate of all expenditures by such Person and its Subsidiaries during such period to acquire by purchase or otherwise the business or fixed assets of, or the Capital Stock of, any other Person.
 
Capital Lease” shall mean any lease to a Person with respect to any property, the obligations under which are (i) required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and (ii) secured solely by the property financed thereby.
 
Capitalized Lease Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, obligations of such Person and its Subsidiaries under Capital Leases, and, for purposes hereof, the amount of any such obligation shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
 
Capital Stock” shall mean any and all shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any and all equivalent interests in a Person (other than a corporation) and any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase any of the foregoing.
 
Closing Date” shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
 
Closing Document List” shall have the meaning specified in Section 0 hereof.
 
Collateral” shall mean all of the property of each Obligor described in Section 0 hereof, together with all other real or personal property of any Obligor or any other Person now or hereafter pledged to Lender to secure, either directly or indirectly, repayment of any of the Liabilities.
 
Contingency Fee” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 13(d).

 
2

 

Credit Event” shall mean a funding of the Loan and/or the issuance of a Letter of Credit hereunder.
 
Designated Subsidiary” shall mean the Subsidiary of Borrower named K2 Optronics, Inc., together with its successors.
 
Dilution shall mean, with respect to any period, the percentage obtained by dividing (i) the sum of non-cash credits against Accounts (including, but not limited to returns, adjustments  and rebates) of Borrower and any Subsidiary Obligor for such period, plus pending or probable, but not yet applied, non-cash credits against Accounts of Borrower and any Subsidiary Obligor for such period, as determined by Lender in its Permitted Discretion, by (ii) gross invoiced sales of Borrower and any Subsidiary Obligor for such period.
 
Domestic Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower organized under the laws of any jurisdiction within the United States of America.
 
Dominion Account” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 8(a) hereof.
 
EBITDA shall mean, with respect to any period, Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ net income after taxes for such period (excluding any after-tax gains or losses on the sale of assets (other than the sale of Inventory in the ordinary course of business) and excluding other after-tax extraordinary gains or losses) plus interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization for such period, plus or minus any other non-cash charges or gains which have been subtracted or added in calculating net income after taxes for such period, all on a consolidated basis.
 
Electronic Form” shall have the meaning specified in Section 0 hereof.
 
Eligible Account” shall mean an Account owing to Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor which is acceptable to Lender in its Permitted Discretion for lending purposes.  Without limiting Lender’s Permitted Discretion, Lender shall, in general, consider an Account to be an Eligible Account if it meets, and so long as it continues to meet, the following requirements:
 
(i)           it is genuine and in all respects what it purports to be;
 
(ii)          it is owned by Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor, Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor has the right to subject it to a security interest in favor of Lender or assign it to Lender and it is subject to a first priority perfected security interest in favor of Lender and to no other claim, lien, security interest or encumbrance whatsoever, other than Permitted Liens;
 
(iii)         it arises from (A) the performance of services by Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor in the ordinary course of Borrower’s or a Subsidiary Obligor’s business, and such services have been fully performed and acknowledged and accepted by the Account Debtor thereunder; or (B) the sale or lease of Goods by Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor in the ordinary course of Borrower’s or a Subsidiary Obligor’s business, and (x) such Goods have been completed in accordance with the Account Debtor’s specifications (if any) and delivered to the Account Debtor, (y) such Account Debtor has not refused to accept, returned or offered to return, any of the Goods which are the subject of such Account, and (z) Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor has possession of, or Borrower has caused to be delivered to Lender (at Lender’s request) shipping and delivery receipts evidencing delivery of such Goods;

 
3

 

(iv)        it is evidenced by an invoice rendered to the Account Debtor thereunder, is due and payable within seventy-five (75) days after the date of the invoice and does not remain unpaid ninety (90) days past the invoice date thereof; provided, that if more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate dollar amount of invoices owing by a particular Account Debtor remain unpaid ninety (90) days after the respective invoice dates thereof, then all Accounts owing by that Account Debtor shall be deemed ineligible;
 
(v)         it is a valid, legally enforceable and unconditional obligation of the Account Debtor thereunder, and is not subject to setoff, counterclaim, credit, allowance or adjustment by such Account Debtor, or to any claim by such Account Debtor denying liability thereunder in whole or in part;
 
(vi)        it does not arise out of a contract or order which fails in any material respect to comply with the requirements of applicable law;
 
(vii)       the Account Debtor thereunder is not a director, officer, employee or agent of Borrower, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any of the foregoing;
 
(viii)      it is not an Account with respect to which the Account Debtor is the United States of America or any state or local government, or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof, unless Borrower assigns its right to payment of such Account to Lender pursuant to, and in full compliance with, the Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended, or any comparable state or local law, as applicable;
 
(ix)         it is not an Account with respect to which the Account Debtor is located in a state which requires Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor, as a precondition to commencing or maintaining an action in the courts of that state, either to (A) receive a certificate of authority to do business and be in good standing in such state; or (B) file a notice of business activities report or similar report with such state’s taxing authority, unless (x) Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor has taken one of the actions described in clauses (A) or (B); (y) the failure to take one of the actions described in either clause (A) or (B) may be cured retroactively by Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor at its election; or (z) Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor has proven, to Lender’s satisfaction, that it is exempt from any such requirements under any such state’s laws;
 
(x)          the Account Debtor (A) is located within the United States of America, (B) is located in a country other than the United States of America, or (C) until such time as Lender determines in its Permitted Discretion to the contrary, consists of Flextronics International Ltd. or Jabil Circuit, Inc.; provided, that if the Account is payable in the currency of a foreign currency, then for purposes of computing availability under this Agreement, the net amount of said Account shall be converted to U.S. Dollars, from time to time, based upon the rate of exchange of said currency then being quoted by Lender; provided further, that, in the case of clauses (B) and (C) without limiting Lender’s Permitted Discretion, the aggregate maximum amount which will be considered by Lender for inclusion in Eligible Accounts shall be up to $8,823,000 for all such Account Debtors or such higher limit as determined by Lender in its Permitted Discretion, and, in each case, only to the extent of such amount as determined by Lender;

 
4

 

(xi)         it is not an Account with respect to which the Account Debtor’s obligation to pay is subject to any repurchase obligation or return right, as with sales made on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale on approval, sale or return or consignment basis;
 
(xii)        it is not an Account (A) with respect to which any representation or warranty contained in this Agreement is untrue; or (B) which violates any of the covenants of Borrower contained in this Agreement;
 
(xiii)       it is not an Account which, when added to a particular Account Debtor’s other Indebtedness to Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor, exceeds twenty percent (20%) of all Accounts of Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor or a credit limit determined by Lender in its Permitted Discretion for that Account Debtor (except that Accounts excluded from Eligible Accounts solely by reason of this clause (xiii) shall be Eligible Accounts to the extent of such credit limit), provided that Lender shall give Borrower written notice of any such credit limit; and
 
(xiv)      it is not an Account with respect to which the prospect of payment or performance by the Account Debtor is or will be impaired, as determined by Lender in its Permitted Discretion.
 
Environmental Laws” shall mean all federal, state, district, local and foreign laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and consent decrees relating to health, safety, hazardous substances, pollution and environmental matters, as now or at any time hereafter in effect, applicable to any Obligor business or facilities owned or operated by such Obligor, including laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contamination, chemicals, or hazardous, toxic or dangerous substances, materials or wastes into the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the generation, manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials.
 
ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, modified or restated from time to time.
 
Event of Default” shall have the meaning specified in Section 0 hereof.
 
Excess Availability shall mean, as of any date of determination by Lender, the lesser of (i) the Maximum Revolving Loan Limit less the sum of the outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations and (ii) the Revolving Loan Limit less the sum of the outstanding Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations, in each case as of the close of business on such date and assuming, for purposes of calculation, that all accounts payable which remain unpaid more than thirty (30) days after the due dates thereof (or such longer time period as consented to in writing by Lender in its Permitted Discretion) as the close of business on such date are treated as additional Loans outstanding on such date.

 
5

 

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
Excluded Foreign Subsidiary” shall mean each Foreign Subsidiary in respect of which either (a) the pledge of all of the Capital Stock of such Subsidiary as Collateral or (b) the guaranteeing by such Subsidiary of the Liabilities, would, in the good faith judgment of Borrower, result in adverse tax consequences to Borrower.
 
Fee Letter” shall mean that certain Fee Letter of even date herewith by and between Borrower and Lender.
 
Fiscal Year” shall mean each twelve (12) month accounting period of Borrower, which ends on September 30 of each year.
 
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall mean, with respect to any period, the ratio of (i)  EBITDA, minus Capital Expenditures for such period not financed, minus income taxes, minus cash dividends paid and cash distributions paid for such period which were not calculated in determining net income after taxes, minus any other non-cash gains and plus or minus the after tax increase or decrease in LIFO reserves, plus interest income, all on a consolidated basis as to Borrower and its Subsidiaries to (ii) Fixed Charges.

Fixed Charges” shall mean, for any period, current principal maturities of long term debt and capitalized leases paid or scheduled to be paid during such period, plus any prepayments on indebtedness owed to any Person (except trade payables and Loans) and paid during such period, plus interest expense paid or scheduled to be paid during such period, all on a consolidated basis as to Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
 
Foreign Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary of Borrower that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
 
Guaranty Agreement” shall mean the Continuing Unconditional Guaranty to be executed and delivered by each Subsidiary (other than the Designated Subsidiary and any Excluded Foreign Subsidiary) now owned or hereafter acquired by Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit D to this Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
 
Hazardous Materials” shall mean any hazardous, toxic or dangerous substance, materials and wastes, including, without limitation, hydrocarbons (including naturally occurring or man-made petroleum and hydrocarbons), flammable explosives, asbestos, urea formaldehyde insulation, radioactive materials, biological substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, herbicides and any other kind and/or type of pollutants or contaminants (including, without limitation, materials which include hazardous constituents), sewage, sludge, industrial slag, solvents and/or any other similar substances, materials, or wastes and including any other substances, materials or wastes that are or become regulated under any Environmental Law (including, without limitation any that are or become classified as hazardous or toxic under any Environmental Law).

 
6

 

Hedging Agreements”  shall mean all interest rate or currency swaps, caps or collar agreements, foreign exchange agreements, commodity contracts or similar arrangements entered into by Borrower or its Subsidiaries providing for protection against fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodity prices or the exchange of nominal interest obligations, either generally or under specific contingencies.
 
Indebtedness” shall mean, with respect to any Person as of any date, without duplication: (a) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money; (b) all obligations of such Person for the deferred purchase price of property or services; (c) the face amount of all letters of credit issued for the account of such Person and without duplication, all drafts drawn thereunder and all reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to letters of credit, surety bonds and other similar instruments issued by such Person; (d) all obligations of such Person evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments; (e) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect to property acquired by the Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property); (f) all Capital Lease obligations of such Person; (g) the principal balance outstanding under any synthetic lease, off-balance sheet loan or similar off balance sheet financing product; (h) all obligations referred to in clauses (a) through (g) above secured by (or for which the holder of such indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in property (including accounts and contracts rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness (up to the value of such property), (i) all obligations of such Person, contingent or otherwise, to purchase, repurchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any equity securities of such Person prior to one year following the Maturity Date; (j) all guarantee obligations of such Person in respect of obligations of the kind referred to in clauses (a) through (g) above; and (k) all obligations (netted, to the extent provided therein) of such Person in respect of Hedging Agreements (including obligations and liabilities arising in connection with or as a result of early or premature termination of a Hedging Agreement). The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interests in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness expressly provide that such Person is not liable therefor.
 
Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning specified in Section 0 hereof.
 
Interest Period shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
Lender” shall have the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.
 
Letter of Credit” shall mean any Letter of Credit issued on behalf of Borrower in accordance with this Agreement.
 
Letter of Credit Applicable Margin” shall mean 2.00%.

 
7

 

Letter of Credit Obligations” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the sum of (i) the aggregate undrawn face amount of all Letters of Credit, and (ii) the aggregate unreimbursed amount of all drawn Letters of Credit not already converted to Loans hereunder.
 
Liabilities” shall mean any and all obligations, liabilities and other Indebtedness of Borrower and its Subsidiaries to Lender or to any parent, affiliate or subsidiary of Lender of any and every kind and nature, howsoever created, arising or evidenced and howsoever owned, held or acquired, whether now or hereafter existing, whether now due or to become due, whether primary, secondary, direct, indirect, absolute, contingent or otherwise (including, without limitation, obligations of performance), whether several, joint or joint and several, and whether arising or existing under written or oral agreement or by operation of law, including, without limitation, all obligations (netted, to the extent provided therein) of any such Person in respect of Hedging Agreements (including obligations and liabilities arising in connection with or as a result of early or premature termination of a Hedging Agreement) with any counterparty thereto that, at the time a Hedging Agreement was entered into, was a Lender or a parent, affiliate or subsidiary of a Lender.
 
LIBOR Rate shall mean, with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan for any Interest Period, a rate per annum equal to (a) the offered rate for deposits in United States dollars for a period equal to such Interest Period as displayed in the Bloomberg Financial Markets system (or such other authoritative source as selected by Lender in its sole discretion) as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period (or three (3) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period if banks in London, England were not open and dealing in offshore United States dollars on such second preceding Business Day) divided by (b) a number equal to 1.0 minus the maximum reserve percentages (expressed as a decimal fraction) including, without limitation, basic supplemental, marginal and emergency reserves under any regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or other governmental authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto, as now and from time to time in effect, for Eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of such Board) which are required by applicable law to be maintained by Lender by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.  The LIBOR Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in such reserve percentage.
 
LIBOR Rate Loans shall mean the Loans bearing interest with reference to the LIBOR Rate.
 
Loans” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
Lock Box” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 8(a) hereof.
 
Material Adverse Effect” shall mean a material adverse effect on the business, property, assets, prospects, operations or condition, financial or otherwise, of a Person.
 
Maximum Revolving Loan Limit” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.

 
8

 

Obligor” shall mean Borrower and each other Person who is or shall become primarily or secondarily liable for any of the Liabilities, including each Subsidiary of Borrower other than the Designated Subsidiary and any Excluded Foreign Subsidiary.
 
Optium Litigation” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 13(d).
 
OFAC” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
Original Term” shall have the meaning specified in Section 0 hereof.
 
Other Agreements” shall mean the Guaranty Agreement and all other agreements, instruments and documents, other than this Agreement, including, without limitation, guaranties, mortgages, trust deeds, pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, contracts, notices, security agreements, leases, financing statements and all other writings heretofore, now or from time to time hereafter executed by or on behalf of Borrower or any other Person and delivered to Lender or to any parent, affiliate or subsidiary of Lender in connection with the Liabilities or the transactions contemplated hereby, as each of the same may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
 
Outstandings” shall mean, as of any date of determination, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all Loans as of such date, together with accrued interest payable thereon, plus the outstanding Letter of Credit Obligations as of such date.
 
PBGC” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
Permitted Capital Contribution Loans” shall mean subordinated loans to Foreign Subsidiaries for capital contribution purposes which have the effect of being capital contributions to such Foreign Subsidiaries; provided, that if as of any date Borrower’s aggregate unrestricted cash on deposit with Lender and Bank of America does not exceed the aggregate Liabilities, then the sum of the aggregate Permitted Capital Contribution Loans plus the value of Permitted Joint Venture Investments shall not exceed $5,000,000 in excess of the amount of the sum of the aggregate Permitted Capital Contribution Loans plus the value of Permitted Joint Venture Investments outstanding as of the date of this Agreement (or such higher amount as consented to by Lender in writing) for the remainder of the Original Term and any Renewal Term.
 
Permitted Capitalized Lease Obligations” shall mean the obligations of any Obligor under those certain lease agreements described on Schedule 1, together with any other obligations of Obligors to pay any amounts under any Capital Lease, in an aggregate amount for all such obligations not to exceed $1,000,000 at any one time payable during any fiscal year.  For purposes of this Agreement, the amount of such obligations at any time shall be the capitalized amount thereof at such time determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.
 
