ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Dolby Laboratories has been a leading solutions provider to the entertainment industry for more than 45 years. We provide products, services, and technologies to capture, distribute, and play back entertainment content that gives consumers a premium entertainment experience, regardless of how or where they choose to enjoy it. Our core strengths range from our expertise in digital signal processing and compression technology to our long history of providing products, tools, and technologies to participants in the entertainment industry at each stage in the content creation, distribution, and playback process. We provide products and services that enable content creators and distributors to produce, encode, and transmit content with our premium audio technologies, and we license decoding technologies to the manufacturers of entertainment devices to ensure that content is ultimately experienced as the creator and distributor intended.
Throughout our history, we have introduced numerous innovations that have significantly improved the quality of audio entertainment, such as noise reduction for the recording and cinema industries and surround sound for cinema and home entertainment. Today, we continue to derive the vast majority of our revenue from our audio technologies.
Looking forward, we see a number of industry trends that create opportunities for the continued growth of our audio business, including the ongoing global transition from analog to digital television and consumers' increasing use of mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones, to play back digital content. Our portfolio of technologies and solutions optimize the audio experience for mobile devices to provide consumers with a rich, clear, and immersive sound, despite the bandwidth limitations of online and cellular networks and the physical limitations of devices with small speakers.
We also see opportunities to apply our core strengths in areas beyond audio. For example, we believe that significant improvements can be made in the technology currently used to deliver and play back premium video, and we have identified solutions that may substantially improve the video experience. Similarly, we believe we can apply our existing audio technologies to improve the clarity and quality of voice communications in areas such as multi-party teleconferencing.
Business Model
We generate the majority of our revenue by licensing technologies to original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) of consumer entertainment (“CE”) products and to software vendors. We also generate revenue by selling products and related services to creators and distributors and exhibitors of entertainment content.
We participate in the global entertainment industry in three important ways:
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We offer products, services, and technologies to creators and distributors of entertainment content, such as motion picture, television, and music recording studios, television broadcasters, satellite and cable operators, cinema theatre chains, and increasingly, Internet content streaming and download service providers. These content creators and distributors use our products, services, and technologies to encode and transmit content, creating rich, clear, and immersive audio experiences for consumers upon playback.
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We license technologies, such as Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD to OEMs and software vendors for incorporation into their CE and other products, so that consumers can play back audio content with our technologies in the rich, clear, and immersive manner the creators intended.
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We work directly with standards-setting organizations in the entertainment and technology industries, as well as
governments and other regulatory bodies, to promote adoption of our technologies in their standards. As a result, our technologies are included in the majority of worldwide TV shipments to support digital TV standards around the world that mandate our formats. Our technologies are also included in virtually all DVD players, Blu-ray Disc players, audio/video receivers, and personal computer (“PC”) DVD software players.
We license our technologies to OEMs and software vendors in 44 countries, and our licensees distribute products incorporating our technologies throughout the world. We sell our products and services in over 80 countries. In fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, revenue from outside of the U.S. was 68%, 68%, and 66% of our total revenue, respectively. Our licensing business is our most significant revenue stream, representing 86%, 83%, and 77% of our total revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Geographic data for our licensing revenue is based on the location of our licensees' headquarters. Product revenue is based on the destination to which we ship our products, while services revenue is based on the location where services are performed.
Essential Technologies for the Entertainment Creation, Distribution, and Playback Process
Our long-term involvement in the entertainment industry has enabled us to provide high quality products and services at each step of the entertainment creation, distribution, and playback process.
Content Creation
Our products and services help artists and content producers create and produce an enhanced and immersive entertainment experience by incorporating our technologies in their content. Our encoding technologies help maintain the quality of the sound, while enabling content to fit within the storage capacity and/or bandwidth limitations of a particular content delivery platform. Content creators use our decoding and monitoring products to accurately evaluate how their soundtracks will sound when played back in typical consumer environments.
Many movie, television, music, and video game studios produce content encoded with Dolby technologies that enable digital multichannel sound. Consumers also are able to encode multichannel sound by recording home movies in Dolby Digital using high-definition (“HD”) camcorders. As a result of these available means of content creation, the library of content encoded with Dolby technologies continues to grow.
Content Distribution
Distributors use our professional equipment to support the delivery of content that has been produced using our technologies. For example, broadcasters use our products to encode high quality surround sound content for terrestrial, cable, and satellite transmissions. Our broadcast products also facilitate the editing and routing of surround sound in transmission facilities originally designed for stereo audio. Our sound engineers supplement the efforts of content creators and broadcasters by providing training, system design expertise, and on-site technical assistance to broadcasters throughout the world.
DVD and Blu-ray Disc producers use our professional equipment to encode audio in Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD so the soundtrack will play as originally recorded on the master copy.
Providers of online content work closely with our team to format their content using our technologies, in order to deliver an optimized audio experience. We work with a growing number of online content aggregators, including Netflix, Amazon, VUDU, Apple, and the Rovi platform, to encode video and audio content with our technologies. We also work with leading music services such as Rhapsody and Omnifone to adopt our audio encoding tools to deliver a rich music experience.
Our high-efficiency advanced audio coding ("HE AAC") and Dolby Digital Plus technologies provide efficient audio delivery solutions that help mitigate constraints associated with transmission or online streaming bandwidth, as well as limited disc storage capacity. These allow mobile content distributors to produce a file compatible with many mobile devices, while lowering storage requirements, reducing download times, and boosting playback quality.
As the means of distribution mature, our technologies have the potential to become the standard or recommended solution in the distribution process. For example, as global broadcast standards for digital television and HD television have developed, many countries have adopted Dolby audio technologies as part of their standards. In North America, Dolby Digital is the standard audio technology for digital terrestrial and cable television. In Europe, Dolby Digital Plus is the European Broadcast Union’s recommended audio technology for HD broadcast. A number of European countries, including France, Italy, the UK, and Poland, have adopted Dolby Digital Plus and HE AAC in their HD terrestrial broadcast standards and other countries, such as Brazil, have adopted HE AAC. In addition, Dolby Digital Plus is now offered by commercial satellite providers throughout Europe as part of their HD services. In the Asia Pacific region, China has selected Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus as optional technologies for the country’s Digital Terrestrial Television specification. South Korea has adopted the Advanced Television Systems Committee ("ATSC") standard for digital television, which includes Dolby Digital, while Japan has adopted advanced audio coding (“AAC”) as its audio technology standard for digital television. We are one of
the original four developers of AAC, and we receive a portion of AAC licensing revenue through a joint patent licensing program. We receive AAC licensing revenue both as a patent holder and an administrator of the patent licensing program, through our wholly owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation.
These products, services, and technologies are used throughout the content creation and distribution process, enabling the final step in the cycle: the content playback process.
Content Playback
Our decoding technologies allow content created and distributed using our technologies to be played back as the creator and distributor intended. Manufacturers of DVD players and Blu-ray Disc players throughout the world incorporate our decoding technologies to enhance the audio experience, and the majority of PC OEMs incorporate our technologies for the support of optical discs. Dolby technologies are also widely incorporated in many other devices, such as digital televisions, video game consoles, home-theaters-in-a-box, and audio/video receivers. We have an opportunity to further our position in mobile device, set-top box, and camcorder markets.
In some cases, our licensees sell products incorporating our technologies to other OEMs, which then incorporate these products in automobiles, PCs, or other products sold to consumers. Our trademarks are often displayed on content and CE products that incorporate our technologies to indicate to consumers that a product meets our technical and quality standards.
For many types of CE products, our technologies are included in explicit industry standards, as standards-setting bodies mandate their inclusion in a particular type of product. For example, Dolby Digital is the standard audio technology for digital televisions in North America and is mandated in all DVD and Blu-ray Disc players worldwide. Alternatively, Dolby technologies are de facto industry standards in many CE products, and while not specifically mandated by a standards board, are widely adopted for a particular type of product. For example, prior to the adoption of HD terrestrial broadcast standards mandating Dolby technologies, many European HD broadcasters began broadcasting in Dolby Digital or Dolby Digital Plus, leading CE OEMs to include these technologies in their televisions and set-top boxes for the European market.
Growth Strategy
The entertainment industry is in transition. Today content is captured, delivered, and played back in more ways than ever before. Consumers can experience entertainment through multiple channels, including cinema, optical disc, digital broadcast, online, and cellular networks. As consumers are presented with more options for receiving content, competition across delivery channels has intensified, and we see this reflected in the composition of our licensing revenue. Non-optical disc based revenue comprised an estimated 57%, 52%, and 45% of our licensing business in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. This includes licensing revenue derived from products such as TVs, set-top boxes, and mobile phones, as well as our post-processing technologies on a range of devices. Non-optical disc based licensing revenue grew 10% in fiscal 2012 and 27% in fiscal 2011. Conversely, optical disc based licensing revenue was 43%, 48%, and 55% in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Optical disc based licensing revenue is derived primarily from the Windows 7 operating system, independent PC DVD software players, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc. However, most of those products receive content over mobile or online networks, in addition to optical disc, and we have increased our technology penetration into these distribution channels.
Looking forward, we expect continued growth in the percentage of licensing revenue we derive from non-optical disc sources. This will be driven partly by the maturity of optical disc, but also by the significant opportunities presented by digital broadcast and online distribution, where we remain focused on delivering the products, tools, and technologies needed to ensure a high quality audio experience from any device. We also see significant opportunities to offer encode/decode solutions in video and voice that leverage our expertise in signal processing, compression, and the capture and playback of content.
Our Core Business
In our broadcast market we derive revenue from licensing our technologies to OEMs of televisions and set-top boxes. While we have experienced success in driving the adoption of our technologies in digital broadcast, we believe there are still significant opportunities for growth in the adoption of our multichannel technologies, as countries transition from analog to digital broadcast and offer increasing amounts of HD content. The efficiency and quality of our multichannel technologies are well suited to digital broadcast bandwidth requirements and to delivering a premium HD content experience. As a result, our multichannel technologies have been adopted in terrestrial digital television standards throughout the world. In fiscal 2012, we estimate that approximately 65% of global TV shipments and approximately 50% of global set-top box shipments contained our technologies, leaving a substantial additional market opportunity.
The growth of the Internet, accompanied by a shift toward online content consumption, has resulted in a global consumer trend toward an array of online streaming and download services. Content creators are increasingly focused on delivering content across a multitude of media and devices with varying bandwidth and performance requirements, including PCs, connected TVs, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, connected Blu-ray Disc players, and mobile devices. Many of these devices
are increasingly designed to capture and send content through improved camera and WiFi technologies, as well as play back rich media experiences. This increasingly complex array of devices, aimed at both creating and consuming content, presents a challenge for content creators and device manufacturers seeking consistent audio quality. We believe this challenge provides an opportunity similar to that of digital broadcast, whereby we can deliver the industry solutions to optimize the audio experience across the online and portable device ecosystem.
While the rapid advancement of online content delivery is enabling the development of new portable playback devices such as tablets and smartphones, it also provides PC OEMs with an alternative to the optical disc platform. Currently, a portion of our revenue comes from the inclusion of our technologies in the optical disc platform, and we expect online delivery to ultimately replace optical disc as the delivery platform for the PC and other devices. Therefore, we are focused on extending the use of our technologies in the PC market to online and mobile content.
In our PC market we have derived revenue from the inclusion of our technologies in most PC shipments, due largely to the inclusion of our technologies in various versions of Microsoft operating systems. In May 2012, we entered into an agreement with Microsoft under which Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 channel decoding and Dolby Digital two-channel encoding will be included in all PCs and tablets licensed to run the Windows 8 operating system. Under the arrangement, OEMs generally will be required to directly license and pay us a base royalty rate for the right to use the Dolby technologies included in Windows 8 installed on the PCs and tablets they produce for online and file-based content. OEMs will be required to pay a higher per-unit royalty for Windows 8 PCs that also include optical disc playback functionality, which will be implemented by ISV applications. This higher rate is consistent with rates paid historically for the inclusion of Dolby disc playback software in the PC market. In the near term, we expect the majority of PCs to continue to ship with optical disc drives and to include optical disc playback functionality. For additional information on our PC market and associated risks, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
Developing New Audio Entertainment Technologies
Through our long history of innovation in audio technology, and the established presence of our multichannel technologies in many of the world’s most popular content playback devices, we believe that we are well positioned to develop and deliver new audio innovations. Specifically, our expertise in signal processing and compression technologies, coupled with our ability to deliver an integrated solution across complex market ecosystems, enable us to offer new technologies that elevate the entertainment experience. We also believe the presence of our technologies in many existing professional and consumer devices, along with our recognized brand, are key strengths as we strive to bring additional technology innovations to market. In April 2012, we announced Dolby Atmos, a new audio platform for cinema that delivers a more natural and realistic sound-field. Since the introduction of Dolby Atmos, nine major Hollywood titles have been announced or released from five studios, including The Hobbit, to be released in December 2012.
Developing Video Technologies
Our success in audio has resulted in part from our ability to develop and deliver the products, services, tools, and technologies needed to capture, deliver, and play back a consistent, high quality audio experience across multiple channels. We believe these core competencies can be applied to video to significantly improve the technology currently used to deliver premium video to displays. In the cinema market, we offer exhibitors our digital cinema servers and other 3D digital cinema products, which deliver a vivid movie experience with sharp images and natural colors.
We also offer a Professional Reference Monitor, a flat-panel video reference display for video professionals. These professionals use our monitor for color critical tasks, such as calibrating color accuracy to professional reference standards. Our Professional Reference Monitor uses our dynamic range imaging technologies, which enable enhanced contrast, extended brightness, and dynamic range, along with reduced power consumption in LED backlit LCD televisions.
Developing Voice Technologies
With the growth of voice transmission over Internet protocol networks and the proliferation of devices that connect to these networks, the quality of the voice experience has progressively deteriorated. We believe that our expertise in sound signal processing and compression technologies can address some of these problems, and in particular that our entertainment technologies can be adapted and applied to voice communications to significantly improve voice quality and clarity in a variety of uses. In September 2012, BT Conferencing announced a trial using Dolby Voice technology in their conferencing services to enable audio conference calls that sound and feel more like in-person meetings.
Building on the Strength of the Dolby Brand
We are building on the strength of the Dolby brand to enhance our reputation as a trusted provider of entertainment technologies for professional and consumer applications and to assist us in bringing new audio and video technologies to
market.
