Form 20-F
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2016

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 20-F

 

 

 

¨

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

 

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                     

OR

 

¨

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report                     

Commission file number: 1-13546

 

 

STMicroelectronics N.V.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Not Applicable   The Netherlands
(Translation of registrant’s
name into English)
  (Jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)

WTC Schiphol Airport

Schiphol Boulevard 265

1118 BH Schiphol

The Netherlands

(Address of principal executive offices)

Carlo Bozotti

39, chemin du Champ des Filles

1228 Plan-Les-Ouates

Geneva

Switzerland

Tel: +41 22 929 29 29

Fax: +41 22 929 29 88

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class:

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:

Common shares, nominal value €1.04 per share   New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None

 

 

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

878,537,339 common shares at December 31, 2015

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  ¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:    Yes  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 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 whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer

 

x

      

Accelerated filer

 

¨

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨

      

Smaller reporting company

 

¨

 

  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP  x

   International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board  ¨
   Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  ¨

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PART I

  

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

     3   

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

     3   

Item 3. Key Information

     3   

Item 4. Information on the Company

     14   

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     26   

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     55   

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

     73   

Item 8. Financial Information

     75   

Item 9. Listing

     75   

Item 10. Additional Information

     76   

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     87   

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

     90   

PART II

  

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     91   

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

     91   

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

     91   

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

     92   

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

     92   

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     93   

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

     94   

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

     94   

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

     94   

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

     94   

PART III

  

Item 17. Financial Statements

     97   

Item 18. Financial Statements

     97   

Item 19. Exhibits

     97   

 

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PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

In this annual report on Form 20-F (the “Form 20-F”), references to “we”, “us” and “Company” are to STMicroelectronics N.V. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, references to “EU” are to the European Union, references to “€” and the “Euro” are to the Euro currency of the EU, references to the “United States” and the “U.S.” are to the United States of America and references to “$” and to “U.S. dollars” are to United States dollars. References to “mm” are to millimeters and references to “nm” are to nanometers.

We have compiled market size and our market share data in this Form 20-F using statistics and other information obtained from several third-party sources. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, all references to trade association data are references to World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (“WSTS”). Certain terms used in this Form 20-F are defined in “Certain Terms”.

We report our financial statements in U.S. dollars and prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). We also report certain non-U.S. GAAP financial measures (free cash flow and net financial position), which are derived from amounts presented in the financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP. Furthermore, we are required by Dutch law to report our Statutory and Consolidated Financial Statements, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and adopted by the European Union. The IFRS financial statements are reported separately and can differ materially from the statements reported in U.S. GAAP.

Various amounts and percentages used in this Form 20-F have been rounded and, accordingly, they may not total 100%.

We and our affiliates own or otherwise have rights to the trademarks and trade names, including those mentioned in this Form 20-F, used in conjunction with the marketing and sale of our products.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained in this Form 20-F that are not historical facts, particularly in “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors”, “Item 4. Information on the Company” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and “— Business Outlook” are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended) that are based on management’s current views and assumptions, and are conditioned upon and also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated by such statements due to, among other factors:

 

   

uncertain macro-economic and industry trends;

 

   

customer demand and acceptance for the products which we design, manufacture and sell;

 

   

unanticipated events or circumstances, which may either impact our ability to execute the planned reductions in our net operating expenses and/or meet the objectives of our R&D programs, which benefit from public funding;

 

   

financial difficulties with any of our major distributors or significant curtailment of purchases by key customers;

 

   

the loading, product mix and manufacturing performance of our production facilities;

 

   

the functionalities and performance of our IT systems, which support our critical operational activities including manufacturing, finance and sales, and any breaches of our IT systems or those of our customers or suppliers;

 

   

variations in the foreign exchange markets and, more particularly, the U.S. dollar exchange rate as compared to the Euro and the other major currencies we use for our operations;

 

   

the impact of intellectual property (“IP”) claims by our competitors or other third parties, and our ability to obtain required licenses on reasonable terms and conditions;

 

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the ability to successfully restructure underperforming business lines and associated restructuring charges and cost savings that differ in amount or timing from our estimates;

 

   

changes in our overall tax position as a result of changes in tax laws, the outcome of tax audits or changes in international tax treaties which may impact our results of operations as well as our ability to accurately estimate tax credits, benefits, deductions and provisions and to realize deferred tax assets;

 

   

the outcome of ongoing litigation as well as the impact of any new litigation to which we may become a defendant;

 

   

product liability or warranty claims or recalls by our customers for products containing our parts;

 

   

natural events such as severe weather, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcano eruptions or other acts of nature, health risks and epidemics in locations where we, our customers or our suppliers operate;

 

   

changes in economic, social, labor, political, or infrastructure conditions in the locations where we, our customers, or our suppliers operate, including as a result of macro-economic or regional events, military conflict, social unrest, labor actions or terrorist activities; and

 

   

availability and costs of materials, utilities, third-party manufacturing services, or other supplies required by our operations.

Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results and performance of our business to differ materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements. Certain forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “are expected to”, “should”, “would be”, “seeks” or “anticipates” or similar expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Some of these risk factors are set forth and are discussed in more detail in “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors”. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this Form 20-F as anticipated, believed or expected. We do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this Form 20-F to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Unfavorable changes in the above or other factors listed under “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, could have a material adverse effect on our business and/or financial condition.

PART I

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not applicable.

 

Item 3. Key Information

Selected Financial Data

The table below sets forth our selected consolidated financial data for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2015. Such data have been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, including the Notes thereto (collectively, the “Consolidated Financial Statements”), are included elsewhere in this Form 20-F, while data for prior periods have been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements used in such periods.

 

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The following information should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes thereto included in “Item 18. Financial Statements” in this Form 20-F.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  
     (In millions except per share and ratio data)  

Consolidated Statements of Income Data:

          

Net sales

   $ 6,866      $ 7,335      $ 8,050      $ 8,380      $ 9,630   

Other revenues

     31        69        32        113        105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net revenues

     6,897        7,404        8,082        8,493        9,735   

Cost of sales

     (4,565     (4,906     (5,468     (5,710     (6,161
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     2,332        2,498        2,614        2,783        3,574   

Operating expenses:

  

Selling, general and administrative

     (897     (927     (1,066     (1,166     (1,210

Research and development

     (1,425     (1,520     (1,816     (2,413     (2,352

Other income and expenses, net

     164        207        95        91        109   

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

     (65     (90     (292     (1,376     (75
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     (2,223     (2,330     (3,079     (4,864     (3,528
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     109        168        (465     (2,081     46   

Other-than-temporary impairment charge and realized gains (losses) on financial assets

     —          —          —          —          318   

Interest expense, net

     (22     (18     (5     (35     (25

Income (loss) on equity-method investments and gain on investment divestiture

     2        (43     (122     (24     (28

Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net

     —          (1     —          3        25   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest

     89        106        (592     (2,137     336   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     21        23        (37     (51     (181
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     110        129        (629     (2,188     155   

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (6     (1     129        1,030        495   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company

     104        128        (500     (1,158     650   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share (basic) attributable to parent company stockholders

     0.12        0.14        (0.56     (1.31     0.74   

Earnings per share (diluted) attributable to parent company stockholders

     0.12        0.14        (0.56     (1.31     0.72   

Number of shares used in calculating earnings per share (basic)

     876.5        886.5        889.5        886.7        883.6   

Number of shares used in calculating earnings per share (diluted)

     880.6        889.8        889.5        886.7        904.5   

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data (end of period):

          

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,771        2,017        1,836        2,250        1,912   

Short-term deposits

     —          —          1        1        —     

Marketable securities

     335        334        57        238        413   

Restricted cash

     4        —          —          4        8   

Total assets

     8,195        9,004        9,173        10,434        12,094   

Short-term debt

     191        202        225        630        733   

Long-term debt (excluding current portion)

     1,421        1,599        928        671        826   

Total parent company stockholders’ equity

     4,632        4,994        5,643        6,225        7,603   

Common stock and capital surplus

     3,936        3,898        3,737        3,711        3,700   

Other Data:

  

Dividend per share

     0.40        0.40        0.40        0.40        0.40   

Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sales

     (467     (496     (531     (476     (1,258

Net cash from operating activities

     842        715        366        612        880   

Depreciation and amortization

     736        811        910        1,107        1,279   

Debt-to-equity ratio(1)

     0.35        0.36        0.20        0.21        0.21   

 

(1)

Debt-to-equity ratio is the ratio between our total financial debt (bank overdrafts, short-term debt and long-term debt) and our total parent company stockholder’s equity.

 

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Risks Related to the Semiconductor Industry which Impact Us

The semiconductor industry is cyclical and downturns in the semiconductor industry can negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The semiconductor industry is cyclical and has been subject to significant downturns from time to time, as a result of global economic conditions as well as industry-specific factors, such as built-in excess capacity, fluctuations in product supply, product obsolescence and changes in end-customer preferences. Downturns are typically characterized by reduction in overall demand, accelerated erosion of selling prices, reduced revenues and high inventory levels, any of which could result in a significant deterioration of our results of operations. Such macroeconomic trends typically relate to the semiconductor industry as a whole rather than to the individual semiconductor markets to which we sell our products. To the extent that industry downturns are concurrent with the timing of new increases in production capacity or introduction of new advanced technologies in our industry, the negative effects on our business from such industry downturns may also be more severe. We have experienced revenue volatility and market downturns in the past and expect to experience them in the future, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may not be able to match our production capacity to demand.

As a result of the cyclicality and volatility of the semiconductor industry, it is difficult to predict future developments in the markets we serve, and, in turn, to estimate requirements for production capacity. If our markets, major customers or certain product designs or technologies do not perform as well as we have anticipated, we risk unused capacity charges, write-offs of inventories and losses on products, and we could be required to undertake restructuring measures that may involve significant charges to our earnings. Furthermore, during certain periods, we have also experienced increased demand in certain market segments and product technologies, which has led to a shortage of capacity and an increase in the lead times of our delivery to customers. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs”.

Competition in the semiconductor industry is intense, and we may not be able to compete successfully if our product design technologies, process technologies and products do not meet market requirements. Furthermore, the competitive environment of the industry has resulted, and may continue to result, in consolidation among our competitors and vertical integration among our customers, which may lead to erosion of our market share, impact our capacity to compete and require us to restructure our operations.

We compete in different product lines to various degrees on certain characteristics, for example, price, technical performance, product features, product design, product availability, process technology, manufacturing capabilities and sales and technical support. Given the intense competition in the semiconductor industry, if our products do not meet market requirements based on any of these characteristics, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Our competitors may have a stronger presence in key markets and geographic regions, greater name recognition, larger customer bases and greater financial, research and development, sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution, technical and other resources than we do. These competitors may be able to adapt more quickly to changes in the business environment, to new or emerging technologies and to changes in customer requirements.

The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and characterized by the high costs associated with developing marketable products and manufacturing technologies as well as high levels of investment in production capabilities. As a result, the semiconductor industry has experienced, and may continue to experience, significant consolidation among our competitors and vertical integration among our customers. Consolidation among our competitors and integration among our customers could erode our market share, negatively impact our capacity to compete and require us to restructure our operations.

We, and the semiconductor industry as a whole, may be impacted by changes in global and regional economic conditions and in the political or social environment, including as a result of financial market volatility, military conflict, civil unrest and/or terrorist activities, as well as natural events such as severe weather, health risks or epidemics.

We, and the semiconductor industry as a whole, are significantly impacted by global and regional economic conditions. Uncertainty about worldwide economic conditions poses a risk as consumers and businesses may postpone spending in response to macroeconomic factors effecting spending behavior, such as financial market volatility, lower capital and productivity growth, unemployment, negative financial news, declines in income or

 

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asset values and/or other factors. Such global and regional economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on demand for our products. We cannot exclude a potential deterioration of economic conditions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

We, and the semiconductor industry as a whole, face greater risks due to the international nature of the semiconductor business, including in the countries where we, our customers or our suppliers operate, such as:

 

   

instability of foreign governments, including the threat of war, military conflict, civil unrest, mass migration and terrorist attacks;

 

   

natural events such as severe weather, earthquakes and tsunamis;

 

   

epidemics such as disease outbreaks, pandemics and other health related issues;

 

   

changes in laws and policies affecting trade and investment, including through the imposition of new constraints on investment and trade; and

 

   

varying practices of regulatory, tax, judicial and administrative bodies.

Risks Related to Our Operations

Market dynamics have driven, and continue to drive us, to a strategic repositioning.

In recent years, we have undertaken several initiatives to reposition our business, both through divestitures and investments. Our strategies to improve our results of operations and financial condition have led us, and may in the future lead us, to acquire businesses that we believe to be complementary to our own, or to divest ourselves of or wind down activities that we believe do not serve our longer term business plans. Our potential acquisition strategies depend in part on our ability to identify suitable acquisition targets, finance their acquisition, obtain approval by our shareholders and obtain required regulatory and other approvals. Our potential divestiture strategies depend in part on our ability to compete and to identify the activities in which we should no longer engage, obtain the relevant approvals pursuant to our governance process and then determine and execute appropriate methods to divest of them.

We are constantly monitoring our product portfolio and cannot exclude that additional steps in this repositioning process may be required. Furthermore, we cannot assure that any strategic repositioning of our business, including executed and possible future acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures, will be successful and will not result in impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs.

Acquisitions and divestitures involve a number of risks that could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition, including: we may be unable to successfully integrate businesses or teams we acquire with our culture and strategies on a timely basis or at all; we may be required to record charges related to the goodwill or other long-term assets associated with the acquired businesses; and in the case of joint ventures, we may be unable to effectively control the joint venture when management acts independently. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve the full scope of the benefits we expect from a particular acquisition, divestiture or investment. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may suffer if we fail to coordinate our resources effectively to manage both our existing businesses and any acquired businesses. In addition, the financing of future acquisitions or divestitures may negatively impact our financial position and credit rating and we could be required to raise additional funding.

Other risks associated with acquisitions or joint ventures include: assumption of potential liabilities, disclosed or undisclosed, associated with the business acquired, which liabilities may exceed the amount of indemnification available from the seller; potential inaccuracies in the financials of the business acquired; and our ability to retain customers of an acquired entity or business. Identified risks associated with divestitures include: loss of activities and technologies that may have complemented our remaining businesses or operations; and loss of important services provided by key employees that are assigned to divested activities.

Our high fixed costs could adversely impact our results.

Our operations are characterized by high fixed or other difficult to reduce costs, including costs related to manufacturing, particularly as we operate our own manufacturing facilities, and the employment of our highly skilled workforce. When demand for our products decreases, competition increases or we fail to forecast demand accurately, we are driven to reduce prices and we are not always able to decrease our total costs in line with resulting revenue declines. As a result, the costs associated with our operations may not be fully absorbed, leading to unused capacity charges, higher average unit costs and lower gross margins, adversely impacting our results.

 

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Our capital needs are high compared to those competitors who do not produce their own products and we may need additional funding in the coming years to finance our investments, to purchase other companies or technologies developed by third parties or to refinance our maturing indebtedness.

As a result of our choice to maintain control of a large portion of our manufacturing technologies, we may require significant capital expenditure to maintain or upgrade our facilities in the future. We monitor our capital expenditures taking into consideration factors such as trends in the semiconductor market, customer requirements and capacity utilization. These capital expenditures may increase in the future if we decide to upgrade or expand the capacity of our manufacturing facilities. There can be no assurance that future market demand and products required by our customers will meet our expectations. We also may need to invest in other companies, in IP and/or in technology developed either by us or by third parties to maintain or improve our position in the market or to complement or expand our existing business. Failure to invest appropriately or in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

The foregoing may require us to secure additional financing, including through the issuance of debt, equity or both. The timing and the size of any new share or bond offering would depend upon market conditions as well as a variety of other factors. In addition, the capital markets may from time to time offer terms of financing that are particularly favorable. We cannot exclude that we may access the capital markets opportunistically to take advantage of market conditions. Any such transaction or any announcement concerning such a transaction could materially impact the market price of our common shares. If we are unable to access capital on acceptable terms, this may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our financial results can be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates, principally in the value of the U.S. dollar.

A significant variation of the value of the U.S. dollar against the principal currencies that have a material impact on us (primarily the Euro, but also certain other currencies of countries where we have operations, such as the Singapore dollar) could result in a favorable impact, net of hedging, on our net income in the case of an appreciation of the U.S. dollar, or a negative impact, net of hedging, on our net income if the U.S. dollar depreciates relative to these currencies, in particular with respect to the Euro. Currency exchange rate fluctuations affect our results of operations because our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, in which we receive the major portion of our revenues, while, more importantly, we incur a significant portion of our costs in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

In order to reduce the exposure of our financial results to the fluctuations in exchange rates, our principal strategy has been to balance as much as possible the proportion of sales to our customers denominated in U.S. dollars with the amount of purchases from our suppliers denominated in U.S. dollars and to reduce the weight of the other costs, including depreciation, denominated in Euros and in other currencies. In order to further reduce our exposure to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuations, we have hedged certain line items on our consolidated statements of income (“Consolidated Statements of Income”), in particular with respect to a portion of the cost of goods sold, the majority of the R&D expenses and certain SG&A expenses located in the Euro zone. We also hedge certain manufacturing costs denominated in Singapore dollars. There can be no assurance that our hedging transactions will prevent us from incurring higher Euro-denominated manufacturing costs when translated into our U.S. dollar-based accounts. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Impact of Changes in Exchange Rates” and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”.

We depend on collaboration with other semiconductor industry companies, research organizations, universities and suppliers to further our R&D efforts, and our business and prospects could be materially adversely affected by the failure or termination of such alliances.

Our ability to compete successfully depends on our ability to introduce innovative new products and technologies to the marketplace on a timely basis. In light of the high levels of investment required for R&D activities, we depend on collaborations with other semiconductor industry companies, research organizations, universities and suppliers to develop or access new technologies.

Such collaboration provides us with a number of important benefits, including the sharing of costs, reductions in our own capital requirements, acquisitions of technical know-how and access to additional production capacities. However, there can be no assurance that our collaboration efforts will be successful and allow us to develop and access new technologies in due time, in a cost-effective manner and/or to meet customer demands. If a particular collaboration terminates before our intended goals are accomplished we may incur additional unforeseen costs, and our business and prospects could be adversely affected. Furthermore, if we are

 

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unable to develop or otherwise access new technologies, whether independently or in collaboration with another industry participant, we may fail to keep pace with the rapid technology advances in the semiconductor industry, our participation in the overall semiconductor industry may decrease and we may also lose market share.

We receive public funding, and a reduction in the amount available to us or demands for repayment could increase our costs and impact our results of operations.

To support our proprietary R&D for derivative technology investments and investments in cooperative R&D ventures, we have in the past benefited and expect to continue to benefit in the future from public funding, mainly from French, Italian and European Union governmental entities. The public funding we receive is subject to periodic review by the relevant authorities and there can be no assurance that we will continue to benefit from such programs at current levels or that sufficient alternative funding will be available if we lose such support. If any of the public funding programs we participate in are curtailed or discontinued and we do not reduce the relevant R&D costs, this could have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, to receive public funding, we enter into agreements which require compliance with extensive regulatory requirements and set forth certain conditions relating to the funded programs. If we fail to meet the regulatory requirements or applicable conditions, we may, under certain circumstances, be required to refund previously received amounts, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. If there are changes in the public funding we receive, this could affect our ability to continue investing in R&D at current levels and we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and annually and may also differ significantly from our expectations or guidance.

Our operating results are affected by a wide variety of factors that could materially and adversely affect revenues and profitability or lead to significant variability of our operating results from one period to the next. These factors include capital requirements, inventory management, availability of funding, competition, new product developments, technological changes, manufacturing or supplier issues and effective tax rates. In addition, in periods of industry overcapacity or when our key customers encounter difficulties in their end markets or product ramps, orders are more exposed to cancellations, reductions, price renegotiation or postponements, which in turn reduce our management’s ability to forecast the next quarter or full year production levels, revenues and margins. For these reasons and others that we may not yet have identified, our revenues and operating results may differ materially from our expectations or guidance as visibility is reduced. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Backlog”.

Our business is dependent in large part on continued growth in the industries and segments into which our products are sold and on our ability to retain existing customers and attract new ones. A market decline in any of these industries or our inability to retain and attract customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

The demand for our products depends significantly on the demand for our customers’ end products. Growth of demand in the industries and segments into which our products are sold fluctuates significantly and is driven by a variety of factors, including consumer spending, consumer preferences, the development of new technologies and prevailing economic conditions. Changes in our customers’ markets and in our customers’ respective shares in such markets could result in slower growth and a decline in demand for our products. In addition, if projected industry growth rates do not materialize as forecasted, our spending on process and product development ahead of market acceptance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business is dependent upon our ability to retain existing customers. Our existing customers’ product strategy may change from time to time and we have no certainty that our business, financial position and results of operations will not be affected. Our business is also dependent upon our ability to attract new customers. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining new customers. Our failure to do so could materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

Disruptions in our relationships with any one of our key customers or distributors, and/or material changes in their strategy or financial condition or business prospects, could adversely affect our results of operations.

A substantial portion of our sales is derived from a limited number of customers and distributors. There can be no assurance that our customers or distributors will continue to book the same level of sales with us that they

 

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have in the past, will continue to succeed in the markets they serve and will not purchase competing products over our products. Many of our key customers and distributors operate in cyclical businesses that are also highly competitive, and their own market positions may vary considerably. In recent years, some of our customers have vertically integrated their businesses. Such vertical integrations may impact our business. Our relationships with the newly formed entities could be either reinforced or jeopardized by the integration. If we are unable to maintain or increase our market share with our key customers or distributors, or if they were to increase product returns or fail to meet payment obligations, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Certain of our products are customized to our customers’ specifications. If customers do not purchase products made specifically for them, we may not be able to recover a cancellation fee from our customers or resell such products to other customers.

Our operating results can also vary significantly due to impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets incurred in the course of acquisitions and equity investments, as well as to impairment of tangible assets due to changes in the business environment.

Our operating results can vary significantly due to impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets and equity investments booked pursuant to acquisitions, joint venture agreements and the purchase of technologies and licenses from third parties. Because the market for our products is characterized by rapidly changing technologies, significant changes in the semiconductor industry, and the potential failure of our business initiatives, our future cash flows may not support the value of goodwill and other intangibles registered in our consolidated balance sheets (“Consolidated Balance Sheets”). See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Overview — Critical Accounting Policies Using Significant Estimates — Impairment of goodwill”, “— Intangible assets subject to amortization” and “— Income (loss) on Equity-method Investments”.

We depend on patents to protect our rights to our technology and may face claims of infringing the IP rights of others.

We depend on patents and other IP rights to protect our products and our manufacturing processes against misappropriation by others. The process of seeking patent protection can be long and expensive, and there can be no assurance that that we will receive patents from currently pending or future applications. Even if patents are issued, they may not be of sufficient scope or strength to provide meaningful protection or any commercial advantage. In addition, effective IP protection may be unavailable or limited in some countries. Competitors may also develop technologies that are protected by patents and other IP and therefore either be unavailable to us or be made available to us subject to adverse terms and conditions. We have in the past used our patent portfolio to negotiate broad patent cross-licenses with many of our competitors enabling us to design, manufacture and sell semiconductor products, without concern of infringing patents held by such competitors. We may not, however, in the future be able to obtain such licenses or other rights to protect necessary IP on favorable terms for the conduct of our business, and such failure may adversely impact our results of operations.

We have from time to time received, and may in the future receive, communications alleging possible infringement of third party patents and other IP rights. Some of those claims are made by so-called non-practicing entities against which we are unable to assert our own patent portfolio to lever licensing terms and conditions. Competitors with whom we do not have patent cross-license agreements may also develop technologies that are protected by patents and other IP rights and which may be unavailable to us or only made available on unfavorable terms and conditions. We may therefore become involved in costly litigation brought against us regarding patents and other IP rights. See Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. IP litigation may also involve our customers who in turn may seek indemnification from us should we not prevail and/or who may decide to curtail their orders for those of our products over which claims have been asserted. Such lawsuits may therefore have a material adverse effect on our business. We may be forced to stop producing substantially all or some of our products or to license the underlying technology upon economically unfavorable terms and conditions or we may be required to pay damages for the prior use of third party IP and/or face an injunction.

The outcome of IP litigation is inherently uncertain and may divert the efforts and attention of our management and other specialized technical personnel. Such litigation can result in significant costs and, if not resolved in our favor, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We operate in many jurisdictions with highly complex and varied tax regimes. Changes in tax rules or the outcome of tax assessments and audits could cause a material adverse effect on our results.

We operate in many jurisdictions with highly complex and varied tax regimes. Changes in tax rules or the outcome of tax assessments and audits could have a material adverse effect on our results. Our tax rate is variable and depends on changes in the level of operating results within various local jurisdictions and on changes in the applicable taxation rates of these jurisdictions, as well as changes in estimated tax provisions due to new events. We currently receive certain tax benefits in some countries, and these benefits may not be available in the future due to changes in the local jurisdictions. As a result, our effective tax rate could increase in the coming years. In addition, the acquisition or divestiture of businesses in certain jurisdictions could materially affect our effective tax rate.

We evaluate our deferred tax asset position and the need for a valuation allowance on a regular basis. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to generate future taxable income that is sufficient to utilize loss carry-forwards or tax credits before their expiration or our ability to implement prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The recorded amount of total deferred tax assets could be reduced, resulting in a loss in our consolidated income statement, a decrease in our total assets and, consequently, in our stockholders’ equity, if our estimates of projected future taxable income and benefits from available tax strategies are reduced as a result of a change in business condition or in management’s plans or due to other factors, such as changes in tax laws and regulations.

We are subject to the possibility of loss contingencies arising out of tax claims, assessment of uncertain tax positions and provisions for specifically identified income tax exposures. We are also subject to tax audits in certain jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in resolving potential tax claims that result from these audits, which could result in material adjustments in our tax positions. We book provisions on the basis of the best current understanding; however, we could be required to book additional provisions in future periods for amounts that cannot currently be assessed. Our failure to do so and/or the need to increase our provisions for such claims could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated income statement and our financial position.

As we depend on a limited number of suppliers for materials and certain equipment, we may experience supply disruptions if suppliers interrupt supply, increase prices or experience material adverse changes in their financial condition.

Our ability to meet our customers’ demand to manufacture our products depends upon obtaining adequate supplies of quality materials on a timely basis. Certain materials are available from a limited number of suppliers or only from a limited number of suppliers in a particular region. We purchase certain materials whose prices on the world markets have fluctuated significantly in the past and may fluctuate significantly in the future. Although supplies for the materials we currently use are adequate, shortages could occur in various essential materials due to interruption of supply or increased demand in the industry. In addition, the costs of certain materials may increase due to market pressures and we may not be able to pass on such cost increases to the prices we charge to our customers.

We also purchase semiconductor manufacturing equipment and third party licensed technology from a limited number of suppliers and providers and, because such equipment and technology are complex, it is difficult to replace one supplier or provider with another or to substitute one piece of equipment or type of technology for another. In addition, suppliers and providers may extend lead times, limit our supply, increase prices or change contractual terms related to certain manufacturing equipment and third party licensed technology, any of which could adversely affect our results. Furthermore, suppliers and technology providers tend to focus their investments on providing the most technologically advanced equipment, materials and technology and may not be in a position to address our requirements for equipment, materials or technology of older generations. Although we work closely with our suppliers and providers to avoid such shortages, there can be no assurance that we will not encounter these problems in the future. If we are unable to obtain supplies of materials, equipment or technology in a timely manner or at all, or if such materials, equipment or technology prove inadequate, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

If our external silicon foundries or back-end subcontractors fail to perform, this could adversely affect our business prospects.

We currently use external silicon foundries and back-end subcontractors for a portion of our manufacturing activities. If our external silicon foundries or back-end subcontractors are unable to satisfy our demand, or

 

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experience manufacturing difficulties, delays or reduced yields, our results of operations and ability to satisfy customer demand could suffer. Prices for these services also vary depending on capacity utilization rates at our external silicon foundries and back-end subcontractors, quantities demanded and product and process technology. Such outsourcing costs can vary materially and, in cases of industry shortages, they can increase significantly, negatively impacting our business prospects.

Our manufacturing processes are highly complex, costly and potentially vulnerable to impurities, disruptions or inefficient implementation of production changes that can significantly increase our costs and delay product shipments to our customers.

Our manufacturing processes are highly complex, require advanced and increasingly costly equipment and are continuously modified or maintained in an effort to improve yields and product performance and lower the cost of production. Impurities or other difficulties in the manufacturing process can lower yields, interrupt production or result in scrap. As system complexity and production changes have increased and sub-micron technology has become more advanced, manufacturing tolerances have been reduced and requirements for precision have become even more demanding. We have from time to time experienced bottlenecks and production difficulties that have caused delivery delays and quality control problems. There can be no assurance that that we will not experience bottlenecks or production, transition or other difficulties in the future.

We may experience quality problems from time to time that can result in decreased sales and operating margin and product liability or warranty claims.

We sell complex products that may not in each case comply with specifications or customer requirements or may contain design and manufacturing defects. Although our general practice is to contractually limit our liability to the repair, replacement or refund of defective products, we may face product liability or warranty claims that could result in significant expenses relating to compensation payments, product recalls or other actions to maintain good customer relationships, which could result in decreased sales and operating margin and other material adverse effects on our business. Costs or payments we may make in connection with warranty claims or product recalls may adversely affect our results of operations. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in maintaining our relationships with customers with whom we incur quality problems. Furthermore, if litigation occurs we could incur significant costs and liabilities to defend ourselves against such claims and, if damages are awarded against us, there can be no assurance that our insurance policies will be available or adequate to protect us against such claims.

Our computer systems and networks are subject to attempted security breaches and other cybersecurity threats, which, if successful, could adversely impact our business.

We have, from time to time, experienced attempts by others to gain unauthorized access to our computer systems and networks. The reliability and security of our information technology infrastructure and software, and our ability to expand and continually update technologies in response to our changing needs is critical to our business. In the current environment, there are numerous and evolving risks to cyber security, including criminal hackers, state-sponsored intrusions, industrial espionage, employee malfeasance, and human or technological error. Computer hackers and others routinely attempt to breach the security of technology products, services, and systems, and those of our customers, suppliers and providers of third party licensed technology, and some of those attempts may be successful. Such breaches could result in, for example, unauthorized access to, disclosure, modification, misuse, loss, or destruction of our, our customer, or other third party data or systems, theft of sensitive or confidential data, including personal information and intellectual property, system disruptions, and denial of service. In the event of such breaches, we, our customers or other third parties could be exposed to potential liability, litigation, and regulatory action, as well as the loss of existing or potential customers, damage to our reputation, and other financial loss. In addition, the cost and operational consequences of responding to breaches and implementing remediation measures could be significant. As these threats continue to develop and grow, we have been adapting our security measures. We continue to increase the amount we allocate to implementing, maintaining and/or updating security systems to protect data and infrastructure and to raising security awareness among those having access to our systems, but these security measures cannot provide absolute security. We may also be adversely affected by security breaches related to our equipment providers and providers of third party licensed technology. As a global enterprise, we could also be impacted by existing and proposed laws and regulations, as well as government policies and practices related to cybersecurity, privacy and data protection. Additionally, cyber attacks or other catastrophic events resulting in disruptions to or failures in power, information technology, communication systems or other critical infrastructure could result in interruptions or delays to us, our customers, or other third party operations or services, financial loss, potential liability, and damage our reputation and affect our relationships with our customers and suppliers.

 

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We may be subject to theft, loss, or misuse of personal data about our employees, customers, or other third parties, which could increase our expenses, damage our reputation, or result in legal or regulatory proceedings.

The theft, loss, or misuse of personal data collected, used, stored, or transferred by us to run our business could result in significantly increased security costs or costs related to defending legal claims. Global privacy legislation, including various EU directives regulating data privacy and security and the transmission of content using the Internet involving residents of the EU, enforcement, and policy activity in this area are rapidly expanding and creating a complex compliance regulatory environment. Costs to comply with and implement these privacy-related and data protection measures could be significant. In addition, our failure to comply with local and international privacy or data protection laws and regulations could result in proceedings against us by governmental entities or others.

Some of our production processes and materials are environmentally sensitive, which could expose us to liability and increase our costs due to environmental regulations and laws or because of damage to the environment.

We are subject to environmental laws and regulations that govern various aspects, including the use, storage, discharge and disposal of chemicals, gases and other hazardous substances used in our operations. Compliance with such laws and regulations could adversely affect our manufacturing costs or product sales by requiring us to acquire costly equipment, materials or greenhouse gas allowances, or to incur other significant expenses in adapting our manufacturing processes or waste and emission disposal processes. Furthermore, environmental claims or our failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in the assessment of damages or imposition of fines against us, suspension of production or a cessation of operations. Failure by us to control the use of, or adequately restrict the discharge of, chemicals or hazardous substances could subject us to future liabilities.

Loss of key employees could hurt our competitive position.

Our success depends to a significant extent upon our key executives and R&D, engineering, marketing, sales, manufacturing, support and other personnel. Our success also depends upon our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. The competition for such employees is intense, and the loss of the services of any of these key personnel without adequate replacement or the inability to attract new qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on us.

The interests of our controlling shareholder, which is in turn indirectly controlled by the French and Italian governments, may conflict with other investors’ interests. In addition, our controlling shareholder may sell our existing common shares or issue financial instruments exchangeable into our common shares at any time.

We have been informed that as of December 31, 2015, STMicroelectronics Holding N.V. (“ST Holding”), owned 250,704,754 shares, or approximately 27.5%, of our issued common shares. ST Holding may therefore be in a position to effectively control the outcome of decisions submitted to the vote at our shareholders’ meetings, including but not limited to the appointment of the members of our Managing and Supervisory Boards.

We have been informed that STHolding’s shareholders, each of which is ultimately controlled by the French or Italian government, are party to a shareholders agreement (the “STH Shareholders Agreement”), which governs relations between them. We are not a party to the STH Shareholders Agreement. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders”. The STH Shareholders’ Agreement includes provisions requiring the unanimous approval by the shareholders of ST Holding before ST Holding can vote its shares in our share capital, which may give rise to a conflict of interest between our interests and investors’ interests, on the one hand, and the (political) interests of ST Holding’s shareholders, on the other hand. Our ability to issue new shares or other securities giving access to our shares may be limited by ST Holding’s desire to maintain its shareholding at a certain level and our ability to buy back shares may be limited by ST Holding due to a Dutch law requiring one or more shareholders acquiring 30% or more of our voting rights to launch a tender offer for our outstanding shares.

The STH Shareholders’ Agreement also permits our respective French and Italian indirect shareholders to cause ST Holding to dispose of its stake in us at any time, thereby reducing the current level of their respective indirect interests in our common shares. Sales of our common shares or the issuance of financial instruments

 

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exchangeable into our common shares or any announcements concerning a potential sale by ST Holding could materially impact the market price of our common shares depending on the timing and size of such sale, market conditions as well as a variety of other factors.

Our shareholder structure and our preference shares may deter a change of control.

We have an option agreement in place with an independent foundation, whereby we could issue preference shares in the event of actions considered hostile by our Managing Board and Supervisory Board and which the board of the independent foundation determines would be contrary to our interests. In addition, our shareholders have authorized us to issue additional capital within the limits of the authorization by our shareholders’ meeting, subject to the requirements of our Articles of Association, without the need to seek a specific shareholder resolution for each capital increase. Accordingly, an issue of preference shares or new shares may make it more difficult for a shareholder to obtain control over our general meeting of shareholders. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of our shareholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, may materially adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares and your ability to realize any potential change of control premium. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders — Preference Shares.”

Any decision to reduce or discontinue paying cash dividends to our shareholders could adversely impact the market price of our common shares.

On an annual basis, our Supervisory Board, upon the proposal of the Managing Board, may propose the distribution of a cash dividend to the general meeting of our shareholders. See “Item 8. Dividend Policy.” Any reduction or discontinuance by us of the payment of cash dividends at historical levels could cause the market price of our common shares to decline. Moreover, in the event our payment of cash dividends is reduced or discontinued, our failure or inability to resume paying cash dividends at historical levels could adversely impact the market price of our common shares.

We are required to prepare financial statements under IFRS and we also prepare Consolidated Financial Statements under U.S. GAAP, and such dual reporting may impair the clarity of our financial reporting.

We use U.S. GAAP as our primary set of reporting standards. Applying U.S. GAAP in our financial reporting is designed to ensure the comparability of our results to those of our competitors, as well as the continuity of our reporting, thereby providing our stakeholders and potential investors with a clear understanding of our financial performance. As we are incorporated in The Netherlands and our shares are listed on Euronext Paris and on the Borsa Italiana, we are subject to EU regulations requiring us to also report our results of operations and financial statements using IFRS.

As a result of the obligation to report our financial statements under IFRS, we prepare our results of operations using both U.S. GAAP and IFRS, which are currently not consistent. Such dual reporting can materially increase the complexity of our financial communications. Our financial condition and results of operations reported in accordance with IFRS will differ from our financial condition and results of operations reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which could give rise to confusion in the marketplace.

There are inherent limitations on the effectiveness of our controls.

There can be no assurance that a system of internal control over financial reporting, including one determined to be effective, will prevent or detect all misstatements. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance regarding financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of the results of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting into future periods are subject to inherent risk. The relevant controls may become inadequate due to changes in circumstances or the degree of compliance with the underlying policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Because we are subject to the corporate law of The Netherlands, U.S. investors might have more difficulty protecting their interests in a court of law or otherwise than if we were a U.S. company.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our Articles of Association and by the laws governing corporations incorporated in The Netherlands. The rights of our investors and the responsibilities of members of our

 

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Managing and Supervisory Boards under Dutch law are not as clearly established as under the rules of some U.S. jurisdictions. Therefore, U.S. investors may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by our management, members of our Managing and Supervisory Boards or our controlling shareholders than U.S. investors would have if we were incorporated in the United States.

Our executive offices and a substantial portion of our assets are located outside the United States. In addition, ST Holding and most members of our Managing and Supervisory Boards are residents of jurisdictions other than the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for shareholders to effect service within the United States upon us, ST Holding, or members of our Managing or Supervisory Boards. It may also be difficult or impossible for shareholders to enforce outside the United States judgments obtained against such persons in U.S. courts, or to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained against such persons in courts in jurisdictions outside the United States. This could be true in any legal action, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible for shareholders to enforce, in original actions brought in courts in jurisdictions located outside the United States, rights predicated upon U.S. securities laws.

We have been advised by Dutch counsel that the United States and The Netherlands do not currently have a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments (other than arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters. As a consequence, a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any federal or state court in the United States based on civil liability, whether or not predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States, will not be enforceable in The Netherlands. However, if the party in whose favor such final judgment is rendered brings a new suit in a competent court in The Netherlands, such party may submit to The Netherlands court the final judgment that has been rendered in the United States. If The Netherlands court finds that the jurisdiction of the federal or state court in the United States has been based on grounds that are internationally acceptable and that proper legal procedures have been observed, the court in The Netherlands would, under current practice, give binding effect to the final judgment that has been rendered in the United States unless such judgment contradicts The Netherlands’ public policy.

 

Item 4. Information on the Company

History and Development of the Company

STMicroelectronics N.V. was formed and incorporated in 1987 as a result of the combination of the semiconductor business of SGS Microelettronica (then owned by Società Finanziaria Telefonica (S.T.E.T.), an Italian corporation) and the non-military business of Thomson Semiconducteurs (then owned by the former Thomson-CSF, now Thales, a French corporation). We completed our initial public offering in December 1994 with simultaneous listings on the Bourse de Paris (now known as “Euronext Paris”) and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). In 1998, we also listed our shares on the Borsa Italiana S.p.A. (“Borsa Italiana”).

We operated as SGS-Thomson Microelectronics N.V. until May 1998, when we changed our name to STMicroelectronics N.V. We are organized under the laws of The Netherlands, with our corporate legal seat in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and our head offices at WTC Schiphol Airport, Schiphol Boulevard 265, 1118 BH Schiphol, The Netherlands. Our telephone number there is +31-20-654-3210. Our headquarters and operational offices are managed through our wholly owned subsidiary, STMicroelectronics International N.V., and are located at 39 Chemin du Champ des Filles, 1228 Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland. Our main telephone number there is +41-22-929-2929. Our agent for service of process in the United States related to our registration under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is Corporation Service Company (CSC), 80 State Street, Albany, New York, 12207. Our operations are also conducted through our various subsidiaries, which are organized and operated according to the laws of their country of incorporation, and consolidated by STMicroelectronics N.V.

Business Overview

We are a global independent semiconductor company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products, including discrete and standard commodity components, application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), full custom devices and semi-custom devices and application-specific standard products (“ASSPs”) for analog, digital and mixed-signal applications. In addition, we participate in the manufacturing value chain of smartcard products, which include the production and sale of both silicon chips and smartcards.

Our diverse product portfolio is built upon a unique, strong foundation of proprietary and differentiated leading-edge technologies. We use all of the prevalent function-oriented process technologies, including CMOS,

 

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bipolar and non-volatile memory technologies. In addition, by combining basic processes, we have developed advanced systems-oriented technologies that enable us to produce differentiated and application-specific products, including our pioneering fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (“FD-SOI”) technology offering superior performance and power efficiency compared to bulk CMOS, bipolar CMOS technologies (“Bi-CMOS”) and radio frequency silicon-on-insulator (“RF-SOI”) for mixed-signal and high-frequency applications, and diffused metal-on silicon oxide semiconductor (“DMOS”) technology and bipolar, CMOS and DMOS (“BCD”) technologies for intelligent power applications, MEMS and embedded memory technologies. This broad technology portfolio, a cornerstone of our strategy, enables us to meet the increasing demand for System-on-Chip (“SoC”) and System-in-Package (“SiP”) solutions. Complementing this depth and diversity of process and design technology is our IP portfolio which we also use to enter into broad patent cross-licensing agreements with other major semiconductor companies.

For our 2015 Results of Operations, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Segment Information”.

Strategy

We are a global leader in the semiconductor market, serving a broad range of customers across different areas. Our strategy takes into account the evolution of the markets we serve and the environment and opportunities we see for the years to come. We focus on developing industry-leading products and solutions for the application areas which are expected to experience solid growth rates driven by long-term trends affecting peoples’ lives. These trends include population ageing and concentration in cities, ubiquitous connectivity, and the need for more energy efficiency across all applications.

Our products are used in a wide variety of applications, which can be broadly grouped into three areas: automotive systems, industrial systems and consumer connected devices. We enable smarter driving by making vehicles safer, more environmentally friendly and more connected. We help make smarter environments at home, in the city, in workplaces and in factories in which things can be done more efficiently and flexibly, in a more sustainable manner, safer and with a better experience for the people at the center. And we enable creators of smart connected consumer devices to develop and take to market their devices quickly and efficiently. In doing this we ensure that ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative contribution to people’s lives. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.

Product Information

Semiconductors are electronic components that serve as the building blocks inside modern electronic systems and equipment. Semiconductors, generally known as “chips,” combine multiple transistors on a single piece of material to form a complete electronic circuit. With our portfolio of semiconductor products, we serve customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative solutions.

We have analog products that can be used to design any system requiring semiconductors, including sensors, signal channel devices, output power stages — discrete and/or integrated — as well as complete power management blocks. Complemented by a comprehensive range of general purpose and application specific microcontrollers, our analog devices can fulfill the needs of any design.

In addition, we have historically been one of the leading suppliers and innovators in the domain of semiconductor devices dedicated to automotive applications. We have a portfolio spanning complex power train microcontrollers, audio and infotainment devices and body and convenience dedicated and standard functions as well as a broad offering of components for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and MEMS automotive sensors. The products designed and manufactured specifically for automotive applications are complemented by a large range of “automotive grade” products, both tested and guaranteed to perform under stringent automotive environmental conditions.

We also have digital products that are at the heart of electronics systems, including microcontrollers, digital automotive products, ASICs and specialized imaging sensors. Our full set of microcontrollers includes one of the industry’s broadest ranges of general-purpose devices serving all market segments, secure microcontrollers for applications such as bank cards, IT security, e-government, public transport, and mobile communications and a series of embedded microprocessors for various applications in industrial, computing and communications markets.

 

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On top of the product design R&D spending, our principal investment and resource allocation decisions in the semiconductor business area are for expenditures on technology R&D as well as capital investments in front-end and back-end manufacturing facilities, which are planned at the corporate level; therefore, our product groups share common R&D for process technology and manufacturing capacity for some of their products.

During 2015, our products were organized as follows: (i) Sense & Power and Automotive Products (“SP&A”) segment, comprised of the product lines: Automotive (“APG”), Industrial & Power Discrete (“IPD”), Analog & MEMS (“AMS”) and Other SP&A; and, (ii) Embedded Processing Solutions (“EPS”) segment, comprised of the product lines: Digital Product Group (“DPG”), Microcontroller, Memory & Secure MCU (“MMS”) and Other EPS.

In the first quarter of 2016, we announced that we will discontinue the development of new platforms and standard products for set-top-box and home gateway, a business which was a part of the Digital Product Group (DPG) in 2015 and we changed our organization to align with our strategic focus on Smart Driving and Internet of Things applications. Three new product groups were established: Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG); Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG); and Analog and MEMS Group (AMG). This reorganization is effective as of the first quarter of 2016, and as a result, we will report revenue and operating income as follows:

 

   

Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG)

 

   

Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG)

 

   

Analog and MEMS Group (AMG)

 

   

Others, including the Imaging Division.

Below is a description of our main categories of products. We regularly communicate our product and technology highlights in our quarterly earnings releases filed on Form 6-K with the SEC, and incorporate them herein by reference.

Dedicated Automotive ICs

We are a top automotive semiconductor vendor supplying chips to leading suppliers of carmakers worldwide. We combine an unparalleled platform of advanced technologies with an unswerving commitment to quality, and a thorough understanding of the automotive market gained through close collaboration with leading customers. Our automotive-solutions portfolio covers all key application areas in the car: Powertrain, Chassis, ADAS, Body Electronics and Infotainment.

For powertrain, we provide silicon solutions for the full range of engine-management systems: from motorbikes and scooters to the most advanced drive-by-wire solutions. Developments in engine management are driven by both government emission regulations and energy concerns. We continue to work closely with major automotive OEMs, as we have for years, to reduce fuel consumption via advanced technologies such as Variable Valve Timing and Gasoline Direct Injection. Thanks to the cooperation with certain leading car makers, our microcontrollers are currently in the electrical engines of leading hybrid cars.

With regards to Chassis, we provide a broad range of solutions to increase vehicle-occupant safety, including devices for airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electric power steering and suspension systems. We are the leading supplier of chips for automotive airbags and anti-lock braking systems, which currently represent the largest portion of automotive safety electronics.

We are also a leading player in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that help avoid or minimize the severity of traffic accidents manufacturing chips for visual-aid driving-assistance such as lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, vision/radar fusion and pedestrian detection for active safety behind the wheel. Our 3rd generation ADAS Vision Processor product reached production maturity and we are now developing the 4th generation in FD-SOI with our partner Mobileye. We are also working on our first-generation modular offering for the V2X (vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure) chipset with our partner Autotalks.

Today’s car body electronics involve a myriad of inter-networked electronic systems, from dome and door-zone controls, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) systems, and seat controls to wiper and lighting controls. The penetration of electronics in the car is increasing all the time, as are the requirements for improved reliability and diagnostic capabilities. We address the concept of the “smart” junction box, which is an intelligent power and switching center for the vehicle that integrates functions and features from exterior and cabin lighting

 

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to wipers, with a comprehensive architecture that consists of upgradable hardware and software modules. And with our proprietary VIPower silicon technology and thorough application knowledge, we have become the market leader in automotive lighting electronics, offering solutions for both exterior and interior lighting, from incandescent bulbs to LED- or HID (High-Intensity Discharge)-based systems.

Our car infotainment and navigation portfolio includes complete turnkey solutions for digital radio, navigation and telematics, and wireless connectivity in the car. We have leveraged our more than 20 years at the forefront of AM/FM radio technology to lead in digital radio. We produce all of the semiconductor components for car radios — from the tuner through the baseband to multimedia processing and playback — and the Company’s car-radio systems are optimized for harsh reception environments and minimized power consumption. Our portfolio of products for navigation also includes a family of System-on-Chip solutions capable of receiving signals from multiple satellite navigation systems, including BeiDou, GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS and QZSS, to improve user position accuracy and navigation in poor satellite visibility conditions, such as in urban canyons.

In 2015, these families of products were reported under the APG product line. In 2016, they will be included in the ADG product group.

Industrial and Power Conversion, Discrete and Power Transistor

We develop a broad range of innovative Power, Smart Power and Analog ICs, to serve attractive markets such as those relating to smart grid, cloud computing, automation, portable and power conversion. As a leading supplier of both integrated and discrete power conversion semiconductors, our power management devices enable energy-saving, high-power-density and lower-standby-power design solutions. Our product portfolio includes highly-integrated AC-DC converters, switching DC-DC converters, linear voltage regulators, battery management ICs, LED drivers, photovoltaic ICs, MOSFET and IGBT drivers, motor drivers and more.

Leading-edge power technologies for both high-voltage and low-voltage applications combined with a full package range and innovative die bonding technologies exemplify our innovation in power transistors. Our portfolio includes MOSFETs ranging from -500 to 1500 V, silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs featuring the industry’s highest temperature rating of 200 °C, IGBTs with breakdown voltages ranging from 350 to 1300 V and a wide range of power bipolar transistors. Our portfolio of protection devices supports all industry requirements for electrical overstress and electrostatic surge protection, lightning surge protection and automotive protection. Our protection devices have passed all certifications, meeting or exceeding international protection standards for electrical hazards on electronics boards found in the demanding automotive, computer, consumer, industrial and telecom markets.

In 2015, these families of products were all reported under the IPD product line. In 2016, the Industrial and Power Conversion families will be included in the AMG group while the Discrete and Power transistor families will be included in the ADG group. As such, we believe the organizational change announced in the first quarter of 2016 will, among others, help boost our presence in the car electrification market thanks to the synergies generated by the new structure.

Analog, MEMS and Sensors

We have a portfolio of high-end analog products that includes MEMS (micro electro-mechanical sensors), many kinds of sensors, actuators, interfaces, low power RF transceivers and analog front-end.

Our sensor and actuator portfolio includes MEMS SENSORS (including accelerometers, gyroscopes, digital compasses, inertial modules, pressure sensors, humidity sensors and microphones), Smart sensors, temperature sensors and touch screen controllers. We offer a unique sensor portfolio, from discrete to fully-integrated solutions, high performance sensor fusion to improve the accuracy of multi-axis sensor systems in order to enable highly-demanding applications, such as indoor navigation and location based services, optical image stabilization and high-level quality products, already tested in different application fields, including mobile, portable, gaming, consumer, automotive and health care.

We also develop a comprehensive range of op amps, comparators and current-sense amplifiers. In addition to our portfolio of mainstream op amps and comparators, we offer specific devices for healthcare, industrial, and automotive applications, as well as a range of high-performance products specifically designed to meet the tight requirements of the wearable market.

 

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Our FingerTip® family of controllers provides true multi-touch capability, supporting unlimited simultaneous touches. FingerTip also enhances multi-touch actions such as pinch-to-zoom, and supports stylus operations. The latest FingerTip series, the S Series, addresses high-end smartphones and tablets. The FingerTip S series can support a passive stylus, track a hovering finger, reject water drops and work with thick gloves. These devices represent a marked improvement over competing technologies by providing an optimal mix of low power, small size and highly-precise multiple finger tracking in a single chip.

Our connectivity ICs range from wireline to wireless solutions. For wireline communication, we offer a complete family of transceivers compatible with different protocol standards used in the industry (PRIME, Meters and More, IEC 61334-5-1, CAN and others). Wireless solutions include low-power RF solutions (based on sub-1GHz RF, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies) RF solutions (sub-GHz to 5 GHz) and infrared communication ICs.

In 2015, these families of products were reported under the AMS product line. In 2016, they will be included in the AMG product group.

Microcontroller, Memory & Secure MCU

We have microcontrollers dedicated to general purpose and secure applications as well as small density serial non-volatile memories. Our product portfolio contains a comprehensive range of microcontrollers, from robust, low-cost 8-bit microcontrollers up to 32-bit ARM®-based Cortex®-M0 and M0+, Cortex®-M3, Cortex®-M4, Cortex®-M7 Flash microcontrollers with a wide choice of peripherals. We have also extended this range to include an ultra-low-power MCU platform.

The STM32 family of 32-bit Flash microcontrollers based on the ARM® Cortex®-M processor is designed to offer new degrees of freedom to microcontroller users. It offers a 32-bit product range that combines very high performance, real-time capabilities, digital signal processing, and low-power, low-voltage operation, while maintaining full integration and ease of development.

The unparalleled and large range of STM32 devices, based on an industry-standard core and accompanied by a vast choice of tools and software, makes this family of products an ideal choice, both for small projects and for entire platform decisions.

We offer leading products for secure applications in traditional smartcard applications and embedded security applications. Throughout our 20+ year presence in the smartcard security industry, we have supplied the market’s most advanced technologies and solutions, with a continuous focus on innovation and the highest levels of security certification. Our expertise in security is a key to our leadership in the banking, pay-TV, mobile communication, identity, and transport fields. We also actively contribute to the emergence of new applications such as secure mobile transactions on near field communication (“NFC”) mobile phones, trusted computing, brand protection, etc. Our secure microcontroller product portfolio offers compliance with the latest security standards up to Common Criteria EAL6+, ICAO, and TCG1.2. Our secure microcontrollers cover a complete range of interfaces for both contact and contactless communication, including ISO 7816, ISO 14443 Type A & B, NFC, USB, SPI and I²C.

Our secure-microcontroller platforms rely on a highly-secure architecture combined with leading edge CPUs, such as ARM’s SC300 and SC000, and advanced embedded non-volatile memory technologies such as 90-nm embedded Flash and 90-nm embedded EEPROM technologies.

We offer a wide range of small density serial non-volatile memories. The serial EEPROM family ranges from 1 Kbit to 2 Mbits and offers different serial interfaces: I²C, SPI, Microwire. The wide range of products are also automotive compliant, and very thin packages are available for applications where space is critical.

RF memory and transceiver products are based on the 13.56 MHz carrier frequency and are also compatible with the Near Field Communications (“NFC”) technology. We offer one of the most comprehensive portfolios, which includes NFC/RFID transceivers, Dynamic NFC/RFID tags (also known as Dual Interface EEPROM) and Standalone RFID tags.

In 2015, these families of products were reported under the MMS product line. In 2016, they will be included in the MDG product group.

 

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Digital ASICs

We offer digital, including our proprietary FD-SOI technology and mixed-process ASICs for a broad range of applications, including silicon photonics devices, addressing communications infrastructure systems. Our family of embedded MPUs offers high levels of computation power for complex, networked communication, display and control applications, using state-of-the-art architecture, silicon technology and intellectual property. In 2015, these families of products were reported under the DPG product line. In 2016, they will be included in the MDG product group.

