ITEM 7. Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
Overview
We design, make and sell semiconductors to electronics designers and manufacturers all over the world. Technology is the foundation of our company, but ultimately, our objective and the best metric to measure progress and generate long-term value for owners is the growth of free cash flow per share.
Our strategy to maximize free cash flow per share growth has three elements:
1.A great business model that is focused on analog and embedded processing products and built around four sustainable competitive advantages. The four sustainable competitive advantages are powerful in combination and provide tangible benefits:
i.A strong foundation of manufacturing and technology that provides lower costs and greater control of our supply chain.
ii.A broad portfolio of analog and embedded processing products that offers more opportunity per customer and more value for our investments.
iii.The reach of our market channels that gives access to more customers and more of their design projects, leading to the opportunity to sell more of our products into each design and gives us better insight and knowledge of customer needs.
iv.Diversity and longevity of our products, markets and customer positions that provide less single point dependency and longer returns on our investments.
Together, these competitive advantages help position TI in a unique class of companies capable of generating and returning significant amounts of cash for our owners. We make our investments with an eye towards long-term strengthening and leveraging of these advantages.
2.Discipline in allocating capital to the best opportunities. This spans how we select R&D projects, develop new capabilities like TI.com, invest in new manufacturing capacity or how we think about acquisitions and returning cash to our owners.
3.Efficiency, which means constantly striving for more output for every dollar spent.
We believe that our business model with the combined effect of our four competitive advantages sets TI apart from our peers and will for a long time to come. We will invest to strengthen our competitive advantages, be disciplined in capital allocation and stay diligent in our pursuit of efficiencies. Finally, we will remain focused on the belief that long-term growth of free cash flow per share is the ultimate measure to generate value.
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this document. In the following discussion of our results of operations:
•Our segments represent groups of similar products that are combined on the basis of similar design and development requirements, product characteristics, manufacturing processes and distribution channels, and how management allocates resources and measures results. During 2020, we reorganized the product lines within our Analog segment to simplify our business structure into our Power and Signal Chain product lines. These changes had no impact on our previously reported consolidated financial statements or on our reportable segment results. See Note 1 to the financial statements for more information regarding our segments.
•When we discuss our results:
◦Unless otherwise noted, changes in our revenue are attributable to changes in customer demand, which are evidenced by fluctuations in shipment volumes.
◦New products do not tend to have a significant impact on our revenue in any given period because we sell such a large number of products.
◦From time to time, our revenue and gross profit are affected by changes in demand for higher-priced or lower-priced products, which we refer to as changes in the “mix” of products shipped.
16
◦Because we own much of our manufacturing capacity, a significant portion of our operating cost is fixed. When factory loadings decrease, our fixed costs are spread over reduced output and, absent other circumstances, our profit margins decrease. Conversely, as factory loadings increase, our fixed costs are spread over increased output and, absent other circumstances, our profit margins increase. Increases and decreases in factory loadings tend to correspond to increases and decreases in demand.
•For an explanation of free cash flow and the term “annual operating tax rate,” see the Non-GAAP financial information section.
•All dollar amounts in the tables are stated in millions of U.S. dollars.
Our results of operations provides details of our financial results for 2020 and 2019 and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019. Discussion of 2018 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2019 and 2018 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Impact of COVID-19
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its follow-on effects are impacting and will likely continue to impact business activity across industries worldwide, including TI. Therefore, we remain cautious about how the economy might behave for the next few years.
The impact to our lead times and ability to fulfill orders was minimal in 2020. However, depending on pandemic-related factors like the potential of local manufacturing restrictions on our factories, we could experience constraints in fulfilling customer orders in future periods. The coronavirus pandemic remains dynamic with uncertainty around its duration and broader impact. We continue to monitor and assess the situation and address implications to our business, supply chain and customer demand.
We have long had a business continuity plan in place for unforeseeable situations, like we have seen with COVID-19. Additionally, over the past several years, we have invested in building inventory and expanding our global internally owned manufacturing footprint. Investing in these capabilities has given us flexibility, such as the ability to build products across multiple manufacturing sites. These investments have helped to minimize disruptions, but may not be sufficient to eliminate them.
Results of operations
Our strategic focus is on analog and embedded processing products sold into six end markets: industrial, automotive, personal electronics, communications equipment, enterprise systems and other. While all end markets represent good opportunities, we place additional strategic emphasis on designing and selling those products into the industrial and automotive markets, which we believe represent the best growth opportunities. Gross margin of 64.1% reflected the quality of our product portfolio, as well as the efficiency of our manufacturing strategy, including the benefit of 300-millimeter Analog production.
Our focus on analog and embedded processing allows us to generate strong cash flow from operations. Our cash flow from operations of $6.14 billion underscored the strength of our business model. Free cash flow was $5.49 billion and represented 38.0% of revenue. During 2020, consistent with our commitment to return free cash flow to owners, we returned $5.98 billion to shareholders through a combination of dividends and stock repurchases. Our dividend represented 62% of free cash flow, underscoring its sustainability.
Details of financial results – 2020 compared with 2019
Revenue of $14.46 billion increased $78 million, or 1%, primarily due to higher revenue from Analog, partially offset by lower revenue from Embedded Processing.
Gross profit of $9.27 billion was up $105 million, or 1%, due to higher revenue and increased factory loadings. As a percentage of revenue, gross profit increased to 64.1% from 63.7%.
Operating expenses (R&D and SG&A) were $3.15 billion compared with $3.19 billion.
Acquisition charges were $198 million compared with $288 million and were non-cash. See Note 7 to the financial statements.
17
Restructuring charges/other was a charge of $24 million due to an Embedded Processing action, compared with a credit of $36 million due to the sale of our manufacturing facility in Greenock, Scotland in 2019.
Operating profit was $5.89 billion, or 40.8% of revenue, compared with $5.72 billion, or 39.8% of revenue.
Other income and expense (OI&E) was $313 million of income compared with $175 million of income, which increased primarily due to higher royalty income. See Note 12 to the financial statements.
Interest and debt expense of $190 million increased $20 million due to the issuance of additional long-term debt.
Our provision for income taxes was $422 million compared with $711 million. The decrease was due to higher discrete tax benefits, which included a $249 million benefit from the settlement of a depreciation-related uncertain tax position and, to a lesser extent, higher U.S. tax benefits, partially offset by higher income before income taxes.
Our annual operating tax rate, which does not include discrete tax items, was 14% compared with 16% in 2019. We use “annual operating tax rate” to describe the estimated annual effective tax rate. Our effective tax rate, which includes discrete tax items, was 7% in 2020 compared with 12% in 2019. See Note 4 to the financial statements for a reconciliation of the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate to our effective tax rate.
Net income was $5.60 billion compared with $5.02 billion. EPS was $5.97 compared with $5.24.
Segment results – 2020 compared with 2019
Analog (includes Power and Signal Chain product lines)
Operating profit % of revenue 45.1 % 43.8 %
Analog revenue increased in both product lines about evenly. Operating profit increased due to higher revenue and associated gross profit.
Embedded Processing (includes microcontrollers and processors)
Operating profit % of revenue 28.9 % 30.8 %
Embedded Processing revenue decreased. Operating profit decreased due to lower revenue and associated gross profit.
Other (includes DLP® products, calculators and custom ASIC products)
Operating profit % of revenue 23.8 % 27.9 %
* Includes acquisition charges and restructuring charges/other
Other revenue decreased $212 million, and operating profit decreased $100 million.
Financial condition
At the end of 2020, total cash (cash and cash equivalents plus short-term investments) was $6.57 billion, an increase of $1.18 billion from the end of 2019.