We actively encourage our customers to place our trademarks on their products in conjunction with the inclusion of our technologies. In particular, we provide marketing materials such as posters, trailers, and plaques to cinema operators to help them promote the quality of experience that is associated with our brand.
The inclusion of the Dolby trademark on a product informs audiences and consumers that the product incorporates our technologies and meets our quality standards, and we believe this helps CE OEMs sell their products. We will continue to encourage the use of our trademarks throughout the entertainment industry as an indicator to both professionals and consumers of consistent quality at each stage of the entertainment process.
Addressing Ongoing Content Creator Needs
We believe that technology innovations for entertainment will continue to be adopted first for professional use, as filmmakers, music producers, broadcasters, and video game designers look for ways to excite their audiences. We are collaborating with industry professionals to develop new technologies that facilitate and improve content recording, distribution, and playback. Our professional technology solutions often have applicability to the consumer arena, and when they apply, we intend to continue to adapt these technologies for use in consumer applications. Our noise reduction, surround sound, and digital audio technologies were all initially developed for professional use and later adapted for use in CE products. We believe that our success in developing technologies for professional use contributes greatly to the appeal of our technologies and brand for consumer use.
Promoting the Adoption of Dolby Technologies in Industry Standards
As the entertainment industry evolves toward global technical standards for content creation, delivery, and playback, we actively seek to have our technologies included in industry standards. We develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships across the broad spectrum of entertainment industry participants, professional organizations, and global standards-setting bodies.
Revenue Generation
We generate revenue in three primary ways: licensing our technologies to a broad range of customers, selling video and audio products for the cinema and broadcast industries, and providing a variety of services to support production activities.
We generate a significant portion of our revenue from outside the U.S. Geographic data for our licensing revenue is based on the location of our licensees’ headquarters. Products revenue is based on the destination to which we ship our products, while services revenue is based on the location where services are performed. Financial information by geographic area is set forth in Note 11 “Geographic Data” to our consolidated financial statements. For risks attendant to our foreign operations, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
Licensing
We license our technologies to software vendors and to OEMs of CE products such as digital televisions, set-top boxes, DVD players and recorders, Blu-ray Disc players, video game consoles, audio/video receivers, mobile devices, in-car entertainment systems, home-theater-in-a-box systems, PCs, camcorders, and portable media devices. Our licensing arrangements typically entitle us to receive a specified royalty for every product shipped by our licensees that incorporates our technologies. We also collect fees for administering joint patent licensing programs (informally known as “patent pools”) on behalf of third parties. In fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, our licensing revenue represented 86%, 83%, and 77% of our total revenue, respectively. We have three primary licensing models: a two-tier model, an integrated licensing model, and a patent pool model.
Two-Tier Licensing Model. Most of our CE licensing business consists of a two-tier licensing model whereby our decoding technologies, included in reference software and firmware code, are first provided under license to a semiconductor manufacturer. The manufacturer then incorporates our technologies in integrated circuits (“IC”). Our licensed semiconductor manufacturers, which we refer to as “implementation licensees,” sell their ICs to OEMs of CE products, which we refer to as “system licensees.” Our system licensees separately obtain licenses from us that allow them to make and sell end-user CE products that incorporate our technologies in ICs purchased from our implementation licensees.
Our implementation licensees may use our reference software and other licensed know-how directly to build and sell core technologies such as ICs. The implementation licensees pay us a one-time, up-front administrative fee per license. In exchange, the licensee receives a licensing package, which includes information useful in implementing our technologies into its chipsets. Once the chipset has been built, the licensee sends us a sample for quality control evaluation. If we approve the implementation design, the licensee is permitted to sell the chipset only to our system licensees.
Our system licensees pay us an initial fee for the technologies they choose to license from us. We deliver a licensing package to each system licensee, which includes information on using our technologies in the licensee’s products. System licensees are required to provide us with prototypes of products that incorporate our technologies for quality control evaluation, or under certain circumstances, with self-test results for our review. If the design is approved, the licensee is permitted to buy ICs from any Dolby implementation licensee and to sell approved products to retailers, distributors, and consumers. Sales by system licensees of CE products incorporating our technologies are royalty-bearing, generally based upon the number of product units shipped. We have active licensing arrangements with approximately 515 electronics product OEMs and software developer licensees, with corporate headquarters located in 44 countries.
The amount of royalties we collect from a system licensee on a particular product depends on a number of factors, such as the number of Dolby technologies used in that product and the total production volume for all products incorporating our technologies that are shipped by the system licensee.
Integrated Licensing Model. In addition to licensing under our two-tier licensing model, we also license our technologies, as included in reference software code, to operating system vendors and independent software vendors ("ISVs"), and to certain other CE OEMs that act as combined implementation and system licensees. These licensees incorporate our technologies (in their software such as PC software DVD players) used in desktop or notebook computers, in their mobile applications, or in ICs they manufacture and incorporate into CE products. As with the two-tier licensing model, the combined implementation and system licensee pays us an initial administrative fee. In exchange, the licensee receives a licensing package, which includes information on how to incorporate our technologies into the licensee’s software program or integrated circuits. Once the product has been built, the licensee sends us a sample, or under certain circumstances self-test results, for quality control evaluation. If the sample is approved, the licensee is permitted to sell the product to retailers, distributors, and consumers, subject to the payment of royalties.
Licensing of Patent Pools. Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation, we administer joint patent licensing programs, or patent pools, on behalf of third party patent owners. Some of the patent pools also include Dolby patents. These patent pools allow product OEMs streamlined access to certain essential patents to standardized technologies in the fields of audio coding, interactive television, digital radio, and wireless technologies.
Products
We design and manufacture video and audio products for the film production, cinema, and television broadcast industries. Distributed in over 70 countries, these products are used in content creation, distribution, and playback to enhance image and sound quality, provide surround sound, and increase the efficiency of sound storage and distribution. Our product sales are derived from sales of our digital cinema servers, which load, store, decrypt, and decode encrypted digital film files for presentation on digital projectors in theaters, as well as from sales of digital 3D products and our Professional Reference Monitor.
We also derive revenue from sales of our traditional cinema processors, which movie theaters use to process film soundtracks, and to a lesser extent, from sales of broadcast products used to encode and distribute content to viewers. We offer related digital cinema processors and media adapters to decode digital cinema soundtracks, as well as digital cinema accessories that allow exhibitors to easily integrate our digital cinema servers with their existing automation systems. Digital cinema is based on open standards which, unlike standards for the traditional cinema market, do not include our proprietary audio technologies. In fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 our product revenue represented 11%, 14%, and 20% of our total revenue, respectively.
Services
We offer a variety of services to support film production, television broadcast, and music production. Our engineers work alongside filmmakers, television broadcasters, and music producers, helping them use our products and technologies to create and reproduce content as they envision. We typically enter into service agreements with motion picture studios or filmmakers to provide production services related to the preparation of a Dolby soundtrack, such as equipment calibration, mixing room alignment, and equalization. Under these agreements, we provide our encoders to the studios for use during sound mixing, enabling them to create films with Dolby soundtracks using our proprietary technologies.
We provide other services such as print quality control, professional film mastering services to prepare movies for digital release, and theater system calibration for important screenings, such as premieres, film festivals, and press screenings. Our engineers also provide training, system design consultation, and on-site technical expertise to cinema operators throughout the world to help them configure their screening rooms and equipment, in order to ensure that movies are replayed with consistently high quality. In fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 our services revenue represented 3%, 3%, and 3% of our total revenue, respectively.
Our Technologies and Products
Our core technologies are signal processing systems that deliver rich, clear, and immersive sound in movie soundtracks, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, personal computers, digital televisions, mobile devices, video games, satellite and cable broadcasts, and online streaming. Many of our technologies are incorporated into professional products that we manufacture, including cinema sound processors and digital audio encoders and decoders. We have also expanded our focus on developing and delivering new audio and video technologies that enhance the entertainment experience, including audio technologies for mobile devices and video technologies for 3D, digital cinema, post-production, and LED backlit LCD televisions.
Our Technologies
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Dolby Atmos - Dolby Atmos is a new audio platform that uses a hybrid approach that combines multi-channel audio with discrete audio objects. This approach provides more flexibility and control for sound designers and mixers to deliver a more natural and realistic sound environment.
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Dolby Digital - Dolby Digital is a digital audio coding technology used to provide surround sound in theaters and in the home from DVDs, digital terrestrial broadcast, cable, and satellite systems. Dolby Digital enables the storage and transmission of up to five full range audio channels plus a low frequency effects channel.
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Dolby Digital Plus - Dolby Digital Plus is a digital audio coding technology built as an extension to Dolby Digital technologies. With the addition of new coding techniques and an expanded bitstream structure, Dolby Digital Plus offers greater efficiency for lower bit rates, as well as the option for more channels and higher bit rates. Dolby Digital Plus can support a wide range of current and emerging applications such as digital television, mobile, and Internet based content services. Dolby Digital is compatible with all existing Dolby Digital Plus equipped consumer electronics.
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Dolby Digital Surround EX - Dolby Digital Surround EX adds a third surround channel to the Dolby Digital format in cinemas. The third channel is reproduced by rear wall surround speakers, while the left and right surround channels are reproduced by speakers on the side walls.
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Dolby Digital EX - Dolby Digital EX adds a third surround channel to Dolby Digital in CE products for the home.
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Dolby TrueHD - Dolby TrueHD is an audio delivery technology that delivers bit-for-bit performance upon playback identical to the original studio master. When applied with HD video content, the coding efficiencies of Dolby TrueHD enable content providers to include a 100% lossless audio track on Blu-ray Disc without using excessive storage capacity.
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Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) - AAC is a high quality audio coding technology appropriate for many broadcast and electronic music distribution applications. We are one of the original four developers of this technology.
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HE AAC - HE AAC is a highly efficient, high quality audio compression technology designed for broadcast, download and streaming content. HE AAC adds spectral band replication to AAC. We are one of the primary developers of this technology.
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Dolby E - Dolby E is a professional digital audio coding system developed to assist with the conversion of two channel broadcast facilities to multichannel audio.
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Dolby Digital Live - Dolby Digital Live is a real time encoding technology that converts any audio signal into a Dolby Digital bitstream for transport and playback to a home theater system. Dolby Digital Live enables connection of a PC or game console to a Dolby Digital equipped audio/video receiver or digital speaker system via a single digital connection.
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Dolby Pro Logic II - Dolby Pro Logic II is a matrix surround decoding technology that detects the naturally occurring directional cues in two channel audio content and transforms the content into five playback channels of full bandwidth surround sound.
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Dolby Pro Logic II(x) - Dolby Pro Logic II(x) extends the Pro Logic II technology to seven playback channels.
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Dolby Pro Logic IIz - Dolby Pro Logic IIz is Dolby’s newest matrix decoding technology, which adds the dimension of height to surround sound playback.
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PC Entertainment Experience or PCEE - PCEE is a suite of technologies for entertainment-oriented PCs, which enhance the audio quality of media.
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Dolby Headphone - Dolby Headphone technology provides the sound of a five speaker surround playback system through any pair of headphones by modeling the surround sound listening experience of a properly calibrated 5.1 channel speaker system.
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Dolby Mobile - Dolby Mobile is a suite of post processing technologies optimized for mobile devices and designed to enhance the audio quality of media delivered on the device.
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Dolby Digital Stereo Creator - Dolby Digital Stereo Creator allows users to author DVDs with Dolby Digital stereo soundtracks.
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Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator - Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator enables users to record home movies with Dolby Digital surround sound.
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Dolby Volume - Dolby Volume is an audio leveling technology for CE devices and provides consistent volume and quality across various programs.
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Dolby Virtual Speaker - Dolby Virtual Speaker is an audio virtualization technology that simulates the effect of natural, realistic surround sound from just two stereo speakers. Dolby Virtual Speaker transforms TV, movies, and recorded music into a surround sound experience for anyone with a two speaker system.
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Dolby HDR - Dolby’s HDR technologies increase the contrast ratio of LED backlit LCD televisions through the use of local dimming.
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Analog Signal Processing Technologies - Our analog signal processing technologies, including our noise reduction technologies, improve the sound quality of cassette tapes and film by reducing background noise and extending the overall dynamic range of analog media.
Our Products
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Digital Cinema Products - Digital Cinema Products are used for digital cinema encoding, distribution, and playback. Our digital cinema server is used to load, store, decrypt, decode, and re-encrypt digital film files for presentation on a digital cinema projector. We also provide products that encrypt, encode, and package digital films, and digital cinema processors to decode digital cinema soundtracks.
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Digital 3D Products - Digital 3D Products deliver a 3D image with an existing digital cinema server and white (or silver) screen, providing exhibitors a flexible 3D solution. Our Dolby 3D glasses feature high quality multicoated lenses that deliver sharp 3D images.
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Digital Media Adapters - Digital Media Adapters are used to convert existing analog cinema audio systems to the latest digital audio technologies.
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Traditional Cinema Processors - Traditional Cinema Processors are used to read, decode, and play back a film soundtrack and calibrate the sound system in a movie theater.
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Broadcast Products - Broadcast Products are used to encode, transmit, and decode multiple channels of high quality audio for DTV and HDTV program production and broadcast distribution and to measure the subjective loudness of audio content within broadcast programming.
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Professional Reference Monitor - Professional Reference Monitor is a video monitor used during the production and post-production of cinematic and video content in situations where grade 1 reference performance is required.
Industry Standards
Certain of our technologies have been adopted as the explicit or de facto industry standard. Explicit industry standards are adopted through a formal negotiated standards process, whereby government entities, industry standards-setting bodies, trade associations, and others evaluate and then prescribe or require the use of a technology. We participate in a broad spectrum of organizations and industry standards bodies worldwide that establish explicit industry standards. De facto industry standards are adopted by industry participants when technologies are introduced to the marketplace and become widely used.
Sales and Marketing
We sell and market technologies, products, and services throughout the entertainment industry through an internal sales staff and through distributors. We maintain sales offices in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Taiwan, Germany, France, Spain, Dubai, the Netherlands, South Korea, Russia, and India.
We focus our marketing efforts on consumer electronics, personal computer, broadcast, cinema, production services, gaming, automotive, video, and mobile markets. We reach these markets primarily through industry trade shows, public relations, our website, partner events, and direct marketing.