Specialized Imaging Sensors

We also have a broad portfolio of imaging solutions, including technology we have developed and patented, such as FlightSenseTM. Our FlightSenseTM technology uses Time-of-Flight principles in order to propose a new generation of high-accuracy proximity and ranging sensors. FlightSenseTM technology can be used in a host of application areas such as communication and consumer, home appliance, automotive and industrial, where accurate ranging, that is target reflectance independent, is required, as conventional infrared proximity sensor devices cannot output an absolute range measure in the same manner.

In 2015, these families of products were reported under the DPG product line. In 2016, they will be reported separately in Others. In 2015, we announced the discontinuation of our camera module business, focusing Imaging on specialized Imaging sensors. During this transition the Imaging division is associated with technology development under the responsibility of our COO and will be reported in 2016 in the segment Others.

Alliances with Customers and Industry Partnerships

We believe that alliances with customers and industry partnerships are critical to success in the semiconductor industry. Customer alliances provide us with valuable systems and application know-how and access to markets for key products, while allowing our customers to gain access to our process technologies and manufacturing infrastructure. We are actively working to expand the number of our customer alliances, targeting OEMs in the United States, in Europe and in Asia.

From time to time we collaborate with other semiconductor industry companies, research organizations, universities and suppliers to further our R&D efforts. Such collaboration provides us with a number of important benefits, including the sharing of costs, reductions in our own capital requirements, acquisitions of technical know-how and access to additional production capacities.

Customers and Applications

We design, develop, manufacture and market thousands of products that we sell to thousands of customers. We emphasize balance in our product portfolio, in the applications we serve and in the regional markets we address. Our major customers include Apple, Bosch, Cisco, Conti, Delta, Hewlett-Packard, Huawei, Samsung, Seagate and Western Digital. To many of our key customers we provide a wide range of products, including application-specific products, discrete devices, memory products and programmable products. Our broad portfolio helps foster close relationships with customers, which provides opportunities to supply such customers’ requirements for multiple products, including discrete devices, programmable products and memory products. We also sell our products through distributors and retailers.

Sales, Marketing and Distribution

Our sales and marketing is organized by a combination of country/area coverage and key accounts coverage with the primary objective being to accelerate sales growth and gain market share, particularly with regards to: strengthening the effectiveness of the development of our global accounts; boosting demand creation through an enhanced focus on geographical coverage; and establishing regional sales and marketing teams that are fully aligned with our product lines.

During 2015 we had four regional sales organizations: EMEA; Americas; Greater China-South Asia; and Japan-Korea. Our regional sales organizations have a similar structure to enhance coordination in go-to-market activities and are strongly focused on accelerated growth. As of the first quarter of 2016, we have three regional sales organizations: EMEA; Americas; and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific was created from the merger of the Japan & Korea and Greater China-South Asia regional sales organizations. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management

 

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and Employees — Recent Corporate Developments.” The sales and marketing activities performed by our regional sales organizations are supported by product marketing that is carried out by each product group, which also includes product development functions. This matrix system reinforces our sales and marketing activities and our broader strategic objectives. An important component of our regional sales and marketing efforts is to expand our customer base, which we seek to do by adding sales representatives, regional competence centers and new generations of electronic tools for customer support.

We also have our Mass Market and Online Marketing Programs organization, which helps to provide consistency and coordination of key activities associated with mass market development by working in close co-operation with the regions and product lines. This organization covers several important responsibilities, such as mass market customer programs, mass market applications, global distribution administration, online marketing and mass market tools enablement.

In addition, we engage distributors and sales representatives to distribute our products around the world. Typically, distributors handle a wide variety of products, including those that compete with our products, and fill orders for many customers. Most of our sales to distributors are made under agreements allowing for price protection and/or the right of return on unsold merchandise. We generally recognize revenues upon the transfer of ownership of the goods at the contractual point of delivery. Sales representatives, on the other hand, generally do not offer products that compete directly with our products, but may carry complementary items manufactured by others. Sales representatives do not maintain a product inventory. Their customers place large quantity orders directly with us and are referred to distributors for smaller orders.

At the request of certain of our customers, we also sell and deliver our products to EMS, which, on a contractual basis with our customers, incorporate our products into the application specific products they manufacture for our customers. Certain customers require us to hold inventory on consignment in their hubs and only purchase inventory when they require it for their own production. This may lead to delays in recognizing revenues, as revenue recognition will occur, within a specific period of time, at the actual withdrawal of the products from the consignment inventory, at the customer’s option.

For a breakdown of net revenues by product segment and geographic region for the last three fiscal years, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

Research and Development

Since our creation, we have maintained a firm commitment to R&D. Almost one-fifth of our employees work in R&D for product design/development and technology and, in 2015, we spent approximately 21% of our revenue on R&D. Our innovation in semiconductor technology as well as in hardware and software contribute to our making successful products that create value for us and our customers. Our complete design platforms, including a large selection of IPs and silicon-proven models and design rules, enable the fast development of products designed to meet customer expectations in terms of reliability, quality, competitiveness in price and time-to-market. We contribute to making our customers’ products more efficient, more appealing, more reliable and safer.

We draw on a rich pool of chip fabrication technologies, including advanced FD-SOI (Fully Depleted Silicon-on-Insulator) CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), imaging, embedded non-volatile memories, mixed-signal, analog and MEMS and power processes. We combine front-end manufacturing and technology R&D under the same organization to ensure a smooth flow of information between the R&D and manufacturing organizations. We leverage significant synergies and shared activities between our product groups to cross-fertilize them. Technology R&D expenses are allocated to the relevant product groups on the basis of the estimated efforts.

We have advanced R&D centers which offer us a significant advantage in quickly and cost effectively introducing products. Furthermore, we have established a strong culture of partnership and through the years have created a network of strategic collaborations with key customers, suppliers, competitors, and leading universities and research institutes around the world. Among such collaborations was the IBM Technology Development Alliance which we exited in 2015. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Alliances with Customers and Industry Partnerships”. We also play leadership roles in numerous projects running under the European Union’s IST (Information Society Technologies) programs and we also participate in certain R&D programs established by the EU, individual countries and local authorities in Europe (primarily in France and Italy). See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Public Funding”.

 

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We believe that market driven R&D founded on leading edge products and technologies is critical to our success. We devote significant effort to R&D because we believe such investment can be leveraged into competitive advantages. New developments in semiconductor technology can make end products significantly cheaper, smaller, faster, more reliable and embedded than their predecessors, with differentiated functionalities. They can enable significant value creation opportunities with their timely appearance on the market. The total amount of our R&D expenses in the past three fiscal years was $1,425 million, $1,520 million and $1,816 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For more information on our R&D expenses, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Research and Development Expenses”.

Property, Plants and Equipment

We currently operate 13 main manufacturing sites around the world. The table below sets forth certain information with respect to our current manufacturing facilities, products and technologies. Front-end manufacturing facilities are fabs and back-end facilities are assembly, packaging and final testing plants.

 

Location

  

Products

  

Technologies

Front-end facilities

     

Crolles1, France

   Application-specific products    Fab: 200-mm manufacturing on CMOS and Bi-
CMOS, Analog/RF technologies

Crolles2, France

   Application-specific products and leading edge logic products; non-volatile memories and microcontrollers    Fab: 300 mm research and
development and manufacturing on advanced
CMOS Bulk and FDSOI, imaging, Analog/RF, embedded non-volatile memories and
microcontrollers technologies

Agrate, Italy

   Non-volatile memories, microcontrollers and application-specific products MEMS   

Fab 1: 200-mm BCD, MEMS, Microfluidics

 

Fab 2: 200-mm, embedded Flash, research and
development on non-volatile memories and BCD
technologies and Flash (operating in consortium with
Micron)

Rousset, France

   Non-volatile memories and microcontrollers, application-specific products    200-mm manufacturing on CMOS,
embedded non-volatile memories, EEPROM and Analog/RF technologies

Catania, Italy(1)

   Power transistors, Smart Power and analog ICs and application-specific products, MEMS   

Fab 1: 150-mm Power metal-on
silicon oxide semiconductor
process technology (“MOS”),
VIPpowerTM, MO-3, MO-5 and Pilot Line RF

 

Fab 2: 200-mm, Microcontrollers, Advanced
BCD, power MOS

Tours, France

   Protection thyristors, diodes and ASD power transistors, IPAD    Fab: 125-mm, 150-mm and
200-mm (under ramp-up)

Ang Mo Kio, Singapore

   Analog, microcontrollers, power transistors, commodity products, non-volatile memories, and application-specific products   

Fab 1: 150-mm-bipolar, power
MOS and BCD, EE PROM,
smartcard, microcontrollers, CMOS logic,
microfluidics, MEMS, Bi-CMOS

 

Fab 2: 200-mm BCD and Power
MOS (under ramp-up)

Back-end facilities

     

Muar, Malaysia

   Application-specific and standard products, microcontrollers    Ball Grid Array, Power
Automotive, SOIC, QFP

Kirkop, Malta

   Application-specific products, MEMS, Embedded Flash for Automotive    Ball Grid Array, QFP, Land
Grid Array

 

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Location

  

Products

  

Technologies

Toa Payoh, Singapore

   Packaging research and development, EWS   

Bouskoura, Morocco

   Non-volatile memories, discrete and standard products, micro modules, RF and subsystems    Power, Power Automotive,
SOIC, Micromodules

Shenzhen, China(2)

   Non-volatile memories, optical packages, discrete, application-specific and standard products    SOIC, Power

Calamba, Philippines

   Application specific products and standard products, MEMS    Ball Grid Array, QFN,
Micromodules, Land Grid Array

 

(1)

Fab 1 in Catania will be progressively converted into 200-mm and merged with Fab 2.

(2)

Jointly operated with SHIC, a subsidiary of Shenzhen Electronics Group.

At the end of 2015, our front-end facilities had a total maximum capacity of approximately 120,000 200-mm equivalent wafer starts per week. The number of wafer starts per week varies from facility to facility and from period to period as a result of changes in product mix. Our advanced 300-mm wafer fabrication facility in Crolles, France is planned to increase its production capacity as required by market demand.

We own all of our manufacturing facilities, but certain facilities (Muar, Malaysia; Shenzhen, China; and Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio, Singapore) are built on land, which are the subject of long-term leases.

We have historically subcontracted a portion of total manufacturing volumes to external suppliers. In 2015, we purchased approximately 8% from external foundries of our total silicon production. Our plan is to continue sourcing silicon from external foundries to give us flexibility in supporting our growth.

At December 31, 2015, we had approximately $150 million in outstanding commitments for purchases of equipment and other assets for delivery in 2016. In 2015, our capital spending, net of proceeds, was $467 million, below the $496 million registered in 2014. In the 2013-2015 period the ratio of capital investment spending to net revenues was about 6.7%. For more information, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Financial Outlook: Capital Investment”.

Intellectual Property (IP)

Our success depends in part on our ability to obtain patents, licenses and other IP rights to protect our proprietary technologies and processes. IP rights that apply to our various products include patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks and mask work rights. We currently own approximately 15,400 patents and pending patent applications, corresponding to over 9,400 patent families (each patent family containing all patents originating from the same invention), including approximately 500 original new patent applications filed in 2015.

We believe that our IP represents valuable assets. We rely on various intellectual property laws, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect our IP assets and enforce our IP rights. To optimize the value of our IP assets, we have engaged in licensing our design technology and other IP, including patents. We have also entered into broad-scope cross-licenses and other agreements which enable us to design, manufacture and sell semiconductor products using the IP rights of third parties and/or operating within the scope of IP rights owned by third parties.

From time to time, we are involved in IP litigation and infringement claims. See Note 22 and Item 3. “Key Information — Risk Factors”. Regardless of the validity or the successful assertion of such claims, we may incur significant costs with respect to the defense thereof, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flow or financial condition.

Backlog

Our sales are made primarily pursuant to standard purchase orders that are generally booked from one to twelve months in advance of delivery. Quantities actually purchased by customers, as well as prices, are subject to variations between booking and delivery and, in some cases, to cancellation due to changes in customer needs or industry conditions. During periods of economic slowdown and/or industry overcapacity and/or declining

 

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selling prices, customer orders are not generally made far in advance of the scheduled shipment date. Such reduced lead time can reduce management’s ability to forecast production levels and revenues. When the economy rebounds, our customers may strongly increase their demands, which can result in capacity constraints due to our inability to match manufacturing capacity with such demand.

In addition, our sales are affected by seasonality, with the first quarter generally showing lowest revenue levels in the year, and the third or fourth quarter historically generating higher amounts of revenues.

We also sell certain products to key customers pursuant to frame contracts. Frame contracts are annual contracts with customers setting forth quantities and prices on specific products that may be ordered in the future. These contracts allow us to schedule production capacity in advance and allow customers to manage their inventory levels consistent with just-in-time principles while shortening the cycle times required to produce ordered products. Orders under frame contracts are also subject to a high degree of volatility, because they reflect expected market conditions which may or may not materialize. Thus, they are subject to risks of price reduction, order cancellation and modifications as to quantities actually ordered resulting in inventory build-ups.

Furthermore, developing industry trends, including customers’ use of outsourcing and their deployment of new and revised supply chain models, may reduce our ability to forecast changes in customer demand and may increase our financial requirements in terms of capital expenditures and inventory levels.

We entered 2015 with a backlog lower than we had entering 2014. For 2016, due to market conditions, we entered the year with a backlog lower than what we had entering 2015.

Competition

Markets for our products are intensely competitive. While only a few companies compete with us in all of our product lines, we face significant competition in each of them. We compete with major international semiconductor companies. Smaller niche companies are also increasing their participation in the semiconductor market, and semiconductor foundry companies have expanded significantly, particularly in Asia. Competitors include manufacturers of standard semiconductors, ASICs and fully customized ICs, including both chip and board-level products, as well as customers who develop their own IC products and foundry operations. Some of our competitors are also our customers. We compete in different product lines to various degrees on the basis of price, technical performance, product features, product system compatibility, customized design, availability, quality and sales and technical support. In particular, standard products may involve greater risk of competitive pricing, inventory imbalances and severe market fluctuations than differentiated products. Our ability to compete successfully depends on elements both within and outside our control, including successful and timely development of new products and manufacturing processes, product performance and quality, manufacturing yields and product availability, customer service, pricing, industry trends and general economic trends.

The semiconductor industry is intensely competitive and characterized by the high costs associated with developing marketable products and manufacturing technologies as well as high levels of investment in production capabilities. As a result, the semiconductor industry has experienced, and may continue to experience, significant consolidation among our competitors and vertical integration among our customers. Consolidation among our competitors and integration among our customers could negatively impact our capacity to compete and have other adverse effects on our business. See Item 3 “Key Information — Risk Factors”.

Organizational Structure and History

We are organized in a matrix structure with geographic regions interacting with product lines, both supported by shared technology and manufacturing operations and by central functions, designed to enable us to be closer to our customers and to facilitate communication among the R&D, production, marketing and sales organizations.

While STMicroelectronics N.V. is the parent company, we also conduct our operations through service activities from our subsidiaries. We provide certain administrative, human resources, legal, treasury, strategy, manufacturing, marketing and other overhead services to our consolidated subsidiaries pursuant to service agreements for which we recover the cost.

 

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The following table lists our consolidated subsidiaries and our percentage ownership as of December 31, 2015:

 

Legal Seat

  

Name

   Percentage
Ownership
(Direct or Indirect)
 

Australia, Sydney

   STMicroelectronics PTY Ltd      100   

Belgium, Diegem

   Proton World International N.V.      100   

Brazil, Sao Paulo

   South America Comércio de Cartões Inteligentes Ltda      100   

Brazil, Sao Paulo

   STMicroelectronics Ltda      100   

Canada, Ottawa

   STMicroelectronics (Canada), Inc.      100   

China, Beijing

   STMicroelectronics (Beijing) R&D Co. Ltd      100   

China, Shanghai

   STMicroelectronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd      100   

China, Shanghai

   STMicroelectronics (China) Investment Co. Ltd      100   

China, Shenzhen

   Shenzhen STS Microelectronics Co. Ltd      60   

China, Shenzhen

   STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. Ltd      100   

Czech Republic, Prague

   STMicroelectronics Design and Application s.r.o.      100   

Finland, Nummela

   STMicroelectronics Finland OY      100   

France, Crolles

   STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS      100   

France, Grenoble

   STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS      100   

France, Le Mans

   STMicroelectronics (Grand Ouest) SAS      100   

France, Grenoble

   STMicroelectronics (Alps) SAS      100   

France, Montrouge

   STMicroelectronics S.A.      100   

France, Rousset

   STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SAS      100   

France, Tours

   STMicroelectronics (Tours) SAS      100   

Germany, Aschheim-Dornach

   STMicroelectronics GmbH      100   

Germany, Aschheim-Dornach

   STMicroelectronics Application GmbH      100   

Holland, Amsterdam

   STMicroelectronics Finance B.V.      100   

Holland, Amsterdam

   STMicroelectronics Finance II N.V.      100   

Holland, Amsterdam

   STMicroelectronics International N.V.      100   

Hong Kong

   STMicroelectronics Ltd      100   

India, New Delhi

   STMicroelectronics Marketing Pvt Ltd      100   

India, Noida

   STMicroelectronics Pvt Ltd      100   

Israel, Netanya

   STMicroelectronics Ltd      100   

Italy, Agrate Brianza

   STMicroelectronics S.r.l.      100   

Italy, Catania

   CO.RI.M.ME.      100   

Italy, Naples

   STMicroelectronics Services S.r.l.      100   

Italy, Torino

   ST-POLITO Scarl      75   

Japan, Tokyo

   STMicroelectronics KK      100   

Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

   STMicroelectronics Marketing SDN BHD      100   

Malaysia, Muar

   STMicroelectronics SDN BHD      100   

Malta, Kirkop

   STMicroelectronics (Malta) Ltd      100   

Mexico, Guadalajara

   STMicroelectronics Marketing, S. de R.L. de C.V.      100   

Morocco, Casablanca

   Electronic Holding S.A.      100   

Morocco, Casablanca

   STMicroelectronics S.A.S. (Maroc)      100   

Philippines, Calamba

   STMicroelectronics, Inc.      100   

Philippines, Calamba

   Mountain Drive Property, Inc.      40   

Singapore, Ang Mo Kio

   STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd      100   

Singapore, Ang Mo Kio

   STMicroelectronics Pte Ltd      100   

Spain, Barcelona

   STMicroelectronics Iberia S.A.      100   

Sweden, Kista

   STMicroelectronics A.B.      100   

Switzerland, Geneva

   STMicroelectronics S.A.      100   

Switzerland, Geneva

   INCARD S.A.      100   

Switzerland, Geneva

   ST New Ventures S.A.      100   

Thailand, Bangkok

   STMicroelectronics (Thailand) Ltd      100   

United Kingdom, Marlow

   Inmos Limited      100   

United Kingdom, Marlow

   STMicroelectronics Limited      100   

United Kingdom, Bristol

   STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited      100   

United Kingdom, Marlow

   Synad Technologies Limited      100   

 

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Legal Seat

  

Name

   Percentage
Ownership
(Direct or Indirect)
 

United States, Coppell

   STMicroelectronics Inc.      100   

United States, Coppell

   Genesis Microchip Inc.      100   

United States, Coppell

   Genesis Microchip (Delaware), Inc.      100   

United States, Coppell

   Genesis Microchip LLC      100   

United States, Coppell

   Genesis Microchip Limited Partnership      100   

United States, Coppell

   Sage Inc.      100   

United States, Coppell

   Faroudja, Inc.      100   

United States, Coppell

   Faroudja Laboratories Inc.      100   

United States, Coppell

   STMicroelectronics (North America) Holding, Inc.      100   

United States, Wilsonville

   The Portland Group, Inc.      100   

The following table lists our principal equity-method investments and our percentage ownership as of December 31, 2015:

 

Legal Seat

  

Name

   Percentage
Ownership
(Direct or Indirect)
 

Brazil, Sao Paulo

   Incard do Brazil Ltda      50.0   

Switzerland, Geneva

   ST-Ericsson SA, in liquidation      50.0   

Public Funding

We receive funding mainly from French, Italian and European Union governmental entities. Such funding is generally provided to encourage R&D activities, industrialization and local economic development. Public funding in France, Italy and Europe generally is open to all companies, regardless of their ownership or country of incorporation. The conditions for receipt of government funding may include eligibility restrictions, approval by EU authorities, annual budget appropriations, compliance with European Union regulations, as well as specifications regarding objectives and results. The approval process for such funding may be quite long, up to several years. Certain specific contracts require compliance with extensive regulatory requirements and set forth certain conditions relating to the funded programs. There could be penalties if these objectives are not fulfilled. Other contracts contain penalties for late deliveries or for breach of contract, which may result in repayment obligations. Our funding programs are classified under three general categories: funding for research and development activities, capital investment, and loans. We also benefit from tax credits for R&D activities in several countries (notably in France) as they are generally available to all companies. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations” and the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The main programs for R&D in which we are involved include: (i) the Eureka Cluster for Application and Technology Research in Europe on NanoElectronics (CATRENE) cooperative R&D program (since CATRENE ended in December 2015, a new Eureka program, called the Pan-European program on Nanoelectronics Technology and Applications (PENTA), will start in 2016); (ii) EU R&D projects within Horizon 2020 (the European Union’s research and innovation framework); (iii) Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership (ECSEL) initiative, which combines all electronics related R&D activities and is operated by joint undertakings formed by the European Union, some member states and industry; and (iv) national or regional programs for R&D and for industrialization in the electronics industries involving many companies and laboratories. The pan European programs cover a period of several years, while national or regional programs in France and Italy are subject mostly to annual budget appropriation.

In support of our R&D activities, we signed the Nano2017 program with the French government in 2013, which was approved by the European Union in the second quarter of 2014 and, in our role as Coordinator and Project Leader of Nano2017, we have been allocated an overall funding budget of about €400 million for the period 2013-2017, subject to the conclusion of agreements every year with the public authorities and linked to the achievement of technical parameters and objectives. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. We believe the Nano2017 R&D program will strengthen our leadership in key technologies such as FD-SOI (low-power, high-performance processing), imagers and photonic sensors and embedded non-volatile memories. These technologies are at the core of our digital portfolio which includes, among others, microcontrollers, imaging, analog and mixed signal, digital automotive and ASICs. We have no visibility whether a new multi-year program for R&D funding in France or in other countries could be adopted beyond 2017, based on our future R&D plan and available instruments. See Item 3 “Key Information — Risk Factors.”

 

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Suppliers

We use three main critical types of suppliers in our business: equipment suppliers, material suppliers and external silicon foundries and back-end subcontractors. We also purchase third party licensed technology from a limited number of providers.

In the front-end process, we use steppers, scanners, tracking equipment, strippers, chemo-mechanical polishing equipment, cleaners, inspection equipment, etchers, physical and chemical vapor-deposition equipment, implanters, furnaces, testers, probers and other specialized equipment. The manufacturing tools that we use in the back-end process include bonders, burn-in ovens, testers and other specialized equipment. The quality and technology of equipment used in the IC manufacturing process defines the limits of our technology. Demand for increasingly smaller chip structures means that semiconductor producers must quickly incorporate the latest advances in process technology to remain competitive. Advances in process technology cannot occur without commensurate advances in equipment technology, and equipment costs tend to increase as the equipment becomes more sophisticated.

Our manufacturing processes use many materials, including silicon wafers, lead frames, mold compound, ceramic packages and chemicals and gases. The prices of many of these materials are volatile due to the specificity of the market. We have therefore adopted a “multiple sourcing strategy” designed to protect us from the risk of price increases. The same strategy applies to supplies for the materials used by us to avoid potential material disruption of essential materials. Our “multiple sourcing strategy”, our Financial Risk Monitoring (FRISK) as well as the robustness of our supply chain and strong partnership with suppliers are intended to mitigate these risks.

Finally, we also use external subcontractors to outsource wafer manufacturing, as well as assembly and testing of finished products. See “— Property, Plants and Equipment” above.

Environmental Matters

We are subject to a variety of environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we operate which govern, among other things, the use, storage, discharge and disposal of chemicals and other hazardous substances, emissions and wastes, as well as the investigation and remediation of soil and ground water contamination. We are also required to obtain environmental permits, licenses and other forms of authorization, or give prior notification, in order to operate.

We adopt a rigorous approach to managing our business operations in an environmentally responsible way. Consistent with our sustainability strategy, we have established proactive environmental policies with respect to the handling of chemicals, emissions, waste disposals and other substances of concern from our manufacturing operations. Company-wide we are certified to be in compliance with quality standard ISO 9001. Across our manufacturing activities and supply chain, we implement the highest standards. The majority of our sites are ISO 14001 certified and EMAS (Eco Management and Audit Scheme) validated. Furthermore, all of our front-end manufacturing sites are ISO 50001 certified.

We believe that in 2015 our activities complied with then-applicable environmental regulations in all material respects. We have engaged outside consultants to audit all of our environmental activities and have created environmental management teams, information systems and training. We have also instituted environmental control procedures for processes used by us as well as our suppliers. In 2015, there were no material environmental claims made against us.

 

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

Overview

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 20-F. The following discussion contains statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, or Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, particularly in the sections “— Critical Accounting Policies Using Significant Estimates”, “— Business Outlook”, “— Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “— Financial Outlook: Capital Investment”. Our actual results may differ significantly from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of factors that might cause future actual results to differ materially from our recent results or those projected in the forward-looking statements in

 

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addition to the factors set forth below, see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 3. “Key Information — Risk Factors”. We assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or such risk factors.

Critical Accounting Policies Using Significant Estimates

The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions. The primary areas that require significant estimates and judgments by us include, but are not limited to:

 

   

sales returns and allowances;

 

   

inventory obsolescence reserves and normal manufacturing capacity thresholds to determine costs capitalized in inventory;

 

   

recognition and measurement of loss contingencies;

 

   

valuation at fair value of assets acquired or sold, including intangibles, goodwill, investments and tangible assets;

 

   

annual and trigger-based impairment review of goodwill and intangible assets, as well as an assessment, in each reporting period, of events, which could trigger impairment testing on long-lived assets;

 

   

estimated value of the consideration to be received and used as fair value for asset groups classified as assets held for sale and the assessment of probability of realizing the sale;

 

   

assessment of other-than-temporary impairment charges on financial assets, including equity-method investments;

 

   

recognition and measurement of restructuring charges and other related exit costs;

 

   

assumptions used in assessing the number of awards expected to vest on stock-based compensation plans;

 

   

assumptions used in calculating pension obligations and other long-term employee benefits; and

 

   

determination of the amount of taxes expected to be paid and tax benefit expected to be received, including deferred income tax assets, valuation allowance and provisions for uncertain tax positions and claims.

We base the estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors such as market trends, market information used by market participants and the latest available business plans that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. While we regularly evaluate our estimates and assumptions, the actual results we experience could differ materially and adversely from our estimates. To the extent there are material differences between our estimates and actual results, future results of operations, cash flows and financial position could be significantly affected.

We believe the following critical accounting policies require us to make significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements:

Revenue recognition. Our policy is to recognize revenues from sales of products to our customers when all of the following conditions have been met: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (b) delivery has occurred; (c) the selling price is fixed or determinable; and (d) collectability is reasonably assured. Our revenue recognition usually occurs at the time of shipment.

Consistent with standard business practice in the semiconductor industry, price protection is granted to distribution customers on their existing inventory of our products to compensate them for declines in market prices. We accrue a provision for price protection based on a rolling historical price trend computed on a monthly basis as a percentage of gross distributor sales. This historical price trend represents differences in recent months between the invoiced price and the final price to the distributor, adjusted if required, to accommodate for a significant change in the current market price. We record the accrued amounts as a deduction of revenue at the time of our sale to distributors. The ultimate decision to authorize a distributor refund remains fully within our control. The short outstanding inventory time period, our visibility into the standard inventory product pricing

 

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and our long distributor pricing history, have enabled us to reliably estimate price protection provisions at period-end. If market conditions differ from our assumptions, this could have an impact on future periods. In particular, if market conditions were to deteriorate, net revenues could be reduced due to higher product returns and price reductions at the time these adjustments occur, which could adversely impact our profitability.

Our customers occasionally return our products. Our standard terms and conditions of sale provide that if we determine that products do not conform, we will repair or replace them, or issue a credit note or rebate of the purchase price. In certain cases, when the products we have supplied have been proven to be defective, we have agreed to compensate our customers for claimed damages in order to maintain and enhance our business relationship. Quality returns are usually associated with end-user customers, not with distribution channels. Quality returns are not related to any technological obsolescence issues and are identified shortly after sale in customer quality control testing. We provide for such returns when they are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. We record the accrued amounts as a reduction of revenue.

Our insurance policy relating to product liability only covers physical and other direct damages caused by defective products. We carry limited insurance against immaterial non-consequential damages. We record a provision for warranty costs as a charge against cost of sales based on historical trends of warranty costs incurred as a percentage of sales which we have determined to be a reasonable estimate of the probable losses to be incurred for warranty claims in a period.

Any potential warranty claims are subject to our determination that we are at fault for damages, and that such claims usually must be submitted within a short period of time following the date of sale. This warranty is given in lieu of all other warranties, conditions or terms expressed or implied by statute or common law. Our contractual terms and conditions typically limit our liability to the sales value of the products that gave rise to the claims.

While the majority of our sales agreements contain standard terms and conditions, we may, from time to time, enter into agreements that contain multiple elements or non-standard terms and conditions, which require revenue recognition judgments. In such cases, following the guidance related to revenue recognition, the arrangement is allocated to the different elements based on vendor-specific objective evidence, third party evidence or our best estimates of the selling price of the separable deliverables. These arrangements generally do not include performance-, cancellation-, termination-, or refund-type provisions.

Trade accounts receivable. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for potential estimated losses resulting from our customers’ inability to make required payments. We base our estimates on historical collection trends and record an allowance accordingly. Furthermore, we evaluate our customers’ financial condition periodically and record an allowance for any specific account we consider as doubtful. In 2015, we did not record any new material specific charge related to bankrupt customers. If we receive information that the financial condition of our customers has deteriorated, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances could be required.

Business combinations and goodwill. The purchase accounting method applied to business combinations requires extensive use of estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price to the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the assumptions and estimates used to allocate the purchase price are not correct or if business conditions change, purchase price adjustments or future asset impairment charges could be required. At December 31, 2015, the value of goodwill in our Consolidated Balance Sheet amounted to $76 million.

Impairment of goodwill. Goodwill recognized in business combinations is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually in the third quarter, or more frequently if a triggering event indicating a possible impairment exists. Goodwill subject to potential impairment is tested at a reporting unit level, which represents a component of an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available, after performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether an impairment test is necessary, in cases when we have chosen such option. This impairment test determines whether the fair value of each reporting unit for which goodwill is allocated is lower than the total carrying amount of relevant net assets allocated to such reporting unit, including its allocated goodwill. If lower, the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is then compared to the carrying value of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recognized for any excess. In determining the fair value of a reporting unit, significant management judgments and estimates are used in forecasting the future discounted cash flows, including: the applicable industry’s sales volume forecast and selling price evolution, the reporting unit’s market penetration and its revenues evolution, the market acceptance of certain new technologies

 

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and products, the relevant cost structure, the discount rates applied using a weighted average cost of capital and the perpetuity rates used in calculating cash flow terminal values. Our evaluations are based on financial plans updated with the latest available projections of the semiconductor market, our sales expectations and our costs evaluation, and are consistent with the plans and estimates that we use to manage our business. It is possible, however, that the plans and estimates used may prove to be incorrect, and future adverse changes in market conditions, changes in strategies, lack of performance of major customers or operating results of acquired businesses that are not in line with our estimates may require impairments.

We performed our annual impairment test of goodwill during the third quarter of 2015 and concluded that there was no impairment. Impairment charges could result from new valuations triggered by changes in our product portfolio or strategic alternatives, particularly in the event of a downward shift in future revenues or operating cash flows in relation to our current plans or in case of capital injections by, or equity transfers to, third parties at a value lower than the current carrying value.

Intangible assets subject to amortization. Intangible assets subject to amortization include intangible assets purchased from third parties recorded at cost and intangible assets acquired in business combinations recorded at fair value, comprised of technologies and licenses, trademarks, contractual customer relationships and computer software. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are reflected net of any impairment losses and are amortized over their estimated useful life. We evaluate each reporting period whether there is reason to suspect that intangible assets held for use might not be recoverable. If we identify events or changes in circumstances which are indicative that the carrying amount is not recoverable, we assess whether the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows associated with the intangible assets. If exceeded, we then evaluate whether an impairment charge is required by determining if the asset’s carrying value also exceeds its fair value. An impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value. Significant management judgments and estimates are required to forecast undiscounted cash flows associated with the intangible assets. Our evaluations are based on financial plans updated with the latest available projections of growth in the semiconductor market and our sales expectations. They are consistent with the plans and estimates that we use to manage our business. It is possible, however, that the plans and estimates used may be incorrect and that future adverse changes in market conditions or operating results of businesses acquired may not be in line with our estimates and may therefore require us to recognize impairment charges on certain intangible assets.

During 2015, we tested for impairment the dedicated long-lived assets of the DPG reporting unit related to products for which current and future economic performance is weaker than expected. The result was that these intangible assets, composed of acquired technologies, and amounting to $6 million, were fully impaired due to the fact that their projected cash flows, over their remaining useful life, were less than their carrying value. Additionally, we recognized impairments for $7 million and $3 million of acquired technologies in the third and fourth quarter of 2015 respectively, for which we determined that they had no alternative future use.

We will continue to monitor the carrying value of our assets. If market conditions deteriorate, this could result in future non-cash impairment charges against earnings. Further impairment charges could also result from new valuations triggered by changes in our product portfolio or by strategic transactions, particularly in the event of a downward shift in future revenues or operating cash flows in relation to our current plans or in case of capital injections by, or equity transfers to, third parties at a value lower than the one underlying the carrying amount.

At December 31, 2015, the value of intangible assets subject to amortization in our Consolidated Balance Sheet amounted to $166 million.

Property, plant and equipment. Our business requires substantial investments in technologically advanced manufacturing facilities, which may become significantly underutilized or obsolete as a result of rapid changes in demand and ongoing technological evolution. We estimate the useful life for the majority of our manufacturing equipment, the largest component of our long-lived assets, to be six years, except for our 300-mm manufacturing equipment whose useful life is estimated to be ten years. This estimate is based on our experience using the equipment over time. Depreciation expense is a major element of our manufacturing cost structure. We begin to depreciate newly acquired equipment when it is placed into service.

We evaluate each reporting period if there is reason to suspect impairment on tangible assets or groups of assets held for use and we perform an impairment review when there is reason to suspect that the carrying value of these long-lived assets might not be recoverable, particularly in case of a restructuring plan. If we identify events or changes in circumstances which are indicative that the carrying amount is not recoverable, we assess

 

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whether the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows associated with the tangible assets or group of assets. If exceeded, we then evaluate whether an impairment charge is required by determining if the asset’s carrying value also exceeds its fair value. We normally estimate this fair value based on independent market appraisals or the sum of discounted future cash flows, using market assumptions such as the utilization of our fabrication facilities and the ability to upgrade such facilities, change in the selling price and the adoption of new technologies. We also evaluate and adjust, if appropriate, the assets’ useful lives at each Balance Sheet date or when impairment indicators are identified. Assets classified as held for sale are reported as current assets at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell and are not depreciated. Costs to sell include incremental direct costs to transact the sale that we would not have incurred except for the decision to sell. In 2015, no impairment charge was recorded on property, plant and equipment.

Our evaluations are based on financial plans updated with the latest projections of growth in the semiconductor market and our sales expectations, from which we derive the future production needs and loading of our manufacturing facilities, and which are consistent with the plans and estimates that we use to manage our business. These plans are highly variable due to the high volatility of the semiconductor business and therefore are subject to continuous modifications. If future growth differs from the estimates used in our plans, in terms of both market growth and production allocation to our manufacturing plants, this could require a further review of the carrying amount of our tangible assets and result in a potential impairment loss.

Inventory. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is based on the weighted average cost by adjusting the standard cost to approximate actual manufacturing costs on a quarterly basis; therefore, the cost is dependent on our manufacturing performance. In the case of underutilization of our manufacturing facilities, we estimate the costs associated with the excess capacity. These costs are not included in the valuation of inventory but are charged directly to cost of sales. Market value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses and cost of completion. As required, we evaluate inventory acquired in business combinations at fair value, less completion and distribution costs and related margin.

While we perform, on a continuous basis, inventory write-offs of products and semi-finished products, the valuation of inventory requires us to estimate a reserve for obsolete or excess inventory as well as inventory that is not of saleable quality. Reserve for obsolescence is estimated for excess uncommitted inventories based on the previous quarter’s sales, order backlog and production plans. To the extent that future negative market conditions generate order backlog cancellations and declining sales, or if future conditions are less favorable than the projected revenue assumptions, we could record additional inventory reserve, which would have a negative impact on our gross margin.

Restructuring charges. We have undertaken, and we may continue to undertake, significant restructuring initiatives, which have required us, or may require us in the future, to develop formalized plans for exiting any of our existing activities. We recognize the fair value of a liability for costs associated with exiting an activity when we have a present obligation and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Given the significance and timing of the execution of our restructuring activities, the process is complex and involves periodic reviews of estimates made at the time the original decisions were taken. This process can require a significant amount of time due to requisite governmental and customer approvals and our capability to transfer technology and know-how to other locations. As we operate in a highly cyclical industry, we monitor and evaluate business conditions on a regular basis. If broader or newer initiatives, which could include production curtailment or closure of other manufacturing facilities, were to be taken, we may incur additional charges as well as change estimates of the amounts previously recorded. The potential impact of these changes could be material and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. In 2015, the restructuring charges and other related closure costs amounted to $49 million before taxes, mainly in connection with our EPS restructuring plan and our manufacturing consolidation plan.

Share-based compensation. We measure the cost of share-based service awards based on the fair value of the shares as of the grant date. Our share-based service awards are granted to senior executives and selected employees. While the awards granted to selected employees are subject to a three-year service period, the awards granted to the senior executives are subject to both a three-year service period and the fulfillment of certain performance conditions, including our financial results when compared to industry performance. In 2015, approximately one-half of the total amount of shares awarded were granted to senior executives and consequently were contingent on the achievement of performance conditions. In order to determine share-based compensation to be recorded for the period, we use significant estimates on the number of awards expected to vest, including the probability of achieving the fixed performance conditions including those relating to industry performance

 

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compared to our financial results, and our best estimates of award forfeitures and employees’ service periods. Our assumptions related to industry performance are generally taken with a one quarter lag in line with the availability of market information. In 2015, we recorded a total charge of approximately $38 million relating to our outstanding stock award plans.

Income (loss) on Equity-method Investments. We record our share in the results of entities that we account for under the equity method. This recognition is based on results reported by these entities, relying on their internal reporting systems to measure financial results. In case of triggering events, such as continuing difficult market conditions, which could lead to continued operating losses and negative cash flows, or in the case of a strategic repositioning by one or more of our partners, we determine whether our investment is temporarily or other-than-temporarily impaired. If impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary, we need to assess the fair value of our investment and record an impairment charge directly in earnings when fair value is lower than the carrying value of the investment. We make this assessment by evaluating the business on the basis of the most recent plans and projections or to the best of our estimates. In 2015, we paid €11.5 million to Enel Green Power in exchange for our full release from any obligation concerning the former 3Sun joint venture and Enel Green Power and we forgave the outstanding €13 million shareholder loan to the 3Sun joint venture. In addition, we recognized a profit of $2 million related to other investments, including $4 million for 3Sun, $1 million for our share of profit in ST-Ericsson SA and a loss of $3 million related to our equity investment in Incard do Brazil Ltda which has been accounted for under the equity method since August 31, 2014. We monitor our equity investments on an ongoing basis and, if required, other-than-temporary impairment charges could negatively impact our future results. As of December 31, 2015, the value in our Consolidated Balance Sheets of our equity investments was $44 million.

Financial assets. We classify our financial assets in the following two categories, trading and available-for-sale. Such classification depends on the purpose for which the investments are acquired. We determine the classification of our financial assets at initial recognition. Unlisted equity securities with no readily determinable fair value are carried at cost; they are neither classified as trading nor as available-for-sale financial assets.

Trading and available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value. The fair value of quoted debt and equity securities is based on current market prices. If the market for a financial asset is not active, if no observable market price is obtainable, or if the security is not quoted, we measure fair value by using assumptions and estimates. For unquoted equity securities, these assumptions and estimates include the use of recent arm’s-length transactions; for debt securities without available observable market price, we establish fair value by reference to publicly available indexes of securities with the same rating and comparable or similar underlying collaterals or industries’ exposure, which we believe approximates the amount that would be received from the sale of the asset in an orderly transaction between market participants. In measuring fair value, we make maximum use of market inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. As of December 31, 2015, the value in our Consolidated Balance Sheet of our financial assets was $335 million invested in U.S. Treasury Bonds classified as assets available-for-sale.

Income taxes. We make estimates and judgments in determining income tax for the period, comprising current and deferred income tax. We need to assess the income tax expected to be paid or the tax benefit expected to be received related to the current year taxable profit and loss in each individual tax jurisdiction and recognize deferred income tax for all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Furthermore, we assess all material open income tax positions in all tax jurisdictions to determine any uncertain tax positions, and to record a provision for those that are not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, which could require potential tax claims or assessments in various jurisdictions. In such an event and in case any tax assessment exceeds our provisions, we could be required to record additional charges in our accounts, which could significantly exceed our best estimates and our existing provisions.

We also assess the likelihood of realization of our deferred tax assets originated by our net operating loss carry forwards. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to generate future taxable profit available against loss carry forwards or tax credits before their expiration or our ability to implement prudent and feasible tax planning strategies or the possibility to settle uncertain tax positions against available net operating loss carry forwards or similar tax losses and credits. We record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets when we consider it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

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As of December 31, 2015, we had current deferred tax assets of $91 million and non-current deferred tax assets of $436 million, net of valuation allowances.

We could be required to record further valuation allowances thereby reducing the amount of total deferred tax assets, resulting in an increase of our income tax charge, if our estimates of projected future taxable income and benefits from available tax strategies are reduced as a result of a change in business conditions or in management’s plans or due to other factors, or if changes in current tax regulations are enacted that impose restrictions on the timing or extent of our ability to utilize net operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards in the future. Likewise, a change in the tax rates applicable in the various jurisdictions or unfavorable outcomes of any ongoing tax audits could have a material impact on our future tax provisions in the periods in which these changes could occur.

Patent and other Intellectual Property (“IP”) litigation or claims. We record a provision when we believe that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We regularly evaluate losses and claims to determine whether they need to be adjusted based on current information available to us. Such estimates are difficult to the extent that they are largely dependent on the status of ongoing litigation that may vary based on positions taken by the court with respect to issues submitted, demands of opposing parties, changing laws, discovery of new facts or other matters of fact or law. As of December 31, 2015, based on our current evaluation of ongoing litigation and claims we face, we have not estimated any amounts that could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition with respect to either probable or possible risks. In the event of litigation that is adversely determined with respect to our interests, or in the event that we need to change our evaluation of a potential third-party claim based on new evidence, facts or communications, unexpected rulings or changes in the law, this could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition at the time it were to materialize. We are in discussion with several parties with respect to claims against us relating to possible infringement of IP rights. We are also involved in certain legal proceedings concerning such issues. See “Item 8. Financial Information — Legal Proceedings” and Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other claims. We are subject to the possibility of loss contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business. These include, but are not limited to: warranty costs on our products not covered by insurance, breach of contract claims, tax claims beyond assessed uncertain tax positions as well as claims for environmental damages. We are also exposed to numerous legal risks which until now have not resulted in legal disputes and proceedings. These include risks related to product recalls, environment, anti-trust, anti-corruption and competition as well as other compliance regulations. We may also face claims in the event of breaches of law committed by individual employees or third parties. In determining loss contingencies, we consider the likelihood of a loss of an asset or the occurrence of a liability, as well as our ability to reasonably estimate the amount of such loss or liability. An estimated loss is recorded when we believe that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We regularly re-evaluate any losses and claims and determine whether our provisions need to be adjusted based on the current information available to us. As of December 31, 2015, based on our current evaluation of ongoing litigation and claims we face, we have not estimated any amounts that could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition with respect to either probable or possible risks. In the event we are unable to accurately estimate the amount of such loss in a correct and timely manner, this could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition at the time such loss was to materialize. For further details of our legal proceedings refer to “Item 8. Financial Information — Legal Proceedings” and Note 22 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Pension and Post-Employment Benefits. Our results of operations and our Consolidated Balance Sheets include amounts for pension obligations and post-employment benefits that are measured using actuarial valuations. At December 31, 2015, our pension and post-employment benefit obligations net of plan assets amounted to $351 million. These valuations are based on key assumptions, including discount rates, expected long-term rates of return on funds, turnover rates and salary increase rates. These assumptions used in the determination of the net periodic benefit cost are updated on an annual basis at the beginning of each fiscal year or more frequently upon the occurrence of significant events. Any changes in the pension schemes or in the above assumptions can have an impact on our valuations. The measurement date we use for our plans is December 31.

As a consequence of our decision to downsize our United Kingdom (“UK”) operations in 2014, we have proposed that the UK pension schemes (the Bristol Scheme and the Marlow Scheme) be merged, which will generate moderate funding savings and provide the Trustees with additional security. The merger of the two schemes is still under discussion with the Trustees and is not expected to materially change our pension liabilities.

 

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Fiscal Year 2015

Under Article 35 of our Articles of Association, our financial year extends from January 1 to December 31, which is the period end of each fiscal year. In 2015, the first quarter ended on March 28, the second quarter ended on June 27, the third quarter ended on September 26 and the fourth quarter ended on December 31. In 2016, the first quarter will end on April 2, the second quarter will end on July 2, the third quarter will end on October 1 and the fourth quarter will end on December 31. Based on our fiscal calendar, the distribution of our revenues and expenses by quarter may be unbalanced due to a different number of days in the various quarters of the fiscal year and can also differ from equivalent prior years’ periods, as illustrated in the below table for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016.

 

     Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4  
     Days  

2014

     88         91         91         95   

2015

     87         91         91         96   

2016

     93         91         91         91   

2015 Business Overview

Our results of operations for each period were as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,     Three Months Ended  
     2015     2014     December 31,
2015
    September 26,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
     (In millions, except per
share amounts)
    (Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)  

Net revenues

   $ 6,897      $ 7,404      $ 1,668      $ 1,764      $ 1,829   

Gross profit

     2,332        2,498        559        613        619   

Gross margin as percentage of net revenues.

     33.8     33.7     33.5     34.8     33.8

Operating income

     109        168        25        91        38   

Net income attributable to parent company

     104        128        2        90        43   

Earnings per share

   $ 0.12      $ 0.14      $ 0.00      $ 0.10      $ 0.05   

The total available market is defined as the “TAM”, while the serviceable available market, the “SAM”, is defined as the market for products sold by us (which consists of the TAM and excludes major devices such as Microprocessors (MPUs), DRAMs, optoelectronics devices, Flash Memories and the Wireless Application Specific market products such as Baseband and Application Processor).

Based on industry data published by WSTS, semiconductor industry revenues decreased in 2015 on a year-over-year basis by approximately 0.2% for the TAM and 0.7% for the SAM, to reach approximately $335 billion and $150 billion, respectively. In the fourth quarter, the TAM and the SAM decreased on a year-over-year basis by approximately 5% and 3%, respectively. Sequentially, in the fourth quarter of 2015, the TAM and the SAM decreased by approximately 3% and 4%, respectively.

During 2015, we increasingly focused our R&D and Sales & Marketing efforts on two areas: Smart Driving, enabled by car digitalization and electrification, and the Internet of Things, including portable and wearable systems as well as smart home, city, and industry applications. Our products, technologies and system applications competencies are optimized for these areas, which we address with our products for Automotive and Industrial, our microcontrollers and digital ASICs, and our analog and power portfolio as well as MEMS and specialized image sensors. The growth recorded in 2015 by our microcontrollers, and the solid performance of our automotive business despite weaker macroeconomic conditions, have been mainly driven by our sharpened, market-driven investment focus.

In 2015, to a large extent, our performance was limited due to a weak semiconductor market, particularly in the second half of the year and some changes in customer plans. With reference to our revenues performance, we registered in 2015 a decline of 6.8%, impacted by unfavorable currency effects, reduction of legacy ST-Ericsson products revenues and pruning of low margin products in particular related to our imaging module business. Excluding the negative currency effects and the former ST-Ericsson products, our revenues declined by 3.3%. In SP&A, our revenues decreased by approximately 8%, with all product lines contributing to the decrease. Excluding the negative currency effects, SP&A revenues decreased by approximately 5%. EPS revenues were

 

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down by approximately 5%, mainly due to the declined revenues in legacy set-top box products, imaging modules and the wind-down of the legacy ST-Ericsson products, partially offset by revenue growth in digital ASICs and a strong increase in MMS. Excluding the negative currency effects and legacy ST-Ericsson products, EPS segment revenues decreased by less than 1%.

Our fourth quarter 2015 revenues amounted to $1,668 million, a 5.5% sequential decrease, slightly above the midpoint of our guidance for the quarter. The decrease in revenues was mostly due to a weaker market. On a year-over year basis, our fourth quarter revenues decreased by 8.8% or a 5.5% decrease excluding unfavorable currency effects and legacy ST-Ericsson products. Compared to the served market, our quarterly performance was below the SAM both sequentially and on a year-over-year basis.

Our effective average exchange rate was $1.17 for €1.00 for the full year 2015, compared to $1.34 for €1.00 for the full year 2014. Our effective average exchange rate for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $1.11 for €1.00, compared to $1.16 for €1.00 for the third quarter of 2015 and $1.29 for €1.00 in the fourth quarter of 2014. For a more detailed discussion of our hedging arrangements and the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates, see “Impact of Changes in Exchange Rates”.

Our 2015 gross margin was 33.8% of net revenues, increasing by 10 basis points compared to the prior year, primarily due to favorable currency effects, net of hedging, improved manufacturing efficiencies and a positive product mix, offset to a large extent by declining selling prices and lower licensing revenues.

Our fourth quarter 2015 gross margin was 33.5%, decreasing by 130 basis points on a sequential basis, equal to the midpoint of our guidance for the quarter. The sequential erosion of the gross margin is reflecting higher unused capacity charges and pricing pressure, partially offset by favorable currency effects, net of hedging, improved manufacturing efficiencies and positive product mix. On a year-over-year basis, our fourth quarter gross margin declined by 30 basis points, mainly reflecting lower selling prices and lower licensing revenues, partially offset by favorable currency effects and improved manufacturing efficiencies.

Our operating expenses amounted to $2,322 million in 2015, decreasing by about 5% from $2,447 million in the prior year, primarily due to favorable currency effects, net of hedging, as well as the cost savings following the plans initiated in the prior year. Our fourth quarter 2015 operating expenses experienced a sequential increase of about 6% mainly due to a longer calendar, partially offset by favorable currency effects, net of hedging. On a year-over-year basis, our quarterly operating expenses decreased by approximately 5% mostly due to favorable currency effects, net of hedging, as well as the cost reduction resulting from our savings plans.

Other income and expenses, net, in 2015 decreased to $164 million compared to $207 million in the prior year, which included the catch-up of Nano2017 grants pertaining to 2013. Excluding the impact of this catch-up, other income and expenses, net, increased, mainly due to lower patent claim costs and lower phase-out/start–up costs, partially balanced by lower gain on sales of non-current assets.

Our operating income was $109 million in 2015, decreasing from $168 million in the prior year. Excluding the catch-up recorded in 2014 of Nano2017 grants pertaining to 2013, our operating income increased by $38 million, mainly due to favorable currency effects, net of hedging, improved manufacturing efficiencies and savings from the EPS restructuring plan and lower restructuring charges, partially offset by lower sale prices and lower licensing revenues.

Our free cash flow significantly improved from $197 million in 2014 to $327 million in 2015. In the course of 2015, we have paid dividends to shareholders totaling $350 million and used $200 million of cash for long-term debt repayment.

Business Outlook

In the first quarter, we expect revenues to decrease sequentially by about 3% plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, and the gross margin to be about 33.0% plus or minus 2.0 percentage points. The midpoint of the gross margin outlook continues to be impacted by unused capacity charges as our manufacturing capacity in digital technology is not yet fully utilized.

Over the next years, we believe the main growth contributors to the semiconductor market will be Automotive, Industrial and Internet of Things applications. We are deeply focused on winning in these markets and on capturing the opportunities they represent to fuel our growth.

 

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This outlook is based on an assumed effective currency exchange rate of approximately $1.10 = €1.00 for the 2016 first quarter and includes the impact of existing hedging contracts. The first quarter will close on April 2, 2016.

These are forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially; in particular, refer to those known risks and uncertainties described in “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors” herein.

Other Developments

On January 27, 2016, we announced the discontinuation of the development of new platforms and standard products for set-top-box and home gateway, after an extensive review of external and internal options for the future of our set-top box business. The slower than expected market adoption of leading-edge products and increasing competition on low-end boxes, combined with the required high level of R&D investment, has led this business to generate significant losses in the course of the last years. As a result of this, we announced a global workforce review, including:

 

   

the redeployment of about 600 employees, currently associated with the set-top-box business, to support principally ST’s growth ambitions in digital automotive and microcontrollers;

 

   

a global workforce re-alignment that may affect approximately 1,400 employees worldwide, of which about 430 in France through a voluntary departure plan, about 670 in Asia and about 120 in the US. Deployment of the plan by country or site will be subject to applicable legislation and will depend on local negotiations. In 2016, the workforce re-alignment is anticipated to affect about 1,000 employees, out of which about 150 in France.

Annualized savings are estimated at $170 million upon completion and restructuring costs at about $170 million.

On January 27, 2016, we also announced the change to our organization, to align with our strategic focus on Smart Driving and on Internet of Things applications. Three product Groups have been established, reporting to the President & CEO: Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG), led by Marco Monti; Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG), led by Claude Dardanne, and Analog and MEMS Group (AMG), led by Benedetto Vigna. Technology and Manufacturing is under the responsibility of Jean-Marc Chery. Jean-Marc will keep his role of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

On December 14, 2015, we announced our collaboration with Semtech to scale LoRa® Technology to meet high-volume demands of Internet of Things applications.

On August 20, 2015, we published our IFRS 2015 Semi Annual Accounts for the six-month period ended June 27, 2015 on our website and filed them with the AFM (Autoriteit Financiële Markten), the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets.

On July 9, 2015, we announced, together with the French Institute of Materials, Microelectronics and Nanosciences in Provence, the official launch of a new joint research laboratory, The Radiation Effects and Electrical Reliability (REER) Joint Laboratory, to develop the next generations of high-reliability, ultra-miniaturized electronic components. The REER Joint Laboratory is a multi-site research establishment that will bring together teams from the IM2NP Institute, based in Marseille and Toulon, and specialist engineers from the ST facility in Crolles.