18
Accounts receivable were $1.41 billion, an increase of $340 million compared with the end of 2019. Days sales outstanding at the end of 2020 were 31 compared with 29 at the end of 2019.
Inventory was $1.96 billion, a decrease of $46 million from the end of 2019. Days of inventory at the end of 2020 were 123 compared with 144 at the end of 2019.
Liquidity and capital resources
Our primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations. Additional sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and a variable rate, revolving credit facility. Cash flows from operating activities for 2020 were $6.14 billion, a decrease of $510 million primarily due to an increase in cash used for working capital, partially offset by higher net income.
Our revolving credit facility is with a consortium of investment-grade banks and allows us to borrow up to $2 billion until March 2024. This credit facility also serves as support for the issuance of commercial paper. As of December 31, 2020, our credit facility was undrawn, and we had no commercial paper outstanding.
Investing activities for 2020 used $922 million compared with $1.92 billion in 2019. Capital expenditures were $649 million compared with $847 million in 2019 and were primarily for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and facilities in both periods. Short-term investments used cash of $241 million in 2020 compared with $1.14 billion in 2019.
Financing activities for 2020 used $4.55 billion compared with $4.73 billion in 2019. In 2020, we received net proceeds of $1.50 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate, long-term debt and retired maturing debt of $500 million. In 2019, we received net proceeds of $1.49 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate, long-term debt and retired maturing debt of $750 million. Dividends paid in 2020 were $3.43 billion compared with $3.01 billion in 2019, reflecting an increase in the dividend rate, partially offset by fewer shares outstanding. We used $2.55 billion to repurchase 23.4 million shares of our common stock compared with $2.96 billion used in 2019 to repurchase 27.4 million shares. Employee exercises of stock options provided cash proceeds of $470 million compared with $539 million in 2019.
We had $3.11 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $3.46 billion of short-term investments as of December 31, 2020. We believe we have the necessary financial resources and operating plans to fund our working capital needs, capital expenditures, dividend and debt-related payments and other business requirements for at least the next 12 months.
Non-GAAP financial information
This MD&A includes references to free cash flow and ratios based on that measure. These are financial measures that were not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). Free cash flow was calculated by subtracting capital expenditures from the most directly comparable GAAP measure, cash flows from operating activities (also referred to as cash flow from operations).
We believe that free cash flow and the associated ratios provide insight into our liquidity, our cash-generating capability and the amount of cash potentially available to return to shareholders, as well as insight into our financial performance. These non-GAAP measures are supplemental to the comparable GAAP measures.
Reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is provided in the table below.
For Years Ended December 31,
Cash flow from operations (GAAP) $ 6,139 $ 6,649
Capital expenditures (649) (847)
Free cash flow (non-GAAP) $ 5,490 $ 5,802
Cash flow from operations as a percentage of revenue (GAAP) 42.5 % 46.2 %
Free cash flow as a percentage of revenue (non-GAAP) 38.0 % 40.3 %
19
This MD&A also includes references to an annual operating tax rate, a non-GAAP term we use to describe the estimated annual effective tax rate, a GAAP measure that by definition does not include discrete tax items. We believe the term annual operating tax rate helps differentiate from the effective tax rate, which includes discrete tax items.
Long-term contractual obligations
Payments Due by Period
Transition tax on indefinitely reinvested earnings (c) 44 155 302 — 501
(a)Principal and related interest payments for our long-term debt obligations, including amounts classified as the current portion of long-term debt.
(b)Includes payments for software licenses and contractual arrangements with suppliers when there is a fixed, non-cancellable payment schedule or when minimum payments are due with a reduced delivery schedule. Excludes cancellable arrangements. See Note 11 to the financial statements.
(c)Includes payments for the one-time transition tax on our indefinitely reinvested earnings related to the 2017 enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
(d)Includes minimum payments for leased facilities and equipment and purchases of industrial gases under contracts accounted for as operating leases. See Note 10 to the financial statements.
(e)Estimated payments for certain liabilities that existed as of December 31, 2020.
(f)Excludes $89 million of uncertain tax liabilities under ASC 740, as well as any planned future funding contributions to retirement benefit plans. Amounts associated with uncertain tax liabilities have been excluded because of the difficulty in making reasonably reliable estimates of the timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities. Regarding future funding of retirement benefit plans, we plan to contribute about $10 million in 2021, but funding projections beyond 2021 are not practical to estimate due to the rules affecting tax-deductible contributions and the impact from the plans’ asset performance, interest rates and potential U.S. and non-U.S. legislation.
Critical accounting policies
Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements. As disclosed in Note 2, the preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. However, based on facts and circumstances inherent in developing estimates and assumptions, management believes it is unlikely that applying other estimates and assumptions would have a material impact on the financial statements. We consider the following accounting policies to be those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and that require a higher degree of judgment.
Income taxes
In determining net income for financial statement purposes, we must make certain estimates and judgments in the calculation of tax provisions and the resultant tax liabilities and in the recoverability of deferred tax assets that arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense.
20
In the ordinary course of global business, there may be many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. The calculation of tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the interpretation and application of complex tax laws, and significant judgment is necessary to (i) determine whether, based on the technical merits, a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained and (ii) measure the amount of tax benefit that qualifies for recognition. We recognize potential liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues in the United States and other tax jurisdictions based on an estimate of the ultimate resolution of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due. Although we believe the estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different from what is reflected in the historical income tax provisions and accruals.
As part of our financial process, we must assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets can be recovered. If recovery is not likely, the provision for taxes must be increased by recording a reserve in the form of a valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets that are estimated not to be ultimately recoverable. Our judgment regarding future recoverability of our deferred tax assets may change due to various factors, including changes in U.S. or international tax laws and changes in market conditions and their impact on our assessment of taxable income in future periods. These changes, if any, may require adjustments to the deferred tax assets and an accompanying reduction or increase in net income in the period when such determinations are made.
Inventory valuation allowances
Inventory is valued net of allowances for unsalable or obsolete raw materials, work in process and finished goods. Statistical allowances are determined quarterly for raw materials and work in process based on historical disposals of inventory for salability and obsolescence reasons. For finished goods, quarterly statistical allowances are determined by comparing inventory levels of individual parts to historical shipments, current backlog and estimated future sales in order to identify inventory considered unlikely to be sold. A specific allowance for each material type will be carried if there is a significant event not captured by the statistical allowance, such as an end-of-life part or demand with imminent risk of cancellation. Allowances are also calculated quarterly for instances where inventoried costs for individual products are in excess of the net realizable value for those products. Actual future write-offs of inventory for salability and obsolescence reasons may differ from estimates and calculations used to determine valuation allowances due to changes in customer demand, customer negotiations, technology shifts and other factors.
Changes in accounting standards
See Note 2 to the financial statements for information regarding the status of new accounting and reporting standards.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
As of December 31, 2020, we had no significant off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.
Commitments and contingencies
See Note 11 to the financial statements for a discussion of our commitments and contingencies.
21
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
Foreign exchange risk
The U.S. dollar is our functional currency for financial reporting. Our non-U.S. entities own assets or liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars or other currencies. Exchange rate fluctuations impact taxable income in those jurisdictions and consequently impact our effective tax rate.
Our balance sheet also reflects amounts remeasured from non-U.S. dollar currencies. Because most of the aggregate non-U.S. dollar balance sheet exposure is hedged by forward currency exchange contracts, which are based on year-end 2020 balances and currency exchange rates, a hypothetical 10% plus or minus fluctuation in non-U.S. currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar would result in a pretax currency exchange gain or loss of approximately $3 million.
