1

                                                                   EXHIBIT 13.1



ABOUT YOUR INVESTMENT

     STOCK OWNERSHIP PROFILE. The Company estimates that at December 31, 1996
     there were more than 20,000 holders of Altera stock.


     STOCK PRICE.  Altera's initial public offering took place on March
     31, 1988. The Company's price-to-earnings ratio at each year-end
     for the last five years was as follows:


            1992      1993      1994      1995    1996
            ------------------------------------------
            23.0      32.4      26.0*     26.0    30.5

     * Excludes R&D in-process write-off associated with the acquisition of
     Intel's programmable logic business.

     TRADING VOLUME. The average trading volume in the Company's stock increased
     30% in 1996 over 1995, as measured by Nasdaq. Trading volume in 1996
     averaged 4.4 million shares per day, compared to 3.4 million per day in
     1995, and 3.0 million in 1994, retroactively adjusted for 2-for-1
     splits of the Company's common stock in the second quarter of 1995 and the
     fourth quarter of 1996.
   2
CORPORATE DIRECTORY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS                             
Rodney Smith
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President
Altera Corporation

Michael A. Ellison
Chief Executive Officer
Steller, Inc.

Paul Newhagen
Vice President, Administration
Altera Corporation

Robert W. Reed
Former Senior Vice President
Intel Corporation

William E. Terry
Former Director & Executive Vice President
Hewlett-Packard Company

Deborah Triant, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
CheckPoint Software Technologies, Inc.

CORPORATE OFFICERS
Rodney Smith
President & Chief Executive Officer

C. Wendell Bergere
Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary

Denis Berlan
Vice President, Operations/Product Engineering

Erik Cleage
Vice President, Marketing

John R. Fitzhenry
Vice President, Human Resources

Clive McCarthy
Vice President, Development Engineering

Paul Newhagen
Vice President, Administration

Thomas J. Nicoletti
Vice President, Investor Relations and Business
Development

Nathan Sarkisian
Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

Peter Smyth
Vice President, Sales

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
2610 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, California 95134-2020
(408) 544-7000

CORPORATE COUNSEL
Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati
Palo Alto, California

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Price Waterhouse LLP
San Jose, California

FORM 10-K
A copy of the Company's Form 10-K, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (without exhibits),
is available from:
Shareholder Relations
Altera Corporation
2610 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, California 95134-2020
(408) 544-7707

STOCK LISTING
Altera's common stock has been traded on the over-the-
counter market since the Company's initial public
offering (IPO) on March 31, 1988, and is quoted on The
Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "ALTR." The 
Company has never paid cash dividends on its common
stock and has no present plans to do so.

   3
For the past two years, the quarterly high and low closing
sales prices for the common stock were:




                   1996                 1995
            -------------------   ------------------
Quarter       High       Low        High      Low
- ----------------------------------------------------
                                 
First       38 1/2     22 9/16    14 27/32   10 1/8
Second      31 3/16    18 13/16   22 1/2     13 31/32
Third       27 5/8     14         34 7/8     21 13/16
Fourth      38 7/8     24 7/8     32 19/32   23 1/16


REGISTRAR/TRANSFER AGENT

Investor Relations
Boston EquiServe L.P.
P.O. Box 8040
Boston, MA 02266-8040
(617) 575-3100

Altera, MAX, FLEX, and MAX+PLUS are registered trademarks, and 
MAX+PLUS II, FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, MAX 9000, MAX 7000, MAX 7000S,
MAX 5000, Classic, FLASHlogic, and individual device designations
are trademarks of Altera Corporation. Altera Corporation
acknowledges the trademarks of other organizations for their respective
products or services mentioned in this document. 

   4

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA




FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY
                                                           Year Ended December 31
(In thousands,                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------
except per share amounts)             1996            1995            1994            1993            1992
                                    --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
                                                                                     
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
  DATA:
  Sales                             $497,306        $401,598        $198,796        $140,279        $101,470
  Cost of sales                      191,958         158,808          77,672          58,470          43,994
                                    --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
  Gross profit                       305,348         242,790         121,124          81,809          57,476
  Research and development            49,513          33,849          45,994          16,847          15,826
  Selling, general, and
    administrative                    87,742          74,658          45,771          35,202          25,147
                                    --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
  Income from operations            $168,093        $134,283        $ 29,359        $ 29,760        $ 16,503
                                    ========        ========        ========        ========        ========
  Income before income taxes        $169,137        $137,891        $ 31,496        $ 31,392        $ 18,024
                                    ========        ========        ========        ========        ========
  Net income                        $109,135        $ 86,871        $ 14,608        $ 21,195        $ 11,539
                                    ========        ========        ========        ========        ========
  Primary net income per share      $   1.19        $   0.95        $   0.17        $   0.25        $   0.14

  Fully diluted net income per      $   1.15        $   0.95        $   0.17        $   0.25        $   0.14
    share

Shares used in computing
      net income per share:
        Primary                       91,824          91,154          86,492          83,984          82,572
        Fully diluted                101,437          96,088          86,492          83,984          82,572




                                                                    December 31
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     (In thousands,
     except per share amounts)            1996            1995            1994            1993          1992
                                        --------        --------        --------        --------      --------
                                                                                       
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Working capital                       $295,020        $346,242        $121,479        $ 94,895      $ 66,508
  Total assets                           778,212         715,554         213,882         155,757       114,693
  Long-term debt                         230,000         288,600              --              --            --
  Shareholders' equity                   370,245         255,189         158,019         121,699        95,606
  Book value per share                      4.23            2.93            1.84            1.49          1.19


QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)



                                                          Year Ended December 31, 1996
                                          --------------------------------------------------------
     (In thousands,                          First          Second           Third          Fourth
     except per share amounts)             Quarter         Quarter         Quarter         Quarter
1996 DATA:                                --------        --------        --------        --------
                                                                              
  Sales                                   $137,098        $116,295        $116,728        $127,185
  Gross profit                              84,044          71,446          71,634          78,224
  Net income                                31,440          24,265          24,118          29,312
                                                           
  Primary net income per share                0.34            0.27            0.26            0.32
  Fully diluted net income per share          0.33            0.26            0.26            0.31





1995 DATA:
                                                                            
  Sales                                    $75,038        $92,165        $109,079        $125,316
  Gross profit                              44,987         54,676          66,262          76,865
  Net income                                15,097         19,632          23,729          28,413
  Net income per share                        0.17           0.21            0.26            0.31

                                                                              11
   5

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITIONS & RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


     SALES. 1996 sales were $497.3 million, a 24% increase from 1995 sales of
     $401.6 million, and a 150% increase from 1994 sales of $198.8 million. The
     increase in sales from 1995 reflects increased unit volumes of the
     Company's MAX 7000 component family, and to a lesser extent the MAX 9000
     product family. Sales of the mature Classic, MAX 5000 and FLASHlogic
     product lines were down from 1995, although unit volumes increased. The
     increase in sales from 1994 to 1995 was driven by increased unit volumes of
     the Company's MAX 7000 component family, and to a lesser extent by the FLEX
     8000, Classic and FLASHlogic product lines. Percentage sales growth in 1996
     and 1995 was generally consistent across all geographic regions.