On June 3, 2015 we announced the publication of our 2014 Sustainability Report.

On May 27, 2015 all of the proposed resolutions were adopted at our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, held in Amsterdam. The main resolutions were:

 

   

The adoption of our statutory Annual Accounts for the year ended December 31, 2014, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted in the European Union;

 

   

The distribution of a cash dividend of US$0.40 per outstanding share of the common stock, to be distributed in quarterly installments of US$0.10 in each of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2015 and first quarter of 2016 to shareholders of record in the month of each quarterly payment;

 

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The appointment of Mr. Nicolas Dufourcq as a new member of the Supervisory Board, for a three-year term expiring at the 2018 AGM, in replacement of Mr. Jean d’Arthuys whose mandate terminated as of the 2015 AGM;

 

   

The reappointment of Ms. Martine Verluyten as a member of the Supervisory Board, for a three-year term expiring at the 2018 AGM; and

 

   

The appointment of Ernst & Young Accountants LLP as the external auditor for the 2016-2019 financial years, as required by the new Dutch law which currently imposes an eight-year audit firm rotation period.

On March 24, 2015, our Supervisory Board resolved that our dividend distributions, more recently decided on a semi-annual basis, will now be decided on an annual basis at our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.

During the first quarter of 2015, we agreed with IBM to end our participation in the IBM Technology Development Alliance at the end of the second quarter of 2015.

On March 6, 2015, we closed the agreement signed on July 22, 2014 with Enel Green Power to transfer our equity stake in 3Sun. As a result, ST paid €11.5 million to Enel Green Power in exchange for our full release from any obligations concerning the 3Sun joint venture and Enel Green Power. In addition, ST forgave its €13 million outstanding shareholder loan to the 3Sun joint venture.

Results of Operations

Segment Information

We operate in two business areas: Semiconductors and Subsystems.

In the Semiconductors business area, we design, develop, manufacture and market a broad range of products, including discrete and standard commodity components, application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), full-custom devices and semi-custom devices and application-specific standard products (“ASSPs”) for analog, digital and mixed-signal applications. In addition, we further participate in the manufacturing value chain of Smartcard products, which include the production and sale of both silicon chips and Smartcards.

During 2015, our product segments were as follows:

 

   

Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A), comprised of the following product lines:

 

   

Automotive (APG);

 

   

Industrial & Power Discrete (IPD);

 

   

Analog, MEMS and Sensors (AMS); and

 

   

Other SP&A.

 

   

Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS), comprised of the following product lines:

 

   

Digital Products Group (DPG), combining the former Digital Convergence Group (DCG) and Imaging, BI-CMOS and Silicon Photonics (IBP);

 

   

Microcontroller, Memory & Secure MCU (MMS); and

 

   

Other EPS.

Effective the first quarter of 2016, we changed our organization to align with our strategic focus on Smart Driving and on Internet of Things applications and we will report revenue and operating income based on the following reporting segments:

 

   

Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG);

 

   

Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG);

 

   

Analog and MEMS Group (AMG);

 

   

Others, including the Imaging Division.

 

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In the Subsystems business area, we design, develop, manufacture and market subsystems and modules for the telecommunications, automotive and industrial markets including mobile phone accessories, battery chargers, ISDN power supplies and in-vehicle equipment for electronic toll payment. Based on its immateriality to our business as a whole, the Subsystems business area does not meet the requirements for a reportable segment as defined in the guidance on disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information. Subsystem net revenues and related costs are reported in “Others”.

For the computation of the segments’ internal financial measurements, we use certain internal rules of allocation for the costs not directly chargeable to the segments, including cost of sales, selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses and a part of research and development (“R&D”) expenses. In compliance with our internal policies, certain cost items are not charged to the segments, including impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, phase-out and start-up costs of certain manufacturing facilities, certain one-time corporate items, strategic and special R&D programs or other corporate-sponsored initiatives, including certain corporate-level operating expenses and certain other miscellaneous charges. As of the first quarter of 2015, our internal policy regarding unallocated costs was amended to allocate unused capacity charges to our product lines. Comparative numbers have been restated accordingly. In addition, depreciation and amortization expense is part of the manufacturing costs allocated to the product segments and is neither identified as part of the inventory variation nor as part of the unused capacity charges; therefore, it cannot be isolated in the costs of goods sold. Finally, R&D grants are allocated to our product lines proportionally to the incurred R&D expenses on the sponsored projects.

Wafer costs are transferred to the product groups’ profit and loss based on actual cost. From time to time, on specific technologies, wafer costs are transferred to product groups based on market price to promote the utilization of the fabs.

Annual Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain financial data from our Consolidated Statements of Income:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     $ million     % of net
revenues
    $ million     % of net
revenues
    $ million     % of net
revenues
 

Net sales

   $ 6,866        99.6   $ 7,335        99.1   $ 8,050        99.6

Other revenues

     31        0.4        69        0.9        32        0.4   

Net revenues

     6,897        100        7,404        100        8,082        100   

Cost of sales

     (4,565     (66.2     (4,906     (66.3     (5,468     (67.7

Gross profit

     2,332        33.8        2,498        33.7        2,614        32.3   

Selling, general and administrative

     (897     (13.0     (927     (12.5     (1,066     (13.2

Research and development

     (1,425     (20.7     (1,520     (20.5     (1,816     (22.5

Other income and expenses, net

     164        2.4        207        2.8        95        1.2   

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

     (65     (0.9     (90     (1.2     (292     (3.6

Operating income (loss)

     109        1.6        168        2.3        (465     (5.8

Interest expense, net

     (22     (0.3     (18     (0.2     (5     (0.0

Income (loss) on equity-method investments

     2        0.0        (43     (0.6     (122     (1.5

Loss on financial instruments, net

     —          —          (1     (0.0     —         —    

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest

     89        1.3        106        1.4        (592     (7.3

Income tax benefit (expense)

     21        0.3        23        0.3        (37     (0.5

Net income (loss)

     110        1.6        129        1.7        (629     (7.8

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (6     (0.1     (1     (0.0     129        1.6   

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company

   $ 104        1.5   $ 128        1.7   $ (500     (6.2 )% 

 

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Net revenues

 

     Year Ended December 31,      % Variation  
     2015      2014      2013      2015 vs 2014     2014 vs 2013  
     (In millions)               

Net sales

   $ 6,866       $ 7,335       $ 8,050         (6.4 )%      (8.9 )% 

Other revenues

     31         69         32         (54.8     113.7   

Net revenues

   $ 6,897       $ 7,404       $ 8,082         (6.8 )%      (8.4 )% 

Our 2015 net revenues decreased compared to prior year, impacted by weak market conditions, especially in the second half of the year, unfavorable currency effects, and lower revenues in legacy set-top box, imaging modules and legacy ST-Ericsson products. Net revenues decreased by 6.8% as a result of a decline in average selling prices of approximately 10% and an increase in volume of approximately 3%. The reduction in average selling prices resulted from a 7% decline in prices, including currency impact, and a less favorable product mix accounting for about 3% of the reduction. Excluding the impact of unfavorable currency effects and the legacy ST-Ericsson products phase-out, our revenues decreased by 3.3%.

Our 2014 net revenues decreased compared to prior year, mainly due to the significant reduction of legacy ST-Ericsson products revenues following our decision to exit the joint venture, in addition to revenues reduction in DPG and AMS, mostly due to transition from prior generation products. Net revenues decreased by 8.4% as a result of a decline in average selling prices of approximately 7% and a decline in volume of approximately 2%. The reduction in average selling prices resulted from a 5% decline in prices, and a less favorable product mix accounting for about 2% of the reduction. Excluding legacy ST-Ericsson products, our revenues decreased by 1.8% compared to prior year.

No customer exceeded 10% of our total net revenues for the years 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Net revenues by product line and product segment

 

     Year Ended December 31,      % Variation  
   2015      2014      2013      2015 vs 2014     2014 vs 2013  
   (In millions)               

Automotive (APG)

   $ 1,727       $ 1,807       $ 1,668         (4.4 )%      8.3

Industrial & Power Discrete (IPD)

     1,706         1,865         1,801         (8.5     3.6   

Analog & MEMS (AMS)

     968         1,102         1,306         (12.1     (15.7

Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A)

     4,401         4,774         4,775         (7.8     0.0   

Digital Products Group (DPG)

     857         1,086         1,901         (21.1     (42.9

Microcontrollers, Memory & Secure MCU (MMS)

     1,616         1,507         1,367         7.2        10.2   

Other EPS

     —          15         1         —         —     

Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS)

     2,473         2,608         3,269         (5.2     (20.2

Total net revenues of product segments

     6,874         7,382         8,044         (6.9     (8.2

Others

     23         22         38         —         —     

Total consolidated net revenues

   $ 6,897       $ 7,404       $ 8,082         (6.8 )%      (8.4 )% 

In 2015, our revenues decreased by approximately 8% for SP&A, with all product lines contributing to the decrease. While APG excluding the unfavorable currency effects remained stable, IPD was the one most affected by the market slowdown, driven by an industry correction in the channel leading to a sales decrease of 6% in 2015, when excluding unfavorable currency effects. EPS revenues were down by approximately 5%, mainly due to lower revenues in legacy set-top box products, imaging modules and the wind-down of the legacy ST-Ericsson products, partially offset by revenue growth in digital ASICs and a strong increase in MMS, driven by our general purpose STM32 family. This growth in Microcontrollers was possible thanks to a combination of new innovative products, now totaling over 600 part numbers in the STM32 family, as well as a strong customer base expansion. Excluding legacy ST-Ericsson products, EPS segment revenues decreased by approximately 2%. Others includes revenues from the sales of Subsystems of $13 million and sales of materials and other products not allocated to product segments of $10 million.

In 2014, our revenues were down by approximately 20% for EPS, mainly due to the weak performance of DPG, including the wind-down of the legacy ST-Ericsson products, partially offset by a strong increase in MMS. Excluding legacy ST-Ericsson products, EPS segment revenues decreased by approximately 4%. SP&A revenues were stable as a result of the increase in APG and IPD being offset by the decrease in AMS resulting from portfolio pruning and MEMS product generation transition. Others includes revenues from the sales of Subsystems of $8 million and sales of materials and other products not allocated to product segments of $14 million.

 

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Net Revenues by Market Channel(1)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     (As percentage of net revenues)  

OEM

     68     69     74

Distribution

     32        31        26   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEM”) are the end-customers to which we provide direct marketing application engineering support, while Distribution customers refers to the distributors and representatives that we engage to distribute our products around the world.

Our revenues in Distribution registered an increase of about 1 percentage point and 5 percentage points for the years 2015 and 2014, respectively, reaching a 32% share of total revenues as of December 31, 2015. The increase in Distribution plays an important role in our customer base expansion and diversification while also contributing to the increase of our gross margin.

Net Revenues by Location of Shipment(1)

 

     Year Ended December 31,      % Variation  
     2015      2014      2013      2015 vs 2014     2014 vs 2013  
     (In millions)               

EMEA

   $ 1,807       $ 1,938       $ 1,958         (6.7 )%      (1.1 )% 

Americas

     1,121         1,128         1,221         (0.6     (7.6

Greater China-South Asia

     3,106         3,334         3,400         (6.8     (1.9

Japan-Korea

     863         1,004         1,503         (14.1     (33.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,897       $ 7,404       $ 8,082         (6.8 )%      (8.4 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Net revenues by location of shipment are classified by location of customer invoiced or reclassified by shipment destination in line with customer demand. For example, products ordered by U.S.-based companies to be invoiced to Greater China-South Asia affiliates are classified as Greater China-South Asia revenues. Furthermore, the comparison among the different periods may be affected by shifts in shipment from one location to another, as requested by our customers.

By location of shipment, revenues declined in all regions for both years 2015 and 2014. In 2015, the largest decline is in the Japan-Korea region, mainly due to the phasing out of legacy ST-Ericsson products.

Gross profit

 

     Year Ended December 31,     Variation  
     2015     2014     2013     2015 vs 2014     2014 vs 2013  
     (In millions)              

Cost of sales

   $ (4,565   $ (4,906   $ (5,468     7.0     10.3

Gross profit

   $ 2,332      $ 2,498      $ 2,614        (6.6 )%      (4.4 )% 

Gross margin (as percentage of net revenues)

     33.8     33.7     32.3     10 bps        140 bps   

In 2015, gross margin was 33.8%, increasing by 10 basis points year-over-year with the margin improvement reflecting manufacturing efficiencies, favorable currency effects, net of hedging, and positive product mix largely offset by price pressure and increased unused capacity charges, amounting to $63 million in 2015 compared to $53 million in 2014. In 2015, unused capacity charges had a negative impact on gross margin of approximately 90 basis points.

In 2014, gross margin was 33.7%, increasing by approximately 140 basis points compared to prior year due to improvement in manufacturing efficiencies and a positive product mix, partially offset by declining selling prices, higher unused capacity charges in digital technology and unfavorable currency effects. Unused capacity charges amounted to $53 million in 2014 compared to $32 million in 2013.

 

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Operating expenses

 

     Year Ended December 31,     Variation  
     2015     2014     2013     2015 vs 2014     2014 vs 2013  
     (In millions)              

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   $ (897   $ (927   $ (1,066     3.2     13.1

Research and development expenses

     (1,425     (1,520     (1,816     6.3        16.3   

Total operating expenses

   $ (2,322   $ (2,447   $ (2,882     5.1     15.1

As percentage of net revenues

     (33.7 )%      (33.0 )%      (35.7 )%      (70 ) bps      270 bps   

The 2015 operating expenses decreased, mainly driven by favorable currency effects, net of hedging, and EPS savings initiatives, partially offset by salary and variable incentive increase. As a percentage of revenues, our operating expenses amounted to 33.7%, increasing year-over-year due to lower revenues.

The 2014 operating expenses decreased compared to 2013 mainly due to the ST-Ericsson exit as well as the savings resulting from our cost savings plans initiated in the prior year. As a percentage of revenues, our operating expenses amounted to 33.0%, decreasing by approximately 270 basis points.

The R&D expenses were net of research tax credits, which amounted to $113 million in 2015, $145 million in 2014 and $146 million in 2013.

Other income and expenses, net

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     (In millions)  

Research and development funding

   $ 144      $ 231      $ 57   

Phase-out and start-up costs

     (5     (16     (4

Exchange gain, net

     2        4        8   

Patent costs, net of reversal of unused provisions

     3        (28     (40

Gain on sale of businesses and non-current assets

     18        24        83   

Other, net

     2        (8     (9

Other income and expenses, net

   $ 164      $ 207      $ 95   

As percentage of net revenues

     2.4     2.8     1.2

In 2015 we recognized other income, net of expenses, of $164 million, lower than the $207 million in 2014, the latter including a catch-up of Nano2017 grants pertaining to year 2013. Excluding the catch-up, other income, net of expenses, increased mainly due to lower start-up/phase-out and patent costs.

In 2014, we recognized other income, net of expenses, of $207 million, improving compared to $95 million in 2013. The increase was mainly due to the higher level of R&D funding following the European Union approval of the Nano2017 program and included in the year the catch-up related to year 2013, partially offset by a lower gain on sale of businesses and non-current assets as well as higher phase-out costs resulting from our manufacturing consolidation plans.

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (In millions)  

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

   $ (65    $ (90    $ (292

In 2015 we recorded $65 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, primarily consisting of: (i) $36 million of restructuring charges related to the EPS restructuring plan announced in October 2014; (ii) $6 million of impairment charges on the DPG dedicated intangible assets; (iii) $10 million of impairment charges on acquired intangible assets for which there was no alternative future use; and (iv) $11 million of restructuring charges related to the manufacturing consolidation plans.

In 2014, we recorded $90 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, primarily consisting of: (i) $30 million of restructuring charges related to the EPS restructuring plan; (ii) $24 million of restructuring charges related to our 2013 operating expenses reduction plan; (iii) $23 million of impairment charges on the DPG dedicated intangible assets; and (iv) $12 million of restructuring charges related to the manufacturing consolidation plans.

 

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In 2013, we recorded $292 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, consisting of: (i) $88 million in restructuring charges related to our 2013 operating expenses reduction plan; (ii) $86 million in impairment and restructuring charges related to the ST-Ericsson exit; (iii) $56 million in impairment charges on the DPG goodwill and dedicated intangible assets following our yearly impairment test; (iv) $37 million in impairment and restructuring charges related to the manufacturing consolidation plans; (v) $9 million in restructuring charges related to the ST-Ericsson restructuring plans before deconsolidation; (vi) $5 million impairment charge on Veredus as a result of the reclassification of its assets as Assets held for sale as of December 31, 2013, following the sale of a 51% stake of the company to a third party investor in 2014; and (vii) $11 million related to other restructuring initiatives.

Operating income (loss)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     (In millions)  

Operating income (loss)

   $ 109      $ 168      $ (465

As percentage of net revenues

     1.6     2.3     (5.8 )% 

Our operating income in 2015 was lower than in the previous year due to the $97 million catch-up of Nano2017 grants pertaining to year 2013 recognized in 2014. Excluding the impact of the catch-up, our operating income increased by over 50%, mainly due to favorable currency effects, net of hedging, improved manufacturing efficiencies, savings in operating expenses, higher other income and lower amounts of impairment and restructuring charges.

Our operating results in 2014 improved compared to 2013, mainly due to improved manufacturing efficiencies, savings in operating expenses, higher other income, including the catch-up of Nano2017 grants from 2013, and lower amounts of impairment and restructuring charges, which were partially offset by declining selling prices and unfavorable currency effects.

Operating income (loss) by product segment:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     $ millions     % of net
revenues
    $ millions     % of net
revenues
    $ millions     % of net
revenues
 

Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A)

   $ 286        6.5   $ 435        9.1   $ 248        5.2

Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS)

     (110     (4.5     (144     (5.5     (409     (12.5

Total operating income (loss) of product segments

     176        2.6        291        3.9        (161     (2.0

Others(1)

     (67     —         (123     —         (304     —    

Total consolidated operating income
(loss)

   $ 109        1.6   $ 168        2.3   $ (465     (5.8 )% 

 

(1)

Operating loss of “Others” includes items such as impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, phase-out and start-up costs of certain manufacturing facilities, certain one-time corporate items and other unallocated expenses such as: strategic or special R&D programs, certain corporate-level operating expenses and other costs that are not allocated to the product segments, as well as operating earnings of the Subsystems and Other Products Group.

In 2015, SP&A registered an operating income of $286 million or approximately 7% of revenues, decreasing from $435 million or about 9% of revenues in 2014, with a significant decline across a number of product families, in particular Analog & MEMS and Industrial, Power and Discrete products, mainly reflecting lower revenue, price pressure and higher unused capacity charges, partially offset by favorable currency effects, net of hedging. EPS registered an operating loss of $110 million, compared to a loss of $144 million in 2014. Excluding the impact of the Nano2017 grants catch-up registered in 2014, the EPS loss decreased to $110 million in 2015 from $225 million in 2014, or about 9% of revenues, primarily driven by a strong performance of MMS and a lower level of operating expenses, mainly as a result of favorable currency effects, net of hedging, and the EPS savings plan. Others decreased its losses to $67 million, from $123 million in the prior year, mainly due to lower impairment and restructuring charges.

 

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In 2014, SP&A registered an operating income of $435 million or approximately 9% of revenues, improving from $248 million or about 5% of revenues in 2013 and reflecting a significant improvement across a number of product families, in particular in the area of Automotive and Industrial, Power and Discrete products. EPS registered an improvement in its operating loss from $409 million or approximately 13% of revenues to an operating loss of $144 million or about 6% of revenues, mainly due to the exit of ST-Ericsson, the savings resulting from our costs savings plans initiated in the prior year and the impact of the Nano2017 R&D funding, including the 2013 catch-up. Others decreased its losses to $123 million, from $304 million in the prior year, mainly due to lower impairment and restructuring charges, partially offset by higher phase-out costs resulting from our manufacturing consolidation plans.

Reconciliation to consolidated operating income (loss):

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (In millions)  

Total operating income (loss) of product segments

   $ 176       $ 291       $ (161

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

     (65      (90      (292

Strategic and other research and development programs

     (5      (7      (15

Phase-out and start-up costs

     (5      (16      (5

Other non-allocated provisions(1)

     8         (10      8   

Total operating loss Others

     (67      (123      (304
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total consolidated operating income (loss)

   $ 109       $ 168       $ (465
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes unallocated income and expenses such as certain corporate-level operating expenses and other costs/income that are not allocated to the product segments.

Interest expense, net

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (In millions)  

Interest expense, net

   $ (22    $ (18    $ (5

In 2015, interest expense and fees on our borrowings and our committed credit facilities amounted to $40 million, of which $20 million non-cash interest expense related to the dual tranche senior unsecured convertible bonds issued on July 3, 2014 (the “Senior Bonds”), partially balanced by a $18 million interest income.

In 2014, interest expense and fees on our borrowings and our committed credit facilities amounted to $30 million, of which $10 million non-cash interest expense related to Senior Bonds, partially balanced by a $12 million interest income.

Income (loss) on equity-method investments

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (In millions)  

Income (loss) on equity-method investments

   $ 2       $ (43    $ (122

In 2015, we recognized income of $4 million for the former 3Sun JV, $1 million for our share of profit in ST-Ericsson SA and a loss of approximately $3 million related to our equity investment in Incard do Brazil Ltda.

In 2014, we recorded a charge of $43 million, of which $1 million related to our share in Incard do Brazil Ltda which has been accounted for under the equity method since August 31, 2014 and $51 million related to 3Sun, including impairment and other charges associated with our decision to exit the joint venture, partially offset by a $9 million gain related to our share in ST-Ericsson SA. On July 22, 2014, we signed an agreement to transfer all 3Sun ownership and obligations to Enel Green Power.

In 2013, we recorded a charge of $122 million, of which $104 million related to our share in 3Sun.

 

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Income tax benefit (expense)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (In millions)  

Income tax benefit (expense)

   $ 21       $ 23       $ (37

During 2015 and 2014, we registered an income tax benefit of $21 million and $23 million, respectively, reflecting the actual taxes calculated on our income before income taxes in each of our jurisdictions. These tax benefits included the recognition of deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, associated with our estimates of the net operating loss recoverability in certain jurisdictions, one-time tax benefits related to previous year positions and our best estimate on additional tax charges related to potential uncertain tax positions and claims. The 2015 income tax benefit includes a one-time income of $46 million related to the positive settlement of a local tax assessment, while the year 2014 included a one-time income of $35 million due to a favorable interpretation of income tax law related to previous years income tax and to the entering into an advanced pricing agreement with a local revenue service.

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     (In millions)  

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest

   $ (6   $ (1   $ 129   

As percentage of net revenues

     (0.1 )%      (0.0 )%      1.6

In 2015 and 2014 we recorded respectively $6 million and $1 million representing the income attributable to noncontrolling interest. In 2013, we recorded $129 million loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, mainly relating to Ericsson’s interest in the ST-Ericsson joint venture prior to the deconsolidation as of September 1, 2013.

Until the end of August 2013, we fully consolidated ST-Ericsson SA and related affiliates (“JVS”), which was owned 50% plus a controlling share by us. Following the transfer of one share to Ericsson and the new shareholder agreement, we ceased to hold control and to consolidate JVS and started to account for it under the equity method as of September 1, 2013. The other joint venture, focused on fundamental R&D activities, whose parent company is ST-Ericsson AT SA (“JVD”), was owned 50% plus a controlling share by Ericsson and was therefore accounted for by us under the equity method until its sale to Ericsson on August 2, 2013.

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     (In millions)  

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company

   $ 104      $ 128      $ (500

As percentage of net revenues

     1.5     1.7     (6.2 )% 

For 2015, we reported a net income of $104 million, compared to a net income of $128 million and a net loss of $500 million for 2014 and 2013, respectively. The 2015 net income represented earnings per share of $0.12 compared to $0.14 and $(0.56) for 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In 2015, the impact after tax of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs and other one-time items, a non U.S. GAAP measure, was approximately $(0.07) per share, while it was approximately $(0.15) and $(0.33) per share in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Quarterly Results of Operations

Certain quarterly financial information for the years 2015 and 2014 are set forth below. Such information is derived from our unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, prepared on a basis consistent with the Consolidated Financial Statements that include, in our opinion, all normal adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim information set forth therein. Operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. In addition, in view of the significant volatility we have experienced in recent years, the increasingly competitive nature of the markets in which we operate, the changes in products mix

 

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and the currency effects of changes in the composition of sales and production among different geographic regions, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.

Our quarterly and annual operating results are also affected by a wide variety of other factors that could materially and adversely affect revenues and profitability or lead to significant variability of operating results, please see “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Operations”. As only a portion of our expenses varies with our revenues, there can be no assurance that we will be able to reduce costs promptly or adequately in relation to revenue declines to compensate for the effect of any such factors. As a result, unfavorable changes in the above or other factors have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our operating results. Quarterly results have also been and may be expected to continue to be substantially affected by the cyclical nature of the semiconductor and electronic systems industries, the speed of some process and manufacturing technology developments, market demand for existing products, the timing and success of new product introductions and the levels of provisions and other unusual charges incurred. Certain additions of our quarterly results will not total our annual results due to rounding.

Net revenues

 

     Three Months Ended      % Variation  
     December 31,
2015
     September 26,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     Sequential     Year-Over-
Year
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)               

Net sales

   $ 1,664       $ 1,755       $ 1,806         (5.2 )%      (7.9 )% 

Other revenues

     4         9         23         (60.4     (83.9

Net revenues

   $ 1,668       $ 1,764       $ 1,829         (5.5 )%      (8.8 )% 

Our fourth quarter 2015 net revenues amounted to $1,668 million, registering a sequential 5.5% decrease, slightly better than the mid-point of our released quarter guidance. On a year-over-year basis our fourth quarter 2015 net revenues declined by 8.8%, or 5.5% excluding the unfavorable currency effects and the legacy ST-Ericsson products phase-out.

No customer exceeded 10% of our total net revenues in either the fourth quarters of 2015 and 2014 or in the third quarter of 2015.

Net revenues by product line and product segment

 

     Three Months Ended      % Variation  
     December 31,
2015
     September 26,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     Sequential     Year-Over-
Year
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)               

Automotive (APG)

   $ 408       $ 447       $ 436         (8.7 )%      (6.3 )% 

Industrial & Power Discrete (IPD)

     392         437         462         (10.3     (15.1

Analog & MEMS (AMS)

     207         233         266         (11.3     (22.3

Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A)

     1,007         1,117         1,164         (9.9     (13.5

Digital Products Group (DPG)

     212         230         259         (7.8     (18.2

Microcontrollers, Memory & Secure MCU (MMS)

     442         412         388         7.5        14.0   

Other EPS

     —          —          13         —         —    

Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS)

     654         642         660         2.0        (0.9

Total net revenues of product segments

     1,661         1,759         1,824         (5.6     (8.9

Others

     7         5         5         —         —    

Total consolidated net revenues

   $ 1,668       $ 1,764       $ 1,829         (5.5 )%      (8.8 )% 

SP&A registered a sequential decrease in revenues on average of approximately 10%, across all of its product lines, mainly impacted by the weak market conditions and inventory readjustment in distribution customers. EPS segment revenues grew sequentially by 2%, mainly driven by general purpose microcontrollers in MMS offset in part by lower DPG sales.

 

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On a year-over-year basis SP&A revenues declined by 13.5% (or 11.3% excluding the negative currency effects), mainly due to lower revenues in all product groups, weak market conditions and the slower than expected ramp of microphone MEMS. EPS, driven by the strong revenues performance of MMS (+14.0%), moderated its revenues decrease to less than 1%. Excluding the negative currency effects and the impact of legacy ST-Ericsson products phase-out, EPS revenues increased by 5%.

Net Revenues by Market Channel(1)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     December 31,
2015
    September 26,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited, in %)  

OEM

     67     67     68

Distribution

     33        33        32   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEM”) are the end-customers to which we provide direct marketing application engineering support, while Distribution customers refers to the distributors and representatives that we engage to distribute our products around the world.

Our revenues in Distribution remained flat sequentially and increased by 1% year-over-year, reaching a 33% share of total revenues.

Net Revenues by Location of Shipment(1)

 

     Three Months Ended      % Variation  
     December 31,
2015
     September 26,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     Sequential     Year-Over-
Year
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)               

EMEA

   $ 440       $ 452       $ 458         (2.8 )%      (4.0 )% 

Americas

     274         300         277         (8.6     (0.9

Greater China-South Asia

     753         794         869         (5.2     (13.4

Japan-Korea

     201         218         225         (7.6     (10.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,668       $ 1,764       $ 1,829         (5.5 )%      (8.8 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Net revenues by location of shipment are classified by location of customer invoiced or reclassified by shipment destination in line with customer demand. For example, products ordered by U.S.-based companies to be invoiced to Greater China-South Asia affiliates are classified as Greater China-South Asia revenues. Furthermore, the comparison among the different periods may be affected by shifts in shipment from one location to another, as requested by our customers.

By location of shipment, revenues declined in all regions both year-over-year and sequentially. On a year-over-year basis, the largest decline is in the Greater China-South Asia region.

Gross profit

 

     Three Months Ended     Variation  
     December 31,
2015
    September 26,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    Sequential     Year-Over-
Year
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)              

Cost of sales

   $ (1,109   $ (1,151   $ (1,210     3.6     8.3

Gross profit

   $ 559      $ 613      $ 619        (8.9     (9.7 )% 

Gross margin (as percentage of net revenues)

     33.5     34.8     33.8     (130 ) bps      (30 ) bps 

Fourth quarter gross margin was 33.5%, at the mid-point of the released guidance for the quarter and declining 130 basis points on a sequential basis, reflecting the impact of unused capacity charges of about 180 basis points and price pressure partially offset by favorable currency effects, net of hedging, manufacturing efficiencies and favorable product mix.

On a year-over-year basis, gross margin decreased by 30 basis points, mainly due to price pressure and lower sales of licenses, partially offset by favorable currency effects, net of hedging, manufacturing efficiencies and favorable product mix.

 

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Operating expenses

 

     Three Months Ended     Variation  
     December 31,
2015
    September 26,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    Sequential     Year-Over-
Year
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)              

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   $ (231   $ (218   $ (235     (5.9 )%      1.8

Research and development expenses

     (352     (331     (376     (6.3     6.4   

Total operating expenses

   $ (583   $ (549   $ (611     (6.2 )%      4.6

As percentage of net revenues

     (35.0 )%      (31.1 )%      (33.4 )%      (390 ) bps      (160 ) bps 

The amount of our operating expenses increased sequentially by approximately 6%, principally due to seasonality and a longer calendar partially offset by favorable currency effects, net of hedging.

On a year-over-year basis, our operating expenses decreased by approximately 5% driven by the favorable currency effects, net of hedging and the impact of EPS saving initiatives, partially offset by labor cost increase.

Fourth quarter 2015 R&D expenses were net of research tax credits, which amounted to $28 million, compared to $42 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 and $29 million in the third quarter of 2015.

Other income and expenses, net

 

     Three Months Ended  
     December 31,
2015
    September 26,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)  

Research and development funding

   $ 41      $ 31      $ 53   

Phase-out and start-up costs

     (2     (1     (3

Exchange gain, net

     2        1        —    

Patent costs, net of reversal of unused provisions

     3        —          —    

Gain on sale of non-current assets

     10        7        —    

Other, net

     (1     —          —    

Other income and expenses, net

   $ 53      $ 38      $ 50   

As percentage of net revenues

     3.2     2.2     2.7

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recognized other income, net of expenses, of $53 million, with the $15 million sequential increase mainly reflecting a higher level of R&D funding and the gain realized from the sale of a real-estate property. Other income and expenses, net was $50 million in the year-ago quarter.

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

 

     Three Months Ended  
     December 31,
2015
     September 26,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)  

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

   $ (4    $ (11    $ (20

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded $4 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, consisting of: (i) $3 million of a non-monetary impairment of intangibles and (ii) $1 million charges for the EPS restructuring plan.

In the third quarter of 2015, we recorded $11 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, consisting of: (i) $13 million of a non-monetary impairment of intangibles following our yearly impairment test; (ii) $3 million reversal of unused provision for the EPS restructuring plan and (iii) $1 million lease termination costs.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded $20 million of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, consisting of: (i) $17 million of restructuring charges related to the EPS restructuring plan’; (ii) $1 million of restructuring charges related to our 2013 operating expenses reduction plan; and (iii) $2 million of restructuring charges related to the manufacturing consolidation plans.

 

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Operating income (loss)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     December 31,
2015
    September 26,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)  

Operating income (loss)

   $ 25      $ 91      $ 38   

As percentage of net revenues

     1.5     5.2     2.1

The fourth quarter of 2015 operating income declined both sequentially and year-over-year mainly as a consequence of the lower revenues.

Operating income (loss) by product segment

 

     Three Months Ended (unaudited)  
     December 31,
2015
    September 26,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
     $ million     % of net
revenues
    $ million     % of net
revenues
    $ million     % of net
revenues
 

Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A)

   $ 36        3.6   $ 102        9.2   $ 98        8.4

Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS)

     (4     (0.6     —          —          (34     (5.1

Total operating income (loss) of product segments

     32        1.9        102        9.2        64        3.5   

Others(1)

     (7     —         (11     —         (26     —    

Total consolidated operating income (loss)

   $ 25        1.5   $ 91        5.2   $ 38        2.1

 

(1)

Operating loss of “Others” includes items such as impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, phase-out and start-up costs of certain manufacturing facilities, certain one-time corporate items and other unallocated expenses such as: strategic or special R&D programs, certain corporate-level operating expenses and other costs that are not allocated to the product segments, as well as operating earnings of the Subsystems and Other Products Group.

Impacted by lower revenues and the increased unused capacity charges, the fourth quarter operating profit declined sequentially in both segments. SP&A operating profit decreased to $36 million or 3.6% of revenues and EPS operating profit moved from the break-even level recorded in the prior quarter to a loss of $4 million, as a combination of improved results in MMS, fully offset by an increased loss in DPG.

On a year-over-year basis, SP&A operating margin declined by $62 million, impacted by declined profitability in all product lines. EPS reduced its operating loss by $30 million due to improved product mix, favorable currency effects, net of hedging, and lower net expenses.

Reconciliation to consolidated operating income (loss)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     December 31,
2015
     September 26,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)  

Total operating income of product segments

   $ 32       $ 102       $ 64   

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

     (4      (11      (20

Strategic and other research and development programs

     (1      (1      (2

Phase-out and start-up costs

     (2      (1      (3

Other non-allocated provisions(1)

     —          2         (1

Total operating loss Others

     (7      (11      (26
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total consolidated operating income (loss)

   $ 25       $ 91       $ (38
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes unallocated income and expenses such as certain corporate-level operating expenses and other costs/income that are not allocated to the product segments.

 

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Interest expense, net

 

     Three Months Ended  
     December 31,
2015
     September 26,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)  

Interest expense, net

   $ (6    $ (5    $ (6

We recorded a net interest expense of $6 million, basically flat on both sequential and year-over-year basis.

Income (loss) on equity-method investments

 

     Three Months Ended  
     December 31,
2015
     September 26,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)  

Income (loss) on equity-method investments

   $ 1       $ (1    $ 17   

In the fourth quarter of 2015 we recorded $1 million income, mainly with respect to our investment in ST-Ericsson SA. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded a profit of $17 million mostly related to our profit share in ST-Ericsson SA.

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     December 31,
2015
     September 26,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)  

Income tax benefit (expense)

   $ (17    $ 8       $ (3

During the fourth quarter of 2015 we recorded an income tax expense of $17 million, reflecting actual tax charges and benefits in each jurisdiction as well as the true-up of tax provisions based upon the most updated visibility on open tax matters in several jurisdictions.

Our tax rate is variable and depends on changes in the level of operating results within various local jurisdictions and on changes in the applicable taxation rates of these jurisdictions, as well as changes in estimations of our tax provisions. Our income tax amounts and rates depend also on our loss carry-forwards and their relevant valuation allowances, which are based on estimated projected plans and available tax planning strategies; in the case of material changes in these plans, the valuation allowances could be adjusted accordingly with an impact on our tax charges. We currently enjoy certain tax benefits in some countries. Such benefits may not be available in the future due to changes in the local jurisdictions; our effective tax rate could be different in future periods and may increase in the coming years. In addition, our yearly income tax charges include the estimated impact of provisions related to tax positions which have been considered uncertain.

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company

 

     Three Months Ended  
     December 31,
2015
    September 26,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 
     (Unaudited, in millions)  

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company

   $ 2      $ 90      $ 43   

As percentage of net revenues

     0.1     5.1     2.3

For the fourth quarter of 2015, we reported a net income of $2 million, compared to a net income of $43 million and $90 million in the prior-year and previous quarters, respectively. The fourth quarter 2015 net income represented earnings per share of $0.00 compared to $0.05 in the prior-year quarter and $0.10 in the prior quarter.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the impact per share after tax of impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs and other one-time items, a non U.S. GAAP measure, was nil, while it was approximately $(0.02) per share in both the prior-year and prior quarters.

 

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Impact of Changes in Exchange Rates

Our results of operations and financial condition can be significantly affected by material changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, particularly the Euro.

As a market rule, the reference currency for the semiconductor industry is the U.S. dollar and the market prices of semiconductor products are mainly denominated in U.S. dollars. However, revenues for some of our products (primarily certain of our products sold in Europe) are quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and as such are directly affected by fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar. As a result of currency variations, the appreciation of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar could increase our level of revenues when reported in U.S. dollars or the depreciation of the Euro compared to the U.S. dollar could decrease our level of revenues when reported in U.S. dollars. Over time the prices in the industry tend to align to the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars, except that there is a lag between the changes in the currency rate and the adjustment in the price paid in local currency, which is proportional to the amplitude of the currency swing, and such adjustment could be only partial. Furthermore, certain significant costs incurred by us, such as manufacturing costs, SG&A expenses, and R&D expenses, are largely incurred in the currency of the jurisdictions in which our operations are located. Given that most of our operations are located in the Euro zone and other non U.S. dollar currency areas, including Singapore, our costs tend to increase when translated into U.S. dollars when the dollar weakens or to decrease when the U.S. dollar strengthens.

In summary, as our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, exchange rate fluctuations affect our results of operations: in particular, if the U.S. dollar weakens, our results are negatively impacted since we receive only a limited part of our revenues, and more importantly, we incur a significant part of our costs, in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. On the other hand, our results are favorably impacted when the dollar strengthens. The impact on our accounts could therefore be material, in the case of a material variation of the U.S. dollar exchange rate.

Our principal strategy to reduce the risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations has been to balance as much as possible the proportion of sales to our customers denominated in U.S. dollars with the amount of materials, purchases and services from our suppliers denominated in U.S. dollars, thereby reducing the potential exchange rate impact of certain variable costs relative to revenues. Moreover, in order to further reduce the exposure to U.S. dollar exchange fluctuations, we have hedged certain line items on our Consolidated Statements of Income, in particular with respect to a portion of the costs of goods sold, most of the R&D expenses and certain SG&A expenses, located in the Euro zone, which we account for as cash flow hedging contracts. We use two different types of hedging contracts: forward and options (including collars).

Our Consolidated Statements of Income for 2015 included income and expense items translated at the average U.S. dollar exchange rate for the period, plus the impact of the hedging contracts expiring during the period. Our effective average exchange rate was $1.17 for €1.00 for the full year 2015, compared to $1.34 for €1.00 for the full year 2014. Our effective exchange rate was $1.11 for €1.00 for the fourth quarter of 2015, $1.16 for €1.00 for the third quarter of 2015 and $1.29 for €1.00 for the fourth quarter of 2014. These effective exchange rates reflect the actual exchange rates combined with the impact of cash flow hedging contracts that matured in the period.

The time horizon of our cash flow hedging for manufacturing costs and operating expenses may run up to 24 months, for a limited percentage of our exposure to the Euro, depending on currency market circumstances. As of December 31, 2015, the outstanding hedged amounts were €743 million to cover manufacturing costs and €511 million to cover operating expenses, both at an average exchange rate of about $1.14 to €1.00 (considering the collars at upper strike), maturing over the period from January 5, 2016 to August 8, 2017. As of December 31, 2015, measured in respect to the exchange rate at period closing of about $1.09 to €1.00, these outstanding hedging contracts and certain expiring contracts covering manufacturing expenses capitalized in inventory resulted in a deferred loss of approximately $21 million before tax, recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Consolidated Statements of Equity, compared to a deferred loss of approximately $73 million before tax at December 31, 2014.

We also hedge certain manufacturing costs denominated in Singapore dollars (SGD); as of December 31, 2015, the outstanding hedged amounts were SGD 118 million at an average exchange rate of about SGD 1.39 to $1.00 maturing over the period from January 14, 2016 to December 8, 2016. As of December 31, 2015, these outstanding hedging contracts resulted in a deferred loss of approximately $2 million before tax, recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Consolidated Statements of Equity, compared to a deferred loss of approximately $3 million before tax at December 31, 2014.

 

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Our cash flow hedging policy is not intended to cover our full exposure and is based on hedging a portion of our exposure in the next four quarters and a declining percentage of our exposure in each quarter thereafter. In 2015, as a result of our cash flow hedging, we recorded a net loss of $170 million, consisting of a loss of about $14 million to selling, general and administrative expenses, $51 million to research and development and a loss of about $105 million to costs of goods sold, while in 2014, we recorded a net loss of $2 million.

In addition to our cash flow hedging, in order to mitigate potential exchange rate risks on our commercial transactions, we purchase and enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency options to cover foreign currency exposure in payables or receivables at our affiliates, which we account for as fair value instruments. We may in the future purchase or sell similar types of instruments. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”. Furthermore, we may not predict in a timely fashion the amount of future transactions in the volatile industry environment. No assurance may be given that our hedging activities will sufficiently protect us against declines in the value of the U.S. dollar. Consequently, our results of operations have been and may continue to be impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates. The net effect of our consolidated foreign exchange exposure resulted in a net gain of $2 million recorded in “Other income and expenses, net” in our 2015 Consolidated Statement of Income compared to a net gain of $4 million recorded in 2014.

The assets and liabilities of subsidiaries are, for consolidation purposes, translated into U.S. dollars at the period-end exchange rate. Income and expenses, as well as cash flows, are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. The balance sheet impact, as well as the income statement and cash flow impact, of such translations have been, and may be expected to be, significant from period to period since a large part of our assets and liabilities and activities are accounted for in Euros as they are located in jurisdictions where the Euro is the functional currency. Adjustments resulting from the translation are recorded directly in equity, and are shown as “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Consolidated Statements of Equity. At December 31, 2015, our outstanding indebtedness was denominated mainly in U.S. dollars and in Euros.

For a more detailed discussion, see “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Operations”.

Impact of Changes in Interest Rates

Interest rates may fluctuate upon changes in financial market conditions and material changes can affect our results of operations and financial condition, since these changes can impact the total interest income received on our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, as well as the total interest expense paid on our financial debt.

Our interest income (expense), net, as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Income, is the balance between interest income received from our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities investments and interest expense paid on our financial liabilities (including the sale without recourse of receivables), non-cash interest expense on the Senior Convertible Bonds and bank fees (including fees on committed credit lines). Our interest income is dependent upon fluctuations in interest rates, mainly in U.S. dollars and Euros, since we invest primarily on a short-term basis; any increase or decrease in the market interest rates would mean a proportional increase or decrease in our interest income. Our interest expenses are also dependent upon fluctuations in interest rates, since our financial liabilities include European Investment Bank Floating Rate Loans at Libor and Euribor plus variable spreads.

At December 31, 2015, our total financial resources, including cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, generated an average interest income rate of 0.87%. At the same date, the average interest rate on our outstanding debt was 2.05% while the average rate of the cash interests on our total debt at redemption value was 0.72%.

Impact of Changes in Equity Prices

As of December 31, 2015, we did not hold any significant equity participations, which could be subject to a material impact in changes in equity prices. However, we hold equity participations whose carrying value could be reduced due to further losses or impairment charges of our equity-method investments. See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Treasury activities are regulated by our policies, which define procedures, objectives and controls. The policies focus on the management of our financial risk in terms of exposure to currency rates and interest rates.

 

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Most treasury activities are centralized, with any local treasury activities subject to oversight from our head treasury office. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are held in U.S. dollars and Euros and are placed with financial institutions rated at least a single A long-term rating, meaning at least A3 from Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and A- from Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), or better. Marginal amounts are held in other currencies. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”.

Our total liquidity and capital resources were $2,106 million as of December 31, 2015, decreasing compared to $2,351 million at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015, our total liquidity and capital resources were comprised of $1,771 million in cash and cash equivalents and $335 million in marketable securities, all considered as current assets.

As of December 31, 2015, marketable securities were $335 million invested in U.S. Government Treasury Bonds with a rating of Aaa/AA+/AAA from Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, respectively, and a weighted average maturity of 4.3 years. The securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. This fair value measurement corresponds to a Level 1 fair value hierarchy measurement.

Liquidity

We maintain a significant cash position and a low debt-to-equity ratio, which provide us with adequate financial flexibility. As in the past, our cash management policy is to finance our investment needs mainly with net cash generated from operating activities.

During 2015, our net cash decreased by $246 million, due to the net cash used in investing and financing activities exceeding the net cash from operating activities.

The components of our cash flow for the last three years are set forth below:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  
     (In millions)  

Net cash from operating activities

   $ 842       $ 715       $ 366   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (516      (784      (379

Net cash from (used in) financing activities

     (556      262         (388

Effect of changes in exchange rates

     (16      (12      (13

Net cash increase (decrease)

   $ (246    $ 181       $ (414

Net cash from operating activities. Net cash from operating activities is the sum of (i) net income (loss) adjusted for non-cash items and (ii) changes in net working capital. The net cash from operating activities in 2015 was $842 million, increasing compared to $715 million in the prior year period, benefitting from more favorable changes in net working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities. Investing activities used $516 million of cash in 2015, mainly due to payments for the purchase of tangible and intangible assets and equity investment disposal. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities compared to the $784 million in the prior year was primarily due to the absence of marketable securities purchases in 2015. Payments for purchase of tangible assets, net of proceeds, totaled $467 million, compared to $496 million in 2014.

Net cash from (used in) financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $556 million for 2015, compared to the $262 million generated in 2014. This decrease was primarily due to the $994 million net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Bonds in 2014. The 2015 amount included $350 million in dividends paid to stockholders compared to $354 million paid in 2014.

Free Cash Flow (non U.S. GAAP measure). We also present Free Cash Flow, which is a non U.S. GAAP measure, defined as (i) net cash from operating activities plus (ii) net cash used in investing activities, excluding payment for purchases (and proceeds from the sale) of marketable securities, and net cash variation for joint ventures deconsolidation, which are considered as temporary financial investments. The result of this definition is ultimately net cash from operating activities plus payment for purchase and proceeds from sale of tangible, intangible and financial assets and proceeds received in the sale of businesses. We believe Free Cash Flow, a non U.S. GAAP measure, provides useful information for investors and management because it measures our

 

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capacity to generate cash from our operating and investing activities to sustain our operations. Free Cash Flow is not a U.S. GAAP measure and does not represent total cash flow since it does not include the cash flows generated by or used in financing activities. Free Cash Flow reconciles with the total cash flow and the net cash increase (decrease) by including the payment for purchases (and proceeds from the sale) of marketable securities and net cash variation from joint ventures deconsolidation, the net cash from (used in) financing activities and the effect of changes in exchange rates. In addition, our definition of Free Cash Flow may differ from definitions used by other companies. Free Cash Flow is determined as follows from our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015     2014     2013  
     (In millions)  

Net cash from operating activities

   $ 842      $ 715      $ 366   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (516     (784     (379

Excluding:

      

Payment for purchase and proceeds from sale of marketable securities, and net cash variation for joint ventures deconsolidation

     1        266        (166

Payment for purchase and proceeds from sale of tangible and intangible assets(1)

     (515     (518     (545

Free Cash Flow (non U.S. GAAP measure)

   $ 327      $ 197      $ (179

 

(1)

Reflects the total of the following line items reconciled with our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows relating to the investing activities: Payment for purchase of tangible assets, Proceeds from sale of tangible assets, Payment for purchase of intangible assets, Payment for purchase of financial assets, Proceeds from sale of financial assets, Payment for disposal of equity investment, Proceeds received in sale of businesses.

Free Cash Flow was positive $327 million in 2015, compared to positive $197 million in 2014, mainly driven by the favorable change in net working capital.

Capital Resources

Net Financial Position (non U.S. GAAP measure). Our Net Financial Position represents the difference between our total financial resources and our total financial debt. Our total financial resources include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and short-term deposits, and our total financial debt includes bank overdrafts, short-term debt and long-term debt, as represented in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net Financial Position is not a U.S. GAAP measure but we believe it provides useful information for investors because it gives evidence of our global position either in terms of net indebtedness or net cash by measuring our capital resources based on cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities and the total level of our financial indebtedness. Our Net Financial Position for each period has been determined as follows from our Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2015      2014(1)      2013  
     (In millions)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,771       $ 2,017       $ 1,836   

Marketable securities

     335         334         57   

Short-term deposits

     —          —          1   

Total financial resources

     2,106         2,351         1,894   

Bank overdrafts and short-term debt

     (191      (202      (225

Long-term debt

     (1,421      (1,599      (928

Total financial debt

     (1,612      (1,801      (1,153

Net Financial Position

   $ 494       $ 550       $ 741   

 

(1)

The December 31, 2014 net financial position was restated following the early adoption of ASU 2015-03, consisting in a balance sheet reclassification of debt issuance costs (now reported as deduction of issued debt and not as non-current assets).

 

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Our Net Financial Position as of December 31, 2015 was a net cash position of $494 million, decreasing compared to the net cash position of $550 million at December 31, 2014.

At December 31, 2015, our financial debt was $1,612 million, composed of (i) $191 million of current portion of long-term debt and (ii) $1,421 million of long-term debt. The breakdown of our total financial debt included: (i) $696 million in European Investment Bank loans (the “EIB Loans”), (ii) $904 million in the Senior Bonds, (iii) $11 million in loans from other funding programs and other long-term loans, and (iv) $1 million of capital leases. The EIB Loans are comprised of four long-term amortizing credit facilities as part of our R&D funding programs. The first for R&D in France was drawn in U.S. dollars from 2006 to 2008 for a total amount of $341 million, of which $19 million remained outstanding as at December 31, 2015. The second or R&D projects in Italy, was drawn in U.S. dollars in 2008 for a total amount of $380 million, of which $55 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2015. The third, signed in 2010, is a €350 million multi-currency loan to support our industrial and R&D programs. It was drawn mainly in U.S. dollars for an amount of $321 million and only partially in Euros for an amount of €100 million, of which $269 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2015. The fourth, signed in the first quarter of 2013, is a €350 million multicurrency loan which also supports our R&D programs. It was drawn in U.S. dollars for an amount of $471 million, of which $353 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

Additionally, we had unutilized committed medium-term credit facilities with core relationship banks of $563 million.

Our long-term debt contains standard conditions, but does not impose minimum financial ratios.

As of December 31, 2015, debt payments at redemption value by period were as follows:

 

     Payments Due by Period  
     Total      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      Thereafter  
     (In millions)  

Long-term debt (including current portion)

   $ 1,707       $ 191       $ 116       $ 114       $ 713       $ 113       $ 460   

The Senior Bonds were issued on July 3, 2014, for a principal amount of $1,000 million (Tranche A for $600 million and Tranche B for $400 million), due 2019 and 2021, respectively, for net proceeds of approximately $994 million. Tranche A bonds were issued as zero-coupon bonds while Tranche B bonds bear a 1% per annum nominal interest, payable semi-annually. The conversion price at issuance was approximately $12 on each tranche. The Senior Bonds are convertible by the bondholders if certain conditions are satisfied on a net-share settlement basis, except if an alternative settlement is elected by us. We can also redeem the Senior Bonds prior to their maturity in certain circumstances. Upon initial recognition, the proceeds were allocated between debt and equity by determining the fair value of the liability component using an income approach. The liability component will accrete to par value until maturity based on the effective interest rate (Tranche A: 2.40% and Tranche B: 3.22%, including 1% p.a. nominal interest). In the computation of diluted earnings per share, the Senior Bonds will be dilutive only for the portion of net-share settlement underlying the conversion premium when the conversion option is in the money.

Our current ratings with the three major rating agencies that report on us on a solicited basis, are as follows: Moody’s: “Ba1” with stable outlook; S&P: “BBB-” with stable outlook; Fitch: “BBB-” with stable outlook. On February 24, 2016, Moody’s lowered our senior debt rating from Baa3 with negative outlook to Ba1 with stable outlook.

 

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Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments and Contingencies

Our contractual obligations, commercial commitments and contingencies as of December 31, 2015, and for each of the five years to come and thereafter, were as follows:(1)

 

     Total      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      Thereafter  
     (In millions)  

Operating leases(2)

   $ 191       $ 48       $ 35       $ 24       $ 15       $ 13       $ 56   

Purchase obligations(2)

     468         377         65         23         3         —           —     

of which:

                    

Equipment and other asset purchases

     149         149         —           —           —           —           —     

Foundry purchases

     101         101         —           —           —           —           —     

Software, design, technologies and licenses

     218         127         65         23         3         —           —     

Other obligations(2)

     431         206         179         35         6         5         —     

Long-term debt obligations (including current portion)(3)(4)

     1,707         191         116         114         713         113         460   

of which:

                    

Capital leases(3)

     1         —           1         —           —           —           —     

Pension obligations(3)

     351         24         32         26         32         30         207   

Other long-term liabilities(3)

     158         —           87         14         8         13         36   

Total

   $ 3,306       $ 846       $ 514       $ 236       $ 777       $ 174       $ 759   

 

(1)

Contingent liabilities which cannot be quantified are excluded from the table above.

(2)

Items not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015.

(3)

Items reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015. For long-term debt obligations the difference between the total obligations and the total carrying amount of long-term debt is due to the unamortized discount on the dual tranche senior unsecured convertible bonds.

(4)

See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements at December 31, 2015 for additional information related to long-term debt.

Operating leases are mainly related to building leases and to equipment. The amount disclosed is composed of minimum payments for future leases from 2016 to 2020 and thereafter. We lease land, buildings, plants and equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates under non-cancelable lease agreements.

Purchase obligations are primarily comprised of purchase commitments for equipment, for outsourced foundry wafers and for software licenses.

Other obligations primarily relate to firm contractual commitments with respect to partnership and cooperation agreements.

Long-term debt obligations mainly consist of bank loans and Senior Bonds. In 2016, we expect to redeem with available cash and cash equivalents a $186 million loan received from European Investment Bank as an annual installment. See “— Net financial position (non U.S. GAAP measure)” above.

Pension obligations amounting to $351 million consist of our best estimates of the amounts projected to be payable by us for the pension and post-employment plans. The final actual amount to be paid and related timing of such payments may vary significantly due to early retirements, terminations and changes in assumptions rates. See Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. As part of the Flash divestiture, we retained the obligation to fund the severance payment (trattamento di fine rapporto) due to certain transferred employees by the defined amount of about $7 million which qualifies as a defined benefit plan and was classified as an “other long-term liability” at December 31, 2015.