Permitted Debt” shall mean (a) Indebtedness of Borrower or any Subsidiary from a Person other than Lender (other than any Indebtedness of Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Designated Subsidiary) on an unsecured and subordinated basis if (i) a subordination agreement in favor of Lender and in form and substance satisfactory to Lender is executed and delivered to Lender relative thereto and (ii) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or will occur after giving effect to the issuance or incurrence of such Indebtedness; (b) unsecured Indebtedness of Borrower or any Subsidiary to trade creditors in the ordinary course of business which are (i) not more than 90 days overdue or (ii) being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; (c) Permitted Capitalized Lease Obligations; (d) any purchase money obligations of Borrower for vehicle loans existing as of the date hereof as listed on Schedule 1-A; provided, that in each case, such purchase money obligation is secured solely by the applicable vehicle financed thereby; (e) any other purchase money obligations of Borrower which do not exceed, in the aggregate, $1,000,000 during any Fiscal Year; (f) the obligations of Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of taxable industrial revenue bonds issued by the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, on substantially similar terms as Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ obligations in respect of those certain Series 1998 and Series 2000 Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, so long as no “Event of Default” (as defined therein) has occurred or is continuing; and (g) Permitted Capital Contribution Loans.

 
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Permitted Discretion” shall mean a determination made in good faith and in the exercise of reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender) business judgment.
 
Permitted Joint Venture Investments” shall mean investments by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in joint ventures or partnerships with any other Person (other than the Designated Subsidiary); provided, that if as of any date Borrower’s unrestricted cash on deposit with Lender and Bank of America does not exceed the aggregate Liabilities, then the sum of the aggregate Permitted Capital Contribution Loans plus the value of Permitted Joint Venture Investments shall not exceed $5,000,000 in excess of the amount of the sum of the aggregate Permitted Capital Contribution Loans plus the value of Permitted Joint Venture Investments outstanding as of the date of this Agreement (or such higher amount as consented to by Lender in writing) for the remainder of the Original Term and any Renewal Term.
 
Permitted Liens” shall mean (i) statutory liens of landlords, carriers, warehousemen, processors, mechanics, materialmen or suppliers incurred in the ordinary course of business and securing amounts not yet due or declared to be due by the claimant thereunder or amounts which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and for which Borrower or any Subsidiary has maintained adequate reserves; (ii) liens or security interests in favor of Lender; (iii) zoning restrictions and easements, licenses, covenants and other restrictions affecting the use of real property that do not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on any of Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s ability to use such real property for its intended purpose in connection with such Person’s business; (iv) liens in connection with purchase money indebtedness and capitalized leases included as Permitted Debt, provided, that such liens attach only to the assets the purchase of which was financed by such purchase money indebtedness or which is the subject of such capitalized leases; (v) liens set forth on Schedule 1-B; (vi) liens specifically permitted by Lender in writing; (vii) involuntary liens securing amounts less than $250,000 and which are released or for which a bond acceptable to Lender in its sole discretion, determined in good faith, has been posted within thirty (30) days of its creation; and (viii) liens for taxes not yet due or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, provided that adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary, as the case may be, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

 
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Permitted Sponsor Investments” shall mean the acquisition of up to 20% of the Capital Stock of a Subsidiary Obligor by a third party investor reasonably acceptable to Lender; provided, that Borrower shall (i) provide Lender with at least 30 days’ written notice prior to the closing of any such acquisition, (ii) provide Lender and its counsel with all transaction documents related to such acquisition and permit such Persons a reasonable time period to review such transaction documents, and (iii) cooperate fully with Lender in connection with the execution and delivery of any additional security documents or other agreements (including any amendments to this Agreement) requested by Lender in connection with any such acquisition.
 
Person” shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, corporation, limited liability company, institution, entity, party or foreign or United States government (whether federal, state, county, city, municipal or otherwise), including, without limitation, any instrumentality, division, agency, body or department thereof.
 
Plan” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
Pledged Capital Stock” shall mean all shares of Capital Stock held of record or beneficially owned by any Obligor, together with any other shares, stock certificates, interests, options or rights of any nature whatsoever in respect of any Capital Stock of any Obligor issued or granted to, or held by any Obligor while this Agreement is in effect, including the Capital Stock set forth on Schedule 11(p)(ii).
 
Prime Rate” shall mean Bank of America’s publicly announced prime rate (which is not intended to be Bank of America’s lowest or most favorable rate in effect at any time) in effect from time to time.
 
Prime Rate Loans shall mean Loans bearing interest with reference to the Prime Rate.
 
Pro Forma Balance Sheet” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 11(a) hereof.
 
Projections” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
Regulatory Change” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
Renewal Term” shall have the meaning specified in Section 0 hereof.
 
Revolving Loan Limit” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
Subsidiary” shall mean any corporation of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Capital Stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such Person (irrespective of whether at the time stock of any other class of such Person shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by Borrower, or any partnership, joint venture or limited liability company of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Capital Stock at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by Borrower or any partnership of which Borrower is a general partner.

 
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Subsidiary Obligor” shall mean each Subsidiary of Borrower (other than the Designated Subsidiary and any Excluded Foreign Subsidiary) which is wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by Borrower and which shall, concurrently with its acquisition, formation, incorporation or organization become an Obligor.
 
Systems Day One” shall mean the date upon which Lender’s system of record for loans and deposits shall convert to the system of record for loans and deposits used by Bank of America.
 
Tax shall mean, in relation to any LIBOR Rate Loans and the applicable LIBOR Rate, any tax, levy, impost, duty, deduction, withholding or charges of whatever nature required to be paid by Lender and/or to be withheld or deducted from any payment otherwise required hereby to be made by Borrower to Lender; provided, that the term “Tax” shall not include any taxes imposed upon the net income of Lender.
 
Weekly Report” shall have the meaning specified in subsection 0 hereof.
 
 
2.
LOANS.
 
 
(a)
Revolving Loans.
 
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Other Agreements, during the Original Term and any Renewal Term, Lender shall, absent the occurrence of an Event of Default, make revolving loans and advances (the “Loans”) in an amount up to the sum of the following sublimits (the “Revolving Loan Limit”):
 
(i)          Up to eighty-five percent (85%) of the face amount (less maximum discounts, credits and allowances which may be taken by or granted to Account Debtors in connection therewith in the ordinary course of Borrower’s business) of Borrower’s Eligible Accounts; provided, that such advance rate shall be reduced by one (1) percentage point for each whole or partial percentage point by which Dilution (as determined by Lender in good faith based on the results of the most recent twelve (12) month period for which Lender has conducted a field audit of Borrower) exceeds five percent (5%); minus
 
(ii)         Four Million and No/100 Dollars ($4,000,000.00), until such time, if at all, that (i) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio exceeds 1:00 to 1:00 for a period of two consecutive fiscal quarters and (ii) Borrower reports positive EBITDA for such same period of time; minus
 
(iii)        such reserves as Lender elects, in its Permitted Discretion, to establish from time to time;
 
provided, that the Revolving Loan Limit shall in no event exceed Twenty-Five Million and No/100 Dollars ($25,000,000.00) (the “Maximum Revolving Loan Limit”); provided, further, that for purposes of availability and advances of Loans pursuant to this subsection 2(a) and the issuance of Letters of Credit pursuant to subsection 3(a), until such time, if at all, that (i) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio exceeds 1:00 to 1:00 for a period of two consecutive fiscal quarters and (ii) Borrower reports positive EBITDA for such same period of time, all references to the “Maximum Revolving Loan Limit” shall be deemed to mean Twenty-One Million and No/100 Dollars ($21,000,000.00).

 
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The aggregate unpaid principal balance of the Loans shall not at any time exceed the lesser of the (i) Revolving Loan Limit minus the Letter of Credit Obligations and (ii) the Maximum Revolving Loan Limit minus the Letter of Credit Obligations.  If at any time the outstanding Loans exceeds either the Revolving Loan Limit or the Maximum Revolving Loan Limit, in each case minus the Letter of Credit Obligations, or any portion of the Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations exceeds any applicable sublimit within the Revolving Loan Limit, Borrower shall immediately, and without the necessity of demand by Lender, pay to Lender such amount as may be necessary to eliminate such excess and Lender shall apply such payment to the Loans to eliminate such excess.
 
Borrower hereby authorizes Lender, in its sole discretion, to charge any of Borrower’s accounts or advance Loans to make any payments of principal, interest, fees, costs or expenses required to be made under this Agreement or the Other Agreements.
 
A request for a Loan shall be made or shall be deemed to be made, each in the following manner:  Borrower shall give Lender same day notice, no later than 1:00 P.M. (Chicago time) for such day, of its request for a Loan as a Prime Rate Loan, and at least three (3) Business Days prior notice of its request for a Loan as a LIBOR Rate Loan, in which notice Borrower shall specify the amount of the proposed borrowing and the proposed borrowing date; provided, that no such request may be made at a time when there exists an Event of Default or an event which, with the passage of time or giving of notice, will become an Event of Default.  In the event that Borrower maintains a controlled disbursement account at Bank of America, each check presented for payment against such controlled disbursement account and any other charge or request for payment against such controlled disbursement account shall constitute a request for a Loan as a Prime Rate Loan.  As an accommodation to Borrower, Lender may permit telephone requests for Loans and electronic transmittal of instructions, authorizations, agreements or reports to Lender by Borrower.  Unless Borrower specifically directs Lender in writing not to accept or act upon telephonic or electronic communications from Borrower, Lender shall have no liability to Borrower for any loss or damage suffered by Borrower as a result of Lender’s honoring of any requests, execution of any instructions, authorizations or agreements or reliance on any reports communicated to it telephonically or electronically and purporting to have been sent to Lender by Borrower and Lender shall have no duty to verify the origin of any such communication or the authority of the Person sending it.
 
Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes Lender to disburse the proceeds of each Loan requested by Borrower, or deemed to be requested by Borrower, as follows:  the proceeds of each Loan requested under Section 0 shall be disbursed by Lender in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds, in the case of the initial borrowing, in accordance with the terms of the written disbursement letter from Borrower, and in the case of each subsequent borrowing, by wire transfer or Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer to such bank account as may be agreed upon by Borrower and Lender from time to time, or elsewhere if pursuant to a written direction from Borrower.

 
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(b)
[Reserved.]
 
 
(c)
Repayments.
 
(i)          Unless otherwise required or earlier prepaid in full in cash, including without limitation pursuant to Section 16 hereunder, the Loans and all other Liabilities shall be repaid on the last day of the Original Term or any Renewal Term if this Agreement is renewed pursuant to Section 10 hereof.
 
(ii)         Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay the Loans in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with subsection 2(c)(iii).
 
(iii)        Borrower shall notify Lender by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a LIBOR Rate Loan, not later than 12:00 noon, Chicago, Illinois time, three Business Days before the date of prepayment, or (ii) in the case of prepayment of a Prime Rate Loan, not later than 12:00 noon, Chicago, Illinois time, on the date of prepayment.  Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Loan or portion thereof to be prepaid.  Each partial prepayment of any LIBOR Rate Loan shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a LIBOR Rate Loan as provided in subsection 4(b)(vii).  All prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest.
 
 
(d)
Notes.
 
The Loans shall, in Lender’s sole discretion, be evidenced by one or more promissory notes in form and substance satisfactory to Lender.  However, if such Loans are not so evidenced, such Loans may be evidenced solely by entries upon the books and records maintained by Lender.
 
 
3.
LETTERS OF CREDIT.
 
 
(a)
General Terms.
 
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Other Agreements, during the Original Term or any Renewal Term, Lender shall, absent the existence of an Event of Default, from time to time cause to be issued and co-sign for or otherwise guarantee, upon Borrower’s request, commercial and/or standby Letters of Credit; provided, that the aggregate undrawn face amount of all such Letters of Credit shall at no time exceed the Maximum Revolving Loan Limit.  Payments made by the issuer of a Letter of Credit to any Person on account of any Letter of Credit shall be immediately payable by Borrower without notice, presentment or demand, and Borrower agrees that each payment made by the issuer of a Letter of Credit in respect of a Letter of Credit shall constitute a request by Borrower for a Loan to reimburse such issuer.  In the event such Loan is not advanced by Lender for any reason, such reimbursement obligations (whether owing to the issuer of the Letter of Credit or Lender if Lender is not the issuer) shall become part of the Liabilities hereunder and shall bear interest at the rate then applicable to Loans constituting Prime Rate Loans until repaid.  Borrower shall remit to Lender a Letter of Credit fee equal to the Letter of Credit Applicable Margin on the aggregate undrawn face amount of all Letters of Credit outstanding, which fee shall be payable monthly in arrears on the first Business Day of each month; provided, that following the occurrence of an Event of Default and during the continuance thereof, such letter of credit fee shall be equal to the Letter of Credit Applicable Margin plus two percent (2.00%).  Said fee shall be calculated on the basis of a 360 day year.  Borrower shall also pay on demand the normal and customary administrative charges of the issuer of the Letter of Credit for issuance, amendment, negotiation, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit.

 
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(b)
Requests for Letters of Credit.
 
Borrower shall make requests for Letters of Credit in writing at least two (2) Business Days prior to the date such Letter of Credit is to be issued.  Each such request shall specify the date such Letter of Credit is to be issued, the amount thereof, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and a description of the transaction to be supported thereby.  Any such notice shall be accompanied by the form of Letter of Credit requested and any application or reimbursement agreement required by the issuer of such Letter of Credit.  If any term of such application or reimbursement agreement is inconsistent with this Agreement, then the provisions of this Agreement shall control to the extent of such inconsistency.
 
 
(c)
Obligations Absolute.
 
Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the issuer of any Letter of Credit, or Lender if Lender has reimbursed such issuer on Borrower’s behalf, for any payments made in respect of any Letter of Credit, which obligation shall be unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid regardless of:  (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, (ii) any amendment or waiver of or consent or departure from all or any provisions of any Letter of Credit, this Agreement or any Other Agreement, (iii) the existence of any claim, set off, defense or other right which Borrower or any other Person may have against any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit, Lender or the issuer of the Letter of Credit, (iv) any draft or other document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid, or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (v) any payment under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, and (vi) any other act or omission to act or delay of any kind of the issuer of such Letter of Credit, the Lender or any other Person or any other event or circumstance that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of Borrower’s obligations hereunder.  It is understood and agreed by Borrower that the issuer of any Letter of Credit may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order without further investigation or inquiry, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary; provided, that in no event shall Borrower have waived any claims based on Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
 
 
(d)
Expiration Dates of Letters of Credit.
 
The expiration date of each Letter of Credit shall be no later than the earlier of (i) one (1) year from the date of issuance and (ii) the thirtieth (30th) day prior to the end of the Original Term or any Renewal Term.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Letter of Credit may provide for automatic extensions of its expiration date for one or more one (1) year periods, so long as the issuer thereof has the right to terminate the Letter of Credit at the end of each one (1) year period and no extension period extends past the thirtieth (30th) day prior to the end of the Original Term or any Renewal Term.

 
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4.
INTEREST, FEES AND CHARGES.
 
 
(a)
Interest Rate.
 
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, the Loans shall bear interest at the per annum rate of interest set forth in subsection (i), (ii) or (iii) below:
 
(i)          With respect to Prime Rate Loans, a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate in effect from time to time, payable on the first Business Day of each month in arrears.  Said rate of interest shall increase or decrease by an amount equal to each increase or decrease in the Prime Rate effective on the effective date of each such change in the Prime Rate.
 
(ii)         With respect to LIBOR Rate Loans, a rate per annum equal to two hundred (200) basis points plus the LIBOR Rate for the applicable Interest Period, such rate to remain fixed for such Interest Period.  “Interest Period” shall mean any continuous period of one (1), two (2) or three (3) months, as selected from time to time by Borrower by irrevocable notice (in writing, by telecopy, telex, electronic mail or cable) given to Lender not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the first day of each respective Interest Period; provided that:  (A) each such period occurring after such initial period shall commence on the day on which the immediately preceding period expires; (B) the final Interest Period shall be such that its expiration occurs on or before the end of the Original Term or any Renewal Term; and (C) if for any reason Borrower shall fail to timely select a period, then such Loans shall continue as, or revert to, Prime Rate Loans.  Interest shall be payable on the first Business Day of each month in arrears and on the first Business Day of such Interest Period.
 
