10-K


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

Form 10-K
 
 
[x]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.
OR
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from             to             .
Commission file number 000-24821
 
 
eBay Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Delaware
77-0430924
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
 
2065 Hamilton Avenue
San Jose, California
95125
(Address of principal
executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(408) 376-7400
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of each class
Name of exchange on which registered
Common stock
The Nasdaq Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
None
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.     Yes [x]    No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.    Yes [ ]    No [x]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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 [x]    No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes [x]   No [ ]




Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    Yes  [x]   No  [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
[x]
 
Accelerated filer
[ ]
Non-accelerated filer
[ ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
[ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes  [ ]    No  [x]
As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $67,436,299,797 based on the closing sale price as reported on The Nasdaq Global Select Market.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
Outstanding as of January 27, 2016
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
1,178,705,177
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III incorporates information by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the registrant's Annual Meeting of Stockholders expected to be held on April 27, 2016.






eBay Inc.
Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
Part I
Item 1.
Business
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Properties
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Part II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.
Other Information
Part III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Part IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules



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PART I
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future business, future results of operations or financial condition, new or planned features or services, or management strategies). You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, those discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as in our consolidated financial statements, related notes, and the other information appearing elsewhere in this report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this report to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

ITEM 1: BUSINESS

eBay Inc. was formed as a sole proprietorship in September 1995 and was incorporated in California in May 1996. In April 1998, we reincorporated in Delaware, and in September 1998, we completed the initial public offering of our common stock. Our principal executive offices are located at 2065 Hamilton Avenue, San Jose, California 95125, and our telephone number is (408) 376-7400. Unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, when we refer to “we,” “our,” “us” or “eBay” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we mean the current Delaware corporation (eBay Inc.) and its California predecessor, as well as all of its consolidated subsidiaries. When we refer to “eBay Inc.” we mean our Marketplace, StubHub and Classifieds platforms. When we refer to “PayPal,” we mean the businesses underlying our former Payments segment. When we refer to “Enterprise,” we mean the businesses underlying our former Enterprise segment. After a strategic review by its Board of Directors, eBay Inc. spun off PayPal and sold its Enterprise businesses in 2015. See “Notable Business Transactions in 2015” below.

eBay Inc. is a global commerce leader including our Marketplace, StubHub and Classifieds platforms. Collectively, we connect millions of buyers and sellers around the world. The technologies and services that power our platforms are designed to enable sellers worldwide to organize and offer their inventory for sale and buyers to find and buy it virtually anytime and anywhere. Our Marketplace platforms include our online marketplace located at www.ebay.com, its localized counterparts and the eBay mobile apps; which are among the world’s largest and most vibrant marketplaces for discovering great value and unique selection. Our StubHub platforms include our online ticket platform located at www.stubhub.com and the StubHub mobile apps. These platforms provide fans with a safe, convenient place to purchase tickets to the games, concerts and theater shows they want to attend and an easy way to sell tickets. Our Classifieds platforms include a collection of brands such as Mobile.de, Kijiji, Gumtree, Marktplaats, eBay Classifieds and others. Offering online classifieds in more than 1,500 cities around the world, these platforms help people find whatever they are looking for in their local communities.

eBay Inc. has made investments and acquisitions to help enable commerce on our platforms for buyers and sellers online (e.g., desktop and laptop computers) or on mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets). Our objective is to bring the world’s inventory to the world’s buyers. Driven by the ubiquity of the Internet and the proliferation of mobile devices, we believe that the way consumers engage with each other, brands and services is fundamentally changing, blurring the lines between offline retail and online commerce. We believe that this trend has expanded our addressable market in the ecommerce industry and we measure our footprint in this addressable market according to Gross Merchandise Volume ("GMV"). GMV consists of the total value of all successfully closed transactions between users on our Marketplace and StubHub platforms during the applicable period, regardless of whether the buyer and seller actually consummated the transaction.

Our company is only successful when the buyers and sellers we enable are successful. We are primarily a transaction-based business that generates revenue from the transactions that we successfully enable. We also generate revenue through marketing services, including classifieds and advertising. In addition, we have created an open source platform that provides software developers and merchants access to our application programming interfaces, or APIs, to develop software and solutions for commerce. As of December 31, 2015, our Marketplace and StubHub platforms had more than 162 million active buyers and more than 800 million listings globally. The term “active buyer” means, as of any date, all buyers who successfully closed a transaction on our Marketplace and StubHub platforms within the previous 12-month period. Buyers may register more than once and, as a result, may have more than one account.


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For additional financial information as well as the geographic areas where we conduct business, please see "Note 6 - Segments" to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. Additionally, please see the information in "Item 1A: Risk Factors" under the caption "Our international operations are subject to increased risks, which may harm our business," which describes risks associated with eBay Inc.'s foreign operations.

Notable Business Transactions in 2015

On September 30, 2014, we announced that our Board of Directors (“Board”), following a strategic review of the company’s growth strategies and structure, approved a plan to separate PayPal into an independent publicly traded company. On July 17, 2015, we completed the distribution of 100% of the outstanding common stock of PayPal to our stockholders, pursuant to which PayPal became an independent company. See "Note 4 - Discontinued Operations" of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Additionally, during the second quarter of 2015, our Board approved a plan to sell Enterprise. On July 16, 2015, we signed a definitive agreement to sell Enterprise, and on November 2, 2015, the sale closed. See "Note 4 - Discontinued Operations" of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

eBay Inc.'s platforms offer the following features:

We are a leading commerce platform for buyers and sellers.

Our business model and pricing are designed so that our business is successful when our sellers are successful. The majority of our revenue comes from a take rate on the GMV of transactions closed on our Marketplace and StubHub platforms. In 2015, we generated $82 billion in GMV.

Our eBay Top Rated Seller program, or eTRS, rewards qualifying sellers with fee discounts and improved search standing for qualifying listings if they are able to maintain excellent customer service ratings and meet specified criteria for shipping and returns. We believe that sellers who fulfill these standards help promote our goal of maintaining an online marketplace that is safe and hassle-free.

eBay Money Back Guarantee covers items purchased on our websites in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Australia and Canada through a qualifying payment method and protects most buyers with respect to items that are not received or are received but not as described in the listing. Some purchases, including some vehicles, are not covered. eBay Money Back Guarantee provides coverage for the purchase price of the item, plus original shipping costs, for a limited period of time from the original date of transaction, and includes a streamlined interface to help buyers and sellers navigate the process.

The size and scale of our platforms are designed to enable our buyers and sellers to leverage our economies of scale and capital investment, for example in sales and marketing, mobile, customer acquisition and customer service.

We provide a variety of access points for buyers to shop virtually anytime, anywhere.

Our platforms are accessible through a traditional online experience (e.g., desktop and laptop computers) or from mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets). Our multi-screen approach offers downloadable, easy-to-use mobile applications for the iPhone, the iPad, Android and Windows mobile devices that allow access to ebay.com and some of our other websites and vertical shopping experiences.

We provide a large and unique selection of inventory globally.

We had over 800 million items listed for sale on our platforms as of December 31, 2015, which we believe makes us one of the world’s largest online marketplaces. For 2015, approximately 59% of our GMV was generated outside the U.S.

We strive to provide value to buyers and sellers.

We believe that we have some of the lowest prices available for a number of consumer products. In the U.S., the U.K. and Germany, the majority of successfully closed transactions included free shipping during 2015. We have developed a number of features on our Marketplace platforms in the areas of trust and safety (including our Seller Performance Standards, eTRS, eBay Money Back Guarantee, Verified Rights Owner Program and Feedback Forum), customer support and value-added tools and services, as well as loyalty programs (for both buyers and sellers). These features are designed to make users more

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comfortable buying and selling with unknown partners and completing transactions online or through mobile devices, as well as rewarding our top buyers and sellers for their loyalty.

For sellers in particular, we recently introduced a number of upcoming changes to our seller policies to help small- and medium-sized sellers be more successful on our platforms and better reward sellers who provide exceptional service to eBay buyers. These changes include providing more objective standards; giving sellers the ability to customize how they manage returns based on their specific business needs; and launching the Seller Hub, which puts a seller’s listing and marketing tools in one central place. 

We offer buyers and sellers choice.

We offer choice to buyers and sellers across a number of dimensions:

By listing format: Sellers can choose to list their products and services through fixed price listings or an auction-style format on our platforms.
Our fixed price format on ebay.com allows buyers and sellers to close transactions at a pre-determined price set by the seller. Sellers are also able to signal that they would be willing to close the transaction at a lower price through the Best Offer feature.
Our auction-style format allows a seller to select a minimum price for opening bids.
Our Classifieds platforms have listings in over 1,500 cities around the world and are designed to help people list their products and services generally for free and then trade at a local level. These platforms include Mobile.de, Kijiji, Gumtree, Marktplaats and eBay Classifieds, among others.

By item condition: Sellers can list, and buyers can search for and purchase, items that are new, refurbished and used, common and rare items, and branded and unbranded products on our Marketplace platforms.

By delivery format: Buyers can have items shipped to them through shipping options offered by the seller and selected by the buyer on our Marketplace platforms. For certain items purchased from certain retailers, buyers can pick up items they purchased online or through mobile devices in one of the retailer’s physical stores (which we refer to as in-store pickup). This brings more choice for buyers and sellers around delivery cost and convenience.

We offer a variety of specialized vertical and promotional experiences.

We continue to focus on customizing our buying and selling experiences to make it easier for users to list, find and buy items by offering formats dedicated to specific products or categories. On our Marketplace platforms, we have built specialized experiences, such as Daily Deals, Fashion, Motors (vehicles; parts and accessories) and Electronics. Daily Deals offers a variety of products in multiple categories at discounted prices with free shipping. StubHub is a leader in secondary ticketing for event tickets, enabling fans to buy and sell tickets to a large selection of sports, concert, theater and other live entertainment events.

Competition

We encounter vigorous competition in our business from numerous sources. Our users can find, buy, sell and pay for similar items through a variety of competing online, mobile and offline channels. These include, but are not limited to, retailers, distributors, liquidators, import and export companies, auctioneers, catalog and mail-order companies, classifieds, directories, search engines, commerce participants (consumer-to-consumer, business-to-consumer and business-to-business), shopping channels and networks. As our product offerings continue to broaden into new categories of items and new commerce formats, we expect to face additional competition from other online, mobile and offline channels for those new offerings. We compete on the basis of price, product selection and services.

For more information regarding these risks, see the information in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” under the captions “Substantial and increasingly intense competition worldwide in ecommerce may harm our business” and “We are subject to regulatory activity and antitrust litigation under competition laws.”

To compete effectively, we will need to continue to expend significant resources in technology and marketing. These efforts require substantial expenditures, which could reduce our margins and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, operating results and cash flows and reduce the market price of our common stock. Despite our efforts to preserve and expand the size, diversity and transaction activity of our buyers and sellers and to enhance the user experience, we may not be able to effectively manage our operating expenses, to increase or maintain our revenue or to avoid a decline in our consolidated net income or a net loss.

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Government Regulation

Government regulation impacts key aspects of our business. In particular, we are subject to laws and regulations that affect the ecommerce industry in many countries where we operate. For more information regarding these risks, see the information in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” under the caption "Our business is subject to extensive government regulation and oversight."

Seasonality

We expect transaction activity patterns on our platforms to mirror general consumer buying patterns. Please see the additional information in “Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the caption “Seasonality.”

Technology

eBay Inc.'s platforms utilize a combination of proprietary technologies and services as well as technologies and services provided by others. We have developed intuitive user interfaces, buyer and seller tools and transaction processing, database and network applications that help enable our users to reliably and securely complete transactions on our sites. Our technology infrastructure simplifies the storage and processing of large amounts of data, eases the deployment and operation of large-scale global products and services and automates much of the administration of large-scale clusters of computers. Our infrastructure has been designed around industry-standard architectures to reduce downtime in the event of outages or catastrophic occurrences. We strive to continually improve our technology to enhance the buyer and seller experience and to increase efficiency, scalability and security. For information regarding technology-related risks, see the information in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” under the caption “Systems failures and resulting interruptions in the availability of our websites, applications, products or services could harm our business."

Intellectual Property

We regard the protection of our intellectual property, including our trademarks (particularly those covering the eBay name), patents, copyrights, domain names, trade dress and trade secrets as critical to our success. We aggressively protect our intellectual property rights by relying on federal, state and common law rights in the U.S. and internationally, as well as a variety of administrative procedures. We also rely on contractual restrictions to protect our proprietary rights in products and services. We routinely enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors and nondisclosure agreements with parties with whom we conduct business to limit access to and disclosure of our proprietary information.

We pursue the registration of our domain names, trademarks and service marks in the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, we have filed U.S. and international patent applications covering certain aspects of our proprietary technology. Effective trademark, copyright, patent, domain name, trade dress and trade secret protection is typically expensive to maintain and may require litigation. We must protect our intellectual property rights and other proprietary rights in an increasing number of jurisdictions, a process that is expensive and time consuming and may not be successful.

We have registered our core brands as trademarks and domain names in the U.S. and a large number of other jurisdictions and have in place an active program to continue to secure trademarks and domain names that correspond to our brands in markets of interest. If we are unable to register or protect our trademarks or domain names, we could be adversely affected in any jurisdiction in which our trademarks or domain names are not registered or protected. We have licensed in the past, and expect to license in the future, certain of our proprietary rights, such as trademarks or copyrighted material, to others.

From time to time, third parties have claimed - and others will likely claim in the future - that we have infringed their intellectual property rights. We are typically involved in a number of such legal proceedings at any time. Please see the information in “Item 3: Legal Proceedings” and in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” under the captions "We are subject to patent litigation," "The listing or sale by our users of items that allegedly infringe the intellectual property rights of rights owners, including pirated or counterfeit items, may harm its business," and "We may be unable to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights, or third parties may allege that we are infringing their intellectual property rights.”


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Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we employed approximately 11,600 people globally. Approximately 6,200 of our employees were located in the U.S.

Available Information

Our Internet address is www.ebay.com. Our investor relations website is located at https://investors.ebayinc.com. We make available free of charge on our investor relations website under the heading “SEC Filings” our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such materials are electronically filed with (or furnished to) the SEC.

We webcast our earnings calls and certain events we participate in or host with members of the investment community on our investor relations website. Additionally, we provide notifications of news or announcements regarding our financial performance, including SEC filings, investor events, press and earnings releases, and blogs on our investor relations website. Further corporate governance information, including our governance guidelines for our board of directors, board committee charters and code of conduct, is also available on our investor relations website under the heading “Corporate Governance.”

The contents of our websites and webcasts are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with (or furnish to) the SEC, and any references to our websites and webcasts are intended to be inactive textual references only.

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Item 1A: RISK FACTORS

You should carefully review the following discussion of the risks that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, as well as our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the other information appearing in this report, for important information regarding risks that affect us.

Risk Factors That May Affect our Business, Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Our operating and financial results are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as the trading price of our common stock and debt securities.

Our operating and financial results have varied on a quarterly basis during our operating history and may continue to fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including as a result of the risks set forth in this “Risk Factors” section. It is difficult for us to forecast the level or source of our revenues or earnings (loss) accurately. In view of the rapidly evolving nature of our business, period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful, and you should not rely upon them as an indication of future performance. We do not have backlog, and substantially all of our net revenues each quarter come from transactions involving sales during that quarter. Due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting revenues, it is also difficult to forecast expenses as a percentage of net revenues. Quarterly and annual expenses as a percentage of net revenues reflected in our consolidated financial statements may be significantly different from historical or projected rates. Our operating results in one or more future quarters may fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors. The trading price of our common stock and debt securities could decline, perhaps substantially, as a result of the factors described in this paragraph.

Substantial and increasingly intense competition worldwide in ecommerce may harm our business.

The businesses and markets in which we operate are intensely competitive. We currently and potentially compete with a wide variety of online and offline companies providing goods and services to consumers and merchants. The Internet and mobile networks provide new, rapidly evolving and intensely competitive channels for the sale of all types of goods and services. We compete in two-sided markets, and must attract both buyers and sellers to use our platforms. Consumers who purchase or sell goods and services through us have more and more alternatives, and merchants have more channels to reach consumers. We expect competition to continue to intensify. Online and offline businesses increasingly are competing with each other and our competitors include a number of online and offline retailers with significant resources, large user communities and well-established brands. Moreover, the barriers to entry into these channels can be low, and businesses easily can launch online sites or mobile platforms and applications at nominal cost by using commercially available software or partnering with any of a number of successful ecommerce companies. As we respond to changes in the competitive environment, we may, from time to time, make pricing, service or marketing decisions or acquisitions that may be controversial with and lead to dissatisfaction among sellers, which could reduce activity on our platform and harm our profitability.

We face increased competitive pressure online and offline. In particular, the competitive norm for, and the expected level of service from, ecommerce and mobile commerce has significantly increased, due to, among other factors, improved user experience, greater ease of buying goods, lower (or no) shipping costs, faster shipping times and more favorable return policies. Also, certain platform businesses, such as Alibaba, Apple, Google and Facebook, many of whom are larger than us or have greater capitalization, have a dominant and secure position in other industries or certain significant markets, and offer other goods and services to consumers and merchants that we do not offer. If we are unable to change our products, offerings and services in ways that reflect the changing demands of ecommerce and mobile commerce marketplaces, particularly the higher growth of sales of fixed-price items and higher expected service levels (some of which depend on services provided by sellers on our platforms), or compete effectively with and adapt to changes in larger platform businesses, our business will suffer.

Competitors with other revenue sources may also be able to devote more resources to marketing and promotional campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing policies and devote more resources to website, mobile platforms and applications and systems development than we can. Other competitors may offer or continue to offer faster and/or free shipping, delivery on Sunday, same-day delivery, favorable return policies or other transaction-related services which improve the user experience on their sites and which could be impractical or inefficient for our sellers to match. Competitors may be able to innovate faster and more efficiently, and new technologies may increase the competitive pressures by enabling competitors to offer more efficient or lower-cost services.

Some of our competitors control other products and services that are important to our success, including credit card interchange, Internet search, and mobile operating systems. Such competitors could manipulate pricing, availability, terms or

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operation of service related to their products and services in a manner that impacts our competitive offerings. For example, Google, which operates a shopping platform service, has from time to time made changes to its search algorithms that reduced the amount of search traffic directed to us from searches on Google. If we are unable to use or adapt to operational changes in such services, we may face higher costs for such services, face integration or technological barriers or lose customers, which could cause our business to suffer.

Consumers who might use our sites to buy goods have a wide variety of alternatives, including traditional department, warehouse, boutique, discount and general merchandise stores (as well as the online and mobile operations of these traditional retailers), online retailers and their related mobile offerings, online and offline classified services and other shopping channels, such as offline and online home shopping networks. In the United States, these include Amazon.com (which recently opened an experimental brick-and-mortar store in New York City and continues to expand into new geographies and lines of business), Google, Wal-Mart, Target, Sears, Macy’s, JC Penney, Costco, Office Depot, Staples, OfficeMax, Sam’s Club, Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping, MSN, QVC and Home Shopping Network, among others. In addition, consumers have a large number of online and offline channels focused on one or more of the categories of products offered on our site.

Consumers also can turn to many companies that offer a variety of services that provide other channels for buyers to find and buy items from sellers of all sizes, including social media, online aggregation and classifieds platforms, such as craigslist, Oodle.com and a number of international websites operated by Schibsted ASA or Naspers Limited. Consumers also can turn to shopping-comparison sites, such as Google Shopping. In certain markets, our fixed-price listing and traditional auction-style listing formats increasingly are being challenged by other formats, such as classifieds.

Our Classifieds platforms offer classifieds listings in the United States and a variety of international markets. In many markets in which they operate, our Classifieds platforms compete for customers and for advertisers against more established online and offline classifieds platforms or other competing websites.

Our online shopping comparison websites (Shopping.com) compete with sites such as Google Shopping, Rakuten, Nextag.com, Pricegrabber.com, Shopzilla, Buscapé in Latin America (owned by Naspers) and Yahoo! Product Search, which offer shopping search engines that allow consumers to search the Internet for specified products. In addition, sellers are increasingly utilizing multiple sales channels, including the acquisition of new customers by paying for search-related advertisements on horizontal search engine sites, such as Google, Yahoo!, Naver and Baidu. We use product search engines and paid search advertising to help users find our sites, but these services also have the potential to divert users to other online shopping destinations. Consumers may choose to search for products and services with a horizontal search engine or shopping comparison website, and such sites may also send users to other shopping destinations.

Consumers and merchants who might use our sites to sell goods also have many alternatives, including general ecommerce sites, such as Amazon and Alibaba, and more specialized sites, such as Etsy. Our international sites also compete for sellers with general and specialized ecommerce sites. Sellers may also choose to sell their goods through other channels, such as classifieds platforms. Consumers and merchants also can create and sell through their own sites, and may choose to purchase online advertising instead of using our services. In some countries, there are online sites that have larger customer bases and greater brand recognition, as well as competitors that may have a better understanding of local culture and commerce. We increasingly may compete with local competitors in developing countries that have unique advantages, such as a greater ability to operate under local regulatory authorities.

In addition, certain manufacturers may limit or cease distribution of their products through online channels, such as our sites. Manufacturers may attempt to use contractual obligations or existing or future government regulation to prohibit or limit ecommerce in certain categories of goods or services. Manufacturers may also attempt to enforce minimum resale price maintenance or minimum advertised price arrangements to prevent distributors from selling on our platforms or on the Internet generally, or at prices that would make us less attractive relative to other alternatives. The adoption by manufacturers of policies, or their use of laws or regulations, in each case discouraging or restricting the sales of goods or services over the Internet, could force our users to stop selling certain products on our platforms, which could result in reduced operating margins, loss of market share and diminished value of our brands.

The principal competitive factors for us include the following:
    
ability to attract, retain and engage buyers and sellers;
volume of transactions and price and selection of goods;
trust in the seller and the transaction;
customer service;

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brand recognition;    
community cohesion, interaction and size;
website, mobile platform and application ease-of-use and accessibility;
system reliability and security;
reliability of delivery and payment, including customer preference for fast delivery and free shipping and returns;
level of service fees; and
quality of search tools.

We may be unable to compete successfully against current and future competitors. Some current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases and greater brand recognition in other business and Internet sectors than we do.

Global and regional economic conditions could harm our business.

Our operations and performance depend significantly on global and regional economic conditions. Adverse economic conditions and events (including volatility or distress in the equity and/or debt or credit markets) have in the past negatively impacted regional and global financial markets and will likely continue to do so from time to time in the future. Uncertainties relating to the ability of Greece to remain in the European Monetary Union may adversely impact the economy of the European Union, which is an important market in which we do business. These events and conditions could have a negative and adverse impact on companies and customers with which we do business or cause us to write down our assets or investments. In addition, financial turmoil affecting the banking system or financial markets could cause additional consolidation of the financial services industry, or significant financial service institution failures, new or incremental tightening in the credit markets, low liquidity, and extreme volatility in fixed income, credit, currency, and equity markets. Adverse impacts to the companies and customers with which we do business, the banking system, or financial markets could have a material adverse effect on our business, including a reduction in the volume and prices of transactions on our commerce platforms.

We are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

Because we generate the majority of our revenues outside the United States but report our financial results in U.S. dollars, our financial results are impacted by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, or foreign exchange rates. The results of operations of many of our internationally focused platforms are exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations as the financial results of the applicable subsidiaries are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. If the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign currency denominated revenues or expenses will result in increased U.S. dollar denominated revenues and expenses. Similarly, if the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, particularly the Euro, British pound, Korean won or Australian dollar, our translation of foreign currency denominated revenues or expenses will result in lower U.S. dollar denominated net revenues and expenses. In addition to this translation effect, a strengthening U.S. dollar will typically adversely affect the volume of goods being sold by U.S. sellers to Europe and Australia more than it positively affects the volume of goods being sold by sellers in those geographies to buyers in the United States, thereby further negatively impacting our financial results.

While from time to time we enter into transactions to hedge portions of our foreign currency translation exposure, it is impossible to predict or eliminate the effects of this exposure. Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates could significantly impact our financial results, which may have a significant impact on the trading price of our common stock and debt securities.

Our international operations are subject to increased risks, which could harm our business.

Our international businesses, especially in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Korea, and cross-border business from greater China, have generated a majority of our net revenues in recent years. In addition to uncertainty about our ability to generate revenues from our foreign operations and expand into international markets, there are risks inherent in doing business internationally, including:

expenses associated with localizing our products and services and customer data, including offering customers the ability to transact business in the local currency and adapting our products and services to local preferences (e.g., payment methods) with which we may have limited or no experience;
trade barriers and changes in trade regulations;
difficulties in developing, staffing, and simultaneously managing a large number of varying foreign operations as a result of distance, language, and cultural differences;
stringent local labor laws and regulations;

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credit risk and higher levels of payment fraud;
profit repatriation restrictions, foreign currency exchange restrictions or extreme fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates for a particular currency;
political or social unrest, economic instability, repression, or human rights issues;
geopolitical events, including natural disasters, public health issues, acts of war, and terrorism;
import or export regulations;
compliance with U.S. laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and foreign laws prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials, as well as U.S. and foreign laws designed to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities;
antitrust and competition regulations;
potentially adverse tax developments and consequences;
economic uncertainties relating to sovereign and other debt;
different, uncertain, or more stringent user protection, data protection, privacy, and other laws;
risks related to other government regulation or required compliance with local laws;
national or regional differences in macroeconomic growth rates;
local licensing and reporting obligations; and
increased difficulties in collecting accounts receivable.
 
Violations of the complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to our international operations may result in fines, criminal actions, or sanctions against us, our officers, or our employees; prohibitions on the conduct of our business; and damage to our reputation. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to promote compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, or agents will not violate our policies. These risks inherent in our international operations and expansion increase our costs of doing business internationally and could harm our business.

Any factors that reduce cross-border trade or make such trade more difficult could harm our business.

Cross-border trade is an important source of both revenue and profits for us. Cross-border trade also represents our primary (or in some cases, only) presence in certain important markets, such as Brazil/Latin America, China, and various other countries. In addition, our cross-border trade is also subject to, and may be impacted by, foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

The interpretation and application of specific national or regional laws, such as those related to intellectual property rights of authentic products, selective distribution networks, and sellers in other countries listing items on the Internet, and the potential interpretation and application of laws of multiple jurisdictions (e.g., the jurisdiction of the buyer, the seller, and/or the location of the item being sold) are often extremely complicated in the context of cross-border trade. The interpretation and/or application of such laws could impose restrictions on, or increase the costs of, purchasing, selling, shipping, or returning goods across national borders.
  
The shipping of goods across national borders is often more expensive and complicated than domestic shipping. Customs and duty procedures and reviews, including duty-free thresholds in various key markets, the interaction of national postal systems, and security related governmental processes at international borders, may increase costs, discourage cross-border purchases, delay transit and create shipping uncertainties. Any factors that increase the costs of cross-border trade or restrict, delay, or make cross-border trade more difficult or impractical would lower our revenues and profits and could harm our business.

Our business may be adversely affected by geopolitical events, natural disasters, seasonal factors and other factors that cause our users to spend less time on our websites or mobile platforms and applications, including increased usage of other websites.

Our users may spend less time on our websites and our applications for mobile devices as a result of a variety of diversions, including: geopolitical events, such as war, the threat of war, or terrorist activity; natural disasters; power shortages or outages, major public health issues, including pandemics; social networking or other entertainment websites or mobile applications; significant local, national or global events capturing the attention of a large part of the population; and seasonal fluctuations due to a variety of factors. If any of these, or any other factors, divert our users from using of our websites or mobile applications, our business could be materially adversely affected.


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Our success depends to a large degree on our ability to successfully address the rapidly evolving market for transactions on mobile devices.

Mobile devices are increasingly used for ecommerce transactions. A significant and growing portion of our users access our platforms through mobile devices. We may lose users if we are not able to continue to meet our users’ mobile and multi-screen experience expectations. The variety of technical and other configurations across different mobile devices and platforms increases the challenges associated with this environment. In addition, a number of other companies with significant resources and a number of innovative startups have introduced products and services focusing on mobile markets.

Our ability to successfully address the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving market for mobile transactions is crucial to our continued success, and any failure to continuously increase the volume of mobile transactions effected through our platforms could harm our business.

If we cannot keep pace with rapid technological developments to provide new and innovative programs, products and services, the use of our products and our revenues could decline.

Rapid, significant technological changes continue to confront the industries in which we operate. We cannot predict the effect of technological changes on our business. In addition to our own initiatives and innovations, we rely in part on third parties, including some of our competitors, for the development of and access to new technologies. We expect that new services and technologies applicable to the industries in which we operate will continue to emerge. These new services and technologies may be superior to, or render obsolete, the technologies we currently use in our products and services. Incorporating new technologies into our products and services may require substantial expenditures and take considerable time, and ultimately may not be successful. In addition, our ability to adopt new services and develop new technologies may be inhibited by industry-wide standards, new laws and regulations, resistance to change from clients or merchants, or third parties’ intellectual property rights. Our success will depend on our ability to develop new technologies and adapt to technological changes and evolving industry standards.

Our business is subject to extensive government regulation and oversight.

We are subject to laws and regulations affecting our domestic and international operations in a number of areas, including consumer protection, data privacy requirements, intellectual property ownership and infringement, prohibited items and stolen goods, resale of event tickets, tax, anti-competition, export requirements, anti-corruption, labor, advertising, digital content, real estate, billing, ecommerce, promotions, quality of services, telecommunications, mobile communications and media, environmental, and health and safety regulations, as well as laws and regulations intended to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities.

Compliance with these laws, regulations, and similar requirements may be onerous and expensive, and variances and inconsistencies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction may further increase the cost of compliance and doing business. Any such costs, which may rise in the future as a result of changes in these laws and regulations or in their interpretation, could individually or in the aggregate make our products and services less attractive to our customers, delay the introduction of new products or services in one or more regions, or cause us to change or limit our business practices. We have implemented policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, but there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, or agents will not violate such laws and regulations or our policies and procedures.  

Regulation in the areas of privacy and protection of user data could harm our business.

We are subject to laws relating to the collection, use, retention, security, and transfer of personally identifiable information about our users around the world. Much of the personal information that we collect, especially financial information, is regulated by multiple laws. User data protection laws may be interpreted and applied inconsistently from country to country. In many cases, these laws apply not only to third-party transactions, but also to transfers of information between or among ourselves, our subsidiaries, and other parties with which we have commercial relations. These laws continue to develop in ways we cannot predict and that may harm our business.