Other long-term liabilities include future obligations related to our restructuring plans and miscellaneous contractual obligations. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, as of December 31, 2015, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $226 million. We do not expect to recognize any of these tax benefits in 2016. We are not, however, able to provide a reasonably reliable estimate of when these benefits will be recognized.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no material off-balance sheet arrangements at December 31, 2015.

 

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Financial Outlook: Capital Investment

Our policy is to modulate our capital spending according to the evolution of the semiconductor market. Based on market recovery forecast and ongoing strategic initiatives, our capital expenditure is estimated in the $600-670 million range for 2016, to be adjusted based on demand thereafter. The most important of our 2016 capital expenditure projects are expected to be : (a) for our front end facilities: (i) in our 300 mm fab in Crolles, R&D, technology evolution and — depending on demand — new specialized capacity to support the production ramp up of new technologies; (ii) mix evolution, and a few select programs of capacity growth and infrastructure preparation, mainly in the area of mixed signal and discrete processes; (iii) qualification and ramp-up of technologies in 200 mm in Singapore, Agrate and expansion of the 200 mm fab in Catania; and (iv) quality, safety, maintenance, and productivity and cost savings investments in both 150 mm and 200 mm front end fabs; (b) for our back end facilities, capital expenditures will mainly be dedicated to: (i) capacity growth on certain package families, to sustain market demand and secure service to strategic customers; (ii) modernization and rationalization of package lines targeting cost savings benefits; and (iii) specific investments in the areas of factory automation, quality, environment and energy savings; and (c) an overall capacity adjustment in final testing and wafers probing (EWS) to meet increased demand and changed product mix.

We will continue to monitor our level of capital spending by taking into consideration factors such as trends in the semiconductor industry and capacity utilization. We expect to need significant financial resources in the coming years for capital expenditures and for our investments in manufacturing and R&D. We plan to fund our capital requirements from cash provided by operating activities, available funds and support from third parties, and may have recourse to borrowings under available credit lines and, to the extent necessary or attractive based on market conditions prevailing at the time, the issuance of debt, convertible bonds or additional equity securities. A substantial deterioration of our economic results, and consequently of our profitability, could generate a deterioration of the cash generated by our operating activities. Therefore, there can be no assurance that, in future periods, we will generate the same level of cash as in prior years to fund our capital expenditure plans for expanding/upgrading our production facilities, our working capital requirements, our R&D and manufacturing costs.

As a result of our exit from the ST-Ericsson joint venture, our exposure is limited to covering 50% of ST-Ericsson’s needs to complete the wind-down, which are estimated to be not material to our consolidated cash flows, based on our current visibility of the ST-Ericsson liquidation balance.

We believe that we have the financial resources needed to meet our currently projected business requirements for the next twelve months, including capital expenditures for our manufacturing activities, working capital requirements, approved dividend payments and the repayment of our debts in line with their maturity dates.

Impact of Recently Issued U.S. Accounting Standards

See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Equity-method investments

See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Backlog and Customers

See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Backlog”.

 

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

Directors and Senior Management

The management of our Company is entrusted to the Managing Board under the supervision of the Supervisory Board.

Supervisory Board

Our Supervisory Board advises our Managing Board and is responsible for supervising the policies pursued by our Managing Board and the general course of our affairs and business. Our Supervisory Board consists of

 

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such number of members as is resolved by our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (“AGM”) upon a non-binding proposal of our Supervisory Board, with a minimum of six members. Decisions by our AGM concerning the number and the identity of our Supervisory Board members are taken by a simple majority of the votes cast at a meeting, provided quorum conditions are met.

Our Supervisory Board was composed of the following nine members as of December 31, 2015:

 

Name

   Position    Year First
Appointed
    Term
Expires
     Age  

Maurizio Tamagnini

   Chairman      2014        2017         50   

Didier Lombard

   Vice Chairman      2004        2017         73   

Janet G. Davidson

   Member      2013        2016         59   

Nicolas Dufourcq(1)

   Member      2015        2018         52   

Heleen Kersten

   Member      2014        2017         50   

Jean-Georges Malcor

   Member      2011        2017         59   

Alessandro Ovi

   Member      2007 (2)      2016         71   

Alessandro Rivera

   Member      2011        2017         45   

Martine Verluyten

   Member      2012        2018         64   

 

(1)

Mr. Dufourcq was appointed as a member of our Supervisory Board on May 27, 2015.

(2)

Mr. Ovi was a member of our Supervisory Board from 1994-2005. He was reappointed to our Supervisory Board in 2007.

Resolutions of our Supervisory Board require the approval of at least three-quarters of its members in office. Our Supervisory Board must meet upon request by two or more of its members or by our Managing Board. Our Supervisory Board meets at least five times a year, including once per quarter to approve our quarterly, semi-annual and annual accounts and their release. Our Supervisory Board has adopted a Supervisory Board Charter, which was last updated in May 2015, setting forth its duties, responsibilities and operations, as mentioned below. The Supervisory Board Charter is available on our website (www.st.com).

Our Supervisory Board may make a proposal to our annual shareholders’ meeting for the suspension or dismissal of one or more of its members. Each member of our Supervisory Board must resign no later than three years after appointment, as described in our Articles of Association, but may be reappointed following the expiration of his/her term of office. Pursuant to Dutch law, there is no mandatory retirement age for members of our Supervisory Board. Members of the Supervisory Board may be suspended or dismissed by our annual shareholders’ meeting. Certain of our Supervisory Board members are proposed by and may retain certain relationships with our direct or indirect shareholders represented through our major shareholder. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Major Shareholders.”

Biographies of our Current Supervisory Board Members

Maurizio Tamagnini has been a member and the Chairman of our Supervisory Board since June 2014. He also serves on our Supervisory Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and chairs its Compensation Committee and Strategic Committee. Mr. Tamagnini is currently Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Investment Committee of Fondo Strategico Italiano Spa (FSI), an investment company ultimately controlled by the Italian Government with €4.4 billion capital which invests in large corporates, sponsored by Cassa depositi e prestiti Spa. He was previously Southern European Manager of the Corporate & Investments Banking division of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and a member of the Executive Committee of Bank of America Merrill Lynch for the EMEA region. Mr. Tamagnini has gained over 25 years of experience in the financial sector specializing in the areas of Corporate Finance, Private Equity, Debt and Equity. Mr. Tamagnini is also Chairman of the Joint Venture between FSI and Qatar Holding (IQ Made in Italy Investment Company Spa) with capital endowment of up to €2 billion in total for investments in the food, brands, furniture & design and tourism sectors. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of RDIF (the Russian Direct Investment Fund), of the Italian Ministry of Economic Development Industrial Compact task force and was a member of the Organization Committee for the 2014 Worldwide Female Volleyball Championships, held in Milan. He holds a degree in International Monetary Economics from Bocconi University in Milan and has also studied at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — Troy in New York, USA.

Didier Lombard has been a member of our Supervisory Board since 2004 and has been its Vice-Chairman since June 2014. He was the Supervisory Board’s Chairman from 2011 until 2014. Mr. Lombard serves on our

 

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Supervisory Board’s Compensation Committee, Strategic Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Lombard was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Orange (formerly France Telecom) in March 2005, and served as Chief Executive Officer until February 2010 and Chairman until March 2011. Mr. Lombard began his career in the Research and Development division of Orange in 1967. From 1989 to 1990, he served as scientific and technological director at the Ministry of Research and Technology. From 1991 to 1998, he served as General Director for industrial strategies at the French Ministry of Economy, Finances and Industry, and from 1999 to 2003 he served as an Ambassador at large for foreign investments in France and as President of the French Agency for International Investments. From 2003 through February 2005, he served as Orange’s Senior Executive Vice President in charge of technologies, strategic partnerships and new usages and as a member of Orange’s Executive Committee. Mr. Lombard was also a member of the board of directors of Thales until May 2014. He is also the Chairman of the board of directors of Technicolor (previously Thomson), one of our customers, as well as a member of the supervisory board of Radiall. Mr. Lombard was also a member until his resignation on November 15, 2006 of the supervisory board of ST Holding, our largest shareholder. Mr. Lombard is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications.

Janet G. Davidson has been a member of our Supervisory Board since June 2013. She serves on our Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee and Strategic Committee. She began her career in 1979 as a member of the Technical Staff of Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies (as of 2006 Alcatel Lucent), and served from 1979 through 2011 in several key positions, most recently as Chief Strategy Officer (2005 – 2006), Chief Compliance Officer (2006 – 2008) and EVP Quality & Customer Care (2008 – 2011). From 2005 through 2012, Ms. Davidson was a member of the Lehigh University Board of Trustees. In 2007 she served on the Riverside Symphonia Board of Trustees and in 2005 and 2006, Ms. Davidson was a member of the Liberty Science Center Board of Trustees. Ms. Davidson was a member of the board of the Alcatel Lucent Foundation from 2011 until 2014. Ms. Davidson is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Atlanta, GA, USA, and Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA and holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

Nicolas Dufourcq has been a member of our Supervisory Board since May 2015. He serves on our Supervisory Board’s Compensation Committee, Strategic Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Dufourcq is a graduate of HEC (Hautes Etudes Commerciales) and ENA (Ecole Nationale d’Administration). He began his career at the French Ministry of Finance and Economics before joining the Ministry of Health and Social affairs in 1992. In 1994, he joined France Telecom, where he created the Multimedia division, prior to becoming the Chairman of Wanadoo, the firm’s listed Internet and Yellow Pages subsidiary. After joining the Capgemini Group in 2003, he oversaw operations in the Central and Southern Europe region, successfully leading their financial turnaround. He was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Group and member of the Executive Committee in September 2004. In 2005, he was named deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of finance, risk management, IT, delivery, purchases and LEAN program and, in 2007, also in charge of the follow-up of the group’s major contracts. On February 7, 2013, Mr. Dufourcq was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bpifrance (Banque Publique d’Investissement), which is indirectly controlled by the French Government and is one of the indirect shareholders of ST Holding. Mr. Dufourcq is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Euler Hermes Group.

Heleen Kersten has been a member of our Supervisory Board since June 2014. She serves on our Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee and Compensation Committee and chairs its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Ms. Kersten is a partner at Stibbe in Amsterdam, where she held the position of managing partner from 2008 to 2013. Stibbe is a Benelux law firm with offices in Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg, London, New York, Dubai and Hong Kong. She began her career in 1989 with Stibbe before joining Davis Polk in New York and London (1992-1993). After her return to Stibbe Amsterdam, she rose through the ranks to become a partner in 1997. As a member of the Bar of Amsterdam since 1989, Ms. Kersten specializes in mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets, corporate law and corporate governance. Ms. Kersten is currently a member of the supervisory boards of Egeria Investment B.V. (since 2007 and Chairman since October 2014) and a supervisorv board member of the Rijksmuseum (Stichting Het Rijksmuseum) (since 2015). She is also a board member of the Foundation Donors of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (Stichting Donateurs Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest) (since 2010). Ms. Kersten holds master’s degrees in Dutch law and tax law, both from Leiden University in the Netherlands.

Jean-Georges Malcor has been a member of our Supervisory Board since May 2011. He also serves on our Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee. Mr. Malcor is the Chief Executive Officer of CGG. He is a graduate of Ecole Centrale de Paris. He also holds a Master of Sciences degree from Stanford University, and a Doctorat from Ecole des Mines. Mr. Malcor began his career at the Thales group as an acoustic engineer in the

 

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Underwater Activities division where he was particularly in charge of hydrophone and geophone design and towed streamer programs. He then moved to the Sydney based Thomson Sintra Pacific Australia, becoming Managing Director of the company in 1990. Back in France, he became Director of Marketing and Communications (1991), then Director, Foreign Operations of Thomson Sintra Activités Sous Marines (1993). In 1996, he was appointed Managing Director of Thomson Marconi Sonar Australia which was, in addition to its military activities, the lead developing company for the solid geophysical streamer. In 1999, Mr. Malcor became the first Managing Director of the newly formed joint venture Australian Defense Industry. During this time he operated the Sydney based Woolloomooloo Shipyard (the largest dry dock in the southern hemisphere). In 2002, he became Senior Vice President, International Operations of Thales International. From 2004 to 2009, he was Senior Vice President in charge of the Naval Division, supervising all naval activities in Thales including ship design, building and maintenance. In January 2009, he became Senior Vice President, in charge of the Aerospace Division. In June 2009, he moved to the position of Senior Vice President, Continental Europe, Turkey, Russia, Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Latin America. Mr. Malcor joined CGG in January 2010 as President and became CEO on June 30, 2010. Since June 2013, Mr. Malcor has been a member of the Supervisory Board (as well as its Appointment and Compensation Committee) of the Fives Group.

Alessandro Ovi was a member of our Supervisory Board from 1994 until his term expired at our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in March 2005. He was reappointed to our Supervisory Board at the 2007 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Mr. Ovi serves on our Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee and Strategic Committee. Mr. Ovi received a doctoral degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Politecnico in Milan and a Master’s Degree in Operations Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has been special advisor to the President of the European Community for five years and has served on the boards of Telecom Italia S.p.A, Finmeccanica S.p.A. and Alitalia S.p.A. Currently, he is also a director and member of the audit committee of LandiRenzo S.p.A and a director of Almaviva S.p.A. Mr. Ovi is also a Life Trustee in Carnegie Mellon University and a member of the board in the Italian Institute of Technology. Until April 2000, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Tecnitel S.p.A., a subsidiary of Telecom Italia Group. Prior to joining Tecnitel S.p.A., Mr. Ovi was the Senior Vice President of International Affairs and Communications at I.R.I.

Alessandro Rivera has been a member of our Supervisory Board since May 2011. Mr. Rivera serves on our Supervisory Board’s Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. He has been the Head of Directorate IV “Financial Sector Policy and Regulation Legal Affairs” at the Department of the Treasury, Ministry of Economy and Finance, since 2008. He served as Head of Unit in the Department of the Treasury from 2000 to 2008 and was responsible for a variety of policy matters: financial services and markets, banking foundations, accounting, finance, corporate governance and auditing. Since 2008, Mr. Rivera has been the Government representative in the “Consiglio Superiore” of the Bank of Italy, and in the Financial Services Committee. Since 2013 he has been a member of the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. From 2011 to 2014 he was a member of the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee of Poste Italiane S.p.A.. From 2008 to 2011 he was a member of the European Securities Committee. He was a member of the Accounting Regulatory Committee from 2002 to 2008 and a member of the Audit Regulatory Committee from 2005 to 2008. He served on the board of Italia Lavoro S.p.A. from 2005 to 2008 and was a member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Mr. Rivera was also the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the “Fondo nazionale di garanzia degli intermediari finanziari” (Italian investor compensation scheme) from 2003 to 2008. From 2001 to 2010, he was the Project Leader and Deputy Project Leader in several twinning projects with Eastern European Countries (the Russian Federation, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Bulgaria). He also served on the board of Mediocredito del Friuli — Venezia Giulia S.p.A from 2001 to 2003.

Martine Verluyten has been a member of our Supervisory Board since May 2012. Ms. Verluyten serves on our Supervisory Board’s Audit Committee and has been its Chair since April 22, 2013. Until 2011, Ms. Verluyten acted as CFO of Umicore N.V. based in Brussels. Previously she was CFO of Mobistar N.V. (2001-2006), having initially joined Mobistar in 2000 as Group Controller. She had earlier worked at Raychem since 1976, holding various management positions during her 23 year tenure, from Manager European Consolidations (1976-1979), to General Accounting Manager based in the US (1979-1983). She was then promoted to Division Controller Telecom Division Europe from 1983 to 1990. In 1990, she was appointed Finance & Administration Director back in Europe, then in 1995, Europe Controller Finance & Administration Director until 1999. Ms. Verluyten is also member of the board of directors of Thomas Cook plc, 3i plc and GBL (group Bruxelles Lambert). Ms. Verluyten began her career in 1973 at KPMG as an Auditor.

 

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Supervisory Board Committees

Membership and Attendance. As of December 31, 2015, the composition of the four standing committees of our Supervisory Board was as follows: (i) Ms. Martine Verluyten is the Chair of the Audit Committee, and Ms. Janet G. Davidson, Ms. Heleen Kersten, Mr. Jean-Georges Malcor and Mr. Alessandro Ovi are members of the Audit Committee; (ii) Mr. Maurizio Tamagnini is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee, and Mr. Nicolas Dufourcq, Ms. Heleen Kersten, Mr. Didier Lombard and Mr. Alessandro Rivera are members of the Compensation Committee; (iii) Ms. Heleen Kersten is the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Messrs. Nicolas Dufourcq, Didier Lombard, Alessandro Rivera and Maurizio Tamagnini are members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; and (iv) Mr. Maurizio Tamagnini is the Chairman of the Strategic Committee, and Ms. Janet G. Davidson and Messrs. Nicolas Dufourcq, Didier Lombard and Alessandro Ovi are members of the Strategic Committee.

Detailed information on attendance at full Supervisory Board and Supervisory Board Committee meetings during 2015 is as follows:

 

Number of Meetings
Attended in 2015

  Full
Board
    %
Attendance
    Audit
Committee
    %
Attendance
    Compensation
Committee
    %
Attendance
    Strategic
Committee
    %
Attendance
    Nominating
& Corporate
Governance
Committee
    %
Attendance
 

Maurizio Tamagnini

    9        100        n/a        —          5        100        6        100        5        100   

Didier Lombard

    9        100        n/a        —          5        100        6        100        5        100   

Jean d’Arthuys

    1 (1)        n/a        —          1 (1)        1 (1)        1 (1)   

Janet G. Davidson

    8        89        9        90        n/a        —          6        100        n/a        —     

Nicolas Dufourcq

    4 (2)        n/a        —          1 (2)        3 (2)        1 (2)   

Heleen Kersten

    9        100        9        90        4        80        n/a        —          5        100   

Jean-Georges Malcor

    9        100        9        90        n/a        —          n/a        —          n/a        —     

Alessandro Ovi

    9        100        10        100        n/a        —          6        100        n/a        —     

Alessandro Rivera

    8        89        n/a        —          5        100        n/a        —          5        100   

Martine Verluyten

    9        100        10        100        n/a        —          n/a        —          n/a        —     

 

(1)

Mr. d’Arthuys’ mandate as a member of our Supervisory Board, as well as member of the Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Strategic Committee, expired on May 27, 2015.

(2)

Mr. Dufourcq was appointed as a member of our Supervisory Board on May 27, 2015 and is also a member of the Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Strategic Committee.

Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee assists the Supervisory Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to corporate accounting, reporting practices, and the quality and integrity of our financial reports as well as our auditing practices, legal and regulatory related risks, execution of our auditors’ recommendations regarding corporate auditing rules and the independence of our external auditors.

Our Audit Committee met 10 times during 2015. At many of the Audit Committee’s meetings, the committee received presentations on current financial and accounting issues and had the opportunity to discuss with our CEO, CFO, Head of Corporate Control, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Audit and Risk Executive and external auditors. Our Audit Committee also met with outside U.S. legal counsel to discuss corporate requirements pursuant to NYSE’s corporate governance rules and the Sarbanes Oxley Act. Our Audit Committee also proceeded with its annual review of our internal audit function. Our Audit Committee reviewed our annual Consolidated Financial Statements in U.S. GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the results press release was published on January 27, 2016.

Our Audit Committee approved the compensation of our external auditors for 2015 and discussed the scope of their audit, audit related and non-audit related services for 2015. The Audit Committee also led the selection process of our new external auditors, who were appointed at our 2015 General Meeting of Shareholders for the 2016-2019 fiscal years.

At the end of each quarter, prior to each Supervisory Board meeting to approve our quarterly results, our Audit Committee reviewed our interim financial information and the proposed press release and had the opportunity to raise questions to management and the independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, our Audit Committee reviewed our quarterly “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and Consolidated Financial Statements (and notes thereto) before they were furnished to the SEC and voluntarily certified by the CEO and the CFO (pursuant to sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act). Our Audit Committee also reviewed Operating and Financial Review and Prospects and our Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Form 20-F, prior to its approval by our Supervisory Board. Furthermore, our Audit Committee monitored our compliance with the European Directive and applicable provisions of Dutch law that require us to prepare a set of accounts pursuant to IFRS in advance of our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which was held on May 27, 2015. See “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Operations”.

 

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Also in 2015, our Audit Committee reviewed with our external auditors our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, our Audit Committee regularly reviewed management’s conclusions as to the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and supervised the implementation of our corporate Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) process.

As part of each of its quarterly meetings, our Audit Committee also reviewed our financial results as presented by Management and whistleblowing reports, including independent investigative reports provided by internal audit or outside consultants on such matters.

Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee advises our Supervisory Board in relation to the compensation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and sole member of our Managing Board, including the variable portion of such compensation based on performance criteria recommended by our Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee also reviews the stock based compensation plans for our senior managers and key employees. Our Compensation Committee met 5 times in 2015.

Among its main activities, in 2015 our Compensation Committee: (i) reviewed the objectives met as compared to the performance criteria relating to the CEO bonus for the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2014; (ii) defined the performance targets relating to the CEO bonus for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2015 (which targets are based on, inter alia, revenues growth, certain financial targets, the share price evolution versus SOXX and special programs); and (iii) established, on behalf and with the approval of the entire Supervisory Board, the applicable performance criteria, which must be met by senior managers and selected key employees participating in the employees stock award plans to benefit from such awards.

For the 2015 unvested stock award plan, our Compensation Committee, on behalf, and with the approval, of the entire Supervisory Board, established the applicable performance criteria, which are based on sales evolution and operating income evolution, both as compared against a panel of ten semiconductor companies, and Return on Net Assets targets.

Strategic Committee. Our Strategic Committee advises the Supervisory Board on and monitor key developments within the semiconductor industry and our overall strategy, and is, in particular, involved in supervising the execution of corporate strategies and in reviewing long-term planning and budgeting. Our Strategic Committee met 6 times in 2015. In addition, there were strategic discussions, many of which occurred at extended Supervisory Board meetings and involved all Supervisory Board members.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee advises the Supervisory Board on the selection criteria and procedures relating to the appointment of members to our Supervisory Board and Managing Board, and the review of principles relating to corporate governance. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met 5 times during 2015 to discuss proposals for the appointment of members to our Supervisory Board, recent developments in Dutch and U.S. law and best practices regarding corporate governance and the update of our Supervisory Board Charter (which was completed in May 2015 and is available on the Company website at www.st.com).

Secretariat and Controllers. Our Supervisory Board appoints a Secretary and Vice Secretary. Furthermore, the Managing Board makes an Executive Secretary available to our Supervisory Board, who is also appointed by the Supervisory Board. The Secretary, Vice Secretary and Executive Secretary constitute the Secretariat of the Supervisory Board. The mission of the Secretariat is primarily to organize meetings, to ensure the continuing education and training of our Supervisory Board members and to maintain record keeping. Mr. Gabriele Pagnotta serves as Secretary and Mr. Bertrand Loubert serves as Vice Secretary. Messrs. Pagnotta and Loubert serve as Managing Directors of ST Holding. Our Chief Compliance Officer, serves as Executive Secretary for our Supervisory Board, and for each of the four standing committees of our Supervisory Board.

Our Supervisory Board also appoints two financial experts (“Controllers”). The mission of the Controllers is primarily to assist our Supervisory Board in evaluating our operational and financial performance, business plan, strategic initiatives and the implementation of Supervisory Board decisions, as well as to review the operational reports provided under the responsibility of the Managing Board. The Controllers generally meet once a month with the management of the Company and report to our full Supervisory Board. The current Controllers are Messrs. Nicolas Manardo and Giorgio Ambrosini. The STH Shareholders’ Agreement between our principal indirect shareholders contains provisions with respect to the appointment of the Secretary, Vice Secretary and Controllers. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions”.

 

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Managing Board

In accordance with Dutch law, our management is entrusted to the Managing Board under the supervision of our Supervisory Board. Mr. Carlo Bozotti, who was re-appointed in 2014 for a three-year term to expire at the end of our 2017 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, is currently the sole member of our Managing Board with the function of President and Chief Executive Officer. Under our Articles of Association, Managing Board members are appointed for a three year term upon a non-binding proposal by our Supervisory Board at our shareholders’ meeting and adoption by a simple majority of the votes cast at the shareholders’ meeting where at least 15% of the issued and outstanding share capital is present or represented, which term may be renewed one or more times.

Our shareholders’ meeting may suspend or dismiss one or more members of our Managing Board, in accordance with the procedures laid down in our Articles of Association. Under Dutch law, our Managing Board is entrusted with our general management and the representation of the Company. Our Managing Board must seek prior approval from our shareholders’ meeting for decisions regarding a significant change in the identity or nature of the Company. Under our Articles of Association and our Supervisory Board Charter, our Managing Board must also seek prior approval from our Supervisory Board for other decisions with regard to the Company and our direct or indirect subsidiaries.

In accordance with our Corporate Governance Charter, the sole member of our Managing Board and our senior managers may not serve on the board of a public company without the prior approval of our Supervisory Board. Pursuant to the Supervisory Board Charter, the sole member of our Managing Board must inform our Supervisory Board of any (potential) conflict of interest and pursuant to such charter and Dutch law, any Managing Board resolution regarding a transaction in relation to which the sole member of our Managing Board has a conflict of interest must be approved and adopted by our Supervisory Board. Should our entire Supervisory Board also have a conflict of interest, the resolution must be adopted by our shareholders’ meeting pursuant to Dutch law. We are not aware of any potential conflicts of interests between the private interest or other duties of our sole Managing Board member and our senior managers and their duties to us.

Pursuant to the Supervisory Board Charter, the following decisions by our Managing Board with regard to the Company and any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries (an “ST Group Company”) require prior approval from our Supervisory Board: (i) any modification of our or any ST Group Company’s Articles of Association or other constitutional documents, other than those of wholly owned subsidiaries; (ii) other than for wholly owned subsidiaries, any change in our or any ST Group Company’s authorized share capital or any issue, acquisition or disposal by us — with the exception of shares in our share capital acquired in order to transfer these shares under employee stock option or stock purchase plans — or any ST Group Company of own shares or change in share rights and any issue of instruments resulting in a share in the capital of any ST Group Company or its profits (iii) the liquidation or dissolution of us or any ST Group Company or the disposal of all or a substantial and material part of our business or assets, or those of any ST Group Company, or of any shares in any such ST Group Company; (iv) any merger, acquisition or joint venture agreement (and, if substantial and material, any agreement relating to IP) to which we or any ST Group Company is, or is proposed to be, a party, as well as the formation of a new company to which we or any ST Group Company is, or is proposed to be, a party, as well as the formation of new companies by us or any ST Group Company (with the understanding that only acquisitions above $25 million per transaction are subject to prior Supervisory Board approval); (v) approval of our draft Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as our and our subsidiaries’ profit distribution policies; (vi) entering into any agreement that may qualify as a related party transaction, including any agreement between us or any ST Group Company and ST Holding, FT1CI, Italian Ministry of the Economy and Finance, Bpifrance or CEA; (vii) the key parameters of our pluri-annual plans and our consolidated annual budgets, as well as any significant modifications to said plans and budgets, or any one of the matters set forth in our Articles of Association and not included in the approved plans or budgets; (viii) approval of operations which have to be submitted for Supervisory Board prior approval even if their financing was already provided for in the approved annual budget; (ix) approval of our quarterly and annual Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and semi-annual and annual accounts using IFRS, prior to submission for shareholder adoption; (x) the exercise of any shareholder right in an ST joint venture company, which is a company (a) with respect to which we hold directly or indirectly either a minority equity position in excess of 25% or a majority position without the voting power to adopt extraordinary resolutions, or (b) in which we directly or indirectly participate and such participation has a value of at least one third of our total assets according to the Consolidated Balance Sheets and notes thereto in our most recently adopted (statutory) annual accounts with the understanding, for the avoidance of doubt, that decisions of the Managing Board regarding the general management and/or operations of such ST joint venture company are not subject to Supervisory Board

 

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approval and that the Managing Board reports to the Supervisory Board on the operations of the ST joint venture companies as part of its regular reporting to the Supervisory Board and in principle at least every six months; and (xi) the strategy designed to achieve the objectives of our company and corporate social responsibility issues that are relevant to our company.

Senior Management

Our senior managers support our Managing Board in its management of the Company, without prejudice to our Managing Board’s ultimate responsibility. As a company committed to good governance, we hold corporate meetings on a regular basis. Such meetings, which involve the participation of several members of our senior management, include:

Corporate Operations Review (COR), which meets twice per quarter to review monthly results and short-term forecasts.

Corporate Staff Meeting, which meets once per quarter to review the business in its entirety and to plan and forecast for the next quarter and beyond.

Corporate Strategic Committee, which meets six times per year, sets corporate policy, coordinates strategies of our various functions and drives major cross functional programs.

Our senior managers as of December 31, 2015 were:

 

Name

  

Position

   Years with
Company
     Years in
Semi-Conductor
Industry
     Age  

Carlo Bozotti

   President and Chief Executive Officer      39         39         63   

Jean-Marc Chery

   Chief Operating Officer      31         31         55   

Carlo Ferro

   Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President Finance, Legal, Infrastructure and Services      16         16         55   

Mario Arlati

   Executive Vice President, Strategies and Business Management Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A)      41         41         67   

Georges Auguste

   Executive Vice President, General Manager, Packaging and Test Manufacturing      29         41         66   

Eric Aussedat

   Executive Vice President, General Manager, Imaging Division      34         34         62   

Orio Bellezza

   Executive Vice President, General Manager, Front-End Manufacturing & Technology R&D Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A)      32         32         56   

Gian Luca Bertino

   Executive Vice President, General Manager, Digital Product Group      18         29         56   

Philippe Brun

   Corporate Vice President, Human Resources and Sustainable Development      29         29         57   

Marco Luciano Cassis

   Executive Vice President, President, Japan and Korea Region      28         28         52   

Paul J. Cihak

   Executive Vice President, General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Europe, Middle East and Africa      17         22         44   

Andrea Cuomo

   Executive Vice President, Advanced Systems Technology and Special Projects, STMicroelectronics; Chairman 3Sun      32         32         61   

Claude Dardanne

   Executive Vice President, General Manager, Microcontroller, Memory & Secure MCU Group      33         36         63   

Lorenzo Grandi

   Corporate Vice President, Corporate Control      28         28         54   

Paul Grimme

   Executive Vice President, Mass Market and Online Marketing Programs      7         35         56   

Fabio Gualandris

   Executive Vice President, Product Quality Excellence      28         31         56   

 

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Name

  

Position

   Years with
Company
     Years in
Semi-Conductor
Industry
     Age  

François Guibert

   Executive Vice President, President, Greater China and South Asia Region      35         38         62   

Joël Hartmann

   Executive Vice President, Front-End Manufacturing & Technology R&D, Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS)      15         37         60   

Otto Kosgalwies

   Executive Vice President, Company Infrastructures and Services      32         32         60   

Robert Krysiak

   Executive Vice President, President, Americas Region      33         33         61   

Philippe Magarshack

   Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Embedded Processing Solutions      21         30         54   

Marco Monti

   Executive Vice President, General Manager Automotive Product Group      29         29         54   

Carmelo Papa

   Executive Vice President, General Manager, Industrial & Power Discrete Group      33         33         66   

Georges Penalver

   Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Communication, Human Resources and Quality      4         4         59   

Steven Rose

   Corporate Vice President & General Counsel      24         24         53   

Benedetto Vigna

   Executive Vice President, General Manager, Analog, MEMS & Sensors Group      21         21         46   

Biographies of our Current Senior Management

Carlo Bozotti is President and Chief Executive Officer and has held this position since March 2005. He is the Sole Member of the Managing Board and chairs ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. Mr. Bozotti joined SGS-ATES (later renamed SGS Microelettronica), a predecessor company to STMicroelectronics, in 1977. Ten years later, when SGS Microelettronica of Italy merged with Thomson Semiconducteurs of France to form a new European champion, which is ST today and is among the leading semiconductor companies worldwide, Mr. Bozotti became General Manager of the Telecom Product Division. Subsequently, he was promoted to Director of Corporate Strategic Marketing and Key Accounts and, later, to Corporate Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Americas. In 1994, Mr. Bozotti was appointed Corporate Vice President for Europe and the Headquarters Regions, overseeing the Company’s sales in Europe, as well as sales to key customers and strategic marketing worldwide. From 1998 to 2005, Mr. Bozotti served as Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Memory Products Group. Mr. Bozotti is a member of the High-Level Group on Key Enabling Technologies (HLG) and the Electronics Leaders Group (ELG) launched in 2010 and 2013, respectively, by the European Commission. Mr. Bozotti graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Pavia, Italy.

Jean-Marc Chery is Chief Operating Officer and has held this position since April 2014. He is also in charge of ST’s Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS) Segment and the Packaging & Test Manufacturing for the whole Company. Mr. Chery is Vice Chairman of ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. Chery began his career in the Quality organization of Matra, the French engineering group. In 1986, he joined Thomson Semiconducteurs, which subsequently became ST, and held various management positions in product planning and manufacturing, rising to lead ST’s wafer fabs in Tours, France, and later in Rousset, France. In 2005, Mr. Chery led the company-wide 6-inch wafer-production restructuring program before taking charge of ST’s Front-End Manufacturing operations in Asia Pacific. In 2008, he was promoted Chief Technology Officer and assumed additional responsibilities for Manufacturing and Quality (2011) and the Digital Product Sector (2012). He chairs the Board of STS, ST’s manufacturing joint venture in China, and holds board memberships at the European microelectronics R&D programs CATRENE and AENEAS. Mr. Chery graduated with a degree in Engineering from the ENSAM engineering school in Paris, France.

Carlo Ferro is Executive Vice President, Finance, Legal, Infrastructure and Services, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He has held the CFO position at ST since May 2003, with temporary suspension during his tenure at ST-Ericsson, where he first served as Chief Operating Officer (February 2012 – March 2013) and President and Chief Executive Officer from April 2013 through April 2014, leading the re-organization to split up the joint-venture business and resources to the two shareholders ST and Ericsson and wind down the JV. Since August

 

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2013, Mr. Ferro’s overall responsibilities at ST have encompassed, in addition to Finance and Control, Central Operational Planning, Global Procurement, Legal, Intellectual Property, Compliance, Information and Communication Technology, Investor Relations, and Public Affairs in Italy. He is a member of ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. In May 2015, he was appointed President of ST Italy. From 1992 to 1996, Mr. Ferro gained extensive experience in Planning and Control, Corporate Finance and M&A at Finmeccanica, the leading Italian high-tech engineering and manufacturing group and a former shareholder of STMicroelectronics. Over the next three years he held executive positions for Elsag Bailey Process Automation NV, a global leader in process control listed at NYSE, first as Vice President for Strategic Planning, and later as Vice President for Planning and Control and Principal Financial Officer. In 1999, Ferro joined ST as Group Vice President Corporate Finance, overseeing finance and accounting for all the Company’s worldwide affiliates, tax planning, internal control, internal audit, and finance for M&A. In 2002, he became Deputy CFO, and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2003. Mr. Ferro sits on the Board of Directors of STS, the Company’s manufacturing joint venture in China, holds board memberships at ST’s affiliates in France and Italy. He served as Chairman of Incard and sole Managing Director of ST Service Srl and as Board Member and Chairman of the Audit Committee of various companies in which ST held an equity interest. Mr. Ferro graduated in Business and Economics from the LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome, where he served as a professor of Planning and Control until 1996 and as an associate professor of Finance from 2008 through 2011. He is a Certified Public Accountant in Italy and a member of the Advisory Board of foreign investors for the Italian Confindustria.

Mario Arlati is Executive Vice President, Strategies and Business Management for the Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A) Segment and has held this position since August 2013. Mr. Arlati started his professional career at SGS-ATES, a predecessor company of STMicroelectronics. He was an integral member of the teams that managed the 1987 merger of SGS Microelettronica and Thomson Semiconducteurs, and later, in 1994, ST’s Initial Public Offering on the NYSE and Euronext Paris, followed in 1998 by ST’s listing on the Borsa Italiana. Mr. Arlati’s career has covered all of the various functions including Accounting, Business Control, Finance, and Consolidation Reporting, in positions of increasing responsibility. He was promoted to Corporate Controller and later became Chief Accounting Officer and Head of External Reporting. He also participated in the establishment of the ST Foundation, an independent charitable organization, serving as a Director since its inception. From February 2012 to July 2013, Mr. Arlati served as Chief Financial Officer of ST. He graduated with a degree in Business and Economics from Università Cattolica in Milan, Italy.

Georges Auguste is Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Packaging and Test Manufacturing organization and has held this position since May 2011. Mr. Auguste started his career in semiconductors with Philips as a technical manager. He joined Thomson Semiconducteurs, a predecessor company to STMicroelectronics, in 1986, and two years later was appointed General Manager of the manufacturing facility in Nancy, France. From 1990, Mr. Auguste served as Managing Director of the Company’s operations in Morocco. In 1997, he was appointed Director of the Total Quality and Environment Group, and, in 1999, he was promoted to Corporate Vice President, responsible for implementing ST’s goals to reduce consumption of natural resources and further improve quality. In 2005, Mr. Auguste’s mission was enlarged to cover the coordination of ST’s corporate responsibility strategy, encompassing social, ethical and environmental aspects. In 2008, he became Executive Vice President, Director of Product Quality Excellence, addressing product quality matters throughout the Company’s operations. Mr. Auguste graduated with an engineering degree from the Ecole Supérieure d’Electricité in Paris and holds the diploma of the “Institut d’Administration des Entreprises” (Institute of Business Administration).

Eric Aussedat is Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Imaging Division and has held this position since October 2014. Mr. Aussedat joined Thomson Semiconducteurs, a predecessor company to ST, as Product Engineer in 1981. He held various positions in product engineering and planning and was promoted Planning Manager of the Video Products Group in 1986. Later on, he was appointed to manage the product and manufacturing planning operations of INMOS, a UK company acquired by ST. Subsequently, he supervised the Engineering and Test Strategy for the Programmable Product Group before his promotion to head ST’s Microcontroller Division in 1995. In 2000-2004, Mr. Aussedat led the TV and Display Division and became General Manager of ST’s Cellular Communication Division in 2005. Two years later, he was appointed General Manager of the Imaging Division. In 2012, Mr. Aussedat was appointed ST’s Executive Vice President in charge of the Imaging, Bi-CMOS ASIC and Silicon Photonics Group. Mr. Aussedat graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Institut National Polytechnique in Grenoble and earned a diploma from the Institut d’Administration des Entreprises of Grenoble.

Orio Bellezza is Executive Vice President and General Manager of Front-End Manufacturing & Technology R&D for the Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A) Segment. He has been responsible for Front-End Manufacturing since 2008 and assumed additional responsibility for technology R&D for automotive and

 

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industrial & multisegment products in February 2012. He is a member of ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. Mr. Bellezza joined SGS-ATES, a predecessor company to STMicroelectronics, in 1984. He soon moved to the Company’s Central R&D organization and participated in several key projects, including the introduction of process technology modules for manufacturing sub-micron non-volatile memories. In 1996, Mr. Bellezza was appointed Director of ST’s R&D facility in Agrate and led its upgrade and expansion into the Company’s development center for non-volatile memory and smart-power technologies. In 2002, he became Vice President of Central R&D, and in 2005, was appointed to Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Front-End Technology and Manufacturing. He has published technical papers and earned several patents in non-volatile memories. Mr. Bellezza graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of Milan (Università degli Studi di Milano), Italy.

Gian Luca Bertino is Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Digital Product Group that encompass Consumer, Networking and Imaging products. He has held this position since October 2014. Mr. Bertino started his professional career with Olivetti Personal Computers, where he rose through the ranks to Head of Development, Portable PCs. He joined SGS-Thomson Microelectronics (now STMicroelectronics) in 1997 as a Market Development Manager. The following year he was appointed Director of the Computer and Consumer Business Unit, responsible for sales and marketing in Europe, and was promoted to Europe Region Vice President, Computer and Consumer, in 2000. In 2003, Mr. Bertino joined ST’s Telecommunications, Peripherals and Automotive Group as Vice President and General Manager of the Data Storage Division, where he strengthened the Company’s partnerships in the storage segment. In 2005, he was promoted to Corporate Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Computer Product Group, and in 2008, Mr. Bertino’s group was expanded to include the Communication Infrastructure organization. Mr. Bertino graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Polytechnic of Turin, Italy.

Philippe Brun is a Corporate Vice President in charge of Human Resources & Sustainable Development. Responsible for HR since August 2012, his mission was expanded to cover the Company’s social responsibility, as well as environment, health, and safety in August 2013. Mr. Brun started his career at the Pechiney Group (now Rio Tinto). In 1986, he joined Thomson Semiconducteurs, a predecessor to STMicroelectronics, as a back-end process engineer. From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Brun managed Human Resources at the Grenoble, France site and served as Site Director at the Company’s St. Genis facility (France). In 1996, he was promoted to Human Resources Director responsible for over 10,000 employees in ST’s manufacturing organization worldwide. From 1999 to 2010, Mr. Brun served as Fab Operations and Site Director at ST’s plant in Rousset, France. In January 2011, he was appointed Group VP for execution excellence in ST’s Front-End Manufacturing organization. Mr. Brun graduated with an engineering degree from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers (ENSAM) in France and holds a Master degree in Aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado and a management degree from the IFG School of Business (France).

Marco Cassis is an Executive Vice President and President of the Japan and Korea Region. Mr. Cassis has led ST’s operations in Japan since 2005 and his mandate was expanded to include Korea after the re-organization of the Company’s regional structure in January 2010. Mr. Cassis joined SGS-Thomson Microelectronics (now STMicroelectronics) as a car radio chip designer in 1987. Six years later, he moved to Japan to help expand the Company’s audio business with major Japanese players and contributed to the establishment of ST’s strategic alliance with Pioneer in the late 1990s. In 2000, Mr. Cassis took charge of the Audio Business Unit and he was subsequently promoted to Director of Audio and Automotive Group, responsible for design, marketing, sales, application support and customer service. In 2004, Mr. Cassis was named Vice President of Marketing for automotive, computer peripheral, and telecom products. In 2005, he advanced to VP Automotive Segment Group and joined the Board of STMicroelectronics K.K., the Japanese subsidiary. Mr. Cassis graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Polytechnic of Milan, Italy.

Paul Cihak is Executive Vice President and General Manager, Sales & Marketing for the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region, and has held this position since April 2014. Mr. Cihak began his career with Hewlett Packard in 1994. He spent five years working in HP’s Inkjet printing business before being hired into strategic account management by STMicroelectronics in 1999. In 2003, Mr. Cihak managed an industry-leading e-Business supply chain project cited as one of the first successful B2B RosettaNet programs in the world. Mr. Cihak rose through the ranks to become Director of Sales in 2004, Vice President of Sales in 2007, and Vice President of ST’s Computer and Peripheral accounts in 2011 leading all aspects of the sales, marketing, application engineering, customer service, and business development strategy. He was promoted in 2012 to lead ST’s largest sales Business Unit managing three Global Key Accounts for the Company. Mr. Cihak was born in San Diego, CA, in 1971. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in History and Political Science and holds a MBA from Portland State University.

 

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Andrea Cuomo is Executive Vice President, Advanced Systems Technology (AST) and Special Projects, and has held this position since January 2012. He also serves as Chairman of the Board at 3Sun, Enel Green Power’s photovoltaic initiative. Mr. Cuomo joined SGS Microelettronica, a predecessor company to STMicroelectronics, in 1983, covering managerial roles in Product Management and Strategy, and rose to become Vice President for the Headquarters Region in 1994. In 1998, he created the AST group, a key organization in the development of ST’s system knowledge and advanced architectures. In 2002, Mr. Cuomo was promoted to Corporate Vice President and AST General Manager, and took on further responsibilities as Chief Strategy Officer in 2005. From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Cuomo was Executive Vice President, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Europe and AST and his portfolio also included the Middle East and Africa. His board memberships include the International Advisory Board at the HEC Business School in Paris, the International Advisory Board of Nano-Tera, a Swiss National program for Nanotechnologies, and TTFactor, the IP utilization arm of the Istituto Europeo di Oncologia. In June 2015, Mr. Cuomo became Chairman of the Governing Board at the EU’s Joint Undertaking for Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership (ECSEL). Mr. Cuomo studied Nuclear Science at the Polytechnic of Milan.

Claude Dardanne is Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Microcontroller, Memory & Secure MCU (Microcontroller) Group and has held this position since January 2007. He is a member of ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. Mr. Dardanne started his career with Thomson Semiconducteurs, a predecessor company to ST. From 1982, he was responsible for microcontroller and microprocessor marketing. Between 1989 and 1994, he was Marketing Director at Apple Computer and Alcatel-Mietec. In 1994, he rejoined ST as Director of Central Marketing for the Memory Products Group. In 1998, Mr. Dardanne became Head of the EEPROM Division and was later appointed Group Deputy General Manager and Head of the Smart Card Division. He became head of MMS Group, consolidating Microcontroller, Memory and Secure microcontrollers activities, when it was formed in early 2007. Under his leadership the Group has become a key asset in revenue and market-share growth and profitability. ST is now a world leader of the Microcontroller market. Mr. Dardanne graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Ecole Supérieure d’Ingénieurs en Génie Electrique in Rouen, France.

Lorenzo Grandi is Corporate Vice President, Corporate Control and has held his position since February 2012. Mr. Grandi joined ST in 1987 as a process engineer working on BCD Technology development. In 1990, he moved to the Memory Product Group as Financial Analyst. In 1995, Mr. Grandi was promoted to the position of Group Controller of the Memory Product Group contributing to the expansion of the Flash/Memory business. In 2005, Mr. Grandi joined Corporate Finance with the responsibility for Budgeting and Reporting. He also contributed to the carve-out and deconsolidation of the ST Flash memory business. Mr. Grandi graduated cum laude in Physics from the University of Modena and holds a Master of Business Administration from SDA Bocconi Milano.

Paul Grimme is Executive Vice President, Mass Market and Online Marketing Programs, and has held this position since April 2014. Mr. Grimme began his career at Motorola, where he held positions of increasing responsibility in product engineering, marketing and operations management. He served as Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the 8/16-bit Products Division. In 1999, he was promoted to Vice President and General Manager of the Advanced Vehicle Systems Division. He was later appointed Senior Vice President of the Transportation and Standard Products Group and continued in that role at Freescale Semiconductor after Motorola spun off its semiconductor business. Mr. Grimme also served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Freescale Semiconductor’s Microcontroller Solutions Group. In 2009 Mr. Grimme joined STMicroelectronics and was appointed Executive Vice President and General Manager of STMicroelectronics’ Automotive Product Group. In January 2012, Mr. Grimme became General Manager, Sales & Marketing, for STMicroelectronics’ Europe, Middle East and Africa Region. He graduated from the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) with a degree in Electrical Engineering and from the University of Texas (Austin) with a Master of Business Administration.

Fabio Gualandris is an Executive Vice President in charge of Product Quality Excellence and has held this position since February 2011. Mr. Gualandris joined the R&D organization of SGS Microelettronica, a predecessor company to ST, in 1984, and was promoted to R&D Director of Operations in 1989. In 1996, Mr. Gualandris became Automotive Business Unit Director, focusing on product quality and development. After two years in the U.S. as President and CEO of Semitool, a semiconductor manufacturing equipment vendor, he rejoined ST in 2000 as Group VP responsible for the RAM/PSRAM Product Division and the Flash Automotive Business Unit. In 2005, Mr. Gualandris was appointed CEO of ST Incard, an ST smart-card subsidiary. Two years later, he contributed to the carve out of ST’s Flash Memory Group and subsequently joined Numonyx, the joint venture with Intel, as VP and Supply Chain General Manager. Mr. Gualandris has authored several

 

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technical and managerial papers, holds some international patents, and served as a board member in Incard SA, ST Incard, and the Numonyx-Hynix joint venture in China. He also served as Board member and President of Numonyx Italy. Mr. Gualandris graduated in Physics from the University of Milan.

François Guibert is Executive Vice President and President of the Greater China and South Asia Region. He has led ST’s operations in Asia Pacific since 2006; his responsibilities were expanded to include Greater China in 2010. Mr. Guibert joined Thomson Semiconducteurs, a predecessor company to STMicroelectronics, in 1981, after three years at Texas Instruments. He was appointed Director of Semicustom Business for Asia Pacific in 1987 and later became President of ST’s Taiwan operations. Mr. Guibert also held senior positions in Corporate Business Development and Investor Relations. In 2005, he was promoted to Corporate Vice President, Emerging Markets Region General Manager. Mr. Guibert serves as Director of ST’s JV with Shenzhen High Tech Industrial Company. He chairs the EU-ASEAN Business Council, the Board of Advisors for the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association, and sits on boards at EuroCham in Singapore and Alliance Francaise de Singapour. Mr. Guibert previously chaired the Board at Veredus Laboratories and was a board member at the Singapore Economic Development Board. He was decorated Knight of the National Order of Merit in France in 2009. Mr. Guibert graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering from Ecole Centrale Marseille, France.

Joël Hartmann is Executive Vice President, Front-End Manufacturing and Technology R&D, Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS), and has held this position since February 2012. He is in charge of ST’s manufacturing operations in Crolles and Rousset, France, Technology and Design Platforms for EPS. From 1979 to 2000, Mr. Hartmann worked at CEA-Leti, an applied-research center for microelectronics, information and healthcare technologies in France. In 2000, he joined STMicroelectronics as Director of the Crolles2 Alliance, the semiconductor manufacturing R&D initiative of STMicroelectronics, NXP and Freescale Semiconductor. In 2008, Mr. Hartmann was promoted to Group Vice President and Director of Advanced CMOS Logic & Derivative Technologies. From 2010 to 2012, he gained additional responsibilities as a co-leader of the Semiconductor Research and Development Center in Fishkill, NY, within the IBM ISDA Technology Alliance for the development of advanced CMOS process. Mr. Hartmann sits on the Board of the SOI Industry Consortium Initiative and is a Member of the IEEE Electron Device Society. He has filed 15 patents on semiconductor technology and devices and authored 10 publications in this field to date. He graduated from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Physique de Grenoble with a degree in Physics.

Otto Kosgalwies is Executive Vice President in charge of Company Infrastructures and Services and has held this position since November 2004. Central Planning was added to his mandate in 2008. Mr. Kosgalwies is a member of ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. Mr. Kosgalwies joined SGS Bauelemente, a predecessor company to STMicroelectronics, in 1984. He took charge of central marketing for European distribution in 1992, and three years later, he began to oversee the regional sales and marketing operations. In 1997, Mr. Kosgalwies was appointed Managing Director of the Company’s site in Munich, Germany. In 2001, he was promoted to Group Vice President for Sales & Marketing in Europe and General Manager of Supply Chain Management, responsible for the effective flow of goods and information from suppliers to end users at the global level. Mr. Kosgalwies graduated with a degree in Business and Economics from the Ludwigs-Maximilian University in Munich.

Robert Krysiak is an Executive Vice President and President of the Americas Region and has held this position since January 2010. He also chairs ST’s Task Force on Electronic Manufacturing Services, the Worldwide Computer Market Program, and the Worldwide Medical Program. Mr. Krysiak is a member of ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. He started his career in 1983 with INMOS, a company acquired by SGS-Thomson Microelectronics (now STMicroelectronics) in 1989. He formed and led a CPU design group and in 1997 was appointed Group Vice President and General Manager of ST’s STAR division, which incorporated 16/32/64-bit microcontrollers and DSP products. In 1999, he became Group VP responsible for micro cores development, including advanced System-on-Chip products for the digital consumer market. In 2001, Mr. Krysiak took charge of ST’s DVD division. In 2004, he was promoted to Marketing Director for the Home, Personal, and Communications sector, the Company’s largest product organization at the time. In 2005, Mr. Krysiak was appointed Corporate Vice President and General Manager of ST’s Greater China region. Mr. Krysiak graduated from Cardiff University, UK, with a degree in Electronics and holds an MBA from the University of Bath, UK.

Philippe Magarshack is Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Embedded Processing Solutions, and has held this position since January 2015. From 1985 to 1989, Mr. Magarshack worked as a microprocessor designer at AT&T Bell Labs in the USA. In 1989, he joined Thomson-CSF in Grenoble, France, and took responsibility for libraries and ASIC design kits for the military market. In 1994, Mr. Magarshack joined the Central R&D Group of SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics (now STMicroelectronics), where he held

 

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several roles in CAD and Libraries management for advanced integrated-circuit manufacturing processes. In 2005, Mr. Magarshack was appointed Group Vice President and General Manager of Central CAD and Design Solutions at ST’s Technology R&D and Manufacturing organization. In 2012, he was promoted to Executive Vice President in charge of Design Enablement & Services. He has been President of the Minalogic Collaborative R&D Cluster in Grenoble since June 2014. Mr. Magarshack graduated with an engineering degree in Physics from Ecole Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France, and with an Electronics Engineering degree from Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications in Paris, France.

Marco Monti is Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Automotive Product Group and has held this position since January 2012. Mr. Monti joined ST in Central R&D in 1986 and transferred to the Automotive Division in 1988, where he designed automotive ICs incorporating smart-power technologies. He moved to Japan in 1990 working on a co-development activity designing a noise-reduction system for audio applications. Subsequently, Mr. Monti transferred into marketing, contributing to the expansion of ST’s Automotive business in Japan. In 2000, he became the marketing manager for the ST Automotive Division. Two years later, Mr. Monti started the automotive microprocessor business and in 2004 was promoted to Division General Manager for Powertrain, Safety and Chassis products. In 2009, he took responsibility for the Automotive Electronics Division inside ST’s Automotive Product Group. Mr. Monti graduated cum laude in Electronic Engineering from the Polytechnic of Milan, Italy, and two years later from the University of Pavia, Italy, with a PhD in Electronics.

Carmelo Papa is Executive Vice President, General Manager of the Industrial & Power Discrete Group and has held this position since January 2012. He also holds overall responsibility for the System Lab, part of ST’s Central Labs organization. Mr. Papa sits on the Board of Directors of ST New Ventures SA and is a member of ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. Mr. Papa started his professional career with International Computers Limited. He joined SGS Microelettronica, a predecessor company to STMicroelectronics, in 1983, and three years later was promoted to Director of Product Marketing and Customer Service for Transistors and Standard ICs. In 2000, Mr. Papa was appointed Corporate Vice President, responsible for ST’s sales and marketing in Emerging Markets. In 2005, he was chosen to lead the Micro, Power and Analog Group and his mandate was expanded in 2007 as head of the Industrial & Multisegment Sector. Mr. Papa is currently serving his second term as Chairman of the European Platform on Smart Systems, an industry-driven initiative focused on innovation in nanotechnologies and smart systems integration. Mr. Papa graduated with a degree in Nuclear Physics from the University of Catania.