(iii)        Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and during the continuance thereof, the Loans shall bear interest at the rate of two percent (2.00%) per annum in excess of the interest rate otherwise payable thereon, which interest shall be payable on demand.  All interest shall be calculated on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a 360-day year.
 
 
(b)
Other LIBOR Provisions.
 
(i)          Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Borrower shall have the option (A) as of any date, to convert all or any part of the Prime Rate Loans to, or request that new Loans be made as, LIBOR Rate Loans of various Interest Periods, (B) as of the last day of any Interest Period, to continue all or any portion of the relevant LIBOR Rate Loans as LIBOR Rate Loans; (C) as of the last day of any Interest Period, to convert all or any portion of the LIBOR Rate Loans to Prime Rate Loans; and (D) at any time, to request new Loans as Prime Rate Loans; provided, that Loans may not be continued as or converted to LIBOR Rate Loans, if the continuation or conversion thereof would violate the provisions of subsections 0 or 000 of this Agreement or if an Event of Default has occurred.

 
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(ii)         Lender’s determination of the LIBOR Rate as provided above shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.  Furthermore, if Lender determines, in good faith (which determination shall be conclusive, absent manifest error), prior to the commencement of any Interest Period that (A) U.S. Dollar deposits of sufficient amount and maturity for funding the Loans are not available to Lender in the London Interbank Eurodollar market in the ordinary course of business, or (B) by reason of circumstances affecting the London Interbank Eurodollar market, adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the rate of interest to be applicable to the Loans requested by Borrower to be LIBOR Rate Loans or the Loans bearing interest at the rates set forth in subsection 0 of this Agreement shall not represent the effective pricing to Lender for U.S. Dollar deposits of a comparable amount for the relevant period (such as for example, but not limited to, official reserve requirements required by Regulation D to the extent not given effect in determining the rate), Lender shall promptly notify Borrower and (1) all existing LIBOR Rate Loans shall convert to Prime Rate Loans upon the end of the applicable Interest Period, and (2) no additional LIBOR Rate Loans shall be made until such circumstances are cured.
 
(iii)        If, after the date hereof, the introduction of, or any change in any applicable law, treaty, rule, regulation or guideline or in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental authority or any central bank or other fiscal, monetary or other authority having jurisdiction over Lender or its lending offices (a “Regulatory Change”), shall, in the opinion of counsel to Lender, make it unlawful for Lender to make or maintain LIBOR Rate Loans, then Lender shall promptly notify Borrower and (A) the LIBOR Rate Loans shall immediately convert to Prime Rate Loans on the last Business Day of the then existing Interest Period or on such earlier date as required by law and (B) no additional LIBOR Rate Loans shall be made until such circumstance is cured.
 
(iv)        If, for any reason, a LIBOR Rate Loan is paid prior to the last Business Day of any Interest Period or if a LIBOR Rate Loan does not occur on a date specified by Borrower in its request (other than as a result of a default by Lender), Borrower agrees to indemnify Lender against any loss (including any loss on redeployment of the deposits or other funds acquired by Lender to fund or maintain such LIBOR Rate Loan) cost or expense incurred by Lender as a result of such prepayment.
 
(v)         If any Regulatory Change (whether or not having the force of law) shall (A) impose, modify or deem applicable any assessment, reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets held by, or deposits in or for the account of or loans by, or any other acquisition of funds or disbursements by, Lender; (B) subject Lender or the LIBOR Rate Loans to any Tax or change the basis of taxation of payments to Lender of principal or interest due from Borrower to Lender hereunder (other than a change in the taxation of the overall net income of Lender); or (C) impose on Lender any other condition regarding the LIBOR Rate Loans or Lender’s funding thereof, and Lender shall determine (which determination shall be conclusive, absent any manifest error) that the result of the foregoing is to increase the cost to Lender of making or maintaining the LIBOR Rate Loans or to reduce the amount of principal or interest received by Lender hereunder, then Borrower shall pay to Lender, on demand, such additional amounts as Lender shall, from time to time, determine are sufficient to compensate and indemnify Lender from such increased cost or reduced amount.

 
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(vi)        Lender shall receive payments of amounts of principal of and interest with respect to the LIBOR Rate Loans free and clear of, and without deduction for, any Taxes.  If (A) Lender shall be subject to any Tax in respect of any LIBOR Rate Loans or any part thereof or, (B) Borrower shall be required to withhold or deduct any Tax from any such amount, the LIBOR Rate applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loans shall be adjusted by Lender to reflect all additional costs incurred by Lender in connection with the payment by Lender or the withholding by Borrower of such Tax and Borrower shall provide Lender with a statement detailing the amount of any such Tax actually paid by Borrower. Determination by Lender of the amount of such costs shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.  If after any such adjustment any part of any Tax paid by Lender is subsequently recovered by Lender, Lender shall reimburse Borrower to the extent of the amount so recovered.  A certificate of an officer of Lender setting forth the amount of such recovery and the basis therefor shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
 
(vii)       Each request for LIBOR Rate Loans shall be in an amount not less than One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00), and in integral multiples of, Five Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($500,000.00).
 
(viii)      Unless otherwise specified by Borrower, all Loans shall be Prime Rate Loans.
 
(ix)         No more than five (5) Interest Periods may be in effect with respect to outstanding LIBOR Rate Loans at any one time.
 
 
(c)
Fees And Charges.
 
(i)           Fee Letter:  Borrower shall pay to Lender the fees described in the Fee Letter.
 
(ii)          Unused Line Fee:  Borrower shall pay to Lender an unused line fee equal to 0.375% of the difference between (1) the Maximum Revolving Loan Limit and (2) the average daily balance of the Loans plus the Letter of Credit Obligations for each month, which fee shall be fully earned by Lender and payable monthly in arrears on the first Business Day of each month.  Said fee shall be calculated on the basis of a 360 day year.
 
(iii)         Letter of Credit Fee:  Borrower shall pay to Lender the letter of credit fees as set forth in subsection 0.
 
(iv)        Costs and Expenses: Borrower shall reimburse Lender for all reasonable costs and expenses, including, without limitation, legal expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees (whether for internal or outside counsel), incurred by Lender in connection with the (i) documentation and consummation of this transaction and any other transactions between Borrower and its Subsidiaries and Lender, including, without limitation, uniform commercial code and other public record searches and filings, overnight courier or other express or messenger delivery, appraisal costs, surveys, title insurance and environmental audit or review costs; (ii) collection, protection or enforcement of any rights in or to the Collateral; (iii) collection of any Liabilities; and (iv) administration and enforcement of any of Lender’s rights under this Agreement or any Other Agreement (including, without limitation, any costs and expenses of any third party provider engaged by Lender for such purposes).  Borrower shall also pay all normal service charges with respect to all accounts maintained by Borrower with Lender and Bank of America and any additional services requested by Borrower from Lender and Bank of America.  All such costs, expenses and charges shall, if owed to Bank of America, be reimbursed by Lender and in such event or in the event such costs and expenses are owed to Lender, shall constitute Liabilities hereunder, shall be payable by Borrower to Lender on demand, and, until paid, shall bear interest at the highest rate then applicable to Loans hereunder.  In addition, following the occurrence of an Event of Default, Borrower shall reimburse Lender for all costs and expenses, including, without limitation, legal expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by Lender in connection with the (A) collection, protection or enforcement of any rights in or to the Collateral; (B) collection of any Liabilities; and (C) administration and enforcement of Lender’s rights under this Agreement.

 
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(v)         Capital Adequacy Charge.  If Lender shall have determined that the adoption of any law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof, or compliance by Lender with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or governmental authority enacted after the date hereof, does or shall have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such party’s capital as a consequence of its obligations hereunder to a level below that which Lender could have achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance (taking into consideration Lender’s policies with respect to capital adequacy) by a material amount, then from time to time, after submission by Lender to Borrower of a written demand therefor (“Capital Adequacy Demand”) together with the certificate described below, Borrower shall pay to Lender such additional amount or amounts (“Capital Adequacy Charge”) as will compensate Lender for such reduction, such Capital Adequacy Demand to be made with reasonable promptness following such determination.  A certificate of Lender claiming entitlement to payment as set forth above shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.  Such certificate shall set forth the nature of the occurrence giving rise to such reduction, the amount of the Capital Adequacy Charge to be paid to Lender, and the method by which such amount was determined.  In determining such amount, Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution method, applied on a non-discriminatory basis.
 
 
(d)
Taxes.
 
(i)           All payments made by Borrower hereunder or under any Other Agreements shall be made without setoff, counterclaim, or other defense.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, all payments hereunder or under the Other Agreements (including any payment of principal, interest, or fees) to, or for the benefit, of any Person shall be made by Borrower free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for, or account of, any Taxes now or hereinafter imposed by any taxing authority.

 
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(ii)         If Borrower makes any payment hereunder or under any Other Agreements in respect of which it is required by applicable law to deduct or withhold any Taxes, Borrower shall increase the payment hereunder or under any such Other Agreement such that after the reduction for the amount of Taxes withheld (and any taxes withheld or imposed with respect to the additional payments required under this subsection 4(d)(ii)), the amount paid to Lender equals the amount that was payable hereunder or under any such Other Agreement without regard to this subsection 4(d)(ii).  To the extent Borrower withholds any Taxes on payments hereunder or under any Other Agreement, Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxing authority within the time allowed for payment under applicable law and shall deliver to Lender within 30 days after it has made payment to such authority a receipt issued by such authority (or other evidence satisfactory to Lender) evidencing the payment of all amounts so required to be deducted or withheld from such payment.
 
(iii)        If Lender is required by law to make any payments of any Taxes on or in relation to any amounts received or receivable hereunder or under any Other Agreement, or any Tax is assessed against Lender with respect to amounts received or receivable hereunder or under any Other Agreement, Borrower will indemnify such Person against (i) such Tax (and any reasonable counsel fees and expenses associated with such Tax) and (ii) any taxes imposed as a result of the receipt of the payment under this subsection 4(d)(iii).  A certificate prepared in good faith as to the amount of such payment by Lender shall, absent manifest error, be final, and presumed correct, and binding on all parties.
 
 
(e)
Maximum Interest.
 
It is the intent of the parties that the rate of interest and other charges to Borrower under this Agreement and the Other Agreements shall be lawful; therefore, if for any reason the interest or other charges payable under this Agreement are found by a court of competent jurisdiction, in a final determination, to exceed the limit which Lender may lawfully charge Borrower, then the obligation to pay interest and other charges shall automatically be reduced to such limit and, if any amount in excess of such limit shall have been paid, then such amount shall be refunded to Borrower.
 
 
5.
COLLATERAL.
 
 
(a)
Grant of Security Interest to Lender.
 
As security for the payment of all Loans now or in the future made by Lender to Borrower hereunder and for the payment or other satisfaction of all other Liabilities, each Obligor hereby assigns and pledges to Lender and grants to Lender a continuing security interest in the following property of such Obligor, whether now or hereafter owned, existing, acquired or arising and wherever now or hereafter located:  (a) all Accounts (whether or not Eligible Accounts) and all Goods whose sale, lease or other disposition by such Obligor has given rise to Accounts and have been returned to, or repossessed or stopped in transit by, such Obligor; (b) all Chattel Paper, Instruments, Documents and General Intangibles (including, without limitation, all patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications, trade names, trade secrets, goodwill, copyrights, copyright applications, registrations, licenses, software, franchises, customer lists, tax refund claims, claims against carriers and shippers, guarantee claims, contract rights, payment intangibles, security interests, security deposits and rights to indemnification); (c) all Inventory; (d) all Goods (other than Inventory), including, without limitation, Equipment, vehicles and Fixtures; (e) all Investment Property (including the Pledged Capital Stock set forth on Schedule 11(p)(ii)); provided, that in no event shall more than 65% of the total outstanding Capital Stock of any Excluded Foreign Subsidiary be required to be so pledged; (f) all Deposit Accounts, bank accounts, deposits and cash; (g) all Letter-of-Credit Rights; (h) Commercial Tort Claims listed on Exhibit C hereto; (i) any other property of such Obligor now or hereafter in the possession, custody or control of Lender or any agent or any parent, affiliate or subsidiary of Lender or any participant with Lender in the Loans, for any purpose (whether for safekeeping, deposit, collection, custody, pledge, transmission or otherwise) and (j) all additions and accessions to, substitutions for, and replacements, products and Proceeds of the foregoing property, including, without limitation, proceeds of all insurance policies insuring the foregoing property, and all of such Obligor’s books and records relating to any of the foregoing and to such Obligor’s business.

 
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(b)
Other Security.
 
Lender, in its sole discretion, without waiving or releasing any obligation, liability or duty of any Obligor under this Agreement or the Other Agreements or any Event of Default, may at any time or times hereafter, but shall not be obligated to, pay, acquire or accept an assignment of any security interest, lien, encumbrance or claim asserted by any Person in, upon or against the Collateral; provided, that Lender may take such actions with respect to Permitted Liens only after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default.  All sums paid by Lender in respect thereof and all costs, fees and expenses including, without limitation, reasonable attorney fees, all court costs and all other charges relating thereto incurred by Lender shall constitute Liabilities, payable by Borrower to Lender on demand and, until paid, shall bear interest at the highest rate then applicable to Loans hereunder.
 
 
(c)
Possessory Collateral.
 
Immediately upon any Obligor’s receipt of any portion of the Collateral evidenced by an agreement, Instrument or Document, including, without limitation, any Tangible Chattel Paper and any Investment Property consisting of certificated securities, such Obligor shall deliver the original thereof to Lender together with an appropriate endorsement or other specific evidence of assignment thereof to Lender (in form and substance acceptable to Lender).  If an endorsement or assignment of any such items shall not be made for any reason, Lender is hereby irrevocably authorized, as such Obligor’s attorney and agent-in-fact, to endorse or assign the same on such Obligor’s behalf.
 
 
(d)
Electronic Chattel Paper.
 
To the extent that any Obligor obtains or maintains any Electronic Chattel Paper, such Obligor shall create, store and assign the record or records comprising the Electronic Chattel Paper in such a manner that (i) a single authoritative copy of the record or records exists which is unique, identifiable and except as otherwise provided in clauses (iv), (v) and (vi) below, unalterable, (ii) the authoritative copy identifies Lender as the assignee of the record or records, (iii) the authoritative copy is communicated to and maintained by the Lender or its designated custodian, (iv) copies or revisions that add or change an identified assignee of the authoritative copy can only be made with the participation of Lender, (v) each copy of the authoritative copy and any copy of a copy is readily identifiable as a copy that is not the authoritative copy and (vi) any revision of the authoritative copy is readily identifiable as an authorized or unauthorized revision.
 
 
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6.
PRESERVATION OF COLLATERAL AND PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTERESTS THEREIN.
 
Each Obligor shall, at Lender’s request, at any time and from time to time, authenticate, execute and deliver to Lender such financing statements, documents and other agreements and instruments (and pay the cost of filing or recording the same in all public offices deemed necessary or desirable by Lender) and do such other acts and things or cause third parties to do such other acts and things as Lender may deem necessary or desirable in its sole discretion in order to establish and maintain a valid, attached and perfected security interest in the Collateral in favor of Lender (free and clear of all other liens, claims, encumbrances and rights of third parties whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily created, except Permitted Liens) to secure payment of the Liabilities, and in order to facilitate the collection of the Collateral.  Each Obligor irrevocably hereby makes, constitutes and appoints Lender (and all Persons designated by Lender for that purpose) as such Obligor’s true and lawful attorney and agent-in-fact to execute and file such financing statements, documents and other agreements and instruments and do such other acts and things as may be necessary to preserve and perfect Lender’s security interest in the Collateral.  Each Obligor further agrees that a carbon, photographic, photostatic or other reproduction of this Agreement or of a financing statement shall be sufficient as a financing statement.  Each Obligor’s further ratifies and confirms the prior filing by Lender of any and all financing statements which identify the such Obligor as debtor, Lender as secured party and any or all Collateral as collateral.
 
