Description of Business

Business Overview

EMCORE Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “we”, “our”, or “EMCORE”) offers a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor-based products for the fiber optics and solar power markets. We were established in 1984 as a New Jersey corporation and we have two reporting segments: Fiber Optics and Photovoltaics. Our Fiber Optics business segment provides optical components, subsystems and systems for high-speed telecommunications, Cable Television (CATV) and Fiber-To-The-Premise (FTTP) networks, as well as products for satellite communications, video transport and specialty photonics technologies for defense and homeland security applications. EMCORE's Solar Photovoltaics business segment provides products for space power applications including high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells, Covered Interconnect Cells (CICs) and complete satellite solar panels, and terrestrial applications, including high-efficiency GaAs solar cells for concentration photovoltaic (CPV) power systems.

Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for interim information, and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statements. In our opinion, the interim financial statements reflect all normal adjustments that are necessary to provide a fair presentation of the financial results for the interim periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for an entire fiscal year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2012 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of such date. For a more complete understanding of our business, financial position, operating results, cash flows, risk factors and other matters, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We are not the primary beneficiary of, nor do we hold a significant variable interest in, any variable interest entity. We have evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported period.

The accounting estimates that require significant, difficult, and/or subjective judgments include:


•	the valuation of inventory, goodwill, intangible assets, warrants, and stock-based compensation;


•	depreciation, amortization, and assessment of recovery of long-lived assets;


•	asset retirement obligations and contingencies including litigation and indemnification-related;


•	revenue recognition associated with the percentage of completion method;


•	the allowance for doubtful accounts and warranty accruals; and,


•	impairment and other losses associated with the Thailand flood.

We develop estimates based on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that are believed to be reasonable based on the best information available to us. Our reported financial position and/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.

Sale of Fiber Optics-related Assets

On March 27, 2012, we entered into a Master Purchase Agreement with a subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric Industries, LTD (SEI), pursuant to which we agreed to sell certain assets and transfer certain obligations associated with our Fiber Optics segment. On May 7, 2012, we completed the sale of these assets to SEI and recorded a gain of approximately $2.8 million. This transaction was recorded as a sale of assets since it did not meet the criteria to be considered a component of our business. Under the terms of the Master Purchase Agreement, we have agreed to indemnify SEI for up to $3.4 million of potential claims and expenses for the two-year period following the sale and we have recorded this amount as a deferred gain on our balance sheet as of June 30, 2013 as a result of these contingencies. SEI paid $13.1 million in cash and deposited approximately $2.6 million into escrow as security for indemnification obligations and any purchase price adjustments. Payment of escrow amounts occurs over a two-year period and is subject to claim adjustments. In total, we deferred approximately $4.9 million of the total paid by SEI as a gain on sale until the indemnification obligation of $3.4 million and $1.5 million of purchase price adjustment contingencies are resolved. During the nine months ended June 30, 2013, we resolved the purchase price contingencies resulting in the reduction of the purchase price by $1.1 million. The reduced purchase price is recorded as an offset to the escrow receivable of $2.6 million while an additional $0.4 million of gain on sale of assets was recognized during the nine months ended June 30, 2013. There remains a deferred gain of $3.4 million related to our indemnification obligation at June 30, 2013.

In May 2012, we also entered into a separate facility lease and transition services agreement (TSA) with SEI related to financial services, supply chain, facility, and information infrastructure support functions to be provided by us. We believe the values assigned to the facility lease and TSA approximate fair value. During the three and nine months period ended June 30, 2013, we recognized $0.8 million and $2.1 million, respectively, related to TSA fees and facility rental income which was recorded as a benefit against operating expenses incurred for such services.

The TSA included a $0.5 million credit to be applied against fees incurred over a twelve-month period through May 2013. We also incurred $0.6 million in expenses directly associated with this transaction. The TSA credit and transaction-related expenses incurred were applied against the proceeds received in determination of the gain recognized during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, we have consumed cash from operations and incurred significant net losses. We have managed our liquidity position through a series of cost reduction initiatives, borrowings from our credit facility, capital markets transactions, and the sale of assets.