Products and Technology
Research and Development
Historically, we have focused our research and development primarily on audio signal processing technologies. Increasingly, we have expanded our research and development efforts into new audio, voice, and video areas. By focusing on creation, proof of feasibility, and early stage prototyping of patentable new audio, voice, image, and related technologies, our research groups serve as a source of new technologies for the engineering and technology development teams. The research groups also help identify, investigate, and analyze new long-term opportunities, help develop our technology strategy, and provide support for internally developed and externally acquired technologies.
Engineering and technology development teams take the technologies developed by the research group to further develop for use in our professional products and by our licensees. In addition, our engineering and technology development teams are involved in the commercialization of technologies created by third parties.
We conduct our research and development activities at a number of locations, including Burbank, San Francisco, and Sunnyvale, California, Yardley, Pennsylvania, Indianapolis, Indiana, Sydney, Australia, Stockholm, Sweden, Beijing, China, and Nuremberg and Berlin, Germany, Wroclaw, Poland. Our research and development expenses were $140.1 million, $123.9 million, and $105.0 million in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
Product Manufacturing
Our product quality is enabled through the use of well established, and in some cases highly automated, assembly processes along with rigorous testing of our products.
We have a single production facility and we also use contract manufacturers for a significant portion of our production capacity. We purchase components and fabricated parts from multiple suppliers; however, we rely on sole source suppliers for certain components used to manufacture our products. We source components and fabricated parts both locally and globally in order to provide for continued supply.
Customers
We license our technologies to a broad range of customers, including software vendors, such as operating system vendors and ISVs, IC manufacturers, and manufacturers of home audio and video products, set-top boxes, video game consoles, mobile devices, in-car entertainment systems, and PCs.
Our customers operate in a wide range of entertainment industries, and we sell our professional products either directly to the end user or, more commonly, through dealers and distributors. Users of our professional products and services include movie studios, cinema operators, film distributors, broadcasters, and video game designers.
Microsoft Corporation is one of our licensees and accounted for approximately 14%, 13%, and 12% of our total revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Most of our Microsoft revenue is generated from the Windows 7 operating system, which contains our technologies. In May 2012, we entered into an agreement with Microsoft under which Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 channel decoding and Dolby Digital two-channel encoding will be included in all PCs and tablets licensed to run the Windows 8 operating system. Under the arrangement, OEMs generally will be required to directly license and pay us a base royalty rate for the right to use the Dolby technologies included in Windows 8 installed on the PCs and tablets they produce for online and file-based content. OEMs will be required to pay a higher per-unit royalty for Windows 8 PCs that also include optical disc playback functionality, which will be implemented by ISV applications. This higher rate is consistent with rates paid historically for the inclusion of Dolby disc playback software in the PC market. In the near term, we expect the majority of PCs to continue to ship with optical disc drives and to include optical disc playback functionality. Additional information relating to Microsoft and Windows 8 is set forth in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Competition
The markets for entertainment industry technologies are highly competitive, and we face competitive threats and pricing pressure in our markets. Competitors for our licensed technologies include: Audyssey Laboratories, DTS, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, Microsoft, Monster Cable Products, Philips, RealNetworks, Rovi, Sony, Thomson, and Waves Audio. Competitors for our products include: Barco, Doremi, GDC, IMAX, MasterImage 3D, NEC, Panavision, QSC Audio Products, Qube Cinema, REAL D, Sony, Technicolor, USL, and XpanD. Competitors for our services include DTS and Sony. In addition, other companies may become competitors in the future.
Some of our current and future competitors may have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, and other resources than we do, or may have more experience or advantages in the markets in which they compete. For example, some of our current or potential competitors may have an advantage over us in the market for online technologies because of their
greater experience in that market. In addition, some of our current or potential competitors may be able to offer integrated system solutions in certain markets for entertainment technologies, including audio, video, and rights management technologies related to PCs or the Internet, which could make competing technologies that we develop or acquire unnecessary. By offering an integrated system solution, these potential competitors may also be able to offer competing technologies at lower prices than we can, which could adversely affect our operating results.
We also face competitive risks in situations where our customers are current or potential competitors. For example, Sony and Microsoft are significant licensee customers, and are also competitors with respect to some of our broadcast and consumer technologies.
Many of the CE products that include our audio technologies also include audio technologies developed by our competitors. We believe that the principal competitive factors in each of our markets include some or all of the following:
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Inclusion in explicit industry standards;
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Adoption as de facto industry standards;
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Brand recognition and reputation;
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Quality and reliability of products and services;
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Technology performance, flexibility, and range of application;
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Relationships with producers, directors, and distributors in the film industry, with television broadcast industry leaders, and with the management of semiconductor and consumer electronics OEMs;
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Availability of compatible high quality audio content and the inclusion of Dolby Digital soundtracks on DVDs;
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Price; and
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Timeliness and relevance of new product introductions.
We believe we compete favorably with respect to many of these factors.
In general, we are unable to quantify our market share in any particular market in which we operate. Our products and services span the audio portions of several distinct and diverse industries, including the cinema, broadcasting, video game, and recording industries. The lack of clear definition of the markets in which our products, services, and technologies are sold or licensed, the basic nature of our technologies, which can be used for a variety of purposes, and the diverse nature of and lack of detailed reporting by our competitors make it impracticable to quantify our position.
Intellectual Property
We have a substantial base of intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets such as know-how.
As of September 28, 2012, we had nearly 2,800 individual issued patents, and over 2,700 pending patent applications, in over 80 jurisdictions throughout the world. The currently issued patents are scheduled to expire at various times through November 2032.
Some of our patents relating to Dolby Digital technologies, from which we derive a significant part of our licensing revenue, have expired and others will expire over the next several years. We have transitioned a number of our Dolby Digital licensees to Dolby Digital Plus technologies, an extension of our Dolby Digital technologies, whose patents generally expire later than the Dolby Digital patents. We are continuing to make progress in transitioning other Dolby Digital licensees to Dolby Digital Plus.
We pursue a general practice of filing patent applications for our technologies in the U.S. and various foreign countries where our customers manufacture, distribute, or sell licensed products. We actively pursue new applications to expand our patent portfolio to address new technology innovations. We have multiple patents covering unique aspects and improvements for many of our technologies.
We have over 923 trademark registrations throughout the world for a variety of word marks, logos, and slogans. Our marks cover our various products, technologies, improvements, and features, as well as the services that we provide. Our trademarks are an integral part of our technology licensing program, and licensees typically elect to place our trademarks on their products to inform consumers that their products incorporate our technology and meet our quality specifications. Our trademarks include the following:
Examples of our Word Trademarks
• Dolby
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Digital Plus
• Dolby Home Theater
• Dolby Mobile
• Dolby Headphone
• Dolby TrueHD
• Dolby Digital Cinema
Examples of our Logo Trademarks
We protect our intellectual property rights both domestically and internationally. In the past, however, we have experienced problems with OEMs of CE products in emerging economies. OEMs have failed to report or underreported shipments of their products that incorporate our technologies. We have also had problems with implementation licensees selling ICs with our technologies to third parties that are not system licensees. We anticipate that such problems will continue to occur in the future.
Moreover, we have relatively few or no issued patents in certain countries. For example, in China, Taiwan, and India, we have only limited patent protection, especially with respect to our Dolby Digital technologies. In India, we have no issued patents for Dolby Digital technologies. Consequently, in the future we may recognize less revenue from Dolby Digital from those regions. Maintaining or growing our licensing revenue in developing countries such as China, Taiwan, and India will depend in part on our ability to obtain patent rights in these counties, which is uncertain. Further, because of the limitations of the legal systems in many countries, the effectiveness of patents obtained or that may in the future be obtained, if any, is uncertain.
Employees
As of September 28, 2012, we had 1,480 employees worldwide, of which 557 employees were based outside of the U.S. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our employee relations are good.
Corporate and Available Information
We were founded in London, England in 1965 and incorporated as a New York corporation in 1967. We reincorporated in California in 1976 and reincorporated in Delaware in September 2004. Our principal corporate offices are located at 100 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, California 94103, and our telephone number is (415) 558-0200.
Our Internet address is www.dolby.com. We make available on our website, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our SEC reports can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of our Internet website. The information found on our Internet website is not part of this or any other report we file with or furnish to the SEC.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following risk factors and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we presently deem less significant may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
We depend on the sale by our licensees of products that incorporate our technologies and any reduction in those sales would adversely affect our licensing revenue.
Licensing revenue constitutes the majority of our total revenue, representing 86%, 83%, and 77% in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. We do not manufacture consumer entertainment products ourselves and we depend on licensees and customers, including software vendors and original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”), to incorporate our technologies into their products.
Although we have license agreements with many of these companies, these agreements generally do not have minimum purchase commitments, are non-exclusive, and do not generally require incorporation or use of our technologies. Accordingly, our revenue will decline if our licensees choose not to incorporate our technologies in their products, or if they sell fewer products incorporating our technologies, or if they otherwise face significant economic difficulties. Changes in consumer tastes or trends, rapidly evolving technology, competing products, changes in industry standards or adverse changes in business and economic conditions, among other things, may result in lower sales of products incorporating our technologies which would adversely affect our licensing revenue.
We also face the risk that our licensees retain product channel inventory levels that exceed future anticipated sales. If such product sales do not occur in the time frame anticipated by our licensees for any reason, these licensees may substantially decrease the number of technologies they license from us in subsequent periods.
To the extent that sales of PCs with Dolby technologies decline, our licensing revenue will be adversely affected.
Revenue from our PC market depends on several factors, including underlying PC unit shipment growth, the extent to which our technologies are included on computers, through operating systems, independent software vendors (“ISV”) media applications, or otherwise, and the terms of any royalties or other payments we receive from licensors of such software. We face many risks in the PC market that may affect our ability to successfully participate in that market, including, but not limited to the following:
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Purchasing trends away from traditional PCs and toward computing devices without optical disc drives, such as ultrabooks and tablets, which may not include our technologies;
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The availability and market appeal of PC software that includes our technologies on an unauthorized and infringing basis, for which we receive no royalty payments; and
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Continued decreasing inclusion of ISV media applications by PC OEMs in their Windows 7- based PCs, as Windows 7 already incorporates DVD playback software.
In May 2012, we entered into an agreement with Microsoft relating to the inclusion of Dolby Digital Plus decoding and Dolby Digital Consumer Encoder in the Windows 8 operating system. There are no assurances that we will derive as much licensing revenue under this model as we did under our prior licensing arrangements with Microsoft. The ultimate financial impact of these licensing arrangements for Windows 8 on our licensing revenue is subject to various risks, including:
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The extent and rate at which Windows 8 is adopted in the marketplace;
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The extent to which OEMs include optical disc playback in Windows 8 devices;
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The extent to which earlier versions of Microsoft operating systems, including Windows 7, continue to be licensed after the release of Windows 8;
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Our ability to establish and extend licensing relationships directly with PC OEMs and ISVs;
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The rate at which entertainment content shifts from optical disc media to online media, thus reducing the need for PCs to have optical disc drives and DVD and Blu-ray Disc software players; and
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Our ability to extend the adoption of our technologies to online and mobile platforms and devices.
Any of these risks could adversely affect our licensing revenue.
General economic conditions may reduce our revenue and harm our business.
We continue to be cautious regarding future general economic conditions and their potential for suppressed consumer demand in the markets in which we license our technologies and sell our products. Our business could be affected by adverse changes in general economic conditions, because many of the products in which our technologies are incorporated are discretionary goods, such as PCs, digital televisions, set-top boxes, DVD players and recorders, Blu-ray Disc players, video game consoles, audio/video receivers, mobile devices, in-car entertainment systems, home-theater-in-a-box systems, camcorders, and portable media devices. The global economic environment has adversely affected consumer confidence, disposable income, and spending. While we cannot predict future general economic conditions, these conditions may persist or worsen.
Furthermore, continued weakness in general economic conditions may result in a greater likelihood that more of our licensees and customers will become delinquent on their obligations to us or be unable to pay, which in turn could result in a higher level of write-offs. Additionally, such economic conditions may result in increased underreporting and non-reporting of royalty-bearing revenue by our licensees as well as increased unauthorized use of our technologies, all of which would adversely affect our revenues.
Our future success depends upon the growth of new and existing markets for our technologies and our ability to develop and adapt our technologies for those markets.
The future growth of our licensing revenue will depend, in part, upon the growth of, and our successful participation in, new and existing markets for our technologies, such as digital broadcast, online and mobile media distribution, consumer video and voice. For example, growth of our broadcast revenue is dependent upon continued global growth of digital television broadcasting and the adoption of our technologies into emerging digital broadcast standards. In addition, our revenue is dependent upon the growth of the PC market and the continued adoption of our technologies into PCs as well as the adoption of our technologies into connected portable devices such as tablets and smartphones. Furthermore, our ability to drive OEM demand for our technologies depends in part on whether or not we are able to successfully participate in the online and mobile content delivery markets.
Our ability to penetrate new and existing markets for our technologies depends on increased consumer demand for products that contain our technologies, which may not occur. Some of these markets are ones in which we have not previously participated or have limited experience, such as voice and consumer video, and we may not adequately adapt our business and our technologies to consumer demand.
If new and existing markets for our technologies do not develop or consumer demand for products that contain our technologies does not grow, our business and prospects would be materially adversely affected.
If we do not continue to develop and deliver innovative technologies in response to industry and technology changes, our business could decline.
The markets for our technologies and products are defined by:
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Rapid technological change;
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New and improved technology and product introductions;
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Changing consumer and licensee demands;
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Evolving industry standards; and
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Technology and product obsolescence.
Our future success depends on our ability to enhance our existing technologies and products and to develop acceptable new technologies and products that address the needs of the market in a timely manner. The development of enhanced and new technologies and products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation, highly-skilled engineering and development personnel, and the accurate anticipation of technological and market trends. We may not be able to identify, develop, acquire, market, or support new or enhanced technologies or products on a timely basis, if at all. For example, while we view the continued advancements in online and mobile media content delivery as an area of opportunity, if we are not able to competitively address the needs of the changing online and mobile markets, our ability to generate revenue from those markets would be limited. At times, such changes can be dramatic, such as the shift from VHS tapes to DVDs for consumer playback of movies in homes and elsewhere.