We use these forward currency exchange contracts to reduce the earnings impact that exchange rate fluctuations may have on our non-U.S. dollar net balance sheet exposures. As of December 31, 2020, we had forward currency exchange contracts outstanding with a notional value of $416 million to hedge net balance sheet exposures (including $147 million to sell Japanese yen, $85 million to sell euros and $82 million to sell British pounds). Similar hedging activities existed at year-end 2019.
Interest rate risk
We have the following potential exposure to changes in interest rates: (i) the effect of changes in interest rates on the fair value of our investments in cash equivalents and short-term investments, which could produce a gain or a loss; and (ii) the effect of changes in interest rates on the fair value of our debt.
As of December 31, 2020, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of our investments in cash equivalents and short-term investments by about $9 million and decrease the fair value of our long-term debt by $650 million. Because interest rates on our long-term debt are fixed, changes in interest rates would not affect the cash flows associated with long-term debt.
Equity risk
Long-term investments at year-end 2020 include the following:
•Investments in mutual funds – includes mutual funds that were selected to generate returns that offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements. The mutual funds hold a variety of debt and equity investments.
•Investments in venture capital funds – includes investments in limited partnerships (accounted for under either the equity method or at cost as non-marketable equity securities).
•Equity investments – includes non-marketable (non-publicly traded) equity securities.
Investments in mutual funds are stated at fair value. Changes in prices of the mutual fund investments are expected to offset related changes in certain deferred compensation liabilities. Non-marketable equity securities and certain venture capital funds are stated at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from qualifying observable price changes. Investments in the remaining venture capital funds are stated using the equity method. See Note 6 to the financial statements for details of equity and other long-term investments.
We also utilize total return swaps to economically hedge exposure to changes in liabilities related to the equity market risks of certain deferred compensation arrangements with employees. Gains or losses from changes in the fair value of these total return swaps generally offset the related losses or gains on the deferred compensation liabilities.
22
ITEM 8. Financial statements and supplementary data
List of financial statements:
•Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020
•Comprehensive income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020
•Balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019
•Cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020
•Stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020
Schedules have been omitted because the required information is not present or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
23
Consolidated Statements of Income For Years Ended December 31,
(Millions of dollars, except share and per-share amounts) 2020 2019 2018
Restructuring charges/other 24 (36) 3
Other income (expense), net (OI&E) 313 175 98
Earnings per common share (EPS):
Average shares outstanding (millions):
Income allocated to RSUs (27) (31) (42)
Income allocated to common stock for diluted EPS $ 5,568 $ 4,986 $ 5,538
See accompanying notes.
24
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For Years Ended December 31,
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net actuarial losses of defined benefit plans:
Adjustments, net of tax effect of $3, ($37) and $35 (41) 88 (98)
Prior service credit of defined benefit plans:
Adjustments, net of tax effect of $0, $0 and $1 — — (6)
Recognized within net income, net of tax effect of $0, $0 and $1 (1) — (3)
Derivative instruments:
Change in fair value, net of tax effect of $0, $0 and $1 — — (2)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (13) 126 (59)
See accompanying notes.
25
Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31,
(Millions of dollars, except share amounts) 2020 2019
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,107 $ 2,437
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of ($11) and ($8) 1,414 1,074
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 302 299
Property, plant and equipment at cost 5,781 5,740
Property, plant and equipment 3,269 3,303
Long-term investments 49 300
Acquisition-related intangibles 152 340
Capitalized software licenses 122 69
Overfunded retirement plans 246 218
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 550 $ 500
Income taxes payable 134 46
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 524 475
Underfunded retirement plans 131 93
Deferred tax liabilities 90 78
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $25 par value. Authorized – 10,000,000 shares
Participating cumulative preferred – None issued — —
Common stock, $1 par value. Authorized – 2,400,000,000 shares
Treasury common stock at cost
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (AOCI) (360) (347)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 19,351 $ 18,018
See accompanying notes.
26
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For Years Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities
Adjustments to net income:
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles 198 288 318
Amortization of capitalized software 61 54 46
Gains on sales of assets (4) (23) (3)
Increase (decrease) from changes in:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (79) 265 669
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 63 (93) (7)
Accrued compensation 63 (15) (7)
Changes in funded status of retirement plans (9) 29 36
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from asset sales 4 30 9
Cash flows from investing activities (922) (1,920) (78)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from common stock transactions 470 539 373
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 670 (1) 782
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,437 2,438 1,656
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 3,107 $ 2,437 $ 2,438
See accompanying notes.
27
(Millions of dollars, except per-share amounts)
Net income — — 5,580 — —
Dividends declared and paid ($2.63 per share) — — (2,555) — —
Common stock issued for stock-based awards — (55) — 428 —
Stock repurchases — — — (5,100) —
Stock compensation — 232 — — —
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes — — — — (59)
Dividend equivalents on RSUs — — (17) — —
Cumulative effect of accounting changes — — 236 — (30)
Other — (3) — — —
Net income — — 5,017 — —
Dividends declared and paid ($3.21 per share) — — (3,008) — —
Common stock issued for stock-based awards — (55) — 594 —
Stock repurchases — — — (2,960) —
Stock compensation — 217 — — —
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes — — — — 126
Dividend equivalents on RSUs — — (17) — —
Other — (2) — 1 —
Net income — — 5,595 — —
Dividends declared and paid ($3.72 per share) — — (3,426) — —
Common stock issued for stock-based awards — — — 470 —
Stock repurchases — — — (2,553) —
Stock compensation — 224 — — —
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes — — — — (13)
Dividend equivalents on RSUs — — (16) — —
Other — (1) — — —
See accompanying notes.
28
Notes to financial statements
1. Description of business, including segment and geographic area information
We design, make and sell semiconductors to electronics designers and manufacturers all over the world. We have two reportable segments, Analog and Embedded Processing, each of which represents groups of similar products that are combined on the basis of similar design and development requirements, product characteristics, manufacturing processes and distribution channels.
•Analog semiconductors change real-world signals, such as sound, temperature, pressure or images, by conditioning them, amplifying them and often converting them to a stream of digital data that can be processed by other semiconductors, such as embedded processors. Analog semiconductors are also used to manage power in all electronic equipment by converting, distributing, storing, discharging, isolating and measuring electrical energy, whether the equipment is plugged into a wall or using a battery. Our Analog segment consists of two major product lines: Power and Signal Chain.
•Embedded Processing products are the digital “brains” of many types of electronic equipment. They are designed to handle specific tasks and can be optimized for various combinations of performance, power and cost, depending on the application.
During 2020, we reorganized the product lines within our Analog segment to simplify our business structure into our Power and Signal Chain product lines. These changes had no effect on either our previously reported consolidated financial statements or our reportable segment results.
We report the results of our remaining business activities in Other. Other includes operating segments that do not meet the quantitative thresholds for individually reportable segments and cannot be aggregated with other operating segments. Other includes DLP® products, calculators and custom ASIC products.
In Other, we also include items that are not used in evaluating the results of or in allocating resources to our segments. Examples of these items include acquisition charges (see Note 7); restructuring charges (see Note 12); and certain corporate-level items, such as litigation expenses, environmental costs, insurance settlements, and gains and losses from other activities, including asset dispositions. We allocate the remainder of our expenses associated with corporate activities to our operating segments based on specific methodologies, such as percentage of operating expenses or headcount.
Our centralized manufacturing and support organizations, such as facilities, procurement and logistics, provide support to our operating segments, including those in Other. Costs incurred by these organizations, including depreciation, are charged to the segments on a per-unit basis. Consequently, depreciation expense is not an independently identifiable component within the segments’ results and, therefore, is not provided.