 
7.
POSSESSION OF COLLATERAL AND RELATED MATTERS.
 
Until the occurrence of an Event of Default, each Obligor shall have the right, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, in the ordinary course of such Obligor’s business, to (a) sell, lease or furnish under contracts of service any of such Obligor’s Inventory normally held by such Obligor for any such purpose; (b) use and consume any raw materials, work in process or other materials normally held by such Obligor for such purpose; and (c) dispose of obsolete or unuseful Equipment so long as all of the proceeds thereof are paid to Lender for application to the Liabilities (except for such proceeds which are required to be delivered to the holder of a Permitted Lien which is prior in right of payment); provided, however, that a sale in the ordinary course of business shall not include any transfer or sale in satisfaction, partial or complete, of a debt owed by such Obligor.

 
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8.
COLLECTIONS.
 
(a)           Each Obligor shall direct all of its Account Debtors to make all payments on the Accounts directly to a post office box (the “Lock Box”) designated by, and under the exclusive control of, Lender, at a financial institution acceptable to Lender.  Borrower has established an account (the “Dominion Account”) in Lender’s name with a financial institution acceptable to Lender, into which all payments received in the Lock Box shall be deposited, and into which each Obligor will immediately deposit all payments received by such Person on Accounts in the identical form in which such payments were received, whether by cash or check; provided that on or prior to Systems Day One, at the request of Lender, the Dominion Account shall be changed to Borrower’s name for the benefit of Lender.  If any Obligor, any Affiliate or Subsidiary, any shareholder, officer, director, employee or agent of any Obligor or any Affiliate or Subsidiary, or any other Person acting for or in concert with any Obligor shall receive any monies, checks, notes, drafts or other payments relating to or as Proceeds of Accounts or other Collateral, such Obligor and each such Person shall receive all such items in trust for, and as the sole and exclusive property of, Lender and, immediately upon receipt thereof, shall remit the same (or cause the same to be remitted) in kind to the Dominion Account.  The financial institution with which the Dominion Account is established shall acknowledge and agree, in a manner satisfactory to Lender, that the amounts on deposit in such Lock Box and Dominion Account are the sole and exclusive property of Lender, that such financial institution will follow the instructions of Lender with respect to disposition of funds in the Lock Box and Dominion Account without further consent from any Obligor, that such financial institution has no right to setoff against the Lock Box or Dominion Account or against any other account maintained by such financial institution into which the contents of the Lock Box or Dominion Account are transferred, and that such financial institution shall wire, or otherwise transfer in immediately available funds to Lender in a manner satisfactory to Lender, funds deposited in the Dominion Account on a daily basis as such funds are collected.  Each Obligor agrees that all payments made to such Dominion Account or otherwise received by Lender, whether in respect of the Accounts or as Proceeds of other Collateral or otherwise (except for proceeds of Collateral which are required to be delivered to the holder of a Permitted Lien which is prior in right of payment), will be applied on account of the Liabilities in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided, that payments received by Lender shall be applied first to Prime Rate Loans and then to LIBOR Rate Loans and so long as no Event of Default exists, prepayments of LIBOR Rate Loans may, at the option of Borrower, be deposited into Borrower’s operating account in lieu of making a prepayment of LIBOR Rate Loans.  Borrower agrees to pay all customary fees, costs and expenses in connection with opening and maintaining the Lock Box and Dominion Account.  All of such fees, costs and expenses if not paid by Borrower, may be paid by Lender and in such event all amounts paid by Lender shall constitute Liabilities hereunder, shall be payable to Lender by Borrower upon demand, and, until paid, shall bear interest at the highest rate then applicable to Loans hereunder.  All checks, drafts, instruments and other items of payment or Proceeds of Collateral shall be endorsed by the applicable Obligor to Lender, and, if that endorsement of any such item shall not be made for any reason, Lender is hereby irrevocably authorized to endorse the same on such Obligor’s behalf.  For the purpose of this section, each Obligor irrevocably hereby makes, constitutes and appoints Lender (and all Persons designated by Lender for that purpose) as such Obligor’s true and lawful attorney and agent-in-fact (i) to endorse Borrower’s name upon said items of payment and/or Proceeds of Collateral and upon any Chattel Paper, Document, Instrument, invoice or similar document or agreement relating to any Account of any Obligor or Goods pertaining thereto; (ii) to take control in any manner of any item of payment or Proceeds thereof and (iii) to have access to any lock box or postal box into which any Obligor’s mail is deposited, and open and process all mail addressed to such Obligor and deposited therein.

 
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(b)           Lender may, at any time and from time to time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, whether before or after notification to any Account Debtor and whether before or after the maturity of any of the Liabilities, with respect to any Obligor (i) enforce collection of any of such Obligor’s Accounts or other amounts owed to such Obligor by suit or otherwise; (ii) exercise all of such Obligor’s rights and remedies with respect to proceedings brought to collect any Accounts or other amounts owed to such Obligor; (iii) surrender, release or exchange all or any part of any Accounts or other amounts owed to such Obligor, or compromise or extend or renew for any period (whether or not longer than the original period) any Indebtedness thereunder; (iv) sell or assign any Account of such Obligor or other amount owed to such Obligor upon such terms, for such amount and at such time or times as Lender deems advisable; (v) prepare, file and sign such Obligor’s name on any proof of claim in bankruptcy or other similar document against any Account Debtor or other Person obligated to such Obligor; and (vi) do all other acts and things which are necessary, in Lender’s sole discretion, to fulfill such Obligor’s obligations under this Agreement and the Other Agreements and to allow Lender to collect the Accounts or other amounts owed to such Obligor.  In addition to any other provision hereof, Lender may at any time, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, at Borrower’s expense, notify any parties obligated on any of the Accounts to make payment directly to Lender of any amounts due or to become due thereunder.
 
(c)           i)           For purposes of calculating interest and fees, Lender shall, within one (1) Business Day after receipt by Lender at its office in Chicago, Illinois of (1) checks and (2) cash or other immediately available funds from collections of items of payment and Proceeds of any Collateral, apply the whole or any part of such collections or Proceeds against the Liabilities in such order as Lender shall determine in its sole discretion.  For purposes of determining the amount of Loans available for borrowing purposes, checks and cash or other immediately available funds from collections of items of payment and Proceeds of any Collateral shall be applied in whole or in part against the Liabilities, in such order as Lender shall determine in its sole discretion, on the day of receipt, subject to actual collection.
 
(ii)         Notwithstanding the foregoing clause (i), on and after Systems Day One, for purposes of determining the amount of Loans available for borrowing purposes, the ledger balance in the main Dominion Account as of the end of a Business Day shall be applied to the Liabilities at the beginning of the next Business Day.  From and after such date, solely for purposes of computing interest hereunder, and in addition to Lender’s standard fees and charges relating to the Dominion Account, any application by Lender of such balance to the Liabilities shall be deemed to be made one (1) Business Day after application to the Liabilities as set forth in the preceding sentence.  If, as a result of such application, a credit balance exists, the balance shall not accrue interest in favor of Borrower and shall be made available to Borrower as long as no Event of Default exists.  Each Obligor irrevocably waives the right to direct the application of any payments or Collateral proceeds, and agrees that Lender shall have the continuing, exclusive right to apply and reapply same against the Liabilities, in such manner as Lender deems advisable, notwithstanding any entry by Lender in its records.

 
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(d)           On a monthly basis, Lender shall deliver to Borrower an account statement showing all Loans, charges and payments, which shall be deemed final, binding and conclusive upon Borrower unless Borrower notifies Lender in writing, specifying any error therein, within thirty (30) days of the date such account statement (but in no event after the repayment in full of the Liabilities and termination of this Agreement) is sent to Borrower and any such notice shall only constitute an objection to the items specifically identified.
 
 
9.
COLLATERAL, AVAILABILITY AND FINANCIAL REPORTS AND SCHEDULES.
 
 
(a)
Weekly/Monthly Reports.
 
Borrower shall deliver to Lender an executed loan report and certificate in Lender’s then current form on each day on which Borrower requests a Loan, and in any event at least once each week (any such weekly report, a “Weekly Report”), which shall be accompanied by copies of each Obligor’s sales journal, cash receipts journal and credit memo journal for the relevant period.  Such report shall reflect the activity of each Obligor with respect to Accounts for the immediately preceding week, and shall be in a form and with such specificity as is satisfactory to Lender and shall contain such additional information concerning Accounts and Inventory as may be requested by Lender including, without limitation, but only if specifically requested by Lender, copies of all invoices prepared in connection with such Accounts.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, as of any date of determination, Borrower’s aggregate cash on deposit with Lender and Bank of America exceeds Outstandings as of such date of determination, the Weekly Report shall not be required to be delivered on a weekly basis; however, Borrower shall continue to be required to deliver an executed loan report and certificate in Lender’s then current form concurrently with the monthly report required to be delivered pursuant to subsection 0.
 
 
(b)
Monthly Reports.
 
Borrower shall deliver to Lender, in addition to any other reports, as soon as practicable and in any event within twenty (20) days after the end of each month:  (i) (A) a detailed trial balance of each Obligor’s Accounts aged per invoice date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Lender including, without limitation, the names and addresses of all Account Debtors of each Obligor, and (B) a summary and detail of accounts payable (such Accounts and accounts payable divided into such time intervals as Lender may require in its sole discretion), including a listing of any held checks; and (ii) the general ledger inventory account balance, a perpetual inventory report and Lender’s standard form of Inventory report then in effect or the form most recently requested from Borrower by Lender, for each Obligor by each category of Inventory, together with a description of the monthly change in each category of Inventory.
 
 
(c)
Financial Statements.
 
Borrower shall deliver to Lender the following financial information, all of which shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and shall be accompanied by a compliance certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, which compliance certificate shall include a calculation of all financial covenants contained in this Agreement:  (i) no later than thirty (30) days after each calendar month, copies of internally prepared financial statements, including, without limitation, balance sheets and statements of income of Borrower and its Subsidiaries on an unconsolidated basis, certified by the Chief Financial Officer of Borrower; (ii) no later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three quarters of Borrower’s Fiscal Year, copies of internally prepared financial statements of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries including, without limitation, balance sheets, statements of income, retained earnings, cash flows and reconciliation of surplus, certified by the Chief Financial Officer of Borrower and (iii) no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each of Borrower’s Fiscal Years, audited annual financial statements of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis with an unqualified opinion by independent certified public accountants selected by Borrower and reasonably satisfactory to Lender, which financial statements shall be accompanied by (A) a letter from such accountants acknowledging that they are aware that a primary intent of Obligors in obtaining such financial statements is to influence Lender and that Lender is relying upon such financial statements in connection with the exercise of its rights hereunder, provided, that Obligors shall only be required to use its reasonable efforts exercised in good faith to obtain such letter; and (B) copies of any management letters sent to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by such accountants.

 
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(d)
Projections.
 
As soon as practicable and in any event prior to the beginning of each Fiscal Year, Obligors shall deliver to Lender projected balance sheets, statements of income and cash flow for Borrower and its Subsidiaries, for each of the four (4) fiscal quarters during such Fiscal Year, which shall include the assumptions used therein, together with appropriate supporting details as reasonably requested by Lender (the “Projections”).
 
 
(e)
Public Reporting.
 
Promptly upon the filing thereof, Obligors shall deliver to Lender copies of all registration statements and annual, quarterly, monthly or other regular reports which Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as promptly providing to Lender copies of any reports and proxy statements delivered to its shareholders.  Documents required to be delivered pursuant to this subsection 0 may be delivered to Lender in electronic format or by notice to Lender of the filing of such document, which notice provides a link to such filing on Borrower’s website on the Internet, the Securities and Exchange Commission website or another relevant website, if any, to which Lender has access (whether a commercial third-party website or whether sponsored by Lender or any of its affiliates).
 
 
(f)
Other Information.
 
Promptly following request therefor by Lender, such other business or financial data, reports, appraisals and projections as Lender may reasonably request.

 
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10.
TERMINATION; AUTOMATIC RENEWAL.
 
THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE IN EFFECT FROM THE DATE HEREOF UNTIL SEPTEMBER ___, 2011 (THE “ORIGINAL TERM”) AND SHALL AUTOMATICALLY RENEW ITSELF FROM YEAR TO YEAR THEREAFTER (EACH SUCH ONE-YEAR RENEWAL BEING REFERRED TO HEREIN AS A “RENEWAL TERM”) UNLESS (A) LENDER ELECTS TO TERMINATE THIS AGREEMENT AT THE END OF THE ORIGINAL TERM OR ANY RENEWAL TERM; (B)  THE DUE DATE OF THE LIABILITIES IS ACCELERATED PURSUANT TO SECTION 16 HEREOF; (C) BORROWER ELECTS TO TERMINATE THIS AGREEMENT AT THE END OF THE ORIGINAL TERM OR AT THE END OF ANY RENEWAL TERM BY GIVING LENDER WRITTEN NOTICE OF SUCH ELECTION AT LEAST NINETY (90) DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF THE ORIGINAL TERM OR THE THEN CURRENT RENEWAL TERM AND BY PAYING ALL OF THE LIABILITIES IN FULL ON THE LAST DAY OF SUCH TERM; OR (D) THIS AGREEMENT IS TERMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE FEE LETTER. If one or more of the events specified in clauses (A), (B), (C) and (D) occurs or this Agreement otherwise expires, then (i) Lender shall not make any additional Loans on or after the date identified as the date on which the Liabilities are to be repaid; and (ii) this Agreement shall terminate on the date thereafter that the Liabilities are paid in full.  At such time as Borrower has repaid all of the Liabilities and this Agreement has terminated, Borrower shall deliver to Lender a release, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, of all obligations and liabilities of Lender and its officers, directors, employees, agents, parents, subsidiaries and affiliates to Obligors, and if Borrower is obtaining new financing from another lender, Borrower shall deliver such lender’s indemnification of Lender, in form and substance satisfactory to Lender, for checks which Lender has credited to Borrower’s account, but which subsequently are dishonored for any reason or for automatic clearinghouse or wire transfers not yet posted to Borrower’s account.  
 
 
11.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
 
Each Obligor hereby represents and warrants to Lender, which representations and warranties (whether appearing in this Section 0 or elsewhere) shall be true at the time of such Obligor’s execution hereof and the closing of the transactions described herein or related hereto, shall remain true until the repayment in full and satisfaction of all the Liabilities and termination of this Agreement, and shall be remade by each Obligor at the time each Loan is made or Letter of Credit is issued pursuant to this Agreement, provided that representations and warranties made as of a particular date shall be true and correct as of such date.
 
 
(a)
Financial Statements and Other Information.
 
The unaudited pro forma balance sheet of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the date of the first Credit Event (including the notes thereto) (the “Pro Forma Balance Sheet”), copies of which have been delivered to Lender at or prior to the date of this Agreement, has been prepared giving effect to (i) the Loans and advances to be made on such date and the use of proceeds thereof and (ii) the payment of fees and expenses associated with the foregoing. The Pro Forma Balance Sheet has been prepared based on the best information available to Borrower as of the date of delivery thereof, and presents fairly on a pro forma basis, in all material respects, the estimated financial position of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the date of the first Credit Event, assuming that the events specified in the preceding sentence had actually occurred as of such date.  The Pro Forma Balance Sheet has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting procedures.  No factual information or statements furnished by any Obligor to Lender regarding the business or operations of the Obligors for use in connection with any transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the Other Agreements contained, as of the date on which such information or statement was furnished, an untrue statement of material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not misleading; provided, that with respect to any projections and pro forma financial information contained in the material referenced above, Obligors only represent and warrant that such information was based upon good faith estimates and assumptions believed by management of Obligors to be reasonable at the time made.  There has been no change in the financial condition, the operations or any other status of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries since the date of the latest audited financial statements delivered to Lender prior to the date of this Agreement which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.  All written information now or heretofore furnished by Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries to Lender is true and correct as of the date with respect to which such information was furnished.