We face many risks related to the 3D cinema market.
We face many risks in the 3D cinema market which may affect our ability to successfully participate in that market, including, but not limited to the following:
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We face risks that our customers maintain excess product inventory levels which could reduce future anticipated sales;
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At least one of our competitors has exclusive licensing arrangements for 3D products with theater exhibitors, which has in the past and we expect will in the future restrict our ability to compete in the 3D market;
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The 3D market has become increasingly competitive and we may lose further market share;
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With the industry transition to 3D enabled screens substantially complete, demand for new 3D enabled screens has dropped significantly and the industry has entered into a replacement cycle;
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Industry participants may perceive our up-front 3D equipment costs and reusable glasses business model or our 3D products as less attractive;
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Our participation in the 3D cinema market will be limited to the extent theaters do not convert from analog to digital cinema;
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Demand for our 3D cinema products is driven by the number of 3D cinema releases and the commercial success of those releases;
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Our 3D glasses could become subject to regulation in the U.S. and other countries in the future, which could restrict how our 3D glasses are manufactured, used, or marketed; and
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There has been increased public scrutiny of potential health risks relating to viewing 3D movies. If these potential health risks are substantiated, the popularity of 3D movies could decline. In addition, if health risks associated with our 3D products materialize, we may become subject to government regulation or product liability claims, including personal injury claims.
If we are unable to manage these risks effectively, our ability to compete profitably in the 3D cinema market may be adversely affected.
Events and conditions in the cinema and broadcast industries may affect sales of our cinema products and other services.
Sales of our cinema products and services tend to fluctuate based on the underlying trends in the cinema industry. For example, when box office receipts for the cinema industry increase, we have typically seen a corresponding increase in sales of our cinema products, as cinema owners will be more likely to build new theaters and upgrade existing theaters with our more advanced products. Conversely, when box office receipts are down, cinema owners tend to scale back on plans to expand or upgrade their systems.
Our cinema product sales are also subject to fluctuations based on events and conditions in the cinema industry generally that may or may not be tied to box office receipts in particular time periods. For example, the growth in piracy of motion pictures adversely affects the construction of new screens, the renovation of existing theaters, and the continued production of new motion pictures.
Our services revenue, both in the U.S. and internationally, is tied to the number of movies being produced and distributed by studios and independent filmmakers. A number of factors can affect the number of movies that are produced, including strikes and work stoppages within the cinema industry, as well as tax incentive arrangements provided by many governments to promote local filmmaking. Services revenue is also impacted by the transition to digital cinema in some regions. For example, the 16% decrease in services revenue from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was attributable primarily to a decrease in film-based production services revenue as the cinema industry transitions to digital cinema as well as decrease in virtual print fees, which were generated from certain leased digital cinema assets, as we discontinued this program in fiscal 2011.
The demand for our cinema products and services could decline as the cinema industry adopts digital cinema.
As cinema exhibitors have constructed new theaters or upgraded existing theaters, they have generally chosen digital cinema over traditional film cinema and we expect this trend to continue. Digital cinema, which is based on open standards, does not include our proprietary audio technologies. As the cinema industry continues to adopt digital cinema, the demand for our traditional film cinema products and services has declined significantly and we anticipate that the demand for film based products will decline in future periods. Furthermore, exhibitors adopting digital cinema can choose from multiple digital cinema playback servers and audio processors, many of which may not contain our technologies, and our competitive position in the digital cinema market is not as strong as our position in the traditional film cinema market. Decreases in demand for our
traditional film cinema products and services accompanied by decreases in revenue from digital cinema products and services would adversely affect our revenue stream from the cinema industry.
A decrease in demand for our cinema products and services could adversely affect our consumer products licensing business.
A decrease in the demand for our cinema products and services could adversely affect licensing of our consumer technologies, because the strength of our brand and our ability to use professional product developments to introduce new technologies, which can later be licensed to OEMs and service providers, would be impaired. If, in such circumstances, we are unable to adapt our products and services or introduce new products for the digital cinema market successfully, our business could be materially adversely affected.
We face risks relating to the online and mobile content delivery markets and declines in optical disc media.
For nearly 20 years, movies have been distributed, purchased, and consumed through optical disc media, such as DVD and more recently Blu-ray Disc. However, the growth of the Internet and home computer usage, connected televisions, set-top boxes, tablets, smartphones, and other devices accompanied by the rapid advancement of online and mobile content delivery has resulted in the recent trend to movie download and streaming services in various parts of the world. We expect a further shift away from optical disc media to online and mobile media content consumption, which will result in declines in revenue from DVD and Blu-ray Disc players. Such declines would adversely affect our licensing revenue.
In addition, online and mobile media content services that compete with or replace DVD and Blu-ray Disc players as dominant media for consumer video entertainment may choose not to encode their content with our proprietary technologies, which could affect OEM and software vendor demand for our decoding technologies. Furthermore, our participation in online media content playback may be less profitable for us than DVD and Blu-ray Disc players. The online and mobile markets are characterized by intense competition, evolving industry standards and business and distribution models, disruptive software and hardware technology developments, frequent new product and service introductions, short product and service life cycles, and price sensitivity on the part of consumers, all of which may result in downward pressure on pricing. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our operating results may fluctuate depending upon the timing of when we receive royalty reports from our licensees, royalty report adjustments, and the satisfaction of our revenue recognition criteria.
Our quarterly operating results fluctuate based on the risks set forth in this section, as well as on:
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The timing of when we receive royalty reports from our licensees and when we have met all revenue recognition criteria;
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Royalty reports including positive or negative corrective adjustments;
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Retroactive royalties that cover extended periods of time;
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The recognition of unusually large amounts of licensing revenue from licensees in any given quarter because not all of our revenue recognition criteria were met in prior periods; and
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The recognition of large amounts of products and services revenue in any given quarter because not all of our revenue recognition criteria were met in prior periods.
This can result in the recognition of a large amount of revenue in a given quarter that is not necessarily indicative of the amounts of revenue to be received in future quarters, thus causing fluctuations in our operating results.
Inaccurate licensee royalty reporting could materially adversely affect our operating results.
We generate licensing revenue primarily from OEMs and software vendors who license our technologies and incorporate those technologies in their products. Our license agreements generally obligate our licensees to pay us a specified royalty for every product they ship that incorporates our technologies, and we rely on our licensees to accurately report their shipments. However, we have difficulty independently determining whether or not our licensees are reporting shipments accurately, particularly with respect to software incorporating our technologies because unauthorized copies of such software can be made relatively easily. Most of our license agreements permit us to audit our licensees' records, but audits are generally expensive, time-consuming, and potentially detrimental to our ongoing business relationships with our licensees.
In the past, licensees, particularly in emerging economies, such as China, have understated or failed to report the number of products incorporating our technologies that they shipped, and we have not been able to collect and recognize revenue to which we were entitled. We expect that we will continue to experience understatement and non-reporting of royalties by our
licensees, which could adversely affect our operating results. Conversely, to the extent that our licensees overstate the number of products incorporating our technologies, or report the products under the wrong categories, corrections of prior reports could result in reductions of royalty revenue in subsequent periods, which could also adversely affect our operating results.
Third parties from whom we license technologies may challenge our calculation of the royalties we owe them for inclusion of their technologies in our products and licensed technologies, which could adversely affect our operating results, business, and prospects.
In some cases, the products we sell and the technologies we license to our customers include intellectual property that we have licensed from third parties. Our agreements with these third parties generally require us to pay them royalties for that use, and give the third parties the right to audit our calculation of those royalties. A third party may disagree with our interpretation of the terms of a license agreement or, as a result of an audit, a third party could challenge the accuracy of our calculation. We have in the past been, and may in the future be, involved in disputes with third-party technology licensors regarding license terms.
A successful challenge by a third party could result in the termination of a license agreement or increase the amount of royalties we have to pay to the third party, which would decrease our gross margin and adversely affect our operating results.
Unauthorized use of our intellectual property could materially adversely affect our operating results.
We have often experienced, and expect to continue to experience, problems with non-licensee OEMs and software vendors, particularly in emerging economies, such as China, incorporating our technologies and trademarks into their products without our authorization and without paying us any licensing fees. Manufacturers of integrated circuits, or ICs, containing our technologies occasionally sell these ICs to third parties who are not our system licensees. These sales, and the failure of such manufacturers to report the sales, facilitate the unauthorized use of our intellectual property. As emerging economies transition from analog to digital content, such as the transition from analog to digital broadcast, we expect to experience increased problems with this form of piracy, which would adversely affect our operating results.
We have limited experience in non-sound technology markets which could limit our future growth.
Our future growth will depend, in part, upon our expansion into areas beyond sound technologies. For example, in addition to our digital cinema and 3D digital cinema initiatives, we are exploring other areas that facilitate delivery of digital entertainment, such as video solutions for the consumer market. We will need to spend considerable resources in the future on research and development or acquisitions in order to deliver innovative non-sound products and technologies. However, we have limited experience in non-sound technology markets and, despite our efforts, non-sound products, technologies, and services we expect to develop or acquire and market may not achieve or sustain market acceptance, may not meet industry needs, and may not be accepted as industry standards. If we are unsuccessful in selling non-sound products, technologies, and services, the future growth of our business may be limited.
If our products and technologies are not adopted as industry standards, our business prospects could be limited and our operating results could be adversely affected.
The entertainment industry depends upon industry standards to ensure compatibility across delivery platforms and a wide variety of consumer entertainment products. Accordingly, we make significant efforts to design our products and technologies to address capability, quality, and cost considerations so that they either meet, or, more importantly, are adopted as, industry standards across the broad range of entertainment industry markets in which we participate, as well as the markets in which we hope to compete in the future. To have our products and technologies adopted as industry standards, we must convince a broad spectrum of standards-setting organizations throughout the world, as well as our major customers and licensees who are members of such organizations, to adopt them as such and to ensure that other industry standards are consistent with our products and technologies. If our technologies are not adopted or do not remain as industry standards, our business, operating results, and prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
Additionally, the market for broadcast technologies has traditionally been heavily based on industry standards, often set by governments or other standards-setting organizations, and we expect this to be the case in the future. If our technologies are not chosen as industry standards for broadcasting in particular geographic areas, this could adversely affect our ability to compete in these markets.
It may be more difficult for us, in the future, to have our technologies adopted as individual industry standards to the extent that entertainment industry participants collaborate on the development of industry standard technologies.
Standards-setting organizations are increasingly adopting or establishing technology standards for use in a wide range of consumer entertainment products. As a result, it is more difficult for individual companies to have their technologies adopted
wholesale as an informal industry standard. We call this type of standard a “de facto” industry standard, meaning that the industry has widely adopted the technology, although no industry standards-setting organization has explicitly mandated such standard. Increasingly there are multiple companies, including ones that typically compete against one another, involved in the development of new technologies for use in entertainment-oriented products. As a result, these companies often license their collective intellectual property rights as a group, making it more difficult for any single company to have its technologies adopted widely as a de facto industry standard or to have its technologies adopted as an exclusive, explicit industry standard for consumer entertainment products.
Even if our technologies are adopted as an explicit industry standard for a particular market, market participants may not widely adopt our technologies.
Even when a standards-setting organization mandates our technologies for a particular market, which we call an “explicit” industry standard, our technologies may not be the sole technologies adopted for that market as an explicit industry standard. Accordingly, our operating results depend upon participants in that market choosing to adopt our technologies instead of competitive technologies that also may be acceptable under such standard. For example, the continued growth of our revenue from the broadcast market will depend upon both the continued global adoption of digital television generally and the choice to use our technologies where it is one of several accepted industry standards.
Our licensing revenue depends to a significant extent on patent royalties, and some of our key patents from which a significant portion of that revenue is derived have expired and will continue to expire.
Many of the technologies that we license to our system licensees are covered by patents, and the licensing revenue that we receive from those licenses depends in large part upon the life of such patents. In general, our agreements with our licensees require them to pay us a full royalty with respect to a particular technology only until the last patent covering that technology expires in a particular country. As of September 28, 2012, we had nearly 2,800 individual issued patents, and over 2,700 pending patent applications, in over 80 jurisdictions throughout the world. The currently issued patents expire at various times through November 2032.
We regularly look for opportunities to expand our patent portfolio both through organic development and acquisitions. However, to the extent that we are not able to obtain new patents or develop other proprietary technologies, or to the extent that we do not replace licensing revenue from technologies covered by expiring patents with licensing revenue based on non-expiring patents and other proprietary technologies, our operating results may be materially adversely affected.
In particular, some of our patents relating to Dolby Digital technologies, from which we derive a significant part of our licensing revenue, have expired and others will expire over the next several years. We have transitioned a number of our Dolby Digital licensees, and continue to make progress in transitioning other Dolby Digital licensees, to Dolby Digital Plus technologies, an extension of our Dolby Digital technologies, whose patents generally expire later than the Dolby Digital patents. We now derive a significant part of our licensing revenue from Dolby Digital Plus. To the extent that we are unsuccessful in having licensees continue to transition to Dolby Digital Plus, or to the extent that licensees of Dolby Digital Plus transition back to Dolby Digital as our original patents covering this technology expire, our operating results could be materially adversely affected.
The markets for our technologies are highly competitive, and if we are unable to compete successfully, our business will suffer.
The markets for entertainment industry technologies are highly competitive, and we face competitive threats and pricing pressure in our markets. Competitors for our licensed technologies include: Audyssey Laboratories, DTS, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, Microsoft, Monster Cable Products, Philips, RealNetworks, Sony, Technicolor, and Waves Audio. Competitors for our products include: Barco, Doremi, GDC, IMAX, MasterImage 3D, NEC, Panavision, QSC Audio Products, Qube Cinema, REALD, Rovi, Sony, Technicolor, USL, and XpanD. Competitors for our services include DTS and Sony. Consumers may perceive the quality of the audio experience produced by some of our competitors' technologies to be equivalent or superior to the audio experience produced by our technologies. Other companies may become competitors in one or more of these areas in the future.
Additionally, some of our current or future competitors may have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, and other resources than we do, or may have more experience or advantages in the markets in which they compete, particularly in the market for online media content. These competitors may also be able to offer integrated system solutions in markets for sound or non-sound entertainment technologies on a royalty-free basis or at a lower price than our technologies, including audio, video, and rights management technologies related to PCs or the Internet, which could make competing technologies that we develop unnecessary.