With the exception of goodwill, we do not identify or allocate assets by operating segment, nor does the chief operating decision maker evaluate operating segments using discrete asset information. We have no material intersegment revenue. The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with those described in the summary of significant accounting policies and practices.
29
Segment information
For Years Ended December 31,
Revenue:
Operating profit:
Geographic area information
The following geographic area information includes revenue, based on product shipment destination, and property, plant and equipment, based on physical location. The geographic revenue information does not necessarily reflect end demand by geography because our products tend to be shipped to the locations where our customers manufacture their products.
For Years Ended December 31,
Revenue:
(a)Revenue from products shipped into China was $8.0 billion, $7.2 billion and $7.0 billion in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which includes shipments to customers that manufacture in China and then export end products to their customers around the world, as well as distributors that transship inventory through China to service other countries.
December 31,
Property, plant and equipment:
Europe, Middle East and Africa 52 63
Total property, plant and equipment $ 3,269 $ 3,303
(a)Property, plant and equipment at our two sites in the Philippines was $333 million and $394 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Property, plant and equipment at our sites in China was $370 million and $304 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
30
2. Basis of presentation and significant accounting policies and practices
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The basis of these financial statements is comparable for all periods presented herein.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All dollar amounts in the financial statements and tables in these notes, except per-share amounts, are stated in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. We have reclassified certain amounts in the prior periods’ financial statements to conform to the 2020 presentation.
The preparation of financial statements requires the use of estimates from which final results may vary.
Significant accounting policies and practices
Revenue recognition
We generate revenue primarily from the sale of semiconductor products, either directly to a customer or to a distributor. We have a variety of types of contracts with our customers and distributors. In determining whether a contract exists, we evaluate the terms of the arrangement, the relationship with the customer or distributor and their ability to pay.
We recognize revenue from sales of our products, including sales to our distributors, when control is transferred. Control is considered transferred when title and risk of loss pass, when the customer becomes obligated to pay and, where required, when the customer has accepted the products. This transfer generally occurs at a point in time upon shipment or delivery to the customer or distributor, depending upon the terms of the sales order. Payment for sales to customers and distributors is generally due on our standard commercial terms. For sales to distributors, payment is not contingent upon resale of the products.
Revenue from sales of our products that are subject to inventory consignment agreements is recognized at a point in time, when the customer or distributor pulls product from consignment inventory that we store at designated locations. Delivery and transfer of control occur at that point, when title and risk of loss transfers and the customer or distributor becomes obligated to pay for the products pulled from inventory. Until the products are pulled for use or sale by the customer or distributor, we retain control over the products’ disposition, including the right to pull back or relocate the products.
The revenue recognized is adjusted based on allowances, which are prepared on a portfolio basis using a most likely amount methodology based on analysis of historical data and contractual terms. These allowances, which are not material, generally include adjustments for pricing arrangements, product returns and incentives. The length of time between invoicing and payment is not significant under any of our payment terms. In instances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, we have determined our contracts generally do not include a significant financing component.
In addition, we record an allowance for credit losses on accounts receivable that we estimate may not be collected. We monitor collectability of accounts receivable primarily through review of accounts receivable aging. When collection is at risk, we assess the impact on amounts recorded for credit losses and, if necessary, record a charge in the period such determination is made.
We recognize shipping fees, if any, received from customers in revenue. We include the related shipping and handling costs in cost of revenue. The majority of our customers pay these fees directly to third parties.
Advertising costs
We expense advertising and other promotional costs as incurred. This expense was $28 million, $30 million and $34 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Income taxes
We account for income taxes using an asset and liability approach. We record the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences related to events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. We record a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
31
Other assessed taxes
Some transactions require us to collect taxes such as sales, value-added and excise taxes from our customers. These transactions are presented in our Consolidated Statements of Income on a net (excluded from revenue) basis.
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases are included in other long-term assets, accrued expenses and other liabilities, and other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Lease assets represent our right to use underlying assets for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligations to make lease payments over the lease term. On the commencement date, leases are evaluated for classification, and assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. We use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement in determining the present value of lease payments. Operating lease expense is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our lease values include options to extend or not to terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options.
We have agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for as a single lease component. Leases with an initial lease term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Earnings per share (EPS)
We use the two-class method for calculating EPS because the restricted stock units (RSUs) we grant are participating securities containing non-forfeitable rights to receive dividend equivalents. Under the two-class method, a portion of net income is allocated to RSUs and excluded from the calculation of income allocated to common stock.
Computation and reconciliation of earnings per common share are as follows (shares in millions):
For Years Ended December 31,
Net Income Shares EPS Net Income Shares EPS Net Income Shares EPS
Basic EPS:
Income allocated to RSUs (27) (32) (43)
Dilutive effect of stock compensation plans 12 16 20
Diluted EPS:
Income allocated to RSUs (27) (31) (42)
Potentially dilutive securities representing 4 million, 6 million and 4 million shares of common stock that were outstanding in 2020, 2019 and 2018 respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share during these periods because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Investments
We present investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as cash equivalents, short-term investments or long-term investments, which are detailed below. See Note 6 for additional information.
•Cash equivalents and short-term investments – We consider investments in available-for-sale debt securities with maturities of 90 days or less from the date of our investment to be cash equivalents. We consider investments in available-for-sale debt securities with maturities beyond 90 days from the date of our investment as being available for use in current operations and include them in short-term investments. The primary objectives of our cash equivalent and short-term investment activities are to preserve capital and maintain liquidity while generating appropriate returns.
32
•Long-term investments – Long-term investments consist of mutual funds, venture capital funds and non-marketable equity securities.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Cost is generally computed on a currently adjusted standard cost basis, which approximates cost on a first-in, first-out basis. Standard cost is based on the normal utilization of installed factory capacity. Cost associated with underutilization of capacity is expensed as incurred. Inventory held at consignment locations is included in our finished goods inventory.
We review inventory quarterly for salability and obsolescence. A statistical allowance is provided for inventory considered unlikely to be sold. The statistical allowance is based on an analysis of historical disposal activity, historical customer shipments, as well as estimated future sales. A specific allowance for each material type will be carried if there is a significant event not captured by the statistical allowance. We write off inventory in the period in which disposal occurs.
Property, plant and equipment; acquisition-related intangibles; and other capitalized costs
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Our cost basis includes certain assets acquired in business combinations that were initially recorded at fair value as of the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful lives of the improvements. We amortize acquisition-related intangibles on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic life of the assets. Capitalized software licenses generally are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the license. Fully depreciated or amortized assets are written off against accumulated depreciation or amortization.
Impairments of long-lived assets
We regularly review whether facts or circumstances exist that indicate the carrying values of property, plant and equipment or other long-lived assets, including intangible assets, are impaired. We assess the recoverability of assets by comparing the projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with those assets to their respective carrying amounts. Any impairment charge is based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets. Fair value is determined by available market valuations, if applicable, or by discounted cash flows.
Goodwill
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if certain impairment indicators arise. We perform our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 for our reporting units, which compares the fair value for each reporting unit to its associated carrying value, including goodwill. See Note 7 for additional information.
Foreign currency
The functional currency for our non-U.S. subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar. Accounts recorded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are remeasured into the functional currency. Current assets (except inventories), deferred taxes, other assets, current liabilities and long-term liabilities are remeasured at exchange rates in effect at the end of each reporting period. Property, plant and equipment with associated depreciation and inventories are valued at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts other than depreciation for each month are remeasured at the appropriate daily rate of exchange. Currency exchange gains and losses from remeasurement are credited or charged to OI&E.