 
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(b)
Locations.
 
The office where each Obligor keeps its books, records and accounts (or copies thereof) concerning the Collateral, each Obligor’s principal place of business and all of each Obligor’s other places of business, locations of Collateral and post office boxes and locations of bank accounts are as set forth in Exhibit A and at other locations within the continental United States of which Lender has been advised by such Obligor in accordance with subsection 0.  The Collateral, including, without limitation, the Equipment (except any part thereof which an Obligor shall have advised Lender in writing consists of Collateral normally used in more than one state) is kept, or, in the case of vehicles, based, only at the addresses set forth on Exhibit A, and at other locations within the continental United States of which Lender has been advised by such Obligor in writing in accordance with subsection 0 hereof.
 
 
(c)
Loans by Borrower.
 
Except as set forth on Schedule 11(c), neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any loans or advances to any Affiliate or other Person except for (i) advances authorized hereunder to employees, officers and directors of such Obligor for travel and other expenses arising in the ordinary course of such Obligor’s business, (ii) other loans to employees and officers which, in an aggregate outstanding principal amount, do not at any one time exceed $100,000 and (iii) Permitted Capital Contribution Loans.
 
 
(d)
Accounts and Inventory.
 
Each Account which Borrower or any Subsidiary Obligor shall, expressly or by implication, request Lender to classify as an Eligible Account shall, as of the time when such request is made, conform in all respects to the requirements of such classification as set forth in the respective definition of “Eligible Account” as set forth herein.

 
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(e)
Liens.
 
Each Obligor is the lawful owner of all Collateral now purportedly owned or hereafter purportedly acquired by such Obligor, free from all liens, claims, security interests and encumbrances whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily created and whether or not perfected, other than the Permitted Liens.
 
 
(f)
Organization, Authority and No Conflict.
 
Borrower is a corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing in the State of New Jersey, its state organizational identification number is 0100312658.  Except as set forth on Schedule 11(f), each Subsidiary is duly qualified and in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where the nature and extent of the business transacted by it or the ownership of its assets makes such qualification necessary or, if any Subsidiary is not so qualified, such Subsidiary may cure any such failure without losing any of its rights, incurring any liens or material penalties, or otherwise affecting Lender’s rights.  Each Obligor has the right and power and is duly authorized and empowered to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement and the Other Agreements and perform its obligations hereunder and thereunder.  Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Agreements does not conflict with the provisions of the organizational documents of any such Person, any statute, regulation, ordinance or rule of law, or any agreement, contract or other document which may now or hereafter be binding on any such Person, except for conflicts with agreements, contracts or other documents which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on any such Person, and Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Other Agreements shall not result in the imposition of any lien or other encumbrance upon the property of any such Person (other than Permitted Liens) under any existing indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement or other agreement or instrument by which any such Person or any of its property may be bound or affected.
 
 
(g)
Litigation.
 
There are no actions or proceedings which are pending or, to the best of each Obligor’s knowledge, overtly threatened against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which are reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and each Obligor shall, promptly upon becoming aware of any such pending or threatened action or proceeding, give written notice thereof to Lender.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Commercial Tort Claims pending other than those set forth on Exhibit C hereto as Exhibit C may be amended from time to time.
 
 
(h)
Compliance with Laws and Maintenance of Permits.
 
Borrower and its Subsidiaries have obtained all governmental consents, franchises, certificates, licenses, authorizations, approvals and permits, the lack of which would reasonably be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on any such Person.  Each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign statutes, orders, regulations, rules and ordinances (including, without limitation, Environmental Laws and statutes, orders, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to taxes, employer and employee contributions and similar items, securities, ERISA or employee health and safety) the failure to comply with which would reasonably be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Person.

 
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(i)
Affiliate Transactions.
 
Except as set forth on Schedule 11(i) hereto or as otherwise expressly permitted hereunder, neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is conducting, permitting or suffering to be conducted, transactions with any Affiliate other than transactions with Affiliates for the purchase or sale of Inventory or services in the ordinary course of business pursuant to terms that are no less favorable to such Person than the terms upon which such transactions would have been made had they been made to or with a Person that is not an Affiliate.
 
 
(j)
Names and Trade Names.
 
Each Obligor’s name has always been as set forth on the first page of this Agreement and no Obligor uses any trade names, assumed names, fictitious names or division names in the operation of its business, except as set forth on Schedule 11(j) hereto.
 
 
(k)
Equipment.
 
Except for Permitted Liens, each Obligor has good and indefeasible and merchantable title to and ownership of all Equipment.  No Equipment is a Fixture to real estate unless such real estate is owned by an Obligor and is subject to a mortgage in favor of Lender, or if such real estate is leased, is subject to a landlord’s agreement in favor of Lender on terms acceptable to Lender, or an accession to other personal property unless such personal property is subject to a first priority lien in favor of Lender.
 
 
(l)
Enforceability.
 
This Agreement and the Other Agreements to which each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries is a party are the legal, valid and binding obligations of such Person and are enforceable against such Person in accordance with their respective terms except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law).
 
 
(m)
Solvency.
 
Each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries is, after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and all Other Agreements to which such Person is a party and after giving effect to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, solvent, able to pay its debts as they become due, has capital sufficient to carry on its business, now owns property having a value both at fair valuation and at present fair saleable value greater than the amount required to pay its debts, and will not be rendered insolvent by the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any of the Other Agreements or by completion of the transactions contemplated hereunder or thereunder.

 
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(n)
Indebtedness.
 
Except for Indebtedness of Borrower as set forth on Schedule 11(n) hereto, neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is obligated (directly or indirectly), for any loans or other Indebtedness for borrowed money other than the Loans and other Permitted Debt.
 
 
(o)
Margin Security and Use of Proceeds.
 
Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any margin securities, and none of the proceeds of the Loans hereunder shall be used for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin securities or for the purpose of reducing or retiring any Indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase any margin securities or for any other purpose not permitted by Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as in effect from time to time.
 
 
(p)
Subsidiaries and Affiliates.
 
Schedule 11(p)(i) sets forth a list of (i) all Subsidiaries of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date, (ii) each Affiliate and division of Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date, and (iii) each joint venture and partnership of Borrower and its Subsidiaries with any other Person as of the Closing Date.  Except as set forth on Scheduled 11(p)(i), neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Subsidiaries, other than Subsidiaries that are Subsidiary Obligors, or other Affiliates or divisions, nor is any Obligor engaged in any joint venture or partnership with any other Person, except Permitted Joint Venture Investments.  Schedule 11(p)(ii) sets forth the Pledged Capital Stock of each Obligor.
 
 
(q)
No Defaults.
 
Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default under any material contract, lease or commitment to which it is a party or by which it is bound which would reasonably be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Person, nor does any such Person know of any dispute regarding any contract, lease or commitment which would reasonably be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on any of Borrower or its Subsidiaries.
 
 
(r)
Employee Matters.
 
There are no controversies pending or overtly threatened between any of Borrower or its Subsidiaries and any of their respective employees, agents or independent contractors other than employee grievances arising in the ordinary course of business which would not, in the aggregate, reasonably be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on any of Borrower or its Subsidiaries, and each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all federal and state laws respecting employment and employment terms, conditions and practices except for such non-compliance which would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect any such Person.

 
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(s)
Intellectual Property.
 
Each of Borrower or its Subsidiaries possesses adequate licenses, patents, patent applications, copyrights, service marks, trademarks, trademark applications, tradestyles and trade names to continue to conduct its business as heretofore conducted by it except to the extent that the failure to possess such items would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Person.
 
 
(t)
Environmental Matters.
 
Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has generated, used, stored, treated, transported, manufactured, handled, produced or disposed of any Hazardous Materials, on or off its premises (whether or not owned by it) in any manner which at any time violates in any material respect any Environmental Law or any license, permit, certificate, approval or similar authorization thereunder and the operations of each of Borrower and its Subsidiaries comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws and all licenses, permits, certificates, approvals and similar authorizations thereunder, except where such failure to do so would not have had a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower and its Subsidiaries.  There has been no investigation, proceeding, complaint, order, directive, claim, citation or notice by any governmental authority or any other Person, nor is any pending or to the best of each Obligor’s knowledge threatened with respect to any non-compliance with or violation of the requirements of any Environmental Law by any of Borrower and its Subsidiaries or the release, spill or discharge, threatened or actual, of any Hazardous Materials or the generation, use, storage, treatment, transportation, manufacture, handling, production or disposal of any Hazardous Materials or any other environmental, health or safety matter, which affects any of Borrower and its Subsidiaries or their respective business, operations or assets or any properties at which any such Person has transported, stored or disposed of any Hazardous Materials.  Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has any material liability (contingent or otherwise) in connection with a release, spill or discharge, threatened or actual, of any Hazardous Materials or the generation, use, storage, treatment, transportation, manufacture, handling, production or disposal of any Hazardous Materials.
 
 
(u)
ERISA Matters.
 
Each Obligor has paid and discharged all obligations and liabilities arising under ERISA of a character which, if unpaid or unperformed, might result in the imposition of a lien against any of its properties or assets.
 
 
(v)
Landlord Agreements.
 
Except as set forth on Schedule 11(v), no Collateral is located or maintained on any premises owned by a third party or leased by a third party to Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries other than such premises as to which Lender has received a landlord agreement from such Person.

 
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(x)
Designated Subsidiary.
 
The Designated Subsidiary does not conduct any material business or operations and does not own any material assets or Collateral.  The transfer of the business operations and assets of the Designated Subsidiary from the Designated Subsidiary to Borrower was made without the intent to hinder, delay or defraud any creditor of the Designated Subsidiary and at the time of such transfer, the Designated Subsidiary received a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for such transfer and (i) was not engaged or about to engage in a business or transaction for which the remaining assets of the Designated Subsidiary were unreasonably small in relation to the business or transaction and (ii) did not intend to incur, and did not believe or reasonably believe that the Designated Subsidiary would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay as such debts became due.  At the time of such transfer, the Designated Subsidiary was not insolvent and the Designated Subsidiary did not become insolvent as a result of such transfer.
 
 
12.
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.
 
Until payment and satisfaction in full of all Liabilities and termination of this Agreement, unless any Obligor obtains Lender’s prior written consent waiving or modifying any such Obligor’s covenants hereunder in any specific instance, each Obligor covenants and agrees as follows:
 
 
(a)
Maintenance of Records.
 
Each Obligor shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, at all times keep accurate and complete books, records and accounts with respect to all of such Person’s business activities, in accordance with sound accounting practices and generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied, and shall keep such books, records and accounts, and any copies thereof, only at the addresses indicated for such purpose on Exhibit A.
 
 
(b)
Notices.
 
Each Obligor shall:
 
(i)           Locations.  Promptly (but in no event less than ten (10) days prior to the occurrence thereof) notify Lender of the proposed opening of any new place of business or new location of Collateral, the closing of any existing place of business or location of Collateral, any change of in the location of such Obligor’s books, records and accounts (or copies thereof), any action taken by a landlord to terminate any Obligor’s possession of premises (including any action by a landlord to take possession of premises) where any Collateral is located or to terminate any lease covering premises where any Collateral is located prior to the expiration thereof (provided, that such Obligor shall only be obligated to provide notice to Lender promptly upon such Obligor obtaining knowledge of any such action), the sale or transfer by a landlord of its interest in any lease covering premises where Collateral is located (provided, that such Obligor shall only be obligated to provide notice to Lender of any such sale or transfer promptly upon such Obligor obtaining knowledge of any such sale or transfer), any default by an Obligor under a lease covering premises where any Collateral is located, the opening or closing of any bank account or, if any of the Collateral consists of Goods of a type normally used in more than one state, the use of any such Goods in any state other than a state in which such Obligor has previously advised Lender that such Goods will be used.

 
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(ii)         Eligible Accounts.  Promptly upon becoming aware thereof, notify Lender if any Account identified by Borrower to Lender as an Eligible Account becomes ineligible for any reason.
 
(iii)        Litigation and Proceedings.  Promptly upon becoming aware thereof, notify Lender of any actions or proceedings which are pending or threatened against Borrower or its Subsidiaries which reasonably would have a Material Adverse Effect on such Person and of any Commercial Tort Claims of any Obligor which have arisen, which notice shall constitute such Obligor’s authorization to amend Exhibit C to add such Commercial Tort Claim.
 
(iv)        Names and Trade Names.  Notify Lender within ten (10) days of the change of its name or the use of any trade name, assumed name, fictitious name or division name not previously disclosed to Lender in writing.
 
(v)         ERISA Matters.  Promptly notify Lender of (x) the occurrence of any “reportable event” (as defined in ERISA) which might result in the termination by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the “PBGC”) of any employee benefit plan (“Plan”) covering any officers or employees of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, any benefits of which are, or are required to be, guaranteed by the PBGC, (y) receipt of any notice from the PBGC of its intention to seek termination of any Plan or appointment of a trustee therefor or (z) its intention to terminate or withdraw from any Plan.
 
(vi)        Environmental Matters.  Immediately notify Lender upon becoming aware of any investigation, proceeding, complaint, order, directive, claim, citation or notice with respect to any non-compliance with or violation of the requirements of any Environmental Law by Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the generation, use, storage, treatment, transportation, manufacture handling, production or disposal of any Hazardous Materials or any other environmental, health or safety matter which affects such Person or its business operations or assets or any properties at which such Person has transported, stored or disposed of any Hazardous Materials unless the foregoing would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Person.
 
(vii)       Default; Material Adverse Change.  Promptly advise Lender of any material adverse change in the business, property, assets, prospects, operations or condition, financial or otherwise, of Borrower or its Subsidiaries, the occurrence of any Event of Default hereunder or the occurrence of any event which, if uncured, will become an Event of Default after notice or lapse of time (or both).
 
 
(c)
Compliance with Laws and Maintenance of Permits.
 
Each Obligor shall maintain, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to maintain, all governmental consents, franchises, certificates, licenses, authorizations, approvals and permits, the lack of which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Person and each Person shall remain, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to remain, in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign statutes, orders, regulations, rules and ordinances (including, without limitation, Environmental Laws and statutes, orders, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to taxes, employer and employee contributions and similar items, securities, ERISA or employee health and safety) the failure with which to comply would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Person.  Following any determination by Lender that there is non-compliance, or any condition which requires any action by or on behalf of any Obligor or its Subsidiaries in order to avoid non-compliance, with any Environmental Law, at such Obligor’s expense cause an independent environmental engineer acceptable to Lender to conduct such tests of the relevant site(s) as are appropriate and prepare and deliver a report setting forth the results of such tests, a proposed plan for remediation and an estimate of the costs thereof.

 
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(d)
Inspection and Audits.
 
Each Obligor shall permit Lender, or any Persons designated by it, to call at such Obligor’s places of business at any reasonable time after giving reasonable advance notice (except that if an Event of Default shall have occurred, no such notice shall be required), and, without hindrance or delay, to inspect the Collateral and to inspect, audit, check and make extracts from such Obligor’s books, records, journals, orders, receipts and any correspondence and other data relating to such Obligor’s business, the Collateral or any transactions between the parties hereto, and shall have the right to make such verification concerning such Obligor’s business as Lender may consider reasonable under the circumstances; provided that, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, Lender shall not undertake more than three such inspections and/or audits of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries in any calendar year.  Each Obligor shall furnish to Lender such information relevant to Lender’s rights under this Agreement and the Other Agreements as Lender shall at any time and from time to time request.  Lender, through its officers, employees or agents shall have the right, at any time and from time to time, in Lender’s name, to verify the validity, amount or any other matter relating to any of each Obligor’s Accounts, by mail, telephone, telecopy, electronic mail, or otherwise, provided that prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, Lender shall conduct such verification in the name of a nominee of Lender or in such Obligor’s name.  Each Obligor authorizes Lender to discuss the affairs, finances and business of such Obligor with any officers, employees or directors of such Obligor or with its parent or any Affiliate or the officers, employees or directors of its parent or any Affiliate, and to discuss the financial condition of such Obligor with its independent public accountants.  Any such discussions shall be without liability to Lender or to such Obligor’s independent public accountants.  Borrower shall pay to Lender all customary fees and all reasonable costs and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Lender in the exercise of its rights hereunder, and all of such fees, costs and expenses shall constitute Liabilities hereunder, shall be payable on demand and, until paid, shall bear interest at the highest rate then applicable to Loans hereunder.
 