Our business and prospects depend on the strength of our brand, and if we do not maintain and strengthen our brand, our business will be materially harmed.
Maintaining and strengthening the Dolby brand is critical to maintaining and expanding our licensing, products, and services business, as well as to our ability to enter new markets for our sound and other technologies. Our continued success depends, in part, on our reputation for providing high quality technologies, products, and services across a wide range of entertainment markets, including the CE, PC, broadcast, and gaming markets. If we fail to promote and maintain the Dolby brand successfully in licensing, products or services, our business and prospects will suffer. Furthermore, we believe that the strength of our brand may affect the likelihood that our technologies are adopted as industry standards in various markets and for various applications. Our ability to maintain and strengthen our brand will depend heavily on our ability to develop innovative technologies for the entertainment industry, to successfully enter into new markets, and to provide high quality products and services in these new markets, which we may not do successfully.
Our licensing of industry standard technologies can be subject to restrictions that could adversely affect our business and prospects.
When a standards-setting organization mandates our technologies as explicit industry standards, we generally must agree to license such technologies on a fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory basis, which could limit our control over the use of these technologies. In these situations, we must often limit the royalty rates we charge for these technologies, which could adversely affect our revenue. Furthermore, we may be unable to limit to whom we license such technologies, and may be unable to restrict many terms of the license.
We have in the past, and may in the future, be subject to claims that our licensing of industry standard technologies may not conform to the requirements of the standards-setting organization. Allegations such as these could be asserted in private actions seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief, or in regulatory actions. Claimants in such cases could seek to restrict or change our licensing practices or our ability to license our technologies in ways that could injure our reputation and otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, operating results, and prospects.
We face risks in conducting business in China and other emerging economies.
We believe that various trends will increase our exposure to the risks of conducting business in emerging economies. For example, we expect the number of OEMs in emerging economies, such as China, to increase due to the availability of lower manufacturing costs as compared to those of other industrial countries and the continued industry shift by retailers towards lower end DVD and more recently Blu-ray Disc player and television offerings. We have seen OEMs shift product manufacturing to these lower cost manufacturing countries and expect more OEMs to do so in the future. We also believe that our sales of products and services in emerging economies will expand in the future to the extent that the use of digital surround sound technologies increases in these countries, including in movies and broadcast television, and as consumers there become more affluent. We face many risks associated with operating in these emerging economies, in large part due to limited recognition and enforcement of contractual and intellectual property rights. As a result, we may experience difficulties in enforcing our intellectual property rights in these emerging economies, where intellectual property rights are not as respected as they are in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. We believe that it is critical that we strengthen existing relationships and develop new relationships with entertainment industry participants worldwide to increase our ability to enforce our intellectual property and contractual rights without relying solely on the legal systems in the countries in which we operate. If we are unable to develop, maintain, and strengthen these relationships, our revenue from these countries could be adversely affected.
We have limited or no patent protection for some of our technologies in particular countries, including China, Taiwan, and India, which could limit our ability to grow our business in these markets.
In China and Taiwan we have only limited patent protection, especially with respect to our Dolby Digital technologies. In India, we have no issued patents for Dolby Digital technologies. Consequently, maintaining or growing our licensing revenue will depend on our ability to obtain patent rights in these countries for existing and new technologies, which is uncertain. Furthermore, because of the limitations of the legal systems in many countries, the effectiveness of patents obtained or that may in the future be obtained, if any, is likewise uncertain.
Our licensing revenue depends in large part upon semiconductor manufacturers incorporating our technologies into integrated circuits.
Our licensing revenue from system licensees depends in large part upon the availability of ICs that implement our technologies. IC manufacturers incorporate our technologies into these ICs, which are then incorporated in consumer entertainment products. We do not manufacture these ICs, but rather depend on IC manufacturers to develop, produce, and then sell them to system licensees. We do not control the IC manufacturers' decisions whether or not to incorporate our technologies
into their ICs, and we do not control their product development or commercialization efforts nor predict their success. As a result, if these IC manufacturers are unable or unwilling, for any reason, to implement our technologies into their ICs, or if, for any reason, they sell fewer ICs incorporating our technologies, our operating results will be adversely affected.
Pricing pressures on the system licensees who incorporate our technologies into their products could limit the licensing fees we charge for our technologies, which could adversely affect our revenue.
The markets for the consumer entertainment products in which our technologies are incorporated are intensely competitive and price sensitive. We expect to face increased royalty pricing pressure for our technologies as we seek to drive the adoption of our technologies into online content and portable devices, such as tablets and smartphones. Retail prices for consumer entertainment products that include our sound technologies, such as DVD players and home theater systems, have decreased significantly, and we expect prices to decrease for the foreseeable future. In response, OEMs have sought to reduce their product costs, which can result in downward pressure on the licensing fees we charge our customers who incorporate our technologies into the consumer entertainment products that they sell. Furthermore, while we have contractual rights with many of our licensees for cost of living adjustments to our royalty rights, we may not be able to negotiate those terms in our contracts with existing and new licensees. Additionally, downward cost of living adjustments would result in declines in the licensing fees that we charge. A decline in, or the modification or loss of the contractual right to increase, the licensing fees we charge could materially and adversely affect our operating results.
We have in the past, and may in the future be, subject to legal claims related to our intellectual property rights, which are costly to defend, could require us to pay damages, and could limit our ability to use particular technologies in the future.
Companies in the technology and entertainment industries own large numbers of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets and frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. We have faced such claims in the past and we expect to face similar claims in the future.
Any intellectual property claims, with or without merit, could be time consuming, expensive to litigate or settle, and could divert management resources and attention. In the past we have settled claims relating to infringement allegations and agreed to make payments in connection with such settlements. We expect that similar claims will be asserted against us in the future in the ordinary course of our business. An adverse determination in any intellectual property claim could require that we pay damages or stop using technologies found to be in violation of a third party's rights and could prevent us from offering our products and services to others. In order to avoid these restrictions, we may have to seek a license for the technology, which may not be available on reasonable terms or at all. Any license could also require us to pay significant royalties, and may significantly increase our operating expenses. As a result, we may be required to develop alternative non-infringing technologies, which could require significant effort and expense. If we cannot license or develop technologies for any aspects of our business found to be infringing, we may be forced to limit our product and service offerings and may be unable to compete effectively.
In some instances, we have contractually agreed to provide indemnifications to licensees relating to our intellectual property. Additionally, at times in the past, we have chosen to defend our licensees from third-party intellectual property infringement claims even where such defense was not contractually required, and we may choose to take on such defense in the future. Any of these results could harm our brand, our operating results, and our financial condition.
We have in the past and may in the future have disputes with our licensees regarding our licensing arrangements.
At times, we are engaged in disputes regarding the licensing of our intellectual property rights, including matters related to our royalty rates and other terms of our licensing arrangements. These types of disputes can be asserted by our customers or prospective customers or by other third parties as part of negotiations with us or in private actions seeking monetary damages or injunctive relief, or in regulatory actions. In the past, licensees have threatened to initiate litigation against us regarding our licensing royalty rate practices including our adherence to licensing on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms and potential antitrust claims. Damages and requests for injunctive relief asserted in claims like these could be material, and could be disruptive to our business. Any disputes with our customers or potential customers or other third parties could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and prospects.
We face risks relating to the transition to digital cinema.
We face a number of risks relating to the transition to digital cinema, including:
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Exhibitors may perceive competing products to be potentially advantageous to our products or they may choose lower priced competing products or competing products with different features, such as support for high frame rate content or 4K presentation;
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At least one of our competitors has a significantly greater installed base of its digital cinema servers than we do which has and likely will continue to limit our share of the digital cinema market, particularly in the U.S. market;
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Pricing and other competitive pressures have caused us to implement pricing strategies which have had an adverse effect on our products gross margins;
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As the industry transition to digital cinema becomes substantially complete, the demand for new digital cinema screens will drop significantly and the industry will enter into a replacement cycle.
These and other risks related to digital cinema could limit our future prospects in digital cinema and could materially and adversely affect our operating results.
Acquisition activities could result in operating difficulties and other harmful consequences.
We have evaluated, and expect to continue to evaluate, a wide array of possible strategic transactions, including acquisitions. We consider these types of transactions in connection with our efforts to expand our business beyond sound technologies. Although we cannot predict whether or not we will complete any such acquisition or other transactions in the future, any of these transactions could be material in relation to our market capitalization, financial condition, or results of operations. The process of integrating an acquired company, business, or technology may create unforeseen difficulties and expenditures. Foreign acquisitions involve unique risks in addition to those mentioned above, including those related to integration of operations across different geographies, cultures, and languages, currency risks, and risks associated with the particular economic, political, and regulatory environment in specific countries. Also, the anticipated benefit of our acquisitions may not materialize.
We face various risks in integrating acquired businesses, including:
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Diversion of management time and focus from operating our business to acquisition integration challenges;
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Cultural and logistical challenges associated with integrating employees from acquired businesses into our organization;
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Retaining employees, suppliers and customers from businesses we acquire;
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The need to implement or improve internal controls, procedures and policies appropriate for a public company at businesses that prior to the acquisition may have lacked effective controls, procedures and policies;
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Possible write-offs or impairment charges resulting from acquisitions;
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Unanticipated or unknown liabilities relating to acquired businesses; and
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The need to integrate acquired businesses’ accounting, management information, manufacturing, human resources, and other administrative systems to permit effective management.
Furthermore, acquisitions may have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations, including a potential adverse impact on our gross margins.
Future acquisitions could result in dilutive equity issuances or the need to obtain equity or debt financing on unfavorable terms.
Future acquisitions could result in potentially dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses, and write-offs of goodwill, any of which could harm our operating results or financial condition. Future acquisitions may also require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all.
We are dependent upon our relationships within the entertainment industry, and the failure to maintain such relationships could materially harm our business.
If we fail to maintain and expand our relationships with a broad range of entertainment industry participants, including film studios, broadcasters, video game designers, music producers, mobile media content producers, and OEMs, our business and prospects could be materially harmed. Relationships have historically played an important role in the entertainment markets that we serve. For example, sales of our products and services are particularly dependent upon our relationships with the major film studios and broadcasters, and licensing of our technologies is particularly dependent upon our relationships with system licensees, software vendors, and IC manufacturers. If we fail to maintain and strengthen these relationships, these entertainment industry participants may be less likely to purchase and use our technologies, products, and services, or create content incorporating our technologies, which could materially harm our business and prospects. Additionally, if major
entertainment industry participants form strategic relationships that exclude us, whether in licensing, products, or services, our business and prospects could be materially adversely affected.
We face diverse risks in our international business, which could adversely affect our operating results.
We are dependent on international sales for a substantial amount of our total revenue. For fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, revenue from outside the U.S. was 68%, 68%, and 66% of our total revenue, respectively. We expect that international and export sales will continue to represent a substantial portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future. This future revenue will depend to a large extent on the continued use and expansion of our technologies in entertainment industries worldwide.
Due to our reliance on sales to customers outside the U.S., we are subject to the risks of conducting business internationally, including:
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Our ability to enforce our contractual and intellectual property rights, especially in those foreign countries that do not recognize and enforce intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the U.S., Japan, and European countries, which increases the risk of unauthorized and uncompensated use of our technologies;
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U.S. and foreign government trade restrictions, including those which may impose restrictions on importation of programming, technology, or components to or from the U.S.;
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Our ability to comply with applicable international laws and regulations governing our business and operations, including local consumer and safety laws, as well as license requirements;
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Foreign government taxes, regulations, and permit requirements, including foreign taxes that we may not be able to offset against taxes imposed upon us in the U.S., and other laws limiting our ability to repatriate funds to the U.S.;
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Burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws;
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Changes in diplomatic and trade relationships;
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Difficulty in establishing, staffing, and managing foreign operations;
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Adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, including risks related to any interest rate swap or other hedging activities we undertake;
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Political or social instability, natural disasters, war or events of terrorism; and
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The strength of international economies.
Some of our business partners also have international operations and are subject to the risks described above. Even if we are able to successfully manage the risks of conducting business internationally, our business may be adversely affected if our business partners are not able to successfully manage these risks.
In many foreign countries, particularly in those with developing economies, it is common to engage in business practices that are prohibited by U.S. regulations applicable to us such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and U.S. export controls. Although we implement policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and U.S. export controls, there can be no assurance that all of our employees, distributors, dealers, and agents will not take actions in violation of our policies or these regulations. Any such violation could have an adverse effect on our business.
We face risks associated with complying with international employment laws.
A significant number of our employees are located outside the U.S. This means that we have exposure to changes in foreign laws governing our relationships with our employees, which could have a direct impact on our operating costs. Expansion into international markets has required, and will require, significant management attention and resources. We incur additional legal compliance costs associated with our international operations and could become subject to legal penalties in foreign countries if we do not comply with local employment laws and regulations, which may be substantially different from those in the U.S.
Revisions to patent laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad may adversely impact our ability to obtain, license, and enforce our patent rights.
Our licensing business depends in part on the uniform and consistent treatment of patent rights in the U.S. and abroad. Changes to the patent laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad may limit our ability to obtain, license, and enforce our rights. Additionally, court and administrative rulings may interpret existing patent laws and regulations in ways that adversely affect our ability to obtain, license, and enforce our patents. For example, recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court concerning injunctions may make it more difficult, under some circumstances, for us to obtain injunctive relief against a party that has been
found to infringe one or more of our patents, and rulings regarding patent challenges by licensees could potentially make it easier for our licensees to challenge our patents even though they have already agreed to take a license.
Our stock repurchase program may be suspended or terminated at any time, which may result in a decrease in our stock price.
Our stock repurchase program, whereby we may continue to repurchase shares of our Class A common stock, may reduce the public float of shares available for trading on a daily basis. Such purchases may be limited, suspended, or terminated at any time without prior notice. There can be no assurance that we will buy additional shares of our Class A common stock under our stock repurchase program or that any future repurchases will have a positive impact on our stock price or earnings per share. Important factors that could cause us to discontinue or decrease our share repurchases include, among others, unfavorable market conditions, the market price of our Class A common stock, the nature of other investment or strategic opportunities presented to us from time to time, the rate of dilution of our equity compensation programs, our ability to make appropriate, timely, and beneficial decisions as to when, how, and whether to purchase shares under the stock repurchase program, and the availability of funds necessary to continue purchasing stock. If we curtail our repurchase program, our stock price may be negatively affected.