As of June 30, 2013, cash and cash equivalents totaled $5.9 million and net working capital totaled approximately $24.7 million. Working capital, calculated as current assets minus current liabilities, is a financial metric we use which represents available operating liquidity. For the three months ended June 30, 2013, we had a net loss of $7.3 million and for the nine months ended June 30, 2013, we had net income of $7.2 million. Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2013 totaled $12.7 million.

With respect to measures taken to improve liquidity:

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Credit Facility: In November 2010, we entered into a Credit and Security Agreement (credit facility) with Wells Fargo Bank (Wells Fargo). The credit facility, as it has been amended, currently provides us with a revolving credit of up to $35.0 million through November 2015 that can be used for working capital requirements, letters of credit, and other general corporate purposes. The credit facility is secured by the Company's assets and is subject to a borrowing base formula based on the Company's eligible accounts receivable and inventory accounts, as further described below.

Our credit facility contains customary representations and warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, cash balance and excess availability requirements, minimum tangible net worth and EBITDA covenants, and limitations on liens and certain additional indebtedness and guarantees. The covenants are written such that as long as we maintain the minimum cash balance and excess availability requirement, the other covenants are not required to be met. As of June 30, 2013, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the credit facility since cash on deposit and excess availability exceeded the $3.5 million financial covenant requirement.

Our credit facility also contains certain events of default, including a subjective acceleration clause. Under this clause, Wells Fargo may declare an event of default if it believes in good faith that our ability to pay all or any portion of our indebtedness with Wells Fargo or to perform any of our material obligations under the credit facility has been impaired, or if it believes in good faith that there has been a material adverse change in the business or financial condition of the Company. If an event of default is not cured within the grace period (if applicable), then Wells Fargo may, among other things, accelerate repayment of amounts borrowed under the credit facility, cease making advances under the credit facility, or take possession of the Company's assets that secure its obligations under the credit facility. We do not anticipate at this time any change in the business or financial condition of the Company that could be deemed a material adverse change by Wells Fargo.

On December 21, 2011, we entered into a First Amendment to the credit facility which increased our eligible borrowing base by up to $10.0 million by adding to the borrowing base formula 85% of the appraised value of the Company's equipment and 50% of the appraised value of the Company's real estate. In addition, Wells Fargo reduced our restrictions under the excess availability financial covenant requirement from $7.5 million to $3.5 million through December 2012. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings was increased to LIBOR rate plus four percent. The credit facility was to return to its previous agreement terms on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2012, or (ii) the date that we received insurance proceeds of not less than $30.0 million in the aggregate applicable to the flooding of our primary contract manufacturer in Thailand.

On June 14, 2012, we entered into a Second Amendment to the credit facility, which amended among other things, the borrowing base increase under the First Amendment, which was subject to automatic reductions to (i) $8.1 million on July 1, 2012; and to (ii) $3.1 million on January 1, 2013. The Second Amendment automatically reduced the $8.1 million and $3.1 million thresholds referenced above to $5.0 million and $0, respectively, if the sale of certain assets did not occur. The Second Amendment no longer included certain assets in the potential borrowing base including certain machinery and equipment and real estate.

On December 28, 2012, we entered into a Third Amendment to the credit facility, which amended among other things, the maturity date of the facility to November 11, 2015. The Third Amendment also amends the Credit Facility by adjusting the borrowing availability provided by machinery and equipment, which amount is currently set at approximately $7.6 million and which was reduced monthly by approximately $101,000 through March 31, 2013, at which time the borrowing availability was reduced to $5.0 million and thereafter will be further reduced monthly by approximately $91,000.

The Third Amendment also maintained the Company's minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement at $3.5 million through June 30, 2013, which had been scheduled to increase to $7.5 million on December 31, 2012, below which certain financial covenants are triggered which relate to minimum tangible net worth, minimum EBITDA amounts and limitations on capital expenditures. The amounts of these financial covenants were amended from those previously introduced in the First Amendment.

On May 21, 2013, we entered into a Fourth Amendment to the credit facility, which amended among other things the borrowing base of the facility and the liquidity requirement. The Fourth Amendment adjusts the borrowing base by including accounts which are not yet earned by the final rendition of services by the Company including progress billings and that portion of those accounts earned but not yet invoiced. The borrowing base for these accounts will be the lesser of (1) 60% of these accounts, or (2) $5.0 million through June 30, 2013, which amount will be reduced to $3.0 million on July 1, 2013 and reduced to $0 million on December 31, 2013.

