ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
Company Overview
Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, CEVA is the leading licensor of wireless connectivity and smart sensing technologies. We offer Digital Signal Processors, AI processors, wireless platforms and complementary software for sensor fusion, image enhancement, computer vision, voice input and artificial intelligence, all of which are key enabling technologies for a smarter, more connected world. We partner with semiconductor companies and OEMs worldwide to create power-efficient, intelligent and connected devices for a range of end markets, including mobile, consumer, automotive, robotics, industrial and IoT. Our ultra-low-power IPs include comprehensive platforms comprised of specialized DSPs coupled with an AI and other types of accelerators targeted for low power workloads, including 5G baseband processing, intelligent vision, voice recognition, physical layer processing and sensor fusion. We also offer high performance DSPs targeted for 5G RAN and Open RAN, Wi-Fi enterprise and residential access points, satellite communication and other multi-gigabit communications. Our portfolio also includes a wide range of application software optimized for our processors, including voice front-end processing and speech recognition, imaging and computer vision and sensor fusion. For sensor fusion, our Hillcrest Labs sensor processing technologies provide a broad range of sensor fusion software and inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) solutions for AR/VR, robotics, remote controls and IoT. For wireless IoT, we offer the industry’s most widely adopted IPs for Bluetooth (low energy and dual mode), Wi-Fi 4/5/6 (802.11n/ac/ax) and NB-IoT.
CEVA is a sustainable and environmentally conscious company, adhering to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. As such, we emphasize and focus on environmental preservation, recycling, the welfare of our employees and privacy - which we promote on a corporate level. At CEVA, we are committed to social responsibility, values of preservation and consciousness towards these purposes.
Our technologies are licensed to leading semiconductor and OEM companies throughout the world. These companies incorporate our IP into application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”) and application-specific standard products (“ASSPs”) that they manufacture, market and sell into wireless, consumer, automotive and IoT companies. Our state-of-the-art technology has shipped in more than 12 billion chips to date for a wide range of diverse end markets. One in four handsets sold worldwide is powered by CEVA.
Our revenue mix comprises primarily of IP licensing fees and related revenues, and royalties generated from the shipments of products deploying our IP. Related revenues include revenues from post contract support, training and sale of development systems and chips.
We were initially incorporated in Delaware on November 22, 1999 under the name DSP Cores, Inc. The current company was created through the combination of the DSP IP licensing division of DSP Group, Inc. and Parthus Technologies plc (“Parthus”) in November 2002.
We have 404 employees worldwide, with research and development facilities in Israel, France, the United States, Ireland and the United Kingdom, and sales and support offices throughout Asia Pacific (APAC), Sweden, France, Israel and the United States.
Industry Background
DSP Cores
Digital signal processing is a key underlying technology in many of today's fastest growing electronics markets. Digital signal processors (DSPs) are specialized high-speed processors that are optimized for performing repetitive arithmetic calculations on an array of data. DSPs provide the foundation for a vast majority of today's electronic products that are smart and connected, enabling the sensing and wireless communications capabilities (e.g. 5G baseband and RAN processing, computer vision, deep neural network, sound processing and analytics).
Edge AI Hybrid Processors
Edge AI Hybrid processors are a new breed of processors targeted at cost- and power-sensitive intelligent devices that use interchangeable workloads of traditional DSP and AI inferencing algorithms to enable intelligent vision, conversational AI, sensor fusion and contextual awareness. The DSP is used to process conventional algorithms for imaging, vision, voice, sound, radar, among others, while the AI-related workloads such as classification, pattern matching, prediction and detection are handled by a combination of DSPs and AI accelerators. These edge AI hybrid processors perform all AI inferencing on the device, with no need for cloud-based processing. These processors aim to mimic the human brain, allowing them to perform cognitive tasks for a wide range of functions, including vision, sound, real-time translation, user behavior and malware detection. Edge AI processors will make their way into billions of devices in the coming years, including mobile, consumer, medical, industrial and automotive applications.
Short Range Wireless IPs
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth low energy and dual mode are key technologies for any company looking to address the Internet-of-Things (“IoT”). Moreover, many companies wish to integrate these connectivity technologies into SoC designs rather than provide connectivity through an additional chip in the system. Yet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards are constantly evolving, and the many new end applications are looking to benefit from these enhancements, which put further pressure on time to market on SoC vendors. The advent of IoT has resulted in significant demand for connectivity IPs that addresses this burgeoning market, among which are smart True Wireless Stereo earbuds, sport trackers, smart watches, smart speakers, and many other consumer and IoT devices. By licensing rather than developing these technologies in-house, companies can now get access to the latest standards and profiles from CEVA without undertaking the expensive research and development costs required to develop these technologies internally.
Cellular IoT IPs
Cellular IoT, and specifically Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and Cat-1, are becoming key technologies for any company wishing to connect low power IoT devices over long distances, using cellular networks. By its nature, cellular is a very complex technology, with most of the industry knowledge held within a few large companies. By providing a licensable NB-IoT solution and low power DSP cores, we help companies overcome the entry barriers to the cellular IoT market without undertaking the complex and expensive R&D to develop these technologies internally.
Sensor Fusion
MEMS-based inertial and environmental sensors are used in an increasing number of devices, including smartphones, laptops, robots, TWS earbuds, smartTVs, remote controls, AR and VR headsets, drones and many other consumer and industrial devices. The software required to process the sensor data and fuse the data from multiple sensors is complex and requires unique specialization. By licensing rather than developing this sensor processing software in-house, companies can focus their efforts developing the applications that utilize the processed sensor data to create differentiated, contextually aware devices.
Design Gap
The demand for connected and smart mobile, consumer, automotive, industrial and IoT devices continues to grow. These devices require faster and low power connectivity, and a richer user experience that is aware and predictive. Semiconductor manufacturers face ever growing pressures to make smaller, feature-rich integrated circuits that are more reliable, less expensive and have greater performance. These two trends are occurring concurrently in the face of decreasing product lifecycles and constrained battery power. The advent of wireless connectivity technologies like 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 and the diverse sensor related workloads required to make a device smart, such as advanced image enhancement, computer vision, AI inferencing, voice and audio pre- and post- processing and motion sensor fusion have further increased these pressures. While semiconductor manufacturing processes have advanced significantly to allow a substantial increase in the number of circuits placed on a single chip, resources for design capabilities have not kept pace with the advances in manufacturing processes, resulting in a growing “design gap” between the increasing manufacturing potential and the constrained design capabilities.
CEVA’s Business
CEVA addresses the requirements of the mobile, consumer, automotive, robotics, industrial and IoT markets by designing and licensing a broad range of robust processors, platforms and software which streamline the design of solutions for developing a wide variety of application specific solutions that combine connectivity and smart sensing that involve primarily camera, microphone and IMU.
Given the “design gap,” as well as the increasing complexity and the unique skill set required to develop a system-on-chip, many semiconductor design and manufacturing companies increasingly choose to license proven intellectual property, such as processor cores (e.g. DSP, CPU, GPU and AI), specialized connectivity software algorithms like sensor fusion, sound, memory and physical IPs from silicon intellectual property (SIP) companies like CEVA rather than develop those technologies in-house. In addition, with more complex designs and shorter time to market, it is no longer cost efficient and becoming progressively more difficult for most semiconductor companies to develop the signal processing platform, incorporating the complex DSPs like scalar, vector, AI accelerators and related graph compiler, data connectivity modem and phy platforms. As a result, companies increasingly seek to license these IPs from CEVA or a third-party community of developers.
Our IP Business Model
Our objective is for our CEVA wireless connectivity and smart sensing platforms to become the de facto technologies across the mobile, consumer, automotive, robotics, industrial and IoT markets. To enable this goal, we license our technologies on a worldwide basis to semiconductor and OEM companies that design and manufacture products that combine CEVA-based solutions with their own differentiating technology. We believe our business model offers us some key advantages. By not focusing on manufacturing or selling silicon products, we are free to widely license our technology and free to focus most of our resources on research and development. By choosing to license our IP, manufacturers can achieve the advantage of creating their own differentiated solutions and develop their own unique product roadmaps. Through our licensing efforts, we have established a worldwide community developing CEVA-based solutions, and therefore we can leverage their strengths, customer relationships, proprietary technology advantages, and existing sales and marketing infrastructure. In addition, as our intellectual property is widely licensed and deployed, system OEM companies can obtain CEVA-based chipsets from a wide range of suppliers, thus reducing dependence on any one supplier and fostering price competition, both of which help to contain the cost of CEVA-based products.
We operate a licensing and royalty business model. We typically charge a license fee for access to our hardware technology and a royalty fee for each unit of silicon which incorporates our hardware or software technology. License fees are invoiced in accordance with agreed-upon contractual terms. Royalties are reported and invoiced quarterly and generally based on a fixed unit rate or a percentage of the sale price for the CEVA-based silicon product.
Strategy
We believe there is a growing demand for high performance and low power signal processing IPs and specialized AI platforms and software incorporating all the necessary hardware and software for target applications. Our IP portfolio is strategically aligned to allow us to exploit the most lucrative “design gaps” in the growing demand for smarter, connected devices. As CEVA offers expertise developing complete solutions in a number of key growth markets, including, 5G cellular baseband, wireless wearables, robots, automotive and IoT. For these markets, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of connectivity and smart sensing, which include various types of specialized DSPs and platforms for 5G, computer vision, sound, AI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NB-IoT solutions, sensor fusion and sound. We believe we are well positioned to take full advantage of this growing demand. To capitalize on this industry shift, we intend to:
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develop and enhance our range of DSP cores and edge AI hybrid processors with additional features, performance and capabilities;
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develop and expand our short range wireless IPs and customer base, providing the newest standards and the most complete offerings to streamline our customers’ deployments;
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continue to develop new generation of high performance DSPs and AI accelerators to pursue opportunities and grow our footprint in the 5G handset, cellular IoT base station RAN market, automotive and headsets;
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go up the ‘value chain’ by adding and charging for software for our voice our audio and IMU (Inertial Measurement Units) products
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expand our presence in AI for edge SoC market by capitalizing on our AI accelerators and CDNN graph compiler software technologies;
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continue to develop and enhance our range of complete and highly integrated platform solutions to deliver to our licensing partners a complete and verified system solution;
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continue to prudently invest in strategic technologies that enable us to strengthen our presence in existing market or enter new addressable markets;
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capitalize on our relationships and leadership within our worldwide community of semiconductor and OEM licensees who are developing CEVA-based solutions;
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capitalize on our technology leadership in the development of advanced processor technologies, connectivity IPs and sensor fusion software to create and develop new, strategic relationships with OEMs and semiconductor companies to replace their internal DSPs or incumbent DSP suppliers with CEVA-based solutions; and
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capitalize on our IP licensing and royalty business model which we believe is the best vehicle for a pervasive adoption of our technology and allows us to focus our resources on research and development of new licensable technologies and applications.
Products
We are the leading licensor of wireless connectivity and smart sensing platforms for semiconductor companies and OEMs serving the mobile, consumer, automotive, robotics, industrial and IoT markets. Our ultra-low-power IPs include comprehensive platforms comprised of application-specific DSPs and optimized AI accelerators for a holistic combination of classical DSP algorithm and data driven AI workloads in low power edge devices. We also offer comprehensive Bluetooth, WiFi and NB-IOT solutions to enable connectivity in wearables, smart home, medical and IoT devices. In addition, we offer a wide range of application software optimized for our processors, including voice front-end processing and speech recognition, imaging and computer vision and sensor fusion. For sensor fusion, our Hillcrest Labs sensor processing technologies provide a broad range of sensor fusion software and IMU solutions for AR/VR, robotics, remote controls, and IoT. Our categories of products include the following:
1)
Wireless communications
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CEVA-XC vector DSPs for 5G handsets, gNodeB, 5G AAU and RRU systems, V2X, enterprise and residence Wi-Fi access points
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PentaG - 5G NR modem platform for UE and for non-handset 5G vertical markets like Fixed-Wireless-Access, Industry 4.0, robotics, AR/VR devices that requires ultra-low-latency systems
2)
AI and computer vision
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SensPro2 imaging and computer vision platforms, including DSP processors and a comprehensive software portfolio
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NeuPro platforms for AI applications, including DSP and integrated accelerators
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CDNN: deep neural network graph compiler that enables AI developers to automatically compile, optimize and run pre-trained networks onto embedded devices
3)
Sound
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CEVA-BX1, CEVA-BX2 and SenSpro2 DSPs, AI accelerators, algorithms and software for sound-enabled application, including Whispro speech recognition and ClearVox, a complete voice front-end software package for near and far-field voice-enabled devices
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Deep neural network compiler and tools
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Sensor Fusion
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MotionEngine, Sensor processing software, combining high accuracy 6-axis and 9-axis sensor fusion, dynamic sensor calibration, and many application specific features such as cursor control, gesture recognition, activity tracking, context awareness, and AR/VR stabilization
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Sensor Hub DSPs, that serve as a hub for AI and DSP processing workloads associated with a wide range of sensors including camera, Radar, LiDAR, Time-of-Flight, microphones and inertial measurement units (IMUs)
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Multipurpose DSP/controller
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CEVA-BX high level programmable, modern processors for a broad range of signal processing and control workloads
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Wireless IoT
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RivieraWaves’ Bluetooth 5 (up to 5.2) dual mode and low energy platforms
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RivieraWaves’ Wi-Fi (4/5/6 up to 4x4) platforms
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Dragonfly NB2 - complete end-to-end offering for narrowband IoT (NB-IoT)
We deliver our DSP cores, platforms and AI processors in the form of a hardware description language definition (known as a soft core or a synthesizable core). All CEVA cores can be manufactured on any process using any physical library, and all are accompanied by a complete set of tools and an integrated development environment. An extensive third-party network supports CEVA DSP cores, platforms and AI processors with a wide range of complementing software and platforms. In addition, we provide development platforms, software development kits and software debug tools, which facilitate system design, debug and software development.
In order to reduce the cost, complexity, and risk in bringing products to market, CEVA has developed a suite of system platforms and solutions. These platforms and solutions combine the hardware and software elements that are essential for designers deploying CEVA’s state-of-the-art DSP cores, platforms and AI processors. Platforms typically integrate a CEVA DSP core, hardware accelerators and coprocessors, optimized software, libraries and tool chain. Our family of DSP-based platforms are targeted for baseband processing within cellular handsets, cellular IoT devices and base stations RAN, wired communications, advanced imaging, computer vision and deep neural networks, and audio, voice and sensing and Internet-of-Things related applications.
Customers
We have licensed our signal processing cores, platforms, AI processors and connectivity IPs to leading semiconductor and OEM companies throughout the world. These companies incorporate our IP into application-specific chipsets or custom-designed chipsets that they manufacture, market and sell to consumer electronics companies. We also license our technologies to OEMs directly. Included among our licensees are the following customers: Actions, Artosyn, ASR Micro, Atmosic, Autotalks, Beken, Bestechnic, Broadcom, Celeno, Ceragon, Cirrus Logic, Dialog Semiconductor, DSP Group, Espressif, FujiFilm, GCT Semi, iCatch, InPlay, Intel, iRobot, Itron, Leadcore, LG Electronics, Mediatek, Microchip, MorningCore, Nextchip, Nokia, Novatek, Nurlink, NXP, ON Semiconductor, Optek, Oticon, Panasonic, RDA, Renesas, Rockchip, Rohm, Samsung, Sanechips, Sharp, SiFive, Siflower, SigmaStar, Socionext, Sony, Sonova, STMicroelectronics, Toshiba, Unisoc, Vatics, Yamaha and ZTE.
International Sales and Operations
Customers based in EME (Europe and Middle East) and APAC (Asia Pacific) accounted for 79% of our total revenues for 2020, 81% of our total revenues for 2019 and 89% for 2018. Information on the geographic breakdown of our revenues and location of our long-lived assets is contained in Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements, which appear elsewhere in this annual report.
Sales and Marketing
We license our technology through a direct sales force. As of December 31, 2020, we had 35 employees in sales and marketing. We have sales offices and representation in Asia Pacific (APAC) region, Sweden, Israel, France and the United States.
Maintaining close relationships with our customers and strengthening these relationships are central to our strategy. From time to time we develop a new signal processors, platforms, software solutions or connectivity products with close alignment with a number of tier-one industry players which signifies to the market that we are focused on viable applications that meet broad industry needs or try to get similar inputs and insight for our new developments from our marketing team. Generally, these industry leaders become licensees for these products allows us to create a roadmap for the future development of existing cores and application platforms and connectivity products, and helps us to anticipate the next potential applications for the market. We seek to use our customer relationships to deliver new products in a faster time to market.
We use a variety of marketing initiatives to stimulate demand and brand awareness in our target markets. These marketing efforts include contacts with industry analysts, presenting at key industry trade shows and conferences, and a comprehensive digital marketing program aimed at developing and nurturing relationships with potential customers. Our marketing group runs competitive benchmark analyses to help us maintain our competitive position.
Technical Support
We offer technical support services through our offices in Israel, Ireland, Asia Pacific (APAC) region, Sweden, France and the United States. As of December 31, 2020, we had 31 employees in technical support. Our technical support services include:
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assistance with implementation, responding to customer-specific inquiries, training and, when and if they become available, distributing updates and upgrades of our products;
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application support, consisting of providing general hardware and software design examples, ready-to-use software modules and guidelines to our licensees to assist them in using our technology; and
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design services, consisting of creating customer-specific implementations of our signal processing IPs and application platforms.
We believe that our technical support services are a means to assist our licensees to embed our cores and platforms in their designs and products. Our technology is highly complex, combining sophisticated signal processing IP core architectures, integrated circuit designs and development tools. Effective customer support in helping our customers to implement our solutions enables them to shorten the time to market for their applications. Our support organization is made up of experienced engineers and professional support personnel. We conduct technical training for our licensees and their customers, and meet with them from time to time to track the implementation of our technology.
Research and Development
Our research and development team is focused on improving and enhancing our existing products, as well as developing new products to broaden our offerings and market opportunities. These efforts are largely driven by current and anticipated customer and market needs.
Our research and development team, consisting of 304 engineers as of December 31, 2020, work in eight development centers located in Israel, France, the United States, Ireland and the United Kingdom. This team consists of engineers who possess significant experience in developing DSP cores and tools for 5G, computer vision, AI, connectivity products (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), NB-IoT, and sensor processing and sensor fusion software. In addition, we engage third party contractors with specialized skills as required to support our research and development efforts.
We encourage our research and development personnel to maintain active roles in various international organizations that develop and maintain standards in the electronics and related industries. This involvement allows us to influence the development of new standards; keeps us informed as to important new developments regarding standards; and allows us to demonstrate our expertise to existing and potential customers who also participate in these standards-setting bodies.
Competition
The markets in which we operate are intensely competitive. They are subject to rapid change and are significantly affected by new product introductions. We compete with other suppliers of licensed signal processing IPs. We believe that the principal competitive elements in our field are signal processing IP performance, overall chip cost, power consumption, flexibility, reliability, communication and multimedia software and algorithms availability, design cycle time, tool chain, customer support, financial strength, name recognition and reputation. We believe that we compete effectively in each of these areas, but can offer no assurance that we will have the financial resources, technical expertise, and marketing or support capabilities to compete successfully in the future.
The markets in which we compete are dominated by large, highly competent semiconductor companies that have significant brand recognition, a large installed base and a large network of support and field application engineers. We face direct and indirect competition from:
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IP vendors that offer programmable or configurable DSP cores;
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IP vendors that offer vision processing units for computer vision applications;
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IP vendors that offer neural network processing units for AI applications;
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IP vendors that offer voice software packages, including beamforming, direction of arrival and echo cancellation;
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IP vendors that offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity IPs;
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IP vendors that offer hardware-based DSP implementation as opposed to software-based DSP, which is our specialization;
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internal design groups of large chip companies or OEMs that develop proprietary signal processing IP cores or engines for their own application-specific chipsets; and
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internal design groups of large chip companies or OEMs that develop proprietary sensor processing and sensor fusion software for sale as part of a chip or for their own application-specific chipsets.
We face direct competition in the DSP and configurable core space mainly from Verisilicon, Cadence and Synopsys, which licenses DSP cores in addition to their respective semiconductor and EDA businesses. In AI processors, we face direct competition from EDA players in addition to a host of companies offering AI cores and accelerators such as ARM, (acquired by SoftBank), AImotive, Digital Media Professionals, (DMP), Imagination Technologies (acquired by Canyon Bridge). In the short-range wireless space, we face direct competition from Mindtree.
In recent years, we also have faced competition from companies that offer Central Processor Unit (CPU) intellectual property. These companies’ products are used for host functions in various applications, such as in mobile and home entertainment products. These applications typically also incorporate a programmable DSP or neural network accelerator that is responsible for communication and video/audio/voice-related tasks, neural network or in some cases connectivity capabilities. CPU companies, such as ARM, Cadence, and Synopsys have added DSP acceleration, CNN acceleration and /or connectivity solutions and make use of it to provide platform solutions in the areas of baseband, video, imaging, vision, AI, audio and connectivity.
With respect to certain large potential customers, we also compete with internal engineering teams, which may design programmable signal processing IP core products in-house. Companies such as Mediatek, Qualcomm, Samsung, Huawei and STMicroelectronics license our designs for some applications and use their own proprietary cores for other applications. These companies also may choose to license their proprietary signal processing IP cores to third parties and, as a result, become direct competitors.
Aside from the in-house research and development groups, we do not compete with any individual company across the range of our market offerings. Within particular market segments, however, we do face competition to a greater or lesser extent from other industry participants. For example, in the following specific areas we compete with the companies indicated:
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in the digital embedded imaging and vision market -Arm Limited, Synopsys, Cadence and Videantis, as well as GPU IP providers such as Arm Limited, Imagination Technologies and Verisilicon; and
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in audio and voice applications market - Arm Limited, Cadence, Synopsys and Verisilicon.
Proprietary Rights
Our success and ability to compete are dependent on our ability to develop and maintain the proprietary aspects of our intellectual property and to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of others. We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright laws and contractual restrictions to protect the proprietary aspects of our technology. These legal protections afford only limited protection of our technology. We also seek to limit disclosure of our intellectual property and trade secrets by requiring employees and consultants with access to our proprietary information to execute confidentiality agreements with us and by restricting access to our source code and other intellectual property. Due to rapid technological change, we believe that factors such as the technological and creative skills of our personnel, new product developments and enhancements to existing products are more important than specific legal protections of our technology in establishing and maintaining a technology leadership position.
We have an active program to protect our proprietary technology through the filing of patents. Our patents relate to our signal processing IP cores and application-specific platform technologies. As of December 31, 2020, we hold 59 patents in the United States, five patents in Canada, 88 patents in the EME (Europe and Middle East) region and 10 patents in Asia Pacific (APAC) region, totaling 162 patents, with expiration dates between 2021 and 2038. In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we have two patent applications pending in the United States, two pending patent applications in Canada, six pending patent applications in the EME region and five pending patent applications in the APAC region, totaling 15 pending patent applications.