 
(e)
Insurance.
 
Each Obligor shall:
 
(i)           Keep the Collateral properly housed and insured for the full insurable value thereof against loss or damage by fire, theft, explosion, sprinklers, collision (in the case of motor vehicles) and such other risks as are customarily insured against by Persons engaged in businesses similar to that of such Obligor, with such companies, in such amounts, with such deductibles, and under policies in such form, as shall be reasonably satisfactory to Lender.  Original (or certified) copies of such policies of insurance have been or shall be, within ninety (90) days of the date hereof, delivered to Lender, together with evidence of payment of all premiums therefor, and shall contain an endorsement, in form and substance acceptable to Lender, showing loss under such insurance policies payable to Lender.  Such endorsement, or an independent instrument furnished to Lender, shall provide that the insurance company shall give Lender at least thirty (30) days written notice before any such policy of insurance is altered or canceled and that no act, whether willful or negligent, or default of such Obligor or any other Person shall affect the right of Lender to recover under such policy of insurance in case of loss or damage.  In addition, each Obligor shall cause to be executed and delivered to Lender an assignment of proceeds of its business interruption insurance policies.  Each Obligor shall apply, and hereby directs all insurers under all policies of insurance to pay, all proceeds payable thereunder directly to Lender.  Each Obligor irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints Lender (and all officers, employees or agents designated by Lender) as such Obligor’s true and lawful attorney (and agent-in-fact) for the purpose of making, settling and adjusting claims under such policies of insurance, endorsing the name of such Obligor on any check, draft, instrument or other item of payment for the proceeds of such policies of insurance and making all determinations and decisions with respect to such policies of insurance.

 
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(ii)         Maintain, at its expense, such public liability and third party property damage insurance as is customary for Persons engaged in businesses similar to that of such Obligor with such companies and in such amounts, with such deductibles and under policies in such form as shall be satisfactory to Lender and original (or certified) copies of such policies have been or shall be, within ninety (90) days after the date hereof, delivered to Lender, together with evidence of payment of all premiums therefor; each such policy shall contain an endorsement showing Lender as additional insured thereunder and providing that the insurance company shall give Lender at least thirty (30) days written notice before any such policy shall be altered or canceled.
 
If such Obligor at any time or times hereafter shall fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies of insurance required above or to pay any premium relating thereto, then Lender, without waiving or releasing any obligation or default by any Obligor hereunder, may (but shall be under no obligation to) obtain and maintain such policies of insurance and pay such premiums and take such other actions with respect thereto as Lender deems advisable upon notice to such Obligor.  Lender may provide notice to such Obligor regarding the procurement of any such policies of insurance prior to or after Lender obtains such policies of insurance, if at all.  Such insurance, if obtained by Lender, may, but need not, protect such Obligor’s interests or pay any claim made by or against any Obligor with respect to the Collateral.  Such insurance may be more expensive than the cost of insurance such Obligor may be able to obtain on its own and may be cancelled only upon such Obligor providing evidence that it has obtained the insurance as required above.  All sums disbursed by Lender in connection with any such actions, including, without limitation, court costs, expenses, other charges relating thereto and reasonable attorneys’ fees, shall constitute Liabilities hereunder, shall be payable on demand by each Obligor to Lender and, until paid, shall bear interest at the highest rate then applicable to Loans hereunder.

 
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(f)
Collateral.
 
Each Obligor shall keep the Collateral in good condition, repair and order and shall make all necessary repairs to the Equipment and replacements thereof so that the operating efficiency and the value thereof shall at all times be preserved and maintained in all material respects.  Each Obligor shall permit Lender to examine any of the Collateral at any time and wherever the Collateral may be located and, each Obligor shall, immediately upon request therefor by Lender, deliver to Lender any and all evidence of ownership of any of the Equipment including, without limitation, certificates of title and applications of title.  Each Obligor shall, at the request of Lender, indicate on its records concerning the Collateral a notation, in form satisfactory to Lender, of the security interest of Lender hereunder.
 
 
(g)
Use of Proceeds.
 
All monies and other property obtained by Borrower from Lender pursuant to this Agreement shall be used solely for general corporate and working capital purposes of Borrower.
 
 
(h)
Taxes.
 
Each Obligor shall file, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to file, all required tax returns and pay all of its taxes when due, subject to any extensions granted by the applicable taxing authority, including, without limitation, taxes imposed by federal, state or municipal agencies, and shall cause any liens for taxes to be promptly released; provided, that each Obligor shall have the right to contest the payment of such taxes in good faith by appropriate proceedings so long as (i) the amount so contested is shown on such Obligor’s financial statements; (ii) the contesting of any such payment does not give rise to a lien for taxes; (iii) such Obligor keeps on deposit with Lender (such deposit to be held without interest) or a reserve is maintained against Borrower’s availability to borrow money under subsection 0, in either case, in an amount of money which, in the sole judgment of Lender, is sufficient to pay such taxes and any interest or penalties that may accrue thereon; and (iv) if such Obligor fails to prosecute such contest with reasonable diligence, Lender may apply the money so deposited in payment of such taxes.  If any Obligor fails to pay any such taxes and in the absence of any such contest by such Obligor, Lender may (but shall be under no obligation to) advance and pay any sums required to pay any such taxes and/or to secure the release of any lien therefor, and any sums so advanced by Lender shall constitute Loans hereunder, shall be payable by Borrower to Lender on demand, and, until paid, shall bear interest at the highest rate then applicable to Loans hereunder.  Lender may provide notice to such Obligor regarding the payment of any such taxes prior to or after Lender makes such payment, if at all.
 
 
(i)
Intellectual Property.
 
Each Obligor shall maintain, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to maintain, adequate licenses, patents, patent applications, copyrights, service marks, trademarks, trademark applications, tradestyles and trade names to continue its business as heretofore conducted by it or as hereafter conducted by it unless the failure to maintain any of the foregoing would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Person.

 
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(j)
Checking Accounts and Cash Management Services.
 
Each Obligor shall maintain its general checking/controlled disbursement account with Bank of America.  Normal charges shall be assessed thereon.  Although no compensating balance is required, each Obligor must keep monthly balances in order to merit earnings credits which will cover Bank of America’s service charges for demand deposit account activities.  In addition, each Obligor shall enter into agreements with Bank of America for standard cash management services.  Each Obligor shall be responsible for all normal charges assessed thereon.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may maintain the accounts set forth on Schedule 0 solely until the short-term investments in cash and equivalents held in such accounts mature or the letters of credit collateralized by such accounts have expired or are otherwise replaced or terminated, as applicable.  If requested by Lender at any time after the Closing Date, each Obligor agrees to execute and deliver to Lender an account control agreement with respect to accounts maintained by such Obligor in form and substance satisfactory to Lender in its sole discretion.
 
 
(k)
Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act and Office of Foreign Assets Control.
 
As required by federal law and the Lender’s policies and practices, Lender may need to obtain, verify and record certain customer identification information and documentation in connection with opening or maintaining accounts, or establishing or continuing to provide services and each Obligor agrees to provide such information.  In addition, and without limiting the foregoing sentence, each Obligor shall (a) ensure, and cause each Subsidiary to ensure, that no Person who owns a controlling interest in or otherwise controls such Obligor or any Subsidiary is or shall be listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List or other similar lists maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), the Department of the Treasury or included in any Executive Orders, (b) not use or permit the use of the proceeds of the Loans to violate any of the foreign asset control regulations of OFAC or any enabling statute or Executive Order relating thereto, and (c) comply, and cause each Subsidiary to comply, with all applicable Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) laws and regulations, as amended.
 
 
(l)
Post-Closing Obligations.
 
(i)          Within 90 days after the Closing Date, Borrower agrees to close, or caused to be closed, each of the accounts set forth in section (i) of Schedule 12(l), and to cause all funds in such accounts to be transferred to Borrower’s operating account at Bank of America.
 
(ii)         Within 30 days after the Closing Date, or such other time period as consented to by Lender, Borrower agrees to cause the execution and delivery of landlord agreements for each of the premises set forth in section (ii) of Schedule 12(l).
 
(iii)        Within 30 days after the Closing Date, or such other time period as consented to by Lender, Borrower agrees to provide to Lender copies of each of the insurance policies set forth in section (iii) of Schedule 12(l).

 
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13.
NEGATIVE COVENANTS.
 
Until payment and satisfaction in full of all Liabilities and termination of this Agreement, unless any Obligor obtains Lender’s prior written consent waiving or modifying any of such Obligor’s covenants hereunder in any specific instance, each Obligor agrees as follows:
 
 
(a)
Guaranties.
 
Except in respect of the Loans, no Obligor or its Subsidiaries shall assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise become liable in connection with, the obligations of any Person, except by endorsement of instruments for deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of business.
 
 
(b)
Indebtedness.
 
No Obligor or its Subsidiaries shall create, incur, assume or become obligated (directly or indirectly), for any Indebtedness other than the Loans or any other Permitted Debt.
 
 
(c)
Liens.
 
No Obligor or its Subsidiaries shall grant or permit to exist (voluntarily or involuntarily) any lien, claim, security interest or other encumbrance whatsoever on any of its assets, other than Permitted Liens.
 
 
(d)
Mergers, Sales, Acquisitions, Subsidiaries and Other Transactions Outside the Ordinary Course of Business.
 
No Obligor or its Subsidiaries shall (i) enter into any merger or consolidation; (ii) change the jurisdiction of such Person’s organization or enter into any transaction which has the effect of changing such Person’s jurisdiction of organization; (iii) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any of its assets other than in the ordinary course of business; (iv) purchase or otherwise acquire all or a material portion of the assets of any Person; (v) purchase, repurchase, redeem or retire any Capital Stock of any Person not a Subsidiary Obligor or issue any shares of, or warrants or other rights to receive or purchase any Capital Stock of any Obligor or its Subsidiaries; (vi) enter into any other transaction outside the ordinary course of such Person’s business; (vii) engage in any material transaction or transactions with or transfer any material assets to the Designated Subsidiary; or (viii) acquire, form, incorporate or organize any Subsidiary or permit to exist any Subsidiary (except for the Designated Subsidiary), other than any Subsidiary which is a Subsidiary Obligor.  The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, this subsection 13(d) shall not prohibit consummation of (A) any merger or consolidation between any Subsidiary Obligors or of any Subsidiary Obligor with and into Borrower, (B) the sale, lease or other disposition of assets of Borrower or a Subsidiary Obligor to any domestic Subsidiary Obligor or to Borrower or the purchase or other acquisitions of assets from any Subsidiary Obligor, (C) any Permitted Capital Contribution Loan, (D) the sale for cash of all or any portion of Borrower’s Series D convertible preferred stock and warrants held in WorldWater & Solar Technologies Corp., and (E) Permitted Sponsor Investments.  Additionally, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any Other Agreement, Lender hereby consents to the payment by Borrower to Jones Day, as counsel to Borrower, in that certain patent infringement litigation pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania captioned EMCORE Corporation and JDS Uniphase Corporation v. Optium Corporation, Case No. 2:07-CV-01202 and Case No. 2:07-CV-00326, and Optium Corporation v. EMCORE Corporation and JDS Uniphase Corporation, Case No. 2:07-CV-01683, as such cases may be consolidated or captioned differently (the “Optium Litigation”), of such firm’s first-dollar contingency fee in an amount up to $950,000 from the gross proceeds, if any, (such fee, the “Contingency Fee”) awarded in a judgment or settlement agreement with respect to the Optium Litigation, and agrees to release, at the time of payment of the Contingency Fee, if at all, any lien Lender may have on the Contingency Fee, so that such payment of the Contingency Fee when made shall be free and clear of any lien or security interest in favor of Lender or its successors or assigns.  No Obligor shall form any Subsidiaries or enter into any joint ventures or partnership with any other Person other than Permitted Joint Venture Investments.

 
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(e)
Dividends and Distributions.
 
No Obligor or its Subsidiaries shall declare or pay any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash or in kind) on any class of its Capital Stock other than dividends or other distributions by any Subsidiary Obligor to Borrower or any Subsidiary Obligor, as applicable; provided, that, in each case, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the date of declaration or payment thereof or would result therefrom (after giving pro forma effect to such dividend or distribution as if made on the first day of the most recently completed four fiscal quarter period).
 
 
(f)
Investments; Loans.
 
(i) No Obligor or its Subsidiaries shall purchase or otherwise acquire, or contract to purchase or otherwise acquire, the obligations or stock of any Person (including the Designated Subsidiary), other than (1) direct obligations of the United States, (2) obligations insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and (3) obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the United States; ii) nor shall any Obligor or its Subsidiaries lend or otherwise advance funds to any Person (including the Designated Subsidiary), other than, (1) except with respect to the Designated Subsidiary, advances made to employees, officers and directors for travel and other expenses arising in the ordinary course of business, (2) Permitted Capital Contribution Loans, and (3) Permitted Joint Venture Investments.
 
 
(g)
Fundamental Changes, Line of Business.
 
No Obligor or its Subsidiaries shall amend its organizational documents in a manner adverse to the interests of Lender or change its Fiscal Year without the consent of Lender or enter into a new line of business materially different from such Person’s current business.
 
 
(h)
Equipment.
 
No Obligor shall (i) permit any Equipment to become a Fixture to real property unless such real property is owned by such Obligor and is subject to a mortgage in favor of Lender, or if such real estate is leased, is subject to a landlord’s agreement in favor of Lender on terms acceptable to Lender, or (ii) permit any Equipment to become an accession to any other personal property unless such personal property is subject to a first priority lien in favor of Lender.

 
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(i)
Affiliate Transactions.
 
Except as set forth on Schedule 11(i) hereto, as otherwise permitted pursuant to subsection (c) hereof, neither Borrower nor its Subsidiaries shall conduct, permit or suffer to be conducted, transactions with Affiliates other than transactions for the purchase or sale of Inventory or services in the ordinary course of business pursuant to terms that are no less favorable to such Obligor or its Subsidiaries than the terms upon which such transactions would have been made had they been made to or with a Person that is not an Affiliate.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall conduct any material transactions with the Designated Subsidiary.
 
 
(j)
Settling of Accounts.
 
No Obligor shall settle or adjust any Account identified by such Obligor as an Eligible Account or with respect to which the Account Debtor is an Affiliate without the consent of Lender; provided, that following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, no Obligor shall settle or adjust any Account without the consent of Lender.
 
 
(k)
Amendments to Certain Documents.
 
Without the prior written consent of Lender, neither Borrower nor any its Subsidiaries shall amend, modify or otherwise change, or permit any amendment, modification or other change to (in either case, pursuant to a waiver or otherwise) any Other Agreement.
 
 
(l)
Landlord Agreements.
 
Neither Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall maintain any Collateral at, or cause any Collateral to be located at, 200 Ludlow Drive, Ewing, New Jersey.
 
 
14.
FINANCIAL COVENANTS.
 
Borrower shall maintain and keep in full force and effect each of the financial covenants set forth below:
 
 
(a)
Fixed Charge Coverage.
 
Commencing with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2009, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter for the 6-month period ending on such date, no Obligor shall permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be less than 1.50 to 1.00.
 
 
(b)
Minimum EBITDA.
 