Georges Penalver is Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Vice President Strategy, Communication, Human Resources and Quality and has held this position since August 2013. His overall responsibilities include Corporate Strategy and Development, Corporate Communication, Human Resources, Corporate Security, Product Quality Excellence and Public Affairs in France and EU. He is a member of ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. Mr. Penalver started his career in 1980 with Sagem, where he developed the Broadband Communications Business, overseeing the launch of telecommunication products, the international industrial deployments, and the development of global sales networks. He was appointed to Sagem’s Management Board in 2001 and served as Deputy CEO, pushing the mass development of mobile and Internet services. In 2005, he joined the France Telecom Orange Group as Deputy CEO for Strategy and Business Development, responsible, at the group level, for product marketing and management of services in France Telecom Orange, product creation and development for the entire group, and Orange Labs’ activities worldwide. In 2011, Mr. Penalver used his extensive experience to become a co-founder and managing partner (until July 2012) of Cathaya Capital Fund. He was installed as a Knight of the French “Ordre National du Mérite” in 2003. Mr. Penalver holds a degree from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers (Gold) and from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications in Paris.

Steven Rose is Corporate Vice President & General Counsel in charge of legal matters and has held this position since August 2013. Mr. Rose started his career as a corporate attorney at the law firm Gardere & Wynne in Dallas, Texas, providing legal advice and services to public and private companies. He joined SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics (now STMicroelectronics) in 1991 as the Associate General Counsel for the U.S. subsidiary, STMicroelectronics, Inc. In 2006, he was appointed to serve as the Senior Associate General Counsel for the Americas, Greater China & South Asia, and Japan & Korea regions, in addition to serving as Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel and a Director of STMicroelectronics, Inc. Mr. Rose obtained a degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

Benedetto Vigna is Executive Vice President, General Manager of the Analog, MEMS & Sensors Group, and has held this position since September 2011. He is a member of ST’s Corporate Strategic Committee. In

 

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1995, Mr. Vigna joined STMicroelectronics’ R&D Labs and launched the Company’s efforts in MEMS. Under his leadership, ST’s MEMS sensors found early success with large consumer equipment manufacturers for motion-activated user interfaces and more recently he has built on those wins piloting successful moves into microphones, magnetic sensors, and touch-screen controllers, as well as environmental sensors, micro-actuators and low power radios. Mr. Vigna’s responsibilities also include management of Sensors, RF, High-Performance Analog and Mixed Signal, as well as Interface, Audio for Portable, and General-Purpose Analog products. Mr. Vigna has filed more than 170 patents on micromachining to date, authored numerous publications, and delivered many speeches at international conferences. He sits on the industrial board of several EU-funded programs. Mr. Vigna’s contributions to the MEMS industry have been recognized with the Executive of the Year Award by the MEMS Industry Group (2013), the European SEMI Award (2013) and the IEEE Frederik Philips Award (2015). Mr. Vigna graduated with a degree in Subnuclear Physics from the University of Pisa, Italy.

Recent Corporate Developments

Effective the first quarter of 2016, we changed our organization to align with our strategic focus on Smart Driving and Internet of Things applications. Three product groups were established, reporting to the President & CEO: Automotive and Discrete Group (ADG), led by Marco Monti, includes all of our automotive ICs, both digital and analog and our discrete products; Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group (MDG), led by Claude Dardanne, includes our general purpose and secure microcontrollers, our E2PROM memories and all of our digital ICs outside of automotive ICs; and, Analog and MEMS Group (AMG), led by Benedetto Vigna, includes our low-power analog ICs, smart power products for industrial and power conversion and all of our MEMS activity. In addition, we merged the Japan & Korea and Greater China-South Asia regional sales organizations, creating the Asia Pacific Region, which is now under the responsibility of Marco Cassis. The Technology and Manufacturing organization is now under the leadership of Jean-Marc Chery, our Chief Operating Officer.

At the end of the first quarter of 2016, Carmelo Papa, General Manager of the Industrial and Power Discrete Group, Francois Guibert, General Manager of the Greater China-South Asia Region, Georges Auguste, General Manager for Packaging and Test Manufacturing (“PTM”) and Mario Arlati, Executive Vice President Strategies and Business Management for SP&A, will retire. Furthermore, Gian Luca Bertino, General Manager of the Digital Product Group, will leave the company. Fabio Gualandris will take over the responsibility of the PTM organization and Patrick Peubez will take over the responsibility of the Product Quality Excellence organization.

Compensation

Supervisory Board Compensation

Our Articles of Association provide that the compensation of our Supervisory Board members is determined by our general meeting of shareholders. The aggregate compensation for current and former members of our Supervisory Board with respect to service in 2015 was € 1,041,000, before any applicable withholding taxes, as set forth in the following table.

 

Supervisory Board Members

   Directors’ Fees(1)  

Maurizio Tamagnini

   176,000   

Didier Lombard

   176,000   

Jean d’Arthuys(2)

   0 (2) 

Janet G. Davidson

   109,500   

Nicolas Dufourcq(3)

   0 (3) 

Heleen Kersten

   117,000   

Jean-Georges Malcor

   98,500   

Alessandro Ovi

   110,500   

Alessandro Rivera

   103,000   

Martine Verluyten

   150,500   

Total

   1,041,000   

 

(1)

These amounts include a fixed annual compensation for the directors’ mandate, together with attendance fees from January 1, 2015 until December 31, 2015.

(2)

Mr. d’Arthuys’ mandate as a member of our Supervisory Board expired on May 27, 2015. Mr. d’Arthuys would have been entitled to receive € 6,000 in 2015, but he waived his right to receive any compensation from the Company in relation to his mandate as a member of our Supervisory Board.

(3)

Mr. Dufourcq was appointed as a member of our Supervisory Board on May 27, 2015. Mr. Dufourcq would have been entitled to receive € 80,500 in 2015, but he waived his right to receive any compensation from the Company in relation to his mandate as a member of our Supervisory Board.

 

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We do not have any service agreements with members of our Supervisory Board. We did not extend any loans or overdrafts to any of our Supervisory Board members. Furthermore, we have not guaranteed any debts or concluded any leases with any of our Supervisory Board members or their families.

Senior Management Compensation

Our senior management, including Mr. Carlo Bozotti, the sole member of our Managing Board and our President and CEO, receive a combination of short term and long term compensation, including fixed salary, annual cash bonus incentive, long term incentive in the form of unvested stock awards, pensions rights and other cash or non-cash benefits. The following table sets forth the total amount paid as compensation in 2015, 2014 and 2013 to the 26 members of our senior management (including Mr. Carlo Bozotti) on duty on December 31st of each year, before applicable withholding taxes and social contributions (amounts in millions):

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Total(1)

   $ 16.6       $ 19.8       $ 17.4   

 

(1)

In addition, relative charges and non-cash benefits were approximately $11 million in 2015, $12.8 million in 2014 and $10.9 million in 2013.

The annual cash bonus incentive, which we call Corporate Executive Incentive Program (the “EIP”), entitles selected executives to a yearly bonus based upon the assessment of the achievement of individual objectives that are set on a yearly basis and focused, inter alia, on return on net assets, customer service, profit, cash flow and market share. The maximum bonus awarded under the EIP is based upon a percentage of the executive’s salary and is adjusted to reflect the overall performance of our Company.

The amounts paid in 2015 to the 26 members of our senior management (including Mr. Carlo Bozotti, the sole member of our Managing Board, President and CEO) pursuant to the Corporate Executive Incentive Program represented approximately 20.52% of the total compensation paid to our senior management.

 

     Bonus paid in 2015
(2014 performance)
    Bonus paid in 2014
(2013 performance)
    Bonus paid in 2013
(2012 performance)
 

Bonus (cash) amount

   $ 3,395,952      $ 6,169,479      $ 3,878,183   

Ratio bonus / base salary + EIP

     20.52     31.20     22.67

Our Supervisory Board has approved the establishment of a complementary pension plan for certain members of our senior management, comprising the sole member of our Managing Board, President and CEO, and certain other key executives as selected by the sole member of our Managing Board, President and CEO, according to the general criteria of eligibility and service set up by the Supervisory Board upon the proposal of its Compensation Committee. With respect to such plan, we have set up an independent foundation under Swiss law which manages the plan and to which we make contributions. Pursuant to this plan, in 2015, we made a contribution of approximately $0.3 million to the plan of our current sole member of our Managing Board, President and CEO, and $1.5 million to the plan for all other beneficiaries. The amount of pension plan payments made for other beneficiaries, such as former employees retired in 2015 and no longer salaried in 2015, was $0.7 million.

We did not extend any loans or overdrafts to the sole member of our Managing Board, President and CEO, nor to any other member of our senior management. Furthermore, we have not guaranteed any debts or concluded any leases with the sole member of the Managing Board, nor with any other member of our senior management or their families.

The members of our senior management, including the sole member of our Managing Board, President and CEO, were covered in 2015 under certain group life and medical insurance programs provided by us. The aggregate additional amount set aside by us in 2015 to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for our senior management, including the sole member of our Managing Board, President and CEO, as a group is in addition to the amounts allocated to the complementary pension plan described above and is estimated to have been approximately $5.7 million, which includes statutory employer contributions for state run retirement, similar benefit programs and other miscellaneous allowances.

Managing Board Compensation

The remuneration of the sole member of our Managing Board is determined by our Supervisory Board on the advice of the Compensation Committee and within the scope of the remuneration policy as adopted by our

 

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2005 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Mr. Carlo Bozotti, the sole member of our Managing Board and President and CEO, receives compensation in the form of: a fixed salary, annual bonus, stock awards, employer social contributions, company car allowance, pension contributions and miscellaneous allowances. Set forth in the following table is Mr. Carlo Bozotti’s total compensation in 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Salary (US dollars)

     895,534         997,755         1,059,559   

Bonus(1) (US dollars)

     326,350         808,308         1,165,514   

Charges and Non-cash Benefits(2) (US dollars)

     1,310,459         1,183,521         1,181,232   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,532,343       $ 2,989,584       $ 3,406,305   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The bonus paid in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was approved by the Compensation Committee and Supervisory Board with respect to the 2014, 2013 and 2012 financial year, respectively, based on the evaluation and assessment of the actual fulfillment of a number of pre-defined objectives for such year.

(2)

Including stock awards, employer social contributions, company car allowance, pension contributions and miscellaneous allowances. In accordance with the resolutions adopted at our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 30, 2012, the bonus of the sole member of our Managing Board and President and CEO in 2015, 2014 and 2013 included a portion of a bonus payable in stock awards and corresponding to 66,396, 47,809 and 33,621 vested shares, respectively, based on fulfillment of a number of pre-defined objectives. In addition, Mr. Bozotti was granted, in accordance with the compensation policy adopted by our General Meeting of Shareholders and subsequent shareholder authorizations, up to 100,000 unvested Stock Awards. The vesting of such stock awards is conditional upon certain performance criteria, fixed by our Supervisory Board, being achieved as well as Mr. Bozotti’s continued service with us.

Mr. Bozotti was re-appointed as sole member of our Managing Board and President and Chief Executive Officer of our company by our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in 2014 for a three year period. Mr. Bozotti has two employment agreements with us, the first with our Dutch parent company, which relates to his activities as sole member of our Managing Board and representative of the Dutch legal entity, and the second in Switzerland, which relates to his activities as President and CEO, the EIP, Pension and other items covered by the compensation policy adopted by our General meeting of Shareholders. While the relationship between a member of the managing board and a listed Dutch company will be treated as a mandate agreement, not an employment agreement, existing employment agreements, including the employment agreement between us and our sole member of the Managing Board, will remain in effect.

(i) CEO Bonus

In accordance with the resolutions adopted at our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 30, 2012, the annual bonus of the sole member of our Managing Board and President and CEO is composed of a portion payable in cash (up to a maximum of 150% of the base salary for the relevant year) and a portion payable in shares (up to a maximum of 60% of the base salary for the relevant year), all subject to the assessment and fulfillment of a number of pre-defined conditions which are set annually by the Compensation Committee of our Supervisory Board.

Consistent with the compensation policy adopted by our General Meeting of Shareholders, the Supervisory Board, upon the recommendation of its Compensation Committee, set the conditions and performance criteria that must be met by Mr. Bozotti for the attribution of his 2015 bonus. Those conditions are based, inter alia, on revenues growth, certain financial targets, the share price evolution versus SOXX, as well as certain special programs. The evaluation and assessment of the fulfillment of those conditions and performance criteria, will be done by the Compensation Committee of our Supervisory Board within the first months of the following year (i.e. in 2016 for the 2015 CEO bonus), in order to determine the actual amount of the CEO bonus for 2015.

(ii) CEO Stock Awards

The Supervisory Board, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, determine whether the performance criteria, each equally weighted at 33.33% as described below, have been met and conclude whether and to which extent all eligible employees, including Mr. Bozotti, are entitled to any stock awards under the stock award plan. The stock awards vest 32% one year, a further 32% two years and the remaining 36% three years, respectively, after the date of the grant as defined by the plan, provided that the eligible employee is still an employee at such time (subject to the acceleration provisions in the event of a change in control).

 

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(iii) Unvested Stock Awards Allocation

 

Year(1)

   Performance Achieved     

Result

  

Details

2014      33.33%(2)       1 criteria out of 3 met   

Evolution of Sales criteria not met

Evolution of Operating Income criteria not met

Operating Cash Flow target met

2013      33.33%(2)       1 criteria out of 3 met   

Evolution of Sales criteria not met

Evolution of Operating Income criteria not met

Operating Cash Flow target met

2012      66.67%(2)       2 criteria out of 3 met   

Evolution of Sales criteria met

Evolution of Operating Income criteria not met

Cash Flow target met

 

(1)

For 2015, the assessment of the fulfillment of the conditions and performance criteria, will be done by the Compensation Committee of our Supervisory Board in March/April, 2016 in order to determine the actual number of stock awards to be allocated for 2015.

(2)

In accordance with the resolution adopted by our General Meeting of Shareholders, the maximum grant allowed in relation to the CEO stock award for each of 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 was 100,000 unvested stocks awards.

During 2015, Mr. Bozotti did not exercise any stock options granted to him, and did not sell any vested stock awards or purchase or sell any of our shares.

For further information regarding stock options and other stock based compensation granted to members of our Supervisory Board, the Managing Board and our senior management, please refer to Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Share Ownership

None of the members of our Supervisory Board, Managing Board or senior management holds shares or options to acquire shares representing more than 1% of our issued share capital.

Stock Awards and Options

Our stock-based compensation plans are designed to incentivize, attract and retain our executives and key employees by aligning compensation with our performance and the evolution of our share price. We have adopted stock based compensation plans comprising either stock options or unvested stock awards for our senior management as well as key employees. Furthermore, until 2012, the Compensation Committee (on behalf of the Supervisory Board and with its approval) granted stock-based awards (the options to acquire common shares in the share capital of the Company) to the members and professionals of the Supervisory Board. For a description of our stock option plans and unvested share award plans, please see Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to the shareholders’ resolutions adopted by our general meetings of shareholders, our Supervisory Board, upon the proposal of the Managing Board and the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, took the following actions:

 

   

approved, for a four year period, our 2013 Unvested Stock Award Plan for Executives and Key Employees, under which directors, managers and selected employees may be granted stock awards upon the fulfillment of restricted criteria, such as those linked to our performance (for selected employees) and continued service with us;

 

   

approved conditions relating to our 2014 unvested stock award allocation under the 2013 Unvested Stock Award Plan, including restriction criteria linked to our performance (for selected employees); and

 

   

approved conditions relating to our 2015 unvested stock award allocation under the 2013 Unvested Stock Award Plan, including restriction criteria linked to our performance (for selected employees).

 

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The exercise of stock options and the sale or purchase of shares of our stock by the members or professionals of our Supervisory Board, the sole member of our Managing Board and President and CEO, and all our employees are subject to an internal policy which involves, inter alia, certain blackout periods.

Employees

The tables below set forth the breakdown of employees by main category of activity and geographic area for the past three years.

     At December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  

France

     9,887         9,960         10,350   

Italy

     9,623         9,530         9,450   

Rest of Europe

     842         840         950   

United States

     839         870         1,040   

Mediterranean (Malta, Morocco, Tunisia)

     4,672         4,520         4,490   

Asia

     17,320         17,900         19,110   

Total

     43,183         43,620         45,390   

 

     At December 31,  
     2015      2014      2013  

Research and Development

     8,304         8,680         8,970   

Marketing and Sales

     2,049         2,200         2,190   

Manufacturing

     27,962         28,080         29,550   

Administration and General Services

     2,129         2,150         2,220   

Divisional Functions

     2,739         2,510         2,460   

Total

     43,183         43,620         45,390   

Our future success will partly depend on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified technical, marketing, engineering and management personnel, as well as on our ability to timely adapt the size and/or profile of our personnel to changing industry needs. Unions are represented at almost all of our manufacturing facilities and at several of our R&D sites. We use temporarily employees if required during production spikes and, in Europe, during summer vacation. We have not experienced any significant strikes or work stoppages in recent years.

 

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

Major Shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the ownership of our issued common shares as of December 31, 2015 based on information available to us:

 

     Common Shares Owned  

Shareholders

   Number      %  

STMicroelectronics Holding N.V. (“ST Holding”)

     250,704,754         27.5   

Public

     627,832,585         68.9   

Treasury shares

     32,430,581         3.6   

Total

     910,967,920         100   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

We are not aware of any significant change over the past three years in the percentage ownership of our shares by ST Holding, our major shareholder. ST Holding does not have any different voting rights from those of our other shareholders.

Shareholders Agreement

According to the report on Schedule 13G (“ST Holding 13G”) jointly filed on February 12, 2014 by ST Holding, the Italian Ministry of the Economy and Finance (the “Italian Shareholder”), FT1C1 (the “French Shareholder” and together with the Italian Shareholder, the “STH Shareholders”), Bpifrance (“Bpifrance”) and the Commissariat a l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (“CEA”), the Italian Shareholder holds 50% of ST Holding’s shares and the French Shareholder, which is controlled by BpiFrance and CEA, holds 50% of ST Holding’s shares. Through the Italian Shareholder and the French Shareholder, the Italian Government and the

 

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French Government, respectively, each indirectly hold 13.7% of our share capital. The filers of the ST Holding 13G have entered into a shareholders agreement which governs relations between them, including for certain matters relating to the ownership of our shares and the actions of our management to the extent shareholder approval is required (the “STH Shareholders Agreement”). Below is a brief summary of certain details from the ST Holding 13G.

Corporate Governance

Managing Board and Supervisory Board members can only be appointed by the general meeting of shareholders upon a proposal by the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board passes resolutions, including on such a proposal, by at least three quarters of the votes of the members in office. The STH Shareholders Agreement, to which STM is not a party, furthermore provides that: (i) each of the STH Shareholders, the French Shareholder, on the one hand, and the Italian Shareholder, on the other hand, may propose the same number of members for election to the Supervisory Board by our shareholders, and ST Holding shall vote in favor of such members; and (ii) any decision relating to the voting rights of ST Holding shall require the unanimous approval of the STH Shareholders. ST Holding may therefore be in a position to effectively control actions that require shareholder approval, including, as discussed above, the proposal of six out of nine members for election to our Supervisory Board (three members by each STH Shareholder) and the appointment of our Managing Board, as well as corporate actions, and the issuance of new shares or other securities. As a result of the STH Shareholders Agreement, the Chairman of our Supervisory Board is proposed by an STH Shareholder for a three-year term, and the Vice-Chairman of our Supervisory Board is proposed by the other STH Shareholder for the same period, and vice-versa for the following three-year term. The STH Shareholder proposing the appointment of the Chairman may furthermore propose the appointment of the Assistant Secretary of our Supervisory Board, and the STH Shareholder proposing the appointment of Vice-Chairman proposes the appointment of the Secretary of our Supervisory Board. Finally, each STH Shareholder also proposes the appointment of a Financial Controller to the Supervisory Board.

Ownership of ST Shares

The STH Shareholders Agreement provides that each STH Shareholder retains the right to cause ST Holding to dispose of its stake in us at its sole discretion pursuant to the issuance of financial instruments, an equity swap, a structured finance deal or a straight sale; however, except in the case of a public offer, no sales by any party to the STH Shareholders Agreement may be made of any of our shares or any shares of the French Shareholder or ST Holding to any of our top ten competitors or any company controlling such a competitor. The STH Shareholders Agreement also requires all of the parties to the STH Shareholders Agreement to hold their stakes in us at all time through the current holding structure of ST Holding, subject to certain limited exceptions, and precludes all such parties and their affiliates from acquiring any of our common shares other than through ST Holding.

Change of Control Provision

The STH Shareholders Agreement provides for tag-along rights, pre-emptive rights, and provisions with respect to a change of control of any of the STH Shareholders or any controlling shareholder of FT1CI, on the one hand, and the Italian Ministry of the Economy and Finance, on the other hand. The STH Shareholders may transfer shares of ST Holding and/or FT1CI, as applicable, to any of their respective affiliates, which could include entities ultimately controlled by the Italian Government or the French Government.

Preference Shares

We have an option agreement with an independent foundation, Stichting Continuiteït ST (the “Stichting”), whereby we could issue a maximum of 540,000,000 preference shares in the event of actions considered hostile by our Managing Board and Supervisory Board, such as a creeping acquisition or an unsolicited offer for our common shares, which are not supported by our Managing Board and Supervisory Board and which the board of the Stichting determines would be contrary to our interests, our shareholders and our other stakeholders. If the Stichting exercises its call option and acquires preference shares, it must pay at least 25% of the par value of such preference shares. The preference shares may remain outstanding for no longer than two years.

No preference shares have been issued to date. The effect of the preference shares may be to deter potential acquirers from effecting an unsolicited acquisition resulting in a change of control as well as to create a level-playing field in the event actions which are considered hostile by our Managing Board and Supervisory Board, as

 

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described above, occur and which the board of the Stichting determines to be contrary to our interests and our shareholders and other stakeholders. In addition, any issuance of additional capital within the limits of our authorized share capital, as approved by our shareholders, is subject to approval by our Supervisory Board, other than pursuant to an exercise of the call option granted to the Stichting.

Related Party Transactions

See Note 24 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, incorporated herein by reference, for transactions with significant shareholders, their affiliates and other related parties, which also include transactions between us and our equity method investments.

 

Item 8. Financial Information

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

Please see “Item 18. Financial Statements” for a list of the financial statements filed with this Form 20-F.

Legal Proceedings

For a description of our material pending legal proceedings, please see Note 22 “Contingencies, Claims and Legal Proceedings” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Dividend Policy

Our dividend policy reads as follows: “STMicroelectronics seeks to use its available cash in order to develop and enhance its position in a competitive semiconductor market while at the same time managing its cash resources to reward its shareholders for their investment and trust in STMicroelectronics. Based on its results, projected capital requirements as well as business conditions and prospects, the Managing Board proposes on an annual basis to the Supervisory Board, whenever deemed possible and desirable in line with STMicroelectronics’ objectives and financial situation, the distribution of a quarterly cash dividend, if any. The Supervisory Board, upon the proposal of the Managing Board, decides or proposes on an annual basis, in accordance with this policy, which portion of the profits or distributable reserves shall not be retained in reserves to fund future growth or for other purposes and makes a proposal concerning the amount, if any, of the quarterly cash dividend.”

On May 27, 2015, our shareholders approved a cash dividend of US$0.40 per outstanding share of our common stock, which was distributed in quarterly installments of US$0.10 in each of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2015 and will also be distributed in the first quarter of 2016. Future dividends, if any, and their timing and amounts may be affected by our accumulated profits, our capacity to generate cash flow, our financial situation, the general economic situation and prospects and any other factors that the Supervisory Board, upon the recommendation of our Managing Board, shall deem important. For a history of dividends paid by us to our shareholders in the past three years, see Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements “Shareholders’ Equity — Dividends.”

 

Item 9. Listing

Market Information

Our common shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “STM” and CUSIP #861012102, are listed on the compartment A (large capitalizations) of Euronext Paris under the ISIN Code NL0000226223 and are also traded on the Borsa Italiana. Since 2014, our 2019 and 2021 Convertible Bonds are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Our common shares are included in the CAC Next 20, an index which contains the 20 highest ranking companies not included in the CAC 40, the main benchmark for Euronext Paris. Our common shares are also included in the FTSE MIB Index, which measures the performance of 40 Italian equities and seeks to replicate the broad sector weights of the Italian stock market, and the FTSE MIB Dividend Index, the index which represents the cumulative value of ordinary gross dividends paid by the individual constituents of the underlying FTSE MIB Index, expressed in terms of index points.

 

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Stock Price History

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low market prices of our common shares on the NYSE, on the Euronext Paris and the Borsa Italiana.

 

     New York Stock
Exchange
     Euronext Paris      Borsa Italiana (Milan)  
     Price Ranges      Price Ranges      Price Ranges  

Calendar Period

   High      Low      High      Low      High      Low  
     (US$)      (US$)      (€)      (€)      (€)      (€)  

Annual Information for the Past Five Years

                 

2011

     13.53         5.34         9.73         3.96         9.73         3.96   

2012

     8.60         4.51         6.46         3.64         6.46         3.62   

2013

     10.05         7.11         7.69         5.24         7.69         5.26   

2014

     10.00         6.27         7.42         4.89         7.42         4.89   

2015

     9.98         6.30         9.33         5.60         9.60         5.60   

Quarterly Information for the Past Two Years

                 

2014

                 

First quarter

     9.49         7.35         6.93         5.44         6.94         5.45   

Second quarter

     10.00         8.53         7.42         6.18         7.42         6.18   

Third quarter

     9.41         7.46         6.99         5.76         6.99         5.75   

Fourth quarter

     7.79         6.27         6.31         4.89         6.31         4.89   

2015

                 

First quarter

     9.97         7.20         9.33         6.05         9.60         6.05   

Second quarter

     9.98         7.52         9.29         6.72         9.29         6.72   

Third quarter

     8.24         6.30         7.55         5.60         7.55         5.60   

Fourth quarter

     7.87         6.45         7.14         5.89         7.13         5.89   

Monthly Information for the Past Six Months 2015

                 

September

     7.51         6.30         6.88         5.60         6.87         5.60   

October

     7.87         6.62         7.14         5.93         7.13         5.94   

November

     7.30         6.86         7.08         6.21         7.08         6.21   

December

     7.38         6.45         6.98         5.89         6.99         5.89   

2016

                 

January

     6.86         5.65         6.50         5.18         6.43         5.18   

February

     6.43         5.19         6.05         4.54         6.05         4.53   

March (as of March 15, 2016)

     6.04         5.73         5.52         5.17         5.53         5.16   

 

Source: Bloomberg

Of the 878,537,339 common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015, 48,337,238, or 5.5%, were registered in the common share registry maintained on our behalf in New York and 579,495,347, or 66.0%, of our common shares outstanding were listed on Euroclear France and traded on Euronext Paris and on the Borsa Italiana in Milan.

 

Item 10. Additional Information

 

  A.

Share Capital

Not applicable.

 

  B.

Memorandum and Articles of Association

We were incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands by deed of May 21, 1987 and are registered with the trade register (handelsregister) of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) under no. 33194537. Set forth below is a summary of certain provisions of our Articles of Association and relevant Dutch law. The summary below does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our Articles of Association, most recently amended on December 2, 2013, and relevant Dutch law.

Object and Purposes

Pursuant to Article 2 of our Articles of Association, the purpose of our company is to participate in or take, in any manner, any interests in other business enterprises; to manage such enterprises; to carry on business in semiconductors and electronic devices; to take and grant licenses and other industrial property interests; to

 

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assume commitments in the name of any enterprises with which we may be associated within a group of companies; and to take any other action, such as but not limited to the granting of securities or the undertaking of obligations on behalf of third parties, which in the broadest sense of the term, may be related or contribute to the aforementioned objects.

Supervisory Board Members

Our Articles of Association do not include any provisions related to a Supervisory Board member’s:

 

   

power to vote on proposals, arrangements or contracts in which such member is materially interested;

 

   

power, in the absence of an independent quorum, to vote on compensation to themselves or any members of the Supervisory Board;

 

   

borrowing powers exercisable by the directors and how such borrowing powers can be varied;

 

   

mandatory retirement age; or

 

   

number of shares in our company required to qualify as a Supervisory Board member.

Our Supervisory Board Charter and Dutch law, however, explicitly prohibits members of our Supervisory Board from participating in discussions and voting on matters where they have a conflict of interest. If our entire Supervisory Board has a conflict of interest, our shareholders’ meeting is the competent corporate body to adopt the relevant resolution. Our Articles of Association provide that our shareholders’ meeting must adopt the compensation of our Supervisory Board members. Neither our Articles of Association nor our Supervisory Board Charter has a requirement or policy that Supervisory Board members hold a minimum number of our common shares.

In accordance with Dutch law, we have balanced participation by men and women on our Supervisory Board, which is deemed to exist if at least 30% of the seats are held by men and at least 30% of the seats held by women. Currently, our Supervisory Board comprises nine members of which 3 are female and 6 are male.

Distribution of Profits (Articles 37, 38, 39 and 40)

Subject to certain exceptions, dividends may only be paid out of the profits as shown in our adopted annual accounts. Our profits must first be used to set up and maintain reserves required by Dutch law and our Articles of Association. Subsequently, if any of our preference shares are issued and outstanding, preference shareholders shall be paid a dividend, which will be a percentage of the paid up part of the par value of their preference shares. Our Supervisory Board may then, upon proposal of our Managing Board, also establish reserves out of our annual profits. The portion of our annual profits that remains after the establishment or maintenance of reserves and the payment of a dividend to our preference shareholders is at the disposal of our shareholders’ meeting. No distribution may be made to our shareholders when the equity after such distribution is or becomes inferior to the fully-paid share capital, increased by the legal reserves. Our preference shares are cumulative by nature, which means that if in a financial year the dividend or the preference shares cannot be (fully) paid, the deficit must first be paid in the following financial year(s).

Our Supervisory Board independently as well as our shareholders’ meeting, upon the proposal of our Supervisory Board, may each declare distributions out of our share premium reserve and other reserves available for shareholder distributions under Dutch law. Pursuant to a resolution of our Supervisory Board, distributions adopted by the shareholders’ meeting may be fully or partially made in the form of our new shares to be issued. Our Supervisory Board may, subject to certain statutory provisions, make one or more interim distributions in respect of any year before the accounts for such year have been adopted at a shareholders’ meeting. Rights to cash dividends and distributions that have not been collected within five years after the date on which they became due and payable shall revert to us.

For the history of dividends paid by us to our shareholders in the past five years, see Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Notice Convening the Shareholders’ Meeting (Articles 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29)

Our ordinary shareholders’ meetings are held at least annually, within six months after the close of each financial year, in The Netherlands. Extraordinary shareholders’ meetings may be held as often as our Supervisory

 

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Board deems necessary, and must be held upon the written request of registered shareholders or other persons entitled to attend shareholders’ meetings of at least 10% of the total issued share capital to our Managing Board or our Supervisory Board specifying in detail the business to be dealt with. Such written requests may not be submitted electronically.

The notice convening the shareholders’ meeting shall be given in such manner as shall be authorized or required by law with due observance of the statutory notice period, which is currently 42 days prior to the meeting.

One or more shareholders or other persons entitled to attend shareholders’ meetings representing at least one-tenth of our issued share capital may, provided that the request was made at least five days prior to the date of convocation of the meeting, request proposals to be included on the agenda. Furthermore, a request that a proposal be included on the agenda can be made in writing to our Managing Board within sixty days of ameeting by persons who are entitled to attend our shareholders’ meetings who, solely or jointly, represent at least 1% of our issued share capital or a market value of at least €50 million. The aforementioned requests may not be submitted electronically and must comply with conditions stipulated by our Managing Board, subject to the approval of our Supervisory Board, which shall be posted on our website. Pursuant to Dutch law a shareholder requesting discussion of an agenda item must disclose to us its entire beneficial interest (long and short position) and we are required to disclose this information on our website.

We are exempt from the proxy solicitation rules under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Euroclear France will provide notice of shareholders’ meetings to, and compile voting instructions from, holders of shares held directly or indirectly through Euroclear France. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) will provide notice of shareholders’ meetings to holders of shares held directly or indirectly through DTC and the New York Transfer Agent and Registrar will compile voting instructions. In order for holders of shares held directly or indirectly through Euroclear France to attend shareholders’ meetings in person, such holders must withdraw their shares from Euroclear France and have such shares registered directly in their name or in the name of their nominee. In order for holders of shares held directly or indirectly through DTC to attend shareholders’ meetings of shareholders in person, such holders need not withdraw such shares from DTC but must follow rules and procedures established by the New York Transfer Agent and Registrar.

Attendance at Shareholders’ Meetings and Voting Rights (Articles 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34)

Each share is entitled to one vote.

All shareholders and other persons entitled to attend shareholders’ meetings may attend in person or be represented by a person holding a written proxy. Shareholders and other persons entitled to vote, may do so pursuant to our Articles of Association. Subject to the approval of our Supervisory Board, our Managing Board may resolve to facilitate the use of electronic means of communication in relation to the participation and voting in shareholders’ meetings. Dutch law prescribes a fixed registration date of 28 days prior to the shareholders’ meeting, which means that shareholders and other persons entitled to attend shareholders’ meetings are those persons who have such rights at the 28th day prior to the shareholders’ meeting and, as such, are registered in a register designated by our Managing Board, regardless of who is a shareholder or otherwise a person entitled to attend shareholders’ meetings at the time of the meeting if a registration date would not be applicable. In the notice convening the shareholders’ meeting, the time of registration must be mentioned as well as the manner in which shareholders and other persons entitled to attend shareholders’ meetings can register themselves and the manner in which they can exercise their rights.

All matters regarding admittance to the shareholders’ meeting, the exercise of voting rights and the result of voting, as well as any other matters regarding the business of the shareholders’ meeting, shall be decided upon by the chairman of that meeting, in accordance with the requirements of Section 2:13 of the Dutch Civil Code.

Our Articles of Association allow for separate meetings for holders of common shares and for holders of preference shares. At a meeting of holders of preference shares at which the entire issued capital of shares of such class is represented, valid resolutions may be adopted even if the requirements in respect of the place of the meeting and the giving of notice have not been observed, provided that such resolutions are adopted by unanimous vote. Also, valid resolutions of preference shareholder meetings may be adopted outside a meeting if all persons entitled to vote on our preference shares indicate in writing that they vote in favor of the proposed resolution, provided that no depositary receipts for preference shares have been issued with our cooperation.

 

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Authority of our Shareholders’ Meeting (Articles 12, 16, 19, 25, 28, 32 and 41)

Our annual shareholders’ meeting may decide upon (i) the discharge of the members of our Managing Board for their management during the past financial year and the discharge of the members of our Supervisory Board for their supervision during the past financial year; (ii) the adoption of our statutory annual accounts and the distribution of dividends; (iii) the appointment of the members of our Supervisory Board and our Managing Board; and (iv) any other resolutions listed on the agenda.

Furthermore, our shareholders’ meeting has to approve resolutions of our Managing Board regarding a significant change in the identity or nature of us or our enterprise, including in any event (i) transferring our enterprise or practically our entire enterprise to a third party, (ii) entering into or canceling any long-term cooperation between us or a subsidiary of us and any other legal person or company or as a fully liable general partner of a limited partnership or a general partnership, provided that such cooperation or the cancellation thereof is of essential importance to us, and (iii) us or a subsidiary of us acquiring or disposing of a participating interest in the capital of a company with a value of at least one-third of our total assets according to our Consolidated Balance Sheets and notes thereto in our most recently adopted annual accounts.

Our Articles of Association may only be amended (and our liquidation can only be decided on) if amendments are proposed by our Supervisory Board and approved by a simple majority of the votes cast at a shareholders’ meeting at which at least 15% of the issued and outstanding share capital is present or represented. The complete proposal for the amendment (or liquidation) must be made available for inspection by the shareholders and the other persons entitled to attend shareholders’ meetings at our offices as from the day of the notice convening such meeting until the end of the meeting. Any amendment of our Articles of Association that negatively affects the rights of the holders of a certain class of shares requires the prior approval of the meeting of holders of such class of shares.

Quorum and Majority (Articles 4, 13 and 32)

Unless otherwise required by our Articles of Association or Dutch law, resolutions of shareholders’ meetings require the approval of a majority of the votes cast at a meeting at which at least 15% of the issued and outstanding share capital is present or represented, subject to the provisions explained below. We may not vote our common shares held in treasury. Blank and invalid votes shall not be counted.

A quorum of shareholders, present or represented, holding at least half of our issued share capital, is required to dismiss a member of our Managing Board, unless the dismissal is proposed by our Supervisory Board. In the event of the lack of a quorum, a second shareholders’ meeting must be held within four weeks, with no applicable quorum requirement. Any decision or authorization by the shareholders’ meeting which has or could have the effect of excluding or limiting preferential subscription rights must be taken by a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes cast, if at the shareholders’ meeting less than 50% of the issued and outstanding share capital is present or represented. Otherwise such a resolution can be taken by a simple majority at a meeting at which at least 15% of the issued and outstanding share capital is represented.

Disclosure of holdings and capital interest under Dutch Law

Holders of our shares (including certain comparable instruments, such as instruments with a value (partly) dependent on shares or distributions on shares, or contracts creating an economic position similar to shares) or voting rights (including potential interests, such as via options or convertible bonds) may have disclosure obligations under Dutch law. Any person or entity whose direct or indirect interest in our share capital or voting rights (including potential interest) reaches, exceeds or falls below a certain threshold must make a disclosure to the AFM immediately. The threshold percentages are 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 75% and 95%. If a person’s direct or indirect interest in the share capital or voting rights passively reaches, exceeds or falls below the abovementioned thresholds (e.g. as a result of a change in the capital of the company), the person in question must give notice to the AFM no later than the fourth trading day after the AFM has published the change in the share capital and/or voting rights in the public register. In addition, a notification requirement applies in respect of shares with special statutory rights (e.g. priority shares), regardless of the abovementioned percentages.

Furthermore, each person who is or ought to be aware that the substantial holding he holds in the Company, reaches, exceeds or falls below any of the abovementioned thresholds vis-à-vis his most recent notification to the AFM, which change relates to the composition of the notification as a result of certain acts (e.g. (i) the exchange

 

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of certain financial instruments for shares or depositary receipts for shares, (ii) the exchange of shares for depositary receipts for shares, or (iii) as a result of the exercise of rights pursuant to a contract for the acquisition of voting rights) must give notice to the AFM no later than the fourth trading day after he became or ought to be aware of this change.

. For the purpose of calculating the percentage of capital interest or voting rights, among others, the following interests must be taken into account: (i) those directly held by him; (ii) those held by his controlled undertakings for purposes of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act; (iii) shares held by a third party for such person’s account and the votes such third party may exercise; (iv) the votes held by a third party if such person has concluded an oral or written voting agreement with such party which provides for a lasting common policy on voting; (v) the votes held by a third party if such person has concluded an oral or written agreement with such party which provides for a temporary and paid transfer of the votes; and (vi) the votes which a person may exercise as a proxy but in his own discretion. A person who has a 3% or larger interest in the share capital or voting rights and who ceases to be a controlled undertaking must without delay notify the AFM. As of that moment, all notification obligations under the Dutch Financial Supervision Act will become applicable to the former controlled undertaking itself. The management company of a common fund (beleggingsfonds) shall be deemed to have the disposal of the shares held by the depositary and the related voting rights. The depositary of a common fund shall be deemed not to have the disposal of shares or voting rights. Furthermore, special rules apply to the attribution of the ordinary shares which are part of the property of a partnership or other community of property. A holder of a pledge or right of usufruct in respect of our shares can also be subject to a notification obligation if such person has, or can acquire, the right to vote on our shares. If a pledgor or usufructuary acquires such voting rights, this may also trigger a notification obligation for the holder of our shares. A person is also deemed to hold shares if he has a financial instrument (i) whose rise in value depends in part on the rise in value of the underlying shares or on dividend or other payments on those shares (in other words, a long position must be held in those shares), and (ii) which does not entitle him to acquire shares in a listed company (i.e., it is a cash-settled financial instrument). In addition, a person who may, by virtue of an option, be obliged to buy shares in a listed company is also equated with a shareholder. Moreover, a person who has entered into a contract (other than a cash-settled financial instrument) that gives him an economic position comparable to that of a shareholder in a listed company is also deemed to hold shares for the purposes of the disclosure obligation.

The holder of a financial instrument representing a short position in our shares is required to notify the AFM if such short position, expressed in a capital percentage, reaches or crosses a threshold percentage. The threshold percentages are the same as referred to above in this section. Short position refers to the gross short position (i.e., a long position held by the holder cannot be offset against the short position). There is also a requirements to notify the AFM of the net short position (i.e., long positions are offset against short positions) if such short position, expressed in a capital percentage, reaches or crosses a threshold percentage; The threshold percentages are 0.2% and each 0.1% above that. Notifications as of 0.5% and each 0.1% above that will be published by the AFM. The notification shall be made no later than 3:30 pm CET on the following trading day.

Under Dutch law, the sole member of our Managing Board and each of the members of our Supervisory Board must without delay notify the AFM of any changes in his interest or potential interest in our share capital or voting rights The sole member of our Managing Board and each of the members of our Supervisory Board, as well as any other person who would have managerial or co-managerial responsibilities in respect of the Company or who would have the authority to make decisions affecting the Company’s future developments and business prospects regularly having access to inside information relating, directly or indirectly, to the Company, must notify the AFM of any transactions conducted for his or her own account relating to the shares or in financial instruments the value of which is also based on the value of the shares. In addition, certain persons who are closely associated with members of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board or any of the other persons as described above, are required to notify the AFM of any transactions conducted for their own account relating to the shares or in financial instruments the value of which is also based on the value of the shares.

The AFM publishes all notifications on its public website (www.afm.nl). Non-compliance with the notification obligations under Dutch law can lead to imprisonment or criminal fines, or administrative fines or other administrative sanctions. In addition, non-compliance with these notification obligations may lead to civil sanctions, including, without limitation, suspension of the voting rights attaching to our shares held by the offender for a maximum of three years, (suspension and) nullification of a resolution adopted by our shareholders’ meeting (if it is likely that such resolution would not have been adopted if the offender had not voted) and a prohibition for the offender to acquire our shares or votes for a period of no more than five years. Shareholders are advised to consult with their own legal advisers to determine whether notification obligations apply to them.

 

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Share Capital (Articles 4, 5 and 6)

Our shares may not be issued at less than their par value. Our common shares must be fully paid up at the time of their issuance. Our preference shares must be paid up for at least 25% of their par value at the time of their issuance (and the remaining 75% if and when requested by our Managing Board). Our authorized share capital is not restricted by redemption provisions, sinking fund provisions or liability to further capital calls by us. Our Articles of Association allows for the acquisition of own shares and the cancellation of shares.

Type II shares are common shares in the form of an entry in our shareholders register with the issue of a share certificate consisting of a main part without a dividend coupon. In addition to type II shares, type I shares are available. Type I shares are common shares in the form of an entry in our shareholders register without the issue of a share certificate. Type II shares are only available should our Supervisory Board decide to offer them. Our preference shares are in the form of an entry in our shareholders register without issue of a share certificate.

Non-issued authorized share capital, which is different from issued share capital, allows us to proceed with capital increases excluding the preemptive rights, upon our Supervisory Board’s decision. Other securities in circulation which give access to our share capital include (i) the options giving the right to subscribe to our shares granted to our employees, including the sole member of our Managing Board and our senior managers; (ii) the options giving the right to subscribe to our shares granted in the past to the members of our Supervisory Board, its secretaries and controllers, as described in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees”; (iii) our Bonds; and (iv) the option giving the right to subscribe to our preference shares to Stichting Continuïteit ST. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — Preference Shares.” We do not have securities not representing our share capital.

Our shareholders’ meeting, upon proposal and on the terms and conditions set by our Supervisory Board, has the power to issue shares and rights to subscribe for shares. The shareholders’ meeting may authorize our Supervisory Board, for a period of no more than five years, to issue shares and rights to subscribe for shares and to determine the terms and conditions of such issuances.

Each holder of common shares has a pro rata preemptive right to subscribe to an offering of common shares issued for cash in proportion to the number of common shares which he owns. There is no preemptive right with respect to an offering of shares for non-cash consideration, with respect to an offering of shares to our employees or to the employees of one of our subsidiaries, or with respect to preference shares.

Our shareholders’ meeting, upon proposal by our Supervisory Board, has the power to limit or exclude preemptive rights in connection with new issuances of shares. Such a resolution of the shareholders’ meeting must be taken with a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes cast if at such shareholders’ meeting less than 50% of the issued and outstanding share capital is present or represented. Otherwise such a resolution can be taken by a simple majority of the votes cast at a shareholders’ meeting at which at least 15% of our issued and outstanding share capital is present or represented. Our shareholders’ meeting may authorize our Supervisory Board, for a period of no more than five years, to limit or exclude preemptive rights.

Acquisition of Shares in Our Own Share Capital (Article 5)

We may acquire our own shares, subject to certain provisions of Dutch law and of our Articles of Association. Share acquisitions may be effected by our Managing Board, subject to the approval of our Supervisory Board, only if the shareholders’ meeting has authorized our Managing Board to effect such repurchases, which authorization may apply for a maximum period of 18 months. We may not vote shares we hold in treasury. Our purchases of our own shares are subject to acquisition price conditions as authorized by our shareholders’ meeting. Our Articles of Association provide that we shall be able to acquire shares in our own share capital in order to transfer these shares under employee stock option or stock purchase plans, without an authorization of our shareholders’ meeting.

Upon the proposal of our Supervisory Board, our shareholders’ meeting may, in accordance with the legal provisions, reduce our issued capital by canceling the shares that we hold in treasury, by reducing the par value of the shares or by canceling our preference shares.

Liquidation Rights (Articles 42 and 43)

In the event of our dissolution and liquidation, after payment of all debts and liquidation expenses, the holders of preference shares if issued, would receive the paid up portion of the par value of their preference shares. Any assets then remaining shall be distributed among the registered holders of common shares in proportion to the par value of their shareholdings.

 

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Limitations on Right to Hold or Vote Shares

There are currently no limitations imposed by Dutch law or by our Articles of Association on the right of non-resident holders to hold or vote the shares.

 

  C.

Material Contracts

None.

 

  D.

Exchange Controls

None.

 

  E.

Taxation

Dutch Taxation

The following is a general summary and the tax consequences as described herein may not apply to a holder of common shares. Any potential investor should consult his tax adviser for more information about the tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of common shares in his particular circumstances.

This summary solely addresses the principal Dutch tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposal of common shares and does not purport to describe every aspect of taxation that may be relevant to a particular holder. Tax matters are complex, and the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposal to a particular holder of common shares will depend in part on such holder’s circumstances. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your own tax advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposal to you, including the applicability and effect of Dutch tax laws. Where in this summary English terms and expressions are used to refer to Dutch concepts, the meaning to be attributed to such terms and expressions shall be the meaning to be attributed to the equivalent Dutch concepts under Dutch tax law. Where in this summary the terms “The Netherlands” and “Dutch” are used, these refer solely to the European part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands. This summary assumes that we are organized, and that our business will be conducted, in the manner outlined in this Form 20-F. A change to such organizational structure or to the manner in which we conduct our business may invalidate the contents of this summary, which will not be updated to reflect any such change.

This summary is based on the tax law of The Netherlands (unpublished case law not included) as it stands at the date of this Form 20-F. The tax law upon which this summary is based, is subject to changes, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change may invalidate the contents of this summary, which will not be updated to reflect such change.

The summary in this Dutch Taxation paragraph does not address your Dutch tax consequences if you are a holder of common shares who:

 

  (i)

may be deemed an owner of common shares for Dutch tax purposes pursuant to specific statutory attribution rules in Dutch tax law;

 

  (ii)

is, although in principle subject to Dutch corporation tax, in whole or in part, specifically exempt from that tax in connection with income from common shares;

 

  (iii)

is an investment institution as defined in the Dutch Corporation Tax Act 1969;

 

  (iv)

owns common shares in connection with a membership of a management board or a supervisory board, an employment relationship, a deemed employment relationship or management role; or

 

  (v)

has a substantial interest in us or a deemed substantial interest in us for Dutch tax purposes. Generally, you hold a substantial interest if (a) you — either alone or, in the case of an individual, together with your partner or any of your relatives by blood or by marriage in the direct line (including foster-children) or of those of your partner for Dutch tax purposes — own or are deemed to own, directly or indirectly, five per cent. or more of our shares or of any class of our shares, or rights to acquire, directly or indirectly, such an interest in our shares or profit participating certificates relating to five per cent. or more of our annual profits or to five per cent. or more of our liquidation proceeds, or (b) your shares, rights to acquire shares or profit participating certificates in us are held by you following the application of a non-recognition provision.

 

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Taxes on income and capital gains for Non-resident holders of common shares

Individuals

If you are an individual who is neither resident nor deemed to be resident in The Netherlands for purposes of Dutch income tax, you will not be subject to Dutch income tax in respect of any benefits derived or deemed to be derived from or in connection with your common shares, except if

 

  (i)

you derive profits from an enterprise, whether as an entrepreneur or pursuant to a co-entitlement to the net value of such enterprise, other than as a shareholder, and such enterprise is carried on, in whole or in part, through a permanent establishment or a permanent representative in The Netherlands, and your common shares are attributable to such permanent establishment or permanent representative; or

 

  (ii)

you derive benefits or are deemed to derive benefits from or in connection with common shares that are taxable as benefits from miscellaneous activities performed in The Netherlands.

Corporate entities

If you are a corporate entity, or an entity including an association, a partnership and a mutual fund, taxable as a corporate entity, which is neither resident, nor deemed to be resident in The Netherlands for purposes of Dutch corporation tax, you will not be subject to Dutch corporation tax in respect of any benefits derived or deemed to be derived from or in connection with common shares, except if

 

  (i)

you derive profits from an enterprise directly which is carried on in whole or in part, through a permanent establishment or a permanent representative which is taxable in The Netherlands, and to which permanent establishment or permanent representative your common shares are attributable; or

 

  (ii)

you derive profits pursuant to a co-entitlement to the net value of an enterprise which is managed in The Netherlands, other than as a holder of securities, and to which enterprise your common shares are attributable.

General

If you are neither resident nor deemed to be resident in The Netherlands, you will for Dutch tax purposes not carry on or be deemed to carry on an enterprise, in whole or in part, through a permanent establishment or a permanent representative in The Netherlands by reason only of the execution and/or enforcement of the documents relating to the issue of common shares or the performance by us of our obligations under such documents or under the common shares.

Dividend withholding tax

General

We are generally required to withhold Dutch dividend withholding tax at a rate of 15% from dividends distributed by us, subject to possible relief under Dutch domestic law, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union or an applicable Dutch income tax treaty depending on a particular holder of common shares’ individual circumstances.

The concept “dividends distributed by us” as used in this Dutch Taxation paragraph includes, but is not limited to, the following:

 

   

distributions in cash or in kind, deemed and constructive distributions and repayments of capital not recognized as paid-in for Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes;

 

   

liquidation proceeds and proceeds of repurchase or redemption of common shares in excess of the average capital recognized as paid-in for Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes;

 

   

the par value of common shares issued by us to a holder of common shares or an increase of the par value of common shares, as the case may be, to the extent that it does not appear that a contribution, recognized for Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes, has been made or will be made; and

 

   

partial repayment of capital, recognized as paid-in for Dutch dividend withholding tax purposes, if and to the extent that there are net profits, unless (a) the general meeting of our shareholders has resolved in advance to make such repayment and (b) the par value of the common shares concerned has been reduced by an equal amount by way of an amendment to our articles of association.

 

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If we receive a profit distribution from a qualifying foreign entity, or a repatriation of qualifying foreign branch profit, that is exempt from Dutch corporation tax and that has been subject to a foreign withholding tax of at least 5%, we may be entitled to retain a portion of the Dutch dividend withholding tax imposed in respect of a dividend distributed by us, that ordinarily would be required to be remitted to the Dutch tax authorities. Such portion is the lesser of:

 

   

3% of the dividends paid by us in respect of which Dutch dividend withholding tax is withheld; and

 

   

3% of the qualifying profit distributions grossed up by the foreign tax withheld on such distributions received from foreign subsidiaries and branches prior to the distribution of the dividend by us during the current calendar year and the two preceding calendar years (to the extent such distributions have not been taken into account previously when applying this test).

Non-resident holders of common shares are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the general creditability or deductibility of Dutch dividend withholding tax and, in particular, the impact on such investors of our potential ability to receive a reduction as described in the previous paragraph.

Gift and inheritance taxes

No Dutch gift tax or Dutch inheritance tax will arise with respect to an acquisition or deemed acquisition of common shares by way of gift by, or upon the death of, a holder of common shares who is neither resident nor deemed to be resident in The Netherlands for purposes of Dutch gift tax or Dutch inheritance tax except if, in the event of a gift whilst not being a resident nor being a deemed resident in The Netherlands for purposes of Dutch gift tax or Dutch inheritance tax, the holder of common shares becomes a resident or a deemed resident in The Netherlands and dies within 180 days after the date of the gift.

For purposes of Dutch gift tax and Dutch inheritance tax, a gift of common shares made under a condition precedent is deemed to be made at the time the condition precedent is satisfied.

Registration taxes and duties

No Dutch registration tax, transfer tax, stamp duty or any other similar documentary tax or duty, other than court fees, is payable in The Netherlands in respect of or in connection with the execution and/or enforcement (including by legal proceedings and including the enforcement of any foreign judgment in the courts of The Netherlands) of the documents relating to the issue of common shares, the performance by us of our obligations under such documents, or the transfer of common shares, except that Dutch real property transfer tax may be due upon an acquisition in connection with common shares of real property situated in The Netherlands, (an interest in) an asset that qualifies as real property situated in The Netherlands, or (an interest in) a right over real property situated in The Netherlands, for the purposes of Dutch real property transfer tax.

United States Federal Income Taxation

The following discussion is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. holder (as defined below) of the ownership and disposition of our common shares. You are a U.S. holder only if you are a beneficial owner of common shares:

 

   

that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (a) a citizen or individual resident of the United States, (b) a U.S. domestic corporation or a U.S. domestic entity taxable as a corporation, (c) an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (d) a trust, if a court within the United States can exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust;

 

   

that owns, directly, indirectly or by attribution, less than 10% of our voting power or outstanding share capital;

 

   

that holds the common shares as capital assets;

 

   

whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is the U.S. dollar;

 

   

that is a resident of the United States and not also a resident of The Netherlands for purposes of the U.S./NL Income Tax Treaty;

 

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that is entitled, under the “limitation on benefits” provisions contained in the U.S./NL Income Tax Treaty, to the benefits of the U.S./NL Income Tax Treaty; and

 

   

that does not have a permanent establishment or fixed base in The Netherlands.

This summary does not discuss all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances. Also, it does not address holders that may be subject to special rules including, but not limited to, U.S. expatriates, tax-exempt organizations, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, banks, securities broker-dealers, financial institutions, regulated investment companies, insurance companies, traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting, persons holding our common shares as part of a straddle, hedging or conversion transaction, or persons who acquired common shares pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation. Because this is a general summary, you are advised to consult your own tax advisor with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and applicable foreign tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common shares. In addition, you are advised to consult your own tax advisor concerning whether you are entitled to benefits under the U.S./NL Income Tax Treaty.