We actively pursue foreign patent protection in countries where we feel it is prudent to do so. Our policy is to apply for patents or for other appropriate statutory protection when we develop valuable new or improved technology. The status of patents involves complex legal and factual questions, and the breadth of claims allowed is uncertain. Accordingly, there are no assurances that any patent application filed by us will result in a patent being issued, or that our issued patents, and any patents that may be issued in the future, will afford us adequate protection against competitors with similar technology; nor can we be assured that patents issued to us will not be infringed or that others will not design around our technology. In addition, the laws of certain countries in which our products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold may not protect our products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. We can provide no assurance that our pending patent applications or any future applications will be approved or will not be challenged by third parties, that any issued patents will effectively protect our technology, or that patents held by third parties will not have an adverse effect on our ability to do business.
The semiconductor industry is characterized by frequent litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. Questions of infringement in the semiconductor field involve highly technical and subjective analyses. In addition, patent infringement claims are increasingly being asserted by patent holding companies (so-called patent “trolls”), which do not use technology and whose sole business is to enforce patents against companies, such as us, for monetary gain. Because such patent holding companies do not provide services or use technology, the assertion of our own patents by way of counter-claim may be ineffective. Litigation may in the future be necessary to enforce our patents and other intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, or to defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. We cannot assure you that we would be able to prevail in any such litigation, or be able to devote the financial resources required to bring such litigation to a successful conclusion.
In any potential dispute involving our patents or other intellectual property, our licensees also could become the targets of litigation. We are generally bound to indemnify licensees under the terms of our license agreements. Although our indemnification obligations are generally subject to a maximum amount, these obligations could nevertheless result in substantial expenses. In addition to the time and expense required for us to indemnify our licensees, a licensee’s development, marketing and sale of products embodying our solutions could be severely disrupted or shut down as a result of litigation.
We also rely on trademark, copyright and trade secret laws to protect our intellectual property. We have registered trademark in the United States for our name CEVA and the related CEVA logo, and currently market our signal processing cores and other technology offerings under this trademark.
Human Capital Resources
The table below presents the number of employees of CEVA as of December 31, 2020 by function and geographic location.
Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreements, and we have never experienced a work stoppage. We believe our employee relations are good.
A number of our employees are located in Israel. Certain provisions of Israeli law and the collective bargaining agreements between the Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) and the Coordination Bureau of Economic Organizations (the Israeli federation of employers’ organizations) apply to our Israeli employees.
In 2004, we finalized and adopted a new Code of Business Conduct and Ethics regarding the standards of conduct of our directors, officers and employees. The code is reviewed and updated periodically by our Board or Directors and is available on our website at www.ceva-dsp.com. In 2020, we completed and published on our website our Sustainability Policy. We strive to be a responsible and respected global corporate citizen and a more sustainable company in the countries where we have operations and employees. Our policy addresses the topics of (1) data privacy and security; (2) our environmental policy; (3) resource conservation and recycling; and (4) our employees.
Available Information
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to reports pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available, free of charge, on our website at www.ceva-dsp.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
We caution you that the following important factors, among others, could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases, communications with investors and oral statements. Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this annual report, and in any other public statements we make, may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in the discussion below will be important in determining future results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The COVID-19 pandemic, or other outbreak of disease or similar public health threat, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in government authorities implementing numerous measures to try to contain the virus, and these measures have impacted and may further impact our workforce and operations, the operations of our customers, and those of our respective vendors and suppliers. Furthermore, the outbreak has significantly increased economic and demand uncertainty and negatively impacted consumer confidence. Any shortfall in consumer spending or demand for consumer electronic products, such as due to social distancing and other restrictions, may negatively affect our business and results of operations.
The spread of COVID-19 also has caused us to modify our business practices, and we may take further actions as may be required by government authorities or that we determine are in the best interests of our employees, customers, and communities. Such actions may result in further disruptions to our supply chain, operations and facilities, and workforce. We cannot assure you that such measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks posed by COVID-19, and our ability to perform critical functions could be harmed.
We cannot at this time quantify or forecast the full business impact of COVID-19. The degree to which COVID-19 impacts our business, financial condition, and results of operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, and as a result we could experience a loss of sales, lower prices and lower revenues.
The markets for the products in which our technology is incorporated are highly competitive. Aggressive competition could result in substantial declines in the prices that we are able to charge for our intellectual property or lose design wins to competitors. Many of our competitors are striving to increase their share of the growing signal processing IP markets and are reducing their licensing and royalty fees to attract customers. The following industry players and factors may have a significant impact on our competitiveness:
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we compete directly in the signal processing cores space with Verisilicon, Cadence and Synopsys;
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we compete with CPU IP or configurable CPU IP (offering DSP configured CPU and/or DSP acceleration and/or connectivity capabilities to their IP) providers, such as ARM (in the process of being acquired by NVidia), Synopsys and Cadence and the RISC-V open source;
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we compete with internal engineering teams at companies such as Mediatek, Qualcomm, Samsung, Huawei and NXP that may design programmable DSP core products and signal processing cores in-house and therefore not license our technologies;
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we compete in the short range wireless markets with Mindtree, Synopsys and internal engineering teams at companies such as Cypress (now part of Infineon), Silicon Labs, NXP;
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we compete in embedded imaging and vision market with Cadence, Synopsys, Videantis, Verislicon, ARM and Verisilicon;
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we compete in AI processor marketing with AI processor and accelerator providers, including AImotive, Arm Limited, Cadence, Synopsys, Cambricon, Digital Media Professionals (DMP), Imagination Technologies, Nvidia open source NVDLA and Verisilicon; and
● we compete in the audio and voice applications market with Arm Limited, Cadence, Synopsys and Verisilicon.
In addition, we may face increased competition from smaller, niche semiconductor design companies in the future. Some of our customers also may decide to satisfy their needs through in-house design. We compete on the basis of signal processing IP performance, overall chip cost, power consumption, flexibility, reliability, communication and multimedia software availability, design cycle time, tool chain, customer support, name recognition, reputation and financial strength. Our inability to compete effectively on these bases could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our quarterly operating results fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors, including our lengthy sales cycle, and may not be a meaningful indicator of future performance.
In some quarters our operating results could be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could cause our stock price to fall. Factors that may affect our quarterly results of operations in the future include, among other things:
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the gain or loss of significant licensees, partly due to our dependence on a limited number of customers generating a significant amount of quarterly revenues;
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any delay in execution of any anticipated licensing arrangement during a particular quarter;
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delays in revenue recognition for some license agreements based on percentage of completion of customized work or other accounting reasons;
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the timing and volume of orders and production by our customers, as well as fluctuations in royalty revenues resulting from fluctuations in unit shipments by our licensees;
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royalty pricing pressures and reduction in royalty rates due to an increase in volume shipments by customers, end-product price erosion and competitive pressures;
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earnings or other financial announcements by our major customers that include shipment data or other information that implicates expectations for our future royalty revenues;
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the mix of revenues among licensing and related revenues, and royalty revenues;
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the timing of the introduction of new or enhanced technologies by us and our competitors, as well as the market acceptance of such technologies;
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the discontinuation, or public announcement thereof, of product lines or market sectors that incorporate our technology by our significant customers;
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our lengthy sales cycle and specifically in the third quarter of any fiscal year during which summer vacations slow down decision-making processes of our customers in executing contracts;
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delays in the commercialization of end products that incorporate our technology;
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currency fluctuations, mainly the EURO and the NIS versus the U.S. dollar;
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fluctuations in operating expenses and gross margins associated with the introduction of, and research and development investments in, new or enhanced technologies and adjustments to operating expenses resulting from restructurings;
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the approvals, amounts and timing of Israeli research and development government grants from the Israeli Innovation Authority of the Ministry of Economy and Industry in Israel (the “IIA”), EU grants and French research tax credits;
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the impact of new accounting pronouncements, including the new revenue recognition rules;
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the timing of our payment of royalties to the IIA, which is impacted by the timing and magnitude of license agreements and royalty revenues derived from technologies that were funded by grant programs of the IIA;
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statutory changes associated with research tax benefits applicable to French technology companies;
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our ability to scale our operations in response to changes in demand for our technologies;
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entry into new end markets that utilize our signal processing IPs, software and platforms;
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changes in our pricing policies and those of our competitors;
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restructuring, asset and goodwill impairment and related charges, as well as other accounting changes or adjustments;
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general political conditions, including global trade wars resulting from tariffs and business restrictions and bans imposed by government entities, like the well publicized 2018 ban associated with ZTE, as well as other regulatory actions and changes that may adversely affect the business environment;
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general economic conditions, including the current economic conditions, and its effect on the semiconductor industry and sales of consumer products into which our technologies are incorporated;
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delays in final product delivery due to unexpected issues introduced by our service or EDA tool providers;
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delays in ratification of standards for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or NB-IoT that can affect the introduction of new products;
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constraints on chip manufacturing capacity due to high demand or shutdowns of FABs and other manufacturing facilities; and
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reductions in demand for consumer and digital devices due to lockdowns or overall financial difficulties resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Each of the above factors is difficult to forecast and could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, we license our technology to OEMs and semiconductor companies for incorporation into their end products for consumer markets, including handsets and consumer electronics products. The royalties we generate are reported by our customers.
Our royalty revenues are affected by seasonal buying patterns of consumer products sold by OEMs, partially by our direct customers and partially by semiconductor customers that incorporate our technology into their end products and the market acceptance of such end products. The first quarter in any given year is usually a sequentially down quarter for us in relation to royalty revenues as this period represents lower post-Christmas fourth quarter consumer product shipments. However, the magnitude of this first quarter decrease varies annually and has been impacted by global economic conditions, market share changes, exiting or refocusing of market sectors by our customers and the timing of introduction of new and existing handset devices powered by CEVA technology sold in any given quarter compared to the prior quarter. Furthermore, in 2020 the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic created demand for digital connectivity and consumer devices, in parallel to economic slowdowns in different countries and at different times due to shelter-in-place orders and other government restrictions. Such events may continue into 2021 and distort more traditional seasonality trends.
Moreover, the semiconductor and consumer electronics industries remain volatile, which makes it extremely difficult for our customers and us to accurately forecast financial results and plan for future business activities. As a result, our past operating results should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
We rely significantly on revenues derived from a limited number of customers who contribute to our royalty and license revenues.
We derive a significant amount of revenues from a limited number of customers. Sales to Spreadtrum, accounted for 14%, 15% and 15% of our total revenues for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Sales to Intel represented 15%, 19% and 19% of our total revenues for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. With respect to our royalty revenues, four royalty paying customers each represented 10% or more of our total royalty revenues for 2020, and collectively represented 72% of our total royalty revenues for 2020. Three royalty paying customers each represented 10% or more of our total royalty revenues for 2019, and collectively represented 73% of our total royalty revenues for 2019, and three royalty paying customers each represented 10% or more of our total royalty revenues for 2018, and collectively represented 76% of our total royalty revenues for 2018. We expect that a significant portion of our future revenues will continue to be generated by a limited number of customers. The loss of any significant royalty paying customer could adversely affect our near-term future operating results. Furthermore, consolidation among our customers may negatively affect our revenue source, increase our existing customers’ negotiation leverage and make us further dependent on a limited number of customers. Moreover, the discontinuation of product lines or market sectors that incorporate our technology by our significant customers or a change in direction of their business and our inability to adapt our technology to their new business needs could have material negative implications for our future royalty revenues.
Our business is dependent on licensing revenues, which may vary period to period.
License agreements for our signal processing IP cores and platforms have not historically provided for substantial ongoing license payments so past licensing revenues may not be indicative of the amount of such revenues in any future period. We believe that there is a similar risk with RivieraWaves’ operations associated with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity technologies. Significant portions of our anticipated future revenues, therefore, will likely depend upon our success in attracting new customers or expanding our relationships with existing customers. However, revenues recognized from licensing arrangements vary significantly from period to period, depending on the number and size of deals closed during a quarter, and is difficult to predict. In addition, as we expand our business into the non-handset baseband markets, our licensing deals may be smaller but greater in volume which may further fluctuate our licensing revenues quarter to quarter. Our ability to succeed in our licensing efforts will depend on a variety of factors, including the performance, quality, breadth and depth of our current and future products as well as our sales and marketing skills. In addition, some of our licensees may in the future decide to satisfy their needs through in-house design and production. Our failure to obtain future licensing customers would impede our future revenue growth and could materially harm our business.
Royalty rates could decrease for existing and future license agreements, which could materially adversely affect our operating results.
Royalty payments to us under existing and future license agreements could be lower than currently anticipated for a variety of reasons. Average selling prices for semiconductor products generally decrease over time during the lifespan of a product. In addition, there is increasing downward pricing pressures in the semiconductor industry on end products incorporating our technology, especially end products for the handsets and consumer electronics markets. As a result, notwithstanding the existence of a license agreement, our customers may demand that royalty rates for our products be lower than our historic royalty rates. We have in the past and may be pressured in the future to renegotiate existing license agreements with our customers. In addition, certain of our license agreements provide that royalty rates may decrease in connection with the sale of larger quantities of products incorporating our technology. Furthermore, our competitors may lower the royalty rates for their comparable products to win market share which may force us to lower our royalty rates as well. As a consequence of the above referenced factors, as well as unforeseen factors in the future, the royalty rates we receive for use of our technology could decrease, thereby decreasing future anticipated revenues and cash flow. Royalty revenues were approximately 48%, 45% and 48% of our total revenues for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Therefore, a significant decrease in our royalty revenues could materially adversely affect our operating results.
Moreover, royalty rates may be negatively affected by macroeconomic trends (including the recent COVID-19 pandemic and its global impact) or changes in products mix. Furthermore, consolidation among our customers may increase the leverage of our existing customers to extract concessions from us in royalty rates. Moreover, changes in products mix such as an increase in lower royalty bearing products shipped in high volume like low-cost feature phones and Bluetooth-based products in lieu of higher royalty bearing products like LTE phones could lower our royalty revenues.
We generate a significant amount of our total revenues, especially royalty revenues, from the handset baseband market (for mobile handsets and for other modem connected devices) and our business and operating results may be materially adversely affected if we do not continue to succeed in these highly competitive markets.
A significant portion of our revenues in general, and in particular our royalty revenues, are derived from baseband for handsets. Any adverse change in our ability to compete and maintain our competitive position in the handset baseband market, including through the introduction by competitors of enhanced technologies that attract customers that target those markets, would harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, the handset baseband market is extremely competitive and is facing intense pricing pressures, and we expect that competition and pricing pressures will only increase. Furthermore, it can be very volatile with regards to volume shipments of different phones, standards and connected devices due to inventory build out or consumer demand changes or geographical macroeconomics, pricing changes, product discontinuations due to technical issues and timing of introduction of new phones and products. Our existing OEM or semiconductor customers also may fail to introduce new handset devices that attract consumers, lose a significant design opportunity for a new product introduction or encounter significant delays in developing, manufacturing or shipping new or enhanced products in those markets or find alternative technological solutions and suppliers. The inability of our customers to compete would result in lower shipments of products powered by our technologies which in turn would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As an example, Intel, one of our customers, did not have its products selected for inclusion in Apple’s new 5G smartphone series, and thereafter announced the sale of its 5G smartphone modem business to Apple. A customer’s loss of a design opportunity may have an adverse effect on our royalty revenues from such customer, which in turn will also have an adverse effect on our overall results of operations and market share. Our royalty revenues will be negatively impacted if we fail to offset any loss of royalty revenues from, for example, our customers’ products being incorporated Apple’s new 5G smartphone series with royalty revenues from other emerging products incorporating our technologies. Since a significant portion of our revenues is derived from the handset baseband market, adverse conditions in this market would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In order to sustain the future growth of our business, we must penetrate new markets and our new products must achieve widespread market acceptance but such additional revenue opportunities may not be implemented and may not be achieved.
In order to expand our business and increase our revenues, we must penetrate new markets and introduce new products, including additional non-baseband related products. We have invested significant resources in pursuing potential opportunities for revenue growth and diversify our revenue streams. Our continued success will depend significantly on our ability to accurately anticipate changes in industry standards and to continue to appropriately fund development efforts to enhance our existing products or introduce new products in a timely manner to keep pace with technological developments. However, there are no assurances that we will develop products relevant for the marketplace or gain significant market share in those competitive markets. Moreover, if any of our competitors implement new technologies before us, those competitors may be able to provide products that are more effective or at lower prices, which could adversely impact our sales and impact our market share. Our inability to penetrate new markets and increase our market share in those markets or lack of customer acceptance of our new products may harm our business and potential growth.
Because our IP solutions are components of end products, if semiconductor companies and electronic equipment manufacturers do not incorporate our solutions into their end products or if the end products of our customers do not achieve market acceptance, we may not be able to generate adequate sales of our products.
We do not sell our IP solutions directly to end-users; we license our technology primarily to semiconductor companies and electronic equipment manufacturers, who then incorporate our technology into the products they sell. As a result, we rely on our customers to incorporate our technology into their end products at the design stage. Once a company incorporates a competitor’s technology into its end product, it becomes significantly more difficult for us to sell our technology to that company because changing suppliers involves significant cost, time, effort and risk for the company. As a result, we may incur significant expenditures on the development of a new technology without any assurance that our existing or potential customers will select our technology for incorporation into their own product and without this “design win,” it becomes significantly difficult to sell our IP solutions. Moreover, even after a customer agrees to incorporate our technology into its end products, the design cycle is long and may be delayed due to factors beyond our control, which may result in the end product incorporating our technology not reaching the market until long after the initial “design win” with such customer. From initial product design-in to volume production, many factors could impact the timing and/or amount of sales actually realized from the design-in. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the competitive position of our technology, our customers’ financial stability, and our customers' ability to ship products according to our customers’ schedule. Moreover, current economic conditions may further prolong a customer’s decision-making process and design cycle.
Further, because we do not control the business practices of our customers, we do not influence the degree to which they promote our technology or set the prices at which they sell products incorporating our technology. We cannot assure you that our customers will devote satisfactory efforts to promote their end products which incorporate our IP solutions.
In addition, our royalties from licenses and therefore the growth of our business, are dependent upon the success of our customers in introducing products incorporating our technology and the success of those products in the marketplace. The primary customers for our products are semiconductor design and manufacturing companies, system OEMs and electronic equipment manufacturers, particularly in the telecommunications field. All of the industries we license into are highly competitive, cyclical and have been subject to significant economic downturns at various times. These downturns are characterized by production overcapacity and reduced revenues, which at times may encourage semiconductor companies or electronic product manufacturers to reduce their expenditure on our technology. If we do not retain our current customers and continue to attract new customers, our business may be harmed.
We depend on market acceptance of third-party semiconductor intellectual property.
The semiconductor intellectual property (SIP) industry is a relatively small and emerging industry. Our future growth will depend on the level of market acceptance of our third-party licensable intellectual property model, the variety of intellectual property offerings available on the market, and a shift in customer preference away from in-house development of proprietary signal processing IP towards licensing open signal processing IP cores and platforms. Furthermore, the third-party licensable intellectual property model is highly dependent on the market adoption of new services and products, such as low cost smartphones in emerging markets, LTE-based smartphones, mobile broadband, small cell base stations and the increased use of advanced audio, voice, computational photography and embedded vision in mobile, automotive and consumer products, as well as in IoT and connectivity applications in general in which we participate. Such market adoption is important because the increased cost associated with ownership and maintenance of the more complex architectures needed for the advanced services and products may motivate companies to license third-party intellectual property rather than design them in-house.
The trends that would enable our growth are largely beyond our control. Semiconductor customers also may choose to adopt a multi-chip, off-the-shelf chip solution versus licensing or using highly-integrated chipsets that embed our technologies. If the above referenced market shifts do not materialize or third-party SIP does not achieve market acceptance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially harmed.
Because we have significant international operations, we may be subject to political, economic and other conditions relating to our international operations that could increase our operating expenses and disrupt our revenues and business.
Approximately 79% of our total revenues for 2020, 81% for 2019 and 89% for 2018 were derived from customers located outside of the United States. We expect that international customers will continue to account for a significant portion of our revenues for the foreseeable future. As a result, the occurrence of any negative international political, economic or geographic events could result in significant revenue shortfalls. These shortfalls could cause our business, financial condition and results of operations to be harmed. Some of the risks of doing business internationally include:
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unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;
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fluctuations in the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar;
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imposition of tariffs and other barriers and restrictions, including trade tensions such as U.S.-China trade tensions;
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potential negative international community’s reaction to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act;
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burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws, treaties and technical standards;
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uncertainty of laws and enforcement in certain countries relating to the protection of intellectual property;
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multiple and possibly overlapping tax structures and potentially adverse tax consequences;
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political and economic instability, including terrorist attacks and protectionist polices; and
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changes in diplomatic and trade relationships.
Revenues from customers located in the Asia Pacific region account for a substantial portion of our total revenues. We expect that revenue from international sales generally, and sales to the Asia Pacific region specifically, will continue to be a material part of our total revenues. Therefore, any financial crisis, trade negotiations or disputes or other major event causing business disruption in international jurisdictions generally, and in specific countries in the Asia Pacific region in particular, could negatively affect our future revenues and results of operations. For example, in 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security’s initial ban on exports of U.S. products to Chinese telecommunications OEM ZTE disrupted ZTE’s operations, which caused delays with our engagements with ZTE and negatively impacted our royalty revenues. Actions of any nature with respect to such customers may reduce our revenues from them and adversely affect our business and financial results.
New tariffs and other trade measures could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
General trade tensions between the U.S. and China have been escalating since 2018, and are not fully resolved yet. Trade tensions between the U.S. and China have resulted in significant tariff increases, sanctions against specified entities, and the broadening of restrictions and license requirements for specified uses of products. The ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty between the U.S. and China, and the unknown impact of current and future U.S. and Chinese trade regulations, may cause disruptions in the semiconductor industry and its supply chain, decreased demand from customers for the ultimate products using our IP solutions, or other disruptions which may, directly or indirectly, materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. While tariffs and other retaliatory trade measures imposed by other countries on U.S. goods have not yet had a significant impact on our business or results of operations, we cannot predict further developments, and such existing or future tariffs could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Furthermore, further changes in U.S. trade policy could trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries, which could impose restrictions on our ability to do business in or with affected countries or prohibit, reduce or discourage purchases of our products by foreign customers and higher prices for our products in foreign markets. For example, there are risks that the Chinese government may, among other things, require the use of local suppliers, compel companies that do business in China to partner with local companies to conduct business and provide incentives to government-backed local customers to buy from local suppliers. Changes in, and responses to, U.S. trade policy could reduce the competitiveness of our products and cause our sales and revenues to drop, which could materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations.