Derivatives and hedging
We use derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to foreign exchange risk. These instruments are primarily forward foreign currency exchange contracts, which are used as economic hedges to reduce the earnings impact that exchange rate fluctuations may have on our non-U.S. dollar net balance sheet exposures. Gains and losses from changes in the fair value of these forward foreign currency exchange contracts are credited or charged to OI&E. We do not apply hedge accounting to our foreign currency derivative instruments.
We are exposed to variability in compensation charges related to certain deferred compensation obligations to employees. We use total return swaps to economically hedge this exposure and offset the related compensation expense, recognizing changes in the value of the swaps and the related deferred compensation liabilities in SG&A.
In connection with the issuance of long-term debt, we may use financial derivatives such as treasury-rate lock agreements that are recognized in AOCI and amortized over the life of the related debt. The results of these derivative transactions have not been material.
We do not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes.
33
Changes in accounting standards – adopted standards for current period
We adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) during the current period, none of which had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
ASU Description Adopted Date
3. Stock compensation
We have stock options outstanding to participants under long-term incentive plans. The option price per share may not be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. The options have a 10-year term, generally vest ratably over four years and continue to vest after the option recipient retires.
We also have RSUs outstanding to participants under long-term incentive plans. Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of TI common stock, issued on the vesting date, which is generally four years after the date of grant. RSUs continue to vest after the recipient retires. Holders of RSUs receive an annual cash payment equivalent to the dividends paid on our common stock.
We have options and RSUs outstanding to non-employee directors under director compensation plans. The plans generally provide for annual grants of stock options and RSUs, a one-time grant of RSUs to each new non-employee director and the issuance of TI common stock upon the distribution of stock units credited to director deferred compensation accounts.
We also have an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) under which options are offered to all eligible employees in amounts based on a percentage of the employee’s compensation, subject to a cap. Under the plan, the option price per share is 85% of the fair market value on the exercise date.
Total stock compensation expense recognized is as follows:
For Years Ended December 31,
These amounts include expenses related to non-qualified stock options, RSUs and stock options offered under our ESPP and are net of estimated forfeitures.
We recognize compensation expense for non-qualified stock options and RSUs on a straight-line basis over the minimum service period required for vesting of the award, adjusting for estimated forfeitures based on historical activity. Awards issued to employees who are retirement eligible or nearing retirement eligibility are expensed on an accelerated basis. Options issued under our ESPP are expensed over a three-month period.
34
Fair-value methods and assumptions
We account for all awards granted under our various stock compensation plans at fair value. We estimate the fair values for non-qualified stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
For Years Ended December 31,
Weighted average grant date fair value, per share $ 25.55 $ 22.08 $ 23.20
Weighted average assumptions used:
Expected volatility 26 % 26 % 23 %
Expected lives (in years) 6.8 7.1 7.2
We determine expected volatility on all options granted using available implied volatility rates. We believe that market-based measures of implied volatility are currently the best available indicators of the expected volatility used in these estimates.
We determine expected lives of options based on the historical option exercise experience of our optionees using a rolling 10-year average. We believe the historical experience method is the best estimate of future exercise patterns currently available.
Risk-free interest rates are determined using the implied yield currently available for zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the options.
Expected dividend yields are based on the annualized approved quarterly dividend rate and the current market price of our common stock at the time of grant. No assumption for a future dividend rate change is included unless there is an approved plan to change the dividend in the near term.
The fair value per share of RSUs is determined based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.
Our ESPP is a discount-purchase plan and consequently the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model is not used to determine the fair value per share of these awards. The fair value per share under this plan equals the amount of the discount.
Long-term incentive and director compensation plans
Stock option and RSU transactions under our long-term incentive and director compensation plans are as follows:
Stock Options RSUs
The weighted average grant date fair values per share of RSUs granted in 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $130.59, $106.58 and $110.05, respectively. In 2020, 2019 and 2018, the total grant date fair values of shares vested from RSU grants were $110 million, $125 million and $123 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, the number of shares remaining available for future issuance under these plans was 40,334,683.
35
Summarized information about stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2020, is as follows:
Stock Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
In 2020, 2019 and 2018, the aggregate intrinsic values (i.e., the difference in the closing market price on the date of exercise and the exercise price paid by the optionee) of options exercised were $681 million, $819 million and $561 million, respectively.
Summarized information as of December 31, 2020, about outstanding stock options that are vested and expected to vest, as well as stock options that are currently exercisable, is as follows:
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 5.8 4.4
Weighted average exercise price per share $ 79.13 $ 59.33
Intrinsic value (millions of dollars) $ 2,346 $ 1,805
(a)Includes effects of expected forfeitures. Excluding the effects of expected forfeitures, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding was $2.36 billion.
As of December 31, 2020, total future compensation related to equity awards not yet recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income was $237 million, consisting of $103 million related to unvested stock options and $134 million related to unvested RSUs. The $237 million is expected to be recognized as follows: $115 million in 2021, $77 million in 2022, $40 million in 2023 and $5 million in 2024.
Employee stock purchase plan
Options outstanding under the ESPP as of December 31, 2020, had an exercise price equal to 85% of the fair market value of TI common stock on the date of automatic exercise. The automatic exercise occurred on January 4, 2021, resulting in an exercise price of $137.89 per share. Of the total outstanding options, none were exercisable as of December 31, 2020.
ESPP transactions are as follows:
Shares Exercise Price
The weighted average grant date fair values per share of options granted under the ESPP in 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $19.19, $18.05 and $15.43, respectively. In 2020, 2019 and 2018, the total intrinsic value of options exercised under these plans was $14 million, $13 million and $13 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, the number of shares remaining available for future issuance under this plan was 33,097,602.
36
Effect on shares outstanding and treasury shares
Treasury shares were acquired in connection with the board-authorized stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2020, $10.63 billion of stock repurchase authorizations remain, and no expiration date has been specified.
Our current practice is to issue shares of common stock from treasury shares upon exercise of stock options, distribution of director deferred compensation and vesting of RSUs. The following table reflects the changes in our treasury shares:
Stock Options RSUs Treasury Shares
Shares used for:
Stock applied to taxes — 553,720
Director deferred stock units — — (5,181)
Shares used for:
Stock applied to taxes — 490,347
Director deferred stock units — — (71,571)
Shares used for:
Stock applied to taxes — 421,518
Director deferred stock units — — (1,557)
The effects on cash flows are as follows:
For Years Ended December 31,
Proceeds from common stock transactions (a) $ 470 $ 539 $ 373
Tax benefit realized from stock compensation $ 195 $ 224 $ 179
Reduction to deferred tax asset (44) (49) (43)
Excess tax benefit for stock compensation $ 151 $ 175 $ 136
(a)Net of taxes paid for employee shares withheld of $53 million, $52 million and $60 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
37
4. Income taxes
Income before income taxes is comprised of the following components:
For Years Ended December 31,
Provision for income taxes is comprised of the following components:
For Years Ended December 31,
Current Deferred Total Current Deferred Total Current Deferred Total
Principal reconciling items from the U.S. statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate (provision for income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes) are as follows:
For Years Ended December 31,
U.S. statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 %
U.S. tax benefit for foreign derived intangible income (6.1) (4.9) (5.3)
Impact of changes in uncertain tax positions (4.0) (0.1) —
U.S. excess tax benefit for stock compensation (2.5) (3.1) (2.0)
U.S. R&D tax credit (1.3) (1.4) (1.3)
U.S. Tax Act transitional non-cash expense — — 4.2
The earnings represented by non-cash operating assets, such as fixed assets and inventory, will continue to be permanently reinvested outside the United States. Provisions of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act), such as the one-time tax on indefinitely reinvested earnings and the global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) tax for years beginning in 2018, eliminate any additional U.S. taxation resulting from repatriation of earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries to the United States. Consequently, no U.S. tax provision has been made for the future remittance of these earnings. However, withholding or distribution taxes in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions will be incurred upon repatriation of available cash to the United States. A provision has been made for deferred taxes on these undistributed earnings to the extent that repatriation of the available cash to the United States is expected to result in a tax liability. As of December 31, 2020, we have no basis differences that would result in material unrecognized deferred tax liabilities.