If a partnership (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds common shares, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership that holds common shares, you are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences of the ownership and the disposition of common shares.

This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the U.S./NL Income Tax Treaty, judicial decisions, administrative pronouncements and existing, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations as of the date of this Form 20-F, all of which are subject to change or changes in interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect.

Dividends

In general, you must include the gross amount of distributions paid (including the amount of any Dutch taxes withheld from those distributions) to you by us with respect to the common shares in your gross income as foreign-source taxable dividend income. The amount of any distribution paid in foreign currency (including the amount of any Dutch withholding tax thereon) will be equal to the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency on the date of actual or constructive receipt by you regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars at that time. Gain or loss, if any, realized on a subsequent sale or other disposition of such foreign currency will be U.S.-source ordinary income or loss. Special rules govern and specific elections are available to accrual method taxpayers to determine the U.S. dollar amount includible in income in the case of taxes withheld in a foreign currency. Accrual basis taxpayers are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the requirements and elections applicable in this regard.

Subject to applicable limitations, Dutch taxes withheld from a distribution paid to you at a rate not exceeding the rate provided in the U.S./NL Income Tax Treaty will be eligible for credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability. As described in “— Taxation — Dutch Taxation” above, under limited circumstances we may be entitled to retain a portion of the Dutch withholding tax that otherwise would be required to be remitted to the taxing authorities in The Netherlands. If we withhold an amount from dividends paid to you that we then are not required to remit to any taxing authority in The Netherlands, the amount in all likelihood would not qualify as a creditable tax for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We will endeavor to provide you with information concerning the extent to which we have applied the reduction described above to dividends paid to you. The limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, dividends distributed by us with respect to the common shares generally will constitute “passive category income” or in the case of certain U.S. holders, “general category income”. The use of foreign tax credits is subject to complex rules and limitations. In lieu of a credit, a U.S. holder who itemizes deductions may elect to deduct all of such holder’s foreign taxes in the taxable year. A deduction does not reduce tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis like a credit, but the deduction for foreign taxes is not subject to the same limitations applicable to foreign tax credits. You should consult your own tax advisor to determine whether and to what extent a credit would be available to you.

Certain non-corporate U.S. holders (including individuals) are eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income tax in respect of “qualified dividend income”. For this purpose, “qualified dividend income” generally includes dividends paid by a non-U.S. corporation if, among other things, the U.S. holders meet certain minimum holding period and other requirements and the non-U.S. corporation satisfies certain requirements, including either that (i) the shares of the non-U.S. corporation are readily tradable on an established securities market in the

 

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United States, or (ii) the non-U.S. corporation is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (such as the U.S./NL Income Tax Treaty) which provides for the exchange of information. We currently believe that dividends paid by us with respect to our common shares should constitute “qualified dividend income” for U.S. federal income tax purposes; however, this is a factual matter and subject to change. You are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the availability to you of a reduced dividend tax rate in light of your own particular situation. A dividends-received deduction will not be allowed with respect to dividends paid by us.

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Shares

Upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of common shares, you generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and your tax basis in the common shares, as determined in U.S. dollars. This gain or loss generally will be U.S.-source gain or loss, and will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if you have held the common shares for more than one year. If you are an individual, capital gains generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at preferential rates if specified minimum holding periods are met. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to significant limitations.

Net Investment Income Tax

Certain U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds generally will be subject to a 3.8% tax on “net investment income”, including, among other things, dividends on, and gains from the sale or other taxable disposition of, our common shares, subject to certain limitations and exceptions. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the effect, if any, of such tax on your ownership and disposition of our common shares.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Status

We believe that we should not be classified as a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the year ended December 31, 2015 and we do not expect to become a PFIC in the foreseeable future. This conclusion is a factual determination that must be made annually at the close of each taxable year and therefore we can provide no assurance that we will not be a PFIC in our current or any future taxable year. If we were to be characterized as a PFIC for any taxable year, the tax on certain distributions on our common shares and on any gains realized upon the disposition of common shares may be materially less favorable than as described herein. In addition, if we were a PFIC in a taxable year in which we were to pay dividends or the prior taxable year, such dividends would not be “qualified dividend income” (as described above) and would be taxed at the higher rates applicable to other items of ordinary income. You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your ownership of our common shares.

U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Dividend payments with respect to common shares and proceeds from the sale, exchange, retirement or other disposition of our common shares may be subject to information reporting to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and possible U.S. backup withholding. Backup withholding will not apply to you, however, if you furnish a correct taxpayer identification number and make any other required certification, or if you are otherwise exempt from backup withholding. U.S. persons required to establish their exempt status generally must provide certification on IRS Form W-9. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld as backup withholding may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, and you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by timely filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS and furnishing any required information.

In addition, U.S. holders should be aware of annual reporting requirements with respect to the holding of certain foreign financial assets, including our common shares that are not held in an account maintained by certain types of financial institutions, if the aggregate value of all of such assets exceeds $50,000 (or $100,000 for married couples filing a joint return). You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to our common shares and the application of the annual reporting requirements to your particular situation.

 

  F.

Dividends and Paying Agents

Not applicable.

 

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  G.

Statement by Experts

Not applicable.

 

  H.

Documents on Display

Any statement in this Form 20-F about any of our contracts or other documents is not necessarily complete. If the contract or document is filed as an exhibit to this Form 20-F the contract or document is deemed to modify the description contained in this Form 20-F. You must review the exhibits themselves for a complete description of the contract or document.

Our Articles of Association, the minutes of our annual shareholders’ meetings, reports of the auditors and other corporate documentation may be consulted by the shareholders and any other individual authorized to attend the meetings at our head office at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam, The Netherlands, at the registered offices of the Managing Board in Geneva, Switzerland and at Crédit Agricole-Indosuez, 9, Quai du Président Paul-Doumer, 92400 Courbevoie, France.

You may review a copy of our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including exhibits and schedules filed with it, at the SEC’s public reference facilities in Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. These SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services.

WE ARE REQUIRED TO FILE REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION WITH THE SEC UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. REPORTS AND OTHER INFORMATION FILED BY U.S. WITH THE SEC MAY BE INSPECTED AND COPIED AT THE SEC’S PUBLIC REFERENCE FACILITIES DESCRIBED ABOVE OR THROUGH THE INTERNET (WWW.SEC.GOV). AS A FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER, WE ARE EXEMPT FROM THE RULES UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT PRESCRIBING THE FURNISHING AND CONTENT OF PROXY STATEMENTS AND OUR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE REPORTING AND SHORT-SWING PROFIT RECOVERY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN SECTION 16 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT. UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT, AS A FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER, WE ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PUBLISH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS FREQUENTLY OR AS PROMPTLY AS UNITED STATES COMPANIES.

 

  I.

Subsidiary Information

Not applicable.

 

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to changes in financial market conditions in the normal course of business due to our operations in different foreign currencies and our ongoing investing and financing activities. Market risk is the uncertainty to which future earnings or asset/liability values are exposed due to operating cash flows denominated in foreign currencies and various financial instruments used in the normal course of operations. The major financial risks to which we are exposed are the foreign exchange risks related to the fluctuations of the U.S. dollar exchange rate compared to the Euro and the other major currencies in which costs are incurred, the variation of the interest rates and the risks associated to the investments of our available cash. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks.

Our interest income (expense), net, as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Income, is the balance between interest income received from our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities investments and interest expense paid on our financial liabilities and bank fees (including fees on committed credit lines). Our interest income is dependent upon fluctuations in interest rates, mainly in U.S. dollars and Euros, since we invest primarily on a short-term basis; any increase or decrease in the market interest rates would mean an equivalent increase or decrease in our interest income. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Impact of Changes in Interest Rates”.

We place our cash and cash equivalents, or a part of it, with financial institutions with at least a single “A” long-term rating from two of the major rating agencies, meaning at least A3 from Moody’s and A- from S&P or

 

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Fitch, or better, invested as term deposits and Government securities and, as such, we are exposed to the fluctuations of the market interest rates on our placement and our cash, which can have an impact on our accounts. We manage the credit risks associated with financial instruments through credit approvals, investment limits and centralized monitoring procedures but do not normally require collateral or other security from the parties to the financial instruments. As of December 31, 2015, the marketable securities have a value of $335 million. They are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value. This fair value measurement corresponds to a Level 1 fair value hierarchy measurement. The estimated value of these securities could further decrease in the future as a result of credit market deterioration and/or other downgrading.

We also have a significant amount of receivables relating to tax credits, refunds and funding from the governments of certain countries in the Euro zone. As of December 31, 2015, we had $399 million of long-term government receivables almost entirely from France and Italy. In the event of a default of these countries, we could be required to recognize a significant loss.

We do not anticipate any material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows resulting from the use of our instruments in the future. There can be no assurance that these strategies will be effective or that transaction losses can be minimized or forecasted accurately.

The information below summarizes our market risks associated with cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits, marketable securities and debt obligations as of December 31, 2015. The information below should be read in conjunction with Note 23 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

The table below presents principal amounts and related weighted-average interest rates by year of maturity for our investment portfolio and debt obligations (in millions of U.S. dollars, except percentages):

 

     Total     2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      Thereafter      Fair Value at
December 31,
2015
 

Assets:

                      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,771                        $ 1,771   

Cash at bank and on hand

   $ 672                        $ 672   

Deposits at call with banks

   $ 1,099                        $ 1,099   

Restricted cash

   $ 4                        $ 4   

Current marketable securities

   $ 335               $ 201          $ 134       $ 335   

Average yield to maturity

     1.64                    

Long-term debt:

   $ 1,707      $ 191       $ 116       $ 114       $ 113       $ 713       $ 460       $ 1,612   

Average interest rate(1)

     2.05                    

 

(1)

The average rate of the cash interests on our total debt at redemption value is 0.73%.

 

     Amounts in millions of
U.S. dollars
 

Long-term debt by currency as of December 31, 2015:

  

U.S. dollar

     1,533   

Euro

     79   

Total in U.S. dollars

     1,612   
     Amounts in millions of
U.S. dollars
 

Long-term debt by currency as of December 31, 2014:

  

U.S. dollar

   $ 1,698   

Euro

     107   

Total in U.S. dollars

   $ 1,805   

 

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The following table provides information about our FX forward contracts and FX currency options not designated as a hedge at December 31, 2015 (in millions of U.S. dollars):

FORWARD CONTRACTS AND CURRENCY OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31, 2015

 

                    Notional Amount      Average Rate      Fair Value  

Buy

   EUR    Sell    USD      86         1.0919         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    EUR      0         1.0880         0   

Buy

   JPY    Sell    EUR      4         131.76         0   

Buy

   EUR    Sell    JPY      0         129.87         0   

Buy

   GBP    Sell    USD      22         1.4901         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    GBP      2         1.5015         0   

Buy

   INR    Sell    USD      33         67.83         1   

Buy

   USD    Sell    JPY      15         121.84         0   

Buy

   JPY    Sell    USD      7         121.22         0   

Buy

   SGD    Sell    USD      48         1.4132         0   

Buy

   MYR    Sell    USD      9         4.3108         0   

Buy

   SEK    Sell    USD      3         8.6881         0   

Buy

   PLN    Sell    USD      0         3.8895         0   

Buy

   CZK    Sell    USD      2         25.0354         0   

Buy

   CHF    Sell    USD      40         0.9959         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    CHF      3         0.9956         0   

Buy

   CNY    Sell    USD      29         6.4625         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    CNY      3         6.4678         0   

Buy

   KRW    Sell    USD      10         1163.09         0   

Buy

   HKD    Sell    USD      1         7.7519         0   

Buy

   TWD    Sell    USD      7         32.5710         0   

Buy

   PHP    Sell    USD      7         47.1916         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    PHP      1         47.4050         0   

Buy

   AUD    Sell    USD      0         0.7299         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    BRL      6         3.9903         0   

Buy

   ZAR    Sell    USD      0         15.60         0   

Buy

   MAD    Sell    EUR      24         10.8206         0   

Buy

   TND    Sell    USD      1         2.0210         0   

Buy

   HUF    Sell    USD      0         285.71         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    CAD      7         1.3768         0   

 

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The following table provides information about our FX forward contracts and FX currency options not designated as a hedge at December 31, 2014 (in millions of U.S. dollars):

FORWARD CONTRACTS AND CURRENCY OPTIONS AT DECEMBER 31, 2014

 

                    Notional Amount      Average Rate      Fair Value  

Buy

   EUR    Sell    USD      31         1.2161         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    EUR      30         1.2153         0   

Buy

   JPY    Sell    EUR      4         146.1277         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    INR      33         64.4255         1   

Buy

   USD    Sell    JPY      11         117.1250         0   

Buy

   JPY    Sell    USD      9         119.0474         0   

Buy

   SGD    Sell    USD      49         1.2891         (1

Buy

   MYR    Sell    USD      13         3.4909         0   

Buy

   SEK    Sell    USD      3         7.4895         0   

Buy

   CZK    Sell    USD      1         22.7960         0   

Buy

   CHF    Sell    USD      38         0.9741         (1

Buy

   CNY    Sell    USD      34         6.1979         0   

Buy

   KRW    Sell    USD      8         1,092.9733         0   

Buy

   TWD    Sell    USD      8         30.6098         0   

Buy

   PHP    Sell    USD      2         44.9450         0   

Buy

   AUD    Sell    USD      0         0.8215         0   

Buy

   BRL    Sell    USD      4         2.6150         0   

Buy

   ZAR    Sell    USD      0         11.5750         0   

Buy

   TND    Sell    USD      1         1.8585         0   

Buy

   HUF    Sell    USD      0         258.9550         0   

Buy

   USD    Sell    CAD      7         1.1290         0   
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
              286            (1

Our FX forward contracts and FX currency options, including collars, designated as a hedge, are further described in Note 23 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

We sell ordinary shares in the United States that are evidenced by American registered certificates (“New York Shares”). In connection therewith, a holder of our New York Shares may have to pay, either directly or indirectly, certain fees and charges, as described in Item 12D.3. In addition, we receive fees and other direct and indirect payments from our New York Agent that are related to our New York Shares, as described in Item 12D.4.

On November 6, 2015, we signed an agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“J.P. Morgan” or “New York Agent”) which transferred our New York Share program from our predecessor agent, Bank of New York Mellon (“BNY Mellon”), to J.P. Morgan.

Fees and Charges that a holder of our New York Shares May Have to Pay

J.P. Morgan collects fees for the delivery and surrender of New York Shares directly from investors depositing or surrendering New York Shares for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them.

Persons depositing or withdrawing our New York Shares must pay to J.P. Morgan:

 

   

Up to $5.00 per 100 New York Shares (or portion of 100 New York Shares) for the issuance of New York Shares, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property, and cancellation of New York Shares for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the New York Share agreement terminates;

 

   

Taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges;

 

   

Registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of New York Shares;

 

   

Cable, telex, facsimile and electronic transmission and delivery expenses;

 

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Expenses and charges incurred by JP Morgan in the conversion of foreign currency or the sale of any securities or property; and

 

   

Any charges incurred by JP Morgan in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to New York Shares.

Fees and Other Payments Made by the New York Agent to Us

In 2015 (from the effective date of November 6, 2015), J.P. Morgan paid approximately $150,685 to us as an upfront payment for our New York Share program.

Our predecessor agent, BNY Mellon, paid a total of $1 million to us or on our behalf in 2015 for our New York Share program; however, the $150,685 received from J.P. Morgan was paid back to BNY Mellon in 2015 as a refund for the early termination of our New York Share program. Specifically, the following types of fees were paid: our NYSE annual listing fees; investor relations fees paid to third party vendors; BNY Mellon custodian fees, standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs paid to vendors for the New York Shares (primarily consisting of expenses related to our Annual General Meeting, such as those for the production and distribution of proxy materials, customization of voting cards and tabulation of shareholder votes) and other expenses related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

PART II

 

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

None.

 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

None.

 

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Evaluation

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (“Disclosure Controls”) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 20-F. Disclosure Controls are controls and procedures designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Form 20-F, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure Controls are also designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The evaluation of our Disclosure Controls included a review of the controls’ objectives and design, our implementation of the controls and their effect on the information generated for use in this Form 20-F. The components of our Disclosure Controls are also evaluated on an ongoing basis by our Internal Audit Department, which reports directly to our Audit Committee. The overall goals of these various evaluation activities are to monitor our Disclosure Controls, and to modify them as necessary. Our intent is to maintain the Disclosure Controls as dynamic systems that change as conditions warrant.

Based on their evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Form 20-F, our Disclosure Controls were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this form 20-F that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

No system of internal control over financial reporting, including one determined to be effective, may prevent or detect all misstatements. It can provide only reasonable assurance regarding financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of the results of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting into future periods are subject to inherent risk. The relevant controls may become inadequate due to changes in circumstances or the degree of compliance with the underlying policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Other Reviews

We have sent this Form 20-F to our Audit Committee and Supervisory Board, which had an opportunity to raise questions with our management and independent auditors before we filed it with the SEC.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

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 U.S. 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.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, the end of our fiscal year. Management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Management’s assessment included evaluation of such elements as the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies and our overall control environment. Based on this assessment management concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers SA, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears in Item 18 of this Form 20-F.

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

Please see the “Report of Independent Registered Accounting Firm” included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our Supervisory Board has concluded that Martine Verluyten, the Chair of our Audit Committee, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 16A and is independent as defined in the listing standards applicable to us as a listed issuer as required by Item 16A(2) of Form 20-F.

 

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

We have adopted written standards of business conduct and ethics (“Ethics Policies”) designed to promote honest and ethical business conduct, to deter wrongdoing and to provide principles to which our employees are expected to adhere and advocate. Our Ethics Policies are applicable to all of our employees and senior managers. We have adapted and will amend our Ethics Policies as appropriate to reflect regulatory or other changes. Our Ethics Policies provide that if any employee or senior manager to whom they apply acts in contravention of the principles, we will take appropriate steps in terms of the procedures in place for fair disciplinary action. This action may, in cases of severe breaches, include dismissal. Our Ethics Policies are available on our website in the Corporate Governance section, at http://investors.st.com.

 

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Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Our independent external auditors are elected at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. PricewaterhouseCoopers SA served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 1996-2015 fiscal years. At our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held in May 2015, Ernst & Young was appointed as our independent external auditor for the 2016-2019 fiscal years.

The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional audit services and other services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers SA to us in 2014 and 2015.

 

     2015      Percentage
of Total
Fees
    2014      Percentage
of Total
Fees
 

Audit Fees

          

Statutory Audit, Certification, Audit of Individual and Consolidated Financial Statements

   $ 4,194,944         97.2   $ 4,419,147         97.8

Audit-Related Fees

   $ 9,812         0.2   $ 20,087         0.5

Non-audit Fees

          

Tax Fees

   $ 8,163         0.2   $ 32,505         0.7

All Other Fees

   $ 101,325         2.4     46,011         1

Total

   $ 4,314,244         100   $ 4,517,750         100

Audit Fees consist of fees billed for the annual audit of our Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, the statutory audit of the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries and consultations on complex accounting issues relating to the annual audit. Audit Fees also include services that only our independent external auditor can reasonably provide, such as comfort letters and carve-out audits in connection with strategic transactions, certain regulatory-required attest and certifications letters, consents and the review of documents filed with U.S., French and Italian stock exchanges.

Audit-related services are assurance and related fees consisting of the audit of employee benefit plans, due diligence services related to acquisitions and certain agreed-upon procedures.

Tax Fees include fees billed for tax compliance services, including the preparation of original and amended tax returns and claims for refund; tax consultations, such as assistance in connection with tax audits and expatriate tax compliance.

Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

Our Audit Committee is responsible for selecting the independent registered public accounting firm to be employed by us to audit our financial statements, subject to ratification by the Supervisory Board and approval by our shareholders for appointment. Our Audit Committee also assumes responsibility (in accordance with Dutch law) for the retention, compensation, oversight and termination of any independent external auditor employed by us. We adopted a policy (the “Policy”), which was approved in advance by our Audit Committee, for the pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent external auditors. The Policy defines those audit-related services eligible to be approved by our Audit Committee.

All engagements with our independent external auditors, regardless of amount, must be authorized in advance by our Audit Committee, pursuant to the Policy and its pre-approval authorization or otherwise.

The independent external auditors submit a proposal for audit-related services to our Audit Committee on a quarterly basis in order to obtain prior authorization for the amount and scope of the services. The independent external auditors must state in the proposal that none of the proposed services affect their independence. The proposal must be endorsed by the office of our CFO with an explanation of why the service is needed and the reason for sourcing it to the audit firm and validation of the amount of fees requested.

We do not intend to retain our independent external auditors for permissible non-audit services other than by exception and within a limited amount of fees, and the Policy provides that such services must be explicitly authorized by our Audit Committee.

The Chief Audit and Risk Executive is responsible for monitoring that the actual fees are complying with the pre-approval amount and scope authorized by our Audit Committee. During 2015, all services provided to us by PricewaterhouseCoopers were approved by our Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

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Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not applicable.

 

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

Period

   Total Number of
Securities
Purchased
     Average Price
Paid per
Security
     Total Number of
Securities
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Programs
     Maximum
Number of
Securities that
May yet be
Purchased
Under the
Programs
 

2015-01-01 to 2015-01-31

     —          —          36,857,722         —    

2015-02-01 to 2015-02-28

     —          —          36,828,719         —    

2015-03-01 to 2015-03-31

     —          —          36,828,719         —    

2015-04-01 to 2015-04-30

     —          —          36,748,081         —    

2015-05-01 to 2015-05-31

     —          —          35,382,768         —    

2015-06-01 to 2015-06-30

     —          —          32,484,632         —    

2015-07-01 to 2015-07-31

     —          —          32,449,660         —    

2015-08-01 to 2015-08-31

     —          —          32,449,660         —    

2015-09-01 to 2015-09-30

     —          —          32,443,443         —    

2015-10-01 to 2015-10-31

     —          —          32,436,836         —    

2015-11-01 to 2015-11-30

     —          —          32,430,581         —    

2015-12-01 to 2015-12-31

     —          —          32,430,581         —    

As of December 31, 2015, we held 32,430,581 of our common shares in treasury pursuant to repurchases made in prior years, and as of January 31, 2016, 2016 we hold 32,398,855 of such shares.

 

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

PricewaterhouseCoopers Accountants N.V. (“PwC”) served as our independent registered public accounting firm from 1996-2015. PwC’s mandate lapsed in 2015 and was not renewed in view of Dutch audit firm rotation requirements. Our Audit Committee recommended the organization of a competitive process to select our independent registered public accounting firm for 2016 onwards.

At our Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held May 27, 2015, Ernst & Young, following the competitive selection process led by the Audit Committee and upon the recommendation of the Supervisory Board, was appointed by our shareholders as our independent registered public accounting firm for the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 fiscal years.

PwC’s reports on our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principle. During our fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the subsequent interim period through March 16, 2016, there have been no: (1) disagreements with PwC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to their satisfaction, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their reports on the consolidated financial statements of such years, or (2) reportable events as defined by the instructions to Item 16F of the Form 20-F.

We have provided PwC with a copy of this disclosure and requested that PwC furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether or not it agrees with the above statements. PwC’s letter is attached as Exhibit 15.2 to this Form 20-F.

 

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

As we have common shares listed on the NYSE, pursuant to SEC and NYSE rules, in this Item 16G we provide a concise summary of any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S. companies under NYSE listing standards.

As a Dutch company, we are subject to the Dutch Corporate Governance Code, as revised in 2008. We have summarized our policies and practices in the field of corporate governance in our Corporate Governance Charter, including our corporate organization, the remuneration principles which apply to our Managing and Supervisory Boards, our information policy and our corporate policies relating to business ethics and conflicts of interests.

 

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We are committed to informing our shareholders of any significant changes in our corporate governance policies and practices at our annual shareholders’ meeting. Along with our Supervisory Board Charter (which we last updated in May 2015 and which also includes the charters of our Supervisory Board Committees) and our Code of Conduct, the current version of our Corporate Governance Charter is posted on our website (www.st.com), and these documents are available in print to any shareholder who may request them.

Below is a description of the significant ways our corporate governance practices as a Dutch company differ from those followed by U.S. companies listed on the NYSE:

 

   

Because we are a Dutch company, the Audit Committee is an advisory committee to the Supervisory Board, which reports to the Supervisory Board, and our general meeting of shareholders appoints our statutory auditors. Our Audit Committee has established a charter outlining its duties and responsibilities with respect to, among others, the monitoring of our accounting, auditing, financial reporting and the appointment, retention and oversight of our external auditors. In addition, our Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential anonymous submission by our employees regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

 

   

Pursuant to our Supervisory Board Charter, the Supervisory Board is responsible for handling and deciding on potential reported conflicts of interests between the Company and members of the Supervisory Board, as well as the Managing Board. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.”

 

   

Our Supervisory Board is carefully selected based upon the combined experience and expertise of its members. In fulfilling their duties under Dutch law, Supervisory Board members serve the best interests of all of our stakeholders and of our business and must act independently in their supervision of our management. Our Supervisory Board has adopted criteria to assess the independence of its members in accordance with corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE. Our Supervisory Board has on various occasions discussed Dutch corporate governance standards, the implementing rules and corporate governance standards of the SEC and of the NYSE, as well as other corporate governance standards. The Supervisory Board has determined, based on the evaluations by an ad hoc committee, the following independence criteria for its members: Supervisory Board members must not have any material relationship with STMicroelectronics N.V., or any of our consolidated subsidiaries, or our management. A “material relationship” can include commercial, industrial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and familial relationships, among others, but does not include a relationship with direct or indirect shareholders.

We believe we are fully compliant with all material NYSE corporate governance standards, to the extent possible for a Dutch company listed on Euronext Paris, Borsa Italiana, as well as the NYSE.

Our consistent commitment to good corporate governance principles is evidenced by:

 

   

Our corporate organization under Dutch law that entrusts our management to a Managing Board acting under the supervision and control of a Supervisory Board totally independent from the Managing Board. Members of our Managing Board and of our Supervisory Board are appointed and dismissed by our shareholders;

 

   

Our early adoption of policies on important issues such as business ethics and conflicts of interest and strict policies to comply with applicable regulatory requirements concerning financial reporting, insider trading and public disclosures;

 

   

Our compliance with Dutch securities laws, because we are a company incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands, as well as our compliance with American, French and Italian securities laws, as applicable, because our shares are listed in these jurisdictions, in addition to our compliance with the corporate, social and financial laws applicable to our subsidiaries in the countries in which we do business;

 

   

Our broad-based activities in the field of corporate social responsibility, encompassing environmental, social, health, safety, educational and other related issues;

 

   

Our implementation of a non-compliance reporting channel (managed by an independent third party) for issues regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing. A special ombudsperson has been

 

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appointed by our Supervisory Board, following the proposal of its Audit Committee, to collect all complaints, whatever their source, regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, as well as the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;

 

   

Our Corporate Ethics Committee and Local Ethics Committees, whose mandate is to provide support to our management in its efforts to foster a business ethics culture consistent across regions, functions and organizations;

 

   

Our Chief Compliance Officer, who reports to our General Counsel, also acts as Executive Secretary to our Supervisory Board; and

 

   

Our Chief Audit and Risk Executive, who reports directly to our Audit Committee for Internal Audit and directly to the CEO for ERM is also responsible for our whistle-blowing hotline and related investigations.

No member of the Supervisory Board or Managing Board has been (i) subject to any convictions in relation to fraudulent offenses during the five years preceding the date of this Form 20-F, (ii) no member has been associated with any company in bankruptcy, receivership or liquidation in the capacity of member of the administrative, management or supervisory body, partner with unlimited liability, founder or senior manager in the five years preceding the date of this Form 20-F or (iii) subject to any official public incrimination and/or sanction by statutory or regulatory authorities (including professional bodies) or disqualified by a court from acting as a member of the administrative, management or supervisory bodies of any issuer or from acting in the management or conduct of the affairs of any issuer during the five years preceding the date of this Form 20-F.

 

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PART III

 

Item 17. Financial Statements

Not applicable.

 

Item 18. Financial Statements

 

     Page  

Financial Statements:

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-4   

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-8   

Financial Statement Schedule:

  

For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     S-1   

 

Item 19. Exhibits

 

    1.1   

Amended and Restated Articles of Association of STMicroelectronics N.V., dated December 2, 2013, as adopted by the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on December 2, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Form 20-F of STMicroelectronics N.V. filed on March 5, 2014).

    8.1   

Subsidiaries and Equity-method Investments of the Company.

  12.1   

Certification of Carlo Bozotti, President and Chief Executive Officer and Sole Member of the Managing Board of STMicroelectronics N.V., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  12.2   

Certification of Carlo Ferro, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Finance, Legal, Infrastructure and Services of STMicroelectronics N.V., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  13.1   

Certification of Carlo Bozotti, President and Chief Executive Officer and Sole Member of the Managing Board of STMicroelectronics N.V., and Carlo Ferro, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, Finance, Legal, Infrastructure and Services of STMicroelectronics N.V., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  15.1   

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

  15.2   

Letter Regarding Change in Certifying Accountant.

   101   

Interactive Data File.

 

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CERTAIN TERMS

 

ASD

   application-specific discrete technology

ASIC

   application-specific integrated circuit

ASSP

   application-specific standard product

BCD

   bipolar, CMOS and DMOS process technology

Bi-CMOS

   bipolar and CMOS process technology

CMOS

   complementary metal-on silicon oxide semiconductor

DMOS

   diffused metal-on silicon oxide semiconductor

DRAMs

   dynamic random access memory

EMAS

   Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, the voluntary European Community scheme for companies performing industrial activities for the evaluation and improvement of environmental performance

EEPROM

   electrically erasable programmable read-only memory

EWS

   electrical wafer sorting

GPS

   global positioning system

IC

   integrated circuit

IGBT

   insulated gate bipolar transistors

IP

   intellectual property

IPAD

   integrated passive and active devices

ISO

   International Organization for Standardization

MASK WORK

   the two- or three-dimensional layout of an integrated circuit.

MEMS

   micro-electro-mechanical system

MOS

   metal-on silicon oxide semiconductor process technology

MOSFET

   metal-on silicon oxide semiconductor field effect transistor

NFC

   near field communication

ODM

   original design manufacturer

OEM

   original equipment manufacturer

PDIP

   plastic dual in-line package

QFP

   quad-flat no-leads package

QFN

   quad-flat package

RAM

   random access memory

RF

   radio frequency

SAM

   serviceable available market

SiP

   system-in-package

SoC

   system-on-chip

SOI

   silicon on insulator

SOIC

   small-outline integrated circuit

TAM

   total available market

VIPpower

   vertical integration power

 

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

    STMICROELECTRONICS N.V.
Date: March 16, 2016    

By:

 

/s/ Carlo Bozotti

     

Carlo Bozotti

     

President and Chief Executive Officer and Sole Member of our Managing Board

 

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CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

     Page  

Financial Statements:

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-4   

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-6   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013

     F-7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-8   

Financial Statement Schedule:

  

For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     S-1   


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Supervisory Board and Shareholders of STMicroelectronics N.V.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements of STMicroelectronics N.V. listed in the index appearing under Item 18 of this 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 20-F present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of STMicroelectronics N.V. 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 of STMicroelectronics N.V. listed in the index appearing under Item 18 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 15 of this 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 20-F. 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.

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.

PricewaterhouseCoopers SA

 

/s/ Mike Foley

    

/s/ Claudia Benz

 
Mike Foley      Claudia Benz  

Geneva, Switzerland

March 16, 2016


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STMicroelectronics N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Twelve months ended  

In million of U.S. dollars except per share amounts

   December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Net sales

     6,866        7,335        8,050   

Other revenues

     31        69        32   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net revenues

     6,897        7,404        8,082   

Cost of sales

     (4,565     (4,906     (5,468
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     2,332        2,498        2,614   

Selling, general and administrative

     (897     (927     (1,066

Research and development

     (1,425     (1,520     (1,816

Other income and expenses, net

     164        207        95   

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

     (65     (90     (292
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     109        168        (465

Interest expense, net

     (22     (18     (5

Income (loss) on equity-method investments

     2        (43     (122

Loss on financial instruments, net

     —          (1     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest

     89        106        (592

Income tax benefit (expense)

     21        23        (37
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     110        129        (629

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

     (6     (1     129   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company

     104        128        (500
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share (Basic) attributable to parent company stockholders

     0.12        0.14        (0.56
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share (Diluted) attributable to parent company stockholders

     0.12        0.14        (0.56
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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STMicroelectronics N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Twelve months ended  

In million of U.S. dollars

   December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Net income (loss)

     110        129        (629

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax :

      

Currency translation adjustments arising during the period

     (202     (271     103   

Less : reclassification adjustment for gains on disposal of equity investment

     (10     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (212     (271     103   

Unrealized gains arising during the period

     —          1        1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities

     —          1        1   

Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period

     (117     (111     36   

Less : reclassification adjustment for (income) losses included in net income (loss)

     170        2        (29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives

     53        (109     7   

Prior service cost arising during the period

     2        —          (5

Net gains (losses) arising during the period

     3        (50     74   

Less : amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension cost

     1        1        5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Defined benefit pension plans

     6        (49     74   

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

     (153     (428     185   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

     (43     (299     (444

Less : comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

     6        2        (134
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss attributable to the company’s stockholders

     (49     (301     (310

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

 

LOGO

 

 

 

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STMicroelectronics N.V.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     As at  

In million of U.S. dollars

   December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 

Assets

    

Current assets :

    

Cash and cash equivalents

     1,771        2,017   

Restricted cash

     4        —     

Marketable securities

     335        334   

Trade accounts receivable, net

     820        911   

Inventories

     1,251        1,269   

Deferred tax assets

     91        97   

Assets held for sale

     1        33   

Other current assets

     407        390   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     4,680        5,051   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill

     76        82   

Other intangible assets, net

     166        193   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     2,321        2,647   

Non-current deferred tax assets

     436        386   

Long-term investments

     57        69   

Other non-current assets

     459        576   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     3,515        3,953   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     8,195        9,004   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Short-term debt

     191        202   

Trade accounts payable

     525        597   

Other payables and accrued liabilities

     703        841   

Dividends payable to stockholders

     97        87   

Deferred tax liabilities

     2        —     

Accrued income tax

     42        39   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,560        1,766   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt

     1,421        1,599   

Post-employment benefit obligations

     351        392   

Long-term deferred tax liabilities

     12        10   

Other long-term liabilities

     158        182   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,942        2,183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,502        3,949   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitment and contingencies

    

Equity

    

Parent company stockholders’ equity

    

Common stock (preferred stock: 540,000,000 shares authorized, not issued; common stock: Euro 1.04 par value, 1,200,000,000 shares authorized, 910,967,920 shares issued, 878,537,339 shares outstanding)

     1,157        1,157   

Capital surplus

     2,779        2,741   

Retained earnings

     525        817   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     460        613   

Treasury stock

     (289     (334
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total parent company stockholders’ equity

     4,632        4,994   

Noncontrolling interest

     61        61   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     4,693        5,055   

Total liabilities and equity

     8,195        9,004   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

LOGO

 

 

 

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STMicroelectronics N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

 

In million of U.S. dollars, except per
share amounts
   Common
Stock
     Capital
Surplus
     Treasury
Stock
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Equity
 

Balance as of December 31, 2012

     1,156         2,555         (239     1,959        794        139        6,364  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

        26         27        (27         26  

Joint ventures deconsolidation

               58        73        131  

Comprehensive income (loss):

                

Net loss

             (500       (129     (629 )

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

               190        (5     185  
                

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

                   (444 )

Dividends to noncontrolling interest

                 (4     (4 )

Dividends, $0.40 per share

             (356         (356 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2013

     1,156         2,581         (212     1,076        1,042        74        5,717  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital increase

     1                    1  

Repurchase of common stock

           (156           (156 )

Issuance of senior unsecured convertible bonds

        121                 121  

Stock-based compensation expense

        39         34        (34         39  

Joint ventures and other subsidiaries deconsolidation

                 (12     (12 )

Comprehensive income (loss):

                

Net income

             128          1        129  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

               (429     1        (428 )
                

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

                   (299 )

Dividends to noncontrolling interest

                 (3     (3 )

Dividends, $0.40 per share

             (353         (353 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2014

     1,157         2,741         (334     817        613        61        5,055  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

        38         45        (45         38  

Comprehensive income (loss):

                

Net income

             104          6        110  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

               (153       (153 )
                

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

                   (43 )

Dividends to noncontrolling interest

                 (6     (6 )

Dividends, $0.40 per share

             (351         (351 )
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2015

     1,157         2,779         (289     525        460        61        4,693  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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STMicroelectronics N.V.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Twelve Months Ended  

In million of U.S. dollars

   December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income (loss)

     110        129        (629 )

Items to reconcile net income (loss) and cash flows from operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     736        811        910  

Interest and amortization of issuance costs on convertible bonds

     21        10        —     

Loss on financial instruments, net

     —          1        —     

Gain on sale of businesses

     —          (22     (80 )

Non-cash stock-based compensation

     38        36        26  

Other non-cash items

     (108     (78     (113 )

Deferred income tax

     (93     (143     (48 )

(Income) loss on equity-method investments

     (2     43        122  

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, net of cash payments

     20        4        145  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Trade receivables, net

     81        119        (57 )

Inventories

     (39     —          (22 )

Trade payables

     (46     (70     (139 )

Other assets and liabilities, net

     124        (125     251  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

     842        715        366  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Payment for purchase of tangible assets

     (529     (505     (543 )

Proceeds from sale of tangible assets

     62        9        12  

Payment for purchase of marketable securities

     —          (333     —     

Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

     —          58        184  

Release of restricted cash

     —          —          3  

Net cash variation for joint ventures deconsolidation

     (1     9        (21 )

Partial asset distribution from joint ventures in liquidation

     —          15        —     

Payment for funding of joint ventures liquidation

     —          —          (15 )

Payment for purchase of intangible assets

     (36     (58     (78 )

Payment for purchase of financial assets

     —          (9     (14 )

Payment for disposal of equity investment

     (13     —          —     

Proceeds from sale of financial assets

     1        1        1  

Proceeds received in sale of businesses

     —          29        92  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (516     (784     (379 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from long-term debt

     —          3        477  

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

     —          —          145  

Net proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured convertible bonds

     —          994        —     

Repayment of issued debt

     —          —          (455 )

Repayment of long-term debt

     (200     (223     (166 )

Repayment of short-term borrowings

     —          —          (35 )

Capital increase

     —          1        —     

Repurchase of common stock

     —          (156     —     

Dividends paid to stockholders

     (350     (354     (346 )

Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests

     (6     (3     (4 )

Other financing activities

     —          —          (4 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash from (used in) financing activities

     (556     262        (388 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of changes in exchange rates

     (16     (12     (13 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash increase (decrease)

     (246     181        (414 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     2,017        1,836        2,250  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

     1,771        2,017        1,836  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash information:

      

Interest paid

     15        11        10  

Income tax paid

     41        30        23  

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

 

LOGO

 

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In millions of U.S. dollars, except share and per-share amounts)

 

  1.   THE COMPANY

STMicroelectronics N.V. (the “Company”) is registered in The Netherlands with its corporate legal seat in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and its corporate headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Company is a global independent semiconductor company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products, including discrete and standard commodity components, application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), full custom devices and semi-custom devices and application-specific standard products (“ASSPs”) for analog, digital and mixed-signal applications. In addition, the Company participates in the manufacturing value chain of smartcard products, which includes the production and sale of both silicon chips and smartcards.

 

  2.   ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All balances and values in the current and prior periods are in millions of U.S. dollars, except share and per-share amounts. Under Article 35 of the Company’s Articles of Association, the financial year extends from January 1 to December 31, which is the period-end of each fiscal year.

2.1 – Principles of consolidation

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of its majority-owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Company. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In compliance with U.S. GAAP, the Company assesses for consolidation any entity identified as a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) and consolidates any VIEs, for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, as described in Note 2.9.

When the Company owns some, but not all, of the voting stock of a consolidated entity, the shares held by third parties represent a noncontrolling interest. The consolidated financial statements are prepared based on the total amount of assets and liabilities and income and expenses of the consolidated subsidiaries. However, the portion of these items that does not belong to the Company is reported on the line “Noncontrolling interest” in the consolidated financial statements.

2.2 – Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. The primary areas that require significant estimates and judgments by management include, but are not limited to:

 

   

sales returns and allowances,

 

   

inventory obsolescence reserves and normal manufacturing capacity thresholds to determine costs capitalized in inventory,

 

   

recognition and measurement of loss contingencies,

 

   

valuation at fair value of assets acquired or sold, including intangibles, goodwill, investments and tangible assets,

 

   

annual and trigger-based impairment review of goodwill and intangible assets, as well as an assessment, in each reporting period, of events, which could trigger impairment testing on long-lived assets,

 

   

estimated value of the consideration to be received and used as fair value for asset groups classified as assets held for sale and the assessment of probability of realizing the sale,

 

   

assessment of other-than-temporary impairment charges on financial assets, including equity-method investments,

 

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recognition and measurement of restructuring charges and other related exit costs,

 

   

assumptions used in assessing the number of awards expected to vest on stock-based compensation plans,

 

   

assumptions used in calculating pension obligations and other long-term employee benefits, and

 

   

determination of the amount of taxes expected to be paid and tax benefit expected to be received, including deferred income tax assets, valuation allowance and provisions for uncertain tax positions and claims.

The Company bases the estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors such as market trends, market information used by market participants and the latest available business plans that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. While the Company regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions, the actual results experienced by the Company could differ materially and adversely from those estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations, cash flows and financial position could be significantly affected.

2.3 – Foreign currency

The U.S. dollar is the reporting currency of the Company. The U.S. dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates since the worldwide semiconductor industry uses the U.S. dollar as a currency of reference for actual pricing in the market. Furthermore, the majority of the Company’s transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars, and revenues from external sales in U.S. dollars largely exceed revenues in any other currency. However, certain significant costs are largely incurred in the countries of the Euro zone and other non U.S. dollar currency areas.

The functional currency of each subsidiary of the Company is either the local currency or the U.S. dollar, depending on the basis of the economic environment in which each subsidiary operates. Foreign currency transactions, including operations in local currency when the U.S. dollar is the functional currency, are measured into the functional currency using the period exchange rate. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the re-measurement at reporting date of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the consolidated statements of income on the line “Other income and expenses, net”.

For consolidation purposes, the results and financial position of the subsidiaries whose functional currency is different from the U.S. dollar are translated into the reporting currency as follows:

 

  (a)

assets and liabilities for each consolidated balance sheet presented are translated at the closing exchange rate as of the balance sheet date;

 

  (b)

income and expenses for each consolidated statement of income presented are translated at the monthly exchange rate;

 

  (c)

the resulting exchange differences are reported as Currency Translation Adjustments (“CTA”), a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

2.4 – Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with external financial institutions and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities to the Company of three months or less. They are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Bank overdrafts are not netted against cash and cash equivalents and are shown as part of current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

2.5 – Trade accounts receivable

Trade accounts receivable are amounts due from customers for goods sold and services rendered to third parties in the ordinary course of business. They are recognized at their billing value, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for potential estimated losses resulting from its customers’ inability to make required payments. The Company bases its estimates on historical collection trends and records an allowance accordingly. Additionally, the Company evaluates its customers’

 

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financial condition periodically and records an allowance for any specific account it considers as doubtful. The carrying amount of the receivable is thus reduced through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the charge is recognized on the line “Selling, general and administrative” in the consolidated statements of income. Subsequent recoveries, if any, of amounts previously provided for are credited against the same line in the consolidated statements of income. When a trade accounts receivable is uncollectible, it is written-off against the allowance account for trade accounts receivable.

In the event of sales of receivables such as factoring, the Company derecognizes the receivables and accounts for them as a sale only to the extent that the Company has surrendered control over the receivables in exchange for a consideration other than beneficial interest in the transferred receivables.

2.6 – Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is based on the weighted average cost by adjusting standard cost to approximate actual manufacturing costs on a quarterly basis; the cost is therefore dependent on the Company’s manufacturing performance. In the case of underutilization of manufacturing facilities, the costs associated with the excess capacity are not included in the valuation of inventories but charged directly to cost of sales. Market value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses and cost of completion.

The Company performs, on a continuous basis, inventory write-offs of products, which have the characteristics of slow-moving, old production date and technical obsolescence. Indeed, the Company evaluates its product inventory to identify obsolete or slow-selling items and records a specific reserve if the Company estimates the inventory will eventually become obsolete. Reserve for obsolescence is estimated for excess uncommitted inventory based on the previous quarter sales, order backlog and production plans.

2.7 – Income taxes

Income tax for the period comprises current and deferred income tax. Current income tax represents the income tax expected to be paid or the tax benefit expected to be received related to the current year taxable profit and loss in each tax jurisdiction. Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method, for all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount in the consolidated financial statements. However deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit and loss. Moreover, deferred tax liabilities are not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates and laws that are enacted at the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from changes in tax laws and tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period in which the law is enacted. Deferred income tax assets are recognized in full, but the Company assesses whether future taxable profit will be available against which temporary differences can be utilized. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets when management considers it is more likely than not that they will not be realized.

The Company recognizes a deferred tax liability on undistributed earnings of subsidiaries when there is a presumption that the earnings will be remitted to the parent. This presumption is overcome only if the Company can demonstrate that the earnings will be permanently reinvested. A deferred tax asset is recognized on compensation for the grant of stock awards to the extent that such charge constitutes a temporary difference in the subsidiaries’ local tax jurisdictions. Changes in the stock price do not impact the deferred tax asset and do not result in any adjustments prior to vesting. When the actual tax deduction is determined, generally upon vesting, it is compared to the deferred tax asset as recognized over the vesting period. When a windfall tax benefit is determined (as the excess tax benefit of the actual tax deduction over the deferred tax asset) the excess tax benefit is recorded in equity on the line “Capital surplus” on the consolidated statements of equity. In case of shortfall, only the actual tax benefit is to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company writes off the deferred tax asset at the level of the actual tax deduction by charging first capital surplus to the extent of the pool of windfall benefits available from prior years, and then earnings. When the settlement of an award results in a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, or increase of existing NOLs, the excess tax benefit and the corresponding credit to capital surplus is not recorded until the deduction reduces income tax payable.

At each reporting date, the Company assesses all material open income tax positions in all tax jurisdictions to determine any uncertain tax positions. The Company uses a two-step process for the evaluation of uncertain tax

 

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positions. The first step consists of determining whether a benefit may be recognized; the assessment is based on a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. If the sustainability is lower than 50%, a full provision should be accounted for. In case of a sustainability threshold in step one higher than 50%, the Company must perform a second step in order to measure the amount of recognizable tax benefit, net of any liability for tax uncertainties. The measurement methodology in step two is based on a “cumulative probability” approach, resulting in the recognition of the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authority. The unrecognized tax benefit is recorded as a reduction of a deferred tax asset to the extent that a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position. The Company accrues for interest and penalties on uncertain tax liabilities reported on the consolidated balance sheets. Interests and penalties are classified as components of income tax expense in its consolidated statements of income.

2.8 – Assets held for sale

Asset groups are classified as assets held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. The asset groups are classified as assets held for sale when the following conditions have been met: management has approved the plan to sell; assets are available for immediate sale; assets are actively being marketed; sale is probable within one year; price is reasonable in the market and it is unlikely that there will be significant changes in the assets to be sold or a withdrawal to the plan to sell. Asset groups classified as held for sale are reported as current assets at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Costs to sell include incremental direct costs to transact the sale that would not have been incurred except for the decision to sell. Depreciation is not charged on long-lived assets classified as held for sale. When the held-for-sale accounting treatment requires an impairment charge for the difference between the carrying amount and fair value, such impairment is reflected on the consolidated statements of income on the line “Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs”.

2.9 – Business combinations and goodwill

The Company assesses each investment in equity securities to determine whether the investee is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). The Company consolidates the VIEs for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that: (i) has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and (ii) is obligated to absorb losses or has the rights to receive returns that would be considered significant to the VIE. Assets, liabilities, and the noncontrolling interest of newly consolidated VIEs are initially measured at fair value in the same manner as if the consolidation resulted from a business combination.

The purchase accounting method is applied to all business combinations. The identifiable assets acquired, equity instruments issued, and liabilities assumed are measured at fair value on the acquisition date. Any contingent purchase price and acquired contingencies are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date. Acquisition-related transaction costs and restructuring costs relating to the acquired business are expensed as incurred. Acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) is capitalized and recorded as an intangible asset on the acquisition date, subject to impairment testing until the research or development is completed or abandoned. The excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree over the net of the acquisition-date amount of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. In case of a bargain purchase, the Company reassesses whether it has correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed; the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, if any; the Company’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree, if any; and the consideration transferred. If after this review, a bargain purchase is still indicated, it is recognized in earnings attributed to the Company. The purchase of additional interests in a partially owned subsidiary is treated as an equity transaction as well as all transactions concerning the sale of subsidiary stock or the issuance of stock by the partially owned subsidiary as long as there is no change in control of the subsidiary. If as a consequence of selling subsidiary shares, the Company no longer controls the subsidiary, the Company recognizes a gain or loss in earnings.

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree over the net of the acquisition-date amount of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Goodwill subject to potential impairment is tested at a reporting unit level, after performing a “qualitative” assessment to determine whether impairment testing is necessary, in cases where the Company has elected to apply such

 

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option. The impairment test determines whether the fair value of each reporting unit for which goodwill is allocated is lower than the total carrying amount of relevant net assets allocated to such reporting unit, including its allocated goodwill. If lower, the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is then compared to the carrying value of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recognized for any excess. In determining the fair value of a reporting unit, the Company uses a market approach with financial metrics of comparable public companies and estimates the expected discounted future cash flows associated with the reporting unit. Significant management judgments and estimates are used in forecasting the future discounted cash flows, including: the applicable industry’s sales volume forecast and selling price evolution, the reporting unit’s market penetration and its revenues evolution, the market acceptance of certain new technologies and products, the relevant cost structure, the discount rates applied using a weighted average cost of capital and the perpetuity rates used in calculating cash flow terminal values.

2.10 – Intangible assets with finite useful lives

Intangible assets subject to amortization include the intangible assets purchased from third parties recorded at cost and intangible assets acquired in business combinations recorded at fair value. Amortization begins when the intangible asset is available for use and is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of the intangible assets over their estimated useful lives.

The carrying value of intangible assets with finite useful lives is evaluated whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The Company evaluates the remaining useful life of an intangible asset at each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.

Trademarks, technologies and licenses

Separately acquired trademarks and licenses are recorded at historical cost. Trademarks and licenses acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Trademarks and licenses have a finite useful life which ranges from 3 to 7 years and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses, if any.

Computer software

Separately acquired computer software is recorded at historical cost. Costs associated with maintaining computer software programs are expensed in the consolidated statements of income as incurred. The capitalization of costs for internally generated software developed by the Company for its internal use begins when the preliminary project stage is completed and when the Company, implicitly or explicitly, authorizes and commits to funding a computer software project. It must be probable that the project will be completed and will be used to perform the function intended. Amortization on computer software begins when the software is available for use and is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, which does not exceed 4 years.

2.11 – Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost, net of capital investment funding, accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date. Major additions and improvements are capitalized, minor replacements and repairs are charged to current operations.

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on fixed assets is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, as follows:

 

Buildings

     33 years   

Facilities and leasehold improvements

     5-10 years   

Machinery and equipment

     3-10 years   

Computer and R&D equipment

     3-6 years   

Other

     2-5 years   

 

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The Company evaluates each period whether there is reason to suspect that tangible assets or groups of assets held and used might not be recoverable. Several impairment indicators exist for making this assessment, such as: restructuring plans, significant changes in the technology, market, economic or legal environment in which the Company operates or in the market to which the asset is dedicated, or available evidence of obsolescence of the asset, or indication that its economic performance is, or will be, worse than expected. In determining the recoverability of assets to be held and used, the Company initially assesses whether the carrying value of the tangible assets or group of assets exceeds the undiscounted cash flows associated with these assets. If exceeded, the Company then evaluates whether an impairment charge is required by determining if the asset’s carrying value also exceeds its fair value. This fair value is normally estimated by the Company based on independent market appraisals or the sum of discounted future cash flows, using market assumptions such as the utilization of the Company’s fabrication facilities and the ability to upgrade such facilities, change in the selling price and the adoption of new technologies. The Company also evaluates, and adjusts if appropriate, the assets’ useful lives, at each balance sheet date or when impairment indicators exist.

When property, plant and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the net book value of the assets is removed from the Company’s books. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are included in “Other income and expenses, net” in the consolidated statements of income.

Lease arrangements in which the Company has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as capital leases. Assets leased under capital leases are included in “Property, plant and equipment, net” and recorded at inception at the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments. They are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life and the lease term unless there is a reasonable certainty that ownership will be obtained by the end of the lease term. The financial liability corresponding to the contractual obligation to proceed to future lease payments is included in long-term debt, as described in Note 2.14. Lease arrangements classified as operating leases are arrangements in which the lessor retains a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased assets. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statements of income on a straight-line basis over the lease period.

2.12 – Investments in equity securities

Investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence are classified as trading or available-for-sale equity securities, as described in Note 2.22. Investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values and for which the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost-method. Under the cost-method of accounting, investments are carried at historical cost and are adjusted only for declines in value deemed to be other-than-temporary. The fair value of a cost-method investment is estimated on a non-recurring basis when there are identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. An impairment loss is immediately recorded in the consolidated statements of income when it is assessed to be other-than-temporary and is based on the Company’s assessment of any significant and sustained reductions in the investment’s fair value. For unquoted equity securities, assumptions and estimates used in measuring fair value include the use of recent arm’s length transactions when they reflect the orderly exit price of the investments. Gains and losses on investments sold are determined on the specific identification method and are recorded as a non-operating element on the line “Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net” in the consolidated statements of income.

Equity-method investments are all entities over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, generally representing a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. These investments are valued under the equity-method and are initially recognized at cost. Goodwill on equity-method investments is included in the carrying value of the investment and is not individually tested for impairment. The Company’s share in the result of operations of equity-method investments is recognized in the consolidated statements of income on the line “Income (loss) on equity-method investments” and in the consolidated balance sheets as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the investments. Where there has been a change recognized directly in the equity of the investee, the Company recognizes its share in the adjustment, when applicable, directly in the consolidated statement of equity. The financial statements of the equity-method investments are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company or with a time lag not exceeding three months if the investee cannot issue financial statements within the closing timeframe requirements of the Company. At each period-end, the Company assesses whether there is objective evidence that its interests in equity-method investments are impaired. Once a determination is made that an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the Company writes down the carrying value of the equity-method investment to its fair value at the

 

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balance sheet date, which establishes a new cost basis. The fair value of an equity-method investment is measured on a non-recurring basis using primarily a combination of an income approach, based on discounted cash flows, and a market approach with financial metrics of comparable public companies.