We depend on a limited number of key personnel who would be difficult to replace.
Our success depends to a significant extent upon certain of our key employees and senior management, the loss of which could materially harm our business. Competition for skilled employees in our field is intense. We cannot assure you that in the future we will be successful in attracting and retaining the required personnel.
The sales cycle for our IP solutions is lengthy, which makes forecasting of our customer orders and revenues difficult.
The sales cycle for our IP solutions is lengthy, often lasting three to nine months. Our customers generally conduct significant technical evaluations, including customer trials, of our technology as well as competing technologies prior to making a purchasing decision. In addition, purchasing decisions also may be delayed because of a customer’s internal budget approval process. Furthermore, given the current market conditions, we have less ability to predict the timing of our customers’ purchasing cycle and potential unexpected delays in such a cycle. Because of the lengthy sales cycle and potential delays, our dependence on a limited number of customers to generate a significant amount of revenues for a particular period and the size of customer orders, if orders forecasted for a specific customer for a particular period do not occur in that period, our revenues and operating results for that particular quarter could suffer. Moreover, a portion of our expenses related to an anticipated order is fixed and difficult to reduce or change, which may further impact our operating results for a particular period.
Because our IP solutions are complex, the detection of errors in our products may be delayed, and if we deliver products with defects, our credibility will be harmed, the sales and market acceptance of our products may decrease and product liability claims may be made against us.
Our IP solutions are complex and may contain errors, defects and bugs when introduced. If we deliver products with errors, defects or bugs, our credibility and the market acceptance and sales of our products could be significantly harmed. Furthermore, the nature of our products may also delay the detection of any such error or defect. If our products contain errors, defects and bugs, then we may be required to expend significant capital and resources to alleviate these problems. This could result in the diversion of technical and other resources from our other development efforts. Any actual or perceived problems or delays may also adversely affect our ability to attract or retain customers. Furthermore, the existence of any defects, errors or failure in our products could lead to product liability claims or lawsuits against us or against our customers. A successful product liability claim could result in substantial cost and divert management’s attention and resources, which would have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our success will depend on our ability to successfully manage our geographically dispersed operations.
Most of our research and development staff is located in Israel. We also have research and development teams in France, Ireland, the United Kingdom and United States (following our acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business from InterDigital in July 2019). Accordingly, our ability to compete successfully will depend in part on the ability of a limited number of key executives located in geographically dispersed offices to manage our research and development staff and integrate them into our operations to effectively address the needs of our customers and respond to changes in our markets. If we are unable to effectively manage and integrate our remote operations, our business may be materially harmed.
Our operations in Israel may be adversely affected by instability in the Middle East region.
One of our principal research and development facilities is located in Israel, and most of our executive officers and some of our directors are residents of Israel. Although substantially all of our sales currently are being made to customers outside Israel, we are nonetheless directly influenced by the political, economic and military conditions affecting Israel. Any major hostilities involving Israel could significantly harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
In addition, certain of our employees are currently obligated to perform annual reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces and are subject to being called to active military duty at any time. Although we have operated effectively under these requirements since our inception, we cannot predict the effect of these obligations on the company in the future. Our operations could be disrupted by the absence, for a significant period, of one or more of our key employees due to military service.
Terrorist attacks, acts of war or military actions and/or other civil unrest may adversely affect the territories in which we operate, and our business, financial condition and operating results.
Terrorist attacks and attempted terrorist attacks, military responses to terrorist attacks, other military actions, or governmental action in response to or in anticipation of a terrorist attack, or civil unrest, may adversely affect prevailing economic conditions, resulting in work stoppages, reduced consumer spending or reduced demand for end products that incorporate our technologies. These developments subject our worldwide operations to increased risks and, depending on their magnitude, could reduce net sales and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Our research and development expenses may increase if the grants we currently receive from the Israeli government are reduced or withheld.
We currently receive research grants mainly from programs of the IIA. We recorded an aggregate of $3,042,000, $5,843,000 and $3,510,000 in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The amounts in 2020 are lower compared to 2019 as some CEVA-requested programs were not approved by the IIA and as a result of a general change of fund allocations by the IIA. While we will endeavor to win part of these amounts in the coming years, we can provide no assurance that such efforts will be successful. To be eligible for these grants, we must meet certain development conditions and comply with periodic reporting obligations. Although we have met such conditions in the past, should we fail to meet such conditions in the future our research grants may be repayable, reduced or withheld. The repayment or reduction of such research grants may increase our research and development expenses which in turn may reduce our operating income. Also, the timing of such payments from the IIA may vary from year to year and quarter to quarter, and we have no control on the timing of such payment.
The nature of our business requires the application of complex revenue recognition rules. Significant changes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, including the adoption of the new revenue recognition rules, could materially affect our financial position and results of operations.
We prepare our financial statements in accordance with GAAP, which is subject to interpretation or changes by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, the SEC, and other various bodies formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. New accounting pronouncements and changes in accounting principles have occurred in the past and are expected to occur in the future, which may have a significant effect on our financial results. For example, pursuant to the new revenue recognition rules, effective as of January 1, 2018, an entity recognizes sales and usage-based royalties as revenue only when the later of the following events occurs: (1) the subsequent sale or usage occurs or (2) the performance obligation to which some or all of the sales-based or usage-based royalty allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied). Recognizing royalty revenue on a lag time basis is not permitted. As a result, the royalties we generate from customers is based on royalty of units shipped during the quarter as estimated by our customers, not a quarter in arrears that we previously report. Adoption of this standard and any difficulties in implementation of changes in accounting principles, including uncertainty associated with royalty revenues for the quarter based on estimates provided by our customer, could cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations, which could result in regulatory discipline and harm investors’ confidence in us.
The Israeli tax benefits that we currently receive and the government programs in which we participate require us to meet certain conditions and may be terminated or reduced in the future, which could increase our tax expenses.
We enjoy certain tax benefits in Israel, particularly as a result of the “Approved Enterprise” and the “Benefited Enterprise” status of our facilities and programs through 2019, and the “Technological Preferred Enterprise” status of our facilities and programs since 2020. To maintain our eligibility for these tax benefits, we must continue to meet certain conditions, relating principally to adherence to the investment program filed with the Investment Center of the Israeli Ministry of Industry and Trade and to periodic reporting obligations. Should we fail to meet such conditions, these benefits would be cancelled and we would be subject to corporate tax in Israel at the standard corporate rate (23% in 2020) and could be required to refund tax benefits already received. Additionally, if we increase our activities outside of Israel, for example, by acquisitions, our increased activities may not be eligible for inclusion in Israeli tax benefit programs. The termination or reduction of certain programs and tax benefits or a requirement to refund tax benefits already received may seriously harm our business, operating results and financial condition.
We may have exposure to additional tax liabilities as a result of our foreign operations.
We are subject to income taxes in the United States and various foreign jurisdictions. In addition to our significant operations in Israel, we have operations in Ireland, France, the United Kingdom, China and Japan. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities. In the ordinary course of a global business, there are many intercompany transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities. Our intercompany transfer pricing may be reviewed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and by foreign tax jurisdictions. Although we believe that our tax estimates are reasonable, due to the complexity of our corporate structure, the multiple intercompany transactions and the various tax regimes, we cannot assure you that a tax audit or tax dispute to which we may be subject will result in a favorable outcome for us. If taxing authorities do not accept our tax positions and impose higher tax rates on our foreign operations, our overall tax expenses could increase.
Our failure to maintain certain research tax benefits applicable to French technology companies may adversely affect the results of operations of our RivieraWaves operations.
Pursuant to our acquisition of the RivieraWaves operations, we will benefit from certain research tax credits applicable to French technology companies, including, for example, the Crédit Impôt Recherche (“CIR”). The CIR is a French tax credit aimed at stimulating research activities. The CIR can be offset against French corporate income tax due and the portion in excess (if any) may be refunded every three years. The French Parliament can decide to eliminate, or reduce the scope or the rate of, the CIR benefit, at any time or challenge our eligibility or calculations for such tax credits, all of which may have an adverse impact on our results of operations and future cash flows.
We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
A significant portion of our business is conducted outside the United States. Although most of our revenues are transacted in U.S. dollars, we may be exposed to currency exchange fluctuations in the future as business practices evolve and we are forced to transact business in local currencies. Moreover, the majority of our expenses are denominated in foreign currencies, mainly New Israeli Shekel (NIS) and the EURO, which subjects us to the risks of foreign currency fluctuations. Based on trends to date, we expect that in 2021 we will have additional exchange rate expenses as compared to 2020 in the event of the ongoing devaluation of the U.S. dollar compared to the Shekel and Euro. Our primary expenses paid in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are employee salaries. Increases in the volatility of the exchange rates of currencies other than the U.S. dollar versus the U.S. dollar could have an adverse effect on the expenses and liabilities that we incur in currencies other than the U.S. dollar when remeasured into U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes. We have instituted a foreign cash flow hedging program to minimize the effects of currency fluctuations. However, hedging transactions may not successfully mitigate losses caused by currency fluctuations, and our hedging positions may be partial or may not exist at all in the future. We also review our monthly expected non-U.S. dollar denominated expenditure and look to hold equivalent non-U.S. dollar cash balances to mitigate currency fluctuations. However, in some cases, we expect to continue to experience the effect of exchange rate currency fluctuations on an annual and quarterly basis. For example, our EURO cash balances increase significantly on a quarterly basis beyond our EURO liabilities from the CIR, which is generally refunded every three years.
We are exposed to the credit risk of our customers, which could result in material losses.
As we diversify and expand our addressable market, we will enter into licensing arrangements with first time customers with whom we don’t have full visible of their creditworthiness. Furthermore, we have increased business activities in the Asia Pacific region. As a result, our future credit risk exposure may increase. Although we monitor and attempt to mitigate credit risks, there can be no assurance that our efforts will be effective. Although any losses to date relating to credit exposure of our customers have not been material, future losses, if incurred, could harm our business and have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
Our product development efforts are time-consuming and expensive and may not generate an acceptable return, if any.
Our product development efforts require us to incur substantial research and development expense. Our research and development expenses were approximately $62.0 million, $52.8 million and $47.8 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We may not be able to achieve an acceptable return, if any, on our research and development efforts.
The development of our products is highly complex. We occasionally have experienced delays in completing the development and introduction of new products and product enhancements, and we could experience delays in the future. Unanticipated problems in developing products could also divert substantial engineering resources, which may impair our ability to develop new products and enhancements and could substantially increase our costs. Furthermore, we may expend significant amounts on research and development programs that may not ultimately result in commercially successful products. Our research and development expense levels have increased steadily in the past few years. As a result of these and other factors, we may be unable to develop and introduce new products successfully and in a cost-effective and timely manner, and any new products we develop and offer may never achieve market acceptance. Any failure to successfully develop future products would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If we are unable to meet the changing needs of our end-users or address evolving market demands, our business may be harmed.
The markets for signal processing IPs are characterized by rapidly changing technology, emerging markets and new and developing end-user needs, and requiring significant expenditure for research and development. We cannot assure you that we will be able to introduce systems and solutions that reflect prevailing industry standards, on a timely basis, meet the specific technical requirements of our end-users or avoid significant losses due to rapid decreases in market prices of our products, and our failure to do so may seriously harm our business.
We may seek to expand our business in ways that could result in diversion of resources and extra expenses.
We may in the future pursue acquisitions of businesses, products and technologies, establish joint venture arrangements, make minority equity investments or enhance our existing CEVAnet partner eco-system to expand our business. We are unable to predict whether or when any prospective acquisition, equity investment or joint venture will be completed. The process of negotiating potential acquisitions, joint ventures or equity investments, as well as the integration of acquired or jointly developed businesses, technologies or products may be prolonged due to unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of our resources and management’s attention. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully identify suitable acquisition or investment candidates, complete acquisitions or investments, or integrate acquired businesses or joint ventures with our operations. If we were to make any acquisition or investment or enter into a joint venture, we may not receive the intended benefits of the acquisition, investment or joint venture or such an acquisition, investment or joint venture may not achieve comparable levels of revenues, profitability or productivity as our existing business or otherwise perform as expected. The expansion of our CEVAnet partner eco-system also may not achieve the anticipated benefits. The occurrence of any of these events could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations. Future acquisitions, investments or joint ventures may require substantial capital resources, which may require us to seek additional debt or equity financing.
Future acquisitions, joint ventures or minority equity investments by us could result in the following, any of which could seriously harm our results of operations or the price of our stock:
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issuance of equity securities that would dilute our current stockholders’ percentages of ownership;
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large one-time write-offs or equity investment impairment write-offs;
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incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities;
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difficulties in the assimilation and integration of operations, personnel, technologies, products and information systems of the acquired companies;
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inability to realize cost efficiencies or synergies, thereby incurring higher operating expenditures as a result of the acquisition;
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diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;
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contractual disputes;
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risks of entering geographic and business markets in which we have no or only limited prior experience; and
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potential loss of key employees of acquired organizations.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property.
Our success and ability to compete depend in large part upon the protection of our proprietary technologies. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, mask work and other intellectual property rights, confidentiality procedures and licensing arrangements to establish and protect our proprietary rights. These agreements and measures may not be sufficient to protect our technology from third-party infringement or protect us from the claims of others. As a result, we face risks associated with our patent position, including the potential need to engage in significant legal proceedings to enforce our patents, the possibility that the validity or enforceability of our patents may be denied, the possibility that third parties will be able to compete against us without infringing our patents and the possibility that our products may infringe patent rights of third parties.
Our trade names or trademarks may be registered or utilized by third parties in countries other than those in which we have registered them, impairing our ability to enter and compete in those markets. If we were forced to change any of our brand names, we could lose a significant amount of our brand identity.
Our business will suffer if we are sued for infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties or if we cannot obtain licenses to these rights on commercially acceptable terms.
We are subject to the risk of adverse claims and litigation alleging infringement of the intellectual property rights of others. There are a large number of patents held by others, including our competitors, pertaining to the broad areas in which we are active. We have not, and cannot reasonably, investigate all such patents. From time to time, we have become aware of patents in our technology areas and have sought legal counsel regarding the validity of such patents and their impact on how we operate our business, and we will continue to seek such counsel when appropriate in the future. In addition, patent infringement claims are increasingly being asserted by patent holding companies (so-called patent “trolls”), which do not use technology and whose sole business is to enforce patents against companies, such as us, for monetary gain. Because such patent holding companies do not provide services or use technology, the assertion of our own patents by way of counter-claim may be ineffective. Infringement claims may require us to enter into license arrangements or result in protracted and costly litigation, regardless of the merits of these claims. Any necessary licenses may not be available or, if available, may not be obtainable on commercially reasonable terms. If we cannot obtain necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms, we may be forced to stop licensing our technology, and our business would be seriously harmed.
The future growth of our business depends in part on our ability to license to system OEMs and small-to-medium-sized semiconductor companies directly and to expand our sales geographically.
Historically, a substantial portion of our licensing revenues has been derived in any given period from a relatively small number of licensees. Because of the substantial license fees we charge, our customers tend to be large semiconductor companies or vertically integrated system OEMs. Part of our current growth strategy is to broaden the adoption of our products by small and mid-size companies by offering different versions of our products targeted at these companies. If we are unable to develop and market effectively our intellectual property through these models, our revenues will continue to be dependent on a smaller number of licensees and a less geographically dispersed pattern of licensees, which could materially harm our business and results of operations.
Our operating results are affected by the highly cyclical nature of and general economic conditions in the semiconductor industry.
We operate within the semiconductor industry, which experiences significant fluctuations in sales and profitability. Downturns in the semiconductor industry are characterized by diminished product demand, excess customer inventories, accelerated erosion of prices and excess production capacity. Various market data suggests that the semiconductor industry may be facing such a negative cycle presently, especially in the global handset market. The semiconductor industry has faced significant global supply chain issues as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related imposition of government restrictions on staffing and facility operations, supply chain shortages, and other disruptions. Numerous factors, such as the ongoing pandemic or further trade tensions between the U.S. and China, may prolong or deepen these challenges faced by the industry. Volatility or declines in the semiconductor industry could cause substantial fluctuations or declines in our revenues and results of operations.
If we determine that our goodwill and intangible assets have become impaired, we may incur impairment charges, which would negatively impact our operating results.
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we assess potential impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets at least annually, as well as on an interim basis to the extent that factors or indicators become apparent that could reduce the fair value of any of our businesses below book value. Impairment may result from significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired asset, negative industry or economic trends and significant underperformance relative to historic or projected operating results. If we determine that our goodwill and intangible assets have become impaired, we may incur impairment charges, which could negatively impact our operating results.
Cybersecurity threats or other security breaches could compromise sensitive information belonging to us or our customers and could harm our business and our reputation.
We store sensitive data, including intellectual property, proprietary business information and our customer and employee information. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions that could result in unauthorized disclosure or loss of sensitive data. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to networks, or to sabotage systems, change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. Furthermore, in the operation of our business we also use third-party vendors that store certain sensitive data. Any security breach of our own or a third-party vendor’s systems could cause us to be non-compliant with applicable laws or regulations, subject us to legal claims or proceedings, disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and cause a loss of confidence in our products and services, any of which could adversely affect our business.
Our corporate tax rate may increase, which could adversely impact our cash flow, financial condition and results of operations.
We have significant operations in Israel, as well operations in the Republic of Ireland and France. A substantial portion of our taxable income historically has been generated in Israel, and starting in 2020, also in France. Currently, our Israeli and Irish subsidiaries are taxed at rates lower than the U.S. tax rates. Our French entity tax rate is 28% and higher than current U.S. tax rates. If our Israeli and Irish subsidiaries were no longer to qualify for these lower tax rates or if the applicable tax laws were rescinded or changed, our operating results could be materially adversely affected. Moreover, if U.S. or other authorities were to change applicable tax laws or successfully challenge the manner in which our subsidiaries’ profits are currently recognized, our overall tax expenses could increase, and our business, cash flow, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Also our taxes on the Irish interest income may be double taxed both in Ireland and in the U.S. due to U.S. tax regulations and Irish tax restrictions on net operating losses to offset interest income. In addition, our Israeli interest income also may be taxed both in Israel and the U.S due to different Controlled Foreign Corporation rules.
The anti-takeover provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could prevent or discourage a third party from acquiring us.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may prevent or discourage a third party from acquiring us, even if the acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders. Our board of directors also has the authority to fix the rights and preferences of shares of our preferred stock and to issue such shares without a stockholder vote. Our bylaws also place limitations on the authority to call a special meeting of stockholders. We have advance notice procedures for stockholders desiring to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring matters before an annual meeting of stockholders. In addition, these factors may also adversely affect the market price of our common stock, and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock.
Our stock price may be volatile so you may not be able to resell your shares of our common stock at or above the price you paid for them.
Announcements of developments related to our business, announcements by competitors, quarterly fluctuations in our financial results, changes in the general conditions of the highly dynamic industry in which we compete or the national economies in which we do business, and other factors could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate, perhaps substantially. For example, if we fail to achieve our near term financial guidance or longer term 2022 strategic goals announced at our analysts day in January 2019, or fail to show overall business growth and expansion, our stock price may significantly decline. In addition, in recent years, the stock market has experienced extreme price fluctuations, which have often been unrelated to the operating performance of affected companies. These factors and fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
Our headquarters are located in Rockville, Maryland and we have principal offices in Herzliya, Israel, Sophia Antipolis, France and Dublin, Ireland.
We lease buildings for our executive offices, and engineering, sales, marketing, administrative and support operations and design centers. The following table summarizes information with respect to the principal facilities leased by us as of December 31, 2020:
(1)
Break clause in the lease exercisable in 2023.
(2)
Break clause in the lease exercisable upon payment of one year rent.
(3)
Break clause in the lease exercisable in 2024.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we are involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. We are not a party to any legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of which, in management’s opinion, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Below are the names, ages and principal recent business experience of our current executive officers. All such persons have been appointed by our board of directors to serve until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.
Gideon Wertheizer, age 64, has served as our Chief Executive Officer since May 2005. He joined our board of directors in January 2010. Mr. Wertheizer has 37 years of experience in the semiconductor and Silicon Intellectual Property (SIP) industries. He previously served as the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the DSP business unit at CEVA. Prior to joining CEVA in November 2002, Mr. Wertheizer held various executive positions at DSP Group, Inc., including such roles as Executive VP - Strategic Business Development, Vice President for Marketing and Vice President of VLSI design. Mr. Wertheizer holds a BsC for electrical engineering from Ben Gurion University in Israel and executive MBA from Bradford University in the United Kingdom.
Yaniv Arieli, age 52, has served as our Chief Financial Officer since May 2005. Prior to his current position, Mr. Arieli served as President of U.S. Operations and Director of Investor Relations of DSP Group beginning in August 2002 and Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of DSP Group’s DSP Cores Licensing Division prior to that time. Before joining DSP Group in 1997, Mr. Arieli served as an account manager and certified public accountant at Kesselman & Kesselman, a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers, a leading accounting firm. Mr. Arieli is a CPA and holds a B.A. in Accounting and Economics from Haifa University in Israel and an M.B.A. from Newport University and is also a member of the National Investor Relation Institute.
Issachar Ohana, age 55, has served as our Vice President, Worldwide Sales, since November 2002 and our Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales, since July 2006. Prior to joining CEVA in November 2002, Mr. Ohana was with DSP Group beginning in August 1994 as a VLSI design engineer. He was appointed Project Manager of DSP Group’s research and development in July 1995, Director of Core Licensing in August 1998, and Vice President-Sales of the Core Licensing Division in May 2000. Mr. Ohana holds a B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Ben Gurion University in Israel and an MBA from Bradford University in the United Kingdom.
Michael Boukaya, age 46, has served as our Chief Operating Officer since April 2019. Prior to this position, Mr. Boukaya served as our Vice President and General Manager of the wireless business unit since 2014. Previously, Mr. Boukaya served as VP and Chief Architect with overall responsibility for the research and development of next generation DSP cores, wireless platform architectures and multimedia processors. Before joining CEVA, he was with DSP Group, Inc., holding different engineering and research and development management positions. Mr. Boukaya holds a B.Sc. in Electronic Engineering from the Technion Technology Institute, graduated from Executive Program of Stanford Graduate School of Business, and holds several patents on DSP technology.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock began trading on The NASDAQ Global Market on November 1, 2002. Our common stock currently trades under the ticker symbol “CEVA” on NASDAQ. As of February 20, 2021, there were approximately 560 holders of record, which we believe represents approximately 31,269 beneficial holders.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Information as of December 31, 2020 regarding options, SARs, RSUs and PSUs granted under our stock plans and remaining available for issuance under those plans will be contained in the definitive 2021 Proxy Statement for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders to be held on May 6, 2021 and incorporated herein by reference.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
There were no repurchases of our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2020.
2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
We anticipate that the 2021 annual meeting of our stockholders will be held on May 6, 2021.