     Sales of development systems and software used by customers to design and
     program Altera components were approximately 6% of sales in 1996, compared
     to 6% and 9% of sales in 1995 and 1994, respectively. Licensed
     installations grew approximately 26% during the year and now cumulatively
     total approximately 29,000.

     Sales of the MAX 7000 family increased 46% from 1995 and comprised
     approximately 49% of total Company sales for the year. The MAX 7000 family
     offers users some of the fastest mid-density parts available in the
     marketplace today. All members of the family are electrically erasable.
     Average selling prices for the family did not change significantly
     throughout the year.

     Sales of the FLEX 8000 family accounts for 16% of Company sales. This
     family includes some of the largest programmable logic devices offered by
     any vendor. All members of the family may be reprogrammed without being
     removed from the end-user's system (in-circuit reconfigurability). During
     1996, average selling prices for the family declined approximately 20%.

     In the second quarter of 1995, the Company began shipping the MAX 9000
     product family. This family has a feature-rich, high-density architecture.
     All members of the family can be programmed after being soldered onto the
     circuit board for manufacturing ease. Also in 1995, the Company introduced
     the FLEX 10K family. This family offers logic capacities that were once
     associated exclusively with gate arrays, combined with the time-to-market
     advantages of programmable logic devices. Various combinations of memory
     configurations and complex logic functions can be implemented in FLEX 10K
     devices. Unit sales of these products continued to increase throughout 
     1996. The 1996 revenue growth rate of the FLEX 10K was the highest for 
     any product family every introduced by the

12
   6
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITIONS & RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     Company. For the year ended December 31, 1996, combined sales of the MAX 
     9000 and the FLEX 10K families amounted to 6% of total sales.

     Altera's major markets are in communications, computing, and industrial
     applications. Altera's 1996 international sales were 47% of total sales,
     compared to 47% in 1995 and 48% in 1994.

     Major items in the statements of operations, expressed as a percentage of
     sales, were as follows:



                                                  Year Ended December 31
                                                --------------------------
                                                1996       1995       1994
                                                ----       ----       ----
                                                              
     Cost of sales                               39%        40%        39%
     Gross margin                                61%        60%        61%
     Research and development                    10%         8%        23%
     Selling, general, and administrative        17%        19%        23%
     Operating income                            34%        33%        15%
     Interest expense                             3%         2%         -%
     Interest and other income, net               3%         3%         1%
     Provision for income taxes                  12%        13%         9%
     Net income                                  22%        22%         7%
                                                 ---        ---        ---


     GROSS MARGIN. As a percentage of sales, gross margin increased from 60.5%
     in 1995 to 61.4% in 1996; in 1995, gross margin declined slightly from
     60.9% in 1994 to 60.5%. The margin percentage increased in 1996 compared to
     1995, due to lower manufacturing costs resulting from improved yields,
     process advancements, and lower wafer costs, despite reductions in selling
     prices. The decline in 1995 compared to 1994 was mainly due to lower prices
     to end customers and higher costs for purchased silicon wafers driven by
     the appreciation of the yen versus the dollar. The increased silicon costs
     in 1995 were partially offset by a reduction in other manufacturing costs
     as a result of scale efficiencies on higher production volumes and
     improvements in production yields.

     RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT. In the last two years, the Company has introduced
     the MAX 9000, FLEX 10K and MAX 7000S families of products, two major new
     software releases, and several new package technologies. Additionally, the
     Company has redesigned a number of its products to accommodate their
     manufacture using new wafer fabrication processes, including a new
     eight-inch wafer process using triple-layer metal technology.

                                       13
   7
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITIONS & RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



     The increase in research and development expenditures as a percentage of
     sales from 8% in 1995 to 10% in 1996 is primarily associated with the
     transition of several of the Company's newer products to more advanced
     process geometries, as well as prototype and pre-production expenditures
     related to the MAX 7000S, MAX 9000 and FLEX 10K product families.

     The research and development expenditures for 1994 included a $23.7 million
     non-recurring charge related to "research and development in-process" in
     conjunction with the purchase of the Intel programmable logic business.
     Excluding this charge, research and development expenditures increased by
     52% from 1994 to 1995. The increase was driven by larger expenditures for
     the design of new products, including more design engineering labor,
     prototype wafers, and masks. Also contributing to the increase in 1995 were
     the higher labor expenses for the development of software to support new
     products and design environments, and pre-production costs related to the
     introductions of the MAX 9000 and FLEX 10K families.

     SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE. Selling, general, and administrative
     expenses for 1996 increased 18% from 1995 but slightly decreased as a
     percentage of sales. From 1994 to 1995, selling, general, and
     administrative expenses increased 63%, but decreased as a percentage of
     sales from 23% to 19%.

     Selling, general, and administrative expenses include commission and
     incentive expenses, advertising and promotional expenditures, legal, and
     salary expenses related to field sales, marketing, and administrative
     personnel. The increases over the last three years are mainly driven by
     higher marketing and field sales headcount, new offices both domestically
     and internationally, increases in advertising and promotional expenditures,
     and higher commissions due to increased sales. As a percentage of sales, 
     selling, general, and administrative expenses were lower in 1995 than 1994
     due to the growth in sales outpacing the increase in expenses in 1995.

     Altera has approximately twenty field sales offices and markets its
     products through distributors, representatives, and its own direct sales
     force. Approximately 85% of the Company's worldwide sales are made through
     distributors. The Company will continue to increase sales resources in
     markets and regions where it anticipates such actions will increase sales
     or improve customer service.

     OPERATING INCOME. Operating income in 1996 was $168.1 million, compared to
     $134.3 million in 1995. The 25% increase in operating income from 1995 to
     1996 is commensurate with the increase in sales. The 1994 operating income
     of $29.4 million includes a $23.7 million charge for research and
     development in-process. Excluding this charge, operating income for 1994
     was $53.1 million or 27% of


14
   8
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITIONS & RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



     sales compared to 33% of sales in 1995. On this basis, the operating income
     as a percentage of sales increased from 1994 to 1995, as strong sales
     growth outpaced increases in operating expenses.

     INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense increased from $7.4 million in 1995 to
     $12.3 million in 1996. The expense relates to the convertible notes issued
     in June 1995 and includes interest expense and amortization of $7.4 
     million of debt issuance costs, partially offset in 1996 by capitalized
     interest of approximately $1.7 million related to the construction of the
     new headquarters.

     INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME, NET. Interest and other income increased from
     $11.0 million in 1995 to $13.3 million in 1996 as a result of increased
     cash balances available for investment throughout the year. In 1995,
     increased cash balances, as a result of the issuance of the convertible
     notes in 1995, combined with higher interest rates, increased interest
     income to $11.0 million, compared to $2.9 million in 1994.

     TAXES. Altera's tax rate was 35% in 1996, compared to 37% in 1995 and 54%
     in 1994. The decrease of the rate in 1996 is primarily due to an increased
     amount of earned interest income from tax exempt investments and research
     and development credits. The higher rate in 1994 resulted from the tax
     treatment of the research and development in-process charge. Excluding the
     effect of the research and development in-process charge, the effective
     rate was 37% in 1994, which is consistent with the 1995 rate.

     FUTURE RESULTS. Future operating results will depend on the Company's
     ability to develop, manufacture, and sell complicated semiconductor
     components and complex software that offer customers greater value than
     solutions offered by competing vendors. The Company's efforts in this
     regard may not be successful. Also, a number of factors outside of the
     Company's control, including general economic conditions and cycles in
     world markets, exchange rate fluctuations, or a lack of growth in the
     Company's end markets could adversely impact future results. The Company is
     highly dependent upon subcontractors to manufacture silicon wafers and
     perform assembly and testing services. Disruptions or adverse supply
     conditions arising from market conditions, political strife, labor
     disruptions, natural or man-made disasters, normal process fluctuations,
     variances in manufacturing yields, and other factors could have adverse
     consequences on the Company's future results. Additionally, litigation
     relating to competitive patents and intellectual property, competitive
     breakthroughs, and aggressive competitive pricing could also adversely
     affect future operating results.

                                                                              15
   9
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITIONS & RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



     For instance, in 1994, the Company found it necessary to significantly
     reduce the prices for its FLEX 8000 family of products in order to
     stimulate customer interest and design activity. At various times in 1996,
     the Company reduced the book prices on the MAX 7000, FLEX 8000, MAX 9000
     and FLEX 10K product families in order to attract customers and expand
     market share. The Company expects price competition and other competitive
     pressures to continue. Because of the foregoing and other factors that
     might affect the Company's operating results, past financial performance
     should not be considered an indicator of future performance, and investors
     should not use historical trends to anticipate future results. In addition,
     the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry and other factors have
     resulted in a highly volatile price of the Company's common stock.


     LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     OPERATING ACTIVITIES. During 1996, the Company generated $98.2 million in
     net cash from operating activities which was primarily attributable to net
     income of $109.1 million adjusted by non-cash items including depreciation
     and amortization of $20.9 million and an increase in accrued liabilities
     of $17.0 million.  Offsetting these were increases in deferred taxes of
     $8.1 million, accounts receivable of $14.0 million, and inventories of
     $20.4 million and a decrease in accounts payable of $8.2 million.  These
     increases in the use of cash were primarily the result of an increase in
     sales volume from 1995 to 1996.

     INVESTING ACTIVITIES. Net cash used in investing activities for 1996 was
     $55.7 million. The Company's principal investing activities have been
     investments in a joint-venture called WaferTech, LLC (WaferTech) of $84.2
     million, the construction of a multiple-building corporate headquarters of
     $27.0 million and routine capital expenditures of $18.2 million. These
     investing activities were partially funded by the sale of $75.7 million of
     short-term investments.

     Capital expenditures for 1996 amounted to $45.2 million, of which $27.0
     million related to the construction of a multiple-building corporate
     headquarters. During 1996, the Company started the construction of 500,000
     square feet of office and light manufacturing space on a new site which was
     purchased in 1995. The construction is expected to be completed in 1997.
     The remaining capital expenditures in 1996 consisted of additional test and
     automated handling capacity to accommodate increased sales and more
     rigorous test requirements of the Company's newer products. Altera's

16
   10
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITIONS & RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



     capital expenditures in the past three years, excluding the land purchase
     in 1995 and the headquarters construction in 1996, have been primarily for
     semiconductor design and test equipment, as well as data processing
     software and equipment.

     In June 1996, Altera, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation
     (TSMC), and several other partners formed WaferTech, a joint-venture
     company, to build and operate a wafer manufacturing plant in Camas,
     Washington. In return for a $140.4 million cash investment, Altera will
     receive 18% equity ownership in the joint-venture company and certain
     rights to procure output from the fab at market price. The investment is to
     be made in three installments of which the first two were made in 1996. The
     remaining installment amounts to $56.2 million and is due in November 1997.
     In addition, the Company has an obligation to guarantee a pro rata share of
     debt incurred by WaferTech, up to a maximum of $45 million.

     FINANCING ACTIVITIES. In 1996, the Company used $51.2 million of cash for
     financing activities, consisting primarily of payments on the notes payable
     to secure wafer capacity of $57.1 million and the repurchase of 300,000
     shares of common stock of $4.3 million. Cash used by financing activities
     in 1996 was partially offset with the proceeds from common stock issued
     under the Company's Stock Option and Employee Stock Purchase Plans. In
     1995, the Company also generated funds from the issuance of $230.0 million
     of convertible subordinated notes. The convertible subordinated notes are
     due in June of 2002 and bear an interest rate of 5.75%, payable
     semiannually. The notes are convertible at the option of the holder into
     shares of the Company's common stock at a price of $25.59 per share.
     Discounts, commissions, and expenses, which are amortized over the
     seven-year life of the notes, reduced the proceeds to $224.8 million. The
     notes are callable by the Company no sooner than June of 1998.

     At December 31, 1996, Altera had $280.9 million of cash, cash equivalents,
     and short-term investments available to finance future growth, $56.2
     million of short-term obligations and $230.0 million of long-term debt.    
     Management believes that operational capital expenditures in 1997 will 
     increase from 1996 commensurate with sales growth. In addition, the 
     Company expects $50 to $55 million of costs in 1997 related to the 
     construction of its corporate headquarters. Altera believes the 
     available sources of funds and the cash expected to be generated from 
     operations will be adequate to finance current operations, the remaining
     obligation to WaferTech, and capital expenditures through at least 1997.

                                                                              17
   11
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITIONS & RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


     EMPLOYEES

     Over the course of 1996, the number of regular employees increased 4% to
     918 at year end. Sales per employee were $553,000 in 1996 compared to
     $519,000 in 1995, and $335,000 in 1994.



     IMPACT OF CURRENCY & INFLATION

     The Company purchases the majority of its materials and services in U.S.
     dollars, and its foreign sales are also billed in U.S. dollars. However,
     certain contracts for silicon wafer purchases are denominated in Japanese
     yen, and the volume of such contracts increased significantly in 1994, 1995
     and 1996. The appreciation of the U.S. dollar with respect to the yen had a
     positive impact on the Company's margin during 1996. The increase of
     yen-denominated purchases in 1995 and the declining value of the dollar
     with respect to the yen had an adverse impact on the Company's margins
     during the first six months of 1995. The Company was able to mitigate much
     of that impact with improved yields and efficiencies. In addition, in the
     third quarter of 1995, the Company purchased yen forward contracts in an
     amount approximately equal to its expected yen requirements for that
     quarter. As of December 31, 1995 and throughout 1996, the Company had no
     open foreign exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of foreign
     currencies. If market conditions change, however, Altera may choose to bill
     foreign customers in local currencies. In addition, the impact of other
     foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations may be material in the future,
     as a result of increased foreign currency fluctuations or increased
     material purchases in yen. The effects of inflation upon Altera's financial
     results have not been significant to date.

18
   12
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



 ASSETS                                                                  December 31
                                                                 ------------------------
     (In thousands)                                                 1996            1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           
     Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents                                   $ 70,788        $ 79,409
     Short-term investments                                       210,062         285,810
                                                                 --------        --------
      Total cash, cash equivalents, and
      short-term investments                                      280,850         365,219
     Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
      accounts of $2,399 and $1,005                                68,486          54,518
     Inventories                                                   75,798          55,421
     Deferred income taxes                                         45,402          37,339
     Other current assets                                           2,451           5,510
                                                                 --------        --------
      Total current assets                                        472,987         518,007
     Property and equipment, net                                   89,804          54,846
     Investments                                                  206,671         131,331
     Other  assets                                                  8,750          11,370
                                                                 --------        --------
                                                                 $778,212        $715,554
                                                                 ========        ========


LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY


                                                                         
                                                                
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          
     Current liabilities:
     Accounts payable                                            $ 13,279       $  17,049
     Accrued liabilities                                           89,209          72,209
     Notes payable and short-term obligations                      56,160          61,920
     Accrued compensation                                          14,136          16,347
     Income taxes payable                                           5,183           4,240
                                                                 --------        --------
      Total current liabilities                                   177,967         171,765

     Notes payable                                                     --          58,600
     Convertible notes                                            230,000         230,000
                                                                 --------        --------
          Total liabilities                                       407,967         460,365
                                                                 --------        --------
     Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5, 6, 7, 8)
     Shareholders' equity:
     Common stock; no par value; 160,000 shares
      authorized;  87,604 and 87,117 shares
          issued and outstanding                                   90,644          83,445
     Retained earnings                                            279,601         171,744
                                                                 --------        --------
     Total shareholders' equity                                   370,245         255,189
                                                                 --------        --------

                                                                 $778,212        $715,554
                                                                 ========        ========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
   13
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS &
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY OPERATIONS




OPERATIONS                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                         -------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)                   1996              1995             1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   
  Sales                                                  $497,306          $401,598         $198,796
  Cost of sales                                           191,958           158,808           77,672
                                                         --------          --------         --------
  Gross profit                                            305,348           242,790          121,124
  Research and development                                 49,513            33,849           22,249
  Research and development in process                          --                --           23,745
  Selling, general, and administrative                     87,742            74,658           45,771
                                                         --------          --------         --------
  Income from operations                                  168,093           134,283           29,359
  Interest expense                                        (12,284)           (7,401)              --
  Interest and other income, net                           13,328            11,009            2,137
                                                         --------          --------         --------
  Income before income taxes                              169,137           137,891           31,496
  Provision for income taxes                               60,002            51,020           16,888
                                                         --------          --------         --------
  Net income                                            $ 109,135         $  86,871         $ 14,608
                                                        =========         =========         ========
  Primary net income per share                          $    1.19         $    0.95         $   0.17
  Fully diluted net income per share                    $    1.15         $    0.95         $   0.17
                                                              
- -------
Shares used in computing net income per share:
    Primary                                                91,824            91,154           86,492
    Fully diluted                                         101,437            96,088           86,492




SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY



                                           Common          Retained
(In thousands)                              Stock          Earnings
- -------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                    
  Balance, December 31, 1993            $  51,434         $  70,265
  Tax benefit resulting from stock
     option transactions                    2,265
  Issuance of 4,319 shares                 19,447
  Net income                                                 14,608
                                        ---------         ---------
  Balance, December 31, 1994               73,146            84,873
  Tax benefit resulting from stock
     option transactions                    5,269
  Issuance of 1,165 shares                  5,030
  Net income                                                 86,871
                                        ---------         ---------
  Balance, December 31, 1995               83,445           171,744
  Tax benefit resulting from stock
     option transactions                    4,492
  Issuance of 787 shares                    5,760
  Repurchase of  300 shares                (3,053)           (1,278)
  Net income                                                109,135
                                        ---------         ---------
  Balance, December 31, 1996            $  90,644         $ 279,601
                                        =========         =========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
   14
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



                                                                               Year Ended December 31
       (In thousands)                                                 1996              1995             1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

       Net income                                                  $ 109,135         $  86,871         $ 14,608
       Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
         cash provided by operating activities:
            Depreciation                                              14,604             9,269            7,001
            Amortization                                               6,280             2,897            2,527
            Research and development in process                           --                --           23,745
            Deferred taxes                                            (8,063)          (24,974)          (4,568)
            Changes in assets and liabilities:
               Accounts receivable, net                              (13,968)          (22,856)          (9,804)
               Inventories                                           (20,377)          (16,944)         (12,235)
               Other assets                                            3,059            (4,341)            (825)
               Accounts payable                                       (8,160)            5,736            6,001
               Accrued liabilities                                    17,000            37,553           10,799
               Accrued compensation                                   (2,211)            7,716            3,041
               Income taxes payable                                      943             2,894           (2,107)
                                                                   ---------         ---------         --------
       Cash provided by operating activities                          98,242            83,821           38,183
                                                                   ---------         ---------         --------


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

       Capital expenditures                                          (45,172)          (45,820)         (10,509)
       Acquisition of Intel programmable logic business                   --                --          (22,911)
       Other long-term investments                                   (86,240)             (500)            (600)
       Net change in short-term investments                           75,748          (234,855)          13,850
                                                                   ---------         ---------         --------
       Cash used for investing activities                            (55,664)         (281,175)         (20,170)
                                                                   ---------         ---------         --------


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

       Convertible notes                                                  --           224,825               --
       Payment of notes payable                                      (57,120)               --               --
       Tax benefit from employee stock dispositions                    4,492             5,269            2,265
       Net proceeds from issuance of common stock                      5,760             5,030            4,529
       Repurchase of common stock                                     (4,331)               --               --
                                                                   ---------         ---------         --------
       Cash provided by (used for) financing activities              (51,199)          235,124            6,794
                                                                   ---------         ---------         --------

       Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents           (8,621)           37,770           24,807
       Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                 79,409            41,639           16,832
                                                                   ---------         ---------         --------

       Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                    $  70,788         $  79,409         $ 41,639
                                                                   =========         =========         ========

       Cash paid during the year for:
         Income taxes                                              $  62,347         $  64,122         $ 21,106
         Interest                                                     13,225             6,392               --

       Supplemental disclosure of non-cash 
            activities:
         Cancellation of notes payable related to
              wafer capacity                                          63,400                --               --
         Remaining obligation related to 
             WaferTech                                                56,160                --               --




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
   15
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         NOTE 1: COMPANY & BUSINESS
         Altera Corporation (Altera or the Company) designs, develops,
         manufactures, and markets CMOS programmable logic integrated circuits
         and associated engineering development software and hardware. The
         Company's major markets are communications, computing, and industrial
         applications.

         The Company's export sales were $231.7, $187.4, and $95.5 million for
         1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. Sales to Europe were $103.8, $84.2,
         and $42.6 million and sales to Japan were $94.8, $78.9, and $37.6
         million in 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively. In 1996, the two largest
         distributors accounted for 29% and 15% of sales. In 1995, the two
         largest distributors accounted for 21% and 15% of sales, whereas in
         1994, they each accounted for 15% and 14% of sales, respectively.


         NOTE 2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
         BASIS OF PRESENTATION. Altera has a fiscal year that ends on the Friday
         nearest December 31st. For presentation purposes, the consolidated
         financial statements and notes refer to the calendar month end. The
         consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
         and its wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant
         intercompany balances and transactions. The preparation of financial
         statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
         requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
         reported amounts; actual results could differ from those estimates.

         CASH EQUIVALENTS & SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS. Cash equivalents consist of
         highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or
         less. Short-term investments are held as securities available for sale
         and are carried at their market value as of the balance sheet date
         which approximated cost. The amortized cost of debt securities are
         adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to
         maturity. Such amortization is included in investment income. Realized
         gains or losses are determined on the specific identification method
         and are reflected in income. Net unrealized gains or losses are
         recorded directly in shareholders' equity except that those unrealized
         losses that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in
         income.

         INVENTORIES. Inventories are recorded at the lower of standard cost,
         which approximates actual cost on a first-in-first-out basis, or
         market. The inventories at December 31, 1996 and 1995, were comprised
         of the following components:



                                                December 31
                                         ----------------------
(In thousands)                              1996           1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  
Purchased parts and raw materials        $ 1,773        $ 2,067
Work in process                           56,870         38,617
Finished goods                            17,155         14,737
                                         =======        =======
 Total inventories                       $75,798        $55,421
                                         =======        =======


12
   16
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



         DEPRECIATION & AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization are computed
         using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives of two to five
         years are used for equipment and office furniture. Amortization of
         leasehold improvements is computed using the shorter of the remaining
         facility lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvements.
         As of December 31, 1996, the costs of the building include $1.7 million
         of capitalized interest incurred during the construction and
         development period. Property and equipment at December 31, 1996 and
         1995, was comprised of the following components:




                                                         December 31
                                                 --------------------------
(In thousands)                                      1996             1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        
Land                                             $  19,925         $ 19,925
Building                                            32,955            1,605
Equipment                                           75,453           64,703
Office furniture and equipment                       9,508            4,908
Leasehold improvements                               3,493            3,512
                                                 ---------         --------
   Property and equipment, at cost                 141,334           94,653
Accumulated depreciation and amortization          (51,530)         (39,807)
                                                 =========         ========
   Property and equipment, net                   $  89,804         $ 54,846
                                                 =========         ========




         INTANGIBLES. The Company evaluates the recoverability of its intangible
         assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
         No. 121 (FAS 121), "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
         and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." FAS 121 requires
         recognition of impairment of long-lived assets in the event the net
         book value of such assets exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows
         attributable to such assets.

         REVENUE RECOGNITION. The Company recognizes revenue from product sales
         upon shipment. Product sales to distributors are made under agreements
         allowing a limited right-of-return and price adjustments under certain
         circumstances. Estimated returns and allowances are recorded at the
         time of shipment. Accrued liabilities include provisions for returns
         and allowances of $68.3 million and $54.5 million at December 31, 1996
         and 1995, respectively.

         FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. The Company purchases the majority of its
         materials and services in U.S. dollars and its foreign sales are also
         billed in U.S. dollars. However, certain contracts for silicon wafer
         purchases are denominated in Japanese yen. At times, the Company enters
         into foreign exchange option or forward contracts to hedge against
         currency fluctuations which affect these transactions. As of December
         31, 1996, the Company had no open foreign exchange contracts for the
         purchase or sale of foreign currencies, but may choose to enter into
         such contracts in the future should conditions appear favorable. No
         assurance can be given that any of these arrangements will protect the
         Company from the effects on its operation of currency fluctuations.

                                                                              23
   17
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



         INCOME PER SHARE. Primary income per share is computed using the
         weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares
         outstanding during the year. Dilutive common equivalent shares consist
         of the assumed net shares issuable upon the exercise of dilutive stock
         options using the treasury stock method. The convertible subordinated
         notes issued in June 1995 are not common stock equivalents and,
         therefore, have been excluded from the computation of primary earnings
         per share.

         Fully diluted net income per share assumes the conversion of the
         convertible subordinated notes into shares of common stock, the
         elimination of the related interest requirements, net of income taxes,
         and the dilutive effect of the stock options.

         STOCK SPLITS. All share data have been retroactively restated to
         reflect a 2-for-1 split of the Company's outstanding common stock which
         was reflected in the stock price as of January 7, 1997 and was
         effective as to the shareholders of record on December 18, 1996. The
         share data had also been adjusted in 1995 to reflect a 2-for-1 stock
         split which was reflected in the stock price as of June 1, 1995 and was
         effective as to the shareholders of record on May 10, 1995.

         STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS. The Company accounts for stock-based
         compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting
         Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
         Employees," and related Interpretations. Under APB No. 25, compensation
         cost is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of
         the Company's stock at the date of grant over the exercise price of the
         option granted. Compensation cost for stock options, if any, is
         recognized ratably over the vesting period. The Company's policy is to
         grant options with an exercise price equal to the quoted market price
         of the Company's stock on the grant date. Accordingly, no compensation
         has been recognized for its stock option plans. The Company provides
         additional pro forma disclosures as required under Statement of
         Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
         Compensation". See Note 9.

         FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. For certain of the Company's
         financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term
         investments, accounts receivable, notes payable and accounts payable,
         the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short
         maturities. The estimated fair value for the convertible notes (with a
         carrying amount of $230 million at December 31, 1996) is approximately
         $354 million. The fair value for the convertible notes is primarily
         based on quoted market prices.

         CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK. Financial instruments that potentially
         subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist
         principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and
         accounts receivable. The Company places its short-term investments in a
         variety of financial instruments and, by policy, limits the amount of
         credit exposure through diversification and highly rated securities.
         The Company sells its products to distributors and original equipment
         manufacturers throughout the world. The Company performs ongoing credit
         evaluations of its customers' financial condition and, generally,
         requires collateral, such as letters of credit, whenever deemed
         necessary.
24
   18
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         DEPENDENCE ON WAFER SUPPLIERS. The Company does not directly
         manufacture finished silicon wafers. The Company's strategy has been to
         maintain relationships with semiconductor manufacturers for the
         production of its wafers. The Company has been successful in
         maintaining such relationships (Notes 5 and 6). However, there can be
         no assurance that the Company will be able to satisfy its future wafer
         needs from current or alternative manufacturing sources. This could
         result in possible loss of sales or reduced margins.


         NOTE 3: MARKETABLE SECURITIES

         At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the carrying value of the Company's
         portfolio of marketable securities approximated fair value. The
         portfolio consists of the following:



                                                                    December 31
                                                               -----------------------
       (In thousands)                                            1996           1995
       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       
       Money market funds                                      $ 19,951      $  48,800
       Municipal bonds                                          218,295        104,600
       U.S. Government and agency obligations                    13,112        175,000
       Corporate bonds                                            9,190         11,400
       Other debt securities                                      8,432         20,100
                                                               ========      =========
                                                               $268,980      $ 359,900
                                                               ========      =========




         At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the net unrealized holding gains and
         losses on securities were immaterial. The marketable securities at
         December 31, 1996, and 1995 by contractual maturity are shown below.



                                                    December 31
                                            -------------------------
 (In thousands)                                 1996            1995
 --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      
Due in one year or less                     $ 96,056        $164,000
Due after one year through two years         172,924         195,900
                                            ========        ========
                                            $268,980        $359,900
                                            ========        ========




         NOTE 4: ACQUISITION

         On October 1, 1994, Altera purchased Intel Corporation's Programmable
         Logic Device (PLD) product line, including certain directly associated
         capital equipment, a credit toward the purchase of inventory, and
         certain intellectual property. The PLD product line was purchased for a
         price of $37.8 million, consisting of $22.9 million in cash and
         2,805,400 shares of the Company's common stock (valued at $14.9
         million). The transaction was accounted for as a purchase. The excess
         of the purchase price over the fair market value of the net tangible
         assets acquired was allocated to research and development in process
         ($23.7 million), and to acquired technology ($7.0 million) that is
         being amortized over four years on a straight-line basis. At December
         31, 1996 and 1995, the accumulated amortization related to the acquired
         technology amounted to $3.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively.



                                                                              25
   19
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


         Had the acquisition of the PLD product line occurred as of the
         beginning of 1994, unaudited sales, net income, and net income per
         share presented on a pro forma basis for the year ended December 31,
         1994, would have been $224.5 million, $29.7 million, and $0.34,
         respectively.

         NOTE 5: INVESTMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS

         At December 31, 1996, Altera's long-term investments primarily relate
         to an investment in WaferTech, LLC (WaferTech) of $140.4 million,
         deposits with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC) for
         future wafer allocations of $57.1 million (Note 6) and the Company's
         investment in Cypress Semiconductor (Texas) Inc. (CSTI), a subsidiary
         of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation of $9.1 million.

         In June 1996, Altera, TSMC, and several other partners formed
         WaferTech, a joint-venture company, to build and operate a wafer
         manufacturing plant in Camas, Washington. In return for a $140.4
         million cash investment, Altera received an 18% equity ownership in the
         joint-venture company and certain rights to procure output from the fab
         at market price. The investment is to be made in three installments of
         which the first two were made in June and November of 1996 in equal
         amounts of $42.1 million. The remaining installment amounts to $56.2
         million and is due in November 1997. In addition, the Company has an
         obligation to guarantee a pro rata share of debt incurred by WaferTech,
         up to a maximum of $45.0 million. The Company accounts for this
         investment under the equity method based on the Company's ability to
         exercise significant influence on the operating and financial policies
         of WaferTech. The Company's share of WaferTech's net income for 1996
         was immaterial.  Altera owns a 17% equity interest in CSTI and has
         the right to purchase a percentage of the wafers produced by CSTI
         approximately equal to the Company's percentage ownership of CSTI.
         The Company accounts for this investment under the cost method.



         NOTE 6: NOTES PAYABLE

         In 1995, the Company entered into several agreements with TSMC, whereby
         it agreed to make certain deposits to TSMC for future wafer capacity
         allocations extending into 2001. The Company made cash deposits
         amounting to $2.4 million in 1995 and issued promissory notes for
         $120.5 million representing partial prepayments for wafers to be
         supplied under these agreements. During the second quarter of 1996, the
         Company and TSMC renegotiated these agreements, resulting in the
         cancellation of all notes payable and a refund of certain prepayments,
         except for a $57.1 million prepayment made in January 1996 for wafer
         capacity from 1997 through 2000.

         Under the terms of the agreement related to the $57.1 million
         prepayment, TSMC agrees to provide the Company with wafers manufactured
         with TSMC processes and according to the Company's specifications, and
         the Company agrees to purchase and TSMC agrees to supply, a specific
         capacity of wafers per year through 2000. Subsequent billings for
         actual wafers used from TSMC will reduce the prepaid balance. The
         prepayments are generally

26
   20
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


         nonrefundable if the Company does not purchase the full prepaid
         capacity unless the Company identifies a third-party purchaser,
         acceptable to TSMC, for the capacity.