2.13 – Provisions

In determining loss contingencies, the Company considers the likelihood of a loss of an asset or the incurrence of a liability as well as the ability to reasonably estimate the amount of such loss or liability. An estimated loss from a loss contingency is accrued when information available indicates that it is probable that an asset had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements and when the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

2.14 – Long-term debt

 

  (a)

Convertible debt

The Company evaluates at initial recognition of the convertible bonds the different components and features of the hybrid instruments and determines whether certain elements are embedded derivative instruments which require bifurcation. Components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion based on a net-share settlement basis are accounted for separately as long-term debt and equity when the conversion feature of the convertible bonds constitute an embedded equity instrument. When an equity instrument is identified, proceeds from issuance are allocated between debt and equity by measuring first the liability component and then determining the equity component as a residual amount. The liability component is measured as the fair value of a similar nonconvertible debt, which results in the recognition of a debt discount. On subsequent periods, the Company amortizes the debt discount through earnings on the line “Interest income (expense), net” using the interest method, based on the expected life of the bonds. The equity component is not remeasured.

Debt issuance costs are reported as a deduction of debt. They are subsequently amortized through earnings on the line “Interest income (expense), net of the consolidated statements of income, using the effective interest rate method.

 

  (b)

Bank loans

Bank loans and non-convertible senior bonds, are recognized at historical cost, net of transaction costs incurred. They are subsequently reported at amortized cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the consolidated statements of income over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest rate method.

Lease arrangements in which the Company has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as capital leases. The Company reports the leased assets on the line “Property, plant and equipment, net” and recognizes a financial liability corresponding to the contractual obligation to proceed to future lease payments, which is included in long-term debt. Each lease payment is allocated between the debt repayment and interest expense.

2.15 – Employee benefits

(a) Pension obligations

The Company sponsors various pension schemes for its employees. These schemes conform to local regulations and practices in the countries in which the Company operates. Such plans include both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. For defined benefit pension plans, the liability recognized in the consolidated balance sheets is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets. The overfunded or underfunded status of the defined benefit plans are calculated as the difference between plan assets and the projected benefit obligations. Significant estimates are used in determining the assumptions incorporated in the calculation of the pension obligations, which is supported by input from independent actuaries. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are charged or credited to income over the employees’ expected average remaining working lives. Past service costs are recognized immediately in earnings, unless the changes to the pension scheme are conditional on the employees remaining in service for a specified period of time (the vesting period). In this case, the past service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The net periodic benefit cost of the year is determined based on the assumptions used at the end of the previous year.

 

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For defined contribution pension plans, the Company pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Company has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expense when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available.

(b) Other post-employment obligations

The Company provides post-employment benefits to some of its retirees. The entitlement to these benefits is usually conditional on the employee remaining in service up to retirement age and to the completion of a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment using an accounting methodology similar to that for defined benefit pension plans. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments, and changes in actuarial assumptions, are charged or credited to income over the expected average remaining working lives of the related employees.

(c) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are payable when an employee is involuntarily terminated, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary termination in exchange for termination benefits. For the accounting treatment and timing recognition of involuntary termination benefits, the Company distinguishes between one-time termination benefit arrangements and ongoing termination benefit arrangements. A one-time termination benefit arrangement is established by a termination plan and applies to a specified termination event. One-time involuntary termination benefits are recognized as a liability when the termination plan meets certain criteria and has been communicated to employees. If employees are required to render future service in order to receive these one-time termination benefits, the liability is recognized ratably over the future service period. Termination benefits other than one-time termination benefits are termination benefits for which the communication criterion is not met but that are committed to by management, or termination obligations that are not specifically determined in a new and single plan. These termination benefits are all legal, contractual and past practice termination obligations to be paid to employees in case of involuntary termination. These termination benefits are accrued for when commitment creates a present obligation to others for the benefits expected to be paid, when it is probable that employees will be entitled to the benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

In case of special termination benefits related to voluntary redundancy programs, the Company recognizes a provision for voluntary termination benefits at the date on which the employee irrevocably accepts the offer and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

(d) Profit-sharing and bonus plans

The Company recognizes a liability and an expense for bonuses and profit-sharing plans when it is contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a present obligation.

(e) Other long-term employee benefits

The Company provides long-term employee benefits such as seniority awards in certain countries. The entitlement to these benefits is usually conditional on the employee completing a minimum service period. The expected costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments, and changes in actuarial assumptions, are charged or credited to earnings in the period of change. These obligations are valued annually with the assistance of independent qualified actuaries.

(f) Share-based compensation

The Company grants unvested stock awards to senior executives and selected employees for services. The awards granted to employees vest over an average three-year service period. For certain employees, awards contingently vest upon achieving three performance conditions. The Company measures the cost of the awards based on the grant-date fair value of the shares. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award or the requisite service period, usually the vesting period. Compensation is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest. The compensation cost is recorded through earnings against equity, under “Capital surplus” in the consolidated statements of equity. The compensation cost is calculated based on the number of awards expected to vest, which includes assumptions on the number of awards to be forfeited due to the employees’ failing to fulfill the service condition, and forfeitures following the non-completion of one or more performance conditions.

 

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Liabilities for the Company’s portion of payroll taxes are recognized at vesting, which is the event triggering the payment of the social contributions in most of the Company’s local tax jurisdictions. Employee-related social charges are measured based on the intrinsic value of the share at vesting date.

2.16 – Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Where the Company purchases its equity share capital (treasury stock), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes), is deducted from equity attributable to the Company’s shareholders until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of.

2.17 – Comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business during a period except those changes resulting from investment by stockholders and distributions to stockholders. In the accompanying consolidated financial statements, “Other comprehensive income (loss)” and “Accumulated other comprehensive income” primarily consists of temporary unrealized gains (losses) on securities classified as available-for-sale, unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedge and the impact of recognizing the funded status of defined benefit plans, as well as foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax.

2.18 – Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized as follows:

Net sales

Revenue from products sold to customers is recognized when all the following conditions have been met: (a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (b) delivery has occurred; (c) the selling price is fixed or determinable; and (d) collection is reasonably assured. This usually occurs at the time of shipment.

Consistent with standard business practice in the semiconductor industry, price protection is granted to distribution customers on their existing inventory of the Company’s products to compensate them for declines in market prices. The ultimate decision to authorize a distributor refund remains fully within the control of the Company. The Company accrues a provision for price protection based on a rolling historical price trend computed on a monthly basis as a percentage of gross distributor sales. This historical price trend represents differences in recent months between the invoiced price and the final price to the distributor, adjusted if required, to accommodate a significant change in the current market price. The short outstanding inventory time period, visibility into the standard inventory product pricing and long distributor pricing history have enabled the Company to reliably estimate price protection provisions at period-end. The Company records the accrued amounts as a deduction of revenue at the time of the sale.

The Company’s customers occasionally return the Company’s products for technical reasons. The Company’s standard terms and conditions of sale provide that if the Company determines that products do not conform, the Company will repair or replace the non-conforming products, or issue a credit note or rebate of the purchase price. Quality returns are not related to any technological obsolescence issues and are identified shortly after sale in customer quality control testing. Quality returns are usually associated with end-user customers, not with distribution channels. The Company provides for such returns when they are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company records the accrued amounts as a reduction of revenue.

The Company’s insurance policy relating to product liability only covers physical and other direct damages caused by defective products. The Company carries limited insurance against immaterial non consequential damages. The Company records a provision for warranty costs as a charge against cost of sales, based on historical trends of warranty costs incurred as a percentage of sales, which management has determined to be a reasonable estimate of the probable losses to be incurred for warranty claims in a period. Any potential warranty claims are subject to the Company’s determination that the Company is at fault for damages, and such claims usually must be submitted within a short period of time following the date of sale. This warranty is given in lieu of all other warranties, conditions or terms expressed or implied by statute or common law. The Company’s contractual terms and conditions typically limit its liability to the sales value of the products which gave rise to the claims.

 

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While the majority of the Company’s sales agreements contain standard terms and conditions, the Company may, from time to time, enter into agreements that contain multiple elements or non-standard terms and conditions, which require revenue recognition judgments. Where multiple elements exist in an arrangement, the arrangement is allocated to the different elements based on vendor-specific objective evidence, third party evidence or management’s best estimate of the selling price of the separable deliverables. These arrangements generally do not include performance-, cancellation-, termination- or refund-type provisions.

Other revenues

Other revenues consist of license revenue, service revenue related to transferring licenses, patent royalty income, sale of scrap materials and manufacturing by-products.

Funding

The Company receives funding mainly from governmental agencies and income is recognized when all contractual conditions for receipt of these funds are fulfilled. The Company’s primary sources for government funding are French, Italian and other European Union (“EU”) governmental entities. Such funding is generally provided to encourage research and development activities, industrialization and local economic development. The conditions for receipt of government funding may include eligibility restrictions, approval by EU authorities, annual budget appropriations, compliance with European Commission regulations, as well as specifications regarding objectives and results. Certain specific contracts contain obligations to maintain a minimum level of employment and investment during a certain period of time. There could be penalties if these objectives are not fulfilled. Other contracts contain penalties for late deliveries or for breach of contract, which may result in repayment obligations. Funding related to these contracts is recorded when the conditions required by the contracts are met. The Company’s funding programs are classified under three general categories: funding for research and development activities, capital investment, and loans.

Funding for research and development activities is the most common form of funding that the Company receives. Public funding for research and development is recorded as “Other income and expenses, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. Public funding for research and development is recognized ratably as the related costs are incurred once the agreement with the respective governmental agency has been signed and all applicable conditions are met. Furthermore, French research tax credits (“Crédit Impôt Recherche”) are deemed to be grants in substance. The research tax credits are to be paid in cash by the French tax authorities within three years in case they are not deducted from income tax payable during this period of time. Unlike other research and development funding, the amounts to be received are determinable in advance and accruable as the funded research expenditures are made. They are thus reported as a reduction of research and development expenses.

Capital investment funding is recorded as a reduction of “Property, plant and equipment, net” and is recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income according to the depreciation charges of the funded assets during their useful lives. The Company also receives capital funding in Italy, which could be recovered through the reduction of various governmental liabilities, including income taxes, value-added tax and employee-related social charges.

Funding receivables are reported as non-current assets unless cash settlement features of the receivables evidence that collection is expected within one year. Long-term receivables that do not present any tax attribute or legal restriction are reflected in the balance sheets at their discounted net present value. The subsequent accretion of the discounting effect is recorded as non-operating income in “Interest income (expense), net”.

The Company receives certain loans, mainly related to large capital investment projects, at preferential interest rates. The Company records these loans as debt in its consolidated balance sheets.

2.19 – Advertising costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising expenses for 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $9 million, $8 million and $11 million, respectively.

2.20 – Research and development

Research and development expenses include costs incurred by the Company, the Company’s share of costs incurred by other research and development interest groups, and costs associated with co-development contracts.

 

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Research and development expenses do not include marketing design center costs, which are accounted for as selling expenses and process engineering, pre-production or process transfer costs which are recorded as cost of sales. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. The amortization expense recognized on technologies and licenses purchased by the Company from third parties to facilitate the Company’s research is reported as research and development expenses.

2.21 – Start-up and phase-out costs

Start-up costs represent costs incurred in the start-up and testing of the Company’s new manufacturing facilities, before reaching the earlier of a minimum level of production or six-months after the fabrication line’s quality qualification. The costs of phase-outs are associated with the latest stages of facilities closure when the relevant production volumes become immaterial. Start-up costs and phase-out costs are included in “Other income and expenses, net” in the consolidated statements of income.

2.22 – Financial assets

The Company did not hold at December 31, 2015 and 2014 any financial assets classified as held-to-maturity or financial assets for which the Company would have elected to apply the fair value option. Consequently, the Company classified its financial assets in the following categories: trading and available-for-sale. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition.

Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the trade date – the date on which the Company commits to purchase or sell the asset. Financial assets classified as available-for-sale and as trading are initially recognized and subsequently carried at fair value. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership; the relevant gain (loss) is reported as a non-operating element on the consolidated statements of income on the line “Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net”. The basis on which the cost of a security sold and the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings are determined is the specific identification method.

The fair values of quoted debt and equity securities are based on current market prices. If the market for a financial asset is not active and if no observable market price is obtainable, the Company measures fair value by using assumptions and estimates. In measuring fair value, the Company makes maximum use of market inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs.

Trading financial assets

A financial asset is classified in this category if it is a security acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term or if it is a derivative instrument not designated as a hedge. Financial assets in this category are classified as current assets when they are expected to be realized within twelve months of the balance sheet date. Marked-to-market gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of trading financial assets are reported in the consolidated statements of income within “Other income and expenses, net” in the period in which they arise, when the transactions for such instruments occur within the Company’s operating activities, as it is the case for trading derivatives that do not qualify as hedging instruments, as described in Note 2.23. Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of financial assets not related to operating activities, are presented in the consolidated statements of income as a non-operating element within “Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net” in the period in which they arise.

Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are either designated in this category or not classified as held-for-trading. They are included in current assets when they represent investments of funds available for current operations or when management intends to dispose of the securities within twelve months of the balance sheet date.

Changes in fair value, including declines determined to be temporary, of securities classified as available-for-sale are recognized as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 

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The Company assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets classified as available-for-sale is impaired. When equity securities classified as available-for-sale are determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the accumulated fair value adjustments previously recognized in comprehensive income are reported as a non-operating element on the consolidated statements of income. For debt securities, if a credit loss exists, but the Company does not intend to sell the impaired security and is not more likely than not to be required to sell before recovery, the impairment is separated into the estimated amount relating to credit loss, and the amount relating to all other factors of declines in fair value. Only the estimated credit loss amount is recognized currently in earnings, with the remainder of the loss amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Impairment losses recognized in the consolidated statements of income are not reversed through earnings.

When securities classified as available-for-sale are sold, the accumulated fair value adjustments previously recognized in comprehensive income are reported as a non-operating element on the consolidated statements of income on the line “Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net”. The cost of securities sold and the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings is determined based on the specific identification of the securities sold.

2.23 – Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently measured at fair value. The method of recognizing the gain or loss resulting from the derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the hedge transaction. The Company has designated certain derivatives as hedges of a particular risk associated with a highly probable forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge).

The Company documents, at inception of the transaction, the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The Company also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. Derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges are classified as trading financial assets, as described in Note 2.22.

Derivative financial instruments classified as trading

The Company conducts its business on a global basis in various major international currencies. As a result, the Company is exposed to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts and currency options to reduce its exposure to changes in exchange rates and the associated risk arising from the denomination of certain assets and liabilities in foreign currencies at the Company’s subsidiaries. These instruments do not qualify as hedging instruments, and are marked-to-market at each period-end with the associated changes in fair value recognized in “Other income and expenses, net” in the consolidated statements of income, as described in Note 2.22.

Cash Flow Hedge

As part of its ongoing operating, investing and financing activities, the Company may from time to time enter into certain derivative transactions that may be designated and may qualify as hedging instruments. To reduce its exposure to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuations, the Company hedges certain Euro-denominated forecasted transactions that cover at reporting date a large part of its research and development, selling, general and administrative expenses as well as a portion of its front-end manufacturing costs of semi-finished goods through the use of currency forward contracts and currency options, including collars. The Company also hedges through the use of currency forward contracts certain Singapore dollar-denominated manufacturing forecasted transactions.

The derivative instruments are designated and qualify for cash flow hedge at inception of the contract and on an ongoing basis over the duration of the hedge relationship. They are reflected at their fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. The criteria for designating a derivative as a hedge include the instrument’s effectiveness in risk reduction and, in most cases, a one-to-one matching of the derivative instrument to its underlying transaction with the critical terms of the hedging instrument matching the terms of the hedged forecasted transaction. This enables the Company to conclude that changes in cash flows attributable to the risk being hedged are expected to be completely offset by the hedging instruments.

 

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For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedge, the change in fair value for the effective portion of the hedge is reported as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and within the same consolidated statements of income line as the hedged transaction. For these derivatives, ineffectiveness appears if the cumulative gain or loss on the derivative hedging instrument exceeds the cumulative change in the expected future cash flows on the hedged transaction. Effectiveness on transactions hedged through purchased options is measured on the full fair value of the option, including time value.

When a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated statements of equity is immediately transferred to the consolidated statements of income within “Other income and expenses, net” if the de-designated derivative relates to operating activities. If upon de-designation, the derivative instrument is held in view to be sold with no direct relation with current operating activities, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument following de-designation are reported as a non-operating element on the line “Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net” in the consolidated statements of income. If the derivative is still related to operating activities, the changes in fair value subsequent to the discontinuance is reported within “Other income and expenses, net” in the consolidated statements of income, as described in Note 2.22.

2.24 – Reclassifications

Certain prior years’ amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation. The changes did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows in any of the periods presented.

2.25 – Recent accounting pronouncements

 

  (a)

Accounting pronouncements adopted in 2015

In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance which redefines discontinued operations by changing the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and “represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results”. A strategic shift could include a disposal of (i) a major geographical area of operations, (ii) a major line of business, (iii) a major equity method investment, or (iv) other major parts of an entity. The guidance also enhances disclosure requirements and adds new disclosures for individually material dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations. The Company adopted the new guidance in 2015 with no impact on its financial position and results of operations.

In April 2015, the FASB simplified the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the issued debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount, and not as a deferred charge. The simplified guidance is effective for public companies and periods beginning after December 31, 2015, on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted the guidance in 2015. The new guidance is applicable on the presentation of debt issuance costs associated with outstanding convertible bonds issued on July 3, 2014. It eliminates unnecessary complexity in the balance sheet due to the presentation of debt issuance costs as deferred charges, while debt issuance costs are similar to debt discounts since they reduce the proceeds of borrowings. The new guidance has been applied on a retrospective basis. The balance sheet as at December 31, 2014 has consequently been adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. Debt issuance costs, totaling $4 million, have been reclassified as at December 31, 2014 on the consolidated balance sheet from the line “Other non-current assets” to the line “Long-term debt”, as a reduction of the carrying value of convertible bonds issued on July 3, 2014. The recognition and measurement of these debt issuance costs have not been affected by the early adopted guidance.

 

  (b)

Accounting pronouncements expected to impact the Company’s operations that are not yet effective and have not been adopted early by the Company

In May 2014, the FASB issued the converged guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new guidance sets forth a single revenue accounting model, which calls for more professional judgment and includes expanded disclosures. Revenue recognition depicts the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled for these goods and services. Revenue is recognized when (or as) control of the goods and services is transferred to the customer. Even if the

 

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revenue recognition guidance is not a five-step model, the following steps can be identified in order to apply the new revenue accounting model: (i) identification of the contracts with customers; (ii) identification of the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determination of the transaction price; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to performance obligations and; (v) revenue recognition for each performance obligation. The new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first interim period within the annual reporting period beginning on January 1, 2018, following the FASB’s decision taken in August 2015 to delay the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year. Adoption of the standard as of the original effective date is permitted. The areas in which the new revenue recognition may create significant changes are: (i) changes in the timing of revenue recognition; (ii) inclusion of variable consideration in the transaction price; (iii) allocation of the transaction price based on relative standalone selling prices. The Company will adopt the new guidance when effective and is currently assessing its impact on existing contracts, transactions and business practices.

In June 2014, the FASB clarified the guidance relating to stock-based compensation by requiring that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amended guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt the amended guidance when effective. The new guidance has no impact on the Company’s current stock-award plans.

In November 2014, the FASB amended the accounting guidance relating to the host contract in a hybrid instrument issued in the form of a share, to clarify that an entity should consider all relevant terms and features in evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract, including the embedded derivative feature being evaluated for bifurcation. The amended guidance will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt the amended guidance when effective and does not expect any material impact on its financial position and results of operations.

In January 2015, the FASB simplified the income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. As a result, items that are both unusual and infrequent will no longer be separately reported net of tax after continuing operations. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 31, 2015. Early adoption is permitted but only as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company will adopt the amended guidance when effective and does not expect any material impact on its financial statements upon adoption.

In February 2015, the FASB issued new consolidation guidance to improve targeted areas of the consolidation model. It is intended to answer concerns about certain situations in which consolidation is required under current guidance. Specifically, the guidance introduces several amendments that: (i) modify the evaluation of limited partnerships as VIEs; (ii) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (iii) affect the consolidation of reporting entities involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (iv) provide a scope exception for certain investment funds. The new consolidation guidance is effective for public companies and periods beginning after December 31, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt the new guidance when effective and does not expect any material impact on its consolidation perimeter.

In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance relating to customer’s accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The guidance clarifies accounting by customers for cloud computing arrangements including a software license. If the cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If not, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The guidance is effective for public entities and periods beginning after December 31, 2015, with early application permitted. The Company will adopt the new guidance when effective and is currently assessing its impact on existing contracts, transactions and business practices.

In July 2015, the FASB simplified the subsequent measurement of inventory by requiring inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value, instead of at the lower of cost and market in current guidance. Net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation, is one of the three measures to be calculated in current guidance to be compared to cost. The new guidance changes neither the calculation of net realizable value nor the way inventory cost is measured. The guidance simplification consists in comparing inventory cost to only one measure: the net realizable value. The guidance is effective for public entities and periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early application permitted. The new guidance is applied on a prospective basis. The Company will adopt the new guidance when effective and does not expect the new guidance will result in any material changes in practice.

 

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In September 2015, the FASB simplified accounting for measuring period adjustments for business combinations. The US GAAP guidance requires that an acquirer in a business combination report provisional amounts when measurements are incomplete as of the end of the reporting period covering the business combination. The simplified guidance eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. The cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment is recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified. The simplified guidance is effective for public companies and periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early application permitted. It should be applied prospectively to measurement period adjustments that occur after the adoption date. The Company will adopt the new guidance when effective and does not expect the new guidance will result in any material changes on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB modified the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes, as part of its initiatives to reduce complexity in accounting standards. The new guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current elements in a classified balance sheet. Current guidance requires an entity to separate deferred income tax assets and liabilities into current and non-current amounts. The new guidance does not change current practice for offsetting and presenting as a single amount deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity. The simplified presentation guidance is effective for public companies for financial statements issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period, either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company will adopt the new guidance when effective and will change the presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities accordingly.

In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. Changes to current practice primarily affect the accounting for investments in equity securities, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. In addition, the FASB clarified guidance relating to the valuation allowance assessment when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. All equity investments in unconsolidated entities other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting will generally be measured at fair value through earnings (the available-for-sale classification disappears for these financial assets). For equity investments without readily determinable fair values, the cost method is also eliminated. However entities that do not follow specific accounting models such as investment companies and broker-dealers will be able to elect to record equity investments without readily determinable fair value at cost, less impairment, and plus or minus subsequent adjustments for observable price changes. These changes in the bases of the equity investments will be recorded in earnings. Additionally, when the fair value option has been elected for financial liabilities, changes in fair value due to instrument-specific credit risk will be recognized separately in other comprehensive income. The new guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance when effective and is currently assessing its impact on existing financial instruments.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on lease accounting. As a lessee, an entity will need to recognize almost all leases on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. Additionally, when applying the new guidance, lessees will have to identify leases embedded in a contract. For income statement purposes, the new guidance is still based on a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance leases. Classification criteria are largely similar to current lease accounting guidance, except that the new guidance does not contain explicit bright lines. Lessor accounting is similar to the current model, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and the new revenue recognition guidance. Existing sale-leaseback guidance has been replaced with a new model applicable to both lessees and lessors. The new guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. The Company will adopt the new guidance when effective and is currently assessing its impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

  3.   MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Changes in the value of marketable securities, as reported in current assets on the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are detailed in the tables below:

 

     December 31,
2014
     Purchase     Sale      Change in
fair value
included in
OCI*
    Change in
fair value
recognized
in earnings
     December 31,
2015
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     334         —          —           1        —           335   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     334         —          —           1        —           335   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

Other Comprehensive Income

 

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     December 31,
2013
     Purchase      Sale     Change in
fair value
included in
OCI*
     Foreign
exchange
result
through
OCI*
     December 31,
2014
 

U.S. Treasury Bonds

     —           333         —          1         —           334   

Corporate Bonds

     57         —           (58     —           1         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     57         333         (58     1         1         334   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

Other Comprehensive Income

As at December 31, 2015, the Company held $335 million in U.S. Treasury bonds. The bonds had an average rating of Aaa/AA+/AAA from Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, respectively, with a weighted average maturity of 4.3 years. The debt securities were reported as current assets on the line “Marketable Securities” on the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2015, since they represented investments of funds available for current operations. The bonds were classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value as at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. This fair value measurement corresponds to a Level 1 fair value hierarchy measurement. The aggregate amortized cost basis of these securities totaled $332 million as at December 31, 2015.

The Company held corporate bonds amounting to $57 million, which matured in 2014. No credit loss was identified on these instruments.

 

  4.   TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

Trade accounts receivable, net consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Trade accounts receivable

     827         919   

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (7      (8
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     820         911   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Bad debt expense in 2015 was $2 million, while in 2014 it was less than $1 million and in 2013 it was $2 million. No customers represented over 10% of consolidated net revenues in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

The Company enters into factoring transactions to accelerate the realization in cash of some trade accounts receivable. As at December 31, 2015 and 2014, trade accounts receivable were sold without recourse for $48 million and $49 million respectively. Such factoring transactions totaled respectively $195 million and $204 million for the years 2015 and 2014, with a financial cost totaling less than $1 million for the years 2015, 2014 and $2 million for the year 2013, reported on the line “Interest expense, net” on the consolidated statement of income.

 

  5.   INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is based on the weighted average cost by adjusting standard cost to approximate actual manufacturing costs on a quarterly basis; the cost is therefore dependent on the Company’s manufacturing performance. In the case of underutilization of manufacturing facilities, the costs associated with the excess capacity are not included in the valuation of inventories but charged directly to cost of sales.

Reserve for obsolescence is estimated for excess uncommitted inventories based on the previous quarter’s sales, backlog of orders and production plans.

Inventories, net of reserve, consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Raw materials

     74         73   

Work-in-process

     804         795   

Finished products

     373         401   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,251         1,269   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
  6.   OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Other current assets consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Receivables from government agencies

     233         220   

Taxes and other government receivables

     36         45   

Advances

     26         36   

Prepayments

     56         42   

Loans and deposits

     9         9   

Interest receivable

     1         1   

Derivative instruments

     5         1   

Other current assets

     41         36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     407         390   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative instruments are further described in Note 23.

 

  7.   GOODWILL

Goodwill allocated to reportable segments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

     Sense & Power
and Automotive
(SP&A)
     Embedded
Processing
Solutions (EPS)
     Others      Total  

December 31, 2013

     2         88         —           90   

Foreign currency translation

     —           (8      —           (8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

     2         80         —           82   

Foreign currency translation

     —           (6      —           (6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

     2         74         —           76   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Goodwill as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is net of accumulated impairment losses of $102 million, of which $96 million relates to the EPS segment and $6 million to Others. In 2015, no impairment loss was recorded by the Company on any of its reporting units’ goodwill.

During the third quarter of 2015, the Company performed its annual impairment campaign. The Company did not elect to perform a qualitative assessment. The impairment test was conducted following a two-step process. In the first step, the Company compared the fair value of the reporting unit tested to its carrying value. Based upon the first step of the goodwill impairment test, no impairment was recorded since the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value.

 

  8.   OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Other intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

December 31, 2015

   Gross Cost      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Cost  

Technologies & licences

     593         (511      82   

Contractual customer relationships

     4         (4      —     

Purchased and internally developed software

     387         (321      66   

Construction in progress

     18         —           18   

Other intangible assets

     65         (65      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,067         (901      166   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

December 31, 2014

   Gross Cost      Accumulated
Amortization
     Net Cost  

Technologies & licences

     619         (519      100   

Contractual customer relationships

     4         (4      —     

Purchased and internally developed software

     373         (302      71   

Construction in progress

     22         —           22   

Other intangible assets

     66         (66      —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,084         (891      193   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The line “Construction in progress” in the table above includes internally developed software under construction and software not ready for use.

The amortization expense in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $60 million, $61 million and $72 million, respectively.

The estimated amortization expense of the existing intangible assets for the following years is:

 

Year

  

2016

     61   

2017

     44   

2018

     28   

2019

     17   

2020

     8   

Thereafter

     8   
  

 

 

 

Total

     166   
  

 

 

 

During the third quarter of 2015, the Company tested for impairment dedicated long-lived assets of DPG reporting unit related to products for which current and future economic performance is weaker than expected. The result was that these intangible assets, composed of acquired technologies, and amounting to $6 million, were fully impaired due to the fact that their projected cash flows, over their remaining useful life, were less than their carrying value. Additionally, the Company impaired $7 million and $3 million of acquired technologies in the third quarter and the fourth quarter of 2015 respectively, for which it was determined that they had no alternative future use.

 

  9.   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

 

December 31, 2015

   Gross
Cost
     Accumulated
Depreciation
     Net
Cost
 

Land

     75         —           75   

Buildings

     806         (399      407   

Facilities & leasehold improvements

     2,746         (2,482      264   

Machinery and equipment

     12,885         (11,408      1,477   

Computer and R&D equipment

     377         (339      38   

Other tangible assets

     104         (99      5   

Construction in progress

     55         —           55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     17,048         (14,727      2,321   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

December 31, 2014

   Gross
Cost
     Accumulated
Depreciation
     Net
Cost
 

Land

     80         —           80   

Buildings

     886         (411      475   

Facilities & leasehold improvements

     2,946         (2,629      317   

Machinery and equipment

     13,491         (11,822      1,669   

Computer and R&D equipment

     410         (371      39   

Other tangible assets

     118         (109      9   

Construction in progress

     58         —           58   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     17,989         (15,342      2,647   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The line “Construction in progress” in the table above includes property, plant and equipment under construction and equipment under qualification before operating.

Facilities & leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment and other tangible assets include assets acquired under capital lease. The net cost of assets under capital lease was less than $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The depreciation charge in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $676 million, $750 million and $838 million, respectively.

Capital investment funding has totaled $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, less than $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Public funding reduced depreciation charges by $4 million, $4 million and $6 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 the Company sold property, plant and equipment for cash proceeds of $62 million, $9 million and $12 million, respectively. In 2015, the Company has disposed of non-strategic assets, Shanghai and Longgang buildings, for cash proceeds of $26 million and $29 million, respectively.

 

  10.   LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Equity-method investments

     44         56   

Cost-method investments

     13         13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     57         69   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity-method investments

Equity-method investments as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

     December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
   Carrying
value
     Ownership
percentage
    Carrying
value
     Ownership
percentage
 

ST-Ericsson SA, in liquidation

     44         50.0     43         50.0

Incard do Brazil Ltda

     —           50.0     3         50.0

3Sun S.r.l.

     —           —          —           —     

Other Investment

     —           —          10         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     44           56      
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

ST-Ericsson SA, in liquidation

On February 3, 2009, the Company announced the closing of a transaction to combine the businesses of Ericsson Mobile Platforms and ST-NXP Wireless into a new venture, named ST-Ericsson. As part of the transaction, the Company received an interest in ST-Ericsson Holding AG in which the Company owned 50% plus a controlling share. In 2010, ST-Ericsson Holding AG was merged in ST-Ericsson SA.

The Company evaluated that ST-Ericsson SA was a variable interest entity (VIE). The Company determined that it controlled ST-Ericsson SA and therefore consolidated ST-Ericsson SA.

 

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Table of Contents

On September 9, 2013, the Company sold 1 ST-Ericsson SA share to Ericsson for its nominal value changing the ownership structure of ST-Ericsson SA to bring both partners to an equal ownership proportion. As a result and in combination with the new shareholder agreement, the Company lost the control of ST-Ericsson SA and as such ST-Ericsson SA was deconsolidated from the Company’s financial statements. The deconsolidation of ST-Ericsson SA did not result in a gain or loss for the Company. The fair value of the Company’s retained noncontrolling interest was evaluated at $55 million. In addition, the Company and its partner signed funding commitment letters, capped at $149 million for each partner, to the residual joint wind-down operations to ensure solvency. These were not drawn as of December 31, 2015.

Before the deconsolidation of ST-Ericsson SA, certain assets and companies of the ST-Ericsson SA group of companies were transferred to both partners for their net book value which was representative of their fair value. The transactions did not result in cash exchange between the partners.

ST-Ericsson SA entered into liquidation on April 15, 2014. For the years 2015 and 2014, the line “Income (loss) on equity-method investments” in the Company’s consolidated statement of income included a profit of $1 million and $9 million respectively in relation with ST-Ericsson SA, while it included a charge of $7 million for the year 2013.

Incard do Brazil Ltda (“IdB”)

IdB is a joint venture equally owned by Valid and the Company that was active in the smart cards business in South America. The Company evaluated that IdB was a VIE. The Company determined that it was the VIE primary beneficiary and therefore consolidated IdB.

Following the discontinuance of IdB’s activities, the Company determined that it was no longer the VIE primary beneficiary and as such IdB was deconsolidated from the Company’s financial statements in the third quarter of 2014. The deconsolidation of IdB did not result in a gain or loss for the Company. The fair value of the Company’s retained noncontrolling interest was evaluated at $4 million. Due to the loss pick-up recognized since the deconsolidation, the value of the investment was nil as of December 31, 2015.

For the years 2015 and 2014, the line “Income (loss) on equity-method investments” in the Company’s consolidated statement of income included a charge of $3 million and $1 million respectively in relation with IdB.

3Sun S.r.l. (“3Sun”)

3Sun was a joint initiative between Enel Green Power, Sharp and the Company for the manufacture of thin film photovoltaic panels in Catania, Italy. Each partner owned a third of the common shares of the entity. The Company has determined that 3Sun was not a VIE. However the Company exercised a significant influence over 3Sun and consequently accounted for its investment in 3Sun under the equity-method.

On July 22, 2014, the Company signed an agreement with Enel Green Power to transfer its equity stake in 3Sun. The agreement’s closing was reached on March 6, 2015 and resulted in ST paying €11.5 million to Enel Green Power in exchange for ST’s full release from any obligation concerning the 3Sun joint venture and Enel Green Power. In addition, ST forgave its €13 million outstanding shareholder loan to the 3Sun joint venture.

For the year 2015, the line “Income (loss) on equity-method investments” in the Company’s consolidated statement of income included a profit of $4 million related to 3Sun, while it included a charge of $51 million and $104 million respectively for the years 2014 and 2013.

 

F-27


Table of Contents

Company’s equity-method investments summarized financial information

The summarized financial information of the Company’s equity-method investments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is presented below:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Current assets

     127         166   

Non-current assets

     —           237   

Current liabilities

     28         117   

Non-current liabilities

     12         193   

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Total revenues

     —           136         282   

Operating income (loss)

     (5      (46      (271

Net income (loss)

     (3      (50      (282

Cost-method investments

Cost-method investments as at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are equity securities with no readily determinable fair value. It includes principally the Company’s investment in DNP Photomask Europe S.p.A (“DNP”). The Company has identified the joint venture as a VIE, but has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary. The significant activities of DNP revolve around the creation of masks and development of high level mask technology. The Company does not have the power to direct such activities. The Company’s current maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the joint venture is limited to its investment. The Company has not provided additional financial support in 2015 and currently has no requirement or intent to provide further financial support to the joint venture.

 

  11.   OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Other non-current assets consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Available-for-sale equity securities

     11         11   

Trading equity securities

     8         8   

Long-term State receivables

     403         513   

Long-term receivables from third parties

     1         5   

Prepaid for pension

     8         9   

Deposits and other non-current assets

     28         30   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     459         576   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term State receivables include receivables related to funding and receivables related to tax refund. Funding are mainly public grants to be received from governmental agencies in Italy and France as part of long-term research and development, industrialization and capital investment projects. Long-term receivables related to tax refund correspond to tax benefits claimed by the Company in certain of its local tax jurisdictions, for which collection is expected beyond one year.

 

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Table of Contents
  12.   OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Other payables and accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Employee related liabilities

     283         273   

Employee compensated absences

     104         114   

Taxes other than income taxes

     54         68   

Advances

     44         33   

Payables to equity-method investments

     49         50   

Obligations for capacity rights

     —           2   

Derivative instruments

     25         73   

Provision for restructuring

     26         32   

Current portion of pension

     8         9   

Royalties

     19         26   

Others

     91         161   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     703         841   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative instruments are further described in Note 23.

Other payables and accrued liabilities also include individually insignificant amounts as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, presented cumulatively in line “Others”.

 

  13.   LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Funding program loans from European Investment Bank:

     

0.30% due 2015, floating interest rate at Libor + 0.026%

     —           9   

0.38% due 2016, floating interest rate at Libor + 0.052%

     19         39   

1.08% due 2016, floating interest rate at Libor + 0.477%

     26         52   

0.71% due 2016, floating interest rate at Libor + 0.373%

     29         57   

1.52% due 2020, floating interest rate at Libor + 1.199%

     63         75   

1.51% due 2020, floating interest rate at Libor + 1.056%

     138         165   

0.86% due 2020, floating interest rate at Euribor + 0.917%

     68         91   

1.06% due 2021, floating interest rate at Libor + 0.525%

     180         210   

1.22% due 2021, floating interest rate at Libor + 0.572%

     173         202   

Dual tranche senior unsecured convertible bonds

     

Zero-coupon, due 2019 (Tranche A)

     550         537   

1.0% due 2021 (Tranche B)

     354         347   

Other funding program loans:

     

0.41% (weighted average), due 2015-2023, fixed interest rate

     4         6   

Other long-term loans:

     

1.95% (weighted average), due 2017, fixed interest rate

     4         6   

0.75% (weighted average), due 2018, fixed interest rate

     1         1   

0.87% (weighted average), due 2020, fixed interest rate

     2         3   

Capital leases:

     

6.04% (weighted average), due 2015-2017, fixed interest rate

     1         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

     1,612         1,801   

Less current portion

     (191      (202
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt, less current portion

     1,421         1,599   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-29


Table of Contents

Long-term debt is denominated in the following currencies:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

U.S. dollar

     1,533         1,694   

Euro

     79         107   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,612         1,801   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The European Investment Bank’s loans denominated in Euros, but drawn in U.S. dollars, are classified as U.S. dollar-denominated debt.

On July 3, 2014, the Company issued $1,000 million principal amount of dual tranche senior unsecured convertible bonds (Tranche A for $600 million and Tranche B for $400 million), due 2019 and 2021, respectively. Tranche A bonds were issued as zero-coupon bonds while Tranche B bonds bear a 1% per annum nominal interest, payable semi-annually. The conversion price at issuance was approximately $12 dollar, equivalent to a 30% and a 31% premium, respectively, on each tranche. The bonds are convertible by the bondholders if certain conditions are satisfied on a net-share settlement basis, except if an alternative settlement is elected by the Company. The Company can also redeem the bonds prior to their maturity in certain circumstances. The net proceeds from the bond offering were approximately $994 million, after deducting issuance costs payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general corporate purposes.

Proceeds were allocated between debt and equity by measuring first the liability component and then determining the equity component as a residual amount. The liability component was measured at fair value based on a discount rate adjustment technique (income approach), which corresponds to a Level 3 fair value hierarchy measurement. The fair value of the liability component at initial recognition totalled $878 million and was estimated by calculating the present value of cash flows using a discount rate of 2.40% and 3.22% (including 1% p.a. nominal interest), respectively, on each tranche, as the market rates for similar instruments with no conversion rights. Transaction costs of $6 million were allocated proportionately to the liability and the equity components. An amount of $121 million, net of allocated issuance costs of $1 million, was recorded in shareholders’ equity as the value of the conversion features of the instruments. In 2015, the Company early adopted the simplified guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs, which consists in reporting these costs as a deduction of the carrying value of the issued debt and not as deferred charges. The new guidance was applied retrospectively, which reduced by $4 million the amount of the liability component as at December 31, 2014. The adjusted carrying value of the liability component of the issued bonds, net of debt discount and issuance costs, totaled $884 million as at December 31, 2014 instead of the $888 million previously reported. Unamortized debt discount and issuance costs totalled $95 million as at December 31, 2015 and $116 million as at December 31, 2014.

Aggregate future maturities of total long-term debt (including current portion) at redemption value are as follows:

 

     December 31,
2015
 

2016

     191   

2017

     116   

2018

     114   

2019

     713   

2020

     113   

Thereafter

     460   
  

 

 

 

Total

     1,707   
  

 

 

 

The difference between the total aggregated future maturities in the preceding table and the total carrying amount of long-term debt is due to unamortized debt discount and issuance costs on the dual tranche senior unsecured convertible bonds.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

Credit facilities

The Company had unutilized committed medium-term credit facilities with core relationship banks totalling $563 million as of December 31, 2015.

The Company also has four fully drawn committed long-term amortizing credit facilities with the European Investment Bank as part of R&D funding programs. The first one, signed on December 6, 2006 for a total of €245 million for R&D in France was fully drawn in U.S. dollars for a total amount of $341 million, of which $19 million remained outstanding as at December 31, 2015. The second one, signed on July 21, 2008, for a total amount of €250 million for R&D projects in Italy, was fully drawn in U.S. dollars for $380 million, of which $55 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2015. The third one, signed on September 27, 2010 as a €350 million multi-currency loan for R&D programs in Europe, was drawn mainly in U.S. dollars for an amount of $321 million and only partially in Euros for an amount of €100 million, of which $269 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2015. The fourth, signed on March 12, 2013, a €350 million multi-currency loan which also supports R&D programs, was drawn in U.S. dollars for $471 million, of which $353 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

 

  14.   POST-EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER LONG-TERM EMPLOYEES BENEFITS

The Company and its subsidiaries have a number of defined benefit pension plans, mainly unfunded, and other long-term employees’ benefits covering employees in various countries. The defined benefit plans provide pension benefits based on years of service and employee compensation levels. The other long-term employees’ plans provide benefits due during the employees’ period of service after certain seniority levels. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its plans. Eligibility is generally determined in accordance with local statutory requirements. For Italian termination indemnity plan (“TFR”), generated before July 1, 2007, the Company continues to measure the vested benefits to which Italian employees are entitled as if they left the company immediately as of December 31, 2015, in compliance with U.S. GAAP guidance on determining vested benefit obligations for defined benefit pension plans.

The changes in benefit obligation and plan assets were as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Long-Term Benefits  
     December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 

Change in benefit obligation:

        

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

     863        807        65        65   

Service cost

     28        27        5        7   

Interest cost

     25        28        2        2   

Employee contributions

     5        6        —          —     

Benefits paid

     (27     (20     (11     (4

Effect of curtailment

     (3     —          (1     —     

Effect of settlement

     (10     (14     —          —     

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (21     93        —          2   

Transfer in

     1        2        —          1   

Transfer out

     (1     (2     —          (1

Plan amendment

     (2     —          —          1   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (42     (64     (6     (8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

     816        863        54        65   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

        

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of year

     480        448        —          —     

Actual return on plan assets

     (3     41        —          —     

Employer contributions

     28        28        —          —     

Employee contributions

     5        6        —          —     

Benefits paid

     (17     (10     —          —     

Effect of settlement

     (10     (12     —          —     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (10     (21     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Plan assets at fair value at end of year

     473        480        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status

     (343     (383     (54     (65
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-31


Table of Contents
     Pension Benefits     Other Long-Term Benefits  
     December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
    December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 

Net amount recognized in the balance sheet consisted of the following:

        

Non-current assets

     8        9        —          —     

Current liabilities

     (8     (9     (3     (11

Long-term liabilities

     (343     (383     (51     (54
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

     (343     (383     (54     (65
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax effects were as follows:

 

     Actuarial
(gains)/losses
    Prior service
cost
    Total  

Other comprehensive loss as at December 31, 2013

     91        9        100   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount generated/arising in current year

     76        —          76   

Amortization

     (5     (1     (6

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (10     (1     (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss as at December 31, 2014

     152        7        159   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount generated/arising in current year

     3        (2     1   

Amortization

     (11     (1     (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (7     (1     (8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss as at December 31, 2015

     137        3        140   

In 2016, the Company expects to amortize $8 million of actuarial losses.

The accumulated benefit obligations were as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits      Other Long-Term Benefits  
     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Accumulated benefit obligations

     720         757         41         51   

For pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets were $554 million and $291 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and $585 million and $291 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. For pension plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, the benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets were $660 million and $309 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and $699 million and $307 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.

The components of the net periodic benefit cost included the following:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Long-term Benefits  
     Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
    Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Service cost

     28        27        37        5        7         8   

Interest cost

     25        28        28        2        2         2   

Expected return on plan assets

     (22     (22     (18     —          —           —     

Amortization of actuarial net loss (gain)

     7        3        11        —          2         —     

Amortization of prior service cost

     1        —          5        —          1         —     

Effect of settlement

     1        1        1        —          —        

Effect of curtailment

     —          —          —          (1     —           (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

     40        37        64        6        12         8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The weighted average assumptions used in the determination of the benefit obligation and the plan assets for the pension plans and the other long-term benefits were as follows:

 

Assumptions

   2015     2014  

Discount rate

     3.19     3.03

Salary increase rate

     3.07     2.65

Expected long-term rate of return on funds for the pension expense of the year

     4.44     4.76

The weighted average assumptions used in the determination of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension plans and the other long-term benefits were as follows:

 

Assumptions

   2015     2014     2013  

Discount rate

     3.03     3.83     3.43

Salary increase rate

     2.65     2.82     2.92

Expected long-term rate of return on funds for the pension expense of the year

     4.76     4.88     4.43

The discount rate was determined by reference to market yields on high quality long-term corporate bonds applicable to the respective country of each plan, with terms consistent with the term of the benefit obligations concerned. In developing the expected long-term rate of return on assets, the Company modelled the expected long-term rates of return for broad categories of investments held by the plan against a number of various potential economic scenarios.

The Company’s pension plan asset allocation at December 31, 2015 and at December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

     Percentage of Plan Assets at December  

Asset Category

   2015     2014  

Cash

     3     3

Equity securities

     27     28

Bonds securities remunerating interest

     28     28

Real estate

     2     2

Investments in funds(a)

     19     17

Other

     21     22
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) 

Investment in funds are composed for one half of commingled funds mainly invested in corporate bonds for 50%, treasury bonds and notes for 42% and municipal bonds for 8% and for the other half of a multi-strategy funds invested in broadly diversified portfolios of corporate and government bonds, equity, fixed income and derivative instruments.

The Company’s detailed pension plan asset allocation including the fair-value measurements of those plan assets as at December 31, 2015 is as follows:

 

     Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

     13         13         —           —     

Equity securities

     128         5         123         —     

Government debt securities

     10         10         —           —     

Corporate debt securities

     123         4         119         —     

Investment funds

     87         5         82         —     

Real estate

     11         —           10         1   

Other (mainly insurance assets – contracts and reserves)

     101         —           —           101   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     473         37         334         102   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The Company’s detailed pension plan asset allocation including the fair-value measurements of those plan assets as at December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

     Total      Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

     17         17         —           —     

Equity securities

     136         7         129         —     

Government debt securities

     10         10         —           —     

Corporate debt securities

     125         4         121         —     

Investment funds

     80         —           80         —     

Real estate

     12         —           10         2   

Other (mainly insurance assets – contracts and reserves)

     100         —           —           100   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     480         38         340         102   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For plan assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), the reconciliation between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015 is presented as follows:

 

     Fair Value Measurements using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 

January 1, 2015

     102   

Contributions (employer and employee)

     14   

Actual return on plan assets

     1   

Benefits paid

     (3

Assets sold during the year

     (1

Settlements

     (9

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (2
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

     102   
  

 

 

 

For plan assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), the reconciliation between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 is presented as follows:

 

     Fair Value Measurements using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 

January 1, 2014

     109   

Contributions (employer and employee)

     14   

Actual return on plan assets

     6   

Benefits paid

     (3

Assets sold during the year

     (2

Settlements

     (11

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     (11
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

     102   
  

 

 

 

The Company’s investment strategy for its pension plans is to optimize the long-term investment return on plan assets in relation to the liability structure to maintain an acceptable level of risk while minimizing the cost of providing pension benefits and maintaining adequate funding levels in accordance with applicable rules in each jurisdiction. The Company’s practice is to periodically conduct a review in each subsidiary of its asset allocation strategy, in such a way that the asset allocation is in line with the targeted asset allocation with reasonable boundaries. The Company’s asset portfolios are managed in such a way as to achieve adapted diversity and in certain jurisdictions they are entirely managed by the multi-employer funds. The Company does not manage any assets internally.

After considering the funded status of the Company’s defined benefit plans, movements in the discount rate, investment performance and related tax consequences, the Company may choose to make contributions to its pension plans in any given year in excess of required amounts. The Company contributions to plan assets were $28 million in both 2015 and 2014 and the Company expects to contribute cash of $28 million in 2016.

 

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The Company’s estimated future benefit payments as of December 2015 are as follows:

 

Years

   Pension Benefits    Other Long-term Benefits

2016

   23    3

2017

   31    3

2018

   25    4

2019

   31    6

2020

   30    5

From 2021 to 2025

   234    24

The Company has certain defined contribution plans, which accrue benefits for employees on a pro-rata basis during their employment period based on their individual salaries. The Company accrued benefits related to defined contribution pension plans of $16 million as of December 31, 2015 and $16 million as of December 31, 2014. The annual cost of these plans amounted to approximately $70 million, $81 million and $89 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

  15.   SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

15.1 Outstanding shares

The authorized share capital of the Company is Euro 1,810 million consisting of 1,200,000,000 common shares and 540,000,000 preference shares, each with a nominal value of €1.04. As at December 31, 2015 the number of shares of common stock issued was 910,967,920 shares (910,797,305 at December 31, 2014).

As of December 31, 2015 the number of shares of common stock outstanding was 878,537,339 (873,939,583 at December 31, 2014).

15.2 Preference shares

The 540,000,000 preference shares, when issued, will entitle a holder to full voting rights and to a preferential right to dividends and distributions upon liquidation.

On January 22, 2007, an option agreement was concluded between the Company and Stichting Continuïteit ST. This option agreement provides for the issuance of 540,000,000 preference shares. Any such shares should be issued by the Company to the Foundation, upon its request and in its sole discretion, upon payment of at least 25% of the par value of the preference shares to be issued. The issuing of the preference shares is conditional upon (i) the Company receiving an offer or there being the threat of such an offer; (ii) the Company’s Managing and Supervisory Boards deciding not to support such an offer and; (iii) the Board of the Foundation determining that such an offer or acquisition would be contrary to the interests of the Company, its shareholders and other stakeholders. The preference shares may remain outstanding for no longer than two years. There were no preference shares issued as of December 31, 2015.

15.3 Treasury stock

Following the authorization by the Supervisory Board, announced on April 2, 2008, to repurchase up to 30 million shares of its common stock, the Company acquired 29,520,220 shares in 2008, also reflected at cost, as a reduction of the parent company stockholders’ equity. Additionally, pursuant to a resolution passed at the shareholders’ meeting held on June 13, 2014, the Company repurchased 20,000,000 shares in 2014 under the buy-back program.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company owned a number of treasury shares equivalent to 32,430,581.

The treasury shares have been designated for allocation under the Company’s share based remuneration programs of unvested shares. As of December 31, 2015, 30,489,639 of these treasury shares were transferred to employees under the Company’s share based remuneration programs, of which 4,427,141 in the year ended December 31, 2015.

15.4 Stock option plans

In 2001, the Shareholders voted to adopt the 2001 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”) whereby options for up to 60,000,000 shares might be granted in installments over a five-year period. The options might

 

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be granted to purchase shares of common stock at a price not lower than the market price of the shares on the date of grant. In connection with a revision of its equity-based compensation policy, the Company decided in 2005 to accelerate the vesting period of all outstanding unvested stock options. The options expired ten years after the date of grant.

In 2002, the Shareholders voted to adopt a Stock Option Plan for Supervisory Board Members and Professionals of the Supervisory Board. Under this plan, 12,000 options could be granted per year to each member of the Supervisory Board and 6,000 options per year to each professional advisor to the Supervisory Board. Options vested thirty days after the date of grant and expired ten years after the date of grant.

A summary of the stock option activity for the plans for the three years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 follows:

 

                   Exercise Price Per Share  
     Number of Shares      Range      Weighted Average  

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

     16,690,472       $ 16.73-$27.21       $ 21.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options forfeited

     (8,400,221    $ 16.73-$27.21       $ 19.39   

Outstanding at December 31, 2013

     8,290,251       $ 16.73-$27.21       $ 22.64   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options forfeited

     (8,285,951    $ 16.73-$27.21       $ 22.65   

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

     4,300       $ 16.73       $ 16.73   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options forfeited

     (4,300    $ 16.73       $ 16.73   

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

     0       $ 0       $ 0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 0.1 and 0.3 years, respectively.

15.5 Unvested share awards for the Supervisory Board

On an annual basis and until the year 2012, the Compensation Committee (on behalf of the Supervisory Board and with its approval) used to grant stock-based awards (the options to acquire common shares in the share capital of the Company) to the members and professionals of the Supervisory Board (“The Supervisory Board Plan”). The awards were granted at the nominal value of the share of €1.04 (exercise price of the option). The options granted under the Supervisory Board Plan vest and become exercisable immediately, while the shares resulting from these awards vest and therefore become available for trade evenly over three years (one third every year), with no market, performance or service conditions.

The table below summarizes grants under the outstanding stock award plans as authorized by the Compensation Committee:

 

Year of grant

   Options granted and vested      Options waived at grant  

2005

     66,000         (15,000

2006

     66,000         (15,000

2007

     165,000         (22,500

2008

     165,000         (22,500

2009

     165,000         (7,500

2010

     172,500         (7,500

2011

     172,500         (30,000

2012

     180,000         (22,500

2013

     No options granted   

2014

     No options granted   

2015

     No options granted   

 

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A summary of the options’ activity by plan for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is presented below:

 

Year

of

grant

   Outstanding
as of
31.12.2013
     Exercised     Expired /
Cancelled
     Outstanding
as of
31.12.2014
     Exercised     Expired /
Cancelled
     Outstanding
as of
31.12.2015
     Shares
corresponding
to exercised
option not yet
available for
trade as of
31.12.2015
 

2005

     31,115         (9,000     —           22,115         (22,115     —           —           —     

2006

     30,000         (9,000     —           21,000         (18,000     —           3,000         —     

2007

     60,000         (13,500     —           46,500         (27,000     —           19,500         —     

2008

     75,000         (15,000     —           60,000         (21,000     —           39,000         —     

2009

     75,000         —          —           75,000         (30,000     —           45,000         —     

2010

     82,500         (7,500     —           75,000         (30,000     —           45,000         —     

2011

     117,500         (20,000     —           97,500         (15,000     —           82,500         —     

2012

     122,500         (20,000     —           102,500         (7,500     —           95,000         —     

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year 2015 amounted to $1 million.

At the Company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on 21 June 2013, it was resolved to abolish and terminate the stock-based compensation for the Supervisory Board members and professionals.