Dividends
We have historically not paid dividends and have no foreseeable plans to pay dividends.
Stock Performance Graph
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company’s previous or future filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that might incorporate this proxy statement or future filings made by the Company under those statutes, the below Stock Performance Graph shall not be deemed filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any of those prior filings or into any future filings made by the Company under those statutes.
The stock performance graph above compares the percentage change in cumulative stockholder return on the common stock of our company for the period from December 31, 2015, through December 31, 2020, with the cumulative total return on The NASDAQ Global Market (U.S.) Composite Index and the S&P 500 Index.
This graph assumes the investment of $100 in our common stock (at the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2015), the NASDAQ Global Market (U.S.) Composite Index and the S&P 500 Index on December 31, 2015, and assumes dividends, if any, are reinvested.
Comparisons in the graph above are based upon historical data and are not indicative of, nor intended to forecast, future performance of our common stock.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified by reference to, our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, as well as our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020,” both appearing elsewhere in this annual report.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion together with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this annual report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those included in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include those set forth under “Risk Factors,” as well as those otherwise discussed in this section and elsewhere in this annual report. See “Forward-Looking Statements and Industry Data.”
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
The following discussion and analysis is intended to provide an investor with a narrative of our financial results and an evaluation of our financial condition and results of operations. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020, both appearing elsewhere in this annual report.
Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, CEVA is the leading licensor of wireless connectivity and smart sensing technologies. We offer Digital Signal Processors, AI processors, wireless platforms and complementary software for sensor fusion, image enhancement, computer vision, voice input and artificial intelligence, all of which are key enabling technologies for a smarter, more connected world. These IP products are licensed to customers who embed them into their system-on-chip (SoC) and microcontroller designs to create power-efficient, intelligent and connected devices. Our customers include many of the world’s leading semiconductor and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) companies targeting a wide variety of IoT end markets, including mobile, PC, consumer, automotive, robotics, industrial and medical.
Our ultra-low-power IPs are enabled by our own DSPs and controllers and are deployed in devices for smart sensing and connectivity workloads. Our smart sensing portfolio includes advanced technologies for cameras, microphones, sensor hubs and inertial measurement units (IMU). Our camera platforms incorporate DSP cores, coprocessors and software technologies for AI, computer vision and imaging. Our microphone technologies incorporate DSP cores and software technologies for noise cancellation, echo cancellation and voice recognition. Our sensor hub DSPs serve as a hub for AI and DSP processing workloads associated with a wide range of sensors including camera, Radar, LiDAR, Time-of-Flight, microphones and inertial measurement units (IMUs). Our IMU technologies include processor agnostic software supporting sensor processing of accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, optical flow, as well as environmental sensors in devices. Our connectivity portfolio includes LTE and 5G mobile broadband platforms for handsets and base station RAN, NB-IoT for low bit rate cellular and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies for wireless IoT.
CEVA is a sustainable and environmentally conscious company, adhering to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. As such, we emphasize and focus on environmental preservation, recycling, the welfare of our employees and privacy - which we promote on a corporate level. At CEVA, we are committed to social responsibility, values of preservation and consciousness towards these purposes.
We believe that our licensing business is robust with a diverse customer base and a myriad of target markets. Our state-of-the-art technology has shipped in more than 12 billion chips to date for a wide range of end markets. Every second, more than forty devices sold worldwide are powered by CEVA.
We believe the adoption of our wireless connectivity and smart sensing products beyond our incumbency in the handset baseband market continues to progress. Reflecting this trend, during 2020, we concluded fifty-five licensing deals, the majority of which were for these applications. We continue to experience strong demand for our products and expand our market reach into new areas. In the fourth quarter, we signed twenty-one licensing agreements, including a strategic agreement for our connectivity technologies with a tier 1 smartphone OEM. We also concluded agreements broadly across our connectivity and sensing products, illustrating the industry demand for our diverse IP portfolio.
We believe the following key elements represent significant growth drivers for the company:
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CEVA is an incumbent player in the largest space of the semiconductor industry - mobile handsets. Our customers use our technologies for baseband and voice processing. Our key customers currently have a strong foothold in low-tier LTE smartphones and feature phones markets which continue to experience strong momentum.
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The royalty we derive from premium-tier smartphones is higher on average than that of mid and low-tier smartphones due to more DSP content that bears a higher royalty average selling price (“ASP”). Looking ahead, we believe our PentaG platform for 5G handsets and 5G IoT endpoints is the most comprehensive baseband processor IP in the industry today and provides newcomers and incumbents with a low entry barrier solution to address the need for power 5G processing for smartphones, fixed wireless and a range of connected devices such as robots, cars, smart cities and other devices for industrial applications.
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Our specialization and technological edge in signal processing platforms for 5G base station RAN, including Remote Radio Units (RRU), Active Antenna Units (AAU), Base Band Units (BBU) and Distributed Units (DU) put us in a strong position to capitalize on the growing 5G RAN across its new form factors such as V-RAN, C-RAN and O-RAN, as well as small cells and private networks.
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Our broad Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NB-IoT IPs allow us to expand further into the high volume IoT applications and substantially increase our value-add. Our addressable market size for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NB-IoT is expected to be more than 9 billion devices annually by 2022 based on ABI Research and Ericsson Mobility Reports.
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The growing market potential for voice assisted devices, as voice is becoming a primary user interface for IoT applications, including handsets, smart speaker, True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, AR &VR headsets, smartTVs, smart home and consumer devices, offers an additional growth segment for us. To better address this market, our WhisPro speech recognition technology and ClearVox voice input software are offered in conjunction with our audio/voice DSPs. These highly-integrated platforms, plus our proven track record in audio/voice processing and connectivity with more than 7 billion audio chips shipped to date, put us in a strong position to power audio and voice roadmaps across this new range of addressable end markets.
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Our second generation SensPro2 sensor hub DSP family provides highly compelling offerings for any sensor-enabled device and application such as smartphones, automotive safety (ADAS), autonomous driving (AD), drones, robotics, security and surveillance, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), Natural Language Processing (NLP) and voice recognition. Per research from Yole Développement, camera-enabled devices incorporating computer vision and AI are expected to exceed 1 billion units, and devices incorporating voice AI are expected to reach 620 million units by 2022. This new DSP architecture enables us to address the transformation in devices enabled by these applications, and expand our footprint and content in smartphones, drones, consumer cameras, surveillance, automotive ADAS, voice-enabled devices and industrial IoT applications. We signed our first customers in 2020 for this new processor family, which are targeting automotive applications.
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Neural networks are increasingly being deployed in a wide range of camera-based devices in order to make these devices “smarter.” To address this significant and lucrative opportunity, our NeuPro-S™ a second-generation family of AI processors for deep learning at the edge, brings the power of deep learning to the device, without relying on connectivity to the cloud. We believe this market opportunity for AI at the edge is on top of our existing product lines and represents new licensing and royalty drivers for the company in the coming years.
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Our Hillcrest Labs sensor fusion business unit allows us to address an important technology for smart sensing, in addition to our existing portfolio for camera-based computer vision and AI processing, and microphone-based sound processing. MEMS-based inertial and environmental sensors are used in an increasing number of devices, including robotics, smartphones, laptops, tablets, TWS earbuds, headsets, remote controls and many other consumer and industrial devices. Hillcrest Labs’ innovative and proven MotionEngine™ software supports a broad range of merchant sensor chips and is licensed to OEMs and semiconductor companies that can run the software on CEVA DSPs or a variety of RISC CPUs. The MotionEngine software expands and complements CEVA’s smart sensing technology. Hillcrest Labs’ technology has already shipped in more than 150 million devices, indicative of its market traction and excellence. Along with our SensPro sensor fusion processors, our licensees can now benefit from our capabilities as a complete, one-stop-shop for processing all classes and types of sensors.
As a result of our diversification strategy beyond baseband for handsets, and our progress in addressing those new markets under the base station and IoT umbrella, we experienced significant growth in royalty revenues derived from base station and IoT product category (formerly referred to as non-handset products), up by 72% in 2020 to $22.3 million, generated from a record 750 million royalty-bearing devices. We expect royalty growth to continue in this product category for the next few years. These devices are comprised of a range of different products at different royalty ASPs, spanning from high volume Bluetooth to high value sensor fusion and base station RAN. The royalty ASP of our other products will be in between the two ranges.
COVID-19
Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, we have continued our operations while taking a number of precautionary health and safety measures to safeguard our employees at the same time as maintaining business continuity. We have also provided training courses for working and managing from home, lectures and remote well-being activities to keep moral and motivation high, and communication meetings and business updates from time to time. We are monitoring and assessing orders issued by applicable governments to ensure compliance with evolving COVID-19 guidelines.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, we are encouraged by the persistent design activities of our customers and interests in our products. We are focused on continuing to expand our business to capitalize on the momentum we gained last year. We are further encouraged by recent indicators relating to our base station and IoT product category. During 2020, the world encountered new trends and different seasonality than what we have experienced in prior years. Some consumer electronics products sold well and some new technologies were widely adopted due to social distancing and other restrictions. Nonetheless, prolonged measures to contain the spread of coronavirus pose uncertainty for economic activities. In particular, in emerging markets where our primary exposure is in low tier handsets, COVID-19 has had a negative impact. While the impact from COVID-19 on our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2020 was not material as set forth in the below section discussing the results of operations, we are currently unable to determine or predict the nature, duration or scope of the overall impact the pandemic will have on our business, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources for the year 2021. For example, as of the date of this filing, while we see positive activity in our licensing and pipeline of deals, customers in the semiconductor space from whom we collect royalties are experiencing more pressure on their operations due to, among other reasons, longer manufacturing lead times as a result of COVID-19 related disruptions. We will continue to closely monitor the effects of the ongoing pandemic on our operations, employees and customers.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP). These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonable based upon information available to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates, judgments or assumptions and actual results, our financial statements will be affected. The significant accounting policies that we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:
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revenue recognition;
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business combinations and valuation of goodwill and other acquired intangible assets;
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income taxes;
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equity-based compensation; and
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impairment of marketable securities.
In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result.
Revenue Recognition
Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with the recognition of revenue in any accounting period. Material differences in the amount of revenue in any given period may result if these judgments or estimates prove to be incorrect or if management’s estimates change on the basis of development of business or market conditions. Management’s judgments and estimates have been applied consistently and have been reliable historically.
Effective as of January 1, 2018, we have followed the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The guidance provides a unified model to determine how revenue is recognized. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further information regarding revenue recognition.
The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.
We determine revenue recognition through the following steps:
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identification of the contract with a customer;
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identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
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determination of the transaction price;
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allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
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recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation.
We enter into contracts that can include various combinations of products and services, as detailed below, which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations.
We generate our revenues from (1) licensing intellectual properties, which in certain circumstances are modified for customer-specific requirements, (2) royalty revenues and (3) other revenues, which include revenues from support, training and sale of development systems and chips. We license our IP to semiconductor companies throughout the world. These semiconductor companies then manufacture, market and sell custom-designed chipsets to OEMs of a variety of consumer electronics products. We also license our technology directly to OEMs, which are considered end users.
We account for our IP license revenues and related services, which provide our customers with rights to use our IP, in accordance with ASC 606. A license may be perpetual or time limited in its application. In accordance with ASC 606, we recognize revenue from IP license at the time of delivery when the customer accepts control of the IP, as the IP is functional without professional services, updates and technical support. We have concluded that our IP license is distinct as the customer can benefit from the software on its own.
Most of our contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, we account for individual performance obligations separately, if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. Stand-alone selling prices of IP license are typically estimated using the residual approach. Stand-alone selling prices of services are typically estimated based on observable transactions when these services are sold on a standalone basis.
When contracts involve a significant financing component, we adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of the time value of money if the timing of payments agreed to by the parties to the contract (either explicitly or implicitly) provide the customer with a significant benefit of financing, unless the financing period is under one year and only after the products or services were provided, which is a practical expediency permitted under ASC 606.
Revenues from contracts that involve significant customization of our IP to customer-specific specifications are performance obligations we generally account for as performance obligations satisfied over time. Our performance does not create an asset with alternative use, and we have an enforceable right to payment. We recognize revenue on such contracts using cost based input methods, which recognize revenue and gross profit as work is performed based on a ratio between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for the contract. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made during the period in which such losses are first determined, in the amount of the estimated loss on the entire contract.
Revenues that are derived from the sale of a licensee’s products that incorporate our IP are classified as royalty revenues. Royalty revenues are recognized during the quarter in which the sale of the product incorporating our IP occurs. Royalties are calculated either as a percentage of the revenues received by our licensees on sales of products incorporating our IP or on a per unit basis, as specified in the agreements with the licensees. We receive the actual sales data from our customers after the quarter ends and accounts for it as unbilled receivables. When we do not receive actual sales data from the customer prior to the finalization of its financial statements, royalty revenues are recognized based on our estimation of the customer’s sales during the quarter. We may engage a third party to perform royalty audits of our licensees, and if these audits indicate any over- or under-reported royalties, we account for the results when the audits are resolved.
In addition to license fees, contracts with customers generally contain an agreement to provide for training and post contract support, which consists of telephone or e-mail support, correction of errors (bug fixing) and unspecified updates and upgrades. Fees for post contract support, which takes place after delivery to the customer, are specified in the contract and are generally mandatory for the first year. After the mandatory period, the customer may extend the support agreement on similar terms on an annual basis. We consider the post contract support performance obligation as a distinct performance obligation that is satisfied over time, and as such, we recognize revenue for post contract support on a straight-line basis over the period for which technical support is contractually agreed to be provided to the licensee, typically 12 months. Training services are considered performance obligations satisfied over-time, and as such, revenues from training services are recognized as the training is performed.
Revenues from the sale of development systems and chips are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the customers.
We capitalize sales commission as costs of obtaining a contract when they are incremental and, if they are expected to be recovered, amortized in a manner consistent with the pattern of transfer of the good or service to which the asset relates. If the expected amortization period is one year or less, the commission fee is expensed when incurred.
Business Combinations and Valuation of Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets
We allocate the fair value of purchase price consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase price consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Significant estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from acquired customers, acquired technology, and trade names from a market participant perspective, useful lives, and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.
We review goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and other” (“ASC 350”). ASC 350 allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the qualitative assessment does not result in a more likely than not indication of impairment, no further impairment testing is required. If an entity elects not to use this option, or if an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the entity prepares a quantitative analysis to determine whether the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the entity recognizes an impairment of goodwill for the amount of this excess, in accordance with the guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. For each of the three years for the period ended December 31, 2020, no impairment of goodwill has been identified.
Acquired finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. We evaluate the recoverability of our intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amounts to the future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds its fair market value. We have not recorded any such impairment charge during the years presented.
In addition to the recoverability assessment, we routinely review the remaining estimated useful lives of our finite-lived intangible assets. If we reduce the estimated useful life assumption for any asset, the remaining unamortized balance would be amortized over the revised estimated useful life.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes mainly in Israel, France, the U.S. and Ireland. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. We recognize income taxes under the liability method. Tax benefits are recognized from uncertain tax positions only if we believe that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. Although we believe we have adequately reserved for our uncertain tax positions, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different. We adjust these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit, the refinement of an estimate or changes in tax laws. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the effects of any reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest and penalties.
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences arising from differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities under GAAP and their respective tax bases, and for net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and record a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. To make this judgment, we make predictions of the amounts and category of taxable income from various sources and weigh all available positive and negative evidence about these possible sources of taxable income.
Accounting for tax positions requires judgments, including estimating reserves for potential uncertainties. We also assess our ability to utilize tax attributes, including those in the form of carry-forwards for which the benefits have already been reflected in the financial statements. While we believe the resulting tax balances as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 are appropriately accounted for, the ultimate outcome of such matters could result in favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our consolidated financial statements and such adjustments could be material. See Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 for further information regarding income taxes. We have filed or are in the process of filing local and foreign tax returns that are subject to audit by the respective tax authorities. The amount of income tax we pay is subject to ongoing audits by the tax authorities, which often result in proposed assessments. We believe that we adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcomes related to tax audits and settlement. However, our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are made or resolved, audits are closed or when statute of limitations on potential assessments expire.
We are subject to taxation in the United States, as well as a number of foreign jurisdictions. In December 2017, the United States enacted U.S. tax reform. The legislation implements many new U.S. domestic and international tax provisions. Some aspects of U.S. tax reform still remain unclear, and although additional clarifying guidance has been issued (by the Internal Revenue Services, and the U.S. Treasury Department), there are still some areas that may not be clarified for some time. Also, many of U.S. states have not yet updated their laws to take into account the new federal legislation. As a result, there may be further impact of the new laws on our future results of operations and financial condition. It is possible that U.S. tax reform, or interpretations under it, could change and could have an adverse effect on us, and such effect could be material.
We have elected to account for global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) as a current-period expense when incurred. Legislation and clarifying guidance are expected to continue to be issued by the U.S. Treasury Department and various states in 2021, which could have a material adverse impact on the value of our U.S. deferred tax assets, result in significant changes to currently computed income tax liabilities for past and current tax periods, and increase our future U.S. tax expense.
Equity-Based Compensation
We account for equity-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC No. 718, “Stock Compensation” which requires the recognition of compensation expenses based on estimated fair values for all equity-based awards made to employees and non-employee directors. Equity-based compensation primarily includes restricted stock unit (“RSUs”), as well as options, stock appreciation right (“SAR”), performance-based stock units (“PSUs”) and employee stock purchase plan awards.
We elect the straight-line recognition method for awards subject to graded vesting based only on a service condition and the accelerated method for awards that are subject to performance or market. The fair value of each RSU and PSU (excluding PSUs based on market condition awards) is the market value as determined by the closing price of the common stock on the grant date. We estimate the fair value of PSU based on market condition awards on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo simulation model.
Impairment of Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist mainly of corporate bonds. We determine the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluate such designation at each balance sheet date. In accordance with FASB ASC No. 320, “Investments Debt and Equity Securities,” we classify marketable securities as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of taxes. Realized gains and losses on sales of marketable securities, as determined on a specific identification basis, are included in financial income, net. The amortized cost of marketable securities is adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount to maturity, both of which, together with interest, are included in financial income, net. We have classified all marketable securities as short-term, even though the stated maturity date may be one year or more beyond the current balance sheet date, because it is probable that we will sell these securities prior to maturity to meet liquidity needs or as part of risk versus reward objectives.
Starting on January 1, 2020, as a result of the adoption of ASC 326, available-for-sale debt securities with an amortized cost basis in excess of estimated fair value are assessed to determine what amount of that difference, if any, is caused by expected credit losses. Expected credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities are recognized in financial income, net, on our consolidated statements of income (loss), and any remaining unrealized losses, net of taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. The amount of credit losses recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 was not material. We have not recorded any impairment charge for unrealized losses during the period presented. We determine realized gains or losses on sale of marketable securities using a specific identification method, and records such gains or losses as interest and other income (expense), net.
Prior to 2020, we recognized an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of our investments in debt securities below the cost basis of such securities was considered to be other-than-temporary. The determination of credit losses requires significant judgment and actual results may be materially different from our estimates. Factors considered in making such a determination include the duration and severity of the impairment, the reason for the decline in value and the potential recovery period. For securities that were deemed other-than-temporarily impaired, the amount of impairment was recognized in the statement of income (loss) and was limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, no other-than temporary impairment were recorded related to our marketable securities.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement
On January 1, 2020, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires that expected credit losses relating to financial assets be measured on an amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. ASU 2016-13 limits the amount of credit losses to be recognized for available-for-sale debt securities to the amount by which carrying value exceeds fair value and also requires the reversal of previously recognized credit losses if fair value increases. The adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles: Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, the income tax effects of tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments also eliminate the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the qualitative impairment test is necessary. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle should be disclosed upon transition. We adopted ASU 2017-04 as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement
In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (ASU 2019-12), which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents line items from our consolidated statements of income (loss) as percentages of our total revenues for the periods indicated:
Discussion and Analysis
Below we provide information on the significant line items in our consolidated statements of income (loss) for each of the past three fiscal years, including the percentage changes year-on-year, as well as an analysis of the principal drivers of change in these line items from year-to-year.
Revenues
Total Revenues
We derive a significant amount of revenues from a limited number of customers. Sales to Spreadtrum represented 14%, 15% and 15% of our total revenues for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Sales to Intel represented 15%, 19% and 19% of our total revenues for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Generally, the identity of our other customers representing 10% or more of our total revenues varies from period to period, especially with respect to our licensing customers as we generate licensing revenues generally from new customers on a quarterly basis. With respect to our royalty revenues, four royalty paying customers each represented 10% or more of our total royalty revenues for 2020, and collectively represented 72% of our total royalty revenues for 2020. Three royalty paying customers each represented 10% or more of our total royalty revenues for 2019, and collectively represented 73% of our total royalty revenues for 2019. Three royalty paying customers each represented 10% or more of our total royalty revenues for 2018, and collectively represented 76% of our total royalty revenues for 2018. We expect that a significant portion of our future revenues will continue to be generated by a limited number of customers. The concentration of our customers is explainable in part by consolidation in the semiconductor industry. The loss of any significant customer could adversely affect our near-term future operating results.
The following table sets forth the products and services as percentages of our total revenues in each of the periods set forth below:
We expect to continue to generate a significant portion of our revenues for 2020 from the above products and services.
Licensing and related revenue
Total 2020 licensing and related revenue reached a new all-time record high, due to diversification of technologies, markets, new and recurring customers and overall sales execution. The increase in licensing and related revenues from 2019 to 2020 principally reflected an increase in Bluetooth and base station licensing deals, partially offset by decreased revenues from licensing of handset baseband and vision products. The increase in licensing and related revenues from 2018 to 2019 principally reflected an increase in vision and handset baseband licensing deals, partially offset by decreased revenues from licensing of Bluetooth products.
For 2021, we look to continue to be at the forefront of the digital transformation and capitalize on our core technologies and customer diversity to grow our market share and maximize our return from growing industries, in particular 5G RAN, Wi-Fi, TWS earbuds and automotive. These industries present multi-year growth opportunities for our connectivity, sensing and AI technologies, and we believe we are well positioned to take advantage of such growth.
Our licensing business hit another record high number of license agreements signed, reaching 55 agreements signed, of which 17 were first-time customers. The licensing environment continues to be healthy with strong demand for our product portfolio.
Licensing and related revenue accounted for 52.3% of our total revenues for 2020, compared with 54.9% and 51.9% of our total revenues for 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Royalty Revenues
We generate royalty revenues from our customers who ship units of chips incorporating our technologies. Our royalty revenues represent what our customers shipped during any quarter, or our best estimates for such shipments. The royalty rate is based either on a certain percent of the chipset price or a fixed amount per chipset based on volume discounts.