Regulatory scrutiny of privacy, user data protection, use of data and data collection is increasing on a global basis. We are subject to a number of privacy and similar laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate and these laws and regulations will likely continue to evolve over time, both through regulatory and legislative action and judicial decisions. Some of these laws impose requirements that are inconsistent with one another, yet regulators may claim that both apply. Complying with these varying national requirements could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices

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in a manner adverse to our business and violations of privacy-related laws can result in significant penalties. In addition, compliance with these laws may restrict our ability to provide services to our customers that they may find to be valuable. A determination that there have been violations of laws relating to our practices under communications-based laws could expose us to significant damage awards, fines and other penalties that could, individually or in the aggregate, materially harm our business. In particular, because of the enormous number of texts, emails and other communications we send to our users, communications laws that provide a specified monetary damage award or fine for each violation (such as those described below) could result in particularly large awards or fines.

For example, the Federal Communications Commission amended certain of its regulations under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA, in 2012 and 2013 in a manner that could increase our exposure to liability for certain types of telephonic communication with customers, including but not limited to text messages to mobile phones. Under the TCPA, plaintiffs may seek actual monetary loss or statutory damages of $500 per violation, whichever is greater, and courts may treble the damage award for willful or knowing violations. We are regularly subject to class-action lawsuits, as well as individual lawsuits, containing allegations that our businesses violated the TCPA. These lawsuits, and other private lawsuits not currently alleged as class actions, seek damages (including statutory damages) and injunctive relief, among other remedies. Given the enormous number of communications we send to our users, a determination that there have been violations of the TCPA or other communications-based statutes could expose us to significant damage awards that could, individually or in the aggregate, materially harm our business.

We post on our websites our privacy policies and practices concerning the collection, use and disclosure of user data. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with our posted privacy policies or with any regulatory requirements or orders or other federal, state or international privacy or consumer protection-related laws and regulations could result in proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others (e.g., class action privacy litigation), subject us to significant penalties and negative publicity, require us to change our business practices, increase our costs and adversely affect our business. Data collection, privacy and security have become the subject of increasing public concern. If Internet and mobile users were to reduce their use of our websites, mobile platforms, products, and services as a result of these concerns, our business could be harmed. As noted above, we are also subject to the possibility of security breaches, which themselves may result in a violation of these laws.

Other laws and regulations could harm our business.

It is not always clear how laws and regulations governing matters relevant to our business, such as property ownership, copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property issues, parallel imports and distribution controls, taxation, libel and defamation, and obscenity apply to our businesses. Many of these laws were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet, mobile, and related technologies and, as a result, do not contemplate or address the unique issues of the Internet and related technologies. Many of these laws, including some of those that do reference the Internet are subject to interpretation by the courts on an ongoing basis and the resulting uncertainty in the scope and application of these laws and regulations increases the risk that we will be subject to private claims and governmental actions alleging violations of those laws and regulations.

As our activities, the products and services we offer, and our geographical scope continue to expand, regulatory agencies or courts may claim or hold that we or our users are subject to additional requirements (including licensure) or prohibited from conducting our business in their jurisdiction, either generally or with respect to certain actions. Financial and political events have increased the level of regulatory scrutiny on large companies, and regulatory agencies may view matters or interpret laws and regulations differently than they have in the past and in a manner adverse to our businesses. Our success and increased visibility have driven some existing businesses that perceive us to be a threat to their businesses to raise concerns about our business models to policymakers and regulators. These businesses and their trade association groups employ significant resources in their efforts to shape the legal and regulatory regimes in countries where we have significant operations. They may employ these resources in an effort to change the legal and regulatory regimes in ways intended to reduce the effectiveness of our businesses and the ability of users to use our products and services. These established businesses have raised concerns relating to pricing, parallel imports, professional seller obligations, selective distribution networks, stolen goods, copyrights, trademarks and other intellectual property rights and the liability of the provider of an Internet marketplace for the conduct of its users related to those and other issues. Any changes to the legal or regulatory regimes in a manner that would increase our liability for third-party listings could negatively impact our business.

Numerous U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions, including the State of California, have regulations regarding “auctions” and the handling of property by “secondhand dealers” or “pawnbrokers.” Several states and some foreign jurisdictions have attempted to impose such regulations upon us or our users, and others may attempt to do so in the future. Attempted enforcement of these laws against some of our users appears to be increasing and we could be required to change the way we or

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our users do business in ways that increase costs or reduce revenues, such as forcing us to prohibit listings of certain items or restrict certain listing formats in some locations. We could also be subject to fines or other penalties, and any of these outcomes could harm our business.

A number of the lawsuits against us relating to trademark issues seek to have our platforms subject to unfavorable local laws. For example, “trademark exhaustion” principles provide trademark owners with certain rights to control the sale of a branded authentic product until it has been placed on the market by the trademark holder or with the holder’s consent. The application of “trademark exhaustion” principles is largely unsettled in the context of the Internet, and if trademark owners are able to force us to prohibit listings of certain items in one or more locations, our business could be harmed.

As we expand and localize our international activities, we are increasingly becoming obligated to comply with the laws of the countries or markets in which we operate. In addition, because our services are accessible worldwide and we facilitate sales of goods and provide services to users worldwide, one or more jurisdictions may claim that we or our users are required to comply with their laws based on the location of our servers or one or more of our users, or the location of the product or service being sold or provided in an ecommerce transaction. For example, we were found liable in France, under French law, for transactions on some of our websites worldwide that did not involve French buyers or sellers. Laws regulating Internet, mobile and ecommerce technologies outside of the United States are generally less favorable to us than those in the United States. Compliance may be more costly or may require us to change our business practices or restrict our service offerings, and the imposition of any regulations on us or our users may harm our business. In addition, we may be subject to multiple overlapping legal or regulatory regimes that impose conflicting requirements on us (e.g., in cross-border trade). Our alleged failure to comply with foreign laws could subject us to penalties ranging from criminal prosecution to significant fines to bans on our services, in addition to the significant costs we may incur in defending against such actions.

We are regularly subject to general litigation, regulatory disputes, and government inquiries.

We are regularly subject to claims, lawsuits (including class actions and individual lawsuits), government investigations, and other proceedings involving competition and antitrust, intellectual property, privacy, consumer protection, accessibility claims, securities, tax, labor and employment, commercial disputes, content generated by our users, services and other matters. The number and significance of these disputes and inquiries have increased as our company has grown larger, our businesses have expanded in scope and geographic reach, and our products and services have increased in complexity.

The outcome and impact of such claims, lawsuits, government investigations, and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Regardless of the outcome, such investigations and proceedings can have an adverse impact on us because of legal costs, diversion of management resources, and other factors. Determining reserves for our pending litigation is a complex, fact-intensive process that is subject to judgment calls. It is possible that a resolution of one or more such proceedings could require us to make substantial payments to satisfy judgments, fines or penalties or to settle claims or proceedings, any of which could harm our business. These proceedings could also result in reputational harm, criminal sanctions, consent decrees, or orders preventing us from offering certain products, or services, or requiring a change in our business practices in costly ways, or requiring development of non-infringing or otherwise altered products or technologies. Any of these consequences could harm our business.

We are subject to regulatory activity and antitrust litigation under competition laws.

We are subject to scrutiny by various government agencies under U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including competition laws. Some jurisdictions also provide private rights of action for competitors or consumers to assert claims of anti-competitive conduct. Other companies and government agencies have in the past and may in the future allege that our actions violate the antitrust or competition laws of the United States, individual states, the European Commission or other countries, or otherwise constitute unfair competition. An increasing number of governments are regulating competition law activities, including increased scrutiny in large markets such as China. Our business partnerships or agreements or arrangements with customers or other companies could give rise to regulatory action or antitrust litigation. Some regulators, particularly those outside of the United States, may perceive our business to be used so broadly that otherwise uncontroversial business practices could be deemed anticompetitive. Certain competition authorities have conducted market studies of our industries. Such claims and investigations, even if without foundation, may be very expensive to defend, involve negative publicity and substantial diversion of management time and effort and could result in significant judgments against us or require us to change our business practices.


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We are subject to patent litigation.

We have repeatedly been sued for allegedly infringing other parties’ patents. We are a defendant in a number of patent suits and have been notified of several other potential patent disputes. We expect that we will increasingly be subject to patent infringement claims because, among other reasons:

our products and services continue to expand in scope and complexity;
we continue to expand into new businesses, including through acquisitions; and
the universe of patent owners who may claim that we, any of the companies that we have acquired, or our customers infringe their patents, and the aggregate number of patents controlled by such patent owners, continues to increase.

Such claims may be brought directly against us and/or against our customers whom we may indemnify either because we are contractually obligated to do so or we choose to do so as a business matter. We believe that an increasing number of these claims against us and other technology companies have been, and continue to be, initiated by third parties whose sole or primary business is to assert such claims. In addition, we have seen significant patent disputes between operating companies in some technology industries. Patent claims, whether meritorious or not, are time-consuming and costly to defend and resolve, and could require us to make expensive changes in our methods of doing business, enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements, make substantial payments to satisfy adverse judgments or settle claims or proceedings, or cease conducting certain operations, which would harm our business.

We are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates.

Some of our borrowings bear interest at floating rates and we have entered into agreements intended to convert the interest rate on some of our fixed rate debt instruments to floating rates. To the extent that prevailing rates increase, our interest expense under these debt instruments will increase.

Investments in both fixed-rate and floating-rate interest-earning instruments carry varying degrees of interest rate risk. The fair market value of our fixed-rate investment securities may be adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates. In general, fixed-rate securities with longer maturities are subject to greater interest-rate risk than those with shorter maturities. While floating rate securities generally are subject to less interest-rate risk than fixed-rate securities, floating-rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates decrease and may also suffer a decline in market value if interest rates increase. Due in part to these factors, our investment income may decline or we may suffer losses in principal if securities are sold that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. In addition, relatively low interest rates limit our investment income. Fluctuations in interest rates that increase the cost of our current or future indebtedness, cause the market value of our assets to decline or reduce our investment income could adversely affect our financial results.

Our tickets business is subject to regulatory, competitive and other risks that could harm this business.

Our tickets business, which includes StubHub, is subject to numerous risks, including:

Some jurisdictions, in particular jurisdictions outside the United States, prohibit the resale of event tickets (anti-scalping laws) at prices above the face value of the tickets or at all, or highly regulate the resale of tickets, and new laws and regulations or changes to existing laws and regulations imposing these or other restrictions could limit or inhibit our ability to operate, or our users’ ability to continue to use, our tickets business.
Regulatory agencies or courts may claim or hold that we are responsible for ensuring that our users comply with these laws and regulations.
In many jurisdictions, our tickets business depends on commercial partnerships with event organizers or licensed ticket vendors, which we must develop and maintain on acceptable terms for our tickets business to be successful.
Our tickets business is subject to seasonal fluctuations and the general economic and business conditions that impact the sporting events and live entertainment industries.
A portion of the tickets inventory sold by sellers on the StubHub platform is processed by StubHub in digital form. Systems failures, security breaches, theft or other disruptions that result in the loss of such sellers’ tickets inventory, could result in significant costs and a loss of consumer confidence in our tickets business.
Lawsuits alleging a variety of causes of actions have in the past, and may in the future, be filed against StubHub and eBay by venue owners, competitors, ticket buyers, and unsuccessful ticket buyers. Such lawsuits could result in significant costs and require us to change our business practices in ways that negatively affect our tickets business.
Our tickets business also faces significant competition from a number of sources, including ticketing service companies, event organizers, ticket brokers, and online and offline ticket resellers. Some ticketing service companies,

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event organizers, and professional sports teams have begun to issue event tickets through various forms of electronic ticketing systems that are designed to restrict or prohibit the transferability (and by extension, the resale) of such event tickets either to favor their own resale affiliates or to discourage resale or restrict resale of season tickets to a preferred, designated website. Ticketing service companies have also begun to use market-based pricing strategies or dynamic pricing to charge much higher prices, and impose additional restrictions on transferability, for premium tickets.
Some sports teams have threatened to revoke the privileges of season ticket owners if they resell their tickets through a platform that is not affiliated with, or approved by, such sports teams. In March 2015, StubHub filed suit against Ticketmaster and the Golden State Warriors, alleging antitrust and various state law violations arising out of the defendants’ restrictive ticketing practices, which include prohibiting the resale of Warriors tickets on StubHub or any other non-Ticketmaster secondary exchange.

The listing or sale by our users of items that allegedly infringe the intellectual property rights of rights owners, including pirated or counterfeit items, may harm our business.

The listing or sale by our users of unlawful, counterfeit or stolen goods or unlawful services, or sale of goods or services in an unlawful manner, has resulted and may continue to result in allegations of civil or criminal liability for unlawful activities against us (including the employees and directors of our various entities) involving activities carried out by users through our services. In a number of circumstances, third parties, including government regulators and law enforcement officials, have alleged that our services aid and abet violations of certain laws, including laws regarding the sale of counterfeit items, laws restricting or prohibiting the transferability (and by extension, the resale) of digital goods (e.g., event tickets, books, music and software), the fencing of stolen goods, selective distribution channel laws, customs laws, distance selling laws, anti-scalping laws with respect to the resale of tickets, and the sale of items outside of the United States that are regulated by U.S. export controls. For example:

In Turkey, local prosecutors and courts are investigating our liability for allegedly illegal actions by users of our Turkish Marketplace business (GittiGidiyor). In accordance with local law and custom, they have indicted one or more members of the board of directors of our local Turkish subsidiary. We intend to defend vigorously against any such actions and a growing number of these cases have been dismissed by the relevant courts.
In August 2012, we were informed that U.S. listings of footwear with religious imagery were visible on our local Indian site and we immediately removed these listings. In September 2012, a criminal case was registered against us in India in regard to these listings, and we are challenging the prosecution of this case.

In addition, allegations of infringement of intellectual property rights, including but not limited to counterfeit items, have resulted in threatened and actual litigation from time to time by rights owners, including the following luxury brand owners: Tiffany & Co. in the United States; Rolex S.A. and Coty Prestige Lancaster Group GmbH in Germany; Louis Vuitton Malletier and Christian Dior Couture in France; and L’Oréal SA, Lancôme Parfums et Beauté & Cie, and Laboratoire Garnier & Cie in several European countries. Plaintiffs in these and similar suits seek, among other remedies, injunctive relief and damages. Statutory damages for copyright or trademark violations could range up to $150,000 per copyright violation and $2,000,000 per trademark violation in the United States, and may be even higher in other jurisdictions. In the past, we have paid substantial amounts in connection with resolving certain trademark and copyright suits. These and similar suits may also force us to modify our business practices in a manner that increases costs, lowers revenue, makes our websites and mobile platforms less convenient to customers, and requires us to spend substantial resources to take additional protective measures or discontinue certain service offerings in order to combat these practices. In addition, we have received significant media attention relating to the listing or sale of illegal or counterfeit goods, which could damage our reputation, diminish the value of our brand names, and make users reluctant to use our products and services.

We are subject to risks associated with information disseminated through our services.

Online services companies may be subject to claims relating to information disseminated through their services, including claims alleging defamation, libel, breach of contract, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, among other things. The laws relating to the liability of online services companies for information disseminated through their services are subject to frequent challenges both in the United States and foreign jurisdictions. Any liabilities incurred as a result of these matters could require us to incur additional costs and harm our reputation and our business.

Our potential liability to third parties for the user-provided content on our sites, particularly in jurisdictions outside the United States where laws governing Internet transactions are unsettled, may increase. If we become liable for information provided by our users and carried on our service in any jurisdiction in which we operate, we could be directly harmed and we

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may be forced to implement new measures to reduce our exposure to this liability, including expending substantial resources or discontinuing certain service offerings, which could harm our business.

Changes to our programs to protect buyers and sellers could increase our costs and loss rate.

Our eBay Money Back Guarantee program represents the means by which we compensate users who believe that they have been defrauded, have not received the item that they purchased or have received an item different from what was described. We expect to continue to receive communications from users requesting reimbursement or threatening or commencing legal action against us if no reimbursement is made. Our liability for these sort of claims is slowly beginning to be clarified in some jurisdictions and may be higher in some non-U.S. jurisdictions than it is in the United States. Litigation involving liability for any such third-party actions could be costly and time consuming for us, divert management attention, result in increased costs of doing business, lead to adverse judgments or settlements or otherwise harm our business. In addition, affected users will likely complain to regulatory agencies that could take action against us, including imposing fines or seeking injunctions.

We may be unable to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights, or third parties may allege that we are infringing their intellectual property rights.

We believe the protection of our intellectual property, including our trademarks, patents, copyrights, domain names, trade dress, and trade secrets, is critical to our success. We seek to protect our intellectual property rights by relying on applicable laws and regulations in the United States and internationally, as well as a variety of administrative procedures. We also rely on contractual restrictions to protect our proprietary rights when offering or procuring products and services, including confidentiality and invention assignment agreements entered into with our employees and contractors and confidentiality agreements with parties with whom we conduct business.

However, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our products and services are made available, and contractual arrangements and other steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property may not prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our intellectual property or deter independent development of equivalent or superior intellectual property rights by others. Trademark, copyright, patent, domain name, trade dress and trade secret protection is very expensive to maintain and may require litigation. We must protect our intellectual property rights and other proprietary rights in an increasing number of jurisdictions, a process that is expensive and time consuming and may not be successful in every jurisdiction. Also, we may not be able to discover or determine the extent of any unauthorized use of our proprietary rights. We have licensed in the past, and expect to license in the future, certain of our proprietary rights, such as trademarks or copyrighted material, to others. These licensees may take actions that diminish the value of our proprietary rights or harm our reputation. Any failure to adequately protect or enforce our intellectual property rights, or significant costs incurred in doing so, could materially harm our business.

As the number of products in the software industry increases and the functionality of these products further overlap, and as we acquire technology through acquisitions or licenses, we may become increasingly subject to infringement claims, including patent, copyright, and trademark infringement claims. Litigation may be necessary to determine the validity and scope of the patent and other intellectual property rights of others. The ultimate outcome of any allegation is uncertain and, regardless of the outcome, any such claim, with or without merit, may be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, divert management’s time and attention from our business, require us to stop selling, delay roll-out, or redesign our products, or require us to pay substantial amounts to satisfy judgments or settle claims or lawsuits or to pay substantial royalty or licensing fees, or to satisfy indemnification obligations that we have with some of our customers. Our failure to obtain necessary license or other rights, or litigation or claims arising out of intellectual property matters, may harm our business.

Failure to deal effectively with fraudulent activities on our platforms would increase our loss rate and harm our business, and could severely diminish merchant and consumer confidence in and use of our services.

We face risks with respect to fraudulent activities on our platforms and periodically receive complaints from buyers and sellers who may not have received the goods that they had contracted to purchase or payment for the goods that a buyer had contracted to purchase. In some European and Asian jurisdictions, buyers may also have the right to withdraw from a sale made by a professional seller within a specified time period. While we can, in some cases, suspend the accounts of users who fail to fulfill their payment or delivery obligations to other users, we do not have the ability to require users to make payment or deliver goods, or otherwise make users whole other than through its buyer protection program, which in the United States we refer to as the eBay Money Back Guarantee. Although we have implemented measures to detect and reduce the occurrence of fraudulent activities, combat bad buyer experiences and increase buyer satisfaction, including evaluating sellers on the basis of

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their transaction history and restricting or suspending their activity, there can be no assurance that these measures will be effective in combating fraudulent transactions or improving overall satisfaction among sellers, buyers, and other participants. Additional measures to address fraud could negatively affect the attractiveness of our services to buyers or sellers, resulting in a reduction in the ability to attract new users or retain current users, damage to our reputation, or a diminution in the value of our brand names.

We have substantial indebtedness, and we may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, and we may not generate sufficient cash flow from our business to service our indebtedness. Failure to comply with the terms of our indebtedness could result in the acceleration of our indebtedness, which could have an adverse effect on our cash flow and liquidity.

We have a substantial amount of outstanding indebtedness and we may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, including under our commercial paper program and revolving credit facility or through public or private offerings of debt securities. Our outstanding indebtedness and any additional indebtedness we incur may have significant consequences, including, without limitation, any of the following:
    
requiring us to use a significant portion of our cash flow from operations and other available cash to service our indebtedness, thereby reducing the amount of cash available for other purposes, including capital expenditures and acquisitions;
our indebtedness and leverage may increase our vulnerability to downturns in our business, to competitive pressures, and to adverse changes in general economic and industry conditions;
adverse changes in the ratings assigned to our debt securities by credit rating agencies will likely increase our borrowing costs;
our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, share repurchases or other general corporate and other purposes may be limited; and
our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry may be limited.

Our ability to make payments of principal of and interest on our indebtedness depends upon our future performance, which will be subject to general economic conditions, industry cycles and financial, business and other factors affecting our consolidated results of operations and financial condition, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our debt, we may be required to, among other things:
    
repatriate funds to the United States at substantial tax cost;
seek additional financing in the debt or equity markets;
refinance or restructure all or a portion of our indebtedness;
sell selected assets; or
reduce or delay planned capital or operating expenditures.

Such measures might not be sufficient to enable us to service our debt. In addition, any such financing, refinancing or sale of assets might not be available on economically favorable terms or at all.

Our revolving credit facility and the indenture pursuant to which certain of our outstanding debt securities were issued contain, and any debt instruments we enter into in the future may contain, financial and other covenants that restrict or could restrict, among other things, our business and operations. If we fail to pay amounts due under, or breach any of the covenants in, a debt instrument, then the lenders would typically have the right to demand immediate repayment of all borrowings thereunder (subject in certain cases to grace or cure period). Moreover, any such acceleration and required repayment of or default in respect of any of our indebtedness could, in turn, constitute an event of default under other debt instruments, thereby resulting in the acceleration and required repayment of that other indebtedness. Any of these events could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.

A downgrade in our credit ratings could materially adversely affect our business.
Some of our outstanding indebtedness has received credit ratings from certain rating agencies.  Such ratings are limited in scope and do not purport to address all risks relating to an investment in those debt securities, but rather reflect only the view of each rating agency at the time the rating was issued. The credit ratings assigned to our debt securities could change based upon, among other things, our results of operations and financial condition. These ratings are subject to ongoing evaluation by credit rating agencies, and there can be no assurance that such ratings will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency or placed on a so-called “watch list” for a possible downgrade or assigned a negative

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ratings outlook if, in any rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant. Moreover, these credit ratings are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold any of our debt securities. Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under review for a downgrade or have been assigned a negative outlook, would likely increase our borrowing costs, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and could harm our business.

Our credit ratings were downgraded as a result of the distribution of 100% of the outstanding common stock of PayPal to our stockholders (the "Distribution"), pursuant to which PayPal became an independent company. As of January 1, 2014, our long-term debt and short-term funding were rated investment grade by Standard and Poor's Financial Services, LLC (long-term rated A, short-term rated A-1, with a stable outlook), Moody's Investor Service (long-term rated A2, short-term rated P-1, with a stable outlook), and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (long-term rated A, short-term rated F-1, with a stable outlook). All of these credit rating agencies lowered their ratings in connection with the Distribution, which occurred on July 17, 2015. Since July 20, 2015, we have been rated investment grade by Standard and Poor's Financial Services, LLC (long-term rated BBB+, short-term rated A-2, with a stable outlook), Moody's Investor Service (long-term rated Baa1, short-term rated P-2, with a stable outlook), and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (long-term rated BBB, short-term rated F-2, with a stable outlook). We disclose these ratings to enhance the understanding of our sources of liquidity and the effects of these ratings on our costs of funds. Our borrowing costs depend, in part, on our credit ratings and any further actions taken by these credit rating agencies to lower our credit ratings, as described above, will likely increase our borrowing costs. 

Our business and users may be subject to sales tax and other taxes.

The application of indirect taxes (such as sales and use tax, value-added tax (VAT), goods and services tax, business tax and gross receipt tax) to ecommerce businesses and to our users is a complex and evolving issue. Many of the fundamental statutes and regulations that impose these taxes were established before the adoption and growth of the Internet and ecommerce. In many cases, it is not clear how existing statutes apply to the Internet or ecommerce. In addition, governments are increasingly looking for ways to increase revenues, which has resulted in discussions about tax reform and other legislative action to increase tax revenues, including through indirect taxes. There are many transactions that occur during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain.

We do not collect taxes on the goods or services sold by users of our services. However, some jurisdictions have implemented, or may implement, laws that require remote sellers of goods and services to collect and remit taxes on sales to customers located within the jurisdiction. In particular, the Streamlined Sales Tax Project (an ongoing, multi-year effort by U.S. state and local governments to pursue federal legislation that would require collection and remittance of sales tax by out-of-state sellers) could allow states that meet certain simplification and other criteria to require out-of-state sellers to collect and remit sales taxes on goods purchased by in-state residents. The adoption of such legislation could result in a use tax collection responsibility for certain of our sellers. This collection responsibility and the additional costs associated with complex use tax collection, remittance and audit requirements would make selling on our websites and mobile platforms less attractive for small business retailers and would harm our business, and the proliferation of state legislation to expand sales and use tax collection on Internet sales could adversely affect some of our sellers and indirectly harm our business.

Several proposals have been made at the U.S. state and local levels that would impose additional taxes on the sale of goods and services over the Internet. These proposals, if adopted, could substantially impair the growth of ecommerce and our brands, and could diminish our opportunity to derive financial benefit from our activities. While the U.S. federal government’s moratorium on state and local taxation of Internet access or multiple or discriminatory taxes on ecommerce has been temporarily extended, this moratorium does not prohibit federal, state or local authorities from collecting taxes on our income or from collecting certain taxes that were in effect prior to the enactment of the moratorium and/or one of its extensions.

From time to time, some taxing authorities in the United States have notified us that they believe we owe them certain taxes imposed on our services. These notifications have not resulted in any significant tax liabilities to date, but there is a risk that some jurisdiction may be successful in the future, which would harm our business.

Similar issues exist outside of the United States, where the application of VAT or other indirect taxes on ecommerce providers is complex and evolving. While we attempt to comply in those jurisdictions where it is clear that a tax is due, some of our subsidiaries have, from time to time, received claims relating to the applicability of indirect taxes to our fees. We have been paying VAT on fees charged to certain of our users in the European Union based on the service provider’s location. On January 1, 2015, changes to the rules determining the place of supply (and thus the country of taxation) for all European Union based providers of electronically supplied services were implemented that require that we pay VAT based on the residence or normal place of business of our customers. These changes may result in our paying a higher rate of VAT on such fees. Additionally, we

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pay input VAT on applicable taxable purchases within the various countries in which we operate. In most cases, we are entitled to reclaim this input VAT from the various countries. However, because of our unique business model, the application of the laws and rules that allow such reclamation is sometimes uncertain. A successful assertion by one or more countries that we are not entitled to reclaim VAT could harm our business.

In certain jurisdictions, we collect and remit indirect taxes on our fees and pay taxes on our purchases of goods and services. However, tax authorities may raise questions about our calculation, reporting and collection of taxes and may ask us to remit additional taxes, as well as the proper calculation of such taxes. Should any new taxes become applicable or if the taxes we pay are found to be deficient, our business could be harmed.

A taxing authority may seek to impose a tax collection, reporting or record-keeping obligation on companies that engage in or facilitate ecommerce. For example, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now requires that certain payments to sellers be reported to the sellers and the IRS on an annual basis. Any failure by us to meet these requirements could result in substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions and could harm our business. Taxing authorities may also seek to impose tax collection or reporting obligations based on the location of the product or service being sold or provided in an ecommerce transaction, regardless of where the respective users are located. Some jurisdictions could assert that we are responsible for tax on the underlying goods or services sold on our sites. Imposition of a record keeping or tax collecting requirement could decrease seller activity on our sites and would harm our business. Tax authorities may also require us to help ensure compliance by our users by promulgating legislation regulating professional sellers, including tax reporting and collection requirements. In addition, we have periodically received requests from tax authorities in many jurisdictions for information regarding the transactions of large classes of sellers on our sites, and in some cases we have been legally obligated to provide this data. The imposition of any requirements on us to disclose transaction records for all or a class of sellers to tax or other regulatory authorities or to file tax forms on behalf of any sellers, especially requirements that are imposed on us but not on alternative means of ecommerce, and any use of those records to investigate, collect taxes from or prosecute sellers, could decrease seller activity on our sites and harm our business.

We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities.

The determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires estimation and significant judgment, and there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Like many other multinational corporations, we are subject to tax in multiple U.S. and foreign tax jurisdictions and have structured our operations to reduce our effective tax rate. Our determination of our tax liability is always subject to audit and review by applicable domestic and foreign tax authorities, and we are currently undergoing a number of investigations, audits and reviews by taxing authorities throughout the world, including with respect to our business structure. Any adverse outcome of any such audit or review could harm our business, and the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made. While we have established reserves based on assumptions and estimates that we believe are reasonable to cover such eventualities, these reserves may prove to be insufficient.

In addition, our future income taxes could be adversely affected by a shift in our jurisdictional earning mix, by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, as a result of gains on our foreign exchange risk management program, or changes in tax laws, regulations, or accounting principles, as well as certain discrete items.

In light of continuing fiscal challenges in certain U.S. states and in many countries in Europe, various levels of government are increasingly focused on tax reform and other legislative action to increase tax revenue, including corporate income taxes. For example, the economic downturn reduced tax revenues for United States federal and state governments, and a number of proposals to increase taxes from corporate entities have been implemented or are being considered at various levels of government. These include a number of proposals to modify the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to companies, like ours, operating in multiple U.S. and foreign jurisdictions which, if enacted, could materially increase our effective tax rate. A number of U.S. states have attempted to increase corporate tax revenues by taking an expansive view of corporate presence to attempt to impose corporate income taxes and other direct business taxes on companies that have no physical presence in their state, and taxing authorities in foreign jurisdictions may take similar actions. Many U.S. states are also altering their apportionment formulas to increase the amount of taxable income or loss attributable to their state from certain out-of-state businesses. Similarly, in Europe, and elsewhere in the world, there are various tax reform efforts underway designed to ensure that corporate entities are taxed on a larger percentage of their earnings. Companies that operate over the Internet, such as eBay, are a target of some of these efforts. If more taxing authorities are successful in applying direct taxes to Internet companies that do not have a physical presence in their respective jurisdictions, this could increase our effective tax rate.

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We may be subject to sales reporting and record-keeping obligations.