No Obligor shall permit the Consolidated EBITDA of Borrower and its Subsidiaries to be less than the amount set forth below for the corresponding period set forth below:
 
Fiscal Quarter
 
Minimum EBITDA
 
       
Until December 31, 2008
  $ (4,062,500 )
         
From January 1, 2009 until March 31, 2009
  $ 1,275,000  
         
From April 1, 2009 until June 30, 2009
  $ 2,925,000  
         
From July 1, 2009 until September 30, 2009
  $ 5,000,000  
         
Thereafter
  $ 5,000,000  

 
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15.
DEFAULT.
 
The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default” by Obligors hereunder:
 
 
(a)
Payment.
 
The failure of any Obligor to pay when due, declared due, or demanded by Lender, any of the Liabilities.
 
 
(b)
Breach of this Agreement and the Other Agreements.
 
The failure of Borrower or its Subsidiaries to perform, keep or observe any of the covenants, conditions, promises, agreements or obligations of such Person under this Agreement or any of the Other Agreements; provided, that any such failure by Borrower or its Subsidiaries under any Other Agreement or subsections 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 and 0 of this Agreement shall not constitute an Event of Default hereunder unless such failure remains uncured on the twentieth (20th) day following the occurrence thereof.
 
 
(c)
Breaches of Other Obligations.
 
The failure of Borrower or its Subsidiaries to perform, keep or observe (after any applicable notice and cure period) any of the covenants, conditions, promises, agreements or obligations of such Person under any other agreement with any Person if such failure is reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect on such Person; or the occurrence of a default under any Indebtedness which is either a payment default or which creates a right on the part of the holder of such Indebtedness to accelerate the repayment of such Indebtedness.
 
 
(d)
Breach of Representations and Warranties.
 
The making or furnishing by Borrower or its Subsidiaries to Lender of any representation, warranty, certificate, schedule, report or other communication within or in connection with this Agreement or the Other Agreements or in connection with any other agreement between such Person and Lender, which is untrue or misleading in any material respect as of the date made.
 
 
(e)
Loss of Collateral.
 
The loss, theft, damage or destruction of any of the Collateral (not paid or fully covered by insurance as to which the relevant insurance company has acknowledged coverage) in an amount in excess of $1,000,000 in the aggregate for all such events during any year of the Original Term or any Renewal Term as determined by Lender in its sole discretion determined in good faith, or (except as permitted hereby) sale, lease or furnishing under a contract of service of, any of the Collateral.

 
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(f)
Levy, Seizure or Attachment.
 
The making or any attempt by any Person to make any levy, seizure or attachment upon any Collateral having an aggregate value of $500,000 or greater.
 
 
(g)
Bankruptcy or Similar Proceedings.
 
The commencement of any proceedings in bankruptcy by or against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or for the liquidation or reorganization of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or alleging that such Person is insolvent or unable to pay its debts as they mature, or for the readjustment or arrangement of any such Person’s debts, whether under the United States Bankruptcy Code or under any other law, whether state or federal, now or hereafter existing, for the relief of debtors, or the commencement of any analogous statutory or non-statutory proceedings involving Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, that if such commencement of proceedings against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is involuntary, such action shall not constitute an Event of Default unless such proceedings are not dismissed within thirty (30) days after the commencement of such proceedings, though Lender shall have no obligation to make Loans to or issue, or cause to be issued, Letters of Credit on behalf of Borrower during such thirty (30) day period or, if earlier, until such proceedings are dismissed.
 
 
(h)
Appointment of Receiver.
 
The appointment of a receiver or trustee for Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, for any of the Collateral or for any substantial part of any such Person’s assets or the institution of any proceedings for the dissolution, or the full or partial liquidation, or the merger or consolidation, of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which is a corporation, limited liability company or a partnership; provided, that if such appointment or commencement of proceedings against such Person is involuntary, such action shall not constitute an Event of Default unless such appointment is not revoked or such proceedings are not dismissed within thirty (30) days after the commencement of such proceedings, though Lender shall have no obligation to make Loans to or issue, or cause to be issued, Letters of Credit on behalf of Borrower during such thirty (30) day period or, if earlier, until such appointment is revoked or such proceedings are dismissed.
 
 
(i)
Judgment.
 
The entry of any judgments or orders against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (not paid or fully covered by insurance as to which the relevant insurance company has acknowledged coverage) that remains unsatisfied or undischarged and in effect for thirty (30) days after such entry without a stay of enforcement or execution, which involves in any single case or in the aggregate an amount in excess of $250,000.
 
 
(j)
Dissolution of Obligor.
 
The dissolution of any of Borrower or its Subsidiaries which is a partnership, limited liability company, corporation or other entity.
 
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(k)
Default or Revocation of Guaranty.
 
The occurrence of an event of default under, or the revocation or termination of, any agreement, instrument or document executed and delivered by any Person to Lender pursuant to which such Person has guaranteed to Lender the payment of all or any of the Liabilities or has granted Lender a security interest in or lien upon some or all of such Person’s real and/or personal property to secure the payment of all or any of the Liabilities.
 
 
(l)
Criminal Proceedings.
 
The institution in any court of a criminal proceeding against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Person, or the indictment of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for any crime other than traffic and boating tickets and misdemeanors not punishable by jail terms.
 
 
(m)
Change of Control.
 
The occurrence of any of the following events: (a) any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), excluding any person or group a partner therein on the date hereof, shall become, or obtain rights (whether by means of warrants, options or otherwise) to become, the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13(d)-3 and 13(d)-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 30%, on a fully diluted basis, of the outstanding Capital Stock of Borrower; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of Borrower by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of Borrower nor (ii) appointed by directors a majority of whom were so nominated, or (c) Borrower shall cease to own, directly or indirectly, 100% of each class of outstanding Capital Stock of each of its Subsidiaries.
 
 
(n)
Material Adverse Change.
 
Any material adverse change in the Collateral, business, property, assets, operations or condition, financial or otherwise of Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, as determined by Lender in its sole judgment or the occurrence of any event which, in Lender’s sole judgment, would reasonably be likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
 
 
16.
REMEDIES UPON AN EVENT OF DEFAULT.
 
(a)           Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in subsection 0 hereof, all of the Liabilities shall immediately and automatically become due and payable, without notice of any kind.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any other Event of Default, all Liabilities may, at the option of Lender, and without demand, notice or legal process of any kind, be declared, and immediately shall become, due and payable.
 
(b)           Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, Lender may exercise from time to time any rights and remedies available to it under the Uniform Commercial Code and any other applicable law in addition to, and not in lieu of, any rights and remedies expressly granted in this Agreement or in any of the Other Agreements and all of Lender’s rights and remedies shall be cumulative and non-exclusive to the extent permitted by law.  In particular, but not by way of limitation of the foregoing, Lender may, without notice, demand or legal process of any kind, take possession of any or all of the Collateral (in addition to Collateral of which it already has possession), wherever it may be found, and for that purpose may pursue the same wherever it may be found, and may enter onto any of Borrower’s or its Subsidiaries’ premises where any of the Collateral may be, and search for, take possession of, remove, keep and store any of the Collateral until the same shall be sold or otherwise disposed of, and Lender shall have the right to store the same at any of any such Person’s premises without cost to Lender.  At Lender’s request, each Obligor shall, at such Obligor’s expense, assemble the Collateral and make it available to Lender at one or more places to be designated by Lender and reasonably convenient to Lender and such Obligor.  Each Obligor recognizes that if such Obligor fails to perform, observe or discharge any of its Liabilities under this Agreement or the Other Agreements, no remedy at law will provide adequate relief to Lender, and agrees that Lender shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief in any such case without the necessity of proving actual damages.  Any notification of intended disposition of any of the Collateral required by law will be deemed to be a reasonable authenticated notification of disposition if given at least ten (10) days prior to such disposition and such notice shall (i) describe Lender and the applicable Obligor, (ii) describe the Collateral that is the subject of the intended disposition, (iii) state the method of the intended disposition, (iv) state that such Obligor is entitled to an accounting of the Liabilities and state the charge, if any, for an accounting and (v) state the time and place of any public disposition or the time after which any private sale is to be made.  Lender may disclaim any warranties that might arise in connection with the sale, lease or other disposition of the Collateral and has no obligation to provide any warranties at such time.  Any Proceeds of any disposition by Lender of any of the Collateral may be applied by Lender to the payment of expenses in connection with the Collateral, including, without limitation, legal expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees, and any balance of such Proceeds may be applied by Lender toward the payment of such of the Liabilities, and in such order of application, as Lender may from time to time elect.

 
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17.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.
 
The obligation of Lender to fund the initial Loans, and to issue or cause to be issued the initial Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver on or before the date hereof of the following conditions precedent:
 
(a)           Lender shall have received each of the agreements, opinions, reports, approvals, consents, certificates and other documents set forth on the closing document list attached hereto as Schedule 17(a) (the “Closing Document List”) in each case in form and substance satisfactory to Lender;
 
(b)          Since December 31, 2007, no event shall have occurred which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, as determined by Lender in its sole discretion, determined in good faith;
 
(c)           Borrower shall have paid in full of all fees and expenses payable by it under the Fee Letter or otherwise in connection herewith, on or before disbursement of the initial Loans hereunder (or an irrevocable authorization to pay such fees and expenses out of the proceeds of the Loan on the date of the initial Credit Event);

 
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(d)           Lender shall have determined that immediately after giving effect to (A) the making of the initial Loans, if any, requested to be made on the date hereof, (B) the issuance of the initial Letters of Credit, if any, requested to be made on such date, (C) the payment of all fees due upon such date, and (D) the payment or reimbursement by Borrower of Lender for all closing costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, Borrower has Excess Availability plus unrestricted cash on deposit in Borrower’s account(s) with Lender and Bank of America of not less than Ten Million and No/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00);
 
(e)           Lender shall have received (i) unaudited financial statements for Borrower for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, (ii) audited financial statements for Borrower for the period from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, and (iii) financial due diligence;
 
(f)            Lender shall have received (i) income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements prepared by Borrower and giving effect to the Loans, the use of proceeds from the Loans and (ii) projections on a quarterly basis for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008 and on an annual basis for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2010;
 
(g)           Lender shall have received a field audit examination of Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the collateral report requested by Lender from Borrower and the results thereof shall be satisfactory to Lender in its sole discretion and Lender shall have reviewed such collateral report and any other due diligence reports, subject to the confidentiality provisions contained herein;
 
(h)           Lender shall have received the results of recent tax, ERISA, judgment and Uniform Commercial Code lien searches in each relevant jurisdiction with respect to each Obligor, and such searches shall reveal no liens on any of the assets of such Obligors except for liens permitted by this Agreement or to be released at closing;
 
(i)            All documents and instruments required to perfect Lender’s security interest in the Collateral shall have been executed and be in proper form for filing, and in connection with any Collateral constituting real property, Lender shall have received such title insurance policies, surveys, permits and other customary documentation in connection therewith as requested by Lender;
 
(j)            Lender shall be reasonably satisfied with the insurance program to be maintained by Borrower and its Subsidiaries;
 
(k)           Lender shall have received a solvency certificate from the Chief Financial Officer of Borrower, which shall document the solvency of Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries after giving effect to the Loans and the other transactions contemplated hereby;
 
(l)            Lender shall have received such legal opinions as Lender may reasonably request;
 
(m)          Lender shall be satisfied in its sole discretion with the results of its legal and business due diligence;

 
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(n)           Each of the representations and warranties made by each Obligor in this Agreement or in any Other Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the date first made and on and as of the date of the funding of the Loans;
 
(o)           No Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of funding of the Loans or after giving effect to the extensions of credit requested to be made on such date;
 
(p)           All licenses, permits, franchises, approvals, registrations, notifications, exemptions, permissions or other authorizations (collectively “Authorizations”) of any governmental authority or third party necessary to be obtained by an Obligor in connection with the continuing operations of Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the transactions contemplated hereby, shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect, and all applicable waiting periods shall have expired without any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority which would restrain, prevent or otherwise impose adverse conditions on the financing contemplated hereby, except for such Authorizations the failure to obtain could not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
 
(q)           Lender shall have received such background checks with respect to Borrower, its senior officers and equity interest holders as Lender shall require and the results thereof shall be satisfactory to Lender in its sole discretion;
 
(r)            Obligors shall have executed and delivered to Lender such documentation and agreements necessary to establish a banking relationship with Bank of America and providing for standard cash management services;
 
(s)           The Obligors shall have executed and delivered to Lender all such other documents, instruments, certificates, opinions and agreements which Lender determines are reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
 
18.
INDEMNIFICATION.
 
Each Obligor agrees to defend (with counsel satisfactory to Lender), protect, indemnify and hold harmless Lender, each affiliate or subsidiary of Lender, and each of their respective shareholders, members, officers, directors, managers, employees, attorneys and agents (each an “Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, claims, costs, expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature (including, without limitation, the disbursements and the reasonable fees of counsel for each Indemnified Party in connection with any investigative, administrative or judicial proceeding, whether or not the Indemnified Party shall be designated a party thereto), which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against, any Indemnified Party (whether direct, indirect or consequential and whether based on any federal, state or local laws or regulations, including, without limitation, securities laws and regulations, Environmental Laws and commercial laws and regulations, under common law or in equity, or based on contract or otherwise) in any manner relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any Other Agreement, or any act, event or transaction related or attendant thereto, the making or issuance and the management of the Loans or any Letters of Credit or the use or intended use of the proceeds of the Loans or any Letters of Credit; provided, that no Obligor shall have any obligation hereunder to any Indemnified Party with respect to matters caused by or resulting from the willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Indemnified Party, as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final determination. To the extent that the undertaking to indemnify set forth in the preceding sentence may be unenforceable because it is violative of any law or public policy, each Obligor shall satisfy such undertaking to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.  Any liability, obligation, loss, damage, penalty, cost or expense covered by this indemnity shall be paid to each Indemnified Party on demand, and, failing prompt payment, shall, together with interest thereon at the highest rate then applicable to Loans hereunder from the date incurred by each Indemnified Party until paid by Obligors, be added to the Liabilities of Borrower and be secured by the Collateral.  The provisions of this Section 0 shall survive the satisfaction and payment of the other Liabilities and the termination of this Agreement.

 
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19.
NOTICE.
 
All written notices and other written communications with respect to this Agreement shall be sent by ordinary, certified or overnight mail, by telecopy or delivered in person, and in the case of Lender shall be sent to it at 135 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603-4105, attention: Steve Fenton, facsimile number: (312) 904-6109, and in the case of an Obligor shall be sent to it at its principal place of business set forth on Exhibit A hereto or as otherwise directed by Borrower in writing.  All notices shall be deemed received upon actual receipt thereof or refusal of delivery.
 
 
20.
CHOICE OF GOVERNING LAW; CONSTRUCTION; FORUM SELECTION.
 
This Agreement and the Other Agreements are submitted by Obligors to Lender for Lender’s acceptance or rejection at Lender’s principal place of business as an offer by Borrower to borrow monies from Lender now and from time to time hereafter, and shall not be binding upon Lender or become effective until accepted by Lender, in writing, at said place of business.  If so accepted by Lender, this Agreement and the Other Agreements shall be deemed to have been made at said place of business.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER AGREEMENTS SHALL BE GOVERNED AND CONTROLLED BY THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OF LAW PRINCIPLES, AS TO INTERPRETATION, ENFORCEMENT, VALIDITY, CONSTRUCTION, EFFECT, AND IN ALL OTHER RESPECTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PROCEDURAL LAW, THE LEGALITY OF THE INTEREST RATE AND OTHER CHARGES, BUT EXCLUDING PERFECTION OF THE SECURITY INTERESTS IN COLLATERAL WHICH SHALL BE GOVERNED AND CONTROLLED BY THE LAWS OF THE RELEVANT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO SUCH COLLATERAL.  If any provision of this Agreement shall be held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or remaining provisions of this Agreement.
 