Based on internal data and Strategy Analytics’ provisional worldwide shipment data, CEVA’s worldwide market share of handset baseband chips that incorporate our technologies represented approximately 26%, 26% and 25% of the worldwide baseband volume in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and accounted for approximately 53%, 67% and 77% of our total royalty revenues for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Our 2020 royalty revenue reached to a new record high. The main growth driver was attributed to base station and IoT product categories, which increased 72% in revenue comparing a year ago, reaching a new high of $22.3 million. We also believe that this growth trend will continue into 2021, although we cannot assess its magnitude and timing.
Total shipments in 2020 increased 27% year-over-year to over 1.3 billion units, up from 1 billion in 2019. Total shipment volume in 2018 was 929 million. Annual shipments of base station & IoT customers reached a new record of 750 million units in 2020. 2019 non-handset baseband unit shipments were up 25% year-over-year to 469 million units.
The five largest royalty-paying customers accounted for 76% of our total royalty revenues for 2020, compared to 84% of our total royalty revenues for 2019 and 86% of our total royalty revenues for 2018.
Geographic Revenue Analysis
*) Less than 10%
A majority of our revenues during the past three years have originated in the APAC region, with China representing the largest revenue share of countries in the APAC region. The increase in revenues in absolute dollars and percentage terms in APAC was due to strong licensing execution and higher royalties from our base station and IoT product lines. The decrease in revenues in absolute dollars and percentage in the APAC region from 2018 to 2019 was due to lower licensing revenues, partially offset by higher handset baseband royalties following a gradual recovery in the cellular industry, and strong contribution of non-handset baseband products, especially contribution from our new sensor fusion business.
The increase in revenues in absolute dollars and percentage terms in the United States from 2019 to 2020 reflected mainly higher royalties from one customer that moved its billing process from EME to the United States, which also explained the decrease in EME revenues in absolute dollars and percentage terms. The increase in revenues in absolute dollars and percentage terms in the United States from 2018 to 2019 reflected improved licensing and related revenues, reaching an all-time highs. The increase in revenues in absolute dollars and percentage in the EME region from 2018 to 2019 primarily reflected higher royalty revenues due to a share gain at a large U.S. handset OEM and customer shipment ramps in non-handset baseband products, offset by lower licensing revenues.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues accounted for 10.7% of our total revenues for 2020, compared to 11.6% of our total revenues for 2019 and 10.2% of our total revenues for 2018. The absolute dollar increase in cost of revenues for 2020 as compared to 2019 principally reflected higher salaries and related costs (partially due to salary and related costs associated with the Hillcrest Labs employees being included in the results for the first half of 2020, which costs were not incurred for the first half of 2019), higher payments to the Israeli Innovation Authority of the Ministry of Economy and Industry in Israel (the “IIA”), higher materials related to the Hillcrest Labs business and higher amortization cost related to acquired assets (Immervision technologies), partially offset by lower customization work for our licensees, lower third-party IP costs associated with the NB-IoT product line and lesser travel due to COVID-19. The absolute dollar increase in cost of revenues for 2019 as compared to 2018 principally reflected higher customization work for our licensees, and higher salaries and related costs.
Cost of revenues includes labor-related costs and, where applicable, costs related to overhead, subcontractors, materials, travel, royalty expenses payments to the IIA, amortization of acquired assets and non-cash equity-based compensation expenses. Non-cash equity-based compensation expenses included in cost of revenues for the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $639,000, $630,000 and $588,000, respectively. Royalty expenses relate to royalties payable to the IIA that amount to 3%-3.5% of the actual sales of certain of our products, the development of which previously included grants from the IIA. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual sales of these products. Amortization of acquired assets related to the purchase of a license of NB-IoT technologies in the first quarter of 2018 and to a strategic technology investment in Immervision in the third quarter of 2019. Our amortization charges were $0.7 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
We anticipate that our cost of revenues will increase in 2021 as compared to 2020 in the amount of approximately $0.5 million, due to more cost of chip sales for our Hillcrest Labs related business.
Operating Expenses
The increase in total operating expenses for 2020 as compared to 2019 principally reflected (1) higher salary and employee-related costs, mainly due to higher headcount, and the inclusion of salary and related costs associated with the Hillcrest Labs employees for the first half of 2020, which costs were not incurred for the first half of 2019 as the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business was consummated in July 2019, (2) lower research grants received from the IIA, and (3) higher non-cash equity-based compensation expenses. The increase in total operating expenses for 2019 as compared to 2018 principally reflected (1) higher salary and employee-related costs, mainly due to higher headcount, and first time salary and related costs associated with the Hillcrest Labs employees, (2) higher professional services cost and a lease write-off related to the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business, (3) higher amortization of intangible assets associated with the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business and technology investment in Immervision during the third quarter of 2019, and (4) higher research and development project-related costs, partially offset by higher research grants received (mainly from the IIA).
Research and Development Expenses, Net
The net increase in research and development expenses for 2020 as compared to 2019 principally reflected (1) higher salary and employee-related costs, mainly due to higher headcount, and the inclusion of salary and related costs associated with the Hillcrest Labs employees for the first half of 2020, which costs were not incurred for the first half of 2019 as the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business was consummated in July 2019, (2) lower research grants received, mainly from the IIA, and (3) higher non-cash equity-based compensation expenses, partially offset by higher Crédit Impôt Recherche (“CIR”) granted. The net increase in research and development expenses for 2019 as compared to 2018 principally reflected (1) higher salary and employee-related costs, mainly due to higher headcount, and first time salary and related costs associated with the Hillcrest Labs employees, and (2) higher project related expenses, partially offset by higher research grants received, mainly from the IIA. The average number of research and development personnel in 2020 was 298, compared to 273 in 2019 and 238 in 2018. The number of research and development personnel was 304 at December 31, 2020 as compared to 289 in 2019 and 254 in 2018.
We anticipate that our research and development expenses cost will continue to increase in 2021. The increase will be approximately $6 million, approximately half of which $3 million, is associated with the devaluation of the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies that we use, as well as additional disciplined investments in research and development projects.
Research and development expenses, net of related government grants and French research tax benefits applicable to CIR, were 61.8% of our total revenues for 2020, as compared with 60.6% for 2019 and 61.3% for 2018. We recorded research grants under funding programs of $2,844,000 in 2020, compared with $5,643,000 in 2019 and $3,352,000 in 2018. We recorded CIR benefits of $3,287,000, $2,312,000 and $2,065,000 for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and associated costs, facilities expenses associated with research and development activities, project-related expenses connected with the development of our intellectual property which are expensed as incurred, and non-cash equity-based compensation expenses. Non-cash equity-based compensation expenses included in research and development expenses, net for the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $6,874,000, $5,857,000 and $5,141,000, respectively. Research and development expenses are net of related government research grants and research tax benefits applicable to CIR. We view research and development as a principal strategic investment and have continued our commitment to invest heavily in this area, which represents the largest of our ongoing operating expenses. We will need to continue to invest in research and development and such expenses may increase in the future to keep pace with new trends in our industry.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
The decrease in sales and marketing expenses for 2020 as compared to 2019 principally reflected lesser travel and physical marketing activities and events (like trade shows), but more digital related activities at lesser costs, due to COVID-19, partially offset by higher non-cash equity-based compensation expenses. The slight increase in sales and marketing expenses for 2019 as compared to 2018 principally reflected higher commission expenses, offset by lower salary and employee related costs.
Sales and marketing expenses as a percentage of our total revenues were 11.9% for 2020, as compared with 14.2% for 2019 and 15.6% for 2018. The total number of sales and marketing personnel was 35 in 2020, as compared with 33 in 2019 and 32 in 2018. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries, commissions, travel and other costs associated with sales and marketing activities, as well as advertising, trade show participation, public relations and other marketing costs and non-cash equity-based compensation expenses. Non-cash equity-based compensation expenses included in sales and marketing expenses for the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $2,038,000, $1,495,000 and $1,587,000, respectively.
General and Administrative Expenses
The increase in general and administrative expenses for 2020 as compared to 2019 principally reflected higher allowance for credit losses and higher non-cash equity-based compensation expenses. The increase in general and administrative expenses for 2019 as compared to 2018 principally reflected higher professional services cost and a lease write-off related to the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business, as well as higher salaries and employee related costs.
General and administrative expenses as a percentage of our total revenues were 14.1% for 2020, as compared with 13.6% for 2019 and 13.3% for 2018. The total number of general and administrative personnel was 34 in 2020, as compared with 32 in 2019 and 32 in 2018. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of fees for directors, salaries for management and administrative employees, accounting and legal fees, expenses related to investor relations and facilities expenses associated with general and administrative activities and non-cash equity-based compensation expenses. Non-cash equity-based compensation expenses included in general and administrative expenses for the years 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $4,085,000, $2,736,000 and $3,051,000, respectively.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Our amortization charges were $2.3 million, $1.9 million and $0.9 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018 respectively. The charges in 2018 were incurred in connection with the amortization of intangible assets associated with the acquisition of RivieraWaves. The amortization charges in 2019 were incurred in connection with the amortization of intangible assets associated with (1) the acquisition of RivieraWaves in July 2014, which was fully amortized in 2019 (2) the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business in July 2019, and (3) a technology investment in Immervision in August 2019. The amortization charges in 2020 were incurred in connection with the amortization of intangible assets associated with (1) the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business, and (2) a technology investment in Immervision. As of December 31, 2020, the net amount of intangible assets associated with the acquisitions was $9.7 million.
Financial Income, net
Financial income, net, consists of interest earned on investments, gains and losses from sale of marketable securities, accretion (amortization) of discount (premium) on marketable securities and foreign exchange movements.
The decrease in interest income and gains and losses from marketable securities, net, for 2020 as compared to 2019 reflected lower combined cash, bank deposits and marketable securities balances held (mainly as a result of the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business and the technology investment in Immervision during the third quarter of 2019) and lower yields. The slight decrease in interest income and gains and losses from marketable securities, net, for 2019 as compared to 2018 reflected lower combined cash, bank deposits and marketable securities balances held, offset with higher yields.
We review our monthly expected major non-U.S. dollar denominated expenditures and look to hold equivalent non-U.S. dollar cash balances to mitigate currency fluctuations. This has resulted in a foreign exchange gain of 0.44 million, a foreign exchange loss of $0.35 million and a foreign exchange loss of $0.24 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Revaluation of investment in other company
We recorded a loss of $870 in 2018 related to revaluation of our investment in non-marketable equity securities, in which we hold in cost. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, no impairment loss was identified.
Provision for Income Taxes
During the years 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded tax expenses of $4.9 million, $1.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The increase in provision for income taxes in 2020 as compared to 2019 principally reflected withholding tax expenses for which we will not be able to obtain a refund from certain tax authorities, and a tax benefit of $1.0 million recorded in the third quarter of 2019 due to the release of a tax provision as a result of the completion of a tax audit in a certain foreign tax jurisdiction. The provision for income taxes in 2019 reflects an increase in income earned in certain foreign jurisdictions, as well as higher withholding tax expenses which we were unable to obtain a refund from certain tax authorities and changes in deferred tax assets due to a change in the estimation for taxable income for future years, partially offset by a tax benefit of $1.0 million due to the release of a tax provision as a result of the completion of a tax audit in a certain foreign tax jurisdiction.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States and in numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our domestic and foreign tax liabilities are dependent on the jurisdictions in which profits are determined to be earned and taxed. Additionally, the amount of taxes paid is subject to our interpretation of applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. A number of factors influence our effective tax rate, including changes in tax laws and treaties as well as the interpretation of existing laws and rules. Federal, state, and local governments and administrative bodies within the United States, and other foreign jurisdictions have implemented, or are considering, a variety of broad tax, trade, and other regulatory reforms that may impact us. For example, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “U.S. Tax Reform”) enacted on December 22, 2017 resulted in changes in our corporate tax rate, our deferred income taxes, and the taxation of foreign earnings. It is not currently possible to accurately determine the potential comprehensive impact of these or future changes, but these changes could have a material impact on our business and financial condition.
We have significant operations in Israel and operations in France and the Republic of Ireland. A substantial portion of our taxable income is generated in Israel and France. Currently, our Israeli and Irish subsidiaries are taxed at rates substantially lower than U.S. tax rates. Starting in 2020 and continuing into 2021, our French subsidiary was in a profit position and local French tax rate of 28% was applied, that is significantly higher than the Company’s overall blended tax rate.
Our Irish subsidiary qualified for a 12.5% tax rate on its trade. Interest income generated by our Irish subsidiary is taxed at a rate of 25%.
In 2017, the French government passed a series of tax reforms allowing for a phased reduction in the corporate tax rate. In accordance with the tax reforms, our French subsidiary qualified in 2018 for a corporate tax rate of 28% for taxable profit up to €500,000 (approximately $559,930) and the standard rate of 33.33% for taxable profit above €500,000 (approximately $559,930). In 2019, the standard corporate income tax rate is reduced to 31%, with the first €500,000 (approximately $559,930) of taxable profit still being subject to the reduced 28% rate. In 2020, a corporate income tax rate of 28% is became the new standard rate for all taxable profits. In 2021, the corporate income tax rate will be reduced to 26.5%. In 2022, the standard corporate income tax rate will be further reduced to 25%.
Our Israeli subsidiary is entitled to various tax benefits as a technological enterprise. In December 2016, the Economic Efficiency Law (Legislative Amendments for Applying the Economic Policy for the 2017 and 2018 Budget Years), 2016, which includes the Amendment to the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (Amendment 73) (the “Amendment”), was published. The Amendment, among other things, prescribes special tax tracks for technological enterprises, which are subject to rules that were issued by the Minister of Finance in April 2017.
The new tax track under the Amendment, which is applicable to our Israeli subsidiary, is the “Technological Preferred Enterprise.” Technological Preferred Enterprise is an enterprise for which total consolidated revenues of its parent company and all subsidiaries are less than 10 billion New Israeli Shekel (“NIS”). A Technological Preferred Enterprise, as defined in the Amendment, that is located in the center of Israel (where our Israeli subsidiary is currently located), is taxed at a rate of 12% on profits deriving from intellectual property. Any dividends distributed to “foreign companies,” as defined in the Amendment, deriving from income from technological enterprises will be taxed at a rate of 4%. We are applying the Technological Preferred Enterprise tax track for our Israeli subsidiary from tax year 2020 and onwards.
To maintain our Israeli subsidiary’s eligibility for the above tax benefits, it must continue to meet certain conditions under the Investment Law. Should our Israeli subsidiary fail to meet such conditions in the future, these benefits would be cancelled and it would be subject to corporate tax in Israel at the standard corporate rate and could be required to refund tax benefits already received, with interest and adjustments for inflation based on the Israeli consumer price index.
For more information about our provision for income taxes, see Note 14 to the attached Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2020.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $21.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, $20.2 million in short term bank deposits, $88.8 million in marketable securities, and $29.5 million in long term bank deposits, totaling $159.6 million, as compared to $150.0 million at December 31, 2019. The increase in 2020 as compared to 2019 principally reflected cash provided by operations, partially offset by funds used to repurchase 202,392 shares of common stock for an aggregate consideration of approximately $4.8 million.
Out of total cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits and marketable securities of $159.6 million at year end 2020, $134.8 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries. Our intent is to permanently reinvest earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and our current operating plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate foreign earnings to fund our U.S. operations. However, if these funds were needed for our operations in the United States, we would be required to accrue and pay taxes to repatriate these funds. The determination of the amount of additional taxes related to the repatriation of these earnings is not practicable, as it may vary based on various factors such as the location of the cash and the effect of regulation in the various jurisdictions from which the cash would be repatriated.
During 2020, we invested $99.9 million of cash in bank deposits and marketable securities with maturities up to 56 months from the balance sheet date. In addition, during the same period, bank deposits and marketable securities were sold or redeemed for cash amounting to $87.6 million. During 2019, we invested $66.5 million of cash in bank deposits and marketable securities with maturities up to 53 months from the balance sheet date. In addition, during the same period, bank deposits and marketable securities were sold or redeemed for cash amounting to $85.9 million. During 2018, we invested $41.3 million of cash in bank deposits and marketable securities with maturities up to 51 months from the balance sheet date. In addition, during the same period, bank deposits and marketable securities were sold or redeemed for cash amounting to $56.4 million. All of our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale. The purchase and sale or redemption of available-for-sale marketable securities are considered part of investing cash flow. Available-for-sale marketable securities are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of taxes. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments, as determined on a specific identification basis, are included in the consolidated statements of income (loss). We did not recognize any credit losses in 2020 and any other-than-temporarily-impaired charges on marketable securities in 2019 and 2018. For more information about our marketable securities, see Notes 1 and 3 to the attached Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Bank deposits are classified as short-term bank deposits and long-term bank deposits. Short-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than three months but no longer than one year from the balance sheet date, whereas long-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than one year as of the balance sheet date. Bank deposits are presented at their cost, including accrued interest, and purchases and sales are considered part of cash flows from investing activities.
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities in 2020 was $15.2 million and consisted of a net loss of $2.4 million, adjustments for non-cash items of $19.3 million, and changes in operating assets and liabilities of $1.7 million. Adjustments for non-cash items primarily consisted of $5.8 million of depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, and $13.6 million of equity-based compensation expenses. The decrease in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily consisted of an increase in trade receivables of $2.9 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $0.6 million, and a decrease in deferred revenues of $1.2 million, partially offset by a decrease in accrued interest on bank deposits of $1.2 million, and an increase in accrued payroll and related benefits of $1.8 million.
Cash provided by operating activities in 2019 was $9.7 million and consisted of net income of $28,000, adjustments for non-cash items of $16.8 million, and changes in operating assets and liabilities of $7.1 million. Adjustments for non-cash items primarily consisted of $5.3 million of depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, $10.7 million of equity-based compensation expenses, and $0.6 million of amortization of premiums on available-for-sale marketable securities. The decrease in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily consisted of an increase in trade receivables of $2.2 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $4.2 million (mainly as a result of a technology investment in Immervision of $2.9 million), an increase in deferred taxes, net, of $3.6 million (mainly due to (1) a release of a tax provision as a result of the completion of a tax audit in a certain foreign tax jurisdiction, and (2) an increase in withholding tax assets which can be utilized in future years), partially offset by an increase in accrued payroll and related benefits of $3.1 million.
Cash provided by operating activities in 2018 was $8.6 million and consisted of net income of $0.6 million, adjustments for non-cash items of $16.4 million, and changes in operating assets and liabilities of $8.4 million. Adjustments for non-cash items primarily consisted of $4.2 million of depreciation and amortization of intangible assets, $10.4 million of equity-based compensation expenses, $0.8 million of amortization of premiums on available-for-sale marketable securities and $0.9 million of revaluation of investment in non-marketable equity securities in which we hold at cost. The decrease in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily consisted of an increase in trade receivables of $0.5 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $3.9 million (mainly as a result of an increase in French research tax credits which is generally refunded every three years), an increase in accrued interest on bank deposits of $0.6 million, an increase in deferred tax, net, of $2.2 million, a decrease in deferred revenues of $0.8 million, a decrease in accrued expenses and other payables of $0.5 million, and a decrease in accrued payroll and related benefits of $0.5 million.
Cash flows from operating activities may vary significantly from quarter to quarter depending on the timing of our receipts and payments. Our ongoing cash outflows from operating activities principally relate to payroll-related costs and obligations under our property leases and design tool licenses. Our primary sources of cash inflows are receipts from our accounts receivable, to some extent funding from the IIA and interest earned from our cash, deposits and marketable securities. The timing of receipts of accounts receivable from customers is based upon the completion of agreed milestones or agreed dates as set out in the contracts.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities in 2020 was $15.4 million, as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $2.4 million in 2019 and net cash provided by investing activities of $9.8 million in 2018. We had a cash outflow of $56.0 million with respect to investments in marketable securities and a cash inflow of $32.2 million with respect to maturity, and sale, of marketable securities during 2020. Included in the cash inflow during 2020 was net proceeds of $11.5 million from bank deposits. We had a cash outflow of $27.2 million with respect to investments in marketable securities and a cash inflow of $40.5 million with respect to maturity, and sale, of marketable securities during 2019. Included in the cash inflow during 2019 was net proceeds of $6.1 million from bank deposits. We had a cash outflow of $19.7 million with respect to investments in marketable securities and a cash inflow of $23.5 million with respect to maturity, and sale, of marketable securities during 2018. Included in the cash inflow during 2018 was net proceeds of $11.3 million from bank deposits. Capital equipment purchases of computer hardware and software used in engineering development, furniture and fixtures amounted to approximately $2.9 million in 2020, $3.5 million in 2019 and $3.3 million in 2018. We had a cash outflow of $0.3 million and $2.0 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively, from the purchase of a license of NB-IoT technologies. We had a cash outflow of $0.2 million and $18.1 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, for the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business and the technology investment in Immervision.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities in 2020 was $1.9 million, as compared to net cash used in financing activities of $6.7 million in 2019 and net cash used in financing activities of $17.8 million in 2018.
In August 2008, we announced that our board of directors approved a share repurchase program for up to one million shares of common stock which was further extended collectively by an additional 5,700,000 shares in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2018. In February 2020, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 700,000 shares of common stock. In 2020, we repurchased 202,392 shares of common stock at an average purchase price of $23.62 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $4.8 million. In 2019, we repurchased 355,180 shares of common stock at an average purchase price of $25.66 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $9.1 million. In 2018, we repurchased 655,876 shares of common stock at an average purchase price of $30.51 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $20.0 million. As of December 31, 2020, we had 497,608 shares available for repurchase.
In 2020, 2019 and 2018, we received $2.9 million, $2.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, from the exercise of stock-based awards.
We believe that our cash and cash equivalent, short-term bank deposits and marketable securities, along with cash from operations, will provide sufficient capital to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months. We cannot provide assurance, however, that the underlying assumed levels of revenues and expenses will prove to be accurate.
In addition, as part of our business strategy, we occasionally evaluate potential acquisitions of businesses, products and technologies and minority equity investments. Accordingly, a portion of our available cash may be used at any time for the acquisition of complementary products or businesses or minority equity investments. Such potential transactions may require substantial capital resources, which may require us to seek additional debt or equity financing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully identify suitable acquisition or investment candidates, complete acquisitions or investments, integrate acquired businesses into our current operations, or expand into new markets. Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that additional financing will be available to us in any required time frame and on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. See “Risk Factors-We may seek to expand our business in ways that could result in diversion of resources and extra expenses.” for more detailed information.
Contractual Obligations
The table below presents the principal categories of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020:
Operating leasehold obligations principally relate to our offices in Israel, Ireland, United Kingdom, France, China, Japan and the United States. Purchase obligations relate to license agreements entered into for maintenance of design tools. Other purchase obligations consist of capital and operating purchase order commitments. Other than set forth in the table above, we have no long-term debt or capital lease obligations.