One or more states, the U.S. federal government or foreign countries may seek to impose reporting or record-keeping obligations on companies that engage in or facilitate ecommerce. Such an obligation could be imposed by legislation intended to improve tax compliance (and legislation to such effect has been contemplated by several states and a number of foreign jurisdictions) or if one of our companies was ever deemed to be the legal agent of the users of our services by a jurisdiction in which it operates. Certain of our companies are required to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on customers subject to U.S. income tax who receive more than $20,000 in payments and more than 200 payments in a calendar year. As a result, we are required to request tax identification numbers from certain payees, track payments by tax identification number and, under certain conditions, withhold a portion of payments and forward such withholding to the IRS. We have modified our systems to meet these requirements and expect increased operational costs and changes to our user experience in connection with complying with these reporting obligations. Any failure by us to meet these requirements could result in substantial monetary penalties and other sanctions and could harm our business.

Our business is subject to online security risks, including security breaches and cyberattacks.

Our businesses involve the storage and transmission of users’ personal financial information. In addition, a significant number of our users authorize us to bill their payment card accounts directly for all transaction and other fees charged by us. An increasing number of websites, including those owned by several other large Internet and offline companies, have disclosed breaches of their security, some of which have involved sophisticated and highly targeted attacks on portions of their websites or infrastructure. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable, or degrade service, or sabotage systems, change frequently, may be difficult to detect for a long time, and often are not recognized until launched against a target. Certain efforts may be state sponsored and supported by significant financial and technological resources and therefore may be even more difficult to detect. As a result, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities through various means, including hacking into our systems or facilities, fraud, trickery or other means of deceiving our employees, contractors and temporary staff. A party that is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate our or our users’ personal information, cause interruption or degradations in our operations, damage our computers or those of our users, or otherwise damage our reputation. In addition, our users have been and likely will continue to be targeted by parties using fraudulent “spoof” and “phishing” emails to misappropriate user names, passwords, payment card numbers, or other personal information or to introduce viruses or other malware through “trojan horse” programs to our users’ computers. Our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyberattacks or security incidents and third parties may be able to access our users’ proprietary information and payment card data that are stored on or accessible through our systems. Any security breach at a company providing services to us or our users could have similar effects.

In May 2014, we publicly announced that criminals were able to penetrate and steal certain data, including user names, encrypted user passwords and other non-financial user data. Upon making this announcement, we required all buyers and sellers on our platform to reset their passwords in order to log into their account. The breach and subsequent password reset have negatively impacted the business. In July 2014, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against us for alleged violations and harm resulting from the breach. The lawsuit was recently dismissed with leave to amend. In addition, we have received requests for information and are subject to investigations regarding this incident from numerous regulatory and other government agencies across the world.

We may also need to expend significant additional resources to protect against security breaches or to redress problems caused by breaches. These issues are likely to become more difficult and costly as we expand the number of markets where we operate. Additionally, our insurance policies carry low coverage limits, which may not be adequate to reimburse us for losses caused by security breaches and we may not be able to fully collect, if at all, under these insurance policies.

Systems failures or cyberattacks and resulting interruptions in the availability of or degradation in the performance of our websites, applications, products or services could harm our business.

Our systems may experience service interruptions or degradation due to of hardware and software defects or malfunctions, computer denial-of-service and other cyberattacks, human error, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, natural disasters, power losses, disruptions in telecommunications services, fraud, military or political conflicts, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, or other events. Our systems are also subject to break-ins, sabotage and intentional acts of vandalism. Some of our systems are not fully redundant and our disaster recovery planning is not sufficient for all eventualities.


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We have experienced and will likely continue to experience system failures, denial of service attacks and other events or conditions from time to time that interrupt the availability or reduce the speed or functionality of our websites and mobile applications. These events have resulted and likely will result in loss of revenue. A prolonged interruption in the availability or reduction in the speed or other functionality of our websites and mobile applications could materially harm our business. Frequent or persistent interruptions in our services could cause current or potential users to believe that our systems are unreliable, leading them to switch to our competitors or to avoid our sites, and could permanently harm our reputation and brands. Moreover, to the extent that any system failure or similar event results in damages to our customers or their businesses, these customers could seek significant compensation from us for their losses and those claims, even if unsuccessful, would likely be time-consuming and costly for us to address. We also rely on facilities, components and services supplied by third parties and our business may be materially adversely affected to the extent these components or services do not meet our expectations or these third parties cease to provide the services or facilities. In particular, a decision by any of our third party hosting providers to close a facility that we use could cause system interruptions and delays, result in loss of critical data and cause lengthy interruptions in our services. We do not carry business interruption insurance sufficient to compensate us for losses that may result from interruptions in our service as a result of systems failures and similar events.

Acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and strategic investments could result in operating difficulties and could harm our business.

We have acquired a significant number of businesses of varying size and scope, technologies, services, and products and have recently distributed 100% of the outstanding common stock of PayPal to our stockholders, pursuant to which PayPal became an independent company, and sold our Enterprise business. We also expect to continue to evaluate and consider a wide array of potential strategic transactions as part of our overall business strategy, including business combinations, acquisitions, and dispositions of businesses, technologies, services, products, and other assets, as well as strategic investments and joint ventures. .

These transactions may involve significant challenges and risks, including:

the potential loss of key customers, merchants, vendors and other key business partners of the companies we acquire, or dispose of, following and continuing after announcement of our transaction plans;
declining employee morale and retention issues affecting employees of companies that we acquire or dispose of, which may result from changes in compensation, or changes in management, reporting relationships, future prospects or the direction of the acquired or disposed business;
difficulty making new and strategic hires of new employees;
diversion of management time and a shift of focus from operating the businesses to the transaction, and in the case of an acquisition, integration and administration;
the need to provide transition services to a disposed of company, which may result in the diversion of resources and focus;
the need to integrate the operations, systems (including accounting, management, information, human resource and other administrative systems), technologies, products and personnel of each acquired company, which is an inherently risky and potentially lengthy and costly process;
the inefficiencies and lack of control that may result if such integration is delayed or not implemented, and unforeseen difficulties and expenditures that may arise as a result;
the need to implement or improve controls, procedures and policies appropriate for a larger public company at companies that prior to acquisition may have lacked such controls, procedures and policies or whose controls, procedures and policies did not meet applicable legal and other standards;
risks associated with our expansion into new international markets;
derivative lawsuits resulting from the acquisition or disposition;
liability for activities of the acquired or disposed of company before the transaction, including intellectual property and other litigation claims or disputes, violations of laws, rules and regulations, commercial disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities and, in the case of dispositions, liabilities to the acquirors of those businesses under contractual provisions such as representations, warranties and indemnities;
the potential loss of key employees following the transaction;
the acquisition of new customer and employee personal information by us or a third party acquiring assets or businesses from us, which in and of itself may require regulatory approval and or additional controls, policies and procedures and subject us to additional exposure; and
our dependence on the acquired business’ accounting, financial reporting, operating metrics and similar systems, controls and processes and the risk that errors or irregularities in those systems, controls and processes will lead to errors in our consolidated financial statements or make it more difficult to manage the acquired business.

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At any given time we may be engaged in discussions or negotiations with respect to one or more of these types of transactions and any of these transactions could be material to our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, it may take us longer than expected to fully realize the anticipated benefits of these transactions, and those benefits may ultimately be smaller than anticipated or may not be realized at all, which could adversely affect our business and operating results. Any acquisitions or dispositions may also require us to issue additional equity securities, spend our cash, or incur debt (and increased interest expense), liabilities, and amortization expenses related to intangible assets or write-offs of goodwill, which could adversely affect our results of operations and dilute the economic and voting rights of our stockholders.
    
We have made certain investments, including through joint ventures, in which we have a minority equity interest and/or lack management and operational control. The controlling joint venture partner in a joint venture may have business interests, strategies, or goals that are inconsistent with ours, and business decisions or other actions or omissions of the controlling joint venture partner or the joint venture company may result in harm to our reputation or adversely affect the value of our investment in the joint venture. Our strategic investments may also expose us to additional risks. Any circumstances, which may be out of our control, that adversely affect the value of our investments, or cost resulting from regulatory action or lawsuits in connection with our investments, could harm our business or negatively impact our financial results.

Our success largely depends on key personnel. Because competition for our key employees is intense, we may not be able to attract, retain, and develop the highly skilled employees we need to support our business. The loss of senior management or other key personnel could harm our business.

Our future performance depends substantially on the continued services of our senior management and other key personnel, including key engineering and product development personnel, and our ability to attract, retain, and motivate key personnel. Competition for key personnel is intense, especially in the Silicon Valley where our corporate headquarters are located, and we may be unable to successfully attract, integrate, or retain sufficiently qualified key personnel. In making employment decisions, particularly in the Internet and high-technology industries, job candidates often consider the value of the equity awards they would receive in connection with their employment and fluctuations in our stock price may make it more difficult to attract, retain, and motivate employees. In addition, we do not have long-term employment agreements with any of our key personnel and do not maintain any “key person” life insurance policies. The loss of the services of any of our senior management or other key personnel, or our inability to attract highly qualified senior management and other key personnel, could harm our business.

Problems with or price increases by third parties who provide services to us or to our sellers could harm our business.

A number of third parties provide services to us or to our sellers. Such services include seller tools that automate and manage listings, merchant tools that manage listings and interface with inventory management software, storefronts that help our sellers list items and shipping providers that deliver goods sold on our platform, among others. Financial or regulatory issues, labor issues (e.g., strikes, lockouts, or work stoppages), or other problems that prevent these companies from providing services to us or our sellers could harm our business.

Price increases by, or service terminations, disruptions or interruptions at, companies that provide services to us and our sellers and clients could also reduce the number of listings on our platforms or make it more difficult for our sellers to complete transactions, thereby harming our business. Some third parties who provide services to us or our sellers may have or gain market power and be able to increase their prices to us without competitive constraint. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service, which is facing ongoing fiscal challenges, has instituted postal rate increases and announced that it is considering closing thousands of local post offices and ending Saturday mail delivery. While we continue to work with global carriers to offer our sellers a variety of shipping options and to enhance their shipping experience, postal rate increases may reduce the competitiveness of certain sellers’ offerings, and postal service changes could require certain sellers to utilize alternatives which could be more expensive or inconvenient, which could in turn decrease the number of transactions on our sites, thereby harming our business.

We have outsourced certain functions to third-party providers, including some customer support and product development functions, which are critical to our operations. If our service providers do not perform satisfactorily, our operations could be disrupted, which could result in user dissatisfaction and could harm our business.

There can be no assurance that third parties who provide services directly to us or our sellers will continue to do so on acceptable terms, or at all. If any third parties were to stop providing services to us or our sellers on acceptable terms, including

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as a result of bankruptcy, we may be unable to procure alternatives from other third parties in a timely and efficient manner and on acceptable terms, or at all.

Our developer platforms, which are open to merchants and third-party developers, subject us to additional risks.

We provide third-party developers with access to application programming interfaces, software development kits and other tools designed to allow them to produce applications for use, with a particular focus on mobile applications. There can be no assurance that merchants or third-party developers will develop and maintain applications and services on our open platforms on a timely basis or at all, and a number of factors could cause such third-party developers to curtail or stop development for our platforms. In addition, our business is subject to many regulatory restrictions. It is possible that merchants and third-party developers who utilize our development platforms or tools could violate these regulatory restrictions and we may be held responsible for such violations, which could harm our business.
 
The Distribution may not achieve some or all of the anticipated benefits and may adversely affect our business.

We may not realize some or all of the anticipated benefits from the Distribution and the Distribution may in fact adversely affect our business. As an independent, publicly traded company, we will be a smaller, less diversified company with a narrower business focus and may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Separating the businesses may also eliminate or reduce synergies or economies of scale that existed prior to the Distribution, which could harm our business.

We could incur significant liability if the Distribution is determined to be a taxable transaction.

We have received an opinion from outside tax counsel to the effect that the Distribution qualifies as a transaction that is described in Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code. The opinion relies on certain facts, assumptions, representations and undertakings from PayPal and us regarding the past and future conduct of the companies’ respective businesses and other matters. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are incorrect or not satisfied, our shareholders and we may not be able to rely on the opinion of tax counsel and could be subject to significant tax liabilities. Notwithstanding the opinion of tax counsel we have received, the IRS could determine on audit that the Distribution is taxable if it determines that any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are not correct or have been violated or if it disagrees with the conclusions in the opinion. If the Distribution is determined to be taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our shareholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax and we could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities.

We may be exposed to claims and liabilities as a result of the Distribution.

We entered into a separation and distribution agreement and various other agreements with PayPal to govern the Distribution and the relationship of the two companies going forward. These agreements provide for specific indemnity and liability obligations and could lead to disputes between us and PayPal. The indemnity rights we have against PayPal under the agreements may not be sufficient to protect us. In addition, our indemnity obligations to PayPal may be significant and these risks could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

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ITEM 1B: UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2: PROPERTIES    

We own and lease various properties in the U.S. and 27 other countries around the world. We use the properties for executive and administrative offices, data centers, product development offices, fulfillment centers and customer service offices. Our headquarters are located in San Jose, California and occupy approximately 0.5 million square feet. Our owned data centers are primarily located in Utah. As of December 31, 2015, our owned and leased properties provided us with aggregate square footage as follows:
 
United States
 
Other Countries
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Owned facilities
1.1

 

 
1.1

Leased facilities
0.8

 
1.6

 
2.4

Total facilities
1.9

 
1.6

 
3.5


From time to time we consider various alternatives related to long-term facilities needs. While we believe that our existing facilities are adequate to meet our immediate needs, it may become necessary to develop and improve land that we own or lease or acquire additional or alternative space to accommodate any future growth.

ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    

Litigation and Other Legal Matters

Overview

We are involved in legal and regulatory proceedings on an ongoing basis. Many of these proceedings are in early stages and may seek an indeterminate amount of damages. If we believe that a loss arising from such matters is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we accrue the estimated liability in our financial statements. If only a range of estimated losses can be determined, we accrue an amount within the range that, in our judgment, reflects the most likely outcome; if none of the estimates within that range is a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the low end of the range. For those proceedings in which an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible but not probable, we have disclosed an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of losses or we have concluded that an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of losses arising directly from the proceeding (i.e., monetary damages or amounts paid in judgment or settlement) are not material. If we cannot estimate the probable or reasonably possible loss or range of losses arising from a proceeding, we have disclosed that fact. In assessing the materiality of a proceeding, we evaluate, among other factors, the amount of monetary damages claimed, as well as the potential impact of non-monetary remedies sought by plaintiffs (e.g., injunctive relief) that may require us to change our business practices in a manner that could have a material adverse impact on our business. With respect to the matters disclosed in this Item 3, we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of losses that could potentially result from the application of such non-monetary remedies.

Amounts accrued for legal and regulatory proceedings for which we believe a loss is probable were not material for the year ended December 31, 2015. Except as otherwise noted for the proceedings described in this Item 3, we have concluded, based on currently available information, that reasonably possible losses arising directly from the proceedings (i.e., monetary damages or amounts paid in judgment or settlement) in excess of our recorded accruals are also not material. However, legal and regulatory proceedings are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties. If one or more matters were resolved against us in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the impact on our operating results or financial condition for that reporting period could be material.
Litigation

eBay Inc., eBay Domestic Holdings, Inc., Pierre Omidyar and Joshua Silverman have been sued by craigslist, Inc. in California Superior Court in San Francisco (Case No.:  CGC - 08 - 475276). craigslist filed suit on May 13, 2008 alleging that we engaged in conduct designed to harm craigslist's business while we negotiated to become and while we were a minority shareholder in craigslist. craigslist’s allegations include that we (i) misrepresented, concealed, suppressed and failed to disclose facts in order to induce craigslist to take detrimental action; (ii) interfered with craigslist's business operations; (iii) improperly

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disseminated and misused confidential and proprietary information from craigslist that we received as a minority investor; (iv) infringed and diluted craigslist's trademark and trade name; and (v) breached duties owed to craigslist. The complaint seeks significant compensatory and punitive damages, rescission and other relief. In addition, in September 2014, craigslist filed an amended complaint alleging trade secret misappropriation and seeking new and additional compensatory and punitive damages. The matter was settled in June 2015 and the lawsuit has been dismissed.

In March 2015, StubHub filed suit against Ticketmaster and the Golden State Warriors, alleging antitrust and various state law violations arising out of the defendants’ restrictive ticketing practices, which include prohibiting the resale of Warriors tickets on StubHub or any other non-Ticketmaster secondary exchange (StubHub, Inc. v. Golden State Warriors, LLC et al, N.D. Cal. No. 3:15-cv-01436). StubHub filed a First Amended Complaint on June 30, 2015. The defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint which was granted in November 2015. StubHub is appealing this decision.

Regulatory Proceedings

In May 2014, we publicly announced that criminals were able to penetrate our network and steal certain data, including user names, encrypted user passwords and other non-financial user data. Upon making this announcement, we required all buyers and sellers on our platform to reset their passwords in order to login to their account. In addition to making this public announcement, we proactively approached a number of regulatory and governmental bodies, including those with the most direct supervisory authority over our data privacy and data security programs, to specifically inform them of the incident and our actions to protect our customers in response. Certain of those regulatory agencies have requested us to provide further, more detailed information regarding the incident, and we believe that we have fully cooperated in all of those requests. To date, we have not been informed by any regulatory authority of an intention to bring any enforcement action arising from this incident; however, in the future we may be subject to fines or other regulatory action.  In addition, in July 2014, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against us for alleged violations and harm resulting from the incident. The lawsuit was recently dismissed with leave to amend.

General Matters

Other third parties have from time to time claimed, and others may claim in the future, that we have infringed their intellectual property rights. We are subject to patent disputes, and expect that we will increasingly be subject to additional patent infringement claims involving various aspects of our business as our products and services continue to expand in scope and complexity. Such claims may be brought directly or indirectly against our companies and/or against our customers (who may be entitled to contractual indemnification under their contracts with us), and we are subject to increased exposure to such claims as a result of our acquisitions and divestitures and in cases where we are entering new lines of business. We have in the past been forced to litigate such claims. We may also become more vulnerable to third-party claims as laws such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the Lanham Act and the Communications Decency Act are interpreted by the courts, and as we expand the scope of our business (both in terms of the range of products and services that we offer and our geographical operations) and become subject to laws in jurisdictions where the underlying laws with respect to the potential liability of online intermediaries like ourselves are either unclear or less favorable. We believe that additional lawsuits alleging that we have violated patent, copyright or trademark laws will be filed against us. Intellectual property claims, whether meritorious or not, are time consuming and costly to defend and resolve, could require expensive changes in our methods of doing business or could require us to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms.

From time to time, we are involved in other disputes or regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business, including suits by our users (individually or as class actions) alleging, among other things, improper disclosure of our prices, rules or policies, that our practices, prices, rules, policies or customer/user agreements violate applicable law or that we have acted unfairly and/or not acted in conformity with such prices, rules, policies or agreements. Further, the number and significance of these disputes and inquiries are increasing as we have grown larger, our businesses have expanded in scope (both in terms of the range of products and services that we offer and our geographical operations) and our products and services have increased in complexity. Any claims or regulatory actions against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, damage awards (including statutory damages for certain causes of action in certain jurisdictions), injunctive relief or increased costs of doing business through adverse judgment or settlement, require us to change our business practices in expensive ways, require significant amounts of management time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources or otherwise harm our business.

Indemnification Provisions

We entered into a separation and distribution agreement and various other agreements with PayPal to govern the separation and relationship of the two companies going forward. These agreements provide for specific indemnity and liability

27



obligations and could lead to disputes between us and PayPal, which may be significant. In addition, the indemnity rights we have against PayPal under the agreements may not be sufficient to protect us and our indemnity obligations to PayPal may be significant.

In the ordinary course of business, we have included limited indemnification provisions in certain of our agreements with parties with which we have commercial relations, including our standard marketing, promotions and application-programming-interface license agreements. Under these contracts, we generally indemnify, hold harmless and agree to reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party in connection with claims by a third party with respect to our domain names, trademarks, logos and other branding elements to the extent that such marks are applicable to our performance under the subject agreement. In certain cases, we have agreed to provide indemnification for intellectual property infringement. It is not possible to determine the maximum potential loss under these indemnification provisions due to our limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular provision. To date, losses recorded in our consolidated statement of income in connection with our indemnification provisions have not been significant, either individually or collectively.


ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

28



PART II

ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES        

Price Range of Common Stock

Our common stock has been traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “EBAY” since September 24, 1998. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices per share of our common stock, as actually reported by The Nasdaq Global Select Market for the following periods. The prices on and before July 17, 2015 include the value of PayPal Holdings, Inc. ("PayPal"), which was distributed on that date. Subsequent to the Distribution of PayPal on July 17, 2015, the Nasdaq Global Select Market restated the historical prices of our common stock for all periods prior to the Distribution to exclude the value of PayPal.
 
High
 
Low
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
First Quarter
$
60.81

 
$
53.00

Second Quarter
63.23

 
55.79

Third Quarter to July 17, 2015
66.29

 
60.43

Third Quarter from July 20, 2015
28.75

 
24.08

Fourth Quarter
29.59

 
24.00

 
 
 
 
 
High
 
Low
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
 
First Quarter
$
59.30

 
$
51.78

Second Quarter
56.04

 
48.25

Third Quarter
56.63

 
50.18

Fourth Quarter
57.53

 
47.88


As of January 27, 2016, there were approximately 3,945 holders of record of our common stock, although we believe that there are a significantly larger number of beneficial owners of our common stock.

Dividend Policy

We have never paid cash dividends on our stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

29



Performance Measurement Comparison

The graph below shows the cumulative total stockholder return of an investment of $100 (and the reinvestment of any dividends thereafter) on December 31, 2010 (the last trading day for the year ended December 31, 2010) in (i) our common stock, (ii) the Nasdaq Composite Index, (iii) the S&P 500 Index and (iv) the S&P North American Technology Internet Index (the successor to the GSTI Internet Index). The S&P North American Technology Internet Index is a modified-capitalization weighted index representing the Internet industry, including Internet software and services and Internet retail companies. Our stock price performance shown in the graph below is not indicative of future stock price performance. For the purpose of this graph, the distribution of 100% of the outstanding common stock of PayPal Holdings, Inc. (“PayPal”) to our stockholders, pursuant to which PayPal became an independent company, is treated as a non-taxable cash dividend of $41.46, an amount equal to the opening price of PayPal common stock on July 20, 2015 which was deemed reinvested in eBay common stock at the opening price on July 20, 2015.
 
The following graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or be deemed to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any past or future filing with the SEC, except to the extent that such filing specifically states that such graph and related information are incorporated by reference into such filing.



30



Stock repurchase activity during the three months ended December 31, 2015 was as follows:
Period Ended
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (1)
October 31, 2015
8,061,823


$26.05

8,061,823


$2,175,693,213

November 30, 2015
10,051,252


$28.85

10,051,252


$1,885,732,534

December 31, 2015
1,784,886


$27.73

1,784,886


$1,836,232,723

 
19,897,961

 
19,897,961

 
 
(1)
In January 2014, our Board authorized a stock repurchase program that provided for the repurchase of up to an additional $5 billion of our common stock, with no expiration from the date of authorization. In January 2015, our Board authorized an additional $2 billion stock repurchase program, with no expiration from the date of authorization. In June 2015, our Board authorized an additional $1 billion stock repurchase program, with no expiration from the date of authorization. The stock repurchase programs are intended to programmatically offset the impact of dilution from our equity compensation programs and, in addition, subject to market conditions and other factors, to make opportunistic repurchases of our common stock to reduce outstanding share count. Any share repurchases under our stock repurchase programs may be made through open market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions (including accelerated share repurchase transactions) or other means at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate and will be funded from our working capital or other financing alternatives.

During 2015, we repurchased approximately $2.1 billion of our common stock under our stock repurchase programs. As of December 31, 2015, a total of approximately $1.8 billion remained available for future repurchases of our common stock under our January 2015 and June 2015 repurchase programs and no amount remained available under our January 2014 repurchase program. 

We expect, subject to market conditions and other uncertainties, to continue making opportunistic repurchases of our common stock. However, our stock repurchase programs may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including corporate and regulatory requirements, price and other market conditions and management’s determination as to the appropriate use of our cash. 


31



ITEM 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated statement of income data and the consolidated balance sheet data for the years ended, and as of, December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014 (2)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011 (3)
 
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Consolidated Statement of Income Data: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
$
8,592

 
$
8,790

 
$
8,257

 
$
7,371

 
$
6,612

Gross profit
6,821

 
7,127

 
6,765

 
6,126

 
5,272

Income from operations
2,197

 
2,476

 
2,454

 
2,165

 
1,852

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
2,406

 
2,515

 
2,571

 
2,355

 
3,397

Income (loss) from continuing operations
1,947

 
(865
)
 
2,067

 
1,931

 
2,776

Income (loss) per share from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.61

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
1.60

 
$
1.49

 
$
2.15

Diluted
$
1.60

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
1.58

 
$
1.47

 
$
2.11

Weighted average shares:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
1,208

 
1,251

 
1,295

 
1,292

 
1,293

Diluted
1,220

 
1,251

 
1,313

 
1,313

 
1,313

 
As of December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In millions)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,832

 
$
4,105

 
$
2,848

 
$
5,294

 
$
2,918

Short-term investments
4,299

 
3,730

 
4,204

 
2,533

 
1,151

Long-term investments
3,391

 
5,736

 
4,747

 
2,848

 
2,371

Working capital - continuing operations
5,641

 
4,463

 
6,649

 
7,404

 
3,029

Working capital - discontinued operations

 
4,537

 
3,995

 
3,070

 
2,898

Working capital total (4)
5,641

 
9,000

 
10,644

 
10,474

 
5,927

Total assets - continuing operations
17,785

 
21,716

 
20,236

 
18,708

 
13,606

Total assets - discontinued operations

 
23,416

 
21,252

 
18,366

 
13,780

Total assets
17,785

 
45,132

 
41,488

 
37,074

 
27,386

Short-term debt

 
850

 
2

 
402

 
550

Long-term debt
6,779

 
6,777

 
4,106

 
4,089

 
1,495

Total stockholders' equity (5)
6,576

 
19,906

 
23,647

 
20,865

 
17,930


(1)
Includes the impact of acquisitions and dispositions. For a summary of recent significant acquisitions and dispositions, please see “Note 3 - Business Combinations and Divestitures” to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.
(2)
The consolidated statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes a tax provision of approximately $3.0 billion to recognize deferred tax liabilities on $9.0 billion of undistributed foreign earnings of certain of our foreign subsidiaries for 2013 and prior years.
(3)
The consolidated statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 2011 includes a loss on a divested business of $0.3 billion and a gain on the sale of a 30% equity interest in Skype of approximately $1.7 billion.
(4)
Working capital is calculated as the difference between total current assets and total current liabilities.
(5)
Includes the impact of the Distribution of PayPal on July 17, 2015.

32



ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future business, future results of operations or financial condition, new or planned features or services, or management strategies). You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, those discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as in our consolidated financial statements, related notes, and the other information appearing elsewhere in this report and our other filings with the SEC. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this report to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. You should read the following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this report.
You should read the following "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes that appear elsewhere in this report.
Overview
 
eBay Inc. is a global commerce leader, including our Marketplace, StubHub and Classifieds platforms. Our Marketplace platforms include our online marketplace located at www.ebay.com, its localized counterparts and the eBay mobile apps. Our StubHub platforms include our online ticket platform located at www.stubhub.com and the StubHub mobile apps. Our Classifieds platforms include a collection of brands such as Mobile.de, Kijiji, Gumtree, Marktplaats, eBay Classifieds and others. 

On July 17, 2015, we completed the distribution of 100% of the outstanding common stock of PayPal Holdings, Inc. ("PayPal") to our stockholders (the "Distribution"), pursuant to which PayPal became an independent company. Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, PayPal's financial results for periods prior to the Distribution have been reflected in our consolidated statement of income, retrospectively, as discontinued operations. Additionally, the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations in the prior year consolidated balance sheet are classified as discontinued operations. Pursuant to the terms of the separation and distribution agreement entered into between us and PayPal on June 26, 2015, upon Distribution, assets related to the PayPal business were transferred to, and liabilities related to the PayPal business were retained or assumed by, PayPal.

During the second quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors ("Board") approved a plan to sell the businesses underlying our former Enterprise segment ("Enterprise"). As a result, the Enterprise financial results were reflected in our consolidated statement of income, retrospectively, as discontinued operations beginning in the second quarter of 2015. On July 16, 2015, we signed a definitive agreement to sell Enterprise and on November 2, 2015, the sale closed. As a result, the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations in the prior year consolidated balance sheet are classified as discontinued operations.

In January 2015, at a regular meeting of our Board, our Board approved a plan to implement a strategic reduction of our existing global workforce. The reduction was completed in the first half of 2015 and is expected to generate annual savings of more than $150 million, primarily impacting sales and marketing and product development expenses. The savings in these line items are expected to be offset by additional expenses as we reinvest back into these areas of the business to drive additional growth.

We have incurred significant costs in connection with the Distribution and sale of Enterprise. These costs relate primarily to third-party advisory and consulting services, retention payments to certain employees, incremental stock-based compensation and other costs directly related to the Distribution and the sale of Enterprise. The majority of these costs are reflected in our consolidated statement of income as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The remaining costs reflected in continuing operations are classified within cost of net revenues, sales and marketing, product development or general and administrative in our consolidated statement of income as applicable.

33




Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Our commerce platforms operate globally, resulting in certain revenues that are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Euro, British pound, Korean won and Australian dollar, subjecting us to foreign currency risk which may adversely impact our financial results. We calculate the year-over-year impact of foreign currency movements using prior period foreign currency rates applied to current year transactional currency amounts. The foreign exchange ("FX") neutral, or constant currency, net revenue amounts are non-GAAP financial measures and are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The information in this section should be read in connection with the information in "Non-GAAP Measure of Financial Performance."

Because we generated a majority of our net revenues internationally, including the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we are subject to the risks of doing business in foreign countries as discussed under "Part I - Item 1A - Risk Factors."