15.6 Unvested share awards for the employees

On an annual basis, the Compensation Committee (on behalf of the Supervisory Board and with its approval) grants stock-based awards to the senior executives along with selected employees (the “Employee Plan”). The awards are granted for services under the Employee Plan. Until 2012 all the awards were subject to completion of the performance conditions. Starting from 2013, there are two types of unvested shares: (1) shares granted to employees, vesting independently on the performance conditions and (2) shares granted to senior executives, whose vesting is subject to three internal performance conditions (consisting of sales evolution and operating income compared to a basket of competitors and of return on net assets compared with budget), each weighting for one third of the total number of awards granted. All the awards vest over a three year service period (32% as of the first anniversary of the grant, 32% as of the second anniversary of the grant and 36% as of the third anniversary of the grant (for awards granted until the end of 2012 under the French Subplan 64% vest as of the second anniversary of the grant and 36% as of the third anniversary)). In addition, in 2013 and 2014 there was a Special Bonus granted to the Company’s CEO.

The table below summarizes grants under the outstanding stock award plans as authorized by the Compensation Committee:

 

Date of grant

  

Plan name

   Number of shares
granted
     Number of shares
waived
     Number of shares
lost on performance
conditions
 

July 22, 2013

   2013 CEO Special Bonus      63,848         —           —     

July 22, 2013

   2013 Employee Plan      5,750,730         —           (1,832,360

December 18, 2013

   2013 Employee Plan      659,515         —           (157,858

December 27, 2013

   2013 Employee Plan      1,800         —           —     

July 22, 2014

   2014 CEO Special Bonus      34,483         —           —     

July 22, 2014

   2014 Employee Plan      6,458,435         —           (1,939,222

December 18, 2014

   2014 Employee Plan      500,775         —           (31,332

July 27, 2015

   2015 Employee Plan      6,591,200         —           ( *) 

December 15, 2015

   2015 Employee Plan      370,920         —           ( *) 

 

(*)

As at December 31, 2015, a final determination of the achievement of the performance conditions had not yet been made by the Compensation Committee of the Supervisory Board.

 

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A summary of the unvested share activity by plan for the year ended December 31, 2015 is presented below:

 

Unvested Shares

   Outstanding
as at
December 31,
2014
     Granted      Forfeited /
waived
    Cancelled on
failed vesting
conditions
    Vested     Outstanding
as at
December 31,
2015
 

2012 CEO Special Bonus

     33,620         —           —          —          (33,620     —     

2012 Employee Plan

     1,380,204         —           (8,834     —          (1,371,370     —     

2013 CEO Special Bonus

     28,377         21,283         —          —          (21,282     28,378   

2013 Employee Plan

     2,872,368         —           (39,408     —          (1,370,601     1,462,359   

2014 CEO Special Bonus

     —           34,483         —          —          (11,494     22,989   

2014 Employee Plan

     6,923,705         —           (88,271     (1,970,554     (1,618,774     3,246,106   

2015 Employee Plan

     —           6,962,120         (30,945     —          —          6,931,175   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     11,238,274         7,017,886         (167,458     (1,970,554     (4,427,141     11,691,007   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The grant date fair value of unvested shares granted to the CEO under the 2012 CEO Special Bonus Plan was $6.32. On the 2012 CEO Special Bonus Plan, the fair value of the unvested shares granted reflected the market price of the shares at the date of the grant.

The grant date fair value of unvested shares granted to employees under the 2012 Employee Plan was $4.87. For the 2012 Employee Plan, the fair value of the unvested shares granted reflected the market price of the shares at the date of the grants. On April 11, 2013, the Compensation Committee approved the statement that two performance conditions were fully met. Consequently, the compensation expense recorded on the 2012 Employee Plan reflects the statement that two thirds of the awards granted will fully vest, as far as the service condition is met.

The grant date fair value of unvested shares granted to the CEO under the 2013 CEO Special Bonus Plan was $9.35. On the 2013 CEO Special Bonus Plan, the fair value of the unvested shares granted reflected the market price of the shares at the date of the grant.

The grant date fair value of unvested shares granted to employees under the 2013 Employee Plan was $9.55. For the 2013 Employee Plan, the fair value of the unvested shares granted reflected the market price of the shares at the date of the grants. On April 28, 2014, the Compensation Committee approved the statement that one performance condition was fully met. Consequently, the compensation expense recorded on the 2013 Employee Plan reflects the statement that one third of the awards granted will fully vest, as far as the service condition is met.

The grant date fair value of unvested shares granted to the CEO under the 2014 CEO Special Bonus Plan was $9.35. On the 2014 CEO Special Bonus Plan, the fair value of the unvested shares granted reflected the market price of the shares at the date of the grant.

The grant date fair value of unvested shares granted to employees under the 2014 Employee Plan was $9.23. On the 2014 Employee Plan, the fair value of the unvested shares granted reflected the market price of the shares at the date of the grants. On March 24, 2015, the Compensation Committee approved the statement that with respect to the shares subject to performance conditions, one performance condition was fully met. Consequently, the compensation expense recorded on the 2014 Employee Plan reflects the statement that – for the portion of shares subject to performance conditions - one third of the awards granted will fully vest, as far as the service condition is met.

The grant date fair value of unvested shares granted to employees under the 2015 Employee Plan was $7.62. On the 2015 Employee Plan, the fair value of the unvested shares granted reflected the market price of the shares at the date of the grants. Moreover, for the portion of the shares subject to performance conditions (2,993,150 shares) the Company estimates the number of awards expected to vest by assessing the probability of achieving the performance conditions. At December 31, 2015, a final determination of the achievement of the performance conditions had not yet been made by the Compensation Committee of the Supervisory Board. However, the Company has estimated that one third of the awards subject to performance conditions are expected to vest. Consequently, the compensation expense recorded for the 2015 Employee Plan reflects the vesting of one third of the awards granted with performance conditions, subject to the service condition being met. The assumption of the expected number of awards to be vested upon achievement of the performance conditions is subject to changes based on the final measurement of the conditions, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2016.

 

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The following table illustrates the classification of pre-payroll tax and social contribution stock-based compensation expense included in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Cost of sales

     7         6         5   

Selling, general and administrative

     17         16         13   

Research and development

     14         14         8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total pre-payroll tax and social contribution compensation

     38         36         26   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Compensation cost, excluding payroll tax and social contribution, capitalized as part of inventory was $2 million at each of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. As of December 31, 2015 there was $39 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the grant of unvested shares, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 9 months.

The total deferred income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of income related to unvested share-based compensation expense amounted to $2 million, $1 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

15.7 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to parent company stockholders

The table below details the changes in AOCI attributable to the company’s stockholders by component, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Gains (Losses)
on Cash Flow
Hedges
    Gains (Losses)
on Available-
For-Sale
Securities
    Defined
Benefit
Pension Plan
Items
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
(“CTA”)
    Total  

December 31, 2012

     26        (1     (207     932        750   

Cumulative tax impact

     (2     (3     49        —          44   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2012, net of tax

     24        (4     (158     932        794   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OCI before reclassifications

     40        2        82        104        228   

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

     (28     —          14        —          (14

Impact of ST-Ericsson deconsolidation

     —          —          11        49        60   

OCI for the year ended December 31, 2013

     12        2        107        153        274   

Cumulative tax impact

     (3     3        (26     —          (26

OCI for the year ended December 31, 2013, net of tax

     9        5        81        153        248   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

     38        1        (100     1,085        1,024   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cumulative tax impact

     (5     —          23        —          18   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2013, net of tax

     33        1        (77     1,085        1,042   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OCI before reclassifications

     (116     1        (76     (272     (463

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

     2        —          6        —          8   

OCI for the year ended December 31, 2014

     (114     1        (70     (272     (455

Cumulative tax impact

     5        —          21        —          26   

OCI for the year ended December 31, 2014, net of tax

     (109     1        (49     (272     (429
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

     (76     2        (170     813        569   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cumulative tax impact

     —          —          44        —          44   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2014, net of tax

     (76     2        (126     813        613   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OCI before reclassifications

     (117     —          (2     (202     (321

Amounts reclassified from AOCI

     170        —          12        (10     172   

OCI for the year ended December 31, 2015

     53        —          10        (212     (149

Cumulative tax impact

     —          —          (4     —          (4

OCI for the year ended December 31, 2015, net of tax

     53        —          6        (212     (153
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

     (23     2        (160     601        420   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cumulative tax impact

     —          —          40        —          40   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2015, net of tax

     (23     2        (120     601        460   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Items reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are listed in the table below:

 

Details about AOCI components

   Amounts
reclassified
from AOCI in
the year ended
December 31,
2015
    Amounts
reclassified
from AOCI in
the year ended
December 31,
2014
    Amounts
reclassified
from AOCI in
the year ended
December 31,
2013
   

Affected line item in

the statement where

net income (loss) is

presented

Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges

        

Foreign exchange derivative contracts

     (105     (1     16      Cost of sales

Foreign exchange derivative contracts

     (14     (1     3      Selling, general and administrative

Foreign exchange derivative contracts

     (51     —          14      Research and development
     —          —          (4   Income tax benefit (expense)
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
     (170     (2     29      Net of tax
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Defined Benefit Pension Plan Items

        

Amortization of actuarial gains (losses)

     —          —          (1   Cost of sales

Amortization of actuarial gains (losses)

     (5     (1     (5   Selling, general and administrative

Amortization of actuarial gains (losses)

     (6     (4     (6   Research and development

Amortization of prior service cost

     —          —          (1   Selling, general and administrative

Amortization of prior service cost

     (1     (1     (4   Research and development
     4        1        5      Income tax benefit (expense)
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
     (8     (5     (12   Net of tax
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

  

   

Realized gain on disposal of investments

     10        —          —        Income (loss) on equity-method investments
     —          —          —        Income tax benefit (expense)
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
     10        —          —        Net of tax
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total reclassifications for the year

     (168     (7     17     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Attributable to noncontrolling interest

     —          —          (2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Attributable to the Company’s stockholders

     (168     (7     15     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

15.8 Dividends

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 27, 2015 authorized the distribution of a cash dividend of US$0.40 per outstanding share of the Company’s common stock, to be distributed in quarterly installments of US$0.10 in each of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2015 and first quarter of 2016. $88 million corresponding to the first installment, $88 million corresponding to the second installment and $78 million corresponding to the third installment were paid during 2015. The remaining portion of $9 million related to the third installment and the fourth installment of $88 million are to be paid in the first quarter of 2016 and are reported as “Dividends payable to stockholders” on the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2015.

The Supervisory Board held on December 4, 2014 authorized the distribution of a semi-annual cash dividend per common share of $0.10 in the fourth quarter of 2014 and $0.10 in the first quarter of 2015, to be paid in December 2014 and March 2015, respectively. The first payment, totaling $87 million, was executed in December 2014 and January 2015. The second payment, totalling $87 million, was executed in March and April 2015.

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 13, 2014 authorized the distribution of a semi-annual cash dividend per common share of $0.10 in the second quarter of 2014 and $0.10 in the third quarter of 2014, to be paid in June 2014 and September 2014, respectively. $89 million corresponding to the first distribution and

 

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$85 million as part of the second distribution were paid during the first nine months of 2014. The remaining second portion of dividends to be paid of $4 million was paid during the fourth quarter of 2014.

The Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders held on December 2, 2013 authorized the distribution of a semi-annual cash dividend per common share of $0.10 in the fourth quarter of 2013 and $0.10 in the first quarter of 2014, to be paid in December 2013 and March 2014, respectively. The first payment, totaling $89 million, was executed in December 2013. The remaining $0.10 per share cash dividend to be paid in the first quarter of 2014 totalled $89 million and was reported as “Dividends payable to stockholders” on the consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2013.

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 21, 2013 authorized the distribution of a semi-annual cash dividend per common share of $0.10 in the second quarter of 2013 and $0.10 in the third quarter of 2013, to be paid in June and September of 2013, respectively. The first payment for Euronext Paris and Borsa Italiana, amounting to $75 million, was executed in the second quarter of 2013. The first payment for the New York Stock Exchange which was executed in July 2013 and the remaining $0.10 per share cash dividend, totaling $93 million, was paid in the third quarter of 2013.

 

  16.   EARNINGS PER SHARE

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, earnings per share (“EPS”) was calculated as follows:

 

     Year ended
December 31, 2015
     Year ended
December 31, 2014
     Year ended
December 31, 2013
 

Basic EPS

        

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company

     104         128         (500

Weighted average shares outstanding

     876,510,959         886,532,167         889,541,922   

Basic EPS

     0.12         0.14         (0.56

Diluted EPS

        

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company

     104         128         (500

Convertible debt interest

     —           —           —     

Net income (loss) attributable to parent company adjusted

     104         128         (500

Weighted average shares outstanding

     876,510,959         886,532,167         889,541,922   

Dilutive effect of stock awards

     4,043,813         3,278,537         —     

Number of shares used in calculating diluted EPS

     880,554,772         889,810,704         889,541,922   

Diluted EPS

     0.12         0.14         (0.56

In 2015, there were no outstanding stock-options including anti-dilutive shares. In 2014, outstanding stock-options have included anti-dilutive shares totalling 4,300 shares. In 2013, if the Company had reported income, outstanding stock options would have included anti-dilutive shares totalling approximately 8,290,251 shares.

The convertible bonds issued on July 3, 2014, as detailed in Note 13 had no impact on the diluted EPS computation as of 31 December 2015 since the contingently conversion features were out-of-the-money.

 

  17.   OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET

Other income and expenses, net consisted of the following:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2015
     Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Research and development funding

     144         231         57   

Phase-out and start-up costs

     (5      (16      (4

Exchange gain, net

     2         4         8   

Patent costs, net of reversal of unused provisions

     3         (28      (40

Gain on sale of businesses and non-current assets

     18         24         83   

Other, net

     2         (8      (9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     164         207         95   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The Company receives significant public funding from governmental agencies in several jurisdictions. Public funding for research and development is recognized ratably as the related costs are incurred once the agreement with the respective governmental agency has been signed and all applicable conditions have been met.

Phase-out costs are costs incurred during the closing stage of a Company’s manufacturing facility. They are treated in the same manner as start-up costs. Start-up costs represent costs incurred in the start-up and testing of the Company’s new manufacturing facilities, before reaching the earlier of a minimum level of production or six months after the fabrication line’s quality certification.

Exchange gains and losses, net represent the portion of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in currencies other than an entity’s functional currency and the changes in fair value of trading derivative instruments which are not designated as hedge and which have a cash flow effect related to operating transactions, as described in Note 23.

Patent costs include legal and attorney fees and payment for claims, patent pre-litigation consultancy and legal fees. They are reported net of settlements, if any, which primarily include reimbursements of prior patent litigation costs.

Gain on sale of businesses and non-current assets is mostly related to the sale of non-strategic assets, as described in Note 9. Gain on sale of businesses and non-current assets for the year 2014 was mainly related to the sale of the Smart Connectivity Business (Display Port products) while in 2013 it was mainly related to the sale of the Global Navigation System (GNSS) and the Portland Compiler Group (PGI).

 

  18.   IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING CHARGES AND OTHER RELATED CLOSURE COSTS

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs incurred in 2015, 2014 and 2013 are summarized as follows:

 

Year ended

December 31, 2015

   Impairment     Restructuring
charges
    Other related
closure costs
    Total impairment,
restructuring charges and
other related closure costs
 

$600-650 million net opex plan

     —          —          (2     (2

Manufacturing consolidation

     —          (1     (10     (11

EPS restructuring plan

     —          (36     —          (36

Long-lived asset impairment charge(16)

       —          —          (16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (16     (37     (12     (65
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended

December 31, 2014

   Impairment     Restructuring
charges
    Other related
closure costs
    Total impairment,
restructuring charges and
other related closure costs
 

$600-650 million net opex plan

     —          (17     (7     (24

Manufacturing consolidation

     —          (8     (4     (12

EPS restructuring plan

     —          (16     (14     (30

Long-lived asset impairment charge

     (24     —          —          (24
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (24     (41     (25     (90
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year ended

December 31, 2013

   Impairment     Restructuring
charges
    Other related
closure costs
    Total impairment,
restructuring charges and
other related closure costs
 

ST-Ericsson restructuring plans

     —          (6     (3     (9

ST-Ericsson exit

     (17     (69     —          (86

Digital restructuring plan

     (2     (1     (2     (5

$600-650 million net opex plan

     —          (88     —          (88

Manufacturing consolidation

     (29     (8     —          (37

Goodwill and other intangible impairment charge

     (56     —          —          (56

Assets held for sale impairment

     (5     —          —          (5

Other restructuring initiatives

     —          (6     —          (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (109     (178     (5     (292
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Impairment charges

In 2015, the Company recorded impairment charges of $16 million, of which $13 million following the annual impairment test performed in the third quarter, as detailed in Note 8, and $3 million for other acquired intangible assets for which there was no alternative future use.

In 2014, the Company recorded impairment charges of $24 million, of which $23 million on Digital Convergence Group dedicated intangible assets and $1 million on other intangible assets, as detailed in Note 8.

In 2013, the Company recorded impairment charges of $109 million comprised primarily of:

 

   

$56 million impairment of Digital Convergence Group goodwill ($38 million) and dedicated intangible assets ($18 million);

 

   

$29 million on certain long-lived assets as part of the Company’s manufacturing consolidation;

 

   

$17 million impairment primarily related to long-lived assets as part of the exit of ST-Ericsson; and

 

   

$5 million impairment charge on Veredus assets classified as Assets held for sale, as of December 31, 2013.

Restructuring charges and other related closure costs

The Company was engaged in 2015 in three major restructuring plans, the $600-650 million net opex plan, the Manufacturing consolidation plan and the EPS restructuring plan which are described hereafter.

Further to the announcement on December 10, 2012 to reduce the Company’s net operating expenses comprised of combined selling, general and administrative and research and development expenses, net of R&D grants, to the level of $600 million to $650 million on a quarterly basis by the beginning of 2014, the Company committed restructuring actions in 2013 (the “$600-650 million net opex plan”).

In July 2013, the Company announced that it would wind down certain 6-inch manufacturing lines, close its back-end plant in Longgang and consolidate back-end activities in China to Shenzhen (the “Manufacturing consolidation plan”).

In the third quarter of 2014, the Company committed to a plan affecting around 450 employees worldwide and targeting savings in the EPS segment (the “EPS restructuring plan”).

In 2015, the Company incurred restructuring charges and other related closure costs for $49 million corresponding to:

 

   

$2 million for the $600-650 million net opex plan corresponding to a change in estimates on a contract termination provision;

 

   

$11 million for the Manufacturing consolidation plan corresponding to $1 million for employee termination benefits and $10 million corresponding to a grant clawback pursuant to the closure of operations in Longgang, China;

 

   

$36 million for the EPS restructuring plan, net of adjustments for unused provision, corresponding primarily to employee voluntary termination benefits and including termination fees in connection with the exit from the IBM technology alliance and contract termination costs.

In 2014, the Company incurred restructuring charges and other related closure costs for $66 million corresponding to:

 

   

$24 million for the $600-650 million net opex plan corresponding to employee termination benefits, primarily in Europe, and contract termination costs;

 

   

$12 million for the Manufacturing consolidation plan corresponding to $8 million for employee termination benefits and $4 million of closure costs;

 

   

$30 million for the EPS restructuring plan relating to employee and contract termination costs

In 2013, the Company incurred restructuring charges and other related closure costs for $183 million corresponding to:

 

   

$88 million for the $600-650 million net opex plan corresponding to employee termination benefits;

 

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$69 million recorded before ST-Ericsson deconsolidation for the ST-Ericsson exit, primarily related to employee termination benefits, net of an adjustment of $31 million mainly resulting from a significant reduction of estimated restructured employees in Sweden, as part of the exit of ST-Ericsson;

 

   

$9 million recorded before ST-Ericsson deconsolidation for the ST-Ericsson restructuring plans, primarily related to employee termination benefits;

 

   

$8 million for the Manufacturing consolidation plan corresponding to employee termination benefits; and

 

   

$9 million for other restructuring plans.

Changes to the restructuring provisions recorded on the consolidated balance sheets from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:

 

     $600-650
million net
opex plan
    Digital
restructuring
plan
    Manufacturing
consolidation
    EPS
restructuring
plan
    Other
restructuring
initiatives
    Total  

Provision as at December 31, 2013

     46        6        10        —          14        76   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Charges incurred in 2014

     25        —          12        31        —          68   

Adjustments for unused provisions

     (1     —          —          (1     —          (2

Amounts paid

     (58     (6     (17     (2     (3     (86

Advances not refunded upon contract termination

     —          —          —          (13     —          (13

Currency translation effect

     (1     —          —          —          —          (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision as at December 31, 2014

     11        —          5        15        11        42   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Charges incurred in 2015

     2        —          11        43        —          56   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments for unused provisions

     —          —          —          (7     —          (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts paid

     (5     —          (5     (33     (2     (45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Receivables not collected upon contract termination

     —          —          (4     —          —          (4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Longgang deconsolidation

     —          —          (6     —          —          (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency translation effect

     (2     —          —          —          —          (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision as at December 31, 2015

     6        —          1        18        9        34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

An amount of $26 million is expected to be paid within twelve months, as detailed in Note 12.

The $600-650 million net opex plan resulted in a total charge of $114 million. The plan was substantially completed in 2014.

The Digital restructuring plan resulted in a total charge of $16 million, excluding impairments. The plan was completed in 2013.

The Manufacturing consolidation plan resulted in a total charge of $31 million, excluding impairments. The plan was completed in 2015.

The EPS restructuring plan, which was expected to result in pre-tax charges in the range of $65 million and $70 million, resulted in a total charge of $66 million. The plan was substantially completed in 2015.

In 2015, total amounts paid for restructuring and related closure costs amounted to $45 million. The total actual costs that the Company will incur may differ from these estimates based on the timing required to complete the restructuring plan, the number of people involved, the final agreed termination benefits and the costs associated with the transfer of equipment, products and processes.

 

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  19.   INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

Interest expense, net consisted of the following:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2015
     Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Income

     18         12         18   

Expense

     (40      (30      (23
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     (22      (18      (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest included charges related to the sale of trade and other receivables. Interest expense recorded in 2015 included a $24 million charge on the senior unsecured convertible bonds issued in July 2014, of which $20 million was a non-cash interest expense resulting from the accretion of the discount on the liability component.

No borrowing cost was capitalized in 2015, 2014 and 2013. Interest income on government Bonds and floating rate notes classified as available-for-sale marketable securities amounted to $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and less than $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

  20.   INCOME TAX

Income (loss) before income tax is comprised of the following:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2015
     Year ended
December 31,
2014
     Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Income (loss) recorded in The Netherlands

     (18      (9      (30

Income (loss) from foreign operations

     107         115         (562
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax benefit (expense)

     89         106         (592
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

STMicroelectronics N.V. and its subsidiaries are individually liable for income taxes in their jurisdictions. Tax losses can only offset profits generated by the taxable entity incurring such loss.

Income tax benefit (expense) is comprised of the following:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

The Netherlands Taxes – current

     5        —          5   

Foreign taxes – current

     (43     (50     (54
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current taxes

     (38     (50     (49

The Netherlands Taxes – deferred

     —          —          —     

Foreign taxes – deferred

     59        73        12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred taxes

     59        73        12   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     21        23        (37

Effective tax rate

     -24     -21     -6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The principal items comprising the differences in income taxes computed at the Netherlands statutory rate of 25.0% in 2015, 2014 and 2013, and the effective income tax rate are the following:

 

     Year ended
December 31,
2015
    Year ended
December 31,
2014
    Year ended
December 31,
2013
 

Income tax benefit (expense) computed at statutory rate

     (23     (26     148   

Non-deductible and non-taxable permanent differences, net

     (18     8        (2

Income (loss) on equity-method investments

     —          (11     (31

Valuation allowance adjustments

     1        26        (83

Current year credits

     44        53        60   

Other tax and credits

     (13     8        (42

Benefits from tax holidays

     42        65        18   

Net impact of changes to uncertain tax positions

     8        (92     (33

Earnings of subsidiaries taxed at different rates

     (20     (8     (72
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

     21        23        (37
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The tax holidays represent a tax exemption period aimed to attract foreign technological investment in certain tax jurisdictions. The effect of the tax benefits, from tax holidays for countries which are profitable, on basic earnings per share was $0.05, $0.07 and $0.02 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. These agreements are present in various countries and include programs that reduce up to and including 100% of taxes in years affected by the agreements. The Company’s tax holidays expire at various dates through the year ending December 31, 2022. In certain countries, tax holidays can be renewed depending on the Company still meeting certain conditions at the date of expiration of the current tax holidays.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:

 

     December 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  

Tax loss carryforwards and investment credits

     827        908   

Less unrecognized tax benefit

     (180     (238
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tax loss carryforward net of unrecognized tax benefit

     647        670   

Inventory valuation

     22        15   

Impairment and restructuring charges

     15        16   

Fixed asset depreciation in arrears

     44        39   

Capitalized development costs

     80        63   

Receivables for government funding

     5        13   

Tax credits granted on past capital investments

     1,156        1,147   

Pension service costs

     73        82   

Stock awards

     —          5   

Commercial accruals

     21        15   

Other temporary differences

     86        78   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

     2,149        2,143   

Valuation allowances

     (1,585     (1,607
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax assets, net

     564        536   

Accelerated fixed asset depreciation

     (16     (26

Acquired intangible assets

     (11     (11

Advances of government funding

     (16     (23

Other temporary differences

     (8     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities

     (51     (63
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax asset

     513        473   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For a particular tax-paying component of the Company and within a particular tax jurisdiction, all current deferred tax liabilities and assets are offset and presented as a single amount, similarly to non-current deferred tax liabilities and assets. The Company does not offset deferred tax liabilities and assets attributable to different tax-paying components or to different tax jurisdictions.

The net deferred tax assets are recorded in legal entities which have been historically profitable and are expected to be profitable in the next coming years.

 

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As of December 31, 2015, the Company and its subsidiaries have gross deferred tax assets on tax loss carryforwards and investment credits that expire starting 2016, as follows:

 

Year

      

2016

     24   

2017

     12   

2018

     89   

2019

     79   

2020

     17   

Thereafter

     606   
  

 

 

 

Total

     827   
  

 

 

 

The valuation allowance for a particular tax jurisdiction is allocated between current and non-current deferred tax assets for that jurisdiction on a pro rata basis. The “Tax credits granted on past capital investments” mainly related to a 2003 agreement granting the Company certain tax credits for capital investments purchased through the year ending December 31, 2006. Any unused tax credits granted under the agreement will continue to increase yearly by a legal inflationary index (currently 0.17% per annum). The credits may be utilized through 2020 or later depending on the Company meeting certain program criteria. In addition to this agreement, starting in 2007 the Company continues to receive tax credits on the yearly capital investments, which may be used to offset that year’s tax liabilities and increases by the legal inflationary rate. However, pursuant to the inability to utilize these credits currently and in future years, the Company did not recognize any deferred tax asset on such tax allowance. As a result, there is no financial impact to the net deferred tax assets of the Company.

The amounts of deferred tax benefit (expense) recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) was $(3) million and $24 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively. They were related primarily to the tax effects of the recognized unfunded status on defined benefits plan.

The cumulative amount of distributable earnings related to the Company’s investments in foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures was $626 million as at December 31, 2015. Due to the Company’s legal and tax structure, with the parent company established in the Netherlands, there was no significant tax impact from the distribution of earnings from investments in foreign subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures. This is because there is no tax impact on dividends paid up to a Dutch holding company.

A reconciliation of 2015, 2014 and 2013 beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Balance at beginning of year

     313         255         227   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     38         51         52   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     —           43         27   

Reduction for tax positions of prior years

     (48      (2      (48

Reduction due to ST-Ericsson deconsolidation

     —              (8

Settlements

     (48         —     

Prepayment

     (3      (5      (1

Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations

     (1      —           —     

Foreign currency translation

     (25      (29      6   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

     226         313         255   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, $180 million and $238 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits were classified as a reduction of deferred tax assets. It is reasonably possible that certain of the uncertain tax positions disclosed in the table above could increase within the next 12 months due to ongoing tax audits. The Company is not able to make an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change.

Additionally, the Company elected to classify accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as components of income tax expense in its consolidated statements of income, they were $5 million in 2015, $27 million in 2014 and not material in the previous years. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, interest and penalties amounted to $9 million and $32 million respectively.

 

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The tax years that remain open for review in the Company’s major tax jurisdictions, including France, Italy, United States and India, are from 1996 to 2014.

 

  21.   COMMITMENTS

The Company’s commitments as of December 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

In millions of U.S. dollars    Total      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      Thereafter  

Operating leases

     191         48         35         24         15         13         56   

Purchase obligations

     468         377         65         23         3         —           —     

of which:

                    

Equipment purchase

     149         149         —           —           —           —           —     

Foundry purchase

     101         101         —           —           —           —           —     

Software, design, technologies and licenses

     218         127         65         23         3         —           —     

Other obligations

     431         206         179         35         6         5         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     1,090         631         279         82         24         18         56   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating leases are mainly related to building and equipment leases. The amount disclosed is composed of minimum payments for future leases from 2016 to 2020 and thereafter. The Company leases land, buildings, plants and equipment under operating leases that expire at various dates under non-cancellable lease agreements. Operating lease expense was $56 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $83 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Purchase obligations are primarily comprised of purchase commitments for equipment, for outsourced foundry wafers and for software licenses.

Other obligations primarily relate to firm contractual commitments with respect to partnership and cooperation agreements and other service agreements.

 

  22.   CONTINGENCIES, CLAIMS AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to possible loss contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business. These include but are not limited to: warranty cost on the products of the Company, breach of contract claims, claims for unauthorized use of third-party intellectual property, tax claims beyond assessed uncertain tax positions as well as claims for environmental damages. In determining loss contingencies, the Company considers the likelihood of impairing an asset or the incurrence of a liability at the date of the financial statements as well as the ability to reasonably estimate the amount of such loss. The Company records a provision for a loss contingency when information available before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and when the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company regularly re-evaluates claims to determine whether provisions need to be readjusted based on the most current information available to the Company. Changes in these evaluations could result in an adverse material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or its financial position for the period in which they occur.

The Company has received and may in the future receive communications alleging possible infringements of third party patents or other third party intellectual property rights. Furthermore, the Company from time to time enters into discussions regarding a broad patent cross license arrangement with other industry participants. There is no assurance that such discussions may be brought to a successful conclusion and result in the intended agreement. The Company may become involved in costly litigation brought against the Company regarding patents, mask works, copyrights, trademarks or trade secrets. In the event that the outcome of any litigation would be unfavorable to the Company, the Company may be required to take a license to third party patents and/or other intellectual property rights at economically unfavorable terms and conditions, and possibly pay damages for prior use and/or face an injunction, all of which individually or in the aggregate could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, financial position and/or ability to compete.

The Company is otherwise also involved in various lawsuits, claims, investigations and proceedings incidental to its business and operations.

 

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Other Contingencies

The Company regularly evaluates claims and legal proceedings together with their related probable losses to determine whether they need to be adjusted based on the current information available to the Company. There can be no assurance that its recorded reserves will be sufficient to cover the extent of its potential liabilities. Legal costs associated with claims are expensed as incurred. In the event of litigation which is adversely determined with respect to the Company’s interests, or in the event the Company needs to change its evaluation of a potential third-party claim, based on new evidence or communications, a material adverse effect could impact its operations or financial condition at the time it were to materialize.

As of December 31, 2015, provisions for estimated probable losses with respect to claims and legal proceedings were not considered material.

 

  23.   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

23.1 Financial risk factors

The Company is exposed to changes in financial market conditions in the normal course of business due to its operations in different foreign currencies and its ongoing investing and financing activities. The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange risk, fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Company’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the Company’s financial performance. The Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures.

Financial risk management is carried out by a central treasury department (Corporate Treasury). Additionally, a Treasury Committee, chaired by the CFO, steers treasury activities and ensures compliance with corporate policies. Treasury activities are thus regulated by the Company’s policies, which define procedures, objectives and controls. The policies focus on the management of financial risk in terms of exposure to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. Treasury controls are subject to internal audits. Most treasury activities are centralized, with any local treasury activities subject to oversight from Corporate Treasury. Corporate Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close cooperation with the Company’s operating units. It provides written principles for overall risk management, as well as written policies covering specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, price risk, credit risk, use of derivative financial instruments, and investments of excess liquidity. The majority of cash and cash equivalents is held in U.S. dollars and Euros and is placed with financial institutions rated at least a single “A” long-term rating from two of the major rating agencies, meaning at least A3 from Moody’s Investor Service and A- from Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings, or better. These ratings are closely and continuously monitored in order to manage exposure to the counterparty’s risk. Hedging transactions are performed only to hedge exposures deriving from operating, investing and financing activities conducted in the normal course of business.

Market risk

Foreign exchange risk

The Company conducts its business on a global basis in various major international currencies. As a result, the Company is exposed to adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily with respect to the Euro. Foreign exchange risk mainly arises from recognized assets and liabilities at the Company’s subsidiaries and future commercial transactions.

Management has set up a policy to require the Company’s subsidiaries to hedge their entire foreign exchange risk exposure with the Company through financial instruments transacted or overseen by Corporate Treasury. To manage their foreign exchange risk arising from foreign-currency-denominated assets and liabilities, subsidiaries use forward contracts and purchased currency options. Foreign exchange risk arises when recognized assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s functional currency. These instruments do not qualify as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. Forward contracts and currency options, including collars, are also used by the Company to reduce its exposure to U.S. dollar fluctuations in Euro-denominated forecasted intercompany transactions that cover a large part of its research and development, selling, general and administrative expenses as well as a portion of its front-end manufacturing costs of semi-finished goods. The Company also hedges through the use of currency forward contracts certain Singapore dollar-denominated manufacturing forecasted transactions. The derivative instruments used to hedge these forecasted transactions meet the criteria for designation as cash flow hedge. The hedged forecasted transactions have a high probability of occurring for hedge accounting purposes.

 

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It is the Company’s policy to have the foreign exchange exposures in all the currencies hedged month by month against the monthly standard rate. At each month end, the forecasted flows for the coming month are hedged together with the fixing of the new standard rate. For this reason the hedging transactions will have an exchange rate very close to the standard rate at which the forecasted flows will be recorded on the following month. As such, the foreign exchange exposure of the Company, which consists in the balance sheet positions and other contractually agreed transactions, is always close to zero and any movement in the foreign exchange rates will not therefore influence the exchange effect on items of the consolidated statement of income. Any discrepancy from the forecasted values and the actual results is constantly monitored and prompt actions are taken, if needed.

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as a Hedge

As described above, the Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts and currency options to reduce its exposure to changes in exchange rates and the associated risk arising from the denomination of certain assets and liabilities in foreign currencies in the Company’s subsidiaries. These include receivables from international sales by various subsidiaries, payables for foreign currency-denominated purchases and certain other assets and liabilities arising from intercompany transactions.

The notional amount of these financial instruments totaled $372 million, $286 million and $319 million at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The principal currencies covered are the Euro, the Singapore dollar, the Swiss franc, the Indian rupee, the China Yuan Renminbi, the Moroccan dirham and the British pound.

The risk of loss associated with forward contracts is equal to the exchange rate differential from the time the contract is entered into until the time it is settled. The risk of loss associated with purchased currency options is equal to the premium paid when the option is not exercised.

Foreign currency forward contracts and currency options not designated as cash flow hedge outstanding as of December 31, 2015 have remaining terms of 4 days to 11 months, maturing on average after 31 days.

Derivative Instruments Designated as a Hedge

To further reduce its exposure to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuations, the Company hedges through the use of currency forward contracts and currency options, including collars, certain Euro-denominated forecasted intercompany transactions that cover at year-end a large part of its research and development, selling, general and administrative expenses, as well as a portion of its front-end manufacturing costs of semi-finished goods. The Company also hedges through the use of currency forward contracts certain manufacturing transactions denominated in Singapore dollars.

The principles regulating the hedging strategy for derivatives designated as cash flow hedge are established as follows: (i) for R&D and corporate costs, up to 80% of the total forecasted transactions; (ii) for manufacturing costs, up to 70% of the total forecasted transactions. In order to follow a dynamic hedge strategy, the Company may change the percentage of the designated hedged item within the limit of 100% of the forecasted transaction. The maximum length of time over which the Company could hedge its exposure to the variability of cash flows for forecasted transactions is 24 months.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded an increase in cost of sales of $105 million and an increase in operating expenses of $65 million, related to the realized losses incurred on such hedged transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded an increase in cost of sales of $1 million and an increase in operating expenses of $1 million, related to the realized losses incurred on such hedged transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a decrease in cost of sales and operating expenses of $16 million and $17 million, respectively, related to the realized gain incurred on such hedged transactions. No significant ineffective portion of the hedge was recorded on the line “Other income and expenses, net” of the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

The notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts and currency options, including collars, designated as cash flow hedge totaled $1,449 million, $1,386 million and $1,702 million at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The forecasted transactions hedged at December 31, 2015 were determined to have a high probability of occurring.

As of December 31, 2015, $24 million of deferred losses on derivative instruments included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” were expected to be reclassified as earnings during the next 12 months based

 

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on the monthly forecasted research and development expenses, corporate costs and semi-finished manufacturing costs. No amount was reclassified as “Other income and expenses, net” into the consolidated statement of income from “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the consolidated statement of equity. Foreign currency forward contracts, currency options and collars designated as cash flow hedge outstanding as of December 31, 2015 have remaining terms of 5 days to 20 months, maturing on average after 141 days.

As at December 31, 2015, the Company had the following outstanding derivative instruments that were entered into to hedge Euro-denominated and Singapore dollar-denominated forecasted transactions:

 

In millions of Euros

   Notional amount for hedge on
forecasted R&D and other
operating expenses
   Notional amount for hedge on
forecasted manufacturing costs

Forward contracts

   243    342

Currency collars

   268    401

In millions of Singapore dollars

   Notional amount for hedge on
forecasted R&D and other
operating expenses
   Notional amount for hedge on
forecasted manufacturing costs

Forward contracts

      118

Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

The Company’s interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Company to cash flow interest rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Company to fair value interest rate risk.

The Company analyses its interest rate exposure on a dynamic basis. Various scenarios are simulated taking into consideration refinancing, renewal of existing positions, alternative financing and hedging. The Company invests primarily on a short-term basis and as such the Company’s liquidity is invested in floating interest rate instruments. As a consequence the Company is exposed to interest rate risk due to potential mismatch between the return on its short term floating interest rate investments and the portion of its long term debt issued at fixed rate.

Price risk

As part of its ongoing investing activities, the Company may be exposed to equity security price risk for investments in public entities. In order to hedge the exposure to this market risk, the Company may enter into certain derivative hedging transactions.

Information on fair value of derivative instruments and their location in the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is presented in the table below:

 

    

As at December 31, 2015

    

As at December 31, 2014

 

Asset Derivatives

  

Balance sheet location

   Fair value     

Balance sheet location

   Fair value  

Derivatives designated as a hedge:

           

Foreign exchange

forward contracts

   Other current assets      3       Other current assets      —     

Currency collars

   Other non-current assets      1       Other non-current assets      —     

Currency collars

   Other current assets      1       Other current assets      —     
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as a hedge

        5            —     
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as a hedge:

           

Foreign exchange

forward contracts

   Other current assets      1       Other current assets      1   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as a hedge:

        1            1   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total Derivatives

        6            1   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

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As at December 31, 2015

   

As at December 31, 2014

 

Liability Derivatives

  

Balance sheet location

   Fair value    

Balance sheet location

   Fair value  

Derivatives designated as a hedge:

          

Foreign exchange forward contracts

   Other payables and accrued liabilities      (18   Other payables and accrued liabilities      (43

Currency collars

   Other payables and accrued liabilities      (6   Other payables and accrued liabilities      (28
     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as a hedge

        (24        (71
     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as a hedge:

          

Foreign exchange

forward contracts

   Other payables and accrued liabilities      (1   Other payables and accrued liabilities      (2
     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as a hedge:

        (1        (2
     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Derivatives

        (25        (73
     

 

 

      

 

 

 

The effect on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and on the “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (“AOCI”) as reported in the statements of equity as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedge is presented in the table below:

 

     Gain (loss) deferred in OCI on
derivative
   

Location of gain (loss)
reclassified from OCI into
earnings

   Gain (loss) reclassified from
OCI into earnings
 
     December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
   

 

   December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 

Foreign exchange forward contracts

     (14     (30   Cost of sales      (63     2   

Foreign exchange forward contracts

     (1     (5   Selling, general and administrative      (8     0   

Foreign exchange forward contracts

     (4     (10   Research and development      (29     3   

Currency options

     —          —        Cost of sales      —          (1

Currency collars

     (3     (20   Cost of sales      (42     (2

Currency collars

     —          (4   Selling, general and administrative      (6     (1

Currency collars

     (1     (7   Research and development      (22     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     (23     (76        (170     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

No significant ineffective portion of the cash flow hedge relationships was recorded in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. No amount was excluded from effectiveness measurement on foreign exchange forward contracts, currency options and collars.

The effect on the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 of derivative instruments not designated as a hedge is presented in the table below:

 

    

Location of gain recognized in

earnings

   Gain recognized in earnings  
          December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Foreign exchange forward contracts

   Other income and expenses, net      11         10   

Total

        11         10   

The Company did not enter into any derivative containing significant credit-risk-related contingent features.

The Company entered into currency collars as combinations of two options, which are reported, for accounting purposes, on a net basis. The fair value of these collars represented as at December 31, 2015 liabilities totalling

 

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$6 million (a gross amount of $1 million recognized assets offset with a liability of $7 million) and assets totalling $2 million (a gross amount of $2 million recognized liabilities offset with assets of $4 million). In addition, the Company entered into other derivative instruments, primarily forward contracts, which are governed by standard International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) agreements, which are not offset in the statement of financial position, and representing total assets of $4 million and liabilities of $19 million as at December 31, 2015.

Credit risk

The Company selects banks and/or financial institutions that operate with the group based on the criteria of long-term rating from at least two major Rating Agencies and keeping a maximum outstanding amount per instrument with each bank not to exceed 20% of the total.

The Company monitors the creditworthiness of its customers to which it grants credit terms in the normal course of business. If certain customers are independently rated, these ratings are used. Otherwise, if there is no independent rating, risk control assesses the credit quality of the customer, taking into account its financial position, past experience and other factors. Individual risk limits are set based on internal and external ratings in accordance with limits set by management. The utilization of credit limits is regularly monitored. Sales to customers are primarily settled in cash. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, no customer represented more than 10% of trade accounts receivable, net. Any remaining concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many geographic areas.

Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management includes maintaining sufficient cash equivalents and marketable securities, the availability of funding from committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. The Company’s objective is to maintain a significant cash position and a low debt-to-equity ratio, which ensure adequate financial flexibility. Liquidity management policy is to finance the Company’s investments with net cash provided from operating activities.

Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Company’s liquidity reserve on the basis of expected cash flows.

23.2 Capital risk management

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to create value for shareholders and benefits and returns for other stakeholders, as to maintain an optimal capital structure. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may review the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, or issue new shares.

Consistent with others in the industry, the Company monitors capital on the basis of the net debt-to-equity ratio. This ratio is calculated as the net financial position of the Company, defined as the difference between total cash position (cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities – current and non-current – and current restricted cash, if any) net of total financial debt (bank overdrafts, if any, short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt as well as long-term debt), divided by total parent company stockholders’ equity.

23.3 Fair value measurement

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company is the bid price. If the market for a financial asset is not active and if no observable market price is obtainable, the Company measures fair value by using significant assumptions and estimates. When measuring fair value, the Company makes maximum use of market inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs.

 

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The table below details financial assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2015:

 

           Fair Value Measurements using  
     December 31,
2015
    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Marketable securities – U.S. Treasury Bonds

     335        335         —          —     

Equity securities classified as available-for-sale

     11        11         —          —     

Equity securities classified as held-for-trading

     8        8         —          —     

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedge

     (19     —           (19     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     335        354         (19     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table below details financial assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2014:

 

           Fair Value Measurements using  
     December 31,
2014
    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Marketable securities – U.S. Treasury Bonds

     334        334         —          —     

Equity securities classified as available-for-sale

     11        11         —          —     

Equity securities classified as held-for-trading

     8        8         —          —     

Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedge

     (71     —           (71     —     

Derivative instruments not designated as a hedge

     (1     —           (1     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     281        353         (72     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

No asset was measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The liability component of the convertible bonds issued on July 3, 2014 was measured at initial recognition at fair value based on a discount rate adjustment technique (income approach), which corresponds to a Level 3 fair value hierarchy measurement. The fair value of the liability component at initial recognition totaled $878 million and was estimated by calculating the present value of cash flows using a discount rate of 2.40% and 3.22% (including 1% p.a. nominal interest), respectively, on each tranche, as the market rates for similar instruments with no conversion rights. The liability component of the convertible bonds was subsequently reported at amortized cost. The liability component will be accreted to par value over the expected life of the instrument, five years and seven years respectively for each tranche.

The assets held for sale are reported at the lower of net book value and fair value less costs to sell. For fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), fair value is estimated based on the estimated price that a market participant would pay on a sale transaction for these assets.

For assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), the reconciliation between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015 is presented as follows:

 

     Fair Value Measurements using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 

January 1, 2015

     —     

Assets held for sale

     1   
  

 

 

 

December 31, 2015

     1   
  

 

 

 

Amount of total losses for the period included in earnings attributable to assets still held at the reporting date

     —     

The measurement of goodwill and intangible assets upon impairment testing is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed using entity-specific information. The impairment on intangible assets, which were fully impaired, recorded in 2015 totalled $16 million. During the

 

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third quarter of 2015, the Company evaluated the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets, including acquired technologies. To determine fair value and measure impairment losses, if any, the Company used an income approach, which was based on cash flow projections expected to result from the use or potential sale of these assets. The discount rate used was based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the assets.

The Company evaluated for impairment the aggregate carrying amount of cost-method investments as part of the annual impairment test performed in the third quarter of 2015. No impairment charge was recorded on these investments. Following identified changes in circumstances in 2014 evidencing that there may have been a significant adverse effect on the fair value of certain cost-method investments, $3 million of the aggregate carrying amount of these investments was evaluated for impairment in 2014, which generated an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $3 million, reported on the line “Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net” on the consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The following table includes additional fair value information on financial assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

     2015      2014  
     Level      Carrying
Amount
     Estimated
Fair
Value
     Carrying
Amount
     Estimated
Fair
Value
 

Cash equivalents (1)

     1         1,099         1,099         1,271         1,271   

Long-term debt

              

- Bank loans (including current portion)

     2         708         708         917         917   

- Senior unsecured convertible bonds (2)

     1         904         960         888         967   

 

(1)

Cash equivalents primarily correspond to deposits at call with banks.

(2)

The carrying amount of the senior unsecured convertible bonds as reported above corresponds to the liability component only, since, at initial recognition, an amount of $121 million was recorded directly in shareholders’ equity as the value of the equity instrument embedded in the issued convertible bonds.

No securities were in an unrealized loss position as at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The methodologies used to estimate fair value are as follows:

Debt securities classified as available-for-sale

The fair value of these debt securities is estimated based upon quoted market prices for identical instruments.

Foreign exchange forward contracts, currency options and collars

The fair value of these instruments is estimated based upon quoted market prices for similar instruments.

Marketable securities classified as available-for-sale

The fair values of these instruments are estimated based upon market prices for identical instruments.

Equity securities classified as available-for-sale

The fair values of these instruments are estimated based upon market prices for identical instruments.

Trading equity securities

The fair value of these instruments is estimated based upon quoted market prices for the same instruments.

Equity securities carried at cost

The non-recurring fair value measurement is based on the valuation of the underlying investments on a new round of third party financing or upon liquidation.

Long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

The fair value of bank loans is determined by estimating future cash flows on a borrowing-by-borrowing basis and discounting these future cash flows using the Company’s incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

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The senior unsecured convertible bonds have been trading on the open market segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since issuance on July 3, 2014. The fair value of these instruments is the observable price of the bonds on that market.

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, short-term borrowings, and accounts payable

The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements are reasonable estimates of fair value due to the relatively short period of time between the origination of the instruments and their expected realization.

 

  24.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with significant shareholders, their affiliates and other related parties were as follows:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Sales & other services

     7         24         118   

Research and development expenses

     —           —           121   

Other purchases

     65         24         71   

Accounts receivable

     8         22         12   

Accounts payable

     61         56         82   

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the related party transactions were primarily with significant shareholders of the Company, or their subsidiaries and companies in which management of the Company perform similar policymaking functions. These include, but are not limited to: BESI, Flextronics, MicroOLED, Soitec, Oracle, Thales and Technicolor. The related party transactions presented in the table above also include transactions between the Company and its equity-method investments as listed in Note 10.

Until the sale of its ST-Ericsson AT SA (“JVD”) shares to Ericsson on August 2, 2013, leading to the de-recognition of its equity investment in JVD, the Company purchased R&D services from JVD ($121 million in 2013).

The Company made a contribution of $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 to the ST Foundation, a non-profit organization established to deliver and coordinate independent programs in line with its mission. Certain members of the Foundation’s Board are senior members of the Company’s management.

 

  25.   SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in two business areas: Semiconductors and Subsystems.

In the Semiconductors business area, the Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products, including discrete and standard commodity components, application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), full custom devices and semi-custom devices and application-specific standard products (“ASSPs”) for analog, digital, and mixed-signal applications. In addition, the Company further participates in the manufacturing value chain of Smartcard products, which includes the production and sale of both silicon chips and Smartcards.

During 2015, the Company’s segments were organized as follows:

 

   

Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A), comprised of the following product lines:

 

   

Automotive (APG);

 

   

Industrial & Power Discrete (IPD);

 

   

Analog, MEMS and Sensors (AMS); and

 

   

Other SP&A.

 

   

Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS), comprised of the following product lines:

 

   

Digital Product Group (DPG), combining the former Digital Convergence Group (DCG) and Imaging, BI-CMOS and Silicon Photonics (IBP);

 

   

Microcontrollers, Memory & Secure MCU (MMS); and

 

   

Other EPS.

 

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In the Subsystems business area, the Company designs, develops, manufactures and markets subsystems and modules for the telecommunications, automotive and industrial markets including mobile phone accessories, battery chargers, ISDN power supplies and in-vehicle equipment for electronic toll payment. Based on its immateriality to its business as a whole, the Subsystems business area does not meet the requirements for a reportable segment as defined in the U.S. GAAP guidance. Subsystems net revenues and related costs are reported in “Others”.

The following tables present the Company’s consolidated net revenues and consolidated operating income (loss) by product segment. For the computation of the segments’ internal financial measurements, the Company uses certain internal rules of allocation for the costs not directly chargeable to the segments, including cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses and a part of research and development expenses. In compliance with the Company’s internal policies, certain cost items are not charged to the segments, including impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, phase-out and start-up costs of certain manufacturing facilities, certain one-time corporate items, strategic and special research and development programs or other corporate-sponsored initiatives, including certain corporate-level operating expenses and certain other miscellaneous charges. As of the first quarter of 2015, the Company’s internal policy regarding unallocated costs was amended to allocate unused capacity charges to the Company’s product lines. Comparative numbers have been restated accordingly. In addition, depreciation and amortization expense is part of the manufacturing costs allocated to the product segments and is neither identified as part of the inventory variation nor as part of the unused capacity charges; therefore, it cannot be isolated in the costs of goods sold. Finally, R&D grants are allocated to the Company’s product lines proportionally to the incurred R&D expenses on the sponsored projects.

Wafer costs are transferred to the product groups’ profit and loss based on actual cost. From time to time, on specific technologies, wafer costs are transferred to product groups based on market price to promote the utilization of the fabs.

Net revenues by product segment and by product line:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Automotive (APG)

     1,727         1,807         1,668   

Industrial & Power Discrete (IPD)

     1,706         1,865         1,801   

Analog, MEMS and Sensors (AMS)

     968         1,102         1,306   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A)

     4,401         4,774         4,775   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Digital Products Group (DPG)

     857         1,086         1,901   

Microcontrollers, Memory & Secure MCU (MMS)

     1,616         1,507         1,367   

Other EPS

     —           15         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS)

     2,473         2,608         3,269   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net revenues of product segments

     6,874         7,382         8,044   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others (1)

     23         22         38   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total consolidated net revenues

     6,897         7,404         8,082   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes revenues from sales of Subsystems, sales of materials and other products not allocated to product segments.

 

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Operating income (loss) by product segment:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Sense & Power and Automotive Products (SP&A)

     286         435         248   

Embedded Processing Solutions (EPS)

     (110      (144      (409
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating income (loss) of product segments

     176         291         (161
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Others (1)

     (67      (123      (304
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total consolidated operating income (loss)

     109         168         (465
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Operating loss of “Others” includes items such as impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs, phase out and start-up costs, and other unallocated expenses such as: strategic or special research and development programs, certain corporate-level operating expenses, patent claims and litigations, and other costs that are not allocated to product groups, as well as operating earnings of the Subsystems and Other Products Group

Reconciliation of operating income (loss) of segments to the total operating income (loss):

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Total operating income (loss) of product segments

     176         291         (161

Strategic and other research and development programs

     (5      (7      (15

Phase-out and start-up costs

     (5      (16      (5

Impairment, restructuring charges and other related closure costs

     (65      (90      (292

Other non-allocated provisions(1)

     8         (10      8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating loss Others

     (67      (123      (304
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total consolidated operating income (loss)

     109         168         (465
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes unallocated income and expenses such as certain corporate-level operating expenses and other costs/income that are not allocated to the product segments.

The following is a summary of operations by entities located within the indicated geographic areas for 2015, 2014 and 2013. Net revenues represent sales to third parties from the country in which each entity is located. Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, net (PP&E, net). A significant portion of property, plant and equipment expenditures is attributable to front-end and back-end facilities, located in the different countries in which the Company operates. As such, the Company mainly allocates capital spending resources according to geographic areas rather than along product segment areas.

Net revenues

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

The Netherlands

     1,667         1,905         1,860   

France

     169         200         289   

Italy

     58         61         78   

USA

     1,039         1,003         1,041   

Singapore

     3,606         3,831         3,860   

Japan

     332         368         420   

Other countries

     26         36         534   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     6,897         7,404         8,082   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Property, plant and equipment

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

The Netherlands

     383         384   

France

     584         777   

Italy

     496         555   

Other European countries

     108         117   

USA

     8         7   

Singapore

     276         302   

Malaysia

     170         180   

Other countries

     296         325   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2,321         2,647   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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STMICROELECTRONICS N.V.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

Valuation and qualifying accounts deducted

from the related asset accounts

   Balance at
beginning
of period
     Translation
adjustment
    Charged to
costs and
expenses
     Additions/
(Deductions)
    Balance
at end of
period
 
     (Currency – millions of U.S. dollars)  

2015

            

Accounts Receivable

     8         0        2         (3     7   

Deferred Tax Assets

     1,607         (28     24         (18     1,585   

2014

            

Accounts Receivable

     9         —          1         (2     8   

Deferred Tax Assets

     1,454         (30     201         (18     1,607   

2013

            

Accounts Receivable

     10         —          2         (3     9   

Deferred Tax Assets

     1,634         7        67         (254     1,454   

 

S-1