At December 31, 2020, our income tax payable, net of withholding tax credits, included $1,558,000 related to uncertain tax positions. Due to uncertainties in the timing of the completion of tax audits, the timing of the resolution of these positions is uncertain and we are unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments. As a result, this amount is not included in the above table.
In addition, at December 31, 2020, the amount of accrued severance pay was $11,226,000. Severance pay relates to accrued severance obligations to our Israeli employees as required under Israeli labor laws. These obligations are payable only upon termination, retirement or death of the respective employee. Of this amount, $690,000 is unfunded.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as such term is defined in recently enacted rules by the Securities and Exchange Commission, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
A majority of our revenues and a portion of our expenses are transacted in U.S. dollars and our assets and liabilities together with our cash holdings are predominately denominated in U.S. dollars. However, the majority of our expenses are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, principally the NIS and the EURO. Increases in volatility of the exchange rates of currencies other than the U.S. dollar versus the U.S. dollar could have an adverse effect on the expenses and liabilities that we incur when remeasured into U.S. dollars. We review our monthly expected non-U.S. dollar denominated expenditures and look to hold equivalent non-U.S. dollar cash balances to mitigate currency fluctuations. This has resulted in a foreign exchange gain of $0.44 million, a foreign exchange loss of $0.35 million and a foreign exchange loss of $0.24 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
As a result of currency fluctuations and the remeasurement of non-U.S. dollar denominated expenditures to U.S. dollars for financial reporting purposes; we may experience fluctuations in our operating results on an annual and quarterly basis. To protect against the increase in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flow resulting from salaries paid in currencies other than the U.S. dollar during the year, we follow a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. We hedge portions of the anticipated payroll for our non-U.S. employees denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar for a period of one to twelve months with forward and option contracts. During 2020, 2019 and 2018 , we recorded accumulated other comprehensive loss of $49,000, accumulated other comprehensive gain of $117,000 and accumulated other comprehensive loss of $68,000 , respectively, from our forward and option contracts, net of taxes, with respect to anticipated payroll expenses for our non-U.S. employees. As of December 31, 2020, we had no unrealized gain (loss) from our forward and option contracts. We recognized a net gain of 0.69 million, a net gain of 0.31 million and a net loss of $0.35 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to forward and options contracts. We note that hedging transactions may not successfully mitigate losses caused by currency fluctuations. We expect to continue to experience the effect of exchange rate and currency fluctuations on an annual and quarterly basis.
The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are invested in high grade certificates of deposits with major U.S., European and Israeli banks. Generally, cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits may be redeemed and therefore minimal credit risk exists with respect to them. Nonetheless, deposits with these banks exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits or similar limits in foreign jurisdictions, to the extent such deposits are even insured in such foreign jurisdictions. While we monitor on a systematic basis the cash and cash equivalent balances in the operating accounts and adjust the balances as appropriate, these balances could be impacted if one or more of the financial institutions with which we deposit our funds fails or is subject to other adverse conditions in the financial or credit markets. To date, we have experienced no loss of principal or lack of access to our invested cash or cash equivalents; however, we can provide no assurance that access to our invested cash and cash equivalents will not be affected if the financial institutions that we hold our cash and cash equivalents fail.
We hold an investment portfolio consisting principally of corporate bonds. We have the ability to hold such investments until recovery of temporary declines in market value or maturity. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2020, we believe the losses associated with our investments are temporary and no credit loss was recognized in 2020. However, we can provide no assurance that we will recover present declines in the market value of our investments.
Interest income and gains and losses from marketable securities, net, were $2.84 million in 2020, $3.64 million in 2019 and $3.66 million in 2018. The decrease in interest income and gains and losses from marketable securities, net, for 2020 as compared to 2019 reflected lower combined cash, bank deposits and marketable securities balances held (mainly as a result of the acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business and the technology investment in Immervision during the third quarter of 2019) and lower yields. The slight decrease in interest income and gains and losses from marketable securities, net, for 2019 as compared to 2018 reflected lower combined cash, bank deposits and marketable securities balances held, offset with higher yields.
We are exposed primarily to fluctuations in the level of U.S. interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, fixed interest investments may be adversely impacted, whereas a decline in interest rates may decrease the anticipated interest income for variable rate investments. We typically do not attempt to reduce or eliminate our market exposures on our investment securities because the majority of our investments are short-term. We currently do not have any derivative instruments but may put them in place in the future. Fluctuations in interest rates within our investment portfolio have not had, and we do not currently anticipate such fluctuations will have, a material effect on our financial position on an annual or quarterly basis.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See the Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data on page.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
CEVA, Inc.’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the company’s financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. CEVA, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting is 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. There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurances with respect to financial statement preparation. Further because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal controls may vary over time such that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of CEVA, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on its assessment using those criteria, management believes that CEVA, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
CEVA, Inc.’s independent registered public accountants audited the financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and have issued a report concurring with management’s assessment of the company’s effective internal control over financial reporting, which appears in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information regarding our directors required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement. Information regarding the members of the Audit Committee, our code of business conduct and ethics, the identification of the Audit Committee Financial Expert, stockholder nominations of directors and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is also incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement.
The information regarding our executive officers required by this item is contained in Part I of this annual report.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCK HOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2021 Proxy Statement.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) The following documents are filed as part of or are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
1. Financial Statements:
●
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
●
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
●
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
●
Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
●
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
●
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
●
2. Financial Statement Schedules:
Other financial statement schedules have been omitted since they are either not required or the information is otherwise included.
3. Exhibits:
The exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed on the exhibit index immediately preceding such exhibits, which exhibit index is incorporated herein by reference. Some of these documents have previously been filed as exhibits with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are being incorporated herein by reference to such earlier filings. CEVA’s file number under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is 000-49842.
EXHIBIT INDEX
(1)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s registration statement on Form 10, as amended, initially filed with the Commission on June 3, 2002 (registration number 000-49842), and incorporated herein by reference.
(2)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on December 8, 2003, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(3)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on October 31, 2019, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(4)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on July 22, 2005, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(5)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on February 28, 2020, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(6)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s registration statement on Form S-1, as amended, initially filed with the Commission on July 30, 2002 (registration number 333-97353), and incorporated herein by reference.
(7)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on March 14, 2008, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(8)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Commission on March 28, 2003, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(9)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on November 9, 2005, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(10)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Commission on August 9, 2006, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(11)Filed
as an exhibit of the same number to CEVA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2007, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(12)Filed
as Exhibit 10.27 to CEVA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2007, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(13)
Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to CEVA’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 7, 2007, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(14)Filed
as Exhibit 10.8 to CEVA’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 15, 2012, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(15)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 11, 2016, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(16)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2018, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(17)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2019, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(18)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 1, 2018, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(19)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2020, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(20)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2019, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(21)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2020, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(22)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on February 18, 2021, and incorporated hereby by reference.
(23)
Filed as an exhibit to CEVA’s Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 9, 2019, and incorporated hereby by reference.
†
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(c) of Form 10-K.
*
Filed herewith.
ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
The Company has elected not to include summary information.
CEVA, INC.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020
CEVA, INC.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of CEVA, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CEVA, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements“). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 1, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Revenue Recognition
Description of the Matter
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company generates a significant portion of its revenues form licensing intellectual properties and related services. Most of the Company's contracts with customers contain multiple goods or services which are accounted for as separate performance obligation, if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. Standalone selling prices of intellectual properties licenses are typically estimated using the residual approach. Standalone selling prices of related services are typically estimated based on observable transactions when those services are sold on a standalone basis.
Auditing the identification of performance obligations in intellectual properties license contracts may require certain judgments as it relates to the evaluation of the contractual terms of the arrangement. For example, there may be nonstandard terms and conditions that require judgment to determine the distinct performance obligations. Auditing the allocation of the transaction price to performance obligations requires significant judgment in determining the use of the residual approach to estimate the standalone selling prices of intellectual properties licensing is appropriate.
CEVA, INC.
How We Addressed the
Matter in Our Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated design and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls related to the identification of distinct performance obligations, the determination of the standalone selling prices, including the Company’s assessment of the appropriateness of the residual approach method.
Among the substantive procedures we performed to test the identification and determination of distinct performance obligations, for a sample of contracts, we read the executed contract to understand and evaluated management’s identification of significant terms for completeness, including the identification of distinct performance obligations.
To test management’s determination of standalone selling price for each performance obligation, we performed procedures to evaluate the methodology applied, tested the accuracy of the underlying data and calculations and the application of that methodology to the sample of contracts. Our testing of the application of the residual method to estimate standalone selling prices of intellectual properties license included analysis of the variability of actual intellectual properties license pricing during the year.
We also tested the mathematical accuracy of management’s calculations of revenue in the consolidated financial statements. Finally, we assessed the appropriateness of the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KOST FORER GABBAY & KASIERER
A Member of Ernst & Young Global
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1999.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
March 1, 2021
CEVA, INC.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of CEVA, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited CEVA, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, CEVA, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 and the related notes, and our report dated March 1, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures, as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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.
CEVA, INC.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/KOST FORER GABBAY & KASIERER
A Member of Ernst & Young Global
Tel Aviv, Israel
March 1, 2021
CEVA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CEVA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)
*) Not including amortization of technology shown separately.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CEVA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CEVA, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
(*) Accumulated unrealized gain from available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $126
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CEVA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CEVA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-(Continued)
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share data)
NOTE 1: ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization:
CEVA, Inc. (“CEVA” or the “Company”) was incorporated in Delaware on November 22, 1999. The Company was formed through the combination of Parthus Technologies plc (“Parthus”) and the digital signal processor (DSP) cores licensing business and operations of DSP Group, Inc. in November 2002. The Company had no business or operations prior to the combination.
CEVA licenses a family of signal processing IPs in two types of categories: wireless connectivity and smart sensing. These products include comprehensive platforms comprised of specialized DSPs coupled with an AI and other types of accelerators targeted for low power workloads, including 5G baseband processing, intelligent vision, voice recognition, physical layer processing and sensor fusion. CEVA also offers high performance DSPs targeted for 5G RAN and Open RAN, Wi-Fi enterprise and residential access points, satellite communication and other multi-gigabit communications. Our portfolio also includes a wide range of application software optimized for our processors, including voice front-end processing and speech recognition, imaging and computer vision and sensor fusion. For sensor fusion, our Hillcrest Labs sensor processing technologies provide a broad range of sensor fusion software and inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) solutions for AR/VR, robotics, remote controls and IoT. For wireless IoT, the Company offers the industry’s most widely adopted IPs for Bluetooth (low energy and dual mode), Wi-Fi 4/5/6 (802.11n/ac/ax) and NB-IoT.
CEVA’s technologies are licensed to leading semiconductor and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) companies. These companies design, manufacture, market and sell application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”) and application-specific standard products (“ASSPs”) based on CEVA’s technology to wireless, consumer electronics and automotive companies for incorporation into a wide variety of end products.
CEVA is a sustainable and environmentally conscious company, adhering its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. As such, it emphasizes and focuses on environmental preservation, recycling, the welfare of our employees and privacy - which it promotes on a corporate level. CEVA, is committed to social responsibility, values of preservation and consciousness towards these purposes.
Acquisitions:
In July 2019, the Company acquired the Hillcrest Labs business from InterDigital, Inc. (“InterDigital”). Hillcrest Labs is a leading global supplier of software and components for sensor processing in consumer and IoT devices. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to pay an aggregate of $11,204 to purchase the Hillcrest Labs business, as well as non-exclusive rights to certain Hillcrest Labs’ patents retained by InterDigital, with $10,000 paid at closing, $204 of which is a contingent consideration that was fully paid during the first quarter of 2020, and the remainder of $1,000 held in escrow to satisfy indemnification claims, if any.
In addition, the Company incurred acquisition-related expenses associated with the Hillcrest Labs transaction in a total amount of $462, which were included in general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019. Acquisition-related costs included legal, accounting and consulting fees, and other external costs directly related to the acquisition.
Goodwill generated from this business combination is attributed to synergies between the Company's and Hillcrest Lab's respective products and services.
The results of Hillcrest Labs’ operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since July 19, 2019. Pro forma results of operations related to this acquisition have not been prepared because they are not material to the Company's consolidated statement of income (loss).
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The purchase price allocation for the acquisition has been determined as follows:
The acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business has been accounted in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”). Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets based on their fair values on the closing date.
In August 2019, the Company entered into a strategic agreement with a private company, Immervision, Inc. (“Immervision”), whereby the Company made a strategic technology investment for a total consideration of $10,000 to secure exclusive licensing rights to Immervision’s advanced portfolio of patented wide-angle image processing technology and software. The Company considered this transaction as an asset acquisition. As a result, the estimated fair value of the assets acquired have been included in the accompanying balance sheet from the date of acquisition.
The consideration for the investment has been determined as follows:
The intangible assets are amortized based on the pattern upon which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are to be utilized.
Basis of presentation:
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared according to U.S Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires that expected credit losses relating to financial assets be measured on an amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. ASU 2016-13 limits the amount of credit losses to be recognized for available-for-sale debt securities to the amount by which carrying value exceeds fair value and also requires the reversal of previously recognized credit losses if fair value increases. The adoption by the Company of the new guidance did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles: Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, the income tax effects of tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments also eliminate the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the qualitative impairment test is necessary. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis. The nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle should be disclosed upon transition. The Company adopted ASU 2017-04 as of January 1, 2020. The adoption by the Company of the new guidance did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Use of estimates:
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions. The Company’s management believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions used are reasonable based upon information available at the time they are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic has created, and may continue to create, significant uncertainty in macroeconomic conditions, and the extent of its impact on the Company’s operational and financial performance will depend on certain developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the impact on the Company’s customers and its sales cycles. The Company considered the impact of COVID-19 on the estimates and assumptions and determined that there were no material adverse impacts on the consolidated financial statements for the period ended December 31, 2020. As events continue to evolve and additional information becomes available, the Company’s estimates and assumptions may change materially in future periods.
Financial statements in U.S. dollars:
A majority of the revenues of the Company and its subsidiaries is generated in U.S. dollars (“dollars”). In addition, a portion of the Company and its subsidiaries’ costs are incurred in dollars. The Company’s management has determined that the dollar is the primary currency of the economic environment in which the Company and its subsidiaries principally operate. Thus, the functional and reporting currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the dollar.
Accordingly, monetary accounts maintained in currencies other than the dollar are remeasured into dollars in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.” All transaction gains and losses from remeasurement of monetary balance sheet items are reflected in the consolidated statements of income (loss) as financial income or expenses, as appropriate, which is included in “financial income, net.” The foreign exchange losses arose principally on the EURO and the NIS monetary balance sheet items as a result of the currency fluctuations of the EURO and the NIS against the dollar.
Principles of consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Cash equivalents:
Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash with original maturities of three months or less from the date acquired.
Short-term bank deposits:
Short-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than three months but less than one year from the balance sheet date. The deposits are presented at their cost, including accrued interest. The deposits bear interest annually at an average rate of 2.16%, 2.64% and 2.53% during 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Marketable securities:
Marketable securities consist mainly of corporate bonds. The Company determines the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase and re-evaluates such designation at each balance sheet date. In accordance with FASB ASC No. 320 “Investments- Debt and Equity Securities,” the Company classifies marketable securities as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of taxes. Realized gains and losses on sales of marketable securities, as determined on a specific identification basis, are included in financial income, net. The amortized cost of marketable securities is adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount to maturity, both of which, together with interest, are included in financial income, net. The Company has classified all marketable securities as short-term, even though the stated maturity date may be one year or more beyond the current balance sheet date, because it is probable that the Company will sell these securities prior to maturity to meet liquidity needs or as part of risk versus reward objectives.
The Company determines realized gains or losses on sale of marketable securities on a specific identification method, and records such gains or losses as interest and other income (expense), net.
Starting on January 1, 2020, as a result of the adoption of ASC 326, available-for-sale debt securities with an amortized cost basis in excess of estimated fair value are assessed to determine what amount of that difference, if any, is caused by expected credit losses. Expected credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities are recognized in financial income, net, on the Company’s consolidated statements of income (loss), and any remaining unrealized losses, net of taxes, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity. The amount of credit losses recorded for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 was not material.
Prior to 2020, the Company recognized an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its investments in debt securities below the cost basis of such securities was considered to be other-than-temporary. Factors considered in making such a determination include the duration and severity of the impairment, the reason for the decline in value and the potential recovery period. For securities that were deemed other-than-temporarily impaired (“OTTI”), the amount of impairment was recognized in the statement of income (loss) and was limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company did not recognize OTTI on its marketable securities in 2018, and 2019.
Long-term bank deposits:
Long-term bank deposits are deposits with maturities of more than one year as of the balance sheet date. The deposits presented at their cost, including accrued interest. The deposits bear interest annually at an average rate of 2.57%, 2.94% and 1.32% during 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Trade receivables and allowances:
Trade receivables are recorded and carried at the original invoiced amount less an allowance for any potential uncollectible amounts. The Company makes estimates of expected credit losses for the allowance for doubtful accounts and allowance for unbilled receivables based upon its assessment of various factors, including historical experience, the age of the trade receivable balances, credit quality of its customers, current economic conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and other factors that may affect its ability to collect from customers. The estimated credit loss allowance is recorded as general and administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of income (loss).
Property and equipment, net:
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, at the following annual rates:
The Company’s long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC No. 360-10-35, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the carrying amount of an asset to be held and used is measured by a comparison of its carrying amount to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by such asset. If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of such asset exceeds its fair value. In determining the fair value of long-lived assets for purposes of measuring impairment, the Company's assumptions include those that market participants would consider in valuations of similar assets.
An asset to be disposed is reported at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less selling costs. No impairment was recorded in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Leases:
Effective as of January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Topic 842, which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for leases classified as operating leases. The Company has adopted Topic 842 using the modified retrospective transition approach by applying the new standard to all leases existing on the date of initial application. Results and disclosure requirements for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019 are presented under Topic 842.
The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which allowed the Company to carryforward the historical lease classification, the Company’s assessment on whether a contract was or contained a lease, and initial direct costs for any leases that existed prior to January 1, 2019.
As a result of the adoption of Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, the Company recorded both operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of $9,785 and operating lease liabilities of $9,498. The ROU assets include adjustments for prepayments in the amount of $287. The adoption did not impact the Company’s beginning retained earnings, or its prior year consolidated statements of income (loss) and statements of cash flows.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company’s assessment is based on: (1) whether the contract includes an identified asset, (2) whether the Company obtains substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset throughout the period of use, and (3) whether the Company has the right to direct how and for what purpose the identified asset is used throughout the period of use.
Leases are classified as either finance leases or operating leases. A lease is classified as a finance lease if any one of the following criteria are met: the lease transfers ownership of the asset by the end of the lease term, the lease contains an option to purchase the asset that is reasonably certain to be exercised, the lease term is for a major part of the remaining useful life of the asset, the present value of the lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the asset, or the underlying asset is of such a specialized nature that it is expected to have no alternative use to the lessor at the end of lease term. A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not meet any one of these criteria. Since all of the Company’s lease contracts do not meet any of the criteria above, the Company concluded that all of its lease contracts should be classified as operation leases.
ROU assets and liabilities are recognized on the commencement date based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. For this purpose, the Company considers only payments that are fixed and determinable at the time of commencement. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available on the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to commencement and is recorded net of any lease incentives received. All ROU assets are reviewed for impairment. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options.
The Company elected to not recognize a lease liability and a ROU asset for lease with a term of twelve months or less.
Goodwill:
Goodwill is carried at cost and is not amortized but rather is tested for impairment at least annually or between annual tests in certain circumstances. The Company conducts its annual test of impairment for goodwill on October 1st of each year.
The Company operates in one operating segment and this segment comprises only one reporting unit.
ASC 350 allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the qualitative assessment does not result in a more likely than not indication of impairment, no further impairment testing is required. If the Company elects not to use this option, or if the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the Company prepares a quantitative analysis to determine whether the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the Company recognizes an impairment of goodwill for the amount of this excess, in accordance with the guidance in FASB Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which the adopted as of January 1, 2020. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-04, if the Company elects not to use the qualitative analysis the two-step impairment test is performed. For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, no impairment of goodwill has been recorded.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Intangible assets, net:
Acquired intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company amortizes intangible assets on a straight-line basis with definite lives over periods ranging from half a year to seven and a half years.
Intangible assets with definite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of their carrying amounts to future undiscounted cash flows the assets are expected to generate. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized equals the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds its fair market value. The Company did not record any impairments during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Investments in non-marketable equity securities:
The Company's non-marketable equity securities are investments in privately held companies without readily determinable market values.
For the Company’s equity investment in private company equity securities which do not have readily determinable fair values, the Company has elected the measurement alternative defined as cost, less impairment, plus or minus adjustments resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The investment is reviewed periodically to determine if its value has been impaired and adjustments are recorded as necessary.
During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, no impairment loss was identified. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a loss of $870 related to revaluation of its investment in a private company based on observable price changes.
Revenue recognition:
Effective as of January 1, 2018, the Company has followed the provisions of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). The guidance provides a unified model to determine how revenue is recognized. See Note 2 for further details.
The following is a description of principal activities from which the Company generates revenue. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services.
The Company determines revenue recognition through the following steps:
●
identification of the contract with a customer;
●
identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
●
determination of the transaction price;
●
allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
●
recognition of revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
The Company enters into contracts that can include various combinations of products and services, as detailed below, which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The Company generates its revenues from (1) licensing intellectual properties, which in certain circumstances are modified for customer-specific requirements, (2) royalty revenues, and (3) other revenues, which include revenues from support, training and sale of development systems and chips, which are included in licensing and related revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss).
The Company accounts for its IP license revenues and related services, which provide the Company's customers with rights to use the Company's IP, in accordance with ASC 606. A license may be perpetual or time limited in its application. In accordance with ASC 606, the Company will recognize revenue from IP license at the time of delivery when the customer accepts control of the IP, as the IP is functional without professional services, updates and technical support. The Company has concluded that its IP license is distinct as the customer can benefit from the software on its own.
Most of the Company’s contracts with customers contain multiple performance obligations. For these contracts, the Company accounts for individual performance obligations separately, if they are distinct. The transaction price is allocated to the separate performance obligations on a relative standalone selling price basis. Standalone selling prices of IP license are typically estimated using the residual approach. Standalone selling prices of services are typically estimated based on observable transactions when these services are sold on a standalone basis.
When contracts involve a significant financing component, the Company adjusts the promised amount of consideration for the effects of the time value of money if the timing of payments agreed to by the parties to the contract (either explicitly or implicitly) provide the customer with a significant benefit of financing, unless the financing period is under one year and only after the products or services were provided, which is a practical expediency permitted under ASC 606.