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of FX-Neutral GMV and FX-Neutral net revenues (each as defined below) to our reported GMV and net revenues for the periods presented:
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2015
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
As Reported
 
Exchange Rate Effect(1)
 
FX-Neutral(2)
 
As Reported
 
As Reported Percent Change
 
FX-Neutral Percent Change
 
(In millions)
GMV (3):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
$
78,099

 
$
(5,554
)
 
$
83,653

 
$
79,581

 
(2
)%
 
5
%
StubHub
3,574

 
(5
)
 
3,579

 
3,172

 
13
 %
 
13
%
Total GMV
$
81,673

 
$
(5,559
)
 
$
87,232

 
$
82,753

 
(1
)%
 
5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transaction revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
$
6,103

 
$
(407
)
 
$
6,510

 
$
6,351

 
(4
)%
 
3
%
StubHub
725

 
(1
)
 
726

 
629

 
15
 %
 
15
%
Total net transaction revenues
6,828

 
(408
)
 
7,236

 
6,980

 
(2
)%
 
4
%
Marketing services and other revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
1,078

 
(71
)
 
1,149

 
1,103

 
(2
)%
 
4
%
Classifieds
703

 
(120
)
 
823

 
716

 
(2
)%
 
15
%
Corporate and other
(17
)
 

 
(17
)
 
(9
)
 
**

 
**

Total marketing services and other revenues
1,764

 
(191
)
 
1,955

 
1,810

 
(3
)%
 
8
%
Total net revenues
$
8,592

 
$
(599
)
 
$
9,191

 
$
8,790

 
(2
)%
 
5
%


34



 
Year Ended
December 31, 2014
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
As Reported
 
Exchange Rate Effect(1)
 
FX-Neutral(2)
 
As Reported
 
As Reported Percent Change
 
FX-Neutral Percent Change
 
(In millions)
GMV (3):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
$
79,581

 
$
746

 
$
78,835

 
$
73,311

 
9
 %
 
8
 %
StubHub (4)
3,172

 
2

 
3,170

 
3,109

 
2
 %
 
2
 %
Total GMV (4)
$
82,753

 
$
748

 
$
82,005

 
$
76,420

 
8
 %
 
7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net transaction revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
$
6,351

 
$
59

 
$
6,292

 
$
5,900

 
8
 %
 
7
 %
StubHub
629

 

 
629

 
653

 
(4
)%
 
(4
)%
Total net transaction revenues
6,980

 
59

 
6,921

 
6,553

 
7
 %
 
6
 %
Marketing services and other revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
1,103

 
6

 
1,097

 
1,090

 
1
 %
 
1
 %
Classifieds
716

 
(8
)
 
724

 
621

 
15
 %
 
17
 %
Corporate and other
(9
)
 

 
(9
)
 
(7
)
 
**

 
**

Total marketing services and other revenues
1,810

 
(2
)
 
1,812

 
1,704

 
6
 %
 
6
 %
Total net revenues
$
8,790

 
$
57

 
$
8,733

 
$
8,257

 
6
 %
 
6
 %
 
(1)
We define exchange rate effect as the year-over-year impact of foreign currency movements using prior period foreign currency rates applied to current year transactional currency amounts.
(2)
We define FX-Neutral Gross Merchandise Volume as Gross Merchandise Volume minus the exchange rate effect. We define the non-GAAP financial measures of FX-Neutral net revenue as net revenue minus the exchange rate effect.
(3)
We define Gross Merchandise Volume ("GMV") as the total value of all successfully closed transactions between users on our Marketplace and StubHub platforms during the applicable period regardless of whether the buyer and seller actually consummated the transaction. We believe that GMV provides a useful measure of the overall volume of closed transactions that flow through our platforms in a given period, notwithstanding the inclusion in GMV of closed transactions that are not ultimately consummated.
(4)
During the first quarter of 2014, we revised our definition of GMV for certain transactions to align more closely with our operating metrics. 2013 amounts have been revised to conform to the current period reporting definition.

In 2015, foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted cost of net revenues by $80 million (inclusive of a positive impact of approximately $24 million from hedging activities). In 2014, foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar had an immaterial impact on cost of net revenues.

In 2015, foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar positively impacted operating expenses by $194 million (inclusive of a positive impact of approximately $47 million from hedging activities). In 2014, foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar had an immaterial impact on operating expenses.

The effect of foreign currency exchange rate movements during 2015 was due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, primarily the Euro, the British pound, and the Korean won.


35



Results of Operations

Summary of Net Revenues

We generate two types of net revenues: net transaction revenues and marketing services and other revenues. Net transaction revenues are derived principally from final value fees (which are fees payable on transactions closed on our Marketplace and StubHub platforms), listing fees and other service fees. Marketing services and other revenues consists of Marketplace and Classifieds revenue principally from the sale of advertisements, vehicles classifieds listing on Marketplace platforms, revenue sharing arrangements, classifieds fees, marketing service fees and lead referral fees. To drive traffic to our platforms, we provide incentives to our users in the form of coupons and buyer and seller rewards. These incentives are generally treated as reductions in revenue.

The following table sets forth the breakdown of net revenues by type and geography for the periods presented.
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions, except percentage changes)
Net Revenues by Type:
 
 
 
 
 
Net transaction revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
$
6,103

 
$
6,351

 
$
5,900

StubHub
725

 
629

 
653

Total net transaction revenues
6,828

 
6,980

 
6,553

Marketing services and other revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
1,078

 
1,103

 
1,090

Classifieds
703

 
716

 
621

Corporate and other
(17
)
 
(9
)
 
(7
)
Total marketing services and other revenues
1,764

 
1,810

 
1,704

Total net revenues
$
8,592

 
$
8,790

 
$
8,257

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Revenues by Geography:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
$
3,624

  
$
3,525

  
$
3,419

International
4,968

 
5,265

 
4,838

Total net revenues
$
8,592

 
$
8,790

 
$
8,257


Revenues are attributed to U.S. and international geographies based primarily upon the country in which the seller, platform that displays advertising, other service provider or customer, as the case may be, is located.


36



The following table sets forth, for the periods presented, certain key operating metrics that we believe are significant factors affecting our net revenues.
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Percent Change from
 
Percent Change from
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013 (4)
 
2014 to 2015
 
2013 to 2014
 
(In millions, except percentage changes)
Supplemental Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GMV:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
$
78,099

 
$
79,581

 
$
73,311

 
(2
)%
 
9
 %
StubHub
3,574

 
3,172

 
3,109

 
13
 %
 
2
 %
Total GMV
$
81,673

 
$
82,753

 
$
76,420

 
(1
)%
 
8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transaction take rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace (1)
7.81
%
 
7.98
%
 
8.05
%
 
(0.17
)%
 
(0.07
)%
StubHub (2)
20.29
%
 
19.83
%
 
21.00
%
 
0.46
 %
 
(1.17
)%
Total transaction take rate (3)
8.36
%
 
8.43
%
 
8.57
%
 
(0.07
)%
 
(0.14
)%
 
(1)    We define Marketplace transaction take rate as Marketplace net transaction revenues divided by Marketplace GMV.
(2)    We define StubHub transaction take rate as StubHub net transaction revenues divided by StubHub GMV.
(3)    We define total transaction take rate as total net transaction revenues divided by GMV.
(4)    During the first quarter of 2014, we revised our definition of GMV for certain transactions to align more closely with our operating metrics. 2013 amounts have been revised to conform to the current period reporting definition.

Seasonality

The following table sets forth, for the periods presented, our total net revenues and the sequential quarterly movements of these net revenues:
 
Quarter Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
(In millions, except percentage changes)
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
$
2,149

 
$
2,168

 
$
2,150

 
$
2,323

Percent change from prior quarter
(6
)%
 
1
%
 
(1
)%
 
8
%
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
$
2,061

 
$
2,110

 
$
2,099

 
$
2,322

Percent change from prior quarter
(11
)%
 
2
%
 
(1
)%
 
11
%

We expect transaction activity patterns on our platforms to mirror general consumer buying patterns. We expect that these trends will continue.

Net Transaction Revenues

Net transaction revenues decreased $152 million, or 2%, while GMV decreased 1%, in 2015 compared to 2014. Net transaction revenue represented 79% of total net revenues in both 2015 in 2014. The decrease in net transaction revenues and GMV was driven primarily by a negative impact from foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar. FX-Neutral net transaction revenue and FX-Neutral GMV increased 4% and 5% respectively, in 2015 compared to 2014. The FX-Neutral GMV increase of 5% was driven by an increase in FX-Neutral Marketplace GMV, and to a lesser extent, StubHub GMV. The total transaction take rate was lower in 2015 compared to 2014 due to decrease in our Marketplace transaction take rate, partially offset by an increase in our StubHub transaction take rate.


37



Marketplace net transaction revenues decreased $248 million, or 4%, while Marketplace GMV decreased 2%, in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in Marketplace net transaction revenues and Marketplace GMV was driven primarily by a negative impact from foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar. FX-Neutral Marketplace net transaction revenue and FX-Neutral Marketplace GMV increased 3% and 5% respectively, in 2015 compared to 2014. The FX-Neutral Marketplace GMV increase of 5% was driven primarily by an increase in volume in local currencies on our Marketplace platforms internationally and to a lesser extent, the U.S. The increase in FX-Neutral Marketplace net transaction revenue was less than the increase in FX-Neutral Marketplace GMV due to a lower Marketplace transaction take rate. The Marketplace transaction take rate was lower in 2015 compared to 2014 due to a shift in geographical and vertical mix, as well as an increase in our buyer and seller incentives, which are accounted for as a reduction of revenue.

StubHub net transaction revenues increased $96 million, or 15%, while StubHub GMV increased 13% in 2015 compared to 2014. The increase in StubHub net transaction revenues was driven primarily by an increase in StubHub GMV and an increase in StubHub transaction take rate. The StubHub GMV increase was driven primarily by an increase in volume of ticket sales related to Sports and Concerts. The increase in StubHub net transaction revenue was greater than the increase in StubHub GMV due to a higher StubHub transaction take rate. The StubHub transaction take rate was higher in 2015 compared to 2014 due primarily to a change in mix of events and sellers on the StubHub platforms.

Net transaction revenues increased $427 million, or 7%, while GMV increased 8% in 2014 compared to 2013. Net transaction revenue represented 79% of total net revenues in both 2014 and 2013. The GMV increase of 8% was driven primarily by an increase in Marketplace GMV, and to a lesser extent, an increase in StubHub GMV. The total transaction take rate was lower in 2014 compared to 2013 due to a decrease in our Marketplace transaction take rate and our StubHub transaction take rate.

Marketplace net transaction revenues increased $451 million, or 8%, and Marketplace GMV increased 9% in 2014 compared to 2013. The GMV increase of 9% was driven primarily by an increase in volume on our Marketplace platforms internationally and to a lesser extent, the U.S. Our Marketplace net transaction revenue growth decelerated in the second half of 2014 caused by a reduction in traffic from lower organic traffic, such as Google's search engine algorithm changes and the cyberattack that occurred in the second quarter of 2014. The Marketplace transaction take rate was lower in 2014 compared to 2013 due primarily to an increase in our buyer and seller incentives, which are accounted for as a reduction of revenue.

StubHub net transaction revenues decreased $24 million, or 4%, while StubHub GMV increased 2% in 2014 compared to 2013. The decrease in StubHub net transaction revenues was driven primarily by a decrease in StubHub transaction take rate, offset by an increase in StubHub GMV. The StubHub transaction take rate was lower in 2014 compared to 2013 due to pricing changes on the StubHub platforms. The StubHub GMV increase was driven primarily by an increase in volume of ticket sales related to Sports and Theater.

Net transaction revenues earned internationally totaled $3.8 billion, $4.0 billion and $3.7 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, representing 55%, 57% and 56% of total net transaction revenues in the respective periods. Net transaction revenues earned internationally as a percentage of total net transaction revenue decreased in 2015 compared to 2014, primarily due to a negative impact from foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar. Net transaction revenues earned internationally as a percentage of total net transaction revenue increased in 2014 compared to 2013, primarily due to a greater increase in revenues earned internationally.

Marketing Services and Other Revenues

Marketing services and other revenues decreased $46 million, or 3%, in 2015 compared to 2014, and represented 21% of total net revenues in both periods. The decrease was driven primarily by a negative impact from foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar. FX-Neutral marketing services and other revenues increased 8% in 2015 compared to 2014. The FX-Neutral marketing services and other revenues increase was driven by increased FX-Neutral Classifieds revenue, and to a lesser extent, increased FX-Neutral revenue in our Marketplace marketing services.

Marketplace marketing services and other revenues decreased $25 million, or 2%, in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease was driven primarily by a negative impact from foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar. FX-Neutral Marketplace marketing services and other revenues increased by 4% in 2015 compared to 2014. The increase in FX-Neutral Marketplace marketing services and other revenues was primarily driven by increased fees earned for referral services offset by decreased revenue in local currencies from advertising display on our Marketplace international platforms. The increase in fees earned for referral services consist primarily of fees for customers acquired and incentives for the usage of PayPal products on certain Marketplace platforms, which were not included in marketing services and other revenues prior to the Distribution.


38



Classifieds marketing services and other revenues decreased $13 million, or 2%, in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease was driven primarily by a negative impact from foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar. FX-Neutral Classifieds marketing services and other revenues increased by 15% in 2015 compared to 2014. The increase in FX-Neutral Classifieds marketing services and other revenues was driven primarily by increased revenue from our Classifieds platforms in our developed markets of Germany, Canada and the UK.

Marketing services and other revenues increased $106 million, or 6%, in 2014 compared to 2013, and represented 21% of total net revenues for both periods. The increase in marketing services and other revenues was driven primarily by increased Classifieds revenue, and to a lesser extent, increased revenue in our Marketplace marketing services.

Marketplace marketing services and other revenues increased $13 million, or 1%, in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase in Marketplace marketing services and other revenues was primarily driven by revenue from advertising displayed on our Marketplace international platforms.

Classifieds marketing services and other revenues increased $95 million, or 15%, in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase in Classifieds marketing services and other revenues was driven primarily by increased revenue from our Classifieds platforms in our developed markets of Germany, Canada and the UK.

Summary of Cost of Net Revenues

The following table summarizes changes in cost of net revenues for the periods presented: 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change from
2014 to 2015
 
Change from
2013 to 2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
in Dollars
 
in %
 
in Dollars
 
in %
 
(In millions, except percentages)
Cost of net revenues
$
1,771

 
$
1,663

 
$
1,492

 
$
108

 
6
%
 
$
171

 
11
%
As a percentage of net revenues
20.6
%
 
18.9
%
 
18.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cost of net revenues consists primarily of costs associated with customer support, site operations, and payment processing. Significant components of these costs include employee compensation, contractor costs, facilities costs, depreciation of equipment and amortization expense, bank transaction fees, and credit card interchange and assessment fees.

Cost of net revenues increased $108 million, or 6%, in 2015 compared to 2014. The increase was due primarily to continued investment in our site operations and data centers and an increase in transaction fees for payment services offset by a favorable impact due to foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar. The increase in transaction fees for payment services consists primarily of the impact of transaction fees for payment services provided by PayPal which were not included in cost of net revenues prior to the Distribution. Cost of net revenues as a percentage of net revenues was 20.6% and 18.9% respectively, in 2015 and 2014.
    
Cost of net revenues increased $171 million, or 11%, in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase was due primarily to an increase in volume and continued investment in our site operations, data centers and customer support. Cost of net revenues as a percentage of net revenues was 18.9% and 18.1% respectively, in 2014 and 2013.


39



Summary of Operating Expenses, Interest and Other, net, and Provision for Income Taxes

The following table summarizes changes in operating expenses, interest and other, net and provision for income taxes for the periods presented: 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Change from
2014 to 2015
 
Change from
2013 to 2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
in Dollars
 
in %
 
in Dollars
 
in %
 
(In millions, except percentage changes)
Sales and marketing
$
2,267

 
$
2,442

 
$
2,144

 
$
(175
)
 
(7
)%
 
$
298

 
14
 %
Product development
923

 
983

 
915

 
(60
)
 
(6
)%
 
68

 
7
 %
General and administrative
1,122

 
889

 
880

 
233

 
26
 %
 
9

 
1
 %
Provision for transaction losses
271

 
262

 
236

 
9

 
3
 %
 
26

 
11
 %
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
41

 
75

 
136

 
(34
)
 
(45
)%
 
(61
)
 
(45
)%
Interest and other, net
209

 
39

 
117

 
170

 
436
 %
 
(78
)
 
(67
)%
 
The following table summarizes operating expenses, interest and other, net and provision for income taxes as a percentage of net revenues for the periods presented: 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sales and marketing
26
%
 
28
%
 
26
%
Product development
11
%
 
11
%
 
11
%
General and administrative
13
%
 
10
%
 
11
%
Provision for transaction losses
3
%
 
3
%
 
3
%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
%
 
1
%
 
2
%
Interest and other, net
2
%
 
%
 
1
%

Sales and Marketing
 
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising costs and marketing programs (both online and offline), employee compensation, contractor costs, facilities costs and depreciation on equipment. Online marketing expenses represent traffic acquisition costs in various channels such as paid search, affiliates marketing and display advertising. Offline advertising includes primarily brand campaigns and buyer/seller communications.

Sales and marketing expense decreased by $175 million, or 7%, in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in sales and marketing expense was due primarily to the positive impact from foreign currency movements relative to the U.S. dollar, a decrease in marketing program costs due in part to a shift in certain buyer and seller incentives (for which associated expenses are recorded as a reduction in revenue instead of sales and marketing expense) and employee-related savings from our global workforce reduction. Sales and marketing expense as a percentage of net revenues were 26% and 28% in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Sales and marketing expense increased by $298 million, or 14%, in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase in sales and marketing expense was due primarily to an increase in marketing program costs (both online and offline programs), our brand campaign and higher employee-related expenses (including consultant costs). Sales and marketing expense as a percentage of net revenues were 28% and 26% in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Product Development
 
Product development expenses consist primarily of employee compensation, contractor costs, facilities costs and depreciation on equipment. Product development expenses are net of required capitalization of major platforms and other product development efforts, including the development of our platform architecture, migration of certain platforms, and seller tools. Our top technology priorities include structured data, multi-screen capabilities, improved seller tools and buyer experiences.

Capitalized internal use and platform development costs were $136 million and $144 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are primarily reflected as a cost of net revenues when amortized in future periods.

40




Product development expenses decreased by $60 million, or 6%, in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease was due primarily to the positive impact from foreign currency movements and hedging relative to the U.S. dollar. Product development expenses as a net percentage of revenues were 11% in both 2015 and 2014.

Product development expenses increased by $68 million, or 7%, in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase was due primarily to higher employee-related costs (including consultant costs) driven by increased investment in platforms and mobile. Product development expenses as a net percentage of revenues were 11% in both 2014 and 2013.

General and Administrative
 
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee compensation, contractor costs, facilities costs, depreciation of equipment, employer payroll taxes on stock-based compensation, legal expenses, restructuring, insurance premiums and professional fees. Our legal expenses, including those related to various ongoing legal proceedings, may fluctuate substantially from period to period.

General and administrative expenses increased $233 million, or 26%, in 2015 compared to 2014. The increase was due primarily to restructuring costs related to our global workforce reduction, costs related to the Distribution (as discussed in Overview above), expenses related to craigslist, Inc. litigation proceedings and an increase in corporate costs due to a reduction in synergies that existed prior to the Distribution. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 13% in 2015 and 10% in 2014.

General and administrative expenses increased $9 million, or 1%, in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase was due primarily to higher employee-related costs. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues were 10% in 2014 and 11% in 2013.
  
Provision for Transaction Losses

Provision for transaction losses consists primarily of transaction loss expense associated with our customer protection programs, fraud and bad debt expense associated with our accounts receivable balance. We expect our provision for transaction losses to fluctuate depending on many factors, including changes to our customer protection programs and the impact of regulatory changes.

Provision for transaction losses increased by $9 million, or 3%, in 2015 compared to 2014. This increase was driven primarily by higher customer protection program costs, partially offset by a decrease in bad debt expense. Provision for transaction loss expense as a percentage of net revenues was 3% in both 2015 and 2014.

Provision for transaction losses increased by $26 million, or 11%, in 2014 compared to 2013. This increase was driven primarily by an increase in transaction volume, partially offset by improvements in our fraud detection models. Provision for transaction loss expense as a percentage of net revenues was 3% in both 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets

From time to time we have purchased, and we expect to continue to purchase, assets and businesses. These purchase transactions generally result in the creation of acquired intangible assets with finite lives and lead to a corresponding increase in our amortization expense in periods subsequent to acquisition. We amortize intangible assets over the period of estimated benefit, using the straight-line method and estimated useful lives ranging from one to six years. Amortization of acquired intangible assets is also impacted by our sales of assets and businesses and timing of acquired intangible assets becoming fully amortized. See "Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets" to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets decreased by $34 million, or 45%, in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease was due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized during the year.

Amortization of acquired intangible assets decreased by $61 million, or 45%, in 2014 compared to 2013. The decrease was due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized during the year.


41



Interest and Other, Net
 
Interest and other, net consists primarily of interest earned on cash, cash equivalents and investments, as well as foreign exchange transaction gains and losses, our portion of operating results from investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, investment gain/loss on acquisitions or disposals and interest expense, consisting of interest charges on any amounts borrowed and commitment fees on unborrowed amounts under our credit agreement and interest expense on our outstanding debt securities and commercial paper, if any.

Interest and other, net, increased $170 million in 2015 compared to 2014. The increase in interest and other, net was due primarily to gains on sale of investments partially offset by an increase in interest expense due to the issuance of debt securities in July 2014 and a decrease in interest income due to a lower overall cash, short-term investments and long-term investments balances after the Distribution.

Interest and other, net, decreased $78 million in 2014 compared to 2013. The decrease in interest and other, net was due primarily to a gain on the sale of certain investments in September 2013.

Provision for Income Taxes
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Provision for income taxes
$
459

 
$
3,380

 
$
504

Effective tax rate
19
%
  
134
%
  
20
%

Our effective tax rate was 19% in 2015 compared to 134% in 2014. The decrease in our effective tax rate during 2015 compared to 2014 was due primarily to the recognition in 2014 of deferred tax liabilities of approximately $3.0 billion of U.S. income and applicable foreign withholding taxes on $9.0 billion of undistributed foreign earnings of certain of our foreign subsidiaries for 2013 and prior years. This was partially offset by the tax effect of gains on sale of certain investments in 2015.

Our effective tax rate was 134% in 2014 compared to 20% in 2013. The increase in our effective tax rate during 2014 compared to 2013 was due primarily to the recognition of deferred tax liabilities related to undistributed foreign earnings of certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries for 2013 and prior years discussed above, partially offset by the release of the valuation allowance on our capital loss carryover.
 
Our relative pretax earnings and revenues attributable to the U.S. as compared to the rest of the world may differ over time. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our U.S. share of pretax income and net revenues was 16.5% and 42.2%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, our U.S. share of pretax income and net revenues was 20.3% and 40.1%, respectively. The difference in relative pretax income and net revenues attributable to the U.S., as compared to the rest of the world for both 2015 and 2014, was primarily related to larger stock-based compensation expense recorded in the U.S. for U.S. based employees, overhead related to our corporate operations which are primarily U.S. based and higher average margins earned by non-U.S. businesses.
 
Our provision for income taxes differs from the provision computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to lower tax rates associated with certain earnings from our operations in certain lower-tax jurisdictions outside the U.S. The impact on our provision for income taxes of foreign income being taxed at different rates than the U.S. federal statutory rate was a benefit of approximately $399 million in 2015, $432 million in 2014 and $403 million in 2013. We benefit from tax rulings concluded in several different jurisdictions, most significantly Switzerland and Luxembourg. These rulings provide for significantly lower rates of taxation on certain classes of income. The cash benefit of these reduced rates totaled approximately $319 million in 2015, $339 million in 2014 and $328 million in 2013. The foreign jurisdictions with lower tax rates that had the most significant impact on our provision for income taxes in the periods presented include Switzerland and Luxembourg. See "Note 17 - Income Taxes" to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for more information on our tax rate reconciliation.

Our provision for income taxes is volatile and, in general, is adversely impacted by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries that have lower tax rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher tax rates. Our provision for income taxes does not include provisions for U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes associated with $6 billion of undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries because we intend to reinvest those earnings indefinitely in our foreign subsidiaries. If these earnings were distributed into the U.S. in the form of dividends to eBay companies domiciled in the U.S.

42



or otherwise, or if the shares of the relevant foreign subsidiaries were sold or otherwise transferred, we would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and foreign withholding taxes. Further, as a result of certain of our ongoing employment and capital investment actions and commitments, our income in certain countries including Switzerland and Luxembourg, is subject to reduced tax rates. Our failure to meet these commitments could adversely impact our provision for income taxes. Additionally, please see the information in "Item 1A: Risk Factors" under the caption "We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities."

From time to time, we engage in certain intercompany transactions and legal entity restructurings. We consider many factors when evaluating these transactions, including the alignment of our corporate structure with our organizational objectives and the operational and tax efficiency of our corporate structure, as well as the long-term cash flows and cash needs of our different businesses. These transactions may impact our overall tax rate and/or result in additional cash tax payments. The impact in any period may be significant. These transactions may be complex and the impact of such transactions on future periods may be difficult to estimate.

We are regularly under examination by tax authorities both domestically and internationally. We believe that adequate amounts have been reserved for any adjustments that may ultimately result from these examinations, although we cannot assure you that this will be the case given the inherent uncertainties in these examinations. Due to the ongoing tax examinations, we believe it is impractical to determine the amount and timing of these adjustments.

Discontinued Operations

On July 17, 2015, we completed the Distribution, pursuant to which PayPal became an independent company. Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, PayPal's historical financial results for periods prior to the Distribution have been reflected in our consolidated statement of income, retrospectively, as discontinued operations. Additionally, the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations in the prior year consolidated balance sheet are classified as discontinued operations. Pursuant to the terms of the separation and distribution agreement entered into between us and PayPal on June 26, 2015, upon Distribution, assets related to the PayPal business were transferred to, and liabilities related to the PayPal business were retained or assumed by, PayPal. See "Note 4 - Discontinued Operations" to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

During the second quarter of 2015, our Board approved a plan to sell Enterprise. As a result, the Enterprise financial results were reflected in our consolidated statement of income, retrospectively, as discontinued operations beginning in the second quarter of 2015. On July 16, 2015, we signed a definitive agreement to sell Enterprise and on November 2, 2015, the sale closed. As a result, the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations in the prior year consolidated balance sheet are classified as discontinued operations. See "Note 4 - Discontinued Operations" to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Non-GAAP Measure of Financial Performance

To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, we use FX-Neutral net revenues, which are non-GAAP financial measures. We define the FX-Neutral net revenue as net revenue minus the exchange rate effect. We define exchange rate effect as the year-over-year impact of foreign currency movements using prior period foreign currency rates applied to current year transactional currency amounts.

These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, these non-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. Non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with our results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. These measures should only be used to evaluate our results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures.

Reconciliation of FX-neutral net revenues to the most directly comparable GAAP measure can be found in the table under "Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Rates" included above. These non-GAAP measures are provided to enhance investors' overall understanding of our current financial performance and its prospects for the future. Specifically, we believe these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding the foreign currency exchange rate impact that may not be indicative of our core operating results and business outlook. In addition, because we have historically reported certain non-GAAP results to investors, we believe that the inclusion of these non-GAAP measures provide consistency in our financial reporting.


43



In addition to these corresponding GAAP measures, management uses the foregoing non-GAAP measures in reviewing our financial results.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Net cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operating activities
$
2,877

 
$
3,228

 
$
2,932

Continuing investing activities
(673
)
 
(1,325
)
 
(3,620
)
Continuing financing activities
(2,960
)
 
(1,047
)
 
(1,431
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
(364
)
 
(148
)
 
48

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents - discontinued operations
(3,376
)
 
1,126

 
(252
)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
(4,496
)
 
$
1,834

 
$
(2,323
)
 
Continuing Operating Activities

The net cash provided by continuing operating activities of $2.9 billion in 2015 was due primarily to net income of $1.7 billion with adjustments for loss from discontinued operations of $222 million, $687 million in depreciation and amortization,$379 million in stock-based compensation and $271 million in provision for transaction losses and a decrease of $195 million related to gain on sale of investments and $106 million in changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition effects.

The net cash provided by continuing operating activities of $3.2 billion in 2014 was due primarily to net income of $46 million with adjustments for income from discontinued operations of $911 million, $682 million in depreciation and amortization, $344 million in stock-based compensation, $262 million in provision for transaction losses, $2.7 billion in deferred income taxes and $148 million in changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition effects.

The net cash provided by continuing operating activities of $2.9 billion in 2013 was due primarily to net income of $2.9 billion with adjustments for income from discontinued operations of $789 million$660 million in depreciation and amortization, $298 million in stock-based compensation expense and $236 million in provision for transaction and loan losses and a decrease of $109 million in changes in assets and liabilities.

Cash paid for income taxes in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $256 million, $343 million and $466 million, respectively.

Continuing Investing Activities

The net cash used in continuing investing activities of $673 million in 2015 was due primarily to cash paid for purchases of investments of $6.7 billion, purchases of property and equipment of $668 million and net cash paid for acquisition of businesses of $24 million, partially offset by proceeds of $6.8 billion from the maturities and sales of investments.

The net cash used in continuing investing activities of $1.3 billion in 2014 was due primarily to cash paid for purchases of investments of $8.8 billion, purchases of property and equipment of $622 million and net cash paid for acquisition of businesses of $55 million partially offset by proceeds of $8.1 billion from the maturities and sales of investments.

The net cash used in continuing investing activities of $3.6 billion in 2013 was due primarily to net cash paid for purchases of investments of $6.9 billion, purchases of property and equipment of $678 million and net cash paid for acquisition of businesses of $138 million partially offset by proceeds of $3.6 billion from the maturities and sales of investments and $485 million from the repayment of note receivable and sale of related equity investments.

The largely offsetting effects of purchases of investments and maturities and sale of investments results from the management of our portfolio of short term and long term investments. As our immediate cash needs change, purchase and sale activity will fluctuate. In the year ended December 31, 2014, a portion of the proceeds from the issuance of senior notes were used to purchase investments in our short term and long term portfolios.


44



Continuing Financing Activities

The net cash used in continuing financing activities of $3.0 billion in 2015 was due primarily to cash outflows from $2.1 billion to repurchase common stock, $850 million payment of debt upon maturity and cash paid for tax withholdings in the amount of $245 million related to net share settlements of restricted stock units and awards. These cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of $221 million from the issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options and the effect of $74 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

The net cash used in continuing financing activities of $1.0 billion in 2014 was due primarily to cash outflows of $4.7 billion to repurchase common stock and cash paid for tax withholdings in the amount of $252 million related to net share settlements of restricted stock units and awards. These cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows from $3.5 billion from the issuance of senior notes, $300 million from the issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options and the effect of $75 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

The net cash used in continuing financing activities of $1.4 billion in 2013 was due primarily to cash outflows of $1.3 billion in cash paid to repurchase our common stock, $400 million payment of debt upon maturity and $267 million in cash paid for tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock units. These cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of $437 million from the issuance of common stock in connection with the exercise of stock options, and $112 million in excess tax benefits from stock based compensation.