Fluctuations in our operating results and other factors may contribute to the volatility of the market price of our stock.
A number of factors, many of which are outside our control, may cause or contribute to significant fluctuations in our quarterly and annual revenue and operating results. These fluctuations may make financial planning and forecasting more difficult. In addition, these fluctuations may result in unanticipated decreases in our available cash, which could negatively impact our business and prospects, and could increase the volatility of our stock price. Factors that may cause or contribute to fluctuations in our operating results and revenue or the volatility of the market price of our stock include those risks set forth in this section as well as the following:
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Fluctuations in demand for our products and for the digital entertainment products of our licensees;
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Adverse developments in general economic conditions;
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The amount and timing of our operating costs, capital expenditures, and related charges, including those related to the expansion or consolidation of our business, operations, and infrastructure;
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Changes in business cycles that affect the markets in which we sell our products and services or the markets for consumer entertainment products incorporating our technologies;
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Fluctuations in the timing of royalty reports we receive from our licensees, including late or sporadic reports;
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Variations in the time-to-market of our technologies in the entertainment industry markets in which we operate;
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Corrections to licensees' reports received in periods subsequent to those in which the original revenue was reported;
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The announcement, introduction, or enhancement of technologies, products, and services, by us, our licensees, and our competitors, and market acceptance of these new or enhanced technologies, products, and services;
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Rapid, wholesale changes in technology in the entertainment industries in which we compete;
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Events and conditions in the cinema industry, including box office receipts that affect the number of theaters constructed, the number of movies produced and exhibited, the general popularity of motion pictures, and strikes by cinema industry participants;
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The financial resources of cinema exhibitors available to buy our products or to equip their theaters to accommodate upgraded or new technologies;
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Consolidation by participants in the markets in which we compete, which could result among other things in pricing pressure;
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Seasonal electronics product shipment patterns by our system licensees, particularly in our first fiscal quarter, which generally result in revenue in our second fiscal quarter;
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The impact of, and our ability to react to, interruptions in the entertainment distribution process, including as a result of work stoppages at our facilities, our customers' facilities, and other points throughout the entertainment distribution process;
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Adverse outcomes of litigation or governmental proceedings, including any foreign, federal, state, or local tax assessments or audits;
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Repurchases we make of our common stock;
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Costs of litigation and intellectual property protection;
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Exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and other currencies;
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Variations between our operating results and published analysts' expectations; and
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Announcements by our competitors or significant customers.
One or more of the foregoing or other factors may cause our operating expenses to be disproportionately higher or lower or may cause our revenue and operating results to fluctuate significantly in any particular quarterly or annual period. Consequently, results from prior periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of future periods.
Changes in tax rates and exposure for additional income tax liabilities or adverse outcomes resulting from examinations of our tax returns could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, the geographic mix of our revenue, or by changes in tax laws or their interpretation could all favorably or unfavorably affect our future effective tax rates. We file income tax returns in the U.S. and in several U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions, and must use judgment in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes. For example, the following could adversely affect our income taxes:
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Earnings being lower than anticipated in countries that have lower tax rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher tax rates;
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Changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
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Expiration of or lapses in the R&D tax credit laws;
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Fluctuations in tax exempt interest income;
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Transfer pricing adjustments;
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Tax effects of nondeductible compensation;
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Tax costs related to intercompany realignments;
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Changes in accounting principles; or
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Changes in tax laws and regulations, including possible U.S. changes to the taxation of earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, the deductibility of expenses attributable to foreign income, or the foreign tax credit rules.
We are subject to the periodic examination of our income tax returns by tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. There can be no assurance, however, that the outcomes from these continuous examinations will not have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition. Additionally, due to the evolving nature of tax rules combined with the large number of jurisdictions in which we operate, it is possible that estimates of our tax liability and the likelihood that the benefit of our deferred tax assets will be realized could change in the future, which may result in additional tax liabilities and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
If securities or industry analysts publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business or if our operating results do not meet or exceed their projections, our stock price could decline.
The trading market for our common stock depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of the analysts who cover us or our industry downgrade our stock or the stock of other companies in our industry, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business or industry, or if our operating results do not meet or exceed their projections, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
Any inability to protect our intellectual property rights could reduce the value of our products, services, and brand.
Our business is dependent upon protecting our patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. Licensing revenue represented 86%, 83%, and 77% of our total revenue in the fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Effective intellectual property rights protection, however, may not be available under the laws of every country in which our products and services and those of our licensees are distributed. Also, the efforts we have taken to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient or effective. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property rights could
harm our business or our ability to compete.
In addition, protecting our intellectual property rights is costly and time consuming. We have taken steps in the past to enforce our intellectual property rights and expect to do so in the future. However, it may not be practicable or cost effective for us to enforce our intellectual property rights fully, particularly in some countries or where the initiation of a claim might harm our business relationships. If we are unable to successfully identify and stop unauthorized use of our intellectual property, we could experience increased operational and enforcement costs, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We generally seek patent protection for our innovations. However, it is possible that some of these innovations may not be protectable, or we may choose not to protect particular innovations that later turn out to be important, due to the high costs of obtaining patent protection. Even where we do have patent protection, the scope of such protection may be insufficient to prevent third parties from designing around our particular patent claims. Furthermore, there is always the possibility that an issued patent may later be found to be invalid or unenforceable. We also seek to maintain select intellectual property as trade secrets. Third parties or our employees could intentionally or accidentally compromise the intellectual property that we maintain as trade secrets, which would cause us to lose the competitive advantage resulting from them.
Our customers who are also our current or potential competitors may choose to use their own or competing technologies rather than ours.
We face competitive risks in situations where our customers are also current or potential competitors. For example, Sony and Microsoft are significant licensee customers and Sony is a significant purchaser of our broadcast products and services, but Sony and Microsoft are also competitors with respect to some of our consumer, broadcast, and cinema technologies. To the extent that our customers choose to use competing technologies they have developed or in which they have an interest, rather than use our technologies, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
We face competition from other audio formats.
We believe that the success we have had licensing our surround sound technologies to system licensees is due, in part, to the strength of our brand and the perception that our technologies provide a high quality solution for surround sound. However, both free and proprietary sound technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent, and we expect competitors to continue to enter this field with other solutions. Furthermore, to the extent that customers perceive our competitors’ solutions to provide the same advantages as our technologies at a lower or comparable price, there is a risk that these customers may treat sound encoding technologies such as ours as commodities, resulting in loss of status of our technologies, decline in their use, and significant pricing pressure. The commoditization of our audio technologies, as opposed to treatment as a premium solution, could adversely affect our business, operating results, and prospects.
The loss of or delay in operations of one or more of our key suppliers could materially delay or stop the production of our products and impair our ability to generate revenue.
Our reliance on outside suppliers for some of the key materials and components we use in manufacturing our products involves risks, including limited control over the price, timely delivery, and quality of such components. We have no formal agreements in place with our suppliers for the continued supply of materials and components. Although we have identified alternate suppliers for most of our key materials and components, any required changes in our suppliers could cause material delays in our production operations and increase our production costs. In addition, at times our suppliers have not been, and in the future may not be, able to meet our production demands as to volume, quality, or timeliness.
Moreover, we rely on sole source suppliers for some of the components that we use to manufacture our products, including specific charged coupled devices, light emitting diodes, and digital signal processors. These sole source suppliers may become unable or unwilling to deliver these components to us at an acceptable cost or at all, which could force us to redesign those specific products.
Our inability to obtain timely delivery of key components of acceptable quality, any significant increases in the prices of components, or the redesign of our products could result in material production delays, increased costs, and reductions in shipments of our products, any of which could increase our operating costs, harm our customer relationships, or materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Revenue from our products may suffer if our production processes encounter problems or if we are not able to match our production capacity to fluctuating levels of demand.
Our products are highly complex and production difficulties or inefficiencies can interrupt production, resulting in our inability to deliver products on time in a cost effective manner, which could harm our competitive position. We have a single
production facility and increasingly use contract manufacturers for a significant portion of our production capacity. Our reliance on contract manufacturers for the manufacture of our products involves risks, including limited control over timely delivery and quality of such products. If production of our products is interrupted, we may not be able to manufacture products on a timely basis. A shortage of manufacturing capacity for our products could adversely affect our operating results and damage our customer relationships. We are unable to quickly adapt our manufacturing capacity to rapidly changing market conditions and a contract manufacturer may encounter similar difficulties. Likewise, we may be unable to quickly respond to fluctuations in customer demand or contract manufacturer interruptions. At times we underutilize our manufacturing facilities as a result of reduced demand for some of our products. Any inability to effectively respond to fluctuations in customer demand for our products or contract manufacturer interruptions may adversely affect our gross margins.
Our products, from time to time, experience quality problems that can result in decreased sales and higher operating expenses.
Our products are complex and sometimes contain undetected software or hardware errors, particularly when first introduced or when new versions are released. In addition, to the extent that we engage contract manufacturers, we do not have as much control over manufacturing which could result in quality problems. Furthermore, our products are sometimes combined with or incorporated into products from other vendors, sometimes making it difficult to identify the source of a problem. These errors could result in a loss of or delay in market acceptance of our products or cause delays in delivering them and meeting customer demands, any of which could reduce our revenue and raise significant customer relations issues. In addition, if our products contain errors we could be required to replace or reengineer them, which would increase our costs. Moreover, if any such errors cause unintended consequences, we could incur substantial costs in defending and settling product liability claims. Although we generally attempt to contractually limit liability for defective products to the cost of repairing or replacing these products, if these contract provisions are not enforced, or are unenforceable for any reason, or if liabilities arise that are not effectively limited, we could incur substantial costs in defending and settling product liability claims.
Licensee products that incorporate our technologies, from time to time, experience quality problems that could damage our brand, decrease revenue, and increase operating expenses.
Newly introduced and new versions of licensee products that incorporate our technologies are complex and may contain undetected software or hardware errors. In addition, the combination or incorporation of these newly introduced products with products from other companies can make it difficult to identify the source of a problem. Any negative publicity or negative impact relating to these product problems could adversely affect the perception of our brand. In addition, these errors could result in loss of, or delay in, market acceptance of those products or Dolby technologies, or cause delays in delivering them and meeting customer demands, any of which could reduce our revenue and raise significant customer relations issues. Although we generally attempt to contractually limit our liability for our licensees' defective products, we may elect to help reengineer those products, which could adversely affect our operating results.
A loss of one or more of our key customers or licensees in any of our markets could adversely affect our operating results.
From time to time, one or a small number of our customers or licensees may represent a significant percentage of our products, services, or licensing revenue. For example, revenue from our largest customer represented approximately 14% of total revenue for fiscal 2012. Although we have agreements with many of these customers, these agreements typically do not require any minimum purchases or minimum royalty fees and do not prohibit customers from purchasing products and services from competitors. A decision by any of our major customers or licensees not to use our technologies, or their failure or inability to pay amounts owed to us in a timely manner, or at all, whether due to strategic redirections or adverse changes in their businesses or for other reasons, could have a significant adverse effect on our operating results.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that could impose substantial costs upon us and may adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Some of our operations use substances regulated under various federal, state, local, and international laws governing the environment, including those governing the discharge of pollutants into the air and water, the management, disposal, and labeling of hazardous substances and wastes, and the cleanup of contaminated sites. We could incur costs, fines, and civil or criminal sanctions, third party property damage or personal injury claims, or could be required to incur substantial investigation or remediation costs, if we were to violate or become liable under environmental laws. Liability under environmental laws can be joint and several and without regard to comparative fault. The ultimate costs under environmental laws and the timing of these costs are difficult to predict.
New environmental laws and regulations could impact our operating results.
We expect that new environmental laws and regulations, introduced on an ongoing basis, will have the potential to affect our manufacturing and licensing operations. Although we cannot predict the ultimate impact of any such new laws and regulations, they will likely result in additional costs or decreased revenue, and could require that we redesign or change how we manufacture our products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We could incur substantial costs due to regulations regarding the composition of our products, which may adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
We face increasing complexity in our product design as we adjust to new and future requirements relating to the materials composition of our products. For example, we redesigned our products to comply with restrictions on lead and other hazardous substances so we could continue to offer them for sale within the European Union. For some products, substituting particular components containing regulated hazardous substances is more difficult or costly, and additional redesign efforts could result in production delays. Selected electronic products that we maintain in inventory may be rendered obsolete if not in compliance with the new environmental laws, which could negatively impact our ability to generate revenue from those products.
Continued global credit market weakness could negatively impact the value and liquidity of our investment portfolio.
We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities, including money market funds, U.S. treasury and agency securities, municipal debt securities, corporate bonds, and commercial paper. Although we follow an established investment policy and seek to minimize the credit risk associated with investments, these investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, and interest rate risks. Any downgrades, losses, or other significant deterioration in the fair value of our cash, cash equivalents, or investments could negatively impact our investments or our ability to meet our investment objectives. Such negative impact, should it arise, could require an impairment charge, which would adversely impact our financial results.
We face risks associated with international trade and currency exchange.
We maintain sales, marketing, and business operations in foreign countries. Consequently, we are exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates associated with the local currencies of our foreign business operations. While we derive nearly all of our revenue from transactions denominated in U.S. dollars, nearly all of our costs from our foreign operations are denominated in the currency of that foreign location. Consequently, exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and other currencies could have a material impact on our profitability.
We rely on distributors that we do not control.
We rely significantly on a global network of independent, regional distributors to market and distribute our cinema and broadcast products. Our distributor arrangements are non-exclusive and our distributors are not obligated to buy our products and can represent competing products. The loss of a major distributor or the inability or unwillingness of our distributors to dedicate the resources necessary to promote our portfolio of products could adversely affect our revenue. Furthermore, our distributors could retain product channel inventory levels that exceed future anticipated sales, which could adversely affect future sales to those distributors. In addition, failures of our distributors to adhere to our policies or other ethical practices could adversely affect us. For example, while we have implemented policies designed to promote compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, export controls, and local laws, we do not have direct control over the business and risk management policies adopted by our distributors, and they could act contrary to our policies.