Revenues from contracts that involve significant customization of the Company’s IP to customer-specific specifications are performance obligations the Company generally accounts for as performance obligations satisfied over time. The Company’s performance obligation does not create an asset with alternative use, and the Company has an enforceable right to payment. The Company recognizes revenue on such contracts using cost based input methods, which recognize revenue and gross profit as work is performed based on a ratio between actual costs incurred compared to the total estimated costs for the contract. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made during the period in which such losses are first determined, in the amount of the estimated loss on the entire contract.
Revenues that are derived from the sale of a licensee’s products that incorporate the Company’s IP are classified as royalty revenues. Royalty revenues are recognized during the quarter in which the sale of the product incorporating the Company’s IP occurs. Royalties are calculated either as a percentage of the revenues received by the Company’s licensees on sales of products incorporating the Company’s IP or on a per unit basis, as specified in the agreements with the licensees. For a majority of the Company’s royalty revenues, the Company receives the actual sales data from its customers after the quarter ends and accounts for it as unbilled receivables. When the Company does not receive actual sales data from the customer prior to the finalization of its financial statements, royalty revenues are recognized based on the Company’s estimation of the customer’s sales during the quarter.
In addition to license fees, contracts with customers generally contain an agreement to provide for training and post contract support, which consists of telephone or e-mail support, correction of errors (bug fixing) and unspecified updates and upgrades. Fees for post contract support, which takes place after delivery to the customer, are specified in the contract and are generally mandatory for the first year. After the mandatory period, the customer may extend the support agreement on similar terms on an annual basis. The Company considers the post contract support performance obligation as a distinct performance obligation that is satisfied over time, and as such, it recognizes revenue for post contract support on a straight-line basis over the period for which technical support is contractually agreed to be provided to the licensee, typically twelve months.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Revenues from the sale of development systems and chips are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the customers.
Deferred revenues, which represent a contract liability, include unearned amounts received under license agreements, unearned technical support and amounts paid by customers not yet recognized as revenues.
The Company capitalizes sales commission as costs of obtaining a contract when they are incremental and, if they are expected to be recovered, amortized in a manner consistent with the pattern of transfer of the good or service to which the asset relates. If the expected amortization period is one year or less, the commission fee is expensed when incurred.
Cost of revenue:
Cost of revenue includes the costs of products, services and royalty expense payments to the Israeli Innovation Authority of the Ministry of Economy and Industry in Israel (the “IIA“) (refer to Note 15 for further details). Cost of product revenue includes materials, subcontractors, amortization of acquired assets (NB-IoT and Immervision technologies) and the portion of development costs associated with product development arrangements. Cost of service revenue includes salary and related costs for personnel engaged in services, training and customer support, and travel, office expenses and other support costs.
Income taxes:
The Company recognizes income taxes under the liability method. It recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. These differences are measured using the enacted statutory tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred income taxes is recognized in the statements of income (loss) during the period that includes the enactment date.
Valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets to the net amount that the Company believes is more likely than not to be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including historical levels of income, expectations and risks associated with estimates of future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740. ASC 740-10 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that, on an evaluation of the technical merits, the tax position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% (cumulative probability) likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits under taxes on income.
Research and development:
Research and development costs are charged to the consolidated statements of income (loss) as incurred.
Government grants and tax credits:
Government grants received by the Company relating to categories of operating expenditures are credited to the consolidated statements of income (loss) during the period in which the expenditure to which they relate is charged. Royalty and non-royalty-bearing grants from the IIA for funding certain approved research and development projects are recognized at the time when the Company is entitled to such grants, on the basis of the related costs incurred, and included as a deduction from research and development expenses.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The Company recorded grants in the amounts of $3,352, $5,643 and $2,844 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The Company’s Israeli subsidiary is obligated to pay royalties amounting to 3%-3.5% of the sales of certain products the development of which received grants from the IIA in previous years. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual sales of the products. Grants received from the IIA may become repayable if certain criteria under the grants are not met.
The French Research Tax Credit, Crédit d’Impôt Recherche (“CIR”), is a French tax incentive to stimulate research and development (“R&D”) which is relevant for the Company's French subsidiaries (RivieraWaves SAS and CEVA France). Generally, the CIR offsets the income tax to be paid and the remaining portion (if any) can be refunded. The CIR is calculated based on the claimed volume of eligible R&D expenditures by the Company. As a result, the CIR is presented as a deduction from “research and development expenses” in the consolidated statements of income (loss). During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Company recorded CIR benefits in the amount of $2,065, $2,312 and $3,287, respectively.
Employee benefit plan:
Certain of the Company’s employees are eligible to participate in a defined contribution pension plan (the “Plan”). Participants in the Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings into the Plan, which is run by an independent party. The Company makes pension contributions at rates varying up to 10% of the participant’s pensionable salary. Contributions to the Plan are recorded as an expense in the consolidated statements of income (loss).
The Company’s U.S. operations maintain a retirement plan (the “U.S. Plan”) that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participants in the U.S. Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings, up to the Internal Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The Company matches 50% of each participant’s contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s base pay. Each participant may contribute up to 15% of base remuneration. Contributions to the U.S. Plan are recorded during the year contributed as an expense in the consolidated statements of income (loss).
Total contributions for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 were $1,048, $1,189 and $1,232, respectively.
Accrued severance pay:
The liability of CEVA’s Israeli subsidiary for severance pay for employees hired prior to August 1, 2016 is calculated pursuant to Israeli severance pay law based on the most recent salary of each employee multiplied by the number of years of employment for that employee as of the balance sheet date. The Israeli subsidiary’s liability is fully provided for by monthly deposits with severance pay funds, insurance policies and an accrual. The deposited funds include profits and losses accumulated up to the balance sheet date. The deposited funds may be withdrawn only upon the fulfillment of the obligation pursuant to Israeli severance pay law or labor agreements. The value of these policies is recorded as an asset on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
Effective August 1, 2016, the Israeli subsidiary’s agreements with new employees in Israel are under Section 14 of the Severance Pay Law, 1963. The Israeli subsidiary’s contributions for severance pay have extinguished its severance obligation. Upon contribution of the full amount based on the employee’s monthly salary for each year of service, no additional obligation exists regarding the matter of severance pay, and no additional payments is made by the Israeli subsidiary to the employee. Furthermore, the related obligation and amounts deposited on behalf of the employee for such obligation are not stated on the balance sheet, as the Israeli subsidiary is legally released from any obligation to employees once the required deposit amounts have been paid.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Severance pay expenses, net of related income, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, were $1,818, $1,826 and $1,983, respectively.
Equity-based compensation:
The Company accounts for equity-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC No. 718, “Stock Compensation” which requires the recognition of compensation expenses based on estimated fair values for all equity-based awards made to employees and non-employee directors. Equity-based compensation primarily includes restricted stock units (“RSUs”), as well as options, stock appreciation right (“SAR”), performance-based stock units (“PSUs”) and employee stock purchase plan awards.
The Company elects the straight-line recognition method for awards subject to graded vesting based only on a service condition and the accelerated method for awards that are subject to performance or market. The fair value of each RSU and PSU (excluding PSUs based on market condition awards) is the market value as determined by the closing price of the common stock on the day of grant. The Company estimates the fair value of PSU based on market condition awards on the date of grant using the Monte-Carlo simulation model.
The fair value for rights to purchase shares of common stock under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions:
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Company recognized equity-based compensation expense related to stock options, SARs, RSUs, PSUs and employee stock purchase plan as follows:
As of December 31, 2020, there was $13,572 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs, PSUs and employee stock purchase plan. This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. As of December 31, 2020, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options and SARs.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Fair value of financial instruments:
The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents, short term bank deposits, trade receivables, other accounts receivable, trade payables and other accounts payable approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Marketable securities and derivative instruments are carried at fair value. See Note 5 for more information.
Comprehensive income (loss):
The Company accounts for comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with FASB ASC No. 220, “Comprehensive Income.” This statement establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss) and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income (loss) generally represents all changes in stockholders’ equity during the period except those resulting from investments by, or distributions to, stockholders. The Company determined that its items of other comprehensive income (loss) relate to unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on hedging derivative instruments and marketable securities.
Concentration of credit risk:
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits, marketable securities, foreign exchange contracts and trade receivables. The Company invests its surplus cash in cash deposits and marketable securities in financial institutions and has established guidelines relating to diversification and maturities to maintain safety and liquidity of the investments.
The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are invested in high grade certificates of deposits with major U.S., European and Israeli banks. Generally, cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits may be redeemed on demand and therefore minimal credit risk exists with respect to them. Nonetheless, deposits with these banks exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits or similar limits in foreign jurisdictions, to the extent such deposits are even insured in such foreign jurisdictions. Generally, these cash equivalents may be redeemed upon demand and, therefore management believes that it bears a lower risk. The short-term and long-term bank deposits are held in financial institutions which management believes are institutions with high credit standing, and accordingly, minimal credit risk from geographic or credit concentration. Furthermore, the Company holds an investment portfolio consisting principally of corporate bonds. The Company has the ability to hold such investments until recovery of temporary declines in market value or maturity. However, the Company can provide no assurance that it will recover declines in the market value of its investments.
The Company is exposed primarily to fluctuations in the level of U.S. interest rates. To the extent that interest rates rise, fixed interest investments may be adversely impacted, whereas a decline in interest rates may decrease the anticipated interest income for variable rate investments.
The Company is exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. The Company typically does not attempt to reduce or eliminate its market exposures on its investment securities because the majority of its investments are short-term.
The Company’s trade receivables are geographically diverse, mainly in the Asia Pacific, and also in the United States and Europe. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited by credit limits, ongoing credit evaluation and account monitoring procedures. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and to date has not experienced any material losses. The Company makes estimates of expected credit losses for based upon its assessment of various factors, including historical experience, the age of the trade receivable balances, credit quality of its customers, current economic conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and other factors that may affect its ability to collect from customers. Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, the Company evaluated its outstanding accounts receivable and established an allowance for doubtful accounts according to specific identification basis, based on information available on the relevant customer credit condition, current aging, historical experience and based on the Company policy.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The Company has no off-balance-sheet concentration of credit risk.
Derivative and hedging activities:
The Company follows the requirements of FASB ASC No. 815,” Derivatives and Hedging” which requires companies to recognize all of their derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging transaction and further, on the type of hedging transaction. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Due to the Company’s global operations, it is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations in the normal course of its business. The Company’s treasury policy allows it to offset the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures through the purchase of foreign exchange forward or option contracts (“Hedging Contracts”). The policy, however, prohibits the Company from speculating on such Hedging Contracts for profit. To protect against the increase in value of forecasted foreign currency cash flow resulting from salaries paid in currencies other than the U.S. dollar during the year, the Company instituted a foreign currency cash flow hedging program. The Company hedges portions of the anticipated payroll of its non-U.S. employees denominated in the currencies other than the U.S. dollar for a period of one to twelve months with Hedging Contracts. Accordingly, when the dollar strengthens against the foreign currencies, the decline in present value of future foreign currency expenses is offset by losses in the fair value of the Hedging Contracts. Conversely, when the dollar weakens, the increase in the present value of future foreign currency expenses is offset by gains in the fair value of the Hedging Contracts. These Hedging Contracts are designated as cash flow hedges.
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.
Effective as of January 1, 2019, the Company has followed the provisions of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”. As a result of adopting the new accounting guidance, beginning on January 1, 2019, gains and losses on derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings during the same accounting period in which the designated forecasted transaction or hedged item affects earnings. Prior to January 1, 2019, cash flow hedge ineffectiveness was separately measured and reported immediately in earnings. Cash flow hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial during 2018.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, the notional principal amount of the Hedging Contracts to sell U.S. dollars held by the Company was $5,500 and $0, respectively.
Advertising expenses:
Advertising expenses are charged to consolidated statements of income (loss) as incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 were $1,080, $996 and $559, respectively.
Treasury stock:
The Company repurchases its common stock from time to time pursuant to a board-authorized share repurchase program through open market purchases and repurchase plans.
The repurchases of common stock are accounted for as treasury stock, and result in a reduction of stockholders’ equity. When treasury shares are reissued, the Company accounts for the reissuance in accordance with FASB ASC No. 505-30, “Treasury Stock” and charges the excess of the repurchase cost over issuance price using the weighted average method to retained earnings. The purchase cost is calculated based on the specific identified method. In the case where the repurchase cost over issuance price using the weighted average method is lower than the issuance price, the Company credits the difference to additional paid-in capital.
Net income (loss) per share of common stock:
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each year, plus dilutive potential shares of common stock considered outstanding during the year, in accordance with FASB ASC No. 260, “Earnings Per Share.”
The weighted-average number of shares related to outstanding equity-based awards excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share, since their effect was anti-dilutive, were 161,362 and 184,947 shares for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The total number of shares related to outstanding equity-based awards excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share was 1,132,017 for the years ended December 31, 2020.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement:
In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (ASU 2019-12), which simplifies the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2: REVENUE RECOGNITION
In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to revenue recognition, which outlines a comprehensive revenue recognition model and supersedes most prior revenue recognition guidance. The Company adopted ASC 606 on January 1, 2018 for all open contracts on the date of initial application, and applied the standard using modified retrospective approach, with the cumulative effect of applying ASC 606 recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance. The Company recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of $8,555 as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASC 606. The impact to revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 was an increase of $4,078, as a result of adopting ASC 606.
The following table includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in future periods related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. The estimated revenues do not include amounts of royalties or unexercised contract renewals:
Under ASC 606, the Company is required to capitalize incremental costs that are related to sales during the period, consisting primarily of sales commissions earned when contracts are signed. For contracts that have a duration of less than one year, the Company follows ASC 606’s practical expediency, and expenses these costs when incurred; for contracts with life exceeding one year, the Company records these costs in proportion to each completed contract performance obligation. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the amount of amortization was $120, $183 and $71, respectively, and there was no impairment loss in relation to costs capitalized. Deferred sales commission amounted to $24 as of December 31, 2020.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Disaggregation of revenue:
The following table provides information about disaggregated revenue by primary geographical market, major product line and timing of revenue recognition:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Contract balances:
The following table provides information about trade receivables, unbilled receivables and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:
The Company receives payments from customers based upon contractual payment schedules; trade receivables are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional, and an invoice is issued to the customer. Unbilled receivables associated with licensing and other include amounts related to the Company’s contractual right to consideration for completed performance objectives not yet invoiced. Unbilled receivables associated with royalties are recorded as the Company recognizes revenues from royalties earned during the quarter, but not yet invoiced, either by actual sales data received from customers, or, when applicable, by the Company’s estimation. Contract liabilities (deferred revenue) include payments received in advance of performance under the contract, and are realized with the associated revenue recognized under the contract.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized $3,575 that was included in deferred revenues (short-term contract liability) balance at January 1, 2020.
Practical expediency and exemptions:
The Company generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been less than one year. The Company records these costs within sales and marketing expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of income (loss).
The Company does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment by the customer and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer will be one year or less.
CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
NOTE 3: MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The following is a summary of available-for-sale marketable securities at December 31, 2019 and 2020:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The following table presents gross unrealized losses and fair values for those investments that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, and the length of time that those investments have been in a continuous loss position:
During the years ended December 31, 2018, and 2019 the Company did not recognize any other-than temporary impairment losses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, with the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the amount of credit losses recorded was not material.
The following table presents gross realized gains and losses from sale of available-for-sale marketable securities:
NOTE 4: LEASES
The Company leases substantially all of its office space and vehicles under operating leases. The Company's leases have original lease periods expiring between 2021 and 2034. Many leases include one or more options to renew. The Company does not assume renewals in its determination of the lease term unless the renewals are deemed to be reasonably certain at lease commencement. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise the following: the fixed non-cancelable lease payments, payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and payments for early termination options unless it is reasonably certain the lease will not be terminated early.
The following is a summary of weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rate for all of the Company’s operating leases:
Total operating lease cost and cash payments for operating leases were as follows:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:
CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
NOTE 5: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
FASB ASC No. 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid for the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. A three-tier fair value hierarchy is established as a basis for considering such assumptions and for inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
Level I
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible on the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level II
Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and
Level III
Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).
The Company measures its marketable securities and foreign currency derivative contracts at fair value. Marketable securities and foreign currency derivative contracts are classified within Level II as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices and market observable data of similar instruments.
The table below sets forth the Company’s assets measured at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy. Assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
NOTE 6: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
The Company recorded depreciation expenses in the amount of $3,104 and $3,233 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE 7: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
(a)
Goodwill:
Changes in goodwill are as follows:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
(b)
Intangible assets:
(*) During the first quarter of 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire certain NB-IoT technologies in the amount of $2,800, of which technologies valued at $600 has not been received. Of the $2,200, $210 has not resulted in cash outflows as of December 31, 2020. In addition, the Company participated in programs sponsored by the Hong Kong government for the support of the above investment, and as a result, the Company received during 2019 an amount of $239 related to the NB-IoT technologies, which was reduced from the gross carrying amount of intangible assets. The Company recorded the amortization cost of the NB-IoT technologies in “cost of revenues” on the Company’s consolidated statements of income (loss).
Future estimated annual amortization charges are as follows:
The Company recorded amortization expense in the amount of $2,165 and $2,588 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE 8: ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES
CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
NOTE 9: STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
a. Common stock:
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the Company’s stockholders. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all of the Company’s assets. The Board of Directors may declare a dividend out of funds legally available therefore and the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably any such dividends. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights or other subscription rights to convert their shares into any other securities.
b. Preferred stock:
The Company is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. Such preferred stock may be issued by the Board of Directors from time to time in one or more series. These series may have designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, exchange rights, voting rights, redemption rights (including sinking and purchase fund provisions), and dissolution preferences as may be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors.
c. Share repurchase program:
In August 2008, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program for up to one million shares of common stock which was further extended by an additional 5,700,000 shares in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2018. In February 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase by the Company of an additional 700,000 shares of common stock.
As of December 31, 2020, 497,608 shares of common stock remained authorized for repurchase under the Company’s share repurchase program.
d. Employee and non-employee stock plans:
The Company grants a mix of stock options, SARs capped with a ceiling and RSUs to employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries under the Company’s equity plans and provides the right to purchase common stock pursuant to the Company’s 2002 employee stock purchase plan to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries.
The SAR unit confers the holder the right to stock appreciation over a preset price of the Company’s common stock during a specified period of time. When the unit is exercised, the appreciation amount is paid through the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock. The ceiling limits the maximum income for each SAR unit. SARs are considered an equity instrument as it is a net share settled award capped with a ceiling (400% for all SAR grants made in years prior to 2016. Starting in 2016, the Company ceased to grant SAR units). The options and SARs granted under the Company’s stock incentive plans have been granted at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. Options and SARs granted to employees under stock incentive plans vest at a rate of 25% of the shares underlying the option after one year and the remaining shares vest in equal portions over the following 36 months, such that all shares are vested after four years. Options granted to non-employee directors vest 25% of the shares underlying the option on each anniversary of the option grant.
In connection with the Company’s acquisition of RivieraWaves, on July 7, 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 113,000 SARs to 27 employees of RivieraWaves who joined the Company in connection with the acquisition. The value of these grants was not included in the acquisition price of RivieraWaves. The SARs were granted outside of the Company’s existing equity plans and were granted as a material inducement to such individuals entering into employment with the Company, in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). All of the SARs were priced at $15.17, the fair market value on the grant date, and vest over four years, with 25% of the SARs vesting after one year and the remaining vest in equal portions over the following 36 months, such that all such SARs vested as of December 31, 2018, subject to the employee's continuous service through each vesting date. The SARs have a ceiling limit for maximum income capped at 400%, expire seven years from the grant date and are subject to the terms and condition of the individual SAR agreements. The SAR grants were approved by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
A summary of the Company’s stock option and SARs activities and related information for the year ended December 31, 2020, is as follows:
(1)
The SAR units are convertible for a maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock equal to 75% of the SAR units subject to the grant.
(2)
Due to the ceiling imposed on the SAR grants, the outstanding amount equals a maximum of 280,427 shares of the Company's common stock issuable upon exercise.
(3)
Due to the ceiling imposed on the SAR grants, the exercisable amount equals a maximum of 280,427 shares of the Company's common stock issuable upon exercise.
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Company did not grant options and/or SARs.
The total intrinsic value of options and SARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 was $384, $629 and $6,876, respectively.
The options and SARs granted to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and the options granted to non-employee directors of the Company which were outstanding as of December 31, 2020 have been classified into a range of exercise prices as follows:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
A RSU award is an agreement to issue shares of the Company’s common stock at the time the award or a portion thereof vests. RSUs granted to employees generally vest in three equal annual installments starting on the first anniversary of the grant date. Until the end of 2017, RSUs granted to non-employee directors would generally vest in full on the first anniversary of the grant date. Starting in 2018, RSUs granted to non-employee directors would generally vest in two equal annual installments starting on the first anniversary of the grant date.
On May 7, 2019, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company approved, effective immediately, an amendment to the RSU award granted to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) on February 19, 2019, consisting of 30,000 RSUs that vest in a three-year period (the “Prior RSU Award”). The Committee and the CEO mutually agreed to amend the Prior RSU Award. In lieu of the Prior RSU Award, the CEO received (1) 10,000 time-based RSUs with the same original three-year vesting schedule starting with 1/3 on February 19, 2020, and (2) an opportunity to receive up to 24,000 PSUs based on the Company’s achievement of the 2019 license and related revenue goal of $41,000 that was approved by the Board (the “2019 License Revenue Target”). If the Company’s results equal 100% of the 2019 License Revenue Target, the CEO would receive 20,000 PSUs. If the Company’s results were between 90% to 99% of the 2019 License Revenue Target, the CEO would receive the same proportion of the 20,000 PSUs. If the Company’s results exceeded 100% of the 2019 License Revenue Target, every 1% increase of the 2019 License Revenue Target, up to 120%, would result in an increase of 1% of the 20,000 PSUs to be awarded to the CEO. In 2019, the Company achieved 116% of the 2019 License Revenue Target, so based on the PSU award conditions, the CEO received 23,200 PSUs. The PSUs vest in a three-year period, with 1/3 of the PSUs having vested on February 19, 2020, and thereafter 1/3 of the remaining PSUs would vest on each of February 19, 2021 and February 19, 2022.