The negative effect of currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents during 2015 was due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, primarily the Euro. The negative effect of currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents during 2014 was due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies, primarily the Euro and Korean won. The positive effect of currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents during 2013 was due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against certain foreign currencies, primarily the Euro. 

Stock Repurchases

In January 2014, our Board authorized a stock repurchase program that provided for the repurchase of up to an additional $5 billion of our common stock, with no expiration from the date of authorization. In January 2015, our Board authorized an additional $2 billion stock repurchase program, with no expiration from the date of authorization. In June 2015, our Board authorized an additional $1 billion stock repurchase program, with no expiration from the date of authorization. The stock repurchase programs are intended to programmatically offset the impact of dilution from our equity compensation programs and, subject to market conditions and other factors, to make opportunistic repurchases of our common stock to reduce outstanding share count. Any share repurchases under our stock repurchase programs may be made through open market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions (including accelerated share repurchase transactions) or other means at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate and will be funded from our working capital or other financing alternatives.

During 2015, we repurchased approximately $2.1 billion of our common stock under our stock repurchase programs. As of December 31, 2015, a total of approximately $1.8 billion remained available for future repurchases of our common stock under our January 2015 and June 2015 repurchase programs and no amount remained available under our January 2014 repurchase program. 

We expect, subject to market conditions and other uncertainties, to continue making opportunistic repurchases of our common stock. However, our stock repurchase programs may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including corporate and regulatory requirements, price and other market conditions and management’s determination as to the appropriate use of our cash.  

Shelf Registration Statement and Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2015, we had an effective shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission that allows us to issue various types of debt securities, as well as common stock, preferred stock, warrants, depositary shares representing fractional interest in shares of preferred stock, purchase contracts and units from time to time in one or more offerings. Each issuance under the shelf registration statement will require the filing of a prospectus supplement identifying the amount and terms of the securities to be issued. The registration statement does not limit the amount of securities that may be issued thereunder. Our ability to issue securities is subject to market conditions and other factors including, in the case of our debt securities, our credit ratings and compliance with the covenants in our credit agreement.


45



We previously issued senior notes in underwritten public offerings under prior registration statements. The senior notes that remained outstanding as of December 31, 2015 consisted of $450 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes due 2017, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.35% fixed rate notes due 2017, $400 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes due 2019, $1.15 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.2% fixed rate notes due 2019, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.250% fixed rate notes due 2020, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.60% fixed rate notes due 2022, $750 million aggregate principal amount of 2.875% fixed rate notes due 2021, $750 million aggregate principal amount of 3.45% fixed rate notes due 2024 and $750 million aggregate principal amount of 4.00% fixed rate notes due 2042. The net proceeds from the sale of these senior notes were used for general corporate purposes, including, among other things, the repayment of outstanding commercial paper borrowings.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, $250 million aggregate principal amount of 0.700% fixed rate notes due 2015 and $600 million aggregate principal amount of 1.625% fixed rate notes due 2015 matured and were repaid during the year.

To help achieve our interest rate risk management objectives, we previously entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted $2.4 billion of the fixed rate notes to floating rate debt based on the London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a spread. These swaps were designated as fair value hedges against changes in the fair value of certain fixed rate senior notes resulting from changes in interest rates.

The indenture pursuant to which the senior notes were issued includes customary covenants that, among other things and subject to exceptions, limit our ability to incur, assume or guarantee debt secured by liens on specified assets or enter into sale and lease-back transactions with respect to specified properties, and also includes customary events of default.

Commercial Paper

In connection with entering into the credit agreement described below, in November 2015, the Company reduced the aggregate principal amount at maturity of commercial paper notes which may be outstanding under its commercial paper program at any time from $2.0 billion to $1.5 billion to correspond with the $1.5 billion of available borrowing capacity it maintains under the credit agreement for the repayment of commercial paper borrowings in the event it is unable to repay those borrowings from other sources when they become due. We have a $1.5 billion commercial paper program pursuant to which we may issue commercial paper notes with maturities of up to 397 days from the date of issue in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.5 billion at any time outstanding. As of December 31, 2015, there were no commercial paper notes outstanding.

Credit Agreement

In November 2015, we entered into a credit agreement that provides for an unsecured $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. We may also, subject to the agreement of the applicable lenders, increase the commitments under the revolving credit facility by up to an aggregate amount of $1 billion. Funds borrowed under the credit agreement may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes. The credit agreement replaced our prior $3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit agreement, entered into in November 2011.

As of December 31, 2015, no borrowings were outstanding under our $2 billion credit agreement. However, as described above, we have an up to $1.5 billion commercial paper program and therefore maintain $1.5 billion of available borrowing capacity under our credit agreement in order to repay commercial paper borrowings in the event we are unable to repay those borrowings from other sources when they become due. As a result, at December 31, 2015, $500 million of borrowing capacity was available for other purposes permitted by the credit agreement.  

Loans under the credit agreement bear interest at either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin (based on our public debt credit ratings) ranging from 0.875 percent to 1.5 percent or (ii) a formula based on the agent bank's prime rate, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5 percent or LIBOR plus 1.0 percent, plus a margin (based on our public debt credit ratings) ranging from 0.0 percent to 0.5 percent. The credit agreement will terminate and all amounts owing thereunder will be due and payable on November 9, 2020, unless (a) the commitments are terminated earlier, either at our request or, if an event of default occurs, by the lenders (or automatically in the case of certain bankruptcy-related events of default), or (b) the maturity date is extended upon our request, subject to the agreement of the lenders. The credit agreement contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants, events of default and indemnification provisions in favor of the banks. The negative covenants include restrictions regarding the incurrence of liens and subsidiary indebtedness, in each case, subject to certain exceptions. The financial covenants require us to meet a quarterly financial test with respect to a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio.


46



We were in compliance with all covenants in our outstanding debt instruments for the period ended December 31, 2015.

Credit Ratings

Our credit ratings were downgraded as a result of the Distribution. As of January 1, 2014, our long-term debt and short-term funding were rated investment grade by Standard and Poor's Financial Services, LLC (long-term rated A, short-term rated A-1, with a stable outlook), Moody's Investor Service (long-term rated A2, short-term rated P-1, with a stable outlook), and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (long-term rated A, short-term rated F-1, with a stable outlook). All of these credit rating agencies lowered their ratings in connection with the Distribution, which occurred on July 17, 2015. Since July 20, 2015, we have been rated investment grade by Standard and Poor's Financial Services, LLC (long-term rated BBB+, short-term rated A-2, with a stable outlook), Moody's Investor Service (long-term rated Baa1, short-term rated P-2, with a stable outlook), and Fitch Ratings, Inc. (long-term rated BBB, short-term rated F-2, with a stable outlook). We disclose these ratings to enhance the understanding of our sources of liquidity and the effects of these ratings on our costs of funds. Our borrowing costs depend, in part, on our credit ratings and any further actions taken by these credit rating agencies to lower our credit ratings, as described above, will likely increase our borrowing costs.

Commitments and Contingencies

We have certain fixed contractual obligations and commitments that include future estimated payments for general operating purposes. Changes in our business needs, contractual cancellation provisions, fluctuating interest rates, and other factors may result in actual payments differing from the estimates. We cannot provide certainty regarding the timing and amounts of these payments. The following table summarizes our fixed contractual obligations and commitments:
Payments Due During the Year Ending December 31,
 
Debt
 
 Leases
 
Purchase Obligations
  
Total
 
 
(In millions)
2016
 
$
164

 
$
55

 
$
175

 
$
394

2017
 
1,613

 
52

 
83

 
1,748

2018
 
148

 
35

 
64

 
247

2019
 
1,697

 
30

 
13

 
1,740

2020
 
516

 
25

 
5

 
546

Thereafter
 
4,191

 
25

 

 
4,216

 
 
$
8,329

 
$
222

 
$
340

 
$
8,891


The significant assumptions used in our determination of amounts presented in the above table are as follows:

Debt amounts include the principal and interest amounts of the respective debt instruments. For additional details related to our debt, please see “Note 11 – Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. This table does not reflect any amounts payable under our $2 billion revolving credit facility or $1.5 billion commercial paper program, for which no borrowings were outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

Lease amounts include minimum rental payments under our non-cancelable operating leases for office facilities, fulfillment centers, as well as computer and office equipment that we utilize under lease arrangements. The amounts presented are consistent with contractual terms and are not expected to differ significantly from actual results under our existing leases, unless a substantial change in our headcount needs requires us to expand our occupied space or exit an office facility early.

Purchase obligation amounts include minimum purchase commitments for advertising, capital expenditures (computer equipment, software applications, engineering development services, construction contracts) and other goods and services entered into in the ordinary course of business.

As we are unable to reasonably predict the timing of settlement of liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits, net, the table does not include $416 million of such non-current liabilities included in deferred and other tax liabilities recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015.


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Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements

As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had assets classified as cash and cash equivalents, as well as short-term and long-term non-equity investments, in an aggregate amount of $8.5 billion and $12.4 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, this amount included assets held in certain of our foreign operations totaling approximately $7.0 billion. Of the $7.0 billion held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries, approximately $4.8 billion was available for use in the U.S. without incurring additional U.S. income taxes in excess of the amounts already accrued in our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we had not repatriated any of these funds to the U.S. and, as a result, we have not yet paid U.S. tax on any portion of these funds. To the extent we repatriate this $4.8 billion of undistributed foreign earnings, we estimate, based on current tax rates, that it would increase our U.S. cash by approximately $3.2 billion, net of related tax paid. The remaining amount of non-U.S. cash and cash equivalents, as well as short-term and long-term non-equity investments, have been indefinitely reinvested and, therefore, no U.S. current or deferred taxes have been accrued as this amount is necessary to support our planned ongoing investments in our foreign operations. We believe our U.S. sources of cash and liquidity are sufficient to meet our business needs in the U.S., and we do not expect that we will need to repatriate the funds we have designated as indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. Under current tax laws, should our plans change and we were to choose to repatriate some or all of the funds we have designated as indefinitely reinvested, we will be required to pay U.S. income and applicable foreign withholding taxes on those amounts during the period when such repatriation occurs.

In connection with the Distribution, we reviewed our capital allocation strategy to ensure that each of PayPal and eBay would be well capitalized at Distribution. As part of this strategy, we contributed approximately $3.8 billion of cash to PayPal. This contribution consisted of approximately $1.8 billion of domestic sources and $2.0 billion of international sources.

We actively monitor all counterparties that hold our cash and cash equivalents and non-equity investments, focusing primarily on the safety of principal and secondarily on improving yield on these assets. We diversify our cash and cash equivalents and investments among various counterparties in order to reduce our exposure should any one of these counterparties fail or encounter difficulties. To date, we have not experienced any material loss or lack of access to our invested cash, cash equivalents or short-term investments; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our invested cash, cash equivalents or short-term investments will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. At any point in time we have funds in our operating accounts and customer accounts that are deposited and invested with third party financial institutions.

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments, together with cash expected to be generated from operations, borrowings available under our credit agreement and commercial paper program, and our access to capital markets, will be sufficient to fund our operating activities, anticipated capital expenditures and stock repurchases for the foreseeable future.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2015, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

We have a cash pooling arrangement with a financial institution for cash management purposes. This arrangement allows for cash withdrawals from the financial institution based upon our aggregate operating cash balances held within the same financial institution (“Aggregate Cash Deposits”). This arrangement also allows us to withdraw amounts exceeding the Aggregate Cash Deposits up to an agreed-upon limit. The net balance of the withdrawals and the Aggregate Cash Deposits are used by the financial institution as a basis for calculating our net interest expense or income under the arrangement. As of December 31, 2015, we had a total of $2.4 billion in cash withdrawals offsetting our $2.4 billion in Aggregate Cash Deposits held within the financial institution under the cash pooling arrangements.

Indemnification Provisions

We entered into a separation and distribution agreement and various other agreements with PayPal to govern the separation and relationship of the two companies going forward. These agreements provide for specific indemnity and liability obligations and could lead to disputes between us and PayPal, which may be significant. In addition, the indemnity rights we have against PayPal under the agreements may not be sufficient to protect us and our indemnity obligations to PayPal may be significant.


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In the ordinary course of business, we have included limited indemnification provisions in certain of our agreements with parties with which we have commercial relations, including our standard marketing, promotions and application-programming-interface license agreements. Under these contracts, we generally indemnify, hold harmless and agree to reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party in connection with claims by a third party with respect to our domain names, trademarks, logos and other branding elements to the extent that such marks are applicable to our performance under the subject agreement. In certain cases, we have agreed to provide indemnification for intellectual property infringement. It is not possible to determine the maximum potential loss under these indemnification provisions due to our limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular provision. To date, losses recorded in our consolidated statement of income in connection with our indemnification provisions have not been significant, either individually or collectively.

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

General

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related notes requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We have based our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

An accounting policy is considered to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements. We believe the following critical accounting policies reflect the more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The following descriptions of critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other disclosures included in this report.

Revenue Recognition

We may enter into certain revenue transactions, primarily related to certain advertising contracts, that are considered multiple element arrangements (arrangements with more than one deliverable). We also may enter into arrangements to purchase goods and/or services from certain customers. As a result, significant interpretation and judgment is sometimes required to determine the appropriate accounting for these transactions including: (1) how the arrangement consideration should be allocated among potential multiple deliverables; (2) developing an estimate of the stand-alone selling price of each deliverable; (3) whether revenue should be reported gross (as eBay is acting as a principal), or net (as eBay is acting as an agent); (4) when we provide cash consideration to our customers, determining whether we are receiving an identifiable benefit that is separable from the customer's purchase of our products and/or services and for which we can reasonably estimate fair value; and (5) whether the arrangement would be characterized as revenue or reimbursement of costs incurred. Changes in judgments with respect to these assumptions and estimates could impact the timing or amount of revenue recognition.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective government taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available. Our income tax rate is significantly affected by the tax rates that apply to our foreign earnings. In addition to local country tax laws and regulations, our income tax rate depends on the extent that our earnings are indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. Indefinite reinvestment is determined by management's judgment about and intentions concerning our future operations. At December 31, 2015, $6.0 billion of earnings had been indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., primarily in active non-U.S. business operations. We do not intend to repatriate these earnings to fund U.S. operations and, accordingly, we do not provide for U.S. federal income and foreign withholding tax on these earnings.

Deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as

49



from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates that are based on a number of factors, including our historical experience and short-range and long-range business forecasts. At December 31, 2015, we had a valuation allowance on certain loss carryforwards based on our assessment that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

We recognize and measure uncertain tax positions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S., or GAAP, pursuant to which we only recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. GAAP further requires that a change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions be recognized in earnings in the quarter in which such change occurs. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

We file annual income tax returns in multiple taxing jurisdictions around the world. A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited by the relevant tax authorities and finally resolved. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, we believe that our reserves for income taxes reflect the most likely outcome. We adjust these reserves, as well as the related interest, where appropriate in light of changing facts and circumstances. Settlement of any particular position could require the use of cash.

The following table illustrates our effective tax rates for 2015, 2014 and 2013:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions, except percentages)
Provision for income taxes
$
459

 
$
3,380

 
$
504

As a % of income before income taxes
19
%
 
134
%
 
20
%

Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries where we have higher statutory rates, by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or by changes or interpretations in tax laws, regulations or accounting principles. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service, as well as various state and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.

Based on our results for the year ended December 31, 2015, a one-percentage point change in our provision for income taxes as a percentage of income before taxes would have resulted in an increase or decrease in the provision of approximately $24 million, resulting in an approximate $0.02 change in diluted earnings per share.

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure and recognize stock-based compensation expense based on the fair value measurement for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors, including employee stock options, employee stock purchases and restricted stock awards, over the service period for awards expected to vest. Stock-based compensation expense recognized for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $379 million, $344 million and $298 million, respectively. See “Note 16 - Stock-Based and Employee Savings Plans” to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

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We calculated the fair value of each restricted stock award based on our stock price on the date of grant. We calculated the fair value of each stock option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The determination of fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of additional variables described below. The use of a Black-Scholes model requires extensive actual employee exercise behavior data and a number of assumptions, including expected life, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. As a result, future stock-based compensation expense may differ from our historical amounts. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $6.84, $13.59 and $15.39 per share, respectively, using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
  
2014
  
2013
Risk-free interest rate
1.4
%
 
1.2
%
 
0.6
%
Expected life (in years)
4.1

 
4.1

 
4.1

Dividend yield
%
 
%
 
%
Expected volatility
27
%
 
29
%
 
34
%
Our computation of expected volatility for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was based on a combination of historical and market-based implied volatility from traded options on our stock. Our computation of expected life was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the award was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The estimation of awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. We consider many factors when estimating forfeitures, including employee class and historical experience.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between intangible assets and the net tangible assets of the acquired business with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. The determination of the value of the intangible assets acquired involves certain judgments and estimates. These judgments can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future and the appropriate weighted average cost of capital.

At December 31, 2015, our goodwill totaled $4.5 billion and our identifiable intangible assets, net totaled $90 million. We assess the impairment of goodwill of our reporting units annually, or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the reporting unit does not pass the qualitative assessment, then the reporting unit's carrying value is compared to its fair value. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using market and discounted cash flow approaches. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The discounted cash flow approach uses expected future operating results. The market approach uses comparable company information to determine revenue and earnings multiples to value our reporting units. Failure to achieve these expected results or market multiples may cause a future impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit. We conducted our annual impairment test of goodwill as of August 31, 2015 and 2014. Additionally, we evaluated impairment based on the significant activities regarding the Distribution and Enterprise divestiture during the year. See “Note 4 - Discontinued Operations” to the consolidated financial statements included in this report for further detail. As of December 31, 2015, we determined that no further impairment of the carrying value of goodwill for any reporting units was required. See “Note 5 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets” to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Provision for Transaction Losses

Provision for transaction losses consists primarily of transaction loss expense associated with our customer protection programs, fraud and bad debt expense associated with our accounts receivable balance. We expect our provision for transaction losses to fluctuate depending on many factors, including changes to our customer protection programs and the impact of regulatory changes.


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The following table illustrates the provision for transaction losses as a percentage of net revenues for 2015, 2014 and 2013:  
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions, except percentages)
Net revenues
$
8,592

 
$
8,790

 
$
8,257

Provision for transaction losses
$
271

 
$
262

 
$
236

Provision for transaction losses as a % of net revenues
3.2
%
 
3.0
%
 
2.9
%

Determining appropriate allowances for these losses is an inherently uncertain process and is subject to numerous estimates and judgments, and ultimate losses may vary from the current estimates. We regularly update our allowance estimates as new facts become known and events occur that may impact the settlement or recovery of losses. The allowances are maintained at a level we deem appropriate to adequately provide for losses incurred at the balance sheet date. An aggregate 50 basis point deviation from our provision for transaction losses as a percentage of net revenues would have resulted in an increase or decrease in operating income of approximately $43 million in 2015, resulting in an approximate $0.02 change in diluted earnings per share.

Legal Contingencies

In connection with certain pending litigation and other claims, we have estimated the range of probable loss, net of expected recoveries, and provided for such losses through charges to our consolidated statement of income. These estimates have been based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances at each balance sheet date and are subject to change based upon new information and future events.

From time to time, we are involved in disputes and regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business. We are currently involved in legal proceedings, some of which are discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors,” “Item 3: Legal Proceedings” and “Note 13 - Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements included in this report. We believe that we have meritorious defenses to the claims against us, and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously. However, even if successful, our defense against certain actions will be costly and could require significant amounts of management's time and result in the diversion of significant operational resources. If the plaintiffs were to prevail on certain claims, we might be forced to pay significant damages and licensing fees, modify our business practices or even be prohibited from conducting a significant part of our business. Any such results could materially harm our business and could result in a material adverse impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See "Note 1 - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the consolidated financial statements included in this report, regarding the impact of certain recent accounting pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk relating to our investment portfolio and our outstanding debt. We seek to reduce earnings volatility that may result from changes in interest rates.

As of December 31, 2015, approximately 19% of our total cash and investment portfolio was held in cash and cash equivalents. As such, changes in interest rates will impact interest income. As discussed below, fixed rate securities may have their fair market value adversely affected due to a rise in interest rates, and we may suffer losses in principal if we are forced to sell securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates.

As of December 31, 2013, 100% of the outstanding senior notes bore interest at fixed rates. In July 2014, we issued additional senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of $3.5 billion comprised of $850 million of floating rate notes and $2.65 billion of fixed rate notes, as described in the “Shelf Registration Statement and Long-Term Debt” section of "Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" above. In order to reduce volatility that may result from changes in interest rates, we entered into $2.4 billion of interest rate swap agreements that have the

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economic effect of modifying the fixed interest obligations associated with $1.15 billion of our 2.2% senior notes due July 2019, $750 million of our 2.875% senior notes due July 2021, and $500 million of our 3.450% senior notes due July 2024 so that the interest payable on those notes effectively became variable based on LIBOR plus a spread. Further changes in interest rates will impact interest expense on any borrowings under our revolving credit facility, which bear interest at floating rates, and the interest rate on any commercial paper borrowings we make and any debt securities we may issue in the future and, accordingly, will impact interest expense.

As of December 31, 2015, we held no direct investments in auction rate securities, collateralized debt obligations, structured investment vehicles or mortgage-backed securities.
 
Investments in both fixed-rate and floating-rate interest-earning instruments carry varying degrees of interest rate risk. The fair market value of our fixed-rate investment securities may be adversely impacted due to a rise in interest rates. In general, fixed-rate securities with longer maturities are subject to greater interest-rate risk than those with shorter maturities. While floating rate securities generally are subject to less interest-rate risk than fixed-rate securities, floating-rate securities may produce less income than expected if interest rates decrease and may also suffer a decline in market value if interest rates increase. Due in part to these factors, our investment income may fall short of expectations or we may suffer losses in principal if we sell securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2015, the balance of our government bond and corporate debt security portfolio was $6.6 billion, which represented approximately 69% of our total cash and investment portfolio. A 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our financial assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2015.

Investment Risk

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time improving yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents and short-term and long-term investments in a variety of asset types, including bank deposits, government bonds and corporate debt securities.

As of December 31, 2015, our cost and equity method investments totaled $124 million, which represented approximately 1% of our total cash and investment portfolio, and were primarily related to equity method investments in privately held companies. We review our investments for impairment when events and circumstances indicate a decline in fair value of such assets below carrying value is other-than-temporary. Our analysis includes a review of recent operating results and trends, recent sales/acquisitions of the securities in which we have invested and other publicly available data.

Equity Price Risk

We are exposed to equity price risk on marketable equity instruments due to market volatility. As of December 31, 2015, the total fair value of our marketable equity instruments (primarily related to our equity holdings in MercadoLibre) was $929 million, which represented approximately 10% of our total cash and investment portfolio.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our commerce platforms operate globally, resulting in certain revenues and costs that are denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the Euro, British pound, Korean won and Australian dollar, subjecting us to foreign currency risk which may adversely impact our financial results. We transact business in various foreign currencies and have significant international revenues as well as costs. In addition, we charge our international subsidiaries for their use of intellectual property and technology and for certain corporate services we provide. Our cash flow, results of operations and certain of our intercompany balances that are exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations may differ materially from expectations and we may record significant gains or losses due to foreign currency fluctuations and related hedging activities.

We have a foreign exchange exposure management program designed to identify material foreign currency exposures, manage these exposures and reduce the potential effects of currency fluctuations on our reported consolidated cash flows and results of operations through the purchase of foreign currency exchange contracts. The effectiveness of the program and the resulting usage of foreign exchange derivative contracts is at times limited by our ability to achieve cash flow hedge accounting. These foreign currency exchange contracts are accounted for as derivative instruments; for additional details related to our derivative instruments, please see “Note 9 – Derivative Instruments” to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

We use foreign exchange derivative contracts and invest non-U.S. cash in U.S. denominated investments to ultimately protect our forecasted U.S. dollar-equivalent earnings from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These hedging

53



contracts reduce, but do not entirely eliminate, the impact of adverse currency exchange rate movements. Most of these contracts are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the unrealized gains and losses on these contracts, if any, is recorded immediately in earnings. For contracts not designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, the derivative's gain or loss is recognized immediately in interest and other, net, in our consolidated statement of income. However, only certain revenue and costs are eligible for cash flow hedge accounting. Subsequent to the Distribution, fewer of our currency flows meet the U.S. GAAP criteria for cash flow hedge accounting. While, economically, we face the same currency risks, our statement of income is more subject to volatility due to currency fluctuations.

We considered the historical trends in currency exchange rates and determined that it was reasonably possible that changes in exchange rates of 20% for all currencies could be experienced in the near term. If the relevant functional currencies weakened by 20% at December 31, 2015, the amount recorded in AOCI related to our foreign exchange derivative contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges, before tax effect, would have been approximately $45 million higher. If the relevant functional currencies strengthened by 20% at December 31, 2015, the amount recorded in AOCI related to our foreign exchange derivative contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges, before tax effect, would have been approximately $27 million lower.

In addition, we use foreign exchange contracts to offset the foreign exchange risk on our assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our subsidiaries. These contracts reduce, but do not entirely eliminate, the impact of currency exchange rate movements on our assets and liabilities. The foreign currency gains and losses on the assets and liabilities are recorded in interest and other, net, which are offset by the gains and losses on the foreign exchange contracts.

We considered the historical trends in currency exchange rates and determined that it was reasonably possible that adverse changes in exchange rates of 20% for all currencies could be experienced in the near term. These changes would have resulted in an adverse impact on income before income taxes of approximately $27 million at December 31, 2015 taking into consideration the offsetting effect of foreign exchange forwards in place as of December 31, 2015.


54



ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes listed in Part IV, Item 15(a)(1) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act) required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b), our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer have concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B: OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10: DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the year ended December 31, 2015.

Code of Ethics, Governance Guidelines and Committee Charters

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all eBay employees and directors. We have also adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to our senior financial officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is included in our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics posted on our website at https://investors.ebayinc.com/corporate-governance.cfm. We will post any amendments to or waivers from the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers at that location.

We have also adopted Governance Guidelines for the Board of Directors and a written committee charter for each of our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Each of these documents is available on our website at https://investors.ebayinc.com/corporate-governance.cfm.


55



ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the year ended December 31, 2015.

Annual stock option grants awarded to executives are priced and granted to executives on the same date and at the same price that they are granted to and priced for the rest of our eligible employees and have the same four-year vesting schedule.  These annual stock option grants are awarded on April 1 (or if April 1 is not a trading day, the next trading day with vesting effective as of April 1). Prior to 2012, these stock option grants have been awarded on March 1 of each year (or if March 1 was not a trading day, the next trading day with vesting effective as of March 1). 

ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the year ended December 31, 2015.

ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the year ended December 31, 2015.

ITEM 14: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Incorporated by reference from our Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the year ended December 31, 2015.

PART IV

Item 15: EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1. Consolidated Financial Statements:
 
 
Page Number
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Income
Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
2. Financial Statement Schedule
 
 
 
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
 
 
3. Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
 
The information required by this Item is set forth in the Index of Exhibits that follows the signature page of this Annual Report.