We have made an allowable policy election to account for the effects of GILTI as a component of income tax expense in the period in which the tax is incurred.
38
The primary components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
December 31,
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred loss and tax credit carryforwards $ 207 $ 213
Inventories and related reserves 105 109
Retirement costs for defined benefit and retiree health care 44 49
Other 3 —
Total deferred tax assets, before valuation allowance 645 662
Valuation allowance (179) (180)
Total deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance 466 482
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment (116) (164)
International earnings (44) (62)
Acquisition-related intangibles and fair-value adjustments (40) (82)
Total deferred tax liabilities (213) (363)
Net deferred tax asset $ 253 $ 119
The deferred tax assets and liabilities based on tax jurisdictions are presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
December 31,
Deferred tax assets $ 343 $ 197
Deferred tax liabilities (90) (78)
Net deferred tax asset $ 253 $ 119
We make an ongoing assessment regarding the realization of U.S. and non-U.S. deferred tax assets. This assessment is based on our evaluation of relevant criteria, including the existence of deferred tax liabilities that can be used to absorb deferred tax assets, taxable income in prior carryback years and expectations for future taxable income. Valuation allowances decreased $1 million in 2020 and increased $8 million and $7 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. These changes had no impact to net income in 2020, 2019 or 2018.
We have no tax loss carryforwards as of December 31, 2020.
Cash payments made for income taxes, net of refunds, were $720 million, $570 million and $705 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Uncertain tax positions
We operate in a number of tax jurisdictions, and our income tax returns are subject to examination by tax authorities in those jurisdictions who may challenge any item on these tax returns. Because the matters challenged by authorities are typically complex, their ultimate outcome is uncertain. Before any benefit can be recorded in our financial statements, we must determine that it is “more likely than not” that a tax position will be sustained by the appropriate tax authorities. We recognize accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions and penalties as components of OI&E.
39
The changes in the total amounts of uncertain tax positions are as follows:
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 3 3 3
Additions for tax positions of prior years 35 63 1
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (249) (41) —
Settlements with tax authorities — (8) (18)
Expiration of the statute of limitations for assessing taxes (3) — —
Interest payable as of December 31 $ 8 $ 44 $ 49
The liability for uncertain tax positions is a component of other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
All of the $89 million and $303 million liabilities for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are comprised of positions that, if recognized, would lower the effective tax rate. If these liabilities are ultimately realized, $2 million of existing deferred tax assets in both 2020 and 2019 would also be realized. Reductions for tax positions of prior years in 2020 include a $249 million tax benefit for the effective settlement of a depreciation-related uncertain tax position. Accrued interest of $46 million related to this uncertain tax position was reversed and included in OI&E.
As of December 31, 2020, the statute of limitations remains open for U.S. federal tax returns for 2013 and following years. Audit activities related to our U.S. federal tax returns through 2015 have been completed except for certain pending tax treaty procedures for relief from double taxation and an Internal Revenue Service appeals process related to the 2013 through 2015 audit. The procedures for relief from double taxation pertain to U.S. federal tax returns for the years 2007 through 2012.
In non-U.S. jurisdictions, the years open to audit represent the years still open under the statute of limitations. With respect to major jurisdictions outside the United States, our subsidiaries are no longer subject to income tax audits for years before 2007.
5. Financial instruments and risk concentration
Financial instruments
We hold derivative financial instruments such as forward foreign currency exchange contracts, the fair value of which was not material as of December 31, 2020. Our forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2020, had a notional value of $416 million to hedge our non-U.S. dollar net balance sheet exposures, including $147 million to sell Japanese yen, $85 million to sell euros and $82 million to sell British pounds.
Our investments in cash equivalents, short-term investments and certain long-term investments, as well as our deferred compensation liabilities, are carried at fair value. Our postretirement plan assets are carried at fair value or net asset value per share. The carrying values for other current financial assets and liabilities, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to the short maturity of such instruments. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was $6.80 billion, and the estimated fair value was $7.78 billion. The estimated fair value is measured using broker-dealer quotes, which are Level 2 inputs. See Note 6 for a description of fair value and the definition of Level 2 inputs.
Risk concentration
We are subject to counterparty risks from financial institutions, customers and issuers of debt securities. Financial instruments that could subject us to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash deposits, cash equivalents, short-term investments and accounts receivable. To manage our credit risk exposure, we place cash investments in investment-grade debt securities and limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. We also limit counterparties on cash deposits and financial derivative contracts to financial institutions with investment-grade ratings.
40
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable are limited due to our large number of customers and their dispersion across different industries and geographic areas. We maintain allowances for expected returns, disputes, adjustments, incentives and credit losses. These allowances are deducted from accounts receivable on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Accounts receivable allowances changed to reflect amounts charged (credited) to operating results by $3 million, ($11) million and $11 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Major customer
One of our end customers accounted for 10%, 8% and 8% of revenue in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, recognized primarily in our Analog segment. No end customer accounted for 10% or more of revenue in 2019 or 2018.
6. Valuation of debt and equity investments and certain liabilities
Investments measured at fair value
Available-for-sale debt investments, money market funds and mutual funds are stated at fair value, which is generally based on market prices or broker quotes. See Fair-value considerations. Unrealized gains and losses from available-for-sale debt securities are recorded as an increase or decrease, net of taxes, in AOCI on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and any credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities are recorded as an allowance for credit losses with an offset recognized in OI&E in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Our mutual funds hold a variety of debt and equity investments intended to generate returns that offset changes in certain deferred compensation liabilities. We record changes in the fair value of these mutual funds and the related deferred compensation liabilities in SG&A.
Other investments
Our other investments include equity-method investments and non-marketable equity investments, which are not measured at fair value. These investments consist of interests in venture capital funds and other non-marketable equity securities. Gains and losses from equity-method investments are recognized in OI&E based on our ownership share of the investee’s financial results.
Non-marketable equity securities are measured at cost with adjustments for observable changes in price or impairments. Gains and losses on non-marketable equity investments are recognized in OI&E.
Details of our investments are as follows:
Measured at fair value:
Money market funds $ 886 $ — $ — $ 1,213 $ — $ —
Mutual funds — — 18 — — 272
Other measurement basis:
Equity-method investments — — 27 — — 24
Non-marketable equity investments — — 4 — — 4
41
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, unrealized gains and losses associated with our available-for-sale investments were not material. We did not recognize any credit losses related to available-for-sale investments in 2020, 2019 or 2018. All of our debt securities classified as available for sale as of December 31, 2020, have maturities within one year.
In 2020, 2019 and 2018, the proceeds from sales, redemptions and maturities of short-term available-for-sale investments were $5.29 billion, $2.31 billion and $6.71 billion, respectively. Gross realized gains and losses from these sales were not material.