For the foreseeable future, Ray Dolby or his affiliates or family members will be able to control the selection of all members of our Board of Directors, as well as virtually every other matter that requires stockholder approval, which will severely limit the ability of other stockholders to influence corporate matters.
At September 28, 2012, Ray Dolby and his affiliates, including his family members, owned 7,077 shares of our Class A common stock and 56,450,740 shares of our Class B common stock. As of September 28, 2012, Ray Dolby and his affiliates, including his family members, had voting power of approximately 99.7% of our outstanding Class B common stock, which in the aggregate represented approximately 92.2% of the combined voting power of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock. Under our certificate of incorporation, holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share while holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Generally, shares of Class B common stock automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock upon transfer of such Class B common stock, other than transfers to certain specified persons and entities, including the spouse and descendants of Ray Dolby and the spouses and domestic partners of such descendants.
Because of this dual class structure, Ray Dolby, his affiliates, and his family members and descendants will, for the foreseeable future, have significant influence over our management and affairs, and will be able to control virtually all matters
requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions such as mergers or other sales of our company or assets, even if they come to own considerably less than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B common stock. Ray Dolby, his affiliates, his family members, and descendants will maintain this control even if in the future they come to own considerably less than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B common stock.
Moreover, these persons may take actions in their own interests that our stockholders do not view as beneficial. Absent a transfer of Class B common stock that would trigger an automatic conversion as described above, there is no threshold or time deadline at which the shares of Class B common stock will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock.
Assuming conversion of all shares of Class B common stock held by persons not affiliated with Ray Dolby into shares of Class A common stock, so long as Ray Dolby and his affiliates, his family members, and descendants continue to hold shares of Class B common stock representing approximately 10% or more of the total number of outstanding shares of our Class A and Class B common stock, they will hold a majority of the combined voting power of the Class A and Class B common stock.
Future sales of shares by insiders could cause our stock price to decline.
If our founder, officers, directors or employees sell, or indicate an intention to sell, substantial amounts of our Class A common stock in the public market, including shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B common stock, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline. As previously announced, (i) Ray and Dagmar Dolby, as Trustees of the Ray Dolby Trust under the Dolby Family Trust Instrument dated May 7, 1999, (ii) Ray and Dagmar Dolby, as Trustees of the Ray Dolby 2002 Trust A dated April 19, 2002, (iii) Ray and Dagmar Dolby, as Trustees of the Ray Dolby 2002 Trust B dated April 19, 2002, (iv) Ray and Dagmar Dolby, as Trustees of the Ray Dolby 2011 Trust A dated December 14, 2011, and (v) Ray and Dagmar Dolby, as Trustees of the Ray Dolby 2011 Trust B dated December 14, 2011, adopted Rule 10b5-1 trading plans in the third quarter of fiscal 2012 to sell up to 5.9 million shares of the Company's Class A common stock (or approximately 10.3% of Ray Dolby's direct and indirect holdings at the time). The trading plans were adopted during an “open window” in accordance with guidelines specified by Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as permitted by the Company's insider trading policy. Sales under the trading plans commenced in August 2012, are based upon pre-established stock price thresholds, are subject to daily volume limits and will expire once all of the shares have been sold or in August 2013, whichever is earlier.
We cannot predict the effect the trading plan sales may have on the future trading prices of our Class A common stock. As of September 28, 2012, we had a total of 103,095,464 shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding.
As of September 28, 2012, our directors and executive officers beneficially held 56,460,740 shares of Class B common stock, 151,208 shares of Class A common stock, vested options to purchase 20,000 shares of Class B common stock and vested options to purchase 349,330 shares of Class A common stock. We expect that any sale of our Class A common stock by our directors and executive officers would be subject to compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Facilities
Our principal corporate office, which we lease from the Dolby Family Trust, is located at 100 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, California. This office provides approximately 70,000 square feet of space. The lease for this office expires on December 31, 2013, but we have options to renew the lease for two additional five-year terms.
Dolby Wootton Bassett, LLC, of which Ray and Dagmar Dolby as Trustees of the Dolby Family Trust are collectively the sole member, the Ray Dolby Trust, or the Dolby Family Trust own a majority financial interest in real estate entities that own and lease to us certain of our other facilities in California and the United Kingdom. We own the remaining financial interests in these real estate entities. We lease from these real estate entities approximately 122,000 square feet of space at 999 Brannan Street, San Francisco, California for our principal administrative offices, approximately 45,000 square feet of space in Brisbane, California for manufacturing facilities and approximately 19,000 square feet of space in Burbank, California for research and development, sales, services, and administrative facilities. In addition, we lease from these real estate entities approximately 75,000 square feet of space in Wootton Bassett, England, which was used for manufacturing, sales, services and administrative facilities. In fiscal 2009, we consolidated our Wootton Bassett, U.K. manufacturing operations into our Brisbane, California facility to improve efficiencies. We continue to use the Wootton Bassett facilities for sales and services. The leases for these facilities expire at various times through 2015.
In June 2012, we purchased an approximately 354,000 square-foot building in San Francisco for approximately $109.8 million. After preparing the building for our use, we intend to use the space as our new worldwide headquarters.
We also lease additional research and development, sales, product testing, and administrative facilities from third parties in California, New York, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and internationally, including in Asia, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Brazil.
We believe that our current facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the near future and that suitable additional or alternative space will be available on commercially reasonable terms to accommodate our foreseeable future operations.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in various legal proceedings from time to time arising from the normal course of business activities, including claims of alleged infringement of intellectual property rights, commercial, employment, and other matters. In our opinion, resolution of these pending matters is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our operating results or financial condition. Given the unpredictable nature of legal proceedings, it is possible that an unfavorable resolution of one or more such proceedings could materially affect our future operating results or financial condition in a particular period; however, based on the information known by us as of the date of this filing and the rules and regulations applicable to the preparation of our financial statements, any such amount is either immaterial or it is not possible to provide an estimated amount of any such potential loss.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “DLB.” The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices on the NYSE of the Class A common stock for the periods indicated, as reported by the NYSE. Such quotations represent inter dealer prices without retail markup, markdown, or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Our Class B common stock is neither listed nor publicly traded.
As of November 2, 2012, there were approximately 16 holders of record of our Class A common stock and 47 holders of record of our Class B common stock. The number of beneficial stockholders is substantially greater than the number of holders of record because a large portion of our common stock is held through brokerage firms.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared nor paid any cash dividend on our common stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings and do not currently plan to pay any dividends in the immediate future. The payment of future dividends on the common stock and the rate of such dividends, if any and when not restricted, will be determined by our Board of Directors in light of our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, and any other relevant factors.
Sales of Unregistered Securities
In the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2012, we issued an aggregate of 11,400 shares of our Class B common stock to certain employees, officers, and directors upon the exercise of options awarded under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan; from September 29, 2012 through November 2, 2012, we issued an aggregate of 1,000 shares of our Class B common stock to certain employees and officers upon the exercise of options awarded under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. We received aggregate proceeds of $0.1 million in the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2012 and less than $0.1 million in the period from September 29, 2012 through November 2, 2012 as a result of the exercise of these options. We believe these transactions were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) in reliance on Rule 701 thereunder as transactions pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation as provided under Rule 701. As of November 2, 2012 options to purchase an aggregate of 182,874 shares of our Class B common stock remain outstanding. All issuances of shares of our Class B common stock pursuant to the exercise of these options will be made in reliance on Rule 701. All option grants made under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan were made prior to the effectiveness of our initial public offering. No further option grants will be made under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan.
None of the foregoing transactions involved any underwriters, underwriting discounts, or commissions, or any public offering.
Each share of our Class B common stock is convertible into one share of our Class A common stock at any time, at the option of the holder or upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Class B common stock. In addition, each share of Class B common stock shall convert automatically into one share of Class A common stock upon any transfer, except for certain transfers described in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of our Class A Common stock, $0.001 par value per share, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012:
(1)
Excludes commission costs.
(2)
Shares of Class A common stock were purchased under a $250.0 million stock repurchase program announced on November 3, 2009, which was subsequently increased by $300.0 million, $250.0 million, and $100.0 million announced on July 27, 2010, August 4, 2011, and February 8, 2012, respectively. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date. Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market transactions, negotiated purchases, or otherwise, at times and in such amounts as we consider appropriate.
(3)
Amounts shown in this column reflect amounts remaining under the stock repurchase program.
Stock Price Performance Graph
The following graph compares the total return of our Class A common stock with the total return for the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index (the “NYSE Composite”) and the Russell 3000 Index (the “Russell 3000”) for the five fiscal years ended September 28, 2012. The figures represented below assume an investment of $100 in our Class A common stock at the closing price of $34.82 on September 28, 2007, and in the NYSE Composite and the Russell 3000 on the same date and the reinvestment of dividends into shares of common stock. The comparisons in the table are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of our Class A common stock. This graph shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this filing. The consolidated statements of operations and balance sheets data for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2012, September 30, 2011, and September 24, 2010 were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this report. The consolidated statements of operations and balance sheets data for the fiscal years ended September 25, 2009 and September 26, 2008 were derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this report. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of financial results to be achieved in future periods. Fiscal 2011 consisted of 53 weeks, while all other fiscal years presented consisted of 52 weeks.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ substantially from those referred to herein due to a number of factors, including but not limited to risks described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We disclaim any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform our prior statements to actual results.
Overview
Dolby Laboratories has been a leading solutions provider to the entertainment industry for more than 45 years. We provide products, services, and technologies to capture, distribute, and play back entertainment content that gives consumers a premium entertainment experience, regardless of how or where they choose to enjoy it. Our core strengths range from our expertise in digital signal processing and compression technology to our long history of providing products, tools, and technologies to participants in the entertainment industry at each stage in the content creation, distribution, and playback process. We provide products and services that enable content creators and distributors to produce, encode, and transmit content with our premium audio technologies, and we license decoding technologies to the manufacturers of entertainment devices to ensure that content is ultimately experienced as the creator and distributor intended.
Throughout our history, we have introduced numerous innovations that have significantly improved the quality of audio entertainment, such as noise reduction for the recording and cinema industries and surround sound for cinema and home entertainment. Today, we continue to derive the vast majority of our revenue from our audio technologies.
Looking forward, we see a number of industry trends that create opportunities for the continued growth of our audio business, including the ongoing global transition from analog to digital television and consumers' increasing use of mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones, to play back digital content. Our portfolio of technologies and solutions optimize the audio experience for portable devices to provide consumers with a rich, clear, and immersive sound, despite the bandwidth limitations of online and cellular networks and the physical limitations of devices with tiny speakers.
We also see opportunities to apply our core strengths in areas beyond audio. For example, we believe that significant improvements can be made in the technology currently used to deliver and play back premium video, and we have identified solutions that may substantially improve the video experience. Similarly, we believe we can apply our existing audio technologies to improve the clarity and quality of voice communications in areas such as multi-party teleconferencing.
Business Model
We generate the majority of our revenue by licensing technologies to original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) of consumer entertainment (“CE”) products and to software vendors. We also generate revenue by selling products and related services to creators and distributors and exhibitors of entertainment content.
We participate in the global entertainment industry in three important ways:
•
We offer products, services, and technologies to creators and distributors of entertainment content, such as motion picture, television, and music recording studios, television broadcasters, satellite and cable operators, cinema theatre chains, and increasingly, Internet content streaming and download service providers. These content creators and distributors use our products, services, and technologies to encode and transmit content, creating rich, clear, and immersive audio experiences for consumers upon playback.
•
We license technologies, such as Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, to OEMs and software vendors for incorporation into their CE and other products, so that consumers can play back audio content with our technologies in the rich, clear, and immersive manner the creators intended.
•
We work directly with standards-setting organizations in the entertainment and technology industries, as well as governments and other regulatory bodies, to promote adoption of our technologies in their standards. As a result, our technologies are included in the majority of worldwide TV shipments to support digital TV standards around the world that mandate our formats. Our technologies are also included in virtually all DVD players, Blu-ray Disc players, audio/video receivers, and personal computer (“PC”) DVD software players.
We license our technologies to OEMs and software vendors in 44 countries and our licensees distribute products incorporating our technologies throughout the world. We sell our products and services in over 80 countries. In fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 revenue from outside of the U.S. was 68%, 68%, and 66% of our total revenue, respectively. Our licensing business is our most significant revenue stream, representing 86%, 83%, and 77% of our total revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and
2010, respectively. Geographic data for our licensing revenue is based on the location of our licensees’ headquarters. Product revenue is based on the destination to which we ship our products, while services revenue is based on the location where services are performed.
Opportunities, Challenges, and Risks
Our licensing and product markets are characterized by rapid technological changes, new and improved product introductions, changing customer demands, evolving industry standards, changing licensee needs, and product obsolescence. We believe that these changes present us with opportunities to provide realistic and immersive audio experiences to consumers through new and emerging delivery channels. However, as described below, our licensing revenue is subject to uncertainties and trends relating to technology and market growth, as well as the mix of CE products sold that incorporate our technologies. Our licensing business also could be affected by adverse general economic conditions, because many of the products in which our technologies are incorporated are discretionary goods. Furthermore, our products business is subject to intense competition and uncertainties relating to the transition to digital cinema and purchasing decisions by our cinema customers. We expect recent declines in our 3D revenue to continue, as the market for 3D products becomes increasingly saturated.
Licensing
Licensing revenue constitutes the majority of our total revenue, representing 86%, 83%, and 77% of total revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
The entertainment industry is in transition. As consumers are presented with more options for receiving entertainment content, competition across the delivery channels has intensified. We see this reflected in the changing composition of our licensing revenue, driven by a shift away from optical disc based products. Our optical disc based revenue is generated from the sale of technology solutions that enable DVD or Blu-ray Disc playback functionality, licensing including the Windows 7 operating system, independent PC DVD software players, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc technologies included in consumer products. However, most of these products can also receive content over mobile or online networks and we have increased our technology penetration into these other distribution channels. Non-optical disc based revenue is generated from the sale of technology solutions other than those used to enable DVD or Blu-ray Disc playback functionality. Non-optical disc based revenue includes licensing revenue derived from products such as TVs, set-top boxes, and mobile devices, as well as from the incorporation of our post processing technologies in a range of devices. We remain focused on delivering the products, tools, and technologies needed to ensure a high quality audio experience from any device.