56



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of eBay Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of eBay Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it classifies deferred tax assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet in 2015.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Jose, California
February 1, 2016

F-1



PART II: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 8:
Financial Statements
eBay Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
(In millions, except par value amounts)
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,832


$
4,105

Short-term investments
4,299


3,730

Accounts receivable, net
619


600

Other current assets
1,154


1,048

Current assets of discontinued operations

 
17,048

Total current assets
7,904


26,531

Long-term investments
3,391


5,736

Property and equipment, net
1,554


1,486

Goodwill
4,451


4,671

Intangible assets, net
90


133

Other assets
395


207

Long-term assets of discontinued operations

 
6,368

Total assets
$
17,785


$
45,132

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Short-term debt
$

 
$
850

Accounts payable
349

 
107

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
1,736

 
3,830

Deferred revenue
106

 
108

Income taxes payable
72

 
125

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

 
12,511

Total current liabilities
2,263

 
17,531

Deferred and other tax liabilities, net
2,092

 
522

Long-term debt
6,779

 
6,777

Other liabilities
75

 
79

Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations

 
317

Total liabilities
11,209

 
25,226

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

 

Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 3,580 shares authorized; 1,184 and 1,224 shares outstanding
2

 
2

Additional paid-in capital
14,538

 
13,887

Treasury stock at cost, 443 and 384 shares
(16,203
)
 
(14,054
)
Retained earnings
7,713

 
18,900

Accumulated other comprehensive income
526

 
1,171

Total stockholders' equity
6,576

 
19,906

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
17,785

 
$
45,132


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

F-2



eBay Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Net revenues
$
8,592

 
$
8,790

 
$
8,257

Cost of net revenues
1,771

 
1,663

 
1,492

Gross profit
6,821

 
7,127

 
6,765

Operating expenses:
 
 
 

 
 
Sales and marketing
2,267

 
2,442

 
2,144

Product development
923

 
983

 
915

General and administrative
1,122

 
889

 
880

Provision for transaction losses
271

 
262

 
236

Amortization of acquired intangible assets
41

 
75

 
136

Total operating expenses
4,624

 
4,651

 
4,311

Income from operations
2,197

 
2,476

 
2,454

Interest and other, net
209

 
39

 
117

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
2,406

 
2,515

 
2,571

Provision for income taxes
(459
)
 
(3,380
)
 
(504
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
1,947

 
$
(865
)
 
$
2,067

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(222
)
 
911

 
789

Net income
$
1,725

 
$
46

 
$
2,856

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) per share - basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.61

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
1.60

Discontinued operations
(0.18
)
 
0.73

 
0.60

Net income per share - basic
$
1.43

 
$
0.04

 
$
2.20

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) per share - diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.60

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
1.58

Discontinued operations
(0.18
)
 
0.73

 
0.60

Net income per share - diluted
$
1.42

 
$
0.04

 
$
2.18

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
1,208

 
1,251

 
1,295

Diluted
1,220

 
1,251

 
1,313


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


F-3



eBay Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Net income
$
1,725

 
$
46

 
$
2,856

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments:
 

 
 

 
 

Foreign currency translation gain (loss)
(431
)
 
(323
)
 
208

Unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net
(187
)
 
108

 
234

Tax benefit (expense) on unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net
56

 
(37
)
 
(93
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging activities, net
(65
)
 
274

 
(51
)
Tax benefit (expense) on unrealized gains (losses) on hedging activities, net
(6
)
 
(7
)
 
2

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(633
)
 
15

 
300

Comprehensive income
$
1,092

 
$
61

 
$
3,156


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


F-4



eBay Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
2

Common stock issued

 

 

Common stock repurchased/forfeited

 

 

Balance, end of year
2

 
2

 
2

Additional paid-in-capital:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year
13,887

 
13,031

 
12,062

Common stock and stock-based awards issued and assumed
230

 
298

 
440

Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards and units
(245
)
 
(252
)
 
(267
)
Stock-based compensation
576

 
693

 
572

Stock-based awards tax impact
90

 
117

 
224

Balance, end of year
14,538

 
13,887

 
13,031

Treasury stock at cost:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year
(14,054
)
 
(9,396
)
 
(8,053
)
Common stock repurchased
(2,149
)
 
(4,658
)
 
(1,343
)
Balance, end of year
(16,203
)
 
(14,054
)
 
(9,396
)
Retained earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year
18,900

 
18,854

 
15,998

Net income
1,725

 
46

 
2,856

Distribution of PayPal
(12,912
)
 

 

Balance, end of year
7,713

 
18,900

 
18,854

Accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year
1,171

 
1,156

 
856

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments
(187
)
 
108

 
234

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges
(65
)
 
274

 
(51
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(431
)
 
(323
)
 
208

Tax benefit (provision) on above items
50

 
(44
)
 
(91
)
Distribution of PayPal
(12
)
 

 

Balance, end of year
526

 
1,171

 
1,156

Total stockholders' equity
$
6,576

 
$
19,906

 
$
23,647

Number of Shares:
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of year
1,224

 
1,294

 
1,294

Common stock issued
19

 
18

 
25

Common stock repurchased/forfeited
(59
)
 
(88
)
 
(25
)
Balance, end of year
1,184

 
1,224

 
1,294


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


F-5



eBay Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,725

 
$
46

 
$
2,856

(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
222

 
(911
)
 
(789
)
Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for transaction losses
271

 
262

 
236

Depreciation and amortization
687

 
682

 
660

Stock-based compensation
379

 
344

 
298

Gain on sale of investments
(195
)
 
(12
)
 
(75
)
Deferred income taxes
(32
)
 
2,744

 
(33
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(74
)
 
(75
)
 
(112
)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition effects
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(105
)
 
51

 
(89
)
Other current assets
(143
)
 
(36
)
 
(367
)
Other non-current assets
143

 
(3
)
 
(105
)
Accounts payable
226

 
81

 
(13
)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(202
)
 
(81
)
 
274

Deferred revenue
9

 
4

 
2

Income taxes payable and other tax liabilities
(34
)
 
132

 
189

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities
2,877

 
3,228

 
2,932

Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities
1,156

 
2,449

 
2,063

Net cash provided by operating activities
4,033

 
5,677

 
4,995

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Purchases of property and equipment
(668
)
 
(622
)
 
(678
)
Purchases of investments
(6,744
)
 
(8,752
)
 
(6,889
)
Maturities and sales of investments
6,781

 
8,115

 
3,622

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(24
)
 
(55
)
 
(138
)
Repayment of note receivable and sale of related equity investments

 

 
485

Other
(18
)
 
(11
)
 
(22
)
Net cash used in continuing investing activities
(673
)
 
(1,325
)
 
(3,620
)
Net cash used in discontinued investing activities
(2,938
)
 
(1,348
)
 
(2,392
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(3,611
)
 
(2,673
)
 
(6,012
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock
221

 
300

 
437

Repurchases of common stock
(2,149
)
 
(4,658
)
 
(1,343
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
74

 
75

 
112

Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards and units
(245
)
 
(252
)
 
(267
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net

 
3,482

 

Repayment of debt
(850
)
 

 
(400
)
Other
(11
)
 
6

 
30

Net cash used in continuing financing activities
(2,960
)
 
(1,047
)
 
(1,431
)
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued financing activities
(1,594
)
 
25

 
77

Net cash used in financing activities
(4,554
)
 
(1,022
)
 
(1,354
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(364
)
 
(148
)
 
48

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(4,496
)
 
1,834

 
(2,323
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
6,328

 
4,494

 
6,817

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,832

 
$
6,328

 
$
4,494

Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations - Enterprise

 
29

 
47

Less: Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations - PayPal

 
2,194

 
1,599

Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period
$
1,832

 
$
4,105

 
$
2,848

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
 

 
 

 
 

Cash paid for interest
$
175

 
$
99

 
$
99

Cash paid for income taxes
$
256

 
$
343

 
$
466

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

F-6



eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company

eBay Inc. is a global commerce leader, including our Marketplace, StubHub and Classifieds platforms. Our Marketplace platforms include our online marketplace located at www.ebay.com, its localized counterparts and the eBay mobile apps. Our StubHub platforms include our online ticket platform located at www.stubhub.com and the StubHub mobile apps. Our Classifieds platforms include a collection of brands such as Mobile.de, Kijiji, Gumtree, Marktplaats, eBay Classifieds and others. 

On July 17, 2015, we completed the distribution of 100% of the outstanding common stock of PayPal Holdings, Inc. ("PayPal") to our stockholders (the "Distribution"), pursuant to which PayPal became an independent company. Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, PayPal's financial results for periods prior to the Distribution have been reflected in our consolidated statement of income, retrospectively, as discontinued operations. Additionally, the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations in the prior year consolidated balance sheet are classified as discontinued operations. Pursuant to the terms of the separation and distribution agreement entered into between us and PayPal on June 26, 2015, upon Distribution, assets related to the PayPal business were transferred to, and liabilities related to the PayPal business were retained or assumed by, PayPal. See "Note 4 - Discontinued Operations" for additional information.

During the second quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors ("Board") approved a plan to sell the businesses underlying our former Enterprise segment ("Enterprise"). As a result, the Enterprise financial results were reflected in our consolidated statement of income, retrospectively, as discontinued operations beginning in the second quarter of 2015. On July 16, 2015, we signed a definitive agreement to sell Enterprise and on November 2, 2015, the sale closed. As a result, the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations in the prior year consolidated balance sheet are classified as discontinued operations. See "Note 4 - Discontinued Operations" for additional information.

When we refer to “we,” “our,” “us” or “eBay” in this document, we mean the current Delaware corporation (eBay Inc.) and its California predecessor, as well as all of our consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to provisions for transaction losses, legal contingencies, income taxes, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, goodwill and the recoverability of intangible assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation

The accompanying financial statements are consolidated and include the financial statements of eBay Inc., our wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIE”) where we are the primary beneficiary. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Minority interests are recorded as a noncontrolling interest. A qualitative approach is applied to assess the consolidation requirement for VIEs. Investments in entities where we hold at least a 20% ownership interest and have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. For such investments, our share of the investees' results of operations is included in interest and other, net and our investment balance is included in long-term investments. Investments in entities where we hold less than a 20% ownership interest are generally accounted for using the cost method of accounting, and our share of the investees' results of operations is included in our consolidated statement of income to the extent dividends are received.

We have evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

F-7

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)



Revenue recognition

We generate net transaction revenues primarily from final value fees and listing fees paid by sellers. Final value fee revenues are recognized at the time that the transaction is successfully closed, while listing fee revenues are recognized ratably over the estimated period of the listing. An auction transaction is considered successfully closed when at least one buyer has bid above the seller's specified minimum price or reserve price, whichever is higher, at the end of the transaction term.

Our marketing services revenues are derived principally from the sale of advertisements, revenue sharing arrangements, classifieds fees, marketing service fees and lead referral fees. Our advertising revenues are derived principally from the sale of online advertisements. The duration of our advertising contracts has ranged from one week to five years, but is generally one week to one year. Advertising revenues on contracts are recognized as “impressions” (i.e., the number of times that an advertisement appears in pages viewed by users of our platforms) are delivered, or as “clicks” (which are generated each time users on our platforms click through our advertisements to an advertiser's designated website) are provided to advertisers. For contracts with minimum monthly or quarterly advertising commitments where the fee and commitments are fixed throughout the term, we recognize revenue ratably over the term of the agreement. We also may enter into arrangements to purchase services from certain customers and if the service is not considered an identifiable benefit that is separable from the customer's purchase of our services or for which we cannot reasonably estimate fair value, the fees paid to the customer is recorded as a reduction in revenue. Some of our advertising contracts consist of multiple elements which generally include a blend of various impressions and clicks as well as other marketing deliverables. Where neither vendor-specific objective evidence nor third-party evidence of selling price exists, we use management's best estimate of selling price (BESP) to allocate arrangement consideration on a relative basis to each element. BESP is generally based on the selling prices of the various elements when they are sold to customers of a similar nature and geography on a stand-alone basis or estimated stand-alone pricing when the element has not previously been sold on a stand-alone basis. These estimates are generally based on pricing strategies, market factors and strategic objectives. Revenues related to revenue sharing arrangements are recognized based on revenue reports received from our partners, provided that collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues related to fees for listing items on our Classifieds platforms are recognized over the estimated period of the classified listing. Lead referral fee revenue is generated from lead referral fees based on the number of times users click through to a merchant's website from our platforms. Lead referral fees are recognized in the period in which a user clicks through to the merchant's website.

Our other revenues are derived principally from contractual arrangements with third parties that provide services to our users. Revenues from contractual arrangements with third parties are recognized as the contracted services are delivered to end users.

To drive traffic to our platforms, we provide incentives to our users in the form of coupons and buyer and seller rewards. These incentives are generally treated as reductions in revenue.

Internal use software and platform development costs

Direct costs incurred to develop software for internal use and platform development costs are capitalized and amortized over an estimated useful life of one to five years. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we capitalized costs, primarily related to labor and stock-based compensation, of $136 million and $144 million, respectively. Amortization of previously capitalized amounts was $110 million, $115 million and $103 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Costs related to the design or maintenance of internal use software and platform development are expensed as incurred.

Advertising expense

We expense the costs of producing advertisements at the time production occurs and expense the cost of communicating advertisements in the period during which the advertising space or airtime is used, in each case as sales and marketing expense. Internet advertising expenses are recognized based on the terms of the individual agreements, which are generally over the greater of the ratio of the number of impressions delivered over the total number of contracted impressions, on a pay-per-click basis, or on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. Advertising expense totaled $1.0 billion, $1.0 billion and $844 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.


F-8

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Stock-based compensation

We have equity incentive plans under which we grant equity awards, including stock options, restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and performance share units, to our directors, officers and employees. We primarily issue restricted stock units. We determine compensation expense associated with restricted stock units based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant. We determine compensation expense associated with stock options based on the estimated grant date fair value method using the Black-Scholes valuation model. We generally recognize compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method over the respective vesting period for awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013 has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, we consider voluntary termination behaviors as well as trends of actual option forfeitures. We recognize a benefit from stock-based compensation in equity to the extent that an incremental tax benefit is realized by following the ordering provisions of the tax law. In addition, we account for the indirect effects of stock-based compensation on the research tax credit and the foreign tax credit through our consolidated statement of income.

Provision for transaction losses

Provision for transaction losses consists primarily of losses resulting from our customer protection programs, fraud and bad debt expense associated with our accounts receivable balance. Provisions for these items represent our estimate of actual losses based on our historical experience and many other factors including changes to our customer protection programs, the impact of regulatory changes as well as economic conditions.

Income taxes

We account for income taxes using an asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of current and deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on provisions of enacted tax laws; the effects of future changes in tax laws or rates are not anticipated. If necessary, the measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced by the amount of any tax benefits that are not expected to be realized based on available evidence.

We report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased and are mainly comprised of bank deposits, certificates of deposit and commercial paper.

Allowance for doubtful accounts and authorized credits

We record our allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our assessment of various factors. We consider historical experience, the age of the accounts receivable balances, current economic conditions and other factors that may affect our customers' ability to pay. The allowance for doubtful accounts and authorized credits was $84 million and $86 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Investments

Short-term investments, which may include marketable equity securities, time deposits, certificates of deposit, government bonds and corporate debt securities with original maturities of greater than three months but less than one year when purchased, are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of related estimated tax provisions or benefits.

Long-term investments may include marketable government bonds and corporate debt securities, time deposits, certificates of deposit and cost and equity method investments. Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale investments are excluded from earnings and reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of related estimated tax provisions or benefits.

F-9

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)



Certain time deposits are classified as held to maturity and recorded at amortized cost. Our equity method investments are primarily investments in privately held companies. Our consolidated results of operations include, as a component of interest and other, net, our share of the net income or loss of the equity method investments. Our share of investees' results of operations is not significant for any period presented. Our cost method investments consist of investments in privately held companies and are recorded at cost. Amounts received from our cost method investees were not material to any period presented.

We assess whether an other-than-temporary impairment loss on our investments has occurred due to declines in fair value or other market conditions. With respect to our debt securities, this assessment takes into account the severity and duration of the decline in value, our intent to sell the security, whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, and whether we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security (that is, whether a credit loss exists).

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally, one to three years for computer equipment and software, up to thirty years for buildings and building improvements, the shorter of five years or the term of the lease for leasehold improvements and three years for furniture, fixtures and vehicles.
 
Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill is tested for impairment at a minimum on an annual basis. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. A qualitative assessment can be performed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the reporting unit does not pass the qualitative assessment, then the reporting unit's carrying value is compared to its fair value. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using income and market approaches. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The discounted cash flow method, a form of the income approach, uses expected future operating results and a market participant discount rate. The market approach uses comparable company prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions (either publicly traded entities or merger and acquisitions) to develop pricing metrics to be applied to historical and expected future operating results of our reporting units. Failure to achieve these expected results, changes in the discount rate or market pricing metrics may cause a future impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit. We conducted our annual impairment test of goodwill as of August 31, 2015 and 2014. Additionally, we evaluated impairment based on the significant activities regarding the Distribution and Enterprise divestiture during the year. See “Note 4 - Discontinued Operations” for further detail. As a result of this test, we determined that no further adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill for any reporting units was required. 

Intangible assets consist of purchased customer lists and user base, marketing related, developed technologies and other intangible assets, including patents and contractual agreements. Intangible assets are amortized over the period of estimated benefit using the straight-line method and estimated useful lives ranging from one to eight years. No significant residual value is estimated for intangible assets.

Impairment of long-lived assets

We evaluate long-lived assets (including intangible assets) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. An asset is considered impaired if its carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted future net cash flow the asset is expected to generate. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, no impairment was noted.

Foreign currency
 
Most of our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency of their respective countries as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet dates. Revenues, costs and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars using daily exchange rates if the transaction is recorded in our accounting systems on a daily basis, and otherwise using average exchange rates for the period. Gains and losses resulting from the translation of our consolidated balance sheet are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.


F-10

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are recognized as interest and other, net.

Derivative instruments

We use derivative financial instruments, primarily forwards and swaps, to hedge certain foreign currency and interest rate exposures. We may also use other derivative instruments not designated as hedges, such as forwards used to hedge foreign currency balance sheet exposures. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. See “Note 9 - Derivative Instruments” for a full description of our derivative instrument activities and related accounting policies.

Concentration of credit risk

Our cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and derivative instruments are potentially subject to concentration of credit risk. Cash and cash equivalents are placed with financial institutions that management believes are of high credit quality. Our accounts receivable are derived from revenue earned from customers. In each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, no customer accounted for more than 10% of net revenues. Our derivative instruments expose us to credit risk to the extent that our counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to reporting discontinued operations. This new standard raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The new standard is now effective. The standard impacted the presentation of Enterprise during the second quarter of 2015 and PayPal during the third quarter of 2015 related to the financial statement presentation of assets held for sale and discontinued operations and required additional disclosures as presented in "Note 4 - Discontinued Operations."

In 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to revenue recognition. This new standard will replace all current GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The new revenue recognition guidance provides a unified model to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance can be applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. In 2015, the FASB issued guidance to defer the effective date to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption for fiscal years beginning December 15, 2016. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to consolidations. The new standard amends the guidelines for determining whether certain legal entities should be consolidated and reduces the number of consolidation models. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to presentation of debt issuance costs. The new standard requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The new standard provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to business combinations. The new guidance requires that adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination be recorded in the period such adjustments are determined,

F-11

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


rather than retrospectively adjusting previously reported amounts. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The new guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We early adopted this guidance on a prospective basis as of December 31, 2015. See "Note 17 - Income Taxes" for additional information.

In 2016, the FASB issued new guidance related accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance related to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. We are evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 – Net Income (loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive common stock outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of outstanding options and equity incentive awards is reflected in diluted net income (loss) per share by application of the treasury stock method. The calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share excludes all anti-dilutive common shares. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods indicated:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
1,947

 
$
(865
)
 
$
2,067

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(222
)
 
911

 
789

Net income
$
1,725

 
$
46

 
$
2,856

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares of common stock - basic
1,208

 
1,251

 
1,295

Dilutive effect of equity incentive awards
12

 

 
18

Weighted average shares of common stock - diluted
1,220

 
1,251

 
1,313

Income (loss) per share - basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.61

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
1.60

Discontinued operations
(0.18
)
 
0.73

 
0.60

Net income per share - basic
$
1.43

 
$
0.04

 
$
2.20

Income (loss) per share - diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.60

 
$
(0.69
)
 
$
1.58

Discontinued operations
(0.18
)
 
0.73

 
0.60

Net income per share - diluted
$
1.42

 
$
0.04

 
$
2.18

Common stock equivalents excluded from income per diluted share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive
2

 
54

 
4



F-12



Note 3 – Business Combinations and Divestitures

Our acquisition and divestiture activity in 2015, 2014 and 2013, was as follows:

2015 Divestiture Activity

During 2015, we completed the Distribution of PayPal and the sale of Enterprise. See "Note 4 - Discontinued Operations" for additional information.

2014 Acquisition Activity

During 2014, we completed three acquisitions for aggregate purchase consideration of approximately $58 million, consisting primarily of cash. The allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration resulted in net liabilities of approximately $1 million, purchased intangible assets of $29 million and goodwill of $30 million. The consolidated financial statements include the operating results of the acquired businesses since the respective dates of the acquisitions. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effect of the acquisitions was not material to our financial results.

2013 Acquisition Activity

During 2013, we completed four acquisitions for aggregate purchase consideration of approximately $148 million, consisting primarily of cash. The allocation of the aggregate purchase consideration resulted in net liabilities of approximately $15 million, purchased intangible assets of approximately $51 million and goodwill of approximately $112 million. The consolidated financial statements include the operating results of the acquired businesses since the respective dates of the acquisitions. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effect of the acquisitions was not material to our financial results.

2013 Divestiture Activity

In 2013, a note receivable received as consideration of a previously divested business was repaid and our investments in RueLaLa and ShopRunner were sold for total cash proceeds of approximately $485 million. This transaction resulted in a net gain of approximately $75 million, which has been recognized in interest and other, net in our consolidated statement of income.

Note 4 — Discontinued Operations

On June 26, 2015, our Board approved the separation of PayPal through the Distribution. To consummate the Distribution, our Board declared a pro rata dividend of PayPal Holdings, Inc. common stock to eBay’s stockholders of record as of the close of business on July 8, 2015 (the "Record Date"). Each eBay stockholder received one (1) share of PayPal Holdings, Inc. common stock for every share of eBay common stock held at the close of business on the Record Date. The Distribution occurred on July 17, 2015. Immediately following the Distribution, PayPal became an independent, publicly traded company and is listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker “PYPL.” eBay continues to trade on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker “EBAY.” We have classified the results of PayPal as discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income for all periods presented. Additionally, the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations in the prior year consolidated balance sheet are classified as discontinued operations. In connection with the Distribution, we reviewed our capital allocation strategy to ensure that each of PayPal and eBay would be well capitalized at Distribution. As part of this strategy, we contributed approximately $3.8 billion of cash to PayPal.

During the second quarter of 2015, our Board approved a plan to sell Enterprise. Based on the expected sales proceeds, we recorded a goodwill impairment of $786 million in the second quarter of 2015. On July 16, 2015, we signed a definitive agreement to sell Enterprise for $925 million and on November 2, 2015, the sale closed. We recorded a loss of $35 million upon closing included within income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes. We have classified the results of Enterprise as discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income for all periods presented. Additionally, the related assets and liabilities associated with the discontinued operations in the prior year consolidated balance sheet are classified as discontinued operations.


F-13



The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of the classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations of PayPal and Enterprise:
 
December 31,
2014
 
(In millions)
PayPal current assets classified as discontinued operations
$
16,795

Enterprise current assets classified as discontinued operations
253

Current assets of discontinued operations
$
17,048

 
 
PayPal long-term assets classified as discontinued operations
$
4,506

Enterprise long-term assets classified as discontinued operations
1,862

Long-term assets of discontinued operations
$
6,368

 
 
PayPal current liabilities classified as discontinued operations
$
12,137

Enterprise current liabilities classified as discontinued operations
374

Current liabilities of discontinued operations
$
12,511

 
 
PayPal long-term liabilities classified as discontinued operations
$
243

Enterprise long-term liabilities classified as discontinued operations
74

Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations
$
317


The financial results of PayPal and Enterprise are presented as income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes in our consolidated statement of income. The following table presents financial results of PayPal and Enterprise:
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
2015 (1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
PayPal income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
516

 
$
1,024

 
$
926

Enterprise loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(738
)
 
(113
)
 
(137
)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
(222
)
 
$
911

 
$
789

 
(1)
Includes PayPal financial results from January 1, 2015 to July 17, 2015 and Enterprise financial results from January 1, 2015 to November 2, 2015.

F-14




The following table presents cash flows of PayPal and Enterprise:
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
2015 (1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
PayPal net cash provided by discontinued operating activities
$
1,252

 
$
2,280

 
$
1,913

Enterprise net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operating activities
(96
)
 
169

 
150

Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities
$
1,156

 
$
2,449

 
$
2,063

 
 
 
 
 
 
PayPal net cash used in discontinued investing activities
$
(3,725
)
 
$
(1,218
)
 
$
(2,221
)
Enterprise net cash provided by (used in) discontinued investing activities
787

 
(130
)
 
(171
)
Net cash used in discontinued investing activities
$
(2,938
)
 
$
(1,348
)
 
$
(2,392
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
PayPal net cash provided by (used in) discontinued financing activities (2)
$
(1,594
)
 
$
40

 
$
76

Enterprise net cash used in discontinued financing activities

 
(15
)
 
1

Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued financing activities
$
(1,594
)
 
$
25

 
$
77

(1)
Includes PayPal financial results from January 1, 2015 to July 17, 2015 and Enterprise financial results from January 1, 2015 to November 2, 2015.
(2)    Includes $1.6 billion of PayPal cash and cash equivalents as of July 17, 2015.

PayPal

The financial results of PayPal through the Distribution are presented as income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes on our consolidated statement of income. The following table presents financial results of PayPal:
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
2015 (1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
$
4,793

 
$
7,895

 
$
6,640

Cost of net revenues
1,918

 
3,140

 
2,696

Gross profit
2,875

 
4,755

 
3,944

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing
534

 
1,027

 
794

Product development
527

 
879

 
712

General and administrative
741

 
892

 
724

Provision for transaction and loan losses
418

 
688

 
551

Amortization of acquired intangible assets
30

 
53

 
41

Total operating expenses
2,250

 
3,539

 
2,822

Income from operations of discontinued operations
625

 
1,216

 
1,122

Interest and other, net
1

 
(7
)
 
(7
)
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
626

 
1,209

 
1,115

Provision for income taxes
(110
)
 
(185
)
 
(189
)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
516

 
$
1,024

 
$
926

 
(1)    Includes PayPal financial results from January 1, 2015 to July 17, 2015.


F-15



The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of the classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations of PayPal:
 
December 31,
2014
 
(In millions)
Carrying amounts of assets included as part of discontinued operations:
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2,194

Short-term investments
39

Accounts receivable, net
51

Loans and interest receivable, net
3,600

Funds receivable and customer accounts
10,545

Other current assets
366

Current assets classified as discontinued operations
16,795

Long-term investments
31

Property and equipment, net
1,113

Goodwill
3,136

Intangible assets, net
172

Other assets
54

Long-term assets classified as discontinued operations
4,506

Total assets classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet
$
21,301

 
 
Carrying amounts of liabilities included as part of discontinued operations:
 
Accounts payable
$
115

Funds receivable and customer accounts
10,545

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
1,448

Income taxes payable
29

Current liabilities classified as discontinued operations
12,137

Deferred and other tax liabilities, net
197

Other liabilities
46

Long-term liabilities classified as discontinued operations
243

Total liabilities classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet
$
12,380

 




F-16



Enterprise

The financial results of Enterprise are presented as income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes on our consolidated statement of income. The following table presents financial results of Enterprise:
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
2015 (1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
$
904

 
$
1,217

 
$
1,150

Cost of net revenues
654

 
929

 
848

Gross profit
250

 
288

 
302

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and marketing
95

 
118

 
122

Product development
91

 
138

 
141

General and administrative
118

 
62

 
99

Provision for transaction losses
12

 
8

 
4

Amortization of acquired intangible assets
70

 
140

 
141

Goodwill impairment
786

 

 

Total operating expenses
1,172

 
466

 
507

Loss from operations of discontinued operations
(922
)
 
(178
)
 
(205
)
Interest and other, net
1

 
(15
)
 
(15
)
Pretax loss on disposal of the discontinued operation
(35
)
 

 

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
(956
)
 
(193
)
 
(220
)
Income tax benefit
218

 
80

 
83

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
(738
)
 
$
(113
)
 
$
(137
)
 
(1)    Includes Enterprise financial results from January 1, 2015 to November 2, 2015.


F-17



The following table presents the aggregate carrying amounts of the classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations of Enterprise:
 
December 31,
2014
 
(In millions)
Carrying amounts of assets included as part of discontinued operations:
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
29

Short-term investments
1

Accounts receivable, net
146

Other current assets
77

Current assets classified as discontinued operations
253

Long-term investments
10

Property and equipment, net
303

Goodwill
1,287

Intangible assets, net
259

Other assets
3

Long-term assets classified as discontinued operations
1,862

Total assets classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet
$
2,115

 
 
Carrying amounts of liabilities included as part of discontinued operations:
 
Accounts payable
$
179

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
115

Deferred revenue
80

Current liabilities classified as discontinued operations
374

Deferred and other tax liabilities, net
73

Other liabilities
1

Long-term liabilities classified as discontinued operations
74

Total liabilities classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet
$
448



Note 5 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The following table presents goodwill balances and adjustments to those balances for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
December 31,
2013
 
Goodwill Acquired
 
Adjustments
 
December 31,
2014
 
Goodwill
Acquired
 
Adjustments
 
December 31,
2015
 
(In millions)
Goodwill
$
4,855

 
30

 
(214
)
 
$
4,671

 
23

 
(243
)
 
$
4,451


The adjustments to goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were due primarily to foreign currency translation.
We conducted our annual impairment test of goodwill as of August 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we determined that no impairment of the carrying value of goodwill for any reporting units was required.


F-18

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Intangible Assets

The components of identifiable intangible assets are as follows: 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Gross Carrying Amount  
 
Accumulated Amortization 
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)
 
Gross Carrying Amount 
 
Accumulated Amortization 
 
Net Carrying Amount
 
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)
 
(In millions, except years)
Intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer lists and user base
$
419

 
$
(399
)
 
$
20

 
5
 
$
434

 
$
(407
)
 
$
27

 
5
Marketing related
594

 
(570
)
 
24

 
5
 
642

 
(596
)
 
46

 
5
Developed technologies
238

 
(215
)
 
23

 
4
 
237

 
(195
)
 
42

 
4
All other
157

 
(134
)
 
23

 
4
 
144

 
(126
)
 
18

 
4
 
$
1,408

 
$
(1,318
)
 
$
90

 
 
 
$
1,457

 
$
(1,324
)
 
$
133

 
 
  
Amortization expense for intangible assets was $66 million, $120 million and $175 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Expected future intangible asset amortization as of December 31, 2015 is as follows (in millions):
Fiscal years:
 
2016
$
47

 
2017
33

 
2018
10

 
2019

 
2020

 
Thereafter

 
 
$
90



F-19

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Note 6 – Segments

We have one operating and reportable segment. Our chief operating decision maker reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. During the second quarter of 2015, we classified the results of Enterprise, formerly our Enterprise segment, as discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income for all periods presented. During the third quarter of 2015, we have classified the results of PayPal, formerly our Payments segment, as discontinued operations in our consolidated statement of income for all periods presented. See "Note 4 - Discontinued Operations" for additional information.

The following table sets forth the breakdown of net revenues by type:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Net Revenues by Type:
 
 
 
 
 
Net transaction revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
$
6,103

 
$
6,351

 
$
5,900

StubHub
725

 
629

 
653

Total net transaction revenues
6,828

 
6,980

 
6,553

Marketing services and other revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Marketplace
1,078

 
1,103

 
1,090

Classifieds
703

 
716

 
621

Corporate and other
(17
)
 
(9
)
 
(7
)
Total marketing services and other revenues
1,764

 
1,810

 
1,704

Total net revenues
$
8,592

 
$
8,790

 
$
8,257


The following table summarizes the allocation of net revenues based on geography:  
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
  
2014
  
2013
 
(In millions)
Net revenues by Geography:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
$
3,624

  
$
3,525

  
$
3,419

United Kingdom
1,403

  
1,464

  
1,290

Germany
1,310

  
1,511

  
1,466

Rest of world
2,255

  
2,290

  
2,082

Total net revenues
$
8,592

 
$
8,790

 
$
8,257


The following table summarizes the allocation of long-lived tangible assets based on geography:  
 
December 31,
 
2015
  
2014
 
(In millions)
Long-lived tangible assets by Geography:
 
 
 
U.S.
$
1,668

  
$
1,578

International
116

  
132

Total long-lived tangible assets
$
1,784

  
$
1,710


Net revenues are attributed to U.S. and international geographies primarily based upon the country in which the seller, platform that displays advertising, other service provider, or customer, as the case may be, is located. Long-lived assets attributed to the U.S. and international geographies are based upon the country in which the asset is located or owned.