In 2020, we entered into total return swaps to economically hedge the variability of certain deferred compensation obligations to employees. As a result, we received proceeds of $253 million from the sale of investments in mutual funds that were previously being utilized to offset this exposure.
Fair-value considerations
We measure and report certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
The three-level hierarchy described below indicates the extent and level of judgment used to estimate fair-value measurements.
•Level 1 – Uses unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
•Level 2 – Uses inputs other than Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date through correlation with market data, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and quoted prices in markets that are not active. Level 2 also includes assets and liabilities that are valued using models or other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment since the input assumptions used in the models, such as interest rates and volatility factors, are corroborated by readily observable data. We utilize a third-party data service to provide Level 2 valuations. We verify these valuations for reasonableness relative to unadjusted quotes obtained from brokers or dealers based on observable prices for similar assets in active markets.
•Level 3 – Uses inputs that are unobservable, supported by little or no market activity and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models that utilize management estimates of market participant assumptions. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had no Level 3 assets or liabilities.
The following are our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. These tables do not include cash on hand, assets held by our postretirement plans, or assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost or any basis other than fair value.
Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total
Assets:
Liabilities:
42
7. Goodwill and acquisition-related intangibles
Goodwill by segment as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, is as follows:
Goodwill
Embedded Processing 172
We perform our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 and determine whether the fair value of each of our reporting units is in excess of its carrying value. Determination of fair value is based upon management estimates and judgment, using unobservable inputs in discounted cash flow models to calculate the fair value of each reporting unit. These unobservable inputs are considered Level 3 measurements, as described in Note 6. In 2020, 2019 and 2018, we determined no impairment was indicated.
The components of acquisition-related intangibles are as follows:
Other intangibles 5 10 — 10 — — —
Acquisition charges
Acquisition charges represent the ongoing amortization of intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of National Semiconductor Corporation. These amounts are included in Other for segment reporting purposes, consistent with how management measures the performance of its segments.
Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles was $198 million, $288 million and $318 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Fully amortized assets are written off against accumulated amortization. The remaining estimated amortization is $144 million in 2021.
8. Postretirement benefit plans
Plan descriptions
We have various employee retirement plans, including defined contribution, defined benefit and retiree health care benefit plans. For qualifying employees, we offer deferred compensation arrangements.
U.S. retirement plans
Our principal retirement plans in the United States are a defined contribution plan, an enhanced defined contribution plan and qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans. The defined benefit plans were closed to new participants in 1997, and then current participants were allowed to make a one-time election to continue accruing a benefit in the plans or to cease accruing a benefit and instead to participate in the enhanced defined contribution plan.
Both defined contribution plans offer an employer-matching savings option that allows employees to make pretax and post-tax contributions to various investment choices. Employees who elected to continue accruing a benefit in the qualified defined benefit pension plans may also participate in the defined contribution plan, where employer-matching contributions are provided for up to 2% of the employee’s annual eligible earnings. Employees who elected not to continue accruing a benefit in the defined benefit pension plans and employees hired after November 1997 and through December 31, 2003, may participate in the enhanced defined contribution plan. This plan provides for a fixed employer contribution of 2% of the employee’s annual eligible earnings, plus an employer-matching contribution of up to 4% of the employee’s annual eligible earnings. Employees hired after December 31, 2003, do not receive the fixed employer contribution of 2% of the employee’s annual eligible earnings.
43
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, as a result of employees’ elections, TI’s U.S. defined contribution plans held shares of TI common stock totaling 7 million shares and 8 million shares valued at $1.12 billion and $988 million, respectively. Dividends paid on these shares in 2020 and 2019 were $27 million and $26 million, respectively. Effective April 1, 2016, the TI common stock fund was frozen to new contributions or transfers into the fund.
Our aggregate expense for the U.S. defined contribution plans was $61 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018.
The defined benefit pension plans include employees still accruing benefits, as well as employees and participants who no longer accrue service-related benefits, but instead, may participate in the enhanced defined contribution plan. Benefits under the qualified defined benefit pension plan are determined using a formula based on years of service and the highest five consecutive years of compensation. We intend to contribute amounts to this plan to meet the minimum funding requirements of applicable local laws and regulations, plus such additional amounts as we deem appropriate. The non-qualified defined benefit plans are unfunded and closed to new participants.
U.S. retiree health care benefit plan
U.S. employees who meet eligibility requirements are offered medical coverage during retirement. We make a contribution toward the cost of those retiree medical benefits for certain retirees and their dependents. The contribution rates are based upon various factors, the most important of which are an employee’s date of hire, date of retirement, years of service and eligibility for Medicare benefits. The balance of the cost is borne by the plan’s participants. Employees hired after January 1, 2001, are responsible for the full cost of their medical benefits during retirement.
Non-U.S. retirement plans
We provide retirement coverage for non-U.S. employees, as required by local laws or to the extent we deem appropriate, through a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Retirement benefits are generally based on an employee’s years of service and compensation. Funding requirements are determined on an individual country and plan basis and are subject to local country practices and market circumstances.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, as a result of employees’ elections, TI’s non-U.S. defined contribution plans held TI common stock valued at $36 million and $28 million, respectively. Dividends paid on these shares of TI common stock in 2020 and 2019 were not material.
Effects on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Balance Sheets
Expenses related to defined benefit and retiree health care benefit plans are as follows:
U.S. Defined Benefit U.S. Retiree Health Care Non-U.S. Defined Benefit
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) — — — (2) (1) (3) 1 1 (1)
All defined benefit and retiree health care benefit plan expense components other than service cost are recognized in OI&E in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Service cost is recognized within operating profit.
For the U.S. qualified pension and retiree health care plans, the expected return on plan assets component of net periodic benefit cost is based upon a market-related value of assets. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the market-related value of assets is the fair value adjusted by a smoothing technique whereby certain gains and losses are phased in over a period of three years.
44
Changes in the benefit obligations and plan assets for defined benefit and retiree health care benefit plans are as follows:
U.S. Defined Benefit U.S. Retiree Health Care Non-U.S. Defined Benefit
Change in plan benefit obligation
Participant contributions — — 13 13 7 7
Curtailments — — — — — (1)
Plan amendments — — — — 1 —
Effects of exchange rate changes — — — — 167 12
Change in plan assets
Employer contributions (qualified plans) — — 1 1 11 9
Employer contributions (non-qualified plans) 16 10 — — — —
Participant contributions — — 13 13 7 7
Effects of exchange rate changes — — — — 172 13
Funded status at end of year $ (36) $ 27 $ — $ (3) $ 140 $ 80
The actuarial loss (gain) for all pension plans was primarily related to a change in the discount rate used to measure the benefit obligations of those plans in 2020 and 2019.
Amounts recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, are as follows:
U.S. Defined Benefit U.S. Retiree Health Care Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Total
Overfunded retirement plans $ 9 $ 3 $ 234 $ 246
Underfunded retirement plans (39) (3) (89) (131)
Overfunded retirement plans $ 73 $ — $ 145 $ 218
Underfunded retirement plans (29) (3) (61) (93)
Contributions to the plans meet or exceed all minimum funding requirements. We expect to contribute about $10 million to our retirement benefit plans in 2021.
45
Accumulated benefit obligations, which are generally less than the projected benefit obligations as they exclude the impact of future salary increases, were $992 million and $878 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, for the U.S. defined benefit plans, and $2.72 billion and $2.46 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, for the non-U.S. defined benefit plans.