On July 19, 2019, the Company issued a total of 52,000 RSUs to 22 employees who joined the Company in connection with the Company's acquisition of the Hillcrest Labs business. The RSUs were granted outside of the Company’s existing equity plans and were granted as inducements to employment in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The RSUs were priced at $25.41 per share, the fair market value on the grant date, and vest over three years, with 34% of the RSUs vesting after one year and the remaining RSUs vesting in equal portions over the following 24 months, such that all RSUs vest after three years, subject to the employee's continuous service through each vesting date.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
On February 20, 2020, the Committee granted 17,045, 5,113, 4,545 and 4,545 PSUs to each of the Company’s CEO, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively, pursuant to the 2011 Plan (collectively, the “Short-Term Executive PSUs”). The performance goals for the Short-Term Executive PSUs with specified weighting were as follows:
Weighting
Goals
50%
Vesting of the full 50% of the PSUs occurs if the Company achieves the 2020 license and related revenue amount in the budget approved by the Board (the “2020 License Revenue Target”). The vesting threshold is achievement of 90% of 2020 License Revenue Target. If the Company’s actual result is above 90% but less than 99% of the 2020 License Revenue Target, 91% to 99% of the eligible PSUs would be subject to vesting. If the Company’s actual result exceeds 100% of the 2020 License Revenue Target, every 1% increase of the 2020 License Revenue Target, up to 110%, would result in an increase of 2% of the eligible PSUs.
50%
Vesting of the full 50% of the PSUs occurs if the Company achieves positive total shareholder return whereby the return on the Company’s stock for 2020 is greater than the S&P500 index. The vesting threshold is if the return on the Company’s stock for 2020 is at least 90% of the S&P500 index. If the return on the Company’s stock, in comparison to the S&P500, is above 90% but less than 99% of the S&P500 index, 91% to 99% of the eligible PSUs would be subject to vesting. If the return on the Company’s stock exceeds 100% of the S&P500 index, every 1% increase in comparison to the S&P500 index, up to 110%, would result in an increase of 2% of the eligible PSUs.
Additionally, PSUs representing an additional 20%, meaning an additional 3,410, 1,023, 909 and 909 PSUs, would be eligible for vesting for each of the Company’s CEO, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively, if the performance goals set forth above are exceeded.
In 2020, the Company achieved 103% of the 2020 License Revenue Target and a positive total shareholder return whereby the return on the Company’s stock for 2020 was 323% greater than the S&P500 index, so based on the PSU award conditions, the Company’s CEO, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer received 19,261, 5,778, 5136 and 5,136 PSUs, respectively.
The Short-Term Executive PSUs vest 33.4% on February 20, 2021, 33.3% on February 20, 2022 and 33.3% on February 20, 2023.
Also, on February 20, 2020, the Committee granted 56,818, 35,511, 28,409 and 28,409 long-term PSUs to each of the Company’s CEO, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively, pursuant to the 2011 Plan (collectively, the “Long-Term Executive PSUs”). The Long-Term Executive PSUs vest upon the achievement of either of the following performance goals:
●
If the Company’s non-GAAP EPS on or before the end of 2022 is tripled from the Company’s non-GAAP EPS in 2018.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
●
If the Company’s market cap reaches at least $1 billion for at least 30 days of trading based on the market cap information set forth on Yahoo Finance.
In 2020, the Company did not achieve any of the above performance goals. On February 17, 2021, the Company achieved the market cap performance goal, and the Long-Term Executive PSUs vested.
Furthermore, on February 20, 2020, the Committee granted an aggregate of 18,500 PSUs to certain key employees of the Company. The PSUs shall vest over three years upon the achievement of the following performance goals, with 34% of the PSUs vesting after one year and the remaining vesting in equal portions over the following 24 months, such that all PSUs shall vest after three years, subject to the employee's continuous service through each vesting date:
Weighting
Goals
50%
Achievement of specified bookings in 2020 (“Specified Bookings”) for licensing and related revenues associated with certain of the Company’s technologies (the “Specified Booking Target”) in specific geographic region. If 90% of the Specified Booking Target is achieved, 90% of the bonus amount under this component would be payable with every 1% increase resulting in a corresponding increase in the bonus amount under this component.
30%
Execution of definitive license agreements for pre-determined software with at least five of seven original equipment manufacturers. If five such agreements are executed, 71% of the bonus amount under this component, which is subject to a 6% weighting, would be payable. If six agreements are executed, 86% of the bonus amount under this component, which is subject to a 6% weighting, would be payable.
20%
Execution of definitive license agreements with at least two customers in a predetermined strategic market.
In 2020, six original equipment manufacturers agreements were executed, so based on the PSU award conditions, the key employees of the Company received 4,515 PSUs. The other two performance goals were not achieved.
A summary of the Company’s RSU and PSU activities and related information for the year ended December 31, 2020, is as follows:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Stock Plans
As of December 31, 2020, the Company maintains the Company’s 2003 Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”) and the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan” and together with the Director Plan, the “Stock Plans”).
As of December 31, 2020, options, SARs, RSUs and PSUs to purchase 1,250,316 shares of common stock were available for grant under the Stock Plans.
2011 Stock Incentive Plan
The 2011 Plan was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors in February 2011 and stockholders on May 17, 2011. Up to 3,200,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of future stock splits, future stock dividends or other similar changes in the common stock or the Company’s capital structure), plus the number of shares that remain available for grant of awards under the Company’s 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan), plus any shares that would otherwise return to the 2002 Plan as a result of forfeiture, termination or expiration of awards previously granted under the 2002 plan (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits and other similar events), are reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan. The 2002 Plan was automatically terminated and replaced and superseded by the 2011 Plan, except that any awards previously granted under the 2002 Plan shall remain in effect pursuant to their term. As of December 31, 2020, there were no outstanding equity awards remaining in the 2002 Plan.
The 2011 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, dividend equivalent rights and stock appreciation rights. Officers, employees, directors, external consultants and advisors of the Company and those of the Company’s present and future parent and subsidiary corporations are eligible to receive awards under the 2011 Plan. Under current U.S. tax laws, incentive stock options may only be granted to employees. The 2011 Plan permits the Company's Board of Directors or a committee thereof to determine how grantees may pay the exercise or purchase price of their awards.
Unless sooner terminated, the 2011 Plan is effective until April 2030.
The Company’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof has authority to administer the 2011 Plan. The Company’s Board of Directors has the authority to adopt, amend and repeal the administrative rules, guidelines and practices relating to the 2011 Plan and to interpret its provisions.
2003 Director Stock Option Plan
Under the Director Plan, 1,350,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of future stock splits, future stock dividends or other similar changes in the common stock or the Company’s capital structure) are authorized for issuance.
The Director Plan provides for the grant of nonqualified stock options to non-employee directors. Options must be granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Options may not be granted for a term in excess of ten years.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
Under the original terms of the Director Plan, (a) any person who becomes a non-employee director of the Company was automatically granted an option to purchase 38,000 shares of common stock, (b) on June 30 of each year, beginning in 2004, each non-employee director who had served on the Company’s Board of Directors for at least six (6) months as of such date was automatically granted an option with the exercise price being the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of July 1st of each year to purchase 13,000 shares of common stock, and each non-employee director would receive an option with the exercise price being the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of July 1st of each year to purchase 13,000 shares of common stock for each committee on which he or she had served as chairperson for at least six months prior to such date, and (c) the Chairman of the Board was granted an additional option with the exercise price being the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of July 1st of each year to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock on an annual basis. In February 2015, the Board suspended the automatic grant of stock options to each non-employee director and the Chairman of the Board under the Director Plan. In lieu of the automatic stock option grants under the Director Plan, the Board approved an equity award to all current directors of the Company consisting solely of RSUs granted under the 2011 Plan. From February 2015 to 2017, the Chairman of the Board of Directors would receive a RSU award with an annualized value of $268,520, directors with a chairperson position on any committee of the Board of Directors would receive a RSU award with an annualized value of $249,340 and all other directors would receive a RSU award with an annualized value of $124,670. In response to market trends, in lieu of the prior annualized values of the RSU awards to directors, starting in July 2018, each director was granted shares of RSUs based on an annualized value of $124,670, which vest 50% on the first year anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 50% on the second year anniversary of the grant date. In July 2018, 2019 and 2020, based on the new parameters, the directors of the Company received a grant of RSUs in the aggregate amount of 28,896 RSUs, 35,399 RSUs and 26,984 RSUs, respectively. In February 2019, the Board determined that each new director of the Company, in lieu of an option to purchase 38,000 shares of common stock, would receive a RSU award with an annualized value of $124,670.
The Company’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof may grant additional options to purchase common stock with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Board of Directors in recognition of services provided by a non-employee director in his or her capacity as a director.
The Company’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof has authority to administer the Director Plan. The Company’s Board of Directors or a committee thereof has the authority to adopt, amend and repeal the administrative rules, guidelines and practices relating to the Director Plan and to interpret its provisions.
2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”)
The ESPP was adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholder in July 2002. The ESPP is intended to qualify as an “Employee Stock Purchase Plan” under Section 423 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and is intended to provide the Company’s employees with an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock through payroll deductions. An aggregate of 3,050,000 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of future stock splits, future stock dividends or other similar changes in the common stock or the Company’s capital structure) are reserved for issuance. As of December 31, 2020, 334,486 shares of common stock were available for future issuance under the ESPP.
All of the Company’s employees who are regularly employed for more than five months in any calendar year and work 20 hours or more per week are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Non-employee directors, consultants, and employees subject to the rules or laws of a foreign jurisdiction that prohibit or make impractical their participation in an employee stock purchase plan are not eligible to participate in the ESPP.
The ESPP designates offer periods, purchase periods and exercise dates. Offer periods generally will be overlapping periods of 24 months. Purchase periods generally will be six-month periods. Exercise dates are the last day of each purchase period. In the event the Company merges with or into another corporation, sells all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, or enters into other transactions in which all of the Company’s stockholders before the transaction own less than 50% of the total combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding securities following the transaction, the Company’s Board of Directors or a committee designated by the Board may elect to shorten the offer period then in progress.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The price per share at which shares of common stock may be purchased under the ESPP during any purchase period is the lesser of:
●
85% of the fair market value of common stock on the date of grant of the purchase right, which is the commencement of an offer period; or
●
85% of the fair market value of common stock on the exercise date, which is the last day of a purchase period.
The participant’s purchase right is exercised in the above noted manner on each exercise date arising during the offer period unless, on the first day of any purchase period, the fair market value of common stock is lower than the fair market value of common stock on the first day of the offer period. If so, the participant’s participation in the original offer period will be terminated, and the participant will automatically be enrolled in the new offer period effective the same date.
The ESPP is administered by the Board of Directors or a committee designated by the Board, which will have the authority to terminate or amend the plan, subject to specified restrictions, and otherwise to administer and resolve all questions relating to the administration of the plan.
e. Dividend policy:
The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its capital stock and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
NOTE 10: DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The fair value of the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments is as follows:
The Company recorded the fair value of derivative assets in “prepaid expenses and other current assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
The changes in unrealized gains (losses) recognized in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on derivatives, before tax effect, is as follows:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The net (gains) losses reclassified from “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” into income, are as follows:
The Company recorded in cost of revenues and operating expenses, a net loss of $354, a net gain of $307 and a net gain of $688 during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, related to its Hedging Contracts.
NOTE 11: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The following table provides details about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
NOTE 12: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND MAJOR CUSTOMER AND PRODUCT DATA
a. Summary information about geographic areas:
The Company manages its business on a basis of one reportable segment: the licensing of intellectual property to semiconductor companies and electronic equipment manufacturers (see Note 1 for a brief description of the Company’s business). The following is a summary of revenues within geographic areas:
*) Less than 10%
b. Major customer data as a percentage of total revenues:
The following table sets forth the customers that represented 10% or more of the Company’s total revenues in each of the periods set forth below:
*) Less than 10%
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
c. Information about Products and Services:
The following table sets forth the products and services as percentages of the Company’s total revenues in each of the periods set forth below:
CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
NOTE 13: SELECTED STATEMENTS OF INCOME DATA
a. Financial income, net:
b. Revaluation of investment in non-marketable equity securities:
The Company recorded a loss of $870 in 2018 related to revaluation of its investment in non-marketable equity securities. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, no impairment loss was identified.
The following table summarizes the total carrying value of the Company’s investment in non-marketable equity securities held as of December 31, 2020 including cumulative unrealized downward adjustments made to the initial cost basis of the investment:
NOTE 14: TAXES ON INCOME
a. U.S. tax reform
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act includes significant changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system including but not limited to: a federal corporate rate reduction from 35% to 21%; creation of the base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”), introduction of the Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”) provisions;; the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a modified territorial tax system; modifications to the allowance of net business interest expense deductions; modification of net operating loss provisions; changes to 162(m) limitation rules and bonus depreciation provisions. The change to a modified territorial tax system resulted in a one-time U.S. tax liability on those earnings which have not previously been repatriated to the U.S. (the “Transition Tax”), with future dividend distributions not subject to U.S. federal income tax when repatriated. A majority of the provisions in the Tax Act became effective January 1, 2018.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
In connection with its analysis of the impact of the Tax Act, the Company had $16,053 of Transition Tax inclusion reported on the tax return filed for the year ended December 31, 2017. After the utilization of existing tax net operating loss carryforwards, the Company did not pay additional U.S. federal cash taxes.
The Tax Act added a new code section 951A, which requires a U.S. shareholder of a Controlled Foreign Corporation (“CFC”) to include in current taxable income, its GILTI in a manner similar to Subpart F income. The statutory language also allows a deduction for corporate shareholders equal to 50% of the GILTI inclusion, which would be reduced to 37.5% starting in 2026. In general, GILTI imposes a tax on the net income of foreign corporate subsidiaries in excess of a deemed return on their tangible assets. The Company is subject to GILTI for 2018 and future periods. The Company is electing to account for the income tax effects of GILTI as a ‘period cost‘, an income tax expenses in the year the tax is incurred.
For the fiscal year ended 2019 and 2020, the Company operated at net losses before and after GILTI inclusion and did not pay additional U.S. federal cash taxes.
Furthermore, the Tax Act limits the carryover of net operating losses generated after tax years 2017 to 80% of taxable income and eliminates the ability to carryback. Losses incurred before January 1, 2018 have not changed and are not limited to the 80% of taxable income and will continue to be carried forward 20 years. The Company has fully utilized all pre-2018 net operating losses. Any future net operating losses generated will be carried forward indefinitely and subject to an 80% taxable income limitation.
b. A number of the Company’s operating subsidiaries are taxed at rates lower than U.S. rates.
1. Irish Subsidiaries
The Irish operating subsidiaries qualified for a 12.5% tax rate on its trade. Interest income earned by the Irish subsidiaries is taxed at a rate of 25%. As of December 31, 2020, the open tax years, subject to review by the applicable taxing authorities for the Irish subsidiaries, are 2015 and subsequent years.
2. Israeli Subsidiary
The Israeli subsidiary enjoys certain tax benefits in Israel, particularly as a result of the “Approved Enterprise” and the “Benefited Enterprise” status of its facilities and programs through 2019, and the “Technological Preferred Enterprise” status of its facilities and programs since 2020.
The Israeli subsidiary has been granted “Approved Enterprise” and “Benefited Enterprise” status under the Israeli Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments. For such Approved Enterprises and Benefited Enterprises, the Israeli subsidiary elected to apply for alternative tax benefits-the waiver of government grants in return for tax exemptions on undistributed income. Upon distribution of such exempt income, the Israeli subsidiary will be subject to corporate tax at the rate ordinarily applicable to the Approved Enterprise’s or Benefited Enterprise’s income. Such tax exemption on undistributed income applies for a limited period of between two to ten years, depending upon the location of the enterprise. During the remainder of the benefits period (generally until the expiration of ten years), a corporate tax rate not exceeding 23% will apply.
The Israeli subsidiary is a foreign investor company, or FIC, as defined by the Investment Law. FICs are entitled to further reductions in the tax rate normally applicable to Approved Enterprises and Benefited Enterprises. Depending on the foreign ownership in each tax year, the tax rate can range between 10% (when foreign ownership exceeds 90%) to 20% (when foreign ownership exceeds 49%). There can be no assurance that the subsidiary will continue to qualify as an FIC in the future or that the benefits described herein will be granted in the future.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
The Company’s Israeli subsidiary’s tax-exempt profit from Approved Enterprises and Benefited Enterprises is permanently reinvested as the Company’s management has determined that the Company does not currently intend to distribute dividends. Therefore, deferred taxes have not been provided for such tax-exempt income. The Company intends to continue to reinvest these profits and does not currently foresee a need to distribute dividends out of such tax-exempt income.
In December 2016, the Economic Efficiency Law (Legislative Amendments for Applying the Economic Policy for the 2017 and 2018 Budget Years), 2016, which includes the Amendment to the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (Amendment 73) (the “Amendment"), was published. The Amendment, among other things, prescribes special tax tracks for technological enterprises, which are subject to rules that were issued by the Minister of Finance during April 2017.
The new tax track under the Amendment, which is applicable to the Israeli subsidiary, is the “Technological Preferred Enterprise”. A Technological Preferred Enterprise is an enterprise for which total consolidated revenues of its parent company and all subsidiaries are less than 10 billion New Israeli Shekel (“NIS”). A Technological Preferred Enterprise, as defined in the law, which is located in the center of Israel (where our Israeli subsidiary is currently located) is subject to tax at a rate of 12% on profits deriving from intellectual property (in development area A, the tax rate is 7.5%), subject to satisfaction of a number of conditions, including compliance with a minimal amount or ratio of annual Research and development expenditure and Research and development employees, as well as having at least 25% of annual income derived from exports. Any dividends distributed to "foreign companies", as defined in the law, deriving from income from the technological enterprises will be subject to tax at a rate of 4% if foreign entities hold at least 90% of the Company’s common stock.
Income not eligible for Approved Enterprise benefits, Benefited Enterprise benefits or Technological Preferred Enterprise is taxed at a regular rate, which was 23% in 2020, 23% in 2019 and 23% in 2018.
The Israeli subsidiary elected to compute taxable income in accordance with Income Tax Regulations (Rules for Accounting for Foreign Investors Companies and Certain Partnerships and Setting their Taxable Income), 1986. Accordingly, the taxable income or loss is calculated in U.S. dollars. Applying these regulations reduces the effect of the foreign exchange rate (of NIS against the U.S. dollar) on the Company’s Israeli taxable income.
As of December 31, 2020, the open tax years, subject to review by the applicable taxing authorities for the Israeli subsidiary, are 2018 and subsequent years.
3. French Subsidiary
In 2017, the French government passed a series of tax reforms allowing for the phased reduction in the corporate tax rate. In 2018, the French operating subsidiary qualified for a 28% corporate income tax rate for taxable profit up to €500 (approximately $560) and the standard corporate income tax rate of 33.33% for taxable profit above €500 (approximately $560). In 2019, the standard corporate income tax rate is reduced to 31%, with the first €500 (approximately $560) of taxable profit still being subject to the 28% rate. In 2020, the 28% corporate income tax rate is became the new standard rate for all taxable profits. In 2021, the standard corporate income tax rate will be reduced to 26.5%. In 2022, the standard corporate income tax rate will be reduced to 25%.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
As of December 31, 2020, the open tax years subject to review by the applicable taxing authorities for the French subsidiary are 2017 and subsequent years.
c. Taxes on income comprised of:
d. Reconciliation between the Company’s effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory rate:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
e. Deferred taxes on income:
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows:
(*)
$161 and $45 net deferred taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively, are from domestic jurisdictions.
Changes in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets result from management's assessment of the Company's ability to utilize certain future tax deductions, operating losses and tax credit carryforwards prior to expiration. Valuation allowances were recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that will, more likely than not, be realized in the future. The net change in the valuation allowance primarily reflects a decrease in deferred tax assets on tax credit carryforward.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s undistributed earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in non-U.S. operations, and therefore no U.S. deferred taxes have been recorded.
f. Uncertain tax positions:
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits based on the provisions of FASB ASC No. 740 is as follows:
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
As of December 31, 2019 and 2020, there were $1,037 and $1,558, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate. The Company did not accrue interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits in its provision for income taxes during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 because such interest and penalties did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $1,029 as a result of the completion of a tax audit for prior years in a certain foreign tax jurisdiction. The reduction in the unrecognized tax benefits balance for prior years as a result of the completion of the tax audit for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $2,164.
The Company believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the Company's tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management's expectations, the Company could be required to adjust its provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs. The Company does not expect uncertain tax positions to change significantly over the next 12 months, except in the case of settlements with tax authorities, the likelihood and timing of which are difficult to estimate.
g. Tax loss carryforwards:
As of December 31, 2020, CEVA and its subsidiaries had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $4,991, which are available to offset future federal taxable income indefinitely. As of December 31, 2020, CEVA and its subsidiaries had net operating loss carryforwards for California income tax purposes of approximately $17,759, which are available to offset future California taxable income. Such loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2030.
As of December 31, 2020, CEVA’s Irish subsidiary had foreign operating losses of approximately $57,636, which are available to offset future taxable income indefinitely.
h. Tax returns:
CEVA files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions. With few exceptions, CEVA is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities, and state and local income tax examinations, for the years prior to 2010.
NOTE 15: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
a. The Company is not a party to any litigation or other legal proceedings that the Company believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
b. As of December 31, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries had several non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for facilities and equipment. These leases generally contain renewal options and require the Company and its subsidiaries to pay all executory costs such as maintenance and insurance. In addition, the Company has several fixed service agreements with sub-contractors.
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CEVA, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(in thousands, except share data)
As of December 31, 2020, future purchase obligations and minimum rental commitments for leasehold properties and operating leases with non-cancelable terms are as follows:
c. Royalties:
The Company participated in programs sponsored by the Israeli government for the support of research and development activities. Through December 31, 2020, the Company had obtained grants from the IIA for certain of the Company’s research and development projects. The Company is obligated to pay royalties to the IIA, amounting to 3%-3.5% of the sales of the products and other related revenues (based on the dollar) generated from such projects, up to 100% of the grants received. Royalty payment obligations also bear interest at the LIBOR rate. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual sales of the products and in the absence of such sales, no payment is required.
Royalty expenses relating to the IIA grants included in cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 amounted to $842, $715 and $1,066, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate contingent liability to the IIA (including interest) amounted to $26,058.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
March 1, 2021
Power of Attorney
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Gideon Wertheizer and Yaniv Arieli or either of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or their or his substitutes or substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/S/ GIDEON WERTHEIZER
Chief Executive Officer and Director
March 1, 2021
Gideon Wertheizer (Principal Executive Officer & Director)
/S/ YANIV ARIELI
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal
March 1, 2021
Yaniv Arieli Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/S/ PETER MCMANAMON
Director and Chairman
March 1, 2021
Peter McManamon
/S/ BERNADETTE ANDRIETTI
Director
March 1, 2021
Bernadette Andrietti
/S/ ELIYAHU AYALON
Director
March 1, 2021
Eliyahu Ayalon
/S/ ZVI LIMON
Director
March 1, 2021
Zvi Limon
/S/ JACLYN LIU
Director
March 1, 2021
Jaclyn Liu
/S/ MARIA MARCED
Director
March 1, 2021
Maria Marced
/S/ SVEN-CHRISTER-NILSSON
Director
March 1, 2021
Sven-Christer Nilsson
/S/ LOUIS SILVER
Director
March 1, 2021
Louis Silver