F-20

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Note 7 – Investments
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the estimated fair value of our short-term and long-term investments classified as available for sale, are as follows:
 
December 31, 2015
 
Gross
Amortized
Cost
  
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(In millions)
Short-term investments:
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Restricted cash
$
28

  
$

  
$

 
$
28

Corporate debt securities
3,302

  
1

  
(16
)
 
3,287

Government and agency securities
55

  

  

 
55

Equity instruments
9

 
920

 

 
929

 
$
3,394

  
$
921

  
$
(16
)
 
$
4,299

Long-term investments:
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
3,327

  
7

  
(67
)
 
3,267

 
$
3,327

  
$
7

  
$
(67
)
 
$
3,267

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Gross
Amortized
Cost
  
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(In millions)
Short-term investments:
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Restricted cash
$
19

  
$

  
$

 
$
19

Corporate debt securities
2,519

  
1

  
(1
)
 
2,519

Government and agency securities
3

  

  

 
3

Time deposits and other
152

  

  

 
152

Equity instruments
9

 
1,028

 

 
1,037

 
$
2,702

 
$
1,029

 
$
(1
)
 
$
3,730

Long-term investments:
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
5,319

  
18

  
(18
)
 
5,319

Government and agency securities
232

  
1

  

 
233

 
$
5,551

  
$
19

  
$
(18
)
 
$
5,552


At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we held no time deposits classified as held to maturity.

At December 31, 2015, investment securities in a continuous loss position for greater than 12 months had an estimated fair value and unrealized loss of $769 million and $40 million respectively. We had no material long-term or short-term investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, these securities had a weighted average remaining duration of approximately 12 months. Refer to "Note 19 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" for amounts reclassified to earnings from unrealized gains and losses.
 
Our fixed-income investment portfolio consists of predominantly investment grade corporate debt securities and government and agency securities that have a maximum maturity of 8 years. The corporate debt and government and agency securities that we invest in are generally deemed to be low risk based on their credit ratings from the major rating agencies. The longer the duration of these securities, the more susceptible they are to changes in market interest rates and bond yields. As interest rates increase, those securities purchased at a lower yield show a mark-to-market unrealized loss. The unrealized losses are due primarily to changes in credit spreads and interest rates. We regularly review investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. We presently do not intend to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position and expect to realize the full value of all these investments upon maturity or sale. Restricted cash is held primarily in interest bearing accounts for letters of credit related primarily to our global sabbatical program and various lease arrangements.

F-21

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


The estimated fair values of our short-term and long-term investments classified as available for sale by date of contractual maturity at December 31, 2015 are as follows:  
 
December 31,
2015
 
(In millions)
One year or less (including restricted cash of $28)
$
3,370

One year through two years
1,190

Two years through three years
1,464

Three years through four years
547

Four years through five years
59

Five years through six years

Six years through seven years

Seven years through eight years
6

Eight years through nine years

Nine years through ten years

 
$
6,636


Equity and cost method investments
We have made multiple equity and cost method investments which are reported in long-term investments on our consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our equity and cost method investments totaled $124 million and $184 million, respectively. During the second quarter of 2015, we sold our equity interest in craigslist, Inc. During the third quarter of 2015, we sold a portion of our equity interest in Jasper Infotech Private Limited (Snapdeal) and our entire interest in Baixing Holdings Limited. The resulting gains are recorded in interest and other, net on our consolidated statement of income.

Note 8 – Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

The following tables summarize our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 Description
Balances as of December 31, 2015
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1) 
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
(In millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,832

 
$
1,664

 
$
168

Short-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash
28

 
28

 

Corporate debt securities
3,287

 

 
3,287

Government and agency securities
55

 

 
55

Equity instruments
929

 
929

 

Total short-term investments
4,299

 
957

 
3,342

Derivatives
97

 

 
97

Long-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
3,267

 

 
3,267

Total long-term investments
3,267

 

 
3,267

Total financial assets
$
9,495

 
$
2,621

 
$
6,874

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
$
25

 
$

 
$
25



F-22

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Description
Balances as of December 31, 2014
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1) 
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
(In millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,105

 
$
1,694

 
$
2,411

Short-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash
19

 
19

 

Corporate debt securities
2,519

 

 
2,519

Government and agency securities
3

 

 
3

Time deposits
152

 

 
152

Equity instruments
1,037

 
1,037

 

Total short-term investments
3,730

 
1,056

 
2,674

Derivatives
84

 

 
84

Long-term investments:
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
5,319

 

 
5,319

Government and agency securities
233

 

 
233

Total long-term investments
5,552

 

 
5,552

Total financial assets
$
13,471

 
$
2,750

 
$
10,721

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives
$
20

 
$

 
$
20

 
Our financial assets and liabilities are valued using market prices on both active markets (level 1) and less active markets (level 2). Level 1 instrument valuations are obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets. Level 2 instrument valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for comparable instruments, identical instruments in less active markets, or models using market observable inputs. The majority of our derivative instruments are valued using pricing models that take into account the contract terms as well as multiple inputs where applicable, such as equity prices, interest rate yield curves, option volatility and currency rates. We did not have any transfers of financial instruments between valuation levels during 2015 or 2014.

Cash and cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with original or remaining maturities of three months or less when purchased and are comprised primarily of bank deposits, certificates of deposit and commercial paper.
 
In addition, we had cost and equity method investments of approximately $124 million and $184 million included in long-term investments on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Our derivative instruments vary in duration depending on contract type. Our foreign exchange derivative contracts are primarily short-term in nature, generally one month to one year in duration. Certain foreign currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges may have a duration of up to 18 months. The duration of our interest rate derivative contracts match the duration of the fixed rate notes due 2019, 2021 and 2024.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we held no direct investments in auction rate securities, collateralized debt obligations, structured investment vehicles or mortgage-backed securities.

Other financial instruments, including accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.


F-23

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Note 9 – Derivative Instruments

Summary of Derivative Instruments

Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Our derivatives expose us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the arrangement. We seek to mitigate such risk by limiting our counterparties to, and by spreading the risk across, major financial institutions. In addition, the potential risk of loss with any one counterparty resulting from this type of credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. To further limit credit risk, we also enter into collateral security arrangements related to certain interest rate derivative instruments whereby collateral is posted between counterparties if the fair value of the derivative instrument exceeds certain thresholds. Additional collateral would be required in the event of a significant credit downgrade by either party.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

We transact business in various foreign currencies and have significant international revenues as well as costs denominated in foreign currencies, which subjects us to foreign currency risk. We use foreign currency exchange contracts, primarily short-term in nature, generally one month to one year in duration but with maturities up to 18 months, to reduce the volatility of cash flows primarily related to forecasted revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. The objective of the foreign exchange contracts is to better ensure that ultimately the U.S. dollar-equivalent cash flows are not adversely affected by changes in the applicable U.S. dollar/foreign currency exchange rate. For derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the unrealized gains and losses on these contracts, if any, is recorded immediately in earnings. We evaluate the effectiveness of our foreign exchange contracts on a quarterly basis. We do not use any foreign exchange contracts for trading purposes.

For our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the amounts recognized in earnings related to the ineffective portion were not material in each of the periods presented, and we did not exclude any component of the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. As of December 31, 2015, we have estimated that approximately $33 million of net derivative gains related to our cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

Interest Rate Contracts

In connection with the July 2014 issuance of our fixed rate notes due 2019, 2021 and 2024, we entered into certain interest rate swap agreements that have the economic effect of modifying the fixed interest obligations associated with $2.4 billion of these notes so that the interest payable on these senior notes effectively became variable based on London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a spread. We have designated these swap agreements as qualifying hedging instruments and are accounting for them as fair value hedges. These transactions are characterized as fair value hedges for financial accounting purposes because they protect us against changes in the fair value of certain of our fixed rate borrowings due to benchmark interest rate movements. Changes in the fair values of these interest rate swap agreements are recognized in other assets or other liabilities with a corresponding increase or decrease in long-term debt. Each quarter we pay interest based on LIBOR plus a spread to the counterparty and on a semi-annual basis receive interest from the counterparty per the fixed rate of these senior notes. The net amount is recognized as interest expense in interest and other, net. The ineffective portion of the unrealized gains and losses on these contracts, if any, is recorded immediately in earnings. We evaluate the effectiveness of our contracts on a quarterly basis. We do not use any interest rate swap agreements for trading purposes.

For our derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the amounts recognized in earnings related to the ineffective portion were not material in each of the periods presented, and we did not exclude any component of the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.


F-24

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Fair Value of Derivative Contracts

The fair value of our outstanding derivative instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
December 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
 
 
(In millions)
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges
Other Current Assets
 
$
42

 
$
42

Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments
Other Current Assets
 
14

 
20

Interest rate contracts designated as fair value hedges
Other Assets
 
41

 
22

Total derivative assets
 
 
$
97

 
$
84

 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges
Other Current Liabilities
 
$
1

 
$

Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments
Other Current Liabilities
 
24

 
20

Total derivative liabilities
 
 
$
25

 
$
20

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total fair value of derivative instruments
 
 
$
72

 
$
64


Under the master netting agreements with the respective counterparties to our derivative contracts, subject to applicable requirements, we are allowed to net settle transactions of the same type with a single net amount payable by one party to the other. However, we have elected to present the derivative assets and derivative liabilities on a gross basis on our consolidated balance sheet. As of December 31, 2015, the potential effect of rights of set-off associated with the foreign exchange contracts would be an offset to both assets and liabilities by $20 million, resulting in net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities of $36 million and $5 million, respectively. We are not required to pledge, nor are we entitled to receive, collateral related to our foreign exchange derivative transactions. As of December 31, 2015, we had neither pledged nor received collateral related to our interest rate derivative transactions.

Effect of Derivative Contracts on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following tables summarize the activity of derivative contracts that qualify for hedge accounting as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the impact of these derivative contracts on accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
December 31, 2014
 
Amount of gain (loss)
recognized in other
comprehensive income
(effective portion) 
 
Amount of gain (loss)
reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income
to cost of net revenue and operating expense
(effective portion)
 
December 31, 2015
 
(In millions)
Foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges
$
41

 
66

 
71

 
$
36



F-25

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


 
December 31, 2013
 
Amount of gain (loss)
recognized in other
comprehensive income
(effective portion) 
 
Amount of gain (loss)
reclassified from
accumulated other
comprehensive income
to cost of net revenue and operating expense
(effective portion)
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In millions)
Foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges
$
(15
)
 
56

 

 
$
41


Effect of Derivative Contracts on Consolidated Statement of Income

The following table provides the location in our financial statements of the recognized gains or losses related to our foreign exchange derivative instruments:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges recognized in cost of net revenues and operating expenses
$
71

 
$

 
$
(9
)
Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments recognized in interest and other, net
(1
)
 
10

 
11

Total gain (loss) recognized from foreign exchange derivative contracts in the consolidated statement of income
$
70

 
$
10

 
$
2


The following table provides the location in our financial statements of the recognized gains or losses related to our interest rate derivative instruments:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Gain (loss) from interest rate contracts designated as fair value hedges recognized in interest and other, net
$
19

 
$
22

 
$

Gain (loss) from hedged items attributable to hedged risk recognized in interest and other, net
(19
)
 
(22
)
 

Total gain (loss) recognized from interest rate derivative contracts in the consolidated statement of income
$

 
$

 
$


Notional Amounts of Derivative Contracts

Derivative transactions are measured in terms of the notional amount, but this amount is not recorded on the balance sheet and is not, when viewed in isolation, a meaningful measure of the risk profile of the instruments. The notional amount is generally not exchanged, but is used only as the basis on which the value of foreign exchange payments under these contracts are determined. The following table provides the notional amounts of our outstanding derivatives:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges
$
1,315

 
$
307

 
$
331

Foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments
1,317

 
1,535

 
2,257

Interest rate contracts designated as fair value hedges
2,400

 
2,400

 

Total
$
5,032

 
$
4,242

 
$
2,588



F-26

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Note 10 – Balance Sheet Components

Property and Equipment
 
December 31,
2015
 
2014
(In millions)
Property and equipment:
 
 
 
Computer equipment and software
$
3,894

 
$
3,455

Land and buildings, including building improvements
591

 
535

Leasehold improvements
305

 
253

Furniture and fixtures
157

 
158

Construction in progress and other
131

 
143

 
5,078

 
4,544

Accumulated depreciation
(3,524
)
 
(3,058
)
 
$
1,554

 
$
1,486

Total depreciation expense on our property and equipment in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $614 million, $559 million and $495 million, respectively.

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

Total compensation and related benefits included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities was $448 million and $422 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Total advertising accruals included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities was $135 million and $160 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


F-27



Note 11 – Debt
The following table summarizes the carrying value of our outstanding debt:
 
 
Coupon
 
Carrying Value as of
 
Effective
 
Carrying Value as of
 
Effective
 
 
 Rate
 
December 31, 2015
 
 Interest Rate
 
December 31, 2014
 
 Interest Rate
 
 
(In millions, except percentages)
Long-Term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Floating Rate Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes due 2017
 
LIBOR plus 0.20%

 
$
450

 
0.586
%
 
$
450

 
0.560
%
Senior notes due 2019
 
LIBOR plus 0.48%

 
400

 
0.825
%
 
400

 
0.811
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed Rate Notes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes due 2017
 
1.350
%
 
1,000

 
1.456
%
 
1,000

 
1.456
%
Senior notes due 2019
 
2.200
%
 
1,148

 
2.346
%
 
1,148

 
2.346
%
Senior notes due 2020
 
3.250
%
 
499

 
3.389
%
 
498

 
3.389
%
Senior notes due 2021
 
2.875
%
 
749

 
2.993
%
 
749

 
2.993
%
Senior notes due 2022
 
2.600
%
 
999

 
2.678
%
 
999

 
2.678
%
Senior notes due 2024
 
3.450
%
 
749

 
3.531
%
 
749

 
3.531
%
Senior notes due 2042
 
4.000
%
 
744

 
4.114
%
 
743

 
4.114
%
Total senior notes
 
 
 
6,738

 
 
 
6,736

 
 
Hedge accounting fair value adjustments
 
 
 
41

 
 
 
22

 
 
Other indebtedness
 
 
 

 
 
 
19

 
 
Total long-term debt
 
 
 
$
6,779

 
 
 
$
6,777

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-Term Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes due 2015
 
0.700
%
 

 
%
 
250

 
0.820
%
Senior notes due 2015
 
1.625
%
 

 
%
 
600

 
1.805
%
Total short-term debt
 
 
 

 
 
 
850

 
 
Total Debt
 
 
 
$
6,779

 
 
 
$
7,627

 
 

Senior Notes

During the year ended December 31, 2015, $250 million aggregate principal amount of 0.700% fixed rate notes due 2015 and $600 million aggregate principal amount of 1.625% fixed rate notes due 2015 matured and were repaid during the year.

The floating rate notes are not redeemable prior to maturity. We may redeem some or all of the fixed rate notes of each series at any time and from time to time prior to their maturity, generally at a make-whole redemption price.

To help achieve our interest rate risk management objectives, in connection with the previous issuance of certain senior notes, we entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted $2.4 billion of our fixed rate debt to floating rate debt based on LIBOR plus a spread. These swaps were designated as fair value hedges against changes in the fair value of certain fixed rate senior notes resulting from changes in interest rates. The gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps substantially offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the underlying debt that are attributable to changes in market interest rates.

The effective interest rates for our senior notes include the interest payable, the amortization of debt issuance costs and the amortization of any original issue discount on these senior notes. Interest on these senior notes is payable either quarterly or semiannually. Interest expense associated with these senior notes, including amortization of debt issuance costs, during the

F-28



years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $178 million and $137 million, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of these senior notes was approximately $6.5 billion.

The indenture pursuant to which the senior notes were issued includes customary covenants that, among other things and subject to exceptions, limit our ability to incur, assume or guarantee debt secured by liens on specified assets or enter into sale and lease-back transactions with respect to specified properties, and also includes customary events of default.

Commercial Paper

In connection with entering into the credit agreement described below, in November 2015, the Company reduced the aggregate principal amount at maturity of commercial paper notes which may be outstanding under its commercial paper program at any time from $2.0 billion to $1.5 billion to correspond with the $1.5 billion of available borrowing capacity it maintains under the credit agreement for the repayment of commercial paper borrowings in the event it is unable to repay those borrowings from other sources when they become due. We have a $1.5 billion commercial paper program pursuant to which we may issue commercial paper notes with maturities of up to 397 days from the date of issue in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.5 billion at any time outstanding. As of December 31, 2015, there were no commercial paper notes outstanding.

Credit Agreement

In November 2015, we entered into a credit agreement that provides for an unsecured $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. We may also, subject to the agreement of the applicable lenders, increase the commitments under the revolving credit facility by up to an aggregate amount of $1 billion. Funds borrowed under the credit agreement may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes. The credit agreement replaced our prior $3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit agreement, dated as of November 2011.

As of December 31, 2015, no borrowings were outstanding under our $2 billion credit agreement. However, as described above, we have an up to $1.5 billion commercial paper program and therefore maintain $1.5 billion of available borrowing capacity under our credit agreement in order to repay commercial paper borrowings in the event we are unable to repay those borrowings from other sources when they become due. As a result, at December 31, 2015, $500 million of borrowing capacity was available for other purposes permitted by the credit agreement.  

Loans under the credit agreement bear interest at either (i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin (based on our public debt credit ratings) ranging from 0.875 percent to 1.5 percent or (ii) a formula based on the agent bank's prime rate, the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5 percent or LIBOR plus 1.0 percent, plus a margin (based on our public debt credit ratings) ranging from 0.0 percent to 0.5 percent. The credit agreement will terminate and all amounts owing thereunder will be due and payable on November 9, 2020, unless (a) the commitments are terminated earlier, either at our request or, if an event of default occurs, by the lenders (or automatically in the case of certain bankruptcy-related events of default), or (b) the maturity date is extended upon our request, subject to the agreement of the lenders. The credit agreement contains customary representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants, events of default and indemnification provisions in favor of the banks. The negative covenants include restrictions regarding the incurrence of liens and subsidiary indebtedness, in each case, subject to certain exceptions. The financial covenants require us to meet a quarterly financial test with respect to a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio and a maximum consolidated leverage ratio.

We were in compliance with all covenants in our outstanding debt instruments for the period ended December 31, 2015.

Future Maturities

Expected future principal maturities as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in millions):
Fiscal Years:
 
2016
$

 
2017
1,450

 
2018

 
2019
1,550

 
2020
500

 
Thereafter
3,250

 
 
$
6,750


F-29

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Note 12 – Related Party Transactions
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors, executive officers and certain other officers. These agreements require us to indemnify such individuals, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, for certain liabilities to which they may become subject as a result of their affiliation with us.
All contracts with related parties are at rates and terms that we believe are comparable with those that could be entered into with independent third parties. There were no material related party transactions in 2015. As of December 31, 2015, there were no material amounts payable to or amounts receivable from related parties.

Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Arrangements

We have lease obligations under certain non-cancelable operating leases. Future minimum rental payments under our non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2015 are as follows:  
 
Leases
 
(In millions)
2016
$
55

2017
52

2018
35

2019
30

2020
25

Thereafter
25

Total minimum lease payments
$
222


Rent expense in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $79 million, $85 million and $74 million, respectively.

Litigation and Other Legal Matters
 
Overview
We are involved in legal and regulatory proceedings on an ongoing basis. Many of these proceedings are in early stages and may seek an indeterminate amount of damages. If we believe that a loss arising from such matters is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we accrue the estimated liability in our financial statements. If only a range of estimated losses can be determined, we accrue an amount within the range that, in our judgment, reflects the most likely outcome; if none of the estimates within that range is a better estimate than any other amount, we accrue the low end of the range. For those proceedings in which an unfavorable outcome is reasonably possible but not probable, we have disclosed an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of losses or we have concluded that an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range arising directly from the proceeding (i.e., monetary damages or amounts paid in judgment or settlement) are not material. If we cannot estimate the probable or reasonably possible loss or range of losses arising from a proceeding, we have disclosed that fact. In assessing the materiality of a proceeding, we evaluate, among other factors, the amount of monetary damages claimed, as well as the potential impact of non-monetary remedies sought by plaintiffs (e.g., injunctive relief) that may require us to change our business practices in a manner that could have a material adverse impact on our business. With respect to the matters disclosed in this Note 13, we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of losses that could potentially result from the application of such non-monetary remedies.

Amounts accrued for legal and regulatory proceedings for which we believe a loss is probable were not material for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015. Except as otherwise noted for the proceedings described in this Note 13, we have concluded, based on currently available information, that reasonably possible losses arising directly from the proceedings (i.e., monetary damages or amounts paid in judgment or settlement) in excess of our recorded accruals are also not material. However, legal and regulatory proceedings are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties. If one or more matters were resolved against us in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the impact on our operating results or financial condition for that reporting period could be material.

F-30

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)



Litigation

eBay Inc., eBay Domestic Holdings, Inc., Pierre Omidyar and Joshua Silverman have been sued by craigslist, Inc. in California Superior Court in San Francisco (Case No.:  CGC - 08 - 475276). craigslist filed suit on May 13, 2008 alleging that we engaged in conduct designed to harm craigslist's business while we negotiated to become and while we were a minority shareholder in craigslist. craigslist’s allegations include that we (i) misrepresented, concealed, suppressed and failed to disclose facts in order to induce craigslist to take detrimental action; (ii) interfered with craigslist's business operations; (iii) improperly disseminated and misused confidential and proprietary information from craigslist that we received as a minority investor; (iv) infringed and diluted craigslist's trademark and trade name; and (v) breached duties owed to craigslist. The complaint seeks significant compensatory and punitive damages, rescission and other relief. In addition, in September 2014, craigslist filed an amended complaint alleging trade secret misappropriation and seeking new and additional compensatory and punitive damages. The matter was settled in June 2015 and the lawsuit has been dismissed.

In March 2015, StubHub filed suit against Ticketmaster and the Golden State Warriors, alleging antitrust and various state law violations arising out of the defendants’ restrictive ticketing practices, which include prohibiting the resale of Warriors tickets on StubHub or any other non-Ticketmaster secondary exchange (StubHub, Inc. v. Golden State Warriors, LLC et al, N.D. Cal. No. 3:15-cv-01436). StubHub filed a First Amended Complaint on June 30, 2015. The defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Amended Complaint which was granted in November 2015. StubHub is appealing this decision.
  

Regulatory Proceedings

In May 2014, we publicly announced that criminals were able to penetrate our network and steal certain data, including user names, encrypted user passwords and other non-financial user data. Upon making this announcement, we required all buyers and sellers on our platform to reset their passwords in order to login to their account. In addition to making this public announcement, we proactively approached a number of regulatory and governmental bodies, including those with the most direct supervisory authority over our data privacy and data security programs, to specifically inform them of the incident and our actions to protect our customers in response. Certain of those regulatory agencies have requested us to provide further, more detailed information regarding the incident, and we believe that we have fully cooperated in all of those requests. To date, we have not been informed by any regulatory authority of an intention to bring any enforcement action arising from this incident; however, in the future we may be subject to fines or other regulatory action.  In addition, in July 2014, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against us for alleged violations and harm resulting from the incident. The lawsuit was recently dismissed with leave to amend.

General Matters

Other third parties have from time to time claimed, and others may claim in the future, that we have infringed their intellectual property rights. We are subject to patent disputes, and expect that we will increasingly be subject to additional patent infringement claims involving various aspects of our business as our products and services continue to expand in scope and complexity. Such claims may be brought directly or indirectly against our companies and/or against our customers (who may be entitled to contractual indemnification under their contracts with us), and we are subject to increased exposure to such claims as a result of our acquisitions and divestitures and in cases where we are entering new lines of business. We have in the past been forced to litigate such claims. We may also become more vulnerable to third-party claims as laws such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the Lanham Act and the Communications Decency Act are interpreted by the courts, and as we expand the scope of our business (both in terms of the range of products and services that we offer and our geographical operations) and become subject to laws in jurisdictions where the underlying laws with respect to the potential liability of online intermediaries like ourselves are either unclear or less favorable. We believe that additional lawsuits alleging that we have violated patent, copyright or trademark laws will be filed against us. Intellectual property claims, whether meritorious or not, are time consuming and costly to defend and resolve, could require expensive changes in our methods of doing business or could require us to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms.

From time to time, we are involved in other disputes or regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business, including suits by our users (individually or as class actions) alleging, among other things, improper disclosure of our prices, rules or policies, that our practices, prices, rules, policies or customer/user agreements violate applicable law or that we have acted unfairly and/or not acted in conformity with such prices, rules, policies or agreements. Further, the number and significance of these disputes and inquiries are increasing as we have grown larger, our businesses have expanded in scope (both in terms of the range of products and services that we offer and our geographical operations) and our products and

F-31

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


services have increased in complexity. Any claims or regulatory actions against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, damage awards (including statutory damages for certain causes of action in certain jurisdictions), injunctive relief or increased costs of doing business through adverse judgment or settlement, require us to change our business practices in expensive ways, require significant amounts of management time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources or otherwise harm our business.

Indemnification Provisions

We entered into a separation and distribution agreement and various other agreements with PayPal to govern the separation and relationship of the two companies going forward. These agreements provide for specific indemnity and liability obligations and could lead to disputes between us and PayPal, which may be significant. In addition, the indemnity rights we have against PayPal under the agreements may not be sufficient to protect us and our indemnity obligations to PayPal may be significant.

In the ordinary course of business, we have included limited indemnification provisions in certain of our agreements with parties with which we have commercial relations, including our standard marketing, promotions and application-programming-interface license agreements. Under these contracts, we generally indemnify, hold harmless and agree to reimburse the indemnified party for losses suffered or incurred by the indemnified party in connection with claims by a third party with respect to our domain names, trademarks, logos and other branding elements to the extent that such marks are applicable to our performance under the subject agreement. In certain cases, we have agreed to provide indemnification for intellectual property infringement. It is not possible to determine the maximum potential loss under these indemnification provisions due to our limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular provision. To date, losses recorded in our consolidated statement of income in connection with our indemnification provisions have not been significant, either individually or collectively. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2015, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

We have a cash pooling arrangement with a financial institution for cash management purposes. This arrangement allows for cash withdrawals from the financial institution based upon our aggregate operating cash balances held within the same financial institution (“Aggregate Cash Deposits”). This arrangement also allows us to withdraw amounts exceeding the Aggregate Cash Deposits up to an agreed-upon limit. The net balance of the withdrawals and the Aggregate Cash Deposits are used by the financial institution as a basis for calculating our net interest expense or income under the arrangement. As of December 31, 2015, we had a total of $2.4 billion in cash withdrawals offsetting our $2.4 billion in Aggregate Cash Deposits held within the same financial institution under the cash pooling arrangement.

Note 14 – Stockholders' Equity

Preferred Stock

We are authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue preferred stock in one or more series; to establish the number of shares included within each series; to fix the rights, preferences and privileges of the shares of each wholly unissued series and any related qualifications, limitations or restrictions; and to increase or decrease the number of shares of any series (but not below the number of shares of a series then outstanding) without any further vote or action by our stockholders. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were 10 million shares of $0.001 par value preferred stock authorized for issuance, and no shares issued or outstanding.

Common Stock

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes us to issue 3.6 billion shares of common stock.


F-32



Note 15 – Stock Repurchase Program

In January 2014, our Board authorized a stock repurchase program that provided for the repurchase of up to an additional $5 billion of our common stock, with no expiration from the date of authorization. In January 2015, our Board authorized an additional $2 billion stock repurchase program, with no expiration from the date of authorization. In June 2015, our Board authorized an additional $1 billion stock repurchase program, with no expiration from the date of authorization. The stock repurchase programs are intended to programmatically offset the impact of dilution from our equity compensation programs and, subject to market conditions and other factors, to make opportunistic repurchases of our common stock to reduce our outstanding share count. Any share repurchases under our stock repurchase programs may be made through open market transactions, block trades, privately negotiated transactions (including accelerated share repurchase transactions) or other means at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate and will be funded from our working capital or other financing alternatives.

Our stock repurchase programs may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including corporate and regulatory requirements, price and other market conditions and management's determination as to the appropriate use of our cash.

The stock repurchase activity under our stock repurchase programs during 2015 is summarized as follows:
 
Shares Repurchased
 
Average Price per Share (1)
 
Value of Shares Repurchased
 
Remaining Amount Authorized
 
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Balance as of January 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
985

Authorization of additional plan in January 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,000

Repurchase of shares of common stock prior to the Distribution
18

 
56.95

 
1,000

 
(1,000
)
Authorization of additional plan in June 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,000

Repurchase of shares of common stock subsequent to the Distribution
41

 
27.48

 
1,149

 
(1,149
)
Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,836

 
(1)
Stock repurchase activity excludes broker commissions.
 
In 2015, we repurchased 59 million shares of common stock totaling $2.1 billion.

As of December 31, 2015, a total of approximately $1.8 billion remained available for further repurchases of our common stock under our January 2015 and June 2015 stock repurchase programs. These repurchased shares were recorded as treasury stock and were accounted for under the cost method. No repurchased shares have been retired.

Note 16 – Stock-Based and Employee Savings Plans

Equity Incentive Plans
 
We have equity incentive plans under which we grant equity awards, including stock options, restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and performance share units, to our directors, officers and employees. At December 31, 2015, 740 million shares were authorized under our equity incentive plans and 65 million shares were available for future grant, these awards were modified as described below.

All stock options granted under these plans generally vest 12.5% six months from the date of grant (or 25% one year from the date of grant for grants to new employees) with the remainder vesting at a rate of 2.08% per month thereafter, and generally expire seven to ten years from the date of grant. The cost of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of grant.

Restricted stock units are granted to eligible employees under our equity incentive plans. In general, restricted stock units vest in equal annual installments over a period of three to five years, are subject to the employees' continuing service to us and do not have an expiration date. The cost of restricted stock units is determined using the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant.

F-33

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)



In 2015, 2014 and 2013, certain executives were eligible to receive performance-based restricted stock units. The number of restricted stock units ultimately received depends on our business performance against specified performance targets set by the Compensation Committee. If the performance criteria are satisfied, the performance-based restricted stock units are granted, with one-half of the grant vesting in March following the end of the performance period and the remaining one-half vesting one year later.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We have an Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") for all eligible employees. Under the plan, shares of our common stock may be purchased over an offering period with a maximum duration of two years at 85% of the lower of the fair market value on the first day of the applicable offering period or on the last day of the six-month purchase period. Employees may purchase shares having a value not exceeding 10% of their eligible compensation during an offering period. During the years ended 2015, 2014, and 2013, employees purchased approximately 4 million, 4 million and 4 million shares under this plan at average prices of $30.83, $42.06 and $35.51 per share, respectively. At December 31, 2015, approximately 24 million shares of common stock were reserved for future issuance. These awards were modified as described below.

Employee Savings Plan

We have a savings plan, which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participating employees may contribute up to 50% of their eligible compensation, but not more than statutory limits. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, we contributed one dollar for each dollar a participant contributed, with a maximum contribution of 4% of each employee's eligible compensation, subject to a maximum employer contribution of $10,600, $10,400 and $10,200 per employee for each period, respectively. Our non-U.S. employees are covered by various other savings plans. Our total expenses for these savings plans were $51 million in 2015, $43 million in 2014 and $39 million in 2013.