To induce Lender to accept this Agreement, each Obligor irrevocably agrees that, subject to Lender’s sole and absolute election, ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS IN ANY WAY, MANNER OR RESPECT, ARISING OUT OF OR FROM OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER AGREEMENTS OR THE COLLATERAL SHALL BE LITIGATED IN COURTS HAVING SITUS WITHIN THE CITY OF CHICAGO, STATE OF ILLINOIS.  EACH OBLIGOR HEREBY CONSENTS AND SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED WITHIN SAID CITY AND STATE.  BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS AND AGREES THAT ALL SUCH SERVICE OF PROCESS MAY BE MADE UPON SUCH OBLIGOR BY CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, ADDRESSED TO BORROWER AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH FOR NOTICE IN THIS AGREEMENT AND SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE COMPLETE TEN (10) DAYS AFTER THE SAME HAS BEEN POSTED.  EACH OBLIGOR HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRANSFER OR CHANGE THE VENUE OF ANY LITIGATION BROUGHT AGAINST SUCH OBLIGOR BY LENDER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION.

 
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21.
MODIFICATION AND BENEFIT OF AGREEMENT.
 
This Agreement and the Other Agreements may not be modified, altered or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by an Obligor or such other Person who is a party to such Other Agreement and Lender.  No Obligor may sell, assign or transfer this Agreement, or the Other Agreements or any portion thereof, including, without limitation, such Obligor’s rights, titles, interest, remedies, powers or duties hereunder and thereunder.  Each Obligor hereby consents to Lender’s sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition, at any time and from time to time hereafter, of this Agreement, or the Other Agreements, or of any portion thereof, or participations therein, including, without limitation, Lender’s rights, titles, interest, remedies, powers and/or duties and agrees that it shall execute and deliver such documents as Lender may request in connection with any such sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition.
 
 
22.
HEADINGS OF SUBDIVISIONS.
 
The headings of subdivisions in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
 
 
23.
POWER OF ATTORNEY.
 
Each Obligor acknowledges and agrees that its appointment of Lender as its attorney and agent-in-fact for the purposes specified in this Agreement is an appointment coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable until all of the Liabilities are satisfied and paid in full and this Agreement is terminated.
 
 
24.
CONFIDENTIALITY.
 
Lender and each Obligor hereby agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to assure that any and all information relating to Obligors which is (i) furnished by an Obligor to Lender (or to any affiliate of Lender); and (ii) non-public, confidential or proprietary in nature, shall be kept confidential by Lender or such affiliate in accordance with applicable law; provided, that such information and other credit information relating to any Obligor may be distributed by Lender or such affiliate to Lender’s or such affiliate’s directors, managers, officers, employees, attorneys, affiliates, assignees, participants, auditors, agents and regulators, and upon the order of a court or other governmental agency having jurisdiction over Lender or such affiliate, to any other party.  In addition such information and other credit information may be distributed by Lender to potential participants or assignees of any portion of the Liabilities, provided, that such potential participant or assignee agrees to follow the confidentiality requirements set forth herein.  Each Obligor and Lender further agree that this provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Obligor hereby consents to Lender publishing a tombstone or similar advertising material relating to the financing transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

 
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25.
COUNTERPARTS.
 
This Agreement, any of the Other Agreements, and any amendments, waivers, consents or supplements may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original, but all of which counterparts together shall constitute but one agreement.
 
 
26.
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS.
 
Upon not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice (the “Approved Electronic Form Notice”), Lender may permit or require that any of the documents, certificates, forms, deliveries or other communications, authorized, required or contemplated by this Agreement or the Other Agreements, be submitted to Lender in “Approved Electronic Form” (as hereafter defined), subject to any reasonable terms, conditions and requirements in the applicable Approved Electronic Forms Notice.  For purposes hereof “Electronic Form” means e-mail, e-mail attachments, data submitted on web-based forms or any other communication method that delivers machine readable data or information to Lender, and “Approved Electronic Form” means an Electronic Form that has been approved in writing by Lender (which approval has not been revoked or modified by Lender) and sent to an Obligor in an Approved Electronic Form Notice.  Except as otherwise specifically provided in the applicable Approved Electronic Form Notice, any submissions made in an applicable Approved Electronic Form shall have the same force and effect that the same submissions would have had if they had been submitted in any other applicable form authorized, required or contemplated by this Agreement or the Other Agreements.
 
 
27.
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL; OTHER WAIVERS.
 
(a)           EACH OBLIGOR AND LENDER EACH HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING WHICH PERTAINS DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE OTHER AGREEMENTS, THE LIABILITIES, THE COLLATERAL, ANY ALLEGED TORTIOUS CONDUCT BY SUCH OBLIGOR OR LENDER OR WHICH, IN ANY WAY, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, ARISES OUT OF OR RELATES TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUCH OBLIGOR AND LENDER.  IN NO EVENT SHALL LENDER BE LIABLE FOR LOST PROFITS OR OTHER SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

 
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(b)           Each Obligor hereby waives demand, presentment, protest and notice of nonpayment, and further waives the benefit of all valuation, appraisal and exemption laws.
 
(c)           Each Obligor hereby waives the benefit of any law that would otherwise restrict or limit Lender or any affiliate of Lender in the exercise of its right, which is hereby acknowledged and agreed to, to set-off against the Liabilities, without notice at any time hereafter, any Indebtedness, matured or unmatured, owing by Lender or such affiliate of Lender to such Obligor, including, without limitation any Deposit Account at Lender or such affiliate.
 
(d)           EACH OBLIGOR HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO NOTICE AND HEARING OF ANY KIND PRIOR TO THE EXERCISE BY LENDER OF ITS RIGHTS TO REPOSSESS THE COLLATERAL OF SUCH OBLIGOR WITHOUT JUDICIAL PROCESS OR TO REPLEVY, ATTACH OR LEVY UPON SUCH COLLATERAL.
 
(e)           Lender’s failure, at any time or times hereafter, to require strict performance by any Obligor of any provision of this Agreement or any of the Other Agreements shall not waive, affect or diminish any right of Lender thereafter to demand strict compliance and performance therewith.  Any suspension or waiver by Lender of an Event of Default under this Agreement or any default under any of the Other Agreements shall not suspend, waive or affect any other Event of Default under this Agreement or any other default under any of the Other Agreements, whether the same is prior or subsequent thereto and whether of the same or of a different kind or character.  No delay on the part of Lender in the exercise of any right or remedy under this Agreement or any Other Agreement shall preclude other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any right or remedy.  None of the undertakings, agreements, warranties, covenants and representations of any Obligor contained in this Agreement or any of the Other Agreements and no Event of Default under this Agreement or default under any of the Other Agreements shall be deemed to have been suspended or waived by Lender unless such suspension or waiver is in writing, signed by a duly authorized officer of Lender and directed to such Obligor specifying such suspension or waiver.
 
 
28.
NONLIABILITY OF LENDER.
 
The relationship between each Obligor and Lender shall be solely that of borrower and lender.  Lender shall not have any fiduciary responsibilities to any Obligor.  Lender undertakes no responsibility to any Obligor to review or inform such Obligor of any matter in connection with any phase of such Obligor’s business or operations.
 
[Signature Page to Follow]

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
 
EMCORE CORPORATION, as Borrower and Obligor
   
   
By:
/s/ Keith Kosco
 
Title:
Secretary
 
     
     
EMCORE IRB COMPANY, LLC, as Obligor
     
     
By:
/s/ Keith Kosco
 
Title:
Secretary
 
     
     
OPTICOMM CORP., as Obligor
     
     
By:
/s/ Keith Kosco
 
Title:
Secretary
 
     
     
EMCORE SOLAR POWER, INC., as Obligor
     
     
By:
/s/ Keith Kosco
 
Title:
Secretary
 

 
Borrower/Obligor Signature Page to Loan and Security Agreement

 

 
 
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Lender
   
   
By:
/s/ Jeffrey Seiven
 
Title:
Vice President
 

 

ex10_20.htm

EXHIBIT 10.20
 


August 7, 2008

John Markovich
410 Corto Lane, Suite I
San Clemente, CA  92672


Dear John:

It is a pleasure to extend this offer to join EMCORE as our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in our Alhambra, California facility, reporting to Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hong Hou. Your estimated start date will be Monday, August 18, 2008.  Your bi-weekly salary will be $11,538.46, which when annualized is equivalent to $300,000.00.

Bonus Plan. You will be eligible to participate in the FY 2009 EMCORE Bonus Plan. Your bonus target is 50% of your base salary and will be based upon Company-wide performance parameters, as well as individual performance, as determined by EMCORE.  Additionally, you must be an employee in good standing on the date EMCORE pays the bonus under the Plan in order to qualify for the bonus.

Relocation.  Prior to your start date, we have also agreed to cover the relocation costs associated with moving some household goods and one (1) vehicle to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  In addition, EMCORE will provide you with a one-time relocation bonus of $4,000 for incidentals.

Stock Option Grant Exception.  Upon approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, you will be granted 475,000 stock options under an Incentive Stock Option Agreement, which will entitle you to purchase EMCORE stock.  These options will be priced at the fair market value (as defined in the EMCORE Corporation 2000 Stock Option Plan) on the date on which you begin employment.  Shortly after Committee approval, you will also receive your formal Incentive Stock Option Agreement (the "Agreement").  Your stock options vest over five years with the first options vesting on the one-year anniversary of your employment commencement date and equal amounts thereafter on each subsequent anniversary.  The options will expire after the tenth anniversary of your employment commencement date.  The terms of your options, including terms of exercise and expiration, are governed by the EMCORE Corporation 2000 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), the Agreement, as well as any Option Grant Policy that may be in effect at the time of Board approval.  Copies of the Plan, prospectus, and form Agreement are included in your offer materials, and the general description above is qualified in all respects by the terms of the Plan and Agreement.  If you have any questions about our stock option program, please contact me.

In addition to this new hire grant, EMCORE has agreed to recommend to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that you be granted one additional retention grant of 125,000, to be granted during the second calendar quarter 2010.  Upon approval of the Compensation Committee, this grant will be awarded and priced on the date of grant.  Additionally, you must be an employee in good standing on the date Compensation Committee considers this grant.  This additional grant will vest over four years, with the first options vesting on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and equal amounts thereafter on each anniversary.  The options will expire after the tenth anniversary of the Board’s approval of the grant.  The terms of your options, including terms of exercise and expiration, are governed by the Plan, the Agreement as well as any Option Grant Policy that may be in effect at the time of Compensation Committee approval.

Employee Benefits. EMCORE offers employees and their eligible dependants group medical, dental and vision insurance benefits, which will be effective the first day of the month following your hire date.  The premium cost for these benefits is shared by the employees and EMCORE.
 

 
Paid Time Off and Holidays.  EMCORE does not limit PTO for its executives.  EMCORE observes ten (10) paid holidays per calendar year.  Nine (9) of the Company observed holidays are the same each year with one (1) “floating” holiday that is determined by the Company annually.

Orientation.  On your first day beginning at 7:30 a.m., you will participate in EMCORE’s New Employee Orientation.  Please bring appropriate documentation for the completion of your new hire forms, including proof that you are eligible to work in the United States.

At-Will Employment.  This offer should not be construed as a guarantee of employment for any specific duration.   All employees of EMCORE are employed on an at-will basis.  Furthermore, both parties agree that continued employment is contingent upon the employee's receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, which will be conducted by the manager at the end of 90 days.   If, after 90 days of employment, your performance is rated as "below expectations" your employment with EMCORE will be terminated.

This offer is contingent upon your satisfactory completion of all facets of EMCORE’s employment process, including a pre-employment physical, drug screening, background check, and your acknowledgement that there are no legal restrictions to your employment at EMCORE, as well as to your election to the position of Chief Financial Officer by our Board of Directors at their meeting on August 7, 2008, which management will recommend to the Board.

Additionally, the offer is also contingent upon your signing EMCORE’s Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement as well our Code of Business and Ethics Policy, which are enclosed for your review.   Please bring both signed documents to EMCORE on your first day of work.  

I would appreciate your consideration of our offer and ask that you advise me of your decision by August 8, 2008.  Should you decide to accept our offer, please indicate your acceptance by signing in the space provided.  If not signing the offer letter in person, you may also return to me either by fax at (626) 293-3424, or to our mailing address, 2015 West Chestnut Street, Alhambra, CA  91803.
 
We believe EMCORE is an outstanding organization and believe you will become a valuable, enthusiastic member of our team.  If you have any questions regarding EMCORE or any aspects of this offer, please feel free to contact me at (626) 222-4745.

Sincerely,

EMCORE CORPORATION

/s/ Monica Van Berkel

Monica D. Van Berkel
Vice President, Business Management
 
OFFER ACCEPTANCE:


I, John M. Markovich, understand and accept the provisions of this employment offer as set forth above.  Furthermore, I acknowledge that there are no legal restrictions to my employment at EMCORE.


/s/ John M. Markovich
     
   
August 18, 2008
 
Signature
 
Actual Start Date
 


ex21_1.htm

Exhibit 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT*

 
Corona Optical Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation

K2 Optronics, Inc. a Delaware corporation

EMCORE IRB Company, Inc., a New Mexico corporation

EMCORE Hong Kong, Limited, a Hong Kong corporation

Langfang EMCORE Optoelectronics Company, Limited, a Chinese corporation

Opticomm Corporation, a Delaware corporation

EMCORE Solar Power, Inc., a Delaware corporation

EMCORE Netherlands B.V.

EMCORE Spain S.L.

EMCORE IRB Company, LLC, a New Mexico limited liability company


*As of December 30, 2008
 
 

ex23_1.htm



Exhibit 23.1


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-27507, 333-37306, 333-36445, 333-39547, 333-60816, 333-45827, 333-118074, 333-118076, 333-132317, and 333-132318 of EMCORE Corporation on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 333-111585 of EMCORE Corporation on Form S-4, Registration Statement Nos. 333-94911, 333-87753, 333-65526, 333-71791, 333-42514, and 333-135639 of EMCORE Corporation on Form S-3, and Amendment No. 1 to Registration No. 333-149860 on Form S-1 of our reports dated December 30, 2008, relating to the consolidated financial statements of EMCORE Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern), and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of EMCORE Corporation for the year ended September 30, 2008.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Dallas, TX
December 30, 2008


ex31_1.htm

Exhibit 31.1

EMCORE CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
I, Hong Q. Hou, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of EMCORE Corporation ("Report");

2.
Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Report is being prepared;

 
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Report based on such evaluation; and

 
d.
Disclosed in this Report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
       
Date
December 30, 2008
By:
/s/ Hong Q. Hou
     
Hong Q. Hou, Ph.D.
     
Chief Executive Officer
     
(Principal Executive Officer)
 

ex31_2.htm

Exhibit 31.2

EMCORE CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
I, John M. Markovich, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of EMCORE Corporation ("Report");

2.
Based on my knowledge, this Report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this Report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this Report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this Report;

4.
The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this Report is being prepared;

 
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
a.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this Report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this Report based on such evaluation; and

 
b.
Disclosed in this Report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:
December 30, 2008
By:
/s/ John M. Markovich
     
John M. Markovich
     
Chief Financial Officer
     
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

ex32_1.htm

Exhibit 32.1

STATEMENT REQUIRED BY 18 U.S.C. Sec.1350, AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO Sec.906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EMCORE Corporation (the "Company") for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Hong Q. Hou, Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Sec. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 

Date:
December 30, 2008
By:
/s/ Hong Q. Hou
     
Hong Q. Hou, Ph.D.
     
Chief Executive Officer
     
(Principal Executive Officer)

 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to EMCORE Corporation and will be retained by EMCORE Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. This certification has not been, and shall not be deemed to be, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 

ex32_2.htm

Exhibit 32.2

STATEMENT REQUIRED BY 18 U.S.C. §1350, AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO §906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
 
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of EMCORE Corporation (the "Company") for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, John M. Markovich, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
 
Date:
December 30, 2008
By:
/s/ John M. Markovich
     
John M. Markovich
     
Chief Financial Officer
     
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to EMCORE Corporation and will be retained by EMCORE Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. This certification has not been, and shall not be deemed to be, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.