         NOTE 7: COMMITMENTS

         The Company leases its headquarters facilities under non-cancelable
         lease agreements. The major facility lease expires in July 1997. The
         lease requires the Company to pay property taxes, insurance,
         maintenance, and repair costs. Future minimum lease payments under all
         non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 1996, are $1.3
         million in 1997, and none thereafter. Rental expense under all
         operating leases amounted to $4.0 million, $3.2 million, and $2.6
         million in 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.

         The Company has a standby letter of credit facility in the amount of
         1.5 billion yen (approximately $13 million) which has been fully
         utilized. The terms of this facility require immediate funding of any
         draws against any letters of credit issued under the facility. The
         facility requires the Company to comply with certain covenants
         regarding net worth and financial ratios.

         NOTE 8: CONVERTIBLE NOTES

         In June 1995, the Company issued $230 million of convertible
         subordinated notes due in June of 2002 and bearing an interest rate of
         5.75%, payable semiannually. The notes are convertible into shares of
         the Company's common stock at a price of $25.59 per share. Discounts,
         commissions, and expenses, which are being amortized over the
         seven-year life of the notes, reduced the net proceeds to $224.8
         million. Accumulated amortization at December 31, 1996 and 1995
         amounted to approximately $1.2 million and $0.4 million respectively.
         The notes are callable by the Company no sooner than June of 1998.

         NOTE 9: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

         At December 31, 1996, the Company had four stock-based compensation
         plans, which are described below. The Company applies APB Opinion 25
         and related Interpretations in accounting for its plans. Accordingly,
         no compensation cost has been recognized for its three fixed stock
         option plans and its stock purchase plan.

         STOCK OPTION PLANS. There are 16.2 million shares of common stock
         reserved for issuance under the 1987 Stock Option Plan, 4.0 million
         shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the 1996 Stock
         Option Plan and 940,000 shares of common stock are reserved for
         issuance under the Company's 1988 Director Stock Option Plan. The
         Director Stock Option Plan provides for the periodic issuance of stock
         options to members of the Company's Board of Directors who are not also
         employees of the Company. Under all Stock Option Plans, the exercise
         price of each option equals the market price of the Company's common
         stock on the date of grant and an option's maximum term is 10 years.
         Options generally vest over five years at annual increments as
         determined by the Board of Directors.
   21
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         The number of shares for which options were exercisable was
         approximately 2,960,000, 2,050,000, and 1,864,000 at December 31, 1996,
         1995, and 1994, respectively. A summary of the Company's stock option
         activity and related weighted average exercise prices within each
         category for each of the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
         relating to the Company's stock option plans are as follows:



                                                     1996                         1995                         1994
                                            ---------------------         ---------------------        ---------------------
(Share amounts in thousands)                Shares         Price          Shares         Price         Shares         Price
                                            ------         ------         ------         ------        ------        -------
                                                                                                   
Options outstanding at January 1,           10,059         $ 3.02          9,128         $ 2.57         8,412         $ 2.24

Stock options:
  Granted                                    3,433          26.25          2,346          22.60         2,561           7.40
  Exercised                                   (620)         28.54           (839)          2.91        (1,208)          2.27
  Forfeited                                   (372)         13.40           (576)          6.54          (637)          4.45
                                            ======         ======         ======         ======         =====         ======
Options outstanding at December 31,         12,500         $ 5.07         10,059         $ 3.02         9,128         $ 2.57
                                            ======         ======         ======         ======         =====         ======





         The fair value of each option grant, as defined by FAS 123, is
         estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
         model. The Black-Scholes model, as well as other currently accepted
         option valuation models, was developed to estimate the fair value of
         freely tradable, fully transferable options without vesting
         restrictions, which significantly differ from the Company's stock
         option awards. These models also require highly subjective assumptions,
         including future stock price volatility and expected time until
         exercise, which greatly affect the calculated fair value grant date. To
         compute the estimated grant date fair value of the Company's stock
         option grants in 1996 and 1995, respectively, the Black-Scholes model
         was used with the following weighted-average assumptions: expected
         volatility of 36.4% and 34.6%, risk-free interest rates of 5.9% and
         6.6%, expected lives from vesting date of 0.41 and 0.45 years, and
         dividend yields of 0%.

         The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options
         outstanding at December 31, 1996:



                                              Options Outstanding                              Options Exercisable
                            -------------------------------------------------------    -------------------------------
                                Number         Weighted-Average         Weighted-         Number
         Range of            Outstanding           Remaining             Average       Exercisable    Weighted-Average
         Exercise Prices     at 12/31/96       Contractual Life      Exercise Price    at 12/31/96     Exercise Price
         ---------------    ------------       ----------------      --------------    -----------    ----------------
                           (in thousands)                                             (in thousands)
                                                                                       
         $1.81-$6.12            4,740               5.45 years           $ 3.35           2,406             $ 2.75
         $6.13-$9.25            2,015               7.45                 $ 7.17             253             $ 7.27 
         $9.26-20.88            1,745               9.07                 $17.37             100             $12.91 
         $20.89-$31.38          2,798               8.85                 $24.30             192             $25.79
         $31.39-$38.69          1,202               9.87                 $34.92               9             $33.55




         EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN Under the 1987 Employee Stock Purchase
         Plan, the Company is authorized to issue up to 2.8 million shares of
         common stock to its full-time employees, nearly all of whom are
         eligible to

28
   22
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



         participate. Under the terms of the Plan, employees can choose each
         year to have up to 10 percent of their annual base earnings withheld to
         purchase the Company's common stock. The purchase price of the stock is
         85 percent of the lower of the closing price at the beginning or at the
         end of each six-month offering period. Approximately 75 to 80 percent
         of eligible employees have participated in the Plan in the last two
         years.

         Sales under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in 1996, 1995 and 1994
         were 167,626, 326,646, and 306,356 shares of common stock at an average
         price of $21.49, $7.91 and $5.82 per share, respectively. At December
         31, 1996, there were 351,332 shares available for future purchases
         under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

         Compensation cost (included in pro forma net income and net income per
         share amounts) is recognized for the fair value of the employees'
         purchase rights, which was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with
         the following assumptions for 1996 and 1995, respectively: an expected
         life of six months for both years; expected volatility of 38.4% and
         30.7%; risk-free interest rates of 5.1% and 6.0%; and dividend yields
         of 0%. The weighted-average fair value of those purchase rights granted
         in 1996 and 1995, as defined by FAS 123, was $5.55, and $4.35,
         respectively.

         The Company received a $4.5 million, $5.3 million, and $2.3 million tax
         benefit in 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively, on the exercise of
         non-qualified stock options and on the disposition of stock acquired
         with an incentive stock option or through the Employee Stock Purchase
         Plan.

         PRO FORMA NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER SHARE. Had the Company recorded
         compensation costs based on the estimated grant date fair value, as
         defined by FAS 123, for awards granted under its Stock Option Plans
         and Stock Purchase Plan, the Company's net income and income per share
         would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts below for the years
         ended December 31, 1996 and 1995:



                                             1996                1995
                                            -------            -------
                                                         
Pro forma net income (in thousands)         $99,885            $83,815

Pro forma net income per share:

   Primary                                  $  1.10            $  0.92

   Fully diluted                            $  1.07            $  0.92


         The pro forma amounts reflect compensation expense related to 1996 and
         1995 stock option grants only. In future years, the annual compensation
         expense will increase relative to the fair value of stock options
         granted in those future years.

         NOTE 10: COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE

         On July 15, 1996, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of
         up to 4 million shares of the Company's common stock. During July 1996,
         the Company repurchased 300,000 shares of common stock for a total
         price of $4.3 million. The repurchased shares were retired upon
         acquisition.
   23
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


         NOTE 11: LITIGATION

         In June 1993, Xilinx, Inc. (Xilinx) brought suit against the Company
         seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief based on the Company's
         alleged infringement of certain patents held by Xilinx. In June 1993,
         the Company brought suit against Xilinx, seeking monetary damages and
         injunctive relief based on Xilinx's alleged infringement of certain
         patents held by the Company. In April 1995, the Company filed a
         separate lawsuit against Xilinx in Delaware, Xilinx's state of
         incorporation, seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief based on
         Xilinx's alleged infringement of one of the Company's patents. In May
         1995, Xilinx counterclaimed against the Company in Delaware, asserting
         defenses and seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief based on
         the Company's alleged infringement of certain patents held by Xilinx.
         The Delaware case was transferred to California in March 1996 on
         Xilinx's motion. The parties participated in court-ordered mediation in
         1996 which to date has failed to result in settlement. Due to the
         nature of the litigation with Xilinx and because the lawsuits are 
         still in the pre-trial stage, the Company's management
         cannot estimate the total expense, the possible loss, if any, or the
         range of loss that may ultimately be incurred in connection with the
         allegations. Management cannot ensure that Xilinx will not succeed in
         obtaining significant monetary damages or an injunction against the
         manufacture and sale of the Company's MAX 5000, MAX 7000, FLEX 8000, or
         MAX 9000 families of products, or succeed in invalidating any of the
         Company's patents. Although no assurances can be given as to the
         results of these cases, based on the present status, management does
         not believe that any of such results will have a material adverse
         effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

         In August 1994, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) brought suit against the
         Company seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief based on the
         Company's alleged infringement of certain patents held by AMD. In
         September 1994, Altera answered the complaint asserting that it is
         licensed to use the patents which AMD claims are infringed and filed a
         counterclaim against AMD alleging infringement of certain patents held
         by the Company. The case was bifurcated to provide that a separate
         trial on the issue of the scope of the existing cross-license agreement
         between the parties will precede the trial on the infringement claims.
         In June 1996, a trial held to resolve Altera's claim that it is
         licensed to some or all of the AMD patents at issue in the case
         resulted in a jury verdict in Altera's favor. Due to the nature of the
         litigation with AMD and because the lawsuits have not been concluded,
         the Company's management cannot estimate the total expense, the
         possible loss, if any, or the range of loss that may ultimately be
         incurred in connection with the allegations. Management cannot ensure
         that AMD will not succeed in obtaining significant monetary damages or
         an injunction against the manufacture and sale of the Company's
         Classic, MAX 5000, MAX 7000, FLEX 8000, MAX 9000, FLEX 10K, and
         FLASHlogic product families, or succeed in invalidating any of the
         Company's patents. Although no assurances can be given as to the
         results of these cases, based on the present status, management does
         not believe that any of such results will have a material adverse
         effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

30
   24
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 12: INCOME TAXES

       The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:



                                                   Year Ended December 31
                                          ------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                              1996             1995             1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   
Current tax expense:
United States                             $ 57,680         $ 64,931         $ 17,687
State                                        9,799           10,663            3,568
Foreign                                        586              400              200
                                          --------         --------         --------
  Total current tax expense                 68,065           75,994           21,455
Deferred taxes                              (8,063)         (24,974)          (4,567)
                                          ========         ========         ========
  Total provision for income taxes        $ 60,002         $ 51,020         $ 16,888
                                          ========         ========         ========


         The 1994 tax provision includes taxes related to the acquisition of
         Intel's programmable logic business.

         Deferred tax assets (liabilities) were as follows:



                                                       December 31
                                              -------------------------
(In thousands)                                   1996            1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         
Assets:
Accrued expenses and reserves                 $ 38,404         $ 30,846
Acquisition costs                                7,282            7,291
State taxes                                      3,675            3,325
Other                                            1,590              809
                                              --------         --------
  Gross deferred tax assets                     50,951           42,271
Deferred tax liabilities                          (909)            (186)
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance          (4,640)          (4,746)
                                              ========         ========
  Net deferred tax assets                     $ 45,402         $ 37,339
                                              ========         ========



         The valuation allowances of $4.6 and $4.7 million at December 31, 1996
         and 1995, respectively, are attributable to deferred tax assets from
         the acquisition of Intel's programmable logic business. Sufficient
         uncertainty exists regarding the realizability of these assets and,
         accordingly, valuation allowances are required.

         The provision for taxes reconciles to U.S. statutory taxes as follows:



                                                          Year Ended December 31
                                             ------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                  1996             1995            1994
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      
Tax provision at U.S. statutory rates        $ 59,198         $ 48,262         $ 11,024
State taxes, net of federal benefit             6,172            6,315            2,319
Foreign sales corporation                      (1,146)          (2,033)            (995)
Valuation allowance                              (106)            (487)           5,233
Other, net                                     (4,116)          (1,037)            (693)
                                             ========         ========         ========
  Total provision for income taxes           $ 60,002         $ 51,020         $ 16,888
                                             ========         ========         ========

   25
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

         TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ALTERA CORPORATION:

         In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
         related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity,
         and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
         position of Altera Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31,
         1996 and 1995, and the results of their operations and their cash flows
         for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in
         conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 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 of
         these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
         standards which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
         estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial
         statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
         basis for the opinion expressed above.


         /s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
         ------------------------

         San Jose, California
         January 22, 1997