Deferred Stock Units

Beginning with the 2011 annual meeting of stockholders, we have granted deferred stock units to each non-employee director (other than Mr. Omidyar) at the time of our annual meeting of stockholders equal to the result of dividing $220,000 by the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. In addition, prior to January 1, 2015, new directors who are not employees of the company or its subsidiaries or affiliates received a one-time grant of deferred stock units equal to the result of dividing $150,000 by the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Each deferred stock unit constitutes an unfunded and unsecured right to receive one share of our common stock (or, with respect to deferred stock units granted prior to August 1, 2013, the equivalent value thereof in cash or property at our election). Each deferred stock unit award granted to a new non-employee director upon election to the Board vests 25% one year from the date of grant, and at a rate of 2.08% per month thereafter. If the services of the director are terminated at any time, all rights to the unvested deferred stock units will also terminate. In addition, directors may elect to receive, in lieu of annual retainer and committee chair fees and at the time these fees would otherwise be payable (i.e., on a quarterly basis in arrears for services provided), fully vested deferred stock units with an initial value equal to the amount based on the fair market value of common stock at the date of grant. Following the termination of a non-employee director's service on the Board of Directors, deferred stock units granted prior to August 1, 2013 are payable in stock or cash (at our election), while deferred stock units granted on or after August 1, 2013 are payable solely in stock. As of December 31, 2015, there were approximately 255,579 deferred stock units outstanding included in our restricted stock unit activity below. These awards were modified as described below.

Modifications of Share-Based Awards

During 2015, in connection with the Distribution, restricted and deferred stock awards and employee stock option awards were modified and converted into new equity awards using conversion ratios designed to preserve the value of these awards to the holders immediately prior to the Distribution. On July 17, 2015, employees holding stock options, restricted stock awards or units, deferred stock awards, and ESPP awards denominated in pre-Distribution eBay stock received a number of otherwise-similar awards in post-Distribution eBay stock and/or PayPal stock based on the conversion ratios outlined for each group of employees in the Employee Matters Agreement that we entered into in connection with the Distribution. Adjustments to our outstanding stock based compensation awards, including ESPP awards, resulted in additional compensation expense of approximately $68 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting life of the underlying awards.

In December 2014, the terms of various stock-based awards held by the Company’s CEO, CFO, General Counsel, SVP of Human Resources and SVP of Corporate Communications (the “Departing Executives”) were modified in anticipation of and

F-34

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


contingent upon termination of employment at the time of the Distribution. The modifications for the Departing Executives, each of whom had his or her employment terminated at the time of the Distribution, provided for the full acceleration of certain awards and extended the exercise periods of certain awards. These modifications resulted in additional compensation expense of approximately $37 million recognized from the modification date in December 2014 through the Distribution on July 17, 2015.

Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes stock option activity under our equity incentive plans as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
(In millions, except per share amounts and years)
Outstanding as of January 1, 2015
10

 
$
34.14

 
 
 
 
Granted and assumed
2

 
$
49.59

(1) 
 
 
 
Exercised
(6
)
 
$
18.46

(1) 
 
 
 
Forfeited/expired/canceled
(1
)
 
$
29.44

(1) 
 
 
 
Adjustment due to the Distribution
2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015
7

 
$
20.05

 
4.31
 
$
50

Expected to vest
6

 
$
19.88

 
4.22
 
$
48

Options exercisable
4

 
$
17.44

 
2.98
 
$
37

 
(1)    Weighted average exercise price is calculated using exercise prices prior to the Distribution and after the Distribution.

The aggregate intrinsic value of options was calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of our common stock. At December 31, 2015, options to purchase 7 million shares of our common stock were in-the-money.

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $6.84, $13.59 and $15.39, respectively. During the years 2015, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised under our equity incentive plans was $130 million, $159 million and $292 million, respectively, determined as of the date of option exercise.

Restricted Stock Unit Activity

A summary of the status of restricted stock units ("RSU") granted (including performance-based restricted stock units that have been earned) under our equity incentive plans as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2015 is presented below:
 
Units 
 
Weighted Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
(per share)
 
 
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
Outstanding as of January 1, 2015
36

 
$
50.21

 
Awarded and assumed
19

 
$
53.67

(1) 
Vested
(14
)
 
$
39.42

(1) 
Forfeited
(15
)
 
$
31.18

(1) 
Adjustment due to the Distribution
10

 
 
 
Outstanding as of December 31, 2015
36

 
$
22.50

 
Expected to vest at December 31, 2015
29

 
 
 
 

F-35

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


(1)    Weighted average grant date fair value is calculated using grant date fair value prior to the Distribution and after the Distribution.

During the years 2015, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested under our equity incentive plans was $697 million, $759 million and $813 million, respectively.

Stock-based Compensation Expense

The impact on our results of operations of recording stock-based compensation expense for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:  
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Cost of net revenues
$
38

 
$
33

 
$
27

Sales and marketing
94

 
93

 
67

Product development
108

 
116

 
97

General and administrative
139

 
102

 
107

Total stock-based compensation expense
$
379

 
$
344

 
$
298

Capitalized in product development
$
13

 
$
12

 
$
10


As of December 31, 2015, there was approximately $544 million of unearned stock-based compensation that will be expensed from 2016 through 2019. If there are any modifications or cancellations of the underlying unvested awards, we may be required to accelerate, increase or cancel all or a portion of the remaining unearned stock-based compensation expense. Future unearned stock-based compensation will increase to the extent we grant additional equity awards, change the mix of grants between stock options and restricted stock units or assume unvested equity awards in connection with acquisitions.

Stock Option Valuation Assumptions

We calculated the fair value of each stock option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following weighted average assumptions were used for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Risk-free interest rate
1.4
%
 
1.2
%
 
0.6
%
Expected life (in years)
4.1

 
4.1

 
4.1

Dividend yield
%
 
%
 
%
Expected volatility
27
%
 
29
%
 
34
%

Our computation of expected volatility is based on a combination of historical and market-based implied volatility from traded options on our common stock. Our computation of expected life is based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.


F-36

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Note 17 – Income Taxes

The components of pretax income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
  
2014
  
2013
 
(In millions)
United States
$
396

  
$
510

  
$
768

International
2,010

  
2,005

  
1,803

 
$
2,406


$
2,515


$
2,571


The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
363

 
$
489

 
$
408

State and local
22

 
20

 
(5
)
Foreign
106

 
127

 
134

 
$
491

 
$
636

 
$
537

Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
(53
)
 
$
2,091

 
$
(15
)
State and local
(2
)
 
21

 
(7
)
Foreign
23

 
632

 
(11
)
 
(32
)
 
2,744

 
(33
)
 
$
459

 
$
3,380

 
$
504

The following is a reconciliation of the difference between the actual provision for income taxes and the provision computed by applying the federal statutory rate of 35% for 2015, 2014 and 2013 to income before income taxes:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Provision at statutory rate
$
843

 
$
881

 
$
900

Permanent differences:
 
 
 
 
 
Prior year foreign earnings no longer considered indefinitely reinvested

 
2,991

 

Foreign income taxed at different rates
(399
)
 
(432
)
 
(403
)
Change in valuation allowance
1

 
(142
)
 

Stock-based compensation
23

 
22

 
18

State taxes, net of federal benefit
20

 
42

 
(12
)
Research and other tax credits
(27
)
 
(14
)
 
(26
)
Divested business

 

 
21

Other
(2
)
 
32

 
6

 
$
459


$
3,380


$
504




F-37

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be reversed. Significant deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Net operating loss, capital loss and credits
$
206

 
$
61

Accruals and allowances
209

 
208

Stock-based compensation
65

 
88

Net unrealized losses
8

 

Net deferred tax assets
488

 
357

Valuation allowance
(41
)
 
(25
)
 
$
447

 
$
332

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Unremitted foreign earnings
$
(1,656
)
 
$
(2,109
)
Acquisition-related intangibles
(19
)
 
(11
)
Depreciation and amortization
(190
)
 
(212
)
Available-for-sale securities
(251
)
 
(286
)
Other

 
(17
)
 
(2,116
)
 
(2,635
)
 
$
(1,669
)
 
$
(2,303
)

As of December 31, 2015, our federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes were approximately $29 million, $64 million and $116 million, respectively. The federal and state net operating loss carryforwards are subject to various limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state tax laws. If not utilized, the federal and state net operating loss carryforwards will both begin to expire in 2018. The carryforward periods on our foreign net operating loss carryforwards are as follows: $38 million do not expire and $78 million are subject to valuation allowance and begin to expire in 2017. As of December 31, 2015, state tax credit carryforwards for income tax purposes were approximately $58 million. Most of the state tax credits carry forward indefinitely.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our federal capital loss carryover amounted to $336 million and $45 million, respectively. The increase in the capital loss carryover of $291 million is due to the sale of Enterprise in 2015 and will expire in 2021. The remaining capital loss carryover of $45 million will expire in 2018.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we maintained a valuation allowance with respect to certain of our deferred tax assets relating primarily to operating losses in certain states and various non-U.S. jurisdictions that we believe are not likely to be realized.

During the first quarter of 2014, we altered our capital allocation strategy. As a result, we provided for U.S. income and applicable foreign withholding taxes on $9.0 billion of undistributed foreign earnings for 2013 and prior years, and recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $3.0 billion. This deferred tax liability included PayPal related balances presented in discontinued operations as of December 31, 2014. Based on December 31, 2014 foreign exchange rates and excluding PayPal balances, the deferred tax liability for unremitted foreign earnings amounted to $2.1 billion and was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014. The deferred tax liability for unremitted foreign earnings was $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2015 and was included in deferred and other tax liabilities, net due to the adoption of FASB guidance discussed in "Note 1 - The Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.

We have not provided for U.S. federal or foreign income taxes, including withholding taxes on $6.0 billion of our non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings as of December 31, 2015. We intend to indefinitely reinvest the $6.0 billion of our non-U.S. subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings in our international operations. Accordingly, we currently have no plans to repatriate those funds. As such, we do not know the time or manner in which we would repatriate those funds. Because the time or manner of repatriation is uncertain, we cannot determine the impact of local taxes, withholding taxes and foreign tax credits

F-38

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


associated with the future repatriation of such earnings and therefore cannot quantify the tax liability. In cases where we intend to repatriate a portion of our foreign subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings, we provide U.S. and applicable foreign taxes on such earnings and such taxes are included in our deferred taxes or tax payable liabilities depending upon the planned timing and manner of such repatriation.

On a regular basis, we develop cash forecasts to estimate our cash needs internationally and domestically. We consider projected cash needs for, among other things, investments in our existing businesses, potential acquisitions and capital transactions, including repurchases of our common stock and debt repayments. We estimate the amount of cash available or needed in the jurisdictions where these investments are expected, as well as our ability to generate cash in those jurisdictions and our access to capital markets. This analysis enables us to conclude whether or not we will indefinitely reinvest the current period’s foreign earnings.

We benefit from tax rulings concluded in several different jurisdictions, most significantly Switzerland and Luxembourg. These rulings provide for significantly lower rates of taxation on certain classes of income and require various thresholds of investment and employment in those jurisdictions. These rulings resulted in a tax savings of $319 million and $339 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, which increased earnings per share (diluted) by approximately $0.26 and $0.27 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. These tax rulings are currently in effect and expire over periods ranging from 2017 to the duration of business operations in the respective jurisdictions. We evaluate compliance with our tax ruling agreements annually.
 
The following table reflects changes in unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December, 31 2015, 2014 and 2013:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(In millions)
Gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits as of the beginning of the period
$
367

 
$
304

 
$
314

Increases related to prior period tax positions
36

 
35

 
98

Decreases related to prior period tax positions
(8
)
 
(18
)
 
(139
)
Increases related to current period tax positions
51

 
59

 
35

Settlements
(6
)
 
(13
)
 
(4
)
Gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits as of the end of the period
$
440


$
367


$
304


During 2015 we increased our reserves by $73 million for various issues that related to tax examination risks assessed during the year. Included within our gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits of $440 million as of December 31, 2015 is $151 million of unrecognized tax benefits indemnified by PayPal. If the remaining balance of unrecognized tax benefits were realized in a future period, it would result in a tax benefit of $372 million. Of this amount, approximately $140 million of unrecognized tax benefit is indemnified by PayPal and a corresponding receivable would be reduced upon a future realization. As of December 31, 2015, our liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits were included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and deferred and other tax liabilities, net.

We recognize interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. In 2015, $2 million was included in tax expense for interest and penalties. The amount of interest and penalties accrued as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $61 million and $55 million, respectively.
 
We are subject to both direct and indirect taxation in the U.S. and various states and foreign jurisdictions. We are under examination by certain tax authorities for the 2003 to 2012 tax years. We believe that adequate amounts have been reserved for any adjustments that may ultimately result from these or other examinations. The material jurisdictions where we are subject to potential examination by tax authorities for tax years after 2002 include, among others, the U.S. (Federal and California), Germany, Korea, Israel, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Canada.
 
Although the timing of the resolution and/or closure of audits is highly uncertain, it is reasonably possible that the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months. However, given the number of years remaining subject to examination and the number of matters being examined, we are unable to estimate the full range of possible adjustments to the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits.
 

F-39

eBay Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


On July 27, 2015, in Altera Corp. v. Commissioner, the U.S. Tax Court issued an opinion related to the treatment of stock-based compensation expense in an intercompany cost-sharing arrangement. A final decision has yet to be issued by the Tax Court. At this time, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has not withdrawn the requirement to include stock-based compensation from its regulations. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the status of the current regulations, questions related to the scope of potential benefits or obligations, and the risk of the Tax Court’s decision being overturned upon appeal, we have not recorded any benefit or expense as of December 31, 2015 related to this matter. We will continue to monitor ongoing developments and potential impacts to our consolidated financial statements.

Note 18 – Interest and Other, Net

The components of interest and other, net for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
  
2014
  
2013
 
(In millions)
Interest income
$
97

  
$
125

  
$
102

Interest expense
(144
)
 
(109
)
 
(95
)
Gains (losses) associated with cost and equity method investments
268

 
33

 
82

Other
(12
)
  
(10
)
  
28

 
$
209

  
$
39

  
$
117



F-40



Note 19 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Unrealized
Gains on
Investments
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Estimated tax (expense) benefit
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
168

 
$
1,029

 
$
334

 
$
(360
)
 
$
1,171

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
139

 
(186
)
 
(431
)
 
50

 
(428
)
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
204

 
1

 

 

 
205

Net current period other comprehensive income
(65
)
 
(187
)
 
(431
)
 
50

 
(633
)
Distribution of PayPal
(67
)
 
3

 
52

 

 
(12
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
36

 
$
845

 
$
(45
)
 
$
(310
)
 
$
526


The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014:
 
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Unrealized
Gains on
Investments
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
 
Estimated tax (expense) benefit
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
(106
)
 
$
921

 
$
657

 
$
(316
)
 
$
1,156

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
238

 
160

 
(323
)
 
(44
)
 
31

Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(36
)
 
52

 

 

 
16

Net current period other comprehensive income
274

 
108

 
(323
)
 
(44
)
 
15

Balance at December 31, 2014
$
168

 
$
1,029

 
$
334

 
$
(360
)
 
$
1,171



F-41



The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income Components
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Income
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges - foreign exchange contracts
 
Cost of net revenues
 
$
24

 
$

 
 
Sales and marketing
 
5

 
1

 
 
Product development
 
34

 

 
 
General and administrative
 
8

 
(1
)
 
 
Total, from continuing operations before income taxes
 
71

 

 
 
Provision for income taxes
 

 

 
 
Total, from continuing operations net of income taxes
 
71

 

 
 
Total, from discontinued operations net of income taxes
 
133

 
(36
)
 
 
Total, net of income taxes
 
204

 
(36
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments
 
Interest and other, net
 
1

 
52

 
 
Total, before income taxes
 
1

 
52

 
 
Provision for income taxes
 

 

 
 
Total, net of income taxes
 
1

 
52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
Total, net of income taxes
 
$
205

 
$
16


Note 20 — Restructuring

In January 2015, at a regular meeting of our Board, our Board approved a plan to implement a strategic reduction of our existing global workforce. As a result, we reduced our workforce globally. The reduction was completed in the first half of 2015. The restructuring costs are aggregated in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income.

$62 million of restructuring costs were recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015 and no costs were recognized in the year ended December 31, 2014.

The following table summarizes the restructuring reserve activity during the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Employee Severance and Benefits
 
(In millions)
Accrued liability as of January 1, 2015
$

Charges (benefit)
62

Payments
(60
)
Accrued liability as of December 31, 2015
$
2



F-42



Supplementary Data — Quarterly Financial Data — Unaudited
The following tables present certain unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information for each of the eight quarters ended December 31, 2015. This quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the Consolidated Financial Statements and includes all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information for the periods presented.
Quarterly Financial Data
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
 
Quarter Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
$
2,061

 
$
2,110

 
$
2,099

 
$
2,322

Gross profit
$
1,650

 
$
1,676

 
$
1,666

 
$
1,829

Income from continuing operations
$
449

 
$
430

 
$
545

 
$
523

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
177

 
(347
)
 
(6
)
 
(46
)
Net income
$
626

 
$
83

 
$
539

 
$
477

Income (loss) per share - basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.37

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.44

Discontinued operations
0.14

 
(0.28
)
 

 
(0.04
)
Net income per share - basic
$
0.51

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.40

Income (loss) per share - diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
0.37

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.43

Discontinued operations
0.14

 
(0.28
)
 

 
(0.04
)
Net income per share - diluted
$
0.51

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.39

Weighted-average shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
1,216

 
1,217

 
1,210

 
1,191

Diluted
1,229

 
1,225

 
1,223

 
1,204

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net revenues
$
2,149

 
$
2,168

 
$
2,150

 
$
2,323

Gross profit
$
1,752

 
$
1,757

 
$
1,737

 
$
1,881

Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(2,561
)
 
$
458

 
$
509

 
$
729

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
235

 
218

 
164

 
294

Net income (loss)
$
(2,326
)
 
$
676

 
$
673

 
$
1,023

Income (loss) per share - basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(2.01
)
 
$
0.36

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.59

Discontinued operations
0.19

 
0.18

 
0.13

 
0.24

Net income (loss) per share - basic
$
(1.82
)
 
$
0.54

 
$
0.54

 
$
0.83

Income (loss) per share - diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(2.01
)
 
$
0.36

 
$
0.41

 
$
0.59

Discontinued operations
0.19

 
0.17

 
0.13

 
0.23

Net income (loss) per share - diluted
$
(1.82
)
 
$
0.53

 
$
0.54

 
$
0.82

Weighted-average shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
1,276

 
1,258

 
1,242

 
1,230

Diluted
1,276

 
1,267

 
1,251

 
1,241


F-43



eBay Inc.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
The Financial Statement Schedule II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS is filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Balance at Beginning of Period
 
Charged/Credited to Net Income
 
Charged to Other Account
 
Charges Utilized/Write-offs
 
Balance at End of Period
 
(In millions)
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Authorized Credits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
$
74

 
$
64

 
$

 
$
(50
)
 
$
88

Year Ended December 31, 2014
88

 
77

 

 
(79
)
 
86

Year Ended December 31, 2015
$
86

 
$
66

 
$

 
$
(68
)
 
$
84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for Transaction Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
$
20

 
$
172

 
$

 
$
(169
)
 
$
23

Year Ended December 31, 2014
23

 
185

 

 
(181
)
 
27

Year Ended December 31, 2015
$
27

 
$
205

 
$

 
$
(198
)
 
$
34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax Valuation Allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
$
149

 
$
33

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(16
)
 
$
164

Year Ended December 31, 2014
164

 
(138
)
 
(1
)
 

 
25

Year Ended December 31, 2015
$
25

 
$
19

 
$
(3
)
 
$

 
$
41



F-44



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Jose, State of California, on the 1st day of February, 2016.
 
eBay Inc.
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Devin N. Wenig
 
 
Devin N. Wenig
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Devin N. Wenig, Scott F. Schenkel, Brian J. Doerger and Marie Oh Huber and each or any one of them, each with the power of substitution, his or her attorney-in-fact, to sign any amendments to this report, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 1, 2016.
Principal Executive Officer:
 
Principal Financial Officer:
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Devin N. Wenig
 
By:
/s/ Scott F. Schenkel
 
Devin N. Wenig
 
 
Scott F. Schenkel
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal Accounting Officer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Brian J. Doerger
 
 
 
 
Brian J. Doerger
 
 
 
 
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer


F-45



Additional Directors
By:
/s/ Pierre M. Omidyar
 
By:
/s/ Thomas J. Tierney
 
Pierre M. Omidyar
 
 
Thomas J. Tierney
 
Founder and Director
 
 
Chairman of the Board and Director
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Fred D. Anderson
 
By:
/s/ Edward W. Barnholt
 
Fred D. Anderson
 
 
Edward W. Barnholt
 
Director
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Anthony J. Bates
 
By:
/s/ Bonnie S. Hammer
 
Anthony J. Bates
 
 
Bonnie S. Hammer
 
Director
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Kathleen C. Mitic
 
By:
/s/ Paul S. Pressler
 
Kathleen C. Mitic
 
 
Paul S. Pressler
 
Director
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Robert H. Swan
 
By:
/s/ Perry M. Traquina
 
Robert H. Swan
 
 
Perry M. Traquina
 
Director
 
 
Director





F-46



INDEX TO EXHIBITS

No.
  
Exhibit Description
 
Filed with
this 10-K
 
Incorporated by Reference
  
 
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Date Filed
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.01*++
  
Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2009, as amended on September 14, 2009, by and among Registrant, eBay International AG, Sonorit Holding, A.S. and Springboard Group S.à.r.l. (formerly SLP III Cayman DS IV Holdings S.à.r.l.)
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/27/2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.02*
  
Amendments to Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2009, October 21, 2009, November 5, 2009 and November 19, 2009, by and among Registrant, eBay International AG, Sonorit Holding, A.S. and Springboard Group S.à.r.l. (formerly SLP III Cayman DS IV Holdings S.à.r.l.)
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
11/20/2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.03**
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated March 27, 2011, among Registrant, Gibraltar Acquisition Corp. and GSI Commerce, Inc.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
3/30/2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.04
 
Separation and Distribution Agreement by and between Registrant and PayPal Holdings, Inc. dated as of June 26, 2015.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
6/30/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.01
  
Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
4/27/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.02
  
Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
1/7/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.01
  
Form of Specimen Certificate for Registrant's Common Stock.
 
 
 
S-1
 
333-59097
 
8/19/1998
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.02
 
Indenture dated as of October 28, 2010 between Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
10/28/2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.03
 
Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 28, 2010 between Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
10/28/2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.04
 
Form of 3.250% Note due 2020.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
10/28/2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.05
 
Forms of 1.35% Note due 2017, 2.60% Note due 2022 and 4.00% Note due 2042.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
7/24/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.06
 
Indenture dated as of July 2, 2007 between GSI Commerce, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as trustee.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/22/2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.07
 
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 17, 2011 to the Indenture dated as of July 2, 2007 between GSI Commerce, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/22/2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.08
 
Form of 2.50% Convertible Senior Note due 2027.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/22/2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.09
 
Forms of Floating Rate Note due 2017, Floating Rate Note due 2019, 2.200% Note due 2019, 2.875% Note due 2021 and 3.450% Note due 2024.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
7/28/2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.01+
  
Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into by Registrant with each of its directors and executive officers.
 
 
 
S-1
 
333-59097
 
7/15/1998
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.02+
  
Registrant's Amended and Restated 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/27/2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.03+
  
Registrant's 1998 Directors Stock Option Plan, as amended.
 
 
 
10-K
 
000-24821
 
2/28/2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.04+
  
Registrant's 1999 Global Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/27/2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

F-47



No.
  
Exhibit Description
 
Filed with
this 10-K
 
Incorporated by Reference
  
 
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Date Filed
10.05+
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement under Registrant's 1999 Global Equity Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/27/2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.06+
  
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under Registrant's 1999 Global Equity Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10-K
 
000-24821
 
2/28/2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.07+
  
Registrant's 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
 
 
 
10-K
 
000-24821
 
2/28/2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.08+
  
Form of Stock Option Agreement under Registrant's 2001 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/27/2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.09+
  
Registrant's 2003 Deferred Stock Unit Plan, as amended.
 
 
 
10-K
 
000-24821
 
2/28/2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.10+
 
Amendment to Registrant's 2003 Deferred Stock Unit Plan, effective April 2, 2012.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.11+
 
Form of Director Award Agreement under Registrant's 2003 Deferred Stock Unit Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.12+
  
Form of Electing Director Award Agreement under Registrant's 2003 Deferred Stock Unit Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.13+
  
Form of New Director Award Agreement under Registrant's 2003 Deferred Stock Unit Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.14+
  
Form of 2003 Deferred Stock Unit Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Agreement.
 
 
 
10-Q/A
 
000-24821
 
4/24/2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.15+
  
Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan, as amended and restated.
 
 
 
S-8
 
000-24821
 
5/15/2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.16+
  
Amendment to the Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan, Registrant's 2001 Equity Incentive Plan and Registrant's 1999 Global Equity Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/29/2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.17+
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (and Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement) under Registrant's 2003 Deferred Stock Unit Plan, Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan and GSI Commerce, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.18+
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (with Modified Vesting) under Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.19+
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement under Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.20+
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement (with Modified Vesting) under Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.21+
 
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.22+
 
Form of Director Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement under Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.23+
  
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (and Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement) under Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
6/25/2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.24+
  
Amended and Restated eBay Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
5/5/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.25+
  
Amendment to eBay Incentive Plan, effective April 2, 2012.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.26+
  
eBay Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
12/20/2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.27+
  
Employment Letter Agreement dated March 31, 2008, between John Donahoe and Registrant.
 
 
 
10-Q/A
 
000-24821
 
4/24/2008
 
 
 
 
 
 

F-48



No.
  
Exhibit Description
 
Filed with
this 10-K
 
Incorporated by Reference
  
 
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Date Filed
10.28+
  
Letter Agreement dated September 30, 2008 between Robert Swan and Registrant.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/23/2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.29+
 
GSI Commerce, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/22/2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.30+
 
Amendment to GSI Commerce, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/22/2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.31+
 
Amendment to GSI Commerce, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, effective April 2, 2012.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.32+
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under GSI Commerce, Inc. 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.33+
 
GSI Commerce, Inc. Leadership Team Incentive Plan (Filed as Appendix B to GSI Commerce, Inc.'s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.34+
 
Amendment to GSI Commerce, Inc. Leadership Team Incentive Plan, effective April 2, 2012.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.35+
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (and Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement) under GSI Commerce, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/22/2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.36+
 
eBay Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
 
 
DEF 14A
 
000-24821
 
3/19/2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.37+
 
Offer letter dated August 30, 2011 and executed on September 2, 2011 between Registrant and Devin Wenig.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
9/6/2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.38
 
Credit Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2015, by and among Registrant, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other parties thereto.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
11/12/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.39+
 
Form of New Director Award Agreement under Registrant’s 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
4/19/2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.40+
 
Form of Director Annual Award Agreement under Registrant’s 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
4/19/2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.41+
 
Form of Electing Director Quarterly Award Agreement under Registrant’s 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
4/19/2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.42+
 
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under Registrant’s 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
4/19/2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.43+
 
Form of Global Stock Option Agreement under Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/18/2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.44+
 
Form of Global Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (and Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement) under Registrant's 2008 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/18/2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.45+
 
Separation Agreement dated September 15, 2014 between Registrant and Mark Carges.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/16/2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.46+
 
Offer Letter dated September 29, 2014 between Registrant and Daniel Schulman.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/16/2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.47+
 
Letter Agreement dated September 29, 2014 between Registrant and Devin Wenig.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/16/2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.48+
 
Written Description of Transaction Success and Retention Program.
 
 
 
10-K
 
000-24821
 
2/6/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.49+
 
Amendment dated December 31, 2014 to Offer Letter between Registrant and Daniel Schulman.
 
 
 
10-K
 
000-24821
 
2/6/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

F-49



No.
  
Exhibit Description
 
Filed with
this 10-K
 
Incorporated by Reference
  
 
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Date Filed
10.50+
 
Nomination and Standstill Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2015, by and among the persons and entities listed on Schedule A thereto and Registrant.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
1/23/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.51+
 
eBay Inc. Change in Control Severance Plan for Key Employees, dated June 16, 2015.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
6/18/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.52+
 
eBay Inc. SVP and Above Standard Severance Plan, dated June 16, 2015.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
6/18/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.53
 
Operating Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2015,  by and between Registrant, eBay International AG, PayPal Holdings, Inc., PayPal, Inc., PayPal Pte. Ltd. and PayPal Payments Pte. Holdings S.C.S.

 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
7/20/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.54
 
Transition Services Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2015, by and between Registrant and PayPal Holdings, Inc.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
7/20/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.55
 
Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2015, by and between Registrant and PayPal Holdings, Inc.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
7/20/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.56+
 
Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of July 17, 201, by and between Registrant and PayPal Holdings, Inc.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
7/20/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.57
 
Intellectual Property Matters Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2015, by and among Registrant, eBay International AG, PayPal Holdings, Inc., PayPal, Inc., PayPal Pte. Ltd. and PayPal Payments Pte. Holdings S.C.S.
 
 
 
8-K
 
000-24821
 
7/20/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.58+
 
Letter dated September 30, 2014 from Registrant to Scott Schenkel.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
7/21/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.59+
 
Letter dated July 17, 2015 from Registrant to John Donahoe.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/28/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.60+
 
Letter dated July 17, 2015 from Registrant to Robert Swan.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/28/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.61+
 
Letter dated July 17, 2015 from Registrant to Michael Jacobson.
 
 
 
10-Q
 
000-24821
 
10/28/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12.01
  
Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21.01
  
List of Subsidiaries.
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23.01
  
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP consent.
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24.01
  
Power of Attorney (see signature page).
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.01
  
Certification of Registrant's Chief Executive Officer, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.02
  
Certification of Registrant's Chief Financial Officer, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.01
  
Certification of Registrant's Chief Executive Officer, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.02
  
Certification of Registrant's Chief Financial Officer, as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
  
XBRL Instance Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

F-50



No.
  
Exhibit Description
 
Filed with
this 10-K
 
Incorporated by Reference
  
 
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Date Filed
101.LAB
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
+
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
++
Portions of this exhibit are subject to a request for confidential treatment and have been redacted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
*
The annexes and schedules to the Share Purchase Agreement have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant will furnish copies of any annexes or schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
**
The schedules and exhibits to the Agreement and Plan of Merger have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant will furnish copies of any annexes or schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

F-51