The change in AOCI is as follows:
U.S. Defined Benefit U.S. Retiree Health Care Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Total
Changes in AOCI by category:
Recognized within net income (23) — 2 (15) (1) (38) 1
Tax effect (9) 1 — 14 — 6 —
Information on plan assets
We report and measure the plan assets of our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans at fair value. The tables below set forth the fair value of our plan assets using the same three-level hierarchy of fair-value inputs described in Note 6.
Level 1 Level 2 Other (a) Total
Assets of U.S. defined benefit plan:
Fixed income securities and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 743 $ 743
Assets of U.S. retiree health care plan:
Fixed income securities and cash equivalents $ 29 $ — $ 222 $ 251
Assets of non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
Fixed income securities and cash equivalents $ 69 $ 146 $ 2,063 $ 2,278
(a)Consists of bond index and equity index funds, measured at net asset value per share, as well as cash equivalents.
46
Level 1 Level 2 Other (a) Total
Assets of U.S. defined benefit plan:
Fixed income securities and cash equivalents $ — $ — $ 640 $ 640
Assets of U.S. retiree health care plan:
Fixed income securities and cash equivalents $ 62 $ — $ 168 $ 230
Assets of non-U.S. defined benefit plans:
Fixed income securities and cash equivalents $ 59 $ 126 $ 1,762 $ 1,947
(a)Consists of bond index and equity index funds, measured at net asset value per share, as well as cash equivalents.
The investments in our major benefit plans largely consist of low-cost, broad-market index funds to mitigate risks of concentration within market sectors. Our investment policy is designed to better match the interest rate sensitivity of the plan assets and liabilities. The appropriate mix of equity and bond investments is determined primarily through the use of detailed asset-liability modeling studies that look to balance the impact of changes in the discount rate against the need to provide asset growth to cover future service cost. Most of our plans around the world have a greater proportion of fixed income securities with return characteristics that are more closely aligned with changes in the liabilities caused by discount rate volatility.
Assumptions and investment policies
U.S. Defined Benefit U.S. Retiree Health Care Non-U.S. Defined Benefit
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
We utilize a variety of methods to select an appropriate discount rate depending on the depth of the corporate bond market in the country in which the benefit plan operates. In the United States, we use a settlement approach whereby a portfolio of bonds is selected from the universe of actively traded high-quality U.S. corporate bonds. The selected portfolio is designed to provide cash flows sufficient to pay the plan’s expected benefit payments when due. The resulting discount rate reflects the rate of return of the selected portfolio of bonds. For our non-U.S. locations with a sufficient number of actively traded high-quality bonds, an analysis is performed in which the projected cash flows from the defined benefit plans are discounted against a yield curve constructed with an appropriate universe of high-quality corporate bonds available in each country. In this manner, a present value is developed. The discount rate selected is the single equivalent rate that produces the same present value. For countries that lack a sufficient corporate bond market, a government bond index is used to establish the discount rate.
47
Assumptions for the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets are based on future expectations for returns for each asset class and the effect of periodic target asset allocation rebalancing. We adjust the results for the payment of reasonable expenses of the plan from plan assets. We believe our assumptions are appropriate based on the investment mix and long-term nature of the plans’ investments. Assumptions used for the non-U.S. defined benefit plans reflect the different economic environments within the various countries.
The target allocation ranges for the plans that hold a substantial majority of the defined benefit assets are as follows:
U.S. Defined Benefit U.S. Retiree Health Care Non-U.S. Defined Benefit
Fixed income securities and cash equivalents 65% – 80% 65% – 80% 60% – 100%
We rebalance the plans’ investments when they are outside the target allocation ranges.
Weighted average asset allocations as of December 31 are as follows:
U.S. Defined Benefit U.S. Retiree Health Care Non-U.S. Defined Benefit
Fixed income securities and cash equivalents 70% 65% 65% 65% 76% 73%
None of the plan assets related to the defined benefit pension plans and retiree health care benefit plan are directly invested in TI common stock.
The following assumed future benefit payments to plan participants in the next 10 years are used to measure our benefit obligations. Almost all of the payments, which may vary significantly from these assumptions, will be made from plan assets and not from company assets.
Assumed health care cost trend rates for the U.S. retiree health care benefit plan as of December 31 are as follows:
Assumed health care cost trend rate for next year 6.75% 7.00%
Ultimate trend rate 5.00% 5.00%
Year in which ultimate trend rate is reached 2028 2028
Deferred compensation plans
We have deferred compensation plans that allow U.S. employees whose base salary and management responsibility exceed a certain level to defer receipt of a portion of their cash compensation. Payments under these plans are made based on the participant’s distribution election and plan balance. Participants can earn a return on their deferred compensation based on notional investments in the same investment funds that are offered in our defined contribution plans.
As of December 31, 2020, our liability to participants of the deferred compensation plans was $350 million and is recorded in other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. This amount reflects the accumulated participant deferrals and earnings thereon as of that date. We utilize total return swaps and investments in mutual funds that serve as economic hedges of our exposure to changes in the fair value of these liabilities. We record changes in the fair value of the liability and the related total return swaps and mutual funds in SG&A, as discussed in Note 6. As of December 31, 2020, we held $18 million in mutual funds related to these plans that are recorded in long-term investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
48
9. Debt and lines of credit
Short-term borrowings
We maintain a line of credit to support commercial paper borrowings, if any, and to provide additional liquidity through bank loans. As of December 31, 2020, we had a variable-rate revolving credit facility from a consortium of investment-grade banks that allows us to borrow up to $2 billion until March 2024. The interest rate on borrowings under this credit facility, if drawn, is indexed to the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). As of December 31, 2020, our credit facility was undrawn, and we had no commercial paper outstanding.
Long-term debt
In March 2020, we issued a principal amount of $750 million of fixed-rate, long-term debt due in 2025. We incurred $4 million of issuance costs. The proceeds of the offering were $749 million, net of the original issuance discount, and were used for general corporate purposes and the repayment of maturing debt.
In April 2020, we retired $500 million of maturing debt.
In May 2020, we issued a principal amount of $750 million of fixed-rate, long-term debt due in 2030. We incurred $5 million of issuance costs. The proceeds of the offering were $749 million, net of the original issuance discount, and were used for general corporate purposes.
In March 2019, we issued a principal amount of $750 million of fixed-rate, long-term debt due in 2039. We incurred $7 million of issuance costs. The proceeds of the offering were $743 million, net of the original issuance discount, and were used for general corporate purposes.
In August 2019, we retired $750 million of maturing debt.
In September 2019, we issued a principal amount of $750 million of fixed-rate, long-term debt due in 2029. We incurred $5 million of issuance costs. The proceeds of the offering were $748 million, net of the original issuance discount, and were used for general corporate purposes.
In May 2018, we retired $500 million of maturing debt.
In the second quarter of 2018, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of fixed-rate, long-term debt due in 2048, comprised of the issuance of $1.3 billion in May 2018 and an additional $200 million in June 2018. We incurred $16 million of issuance and other related costs. The proceeds of the offering were $1.5 billion, net of the original issuance discount and premium, and were used for general corporate purposes.
49
Long-term debt outstanding is as follows:
December 31,
Net unamortized discounts, premiums and issuance costs (52) (47)
Current portion of long-term debt (550) (500)
Interest and debt expense was $190 million, $170 million and $125 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. This was net of the amortized discounts, premiums and issuance costs. Cash payments for interest on long-term debt were $182 million, $156 million and $114 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capitalized interest was not material.
10. Leases
We conduct certain operations in leased facilities and also lease a portion of our data processing and other equipment. In addition, certain long-term supply agreements to purchase industrial gases are accounted for as operating leases. Lease agreements frequently include renewal provisions and require us to pay real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.
Our leases are included as a component of the following balance sheet lines: