UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2004

OR

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

For the transition period from                     to                    

Commission file number: 000-25601

BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.

1745 Technology Drive
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 333-8000
(Address, including zip code, of Registrant’s
principal executive offices and telephone
number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes þ No o

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock on August 28, 2004 was 263,259,497 shares.

BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTER ENDED JULY 31, 2004

INDEX

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

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

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BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

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BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.

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

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BROCADE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Organization and Operations of Brocade

     Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (Brocade or the Company) develops, markets, sells, and supports data storage networking products and services, offering a line of storage networking products that enables companies to implement highly available, scalable, manageable, and secure environments for data storage. The Brocade SilkWorm^® family of storage area networking (SAN) products is designed to help companies reduce the cost and complexity of managing business information within a data storage environment while ensuring the availability of mission critical applications. Brocade products and services are marketed, sold, and supported worldwide to end-users through distribution partners, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), value-added distributors, systems integrators, and value-added resellers.

     Brocade was incorporated on May 14, 1999 as a Delaware corporation, succeeding operations that began on August 24, 1995. The Company’s headquarters are located in San Jose, California.

     Brocade, SilkWorm, and the Brocade logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. in the United States and/or in other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of, and are used to identify, products or services of their respective owners.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Fiscal Year

     The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday in October. As is customary for companies that use the 52/53-week convention, every fifth year contains a 53-week year. Fiscal year 2004 is a 53-week fiscal year and fiscal year 2003 was a 52-week fiscal year. The second quarter of fiscal year 2004 consisted of 14 weeks, which is one week more than a typical quarter.

Basis of Presentation

     The accompanying financial data as of July 31, 2004, and for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2004 and July 26, 2003, has been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The October 25, 2003 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2003.

     In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments, except as otherwise indicated) necessary to present a fair statement of financial position as of July 31, 2004, results of operations for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2004 and July 26, 2003, and cash flows for the nine months ended July 31, 2004 and July 26, 2003, have been made. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

     The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

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Investments and Equity Securities

     Investment securities with original or remaining maturities of more than three months but less than one year are considered short-term investments. Investment securities with original or remaining maturities of one year or more are considered long-term investments. Short-term and long-term investments consist of debt securities issued by United States government agencies, municipal government obligations, and corporate bonds and notes. Short-term and long-term investments are maintained at two major financial institutions, are classified as available-for-sale, and are recorded on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices for those securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of any related tax effect. Realized gains and losses are calculated based on the specific identification method and are included in interest and other income, net, on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

     Marketable equity securities consist of equity holdings in public companies and are classified as available-for-sale when there are no restrictions on the Company’s ability to immediately liquidate such securities. Marketable equity securities are recorded on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices for those securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of any related tax effect. Realized gains and losses are calculated based on the specific identification method and are included in interest and other income, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

     From time to time the Company makes equity investments in non-publicly traded companies. These investments are included in other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, and are generally accounted for under the cost method as the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the respective company’s operating and financial policies. The Company monitors its investments for impairment on a quarterly basis and makes appropriate reductions in carrying values when such impairments are determined to be other-than-temporary. Impairment charges are included in interest and other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Factors used in determining an impairment include, but are not limited to, the current business environment including competition and uncertainty of financial condition; going concern considerations such as the rate at which the investee company utilizes cash, and the investee company’s ability to obtain additional private financing to fulfill its stated business plan; the need for changes to the investee company’s existing business model due to changing business environments and its ability to successfully implement necessary changes; and comparable valuations. If an investment is determined to be impaired, a determination is made as to whether such impairment is other-than-temporary. As of July 31, 2004 and October 25, 2003, the carrying values of the Company’s equity investments in non-publicly traded companies were $0.5 million and zero, respectively.

Concentrations

     Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments, and accounts receivable. Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term and long-term investments are primarily maintained at four major financial institutions in the United States. Deposits held with banks may be redeemed upon demand and may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. The Company principally invests in United States government agency debt securities, municipal government obligations, and corporate bonds and notes, and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one entity.

     A majority of the Company’s trade receivable balance is derived from sales to OEM customers or their designated purchasing partners in the computer storage and server industry. As of July 31, 2004 and October 25, 2003, 74 percent and 77 percent, respectively, of accounts receivable were concentrated with five customers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral on accounts receivable balances. The Company has established reserves for credit losses, sales returns, and other allowances. The Company has not experienced material credit losses in any of the periods presented.

     For the three months ended July 31, 2004 and July 26, 2003, three customers each represented greater than ten percent of the Company’s total revenues for combined totals of 69 percent and 66 percent of total revenues, respectively. For the nine months ended July 31, 2004 and July 26, 2003, three customers each represented greater than ten percent of the Company’s total revenues for combined totals of 69 percent and 68 percent of total revenues, respectively. The level of sales to any one of these customers may vary, and the loss of, or a decrease in the level of sales to, any one of these customers, could seriously harm the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

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     The Company currently relies on single and limited supply sources for several key components used in the manufacture of its products. Additionally, the Company relies on two contract manufacturers for the production of its products. The inability of any single or limited source suppliers, or the inability of either contract manufacturer to fulfill supply and production requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future operating results.

     The Company’s business is concentrated in the SAN industry, which has been impacted by unfavorable economic conditions and reduced global information technology (IT) spending rates. Accordingly, the Company’s future success depends upon the buying patterns of customers in the SAN industry, their response to current and future IT investment trends, and the continued demand by such customers for the Company’s products. The Company’s success will depend upon its ability to enhance its existing products and to develop and introduce, on a timely basis, new cost-effective products and features that keep pace with technological developments and emerging industry standards.

Revenue Recognition

     Product revenue. Product revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed or determinable, and collection is probable. However, for newly introduced products, many of the Company’s large OEM customers require a product qualification period during which the Company’s products are tested and approved by the OEM customer for sale to their customers. Revenue recognition, and related cost, is deferred for shipments to new OEM customers and for shipments of newly introduced products to existing OEM customers until satisfactory evidence of completion of the product qualification has been received from the OEM customer. Revenue from sales to the Company’s master reseller customers is recognized in the same period in which the actual sell-through occurs.

     The Company reduces revenue for estimated sales returns, sales programs, and other allowances at the time of shipment. Sales returns, sales programs, and other allowances are estimated based upon historical experience, current trends, and the Company’s expectations regarding future experience. In addition, the Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts, which are also accounted for as a reduction in revenue. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based upon analysis of accounts receivable, historical collection patterns, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends and changes in customer payment terms and practices.

     Service revenue. Service revenue consists of training, warranty, and maintenance arrangements, including post-contract customer support (PCS) services. PCS services are offered under renewable, annual fee-based contracts or as part of multiple element arrangements and typically include upgrades and enhancements to the Company’s software operating system, and telephone support. Service revenue, including revenue allocated to PCS elements, is deferred and recognized ratably over the contractual period. Service contracts are typically one to three years in length. Training revenue is recognized upon completion of the training. Service revenue was not material in any of the periods presented.

     Multiple-element arrangements. The Company’s multiple-element product offerings include computer hardware and software products, and support services. The Company also sells certain software products and support services separately. The Company’s software products are essential to the functionality of its hardware products and are, therefore, accounted for in accordance with Statement of Position 97-2, “Software Revenue Recognition” (SOP 97-2), as amended. The Company allocates revenue to each element based upon vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of the fair value of the element or, if VSOE is not available, by application of the residual method. VSOE of the fair value for an element is based upon the price charged when the element is sold separately. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria are met for each element.

Warranty Expense

     The Company provides warranties on its products ranging from one to three years. Estimated future warranty costs are accrued at the time of shipment and charged to cost of revenues based upon historical experience.

Advertising Costs

     The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were not material in any of the periods presented.

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Stock-Based Compensation

     The Company has several stock-based compensation plans that are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2003. The Company accounts for stock-based awards using the intrinsic value method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25). Under the intrinsic value method of accounting, no compensation expense is recognized in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations because the exercise price of the Company’s employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (SFAS 123), established a fair value based method of accounting for stock-based awards. Under the provisions of SFAS 123, companies that elect to account for stock-based awards in accordance with the provisions of APB 25 are required to disclose the pro forma net income (loss) that would have resulted from the use of the fair value based method under SFAS 123.

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123,” (SFAS 148), amended the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require more prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements regarding the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The pro forma information resulting from the use of the fair value based method under SFAS 123 is as follows (in thousands except per share amounts):

     The assumptions used for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2004 and July 26, 2003 are as follows:

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Computation of Net Income (Loss) per Share

     Basic net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, less shares subject to repurchase. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options, by application of the treasury stock method, that have a dilutive effect on earnings per share, and from the assumed conversion of outstanding convertible debt if it has a dilutive effect on earnings per share.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     The components of comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, are as follows (in thousands):

Reclassifications

     Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year balances in order to conform to the current year presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (SFAS 150). SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company’s adoption of SFAS 150 did not have any effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

     In November 2003, the EITF reached an interim consensus on Issue No. 03-01, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments,” to require additional disclosure requirements for securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. In March 2004, the EITF reached a final consensus on this Issue, to provide additional guidance which companies must follow in determining whether investment securities have an impairment which should be considered other-than-temporary. The guidance is applicable for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The Company does not expect the adoption under the final consensus to have a significant impact on the carrying value of its investments.

     In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, “Revenue Recognition” (SAB 104), which supercedes SAB 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.” The primary purpose of SAB 104 is to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements, which was superceded as a result of the issuance of EITF 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” While the wording of SAB 104 has changed to reflect the issuance of EITF 00-21, the revenue recognition principles of SAB 101 remain largely unchanged by the issuance of SAB 104. The adoption of SAB 104 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

3. Restructuring Costs

Fiscal 2004 Second Quarter Restructuring

     During the quarter ended May 1, 2004, the Company implemented a restructuring plan designed to optimize the Company’s business model to drive improved profitability through reduction of headcount as well as certain structural changes in the business. The plan encompassed organizational changes, which includes a reduction in force of 110 people, or nine percent, announced on May 19, 2004. As a result, the Company recorded $10.5 million in restructuring costs consisting of severance and benefit charges, equipment impairment charges, and contract termination and other charges. Severance and benefits charges of $7.5 million consisted of severance and related employee termination costs, including outplacement services, associated with the reduction of the Company’s workforce. Equipment impairment charges of $1.2 million primarily consisted of excess equipment that is no longer being used as a result of the restructuring program. Contract termination and

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other charges of $1.7 million were primarily related to the cancellation of certain contracts in connection with the restructuring of certain business functions.

     Remaining accrued liabilities related to the Company’s fiscal 2004 second quarter restructuring program are included in other accrued liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects to pay or otherwise substantially settle the remaining accrued liabilities during the next six months.

Fiscal 2003 Second Quarter Restructuring

     During the quarter ended April 26, 2003, the Company reevaluated certain aspects of its business model and completed a program to restructure certain business operations, reorganize certain aspects of the Company, and reduce the Company’s operating expense structure. The restructuring program included a workforce reduction of approximately nine percent, primarily in the sales, marketing, and engineering organizations. In addition, as a result of the restructuring, certain assets associated with reorganized or eliminated functions were determined to be impaired.

     Total restructuring costs incurred of $10.9 million consisted of severance and benefit charges, equipment impairment charges, and contract termination and other charges. Severance and benefits charges of $4.2 million consisted of severance and related employee termination costs, including outplacement services, associated with the reduction of the Company’s workforce. Equipment impairment charges of $5.2 million primarily consisted of excess equipment that is no longer being used as a result of the restructuring program. Contract termination and other charges of $1.5 million were primarily related to the cancellation of certain contracts in connection with the restructuring of certain business functions.

     Remaining accrued liabilities related to the Company’s fiscal 2003 second quarter restructuring program are included in other accrued liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the nine months ended July 31, 2004, the Company recorded a reduction of $0.4 million to restructuring costs, primarily due to lower than expected outplacement costs. No other material changes in estimates were made to the fiscal 2003 second quarter restructuring accrual. The Company expects to pay or otherwise substantially settle the remaining accrued liabilities during fiscal year 2004.

     Fiscal 2003 First Quarter Restructuring

     During the three months ended January 25, 2003, the Company completed a restructuring program to realign the organization and reduce the Company’s expense structure. The restructuring program included a workforce reduction of approximately 12 percent, consolidation of excess facilities, and the restructuring of certain business functions.

     Total restructuring costs incurred of $10.1 million consisted of severance and benefit charges, contract termination and equipment impairment charges. Severance and benefits charges of $8.5 million consisted of severance and associated employee termination costs related to the reduction of the Company’s workforce, including outplacement services and the write-off of employee loans of certain terminated employees. Contract termination charges of $0.9 million were primarily related to the cancellation of certain contracts in connection with the restructuring of certain business functions and the consolidation of excess facilities. Equipment impairment charges of $0.6 million were related to excess computer equipment resulting from the workforce reduction, consolidation of excess facilities, and the restructuring of certain business functions.

     Remaining accrued liabilities related to the restructuring programs are included in other accrued liabilities on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Remaining accrued liabilities related to severance and benefits are expected to be substantially paid or otherwise settled during fiscal year 2004.

     The following table summarizes the total restructuring costs incurred and charged to restructuring expense during the second quarter of fiscal year 2004 and the first and second quarters of fiscal year 2003, costs paid or otherwise settled, and the remaining unpaid or otherwise unsettled accrued liabilities (in thousands) as of July 31, 2004:

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