The Fourth Amendment also maintains the Company's minimum cash balance and excess liquidity requirement at $3.5 million until March 31, 2014, which was scheduled to increase to $4.5 million on June 30, 2013, below which certain financial covenants are triggered which relate to minimum tangible net worth, minimum EBITDA amounts and limitations on capital expenditures. On March 31, 2014, the liquidity requirement will be increased to $5.5 million and increased to $7.5 million on June 30, 2014.

As of June 30, 2013, we had a $20.1 million LIBOR rate loan outstanding under our credit facility, with an interest rate of 3.4%. As of July 31, 2013, the outstanding balance under this credit facility totaled approximately $13.0 million. As of June 30, 2013, the credit facility also had $1.2 million reserved for four outstanding stand-by letters of credit, leaving a remaining $2.1 million borrowing availability balance under this credit facility. We now expect at least 70% of the $35.0 million credit facility to be available for use over the remainder of fiscal year 2013.


•	October 2012 Stock Sale: On October 3, 2012 we sold 1,832,410 shares of common stock for net proceeds of $9.5 million. See Note 13 - Equity for additional disclosures related to the stock sale.

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Equity Facility: In August 2011, we entered into a committed equity line financing facility (equity facility) with Commerce Court Small Cap Value Fund, Ltd. ("Commerce Court") whereby Commerce Court has committed, upon issuance of a draw-down request by us, to purchase up to $50 million worth of our common stock over a two-year period, subject to our common stock trading above $4 per share, as adjusted for the reverse stock split, during the draw down period, unless a waiver is received. As of June 30, 2013, there have been no draw down transactions completed under this equity facility. Unless amended, the equity facility with Commerce Court will expire automatically pursuant to its terms on September 1, 2013.

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Impact From Thailand Flood: In November 2011, we entered into an agreement with our contract manufacturer in Thailand whereby our contract manufacturer agreed to purchase equipment to rebuild certain manufacturing lines damaged by flood waters and we agreed to reimburse our contract manufacturer for the cost of the equipment out of insurance proceeds that we expect to receive. We were not a named beneficiary of our contract manufacturer's insurance policy. As of September 30, 2012, we capitalized the cost of our new manufacturing lines of approximately $5.2 million and recorded an equipment capital lease obligation of $4.4 million, net of equipment deposits. In addition, during the nine months ended June 30, 2013, we capitalized an additional $1.2 million of new manufacturing lines and recorded a corresponding amount of capital lease obligation. Additionally, we restructured our outstanding payables owed to our contract manufacturer, which delayed payments to future dates to coincide with expected timing of insurance proceeds. Flood-related insurance proceeds related to inventory and equipment destroyed by the Thailand flood are recognized when they become realized. In December 2012, we recorded flood-related insurance proceeds of $4.2 million in the form of forgiveness of $2.2 million of outstanding capital lease obligations and $2.0 million of outstanding payables. In March 2013, we received the final flood-related insurance proceeds of $14.8 million in the form of a receivable of $8.2 million, which we received cash payment for in April 2013, forgiveness of $3.4 million of outstanding capital lease obligations and $3.2 million of outstanding payables. No additional flood-related insurance proceeds associated with this event are anticipated. See Note 9 - Impact from Thailand Flood for additional disclosures related to the impact of the Thailand flood on our operations.

We believe that our existing balances of cash and cash equivalents and amounts expected to be available under our credit and equity facilities will provide us with sufficient financial resources to meet our cash requirements for operations, working capital, and capital expenditures for the next twelve months.

However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, unfavorable market or economic developments, unfavorable results from operations, material claims made under the indemnification provisions of our Master Purchase Agreement with SEI in excess of amounts held in escrow, or if Wells Fargo declares an event of default on the credit facility, we may have to raise additional funds or reduce expenditures by any one or a combination of the following: issuing equity, debt or convertible debt, selling certain product lines and/or portions of our business, furloughs, or reduction of discretionary spending. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise additional funds on terms acceptable to us, or at all. A significant contraction in the capital markets, particularly in the technology sector, or adverse developments in our business may make it difficult for us to raise additional capital if or when it is required, especially if we experience negative operating results. If adequate capital is not available to us as required, or is not available on favorable terms, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows may be adversely affected.