Looking forward, we expect continued growth in the proportion of our licensing revenue we derive from non-optical disc sources. This will be driven partly by the maturity of optical disc as a method for delivering content, but also by the significant opportunities presented by digital broadcast and online and mobile distribution, as well as the inclusion of our technologies in the Windows 8 operating system to enable the playback of online content. We also see significant opportunities to offer encode/decode solutions in video and voice that leverage our expertise in signal processing, compression, and the capture and playback of content.
Our licensing revenue comes from the following markets and primarily from the inclusion of our technologies in the products indicated for each market:
•
Broadcast market: primarily televisions and set-top boxes
•
PC market: primarily DVD software players and Microsoft Windows operating systems
•
CE market: primarily DVD and Blu-ray Disc players and recorders, audio/video receivers, and home-theater-in-a-box systems
•
Other markets:
•
Mobile - primarily cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices
•
Gaming - primarily video game consoles
•
Licensing services - primarily administration of joint licensing programs
•
Automotive - primarily in-car DVD players
The growth of the Internet, and the related shift by consumers toward online entertainment content, has resulted in a global trend toward an array of online content streaming and download services. Today content is captured, delivered, and played back in more ways than ever before. Content creators and distributors are increasingly focused on delivering content across a multitude of media and devices with varying bandwidth and performance requirements, including PCs, connected TVs, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, connected Blu-ray Disc players, and a variety of mobile devices. Many of these mobile devices
are increasingly designed to capture and distribute content through improved camera and WiFi technologies, as well as to play back rich entertainment experiences. This increasingly complex array of devices, with capability for both creating and playing back content, presents a challenge for content creators and device manufacturers seeking consistent audio quality. We believe this challenge provides an opportunity similar to that of digital broadcast, whereby we can provide solutions to optimize the audio experience across the online and portable device ecosystem.
In the area of content creation and delivery, our technologies are included in DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and certain broadcast standards, and we are working to extend our technologies to online delivery services. Online content aggregators, including Netflix, Amazon, VUDU, Apple, HBO GO, Samsung's Acetrax, and the Roxio Now platform, use our technologies to encode video and audio content. Leading music services such as Rhapsody and Omnifone use our audio encoding tools to deliver a rich music experience to their subscribers. In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, HBO adopted Dolby Digital Plus in its HBO GO content for select connected TVs. HBO will also offer Dolby Digital Plus in its HBO GO service for content delivered to Blu-ray Disc players. In addition, Samsung now offers Dolby Digital Plus surround sound audio through the Acetrax Video on Demand application.
Our broadcast market, driven by demand for our technologies in televisions and set-top boxes, represented approximately 34%, 31%, and 27% of our licensing revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Dolby technology was included in a higher percentage of televisions and set-top boxes in fiscal 2012 which drove increased revenue relative to fiscal 2011. We view the broadcast market as an area for potential continued growth, primarily in geographic markets outside of the U.S. We see opportunities in working with specific operators and standards bodies across emerging markets to adopt our multichannel formats. Given, the percentage of the world's population that lives in countries in emerging markets and the number of televisions and set-top boxes sold in such markets, we believe that these markets present significant opportunities for growth. While there is no guarantee that the counties in the emerging markets will convert to digital television, we intend to ensure that we are well positioned to benefit from such transition if it occurs. We also view broadcast services, such as terrestrial broadcast or IPTV services, which operate under bandwidth constraints, as another area of opportunity for Dolby Digital Plus. These technologies enable the delivery of high quality audio content at reduced bit rates, thereby conserving bandwidth. We may not, however, be able to extend our current success in the broadcast market to these new opportunities.
Our PC market represented approximately 28%, 30%, and 36% of our licensing revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Our technologies are incorporated in the majority of PCs sold today, primarily because of the inclusion of DVD and Blu-ray Disc playback in the majority of PCs and the inclusion of Dolby technologies in the DVD and Blu-ray Disc standards.
Historically, we have licensed our technologies to a range of PC licensees, including independent software vendors (“ISV”), PC OEMs, and operating system providers. The release of new versions of major PC operating systems has often resulted in changes in the mix of our PC licensees. In 2007, Microsoft introduced its Windows Vista operating system, which included our technologies to enable DVD audio playback in two of its editions. In fiscal 2009, Microsoft released its current operating system, Windows 7, which includes our technologies within four editions. As a result, since 2007 the mix of our PC licensing revenue from operating systems has increased relative to that from OEMs and ISVs. We currently license our audio codec technologies directly to OEMs such as Apple, Toshiba, and Sony to support optical disc playback on PCs, and we license our PC Entertainment Experience (“PCEE”) technologies to multiple PC OEMs through our PCEE licensing program.
In May 2012, we entered into an agreement with Microsoft under which Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 channel decoding and Dolby Digital two-channel encoding will be included in all PCs and tablets licensed to run the Windows 8 operating system. Under the arrangement, OEMs generally will be required to directly license and pay us a base royalty rate for the right to use the Dolby technologies included in Windows 8 installed on the PCs and tablets they produce for online and file-based content. OEMs will be required to pay a higher per-unit royalty for Windows 8 PCs that also include optical disc playback functionality, which will be implemented by ISV applications. This higher rate is consistent with rates paid historically for the inclusion of Dolby disc playback software in the PC market. In the near term, we expect the majority of PCs to continue to ship with optical disc drives and to include optical disc playback functionality.
We believe the Microsoft Windows 8 arrangement provides a simple and consistent way for OEMs to enable playback with our technologies of content delivered by online services and video in local files on the device. This is a different licensing arrangement than the one we have for Windows 7. The release of Windows 8 did not have a material financial impact in fiscal 2012, as Microsoft continued to license its Windows 7 operating systems with our technologies. The ultimate financial impact of these licensing arrangements for Windows 8 on our licensing revenue is uncertain and will depend on several factors, including:
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The extent and rate at which Windows 8 is adopted in the marketplace;
•
The extent to which OEMs include optical disc playback in Windows 8 devices;
•
The extent to which earlier versions of Microsoft operating systems, including Windows 7, continue to be licensed after the release of Windows 8;
•
Our ability to establish and extend licensing relationships directly with PC OEMs and ISVs;
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The rate at which entertainment content shifts from optical disc media to online media, thus reducing the need for PCs to have optical disc drives and DVD and Blu-ray Disc software players; and
•
Our ability to extend the adoption of our technologies to online and mobile platforms.
In the short term, revenue from our PC market remains dependent on several factors, including underlying PC unit shipment growth and the extent to which our technologies are included in operating systems and ISV media applications. We continue to face risks relating to:
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Purchasing trends away from traditional PCs and towards portable devices without optical disc drives, such as ultrabooks and tablets, which may not include our technologies;
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The prevalence of PC software that includes our technologies on an unauthorized and infringing basis, for which we receive no royalty payments; and
•
Continued decreasing inclusion of ISV media applications by PC OEMs in their Windows 7-based PCs, as Windows 7 already incorporates DVD playback software.
Our CE market, driven primarily by revenue attributable to sales of DVD and Blu-ray Disc players and recorders, represented approximately 18%, 21%, and 22% of licensing revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Blu-ray Disc players continue to represent an important source of revenue within our CE market, as these players are required by the applicable standards of the Blu-ray Disc Association to include Dolby Digital technology for primary audio content and our Dolby Digital Plus technology for secondary audio content. In addition, our Dolby TrueHD technology is an optional audio standard for Blu-ray Disc. Sales of DVD players are declining, as a result of the maturity of the DVD platform and a shift to Blu-ray Disc players and other connected devices capable of delivering content; however, our revenue from sales of Blu-ray Disc players is also decreasing and has not offset the decline in revenue from DVD.
Revenue generated from our other markets includes revenue attributable to mobile, gaming, licensing services, and automotive, and represented approximately 20%, 18%, and 15% of licensing revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Mobile revenue is primarily driven by demand for the Dolby Digital Plus, AAC, Dolby Mobile, and Dolby Digital. We view the mobile device market as an area of opportunity for us to increase revenue; however, actual results may differ from our expectations. In addition, because the mobile device market is a relatively new market for us, our growth in this market is dependent not only on the anticipated growth of the mobile device market as a whole, but also on the success of the mobile devices incorporating our technologies. Revenue attributable to gaming and automotive is primarily driven by sales of video game consoles and in-car entertainment systems, respectively, that incorporate our Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, AAC, and Dolby TrueHD technologies. Licensing services revenue, from administration of joint licensing programs, is primarily driven by demand for standards-based audio compression technologies for broadcast, PC, CE, and mobile products.
Consumer entertainment products throughout the world incorporate our technologies. We expect that sales of such products incorporating our technologies in emerging economies such as Brazil, China, India, and Russia, will increase in the future as consumers in these markets acquire more disposable income with which to purchase entertainment products. However, events in these economies or in the world economy in general may contradict these expectations. Moreover, we expect that OEMs in lower-cost manufacturing countries, including China, will increase production in response to this demand and that traditional OEMs will continue to shift their manufacturing operations to these lower-cost manufacturing countries. There are substantial risks associated with doing business in such countries, including OEMs failing to report or underreporting shipments of products incorporating our technologies, that have affected and will continue to affect our operating results.
Revenue from Microsoft represented approximately 14%, 13%, and 12% of our total revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, and included licensing revenue from our PC, CE, and other markets.
Products
Products revenue is driven primarily by sales of equipment to cinema operators and broadcasters and represented 11%, 14%, and 20% of our total revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
Our cinema products represented approximately 87%, 87%, and 90% of total products revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Sales of our cinema products tend to fluctuate based on the underlying trends in the cinema industry, including the popularity of individual movies, as cinema owners often purchase equipment to meet expected box office demand.
The cinema industry is transitioning from traditional film to digital cinema, and we estimate that the industry is more than halfway through this transition. Digital cinema offers motion picture studios a means to save costs in printing and distributing movies, combat piracy, and enable repeated movie playback without degradation in image and audio quality. Our cinema
products include our Dolby Digital Cinema screen server and central library server, for the storage and playback of digital content, and our digital audio processor, which provides audio control for our digital cinema servers. We expect that most cinema owners who are either constructing new theaters or upgrading existing theaters will choose digital cinema products over traditional film cinema products. However, our competitive position in the digital cinema market is not as strong as our position in the traditional film cinema market. For example, digital cinema specifications are based on open standards which, unlike traditional cinema standards, do not include our proprietary audio technologies. Furthermore, we are facing more pricing and other competitive pressures for our digital cinema products than we experience for our traditional film cinema products.
Digital cinema standards are defined by the Digital Cinema Initiative (“DCI”) specifications, and we have developed software for our currently available digital cinema server that is DCI compliant. This software was made commercially available during fiscal 2012. We do not have significant contractual provisions arising from the sale of products relating to DCI compliance that would require additional performance from us.
Our digital 3D products provide 3D image capabilities when combined with a digital cinema projector and server. Our cinema products revenue has been negatively impacted by declines in unit shipments and lower selling prices for 3D products, as the market for 3D cinema equipment has become increasingly competitive. We also believe the decrease in revenue from our 3D products reflects the increasing saturation of 3D enabled screens within the cinema industry.
Our traditional film cinema products are used primarily to read, decode, and play back film soundtracks, to calibrate cinema sound systems, and to enable soundtracks encoded in digital audio formats to be played back on analog cinema audio systems. As investment by the cinema industry in digital cinema has increased, revenue from our traditional film cinema products has declined, and we expect this decline to continue.
Our broadcast products represented approximately 10%, 10%, and 9% of products revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Our broadcast products are used to encode, transmit, and decode multiple channels of high quality audio content for DTV and HDTV program production and broadcast distribution and to measure the subjective loudness of audio content within broadcast programming.
In fiscal 2011, we began selling our Professional Reference Monitor product, a flat-panel video reference display for video professionals. These video professionals use the monitor for color critical tasks, such as calibrating color accuracy to professional reference standards. Our Professional Reference Monitor uses our dynamic range imaging technologies, which enhance contrast and extend brightness and dynamic range, while reducing power consumption in LED backlit LCD televisions. We did not generate significant revenue from this product in fiscal 2012.
Services
Services revenue represented approximately 3% of total revenue in each of fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010. The level of our services revenue is primarily tied to activity in the cinema industry, and in particular, to the number of movies being produced and distributed by studios and independent filmmakers. Several factors influence the number of movies produced in a given fiscal period, including strikes and work stoppages within the cinema industry, as well as tax incentive arrangements provided by many governments to promote local filmmaking. Services revenue is also impacted by the transition to digital cinema in some regions.
Other
We are party to an agreement under which we obtained naming rights and related benefits with respect to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Under the agreement, we made one annual payment in fiscal 2012 and will subsequently make semi-annual payments over the term, which will be recorded as marketing expenses. Our payment obligations are conditioned in part on the Academy Awards® being held and broadcast from the Dolby Theatre. For additional details, see Note 10 “Commitments and Contingencies” to our consolidated financial statements. In addition to these contractual obligations, we anticipate that we will continue to incur increased marketing expenses associated with promoting our products, technologies, and brand at the Dolby Theatre.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”), and pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations. GAAP and SEC rules and regulations require us to use accounting policies and make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingencies as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during a fiscal period. The SEC considers an accounting policy and estimate to be critical if it is both important to a company’s financial condition and/or results of operations and requires significant judgment on the part of management in its application. On a regular basis, we evaluate our assumptions, judgment, and estimates. We have discussed the selection and
development of the critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. The Audit Committee has reviewed our related disclosures in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although we believe that our judgments and estimates are appropriate and correct, actual results may differ from these estimates.
We consider the following to be critical accounting policies and estimates because we believe they are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management judgments about matters that are uncertain. If actual results or events differ materially, our reported financial condition and results of operation for future periods could be materially affected. See our “Risk Factors” for further information on the potential risks to our future results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technologies, trademarks, and know-how and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is probable. Judgment is required to assess whether collectibility is probable. We determine collectibility based on an evaluation of our customer's recent payment history, the existence of a standby letter of credit between the customer's financial institution and our financial institution, and other factors. Some of our revenue arrangements include multiple elements, such as hardware, software, maintenance, and other services.
We evaluate each element in a multiple element (“ME”) arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. An element constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value and delivery of an undelivered element is both probable and within our control. When these criteria are not met, the delivered and undelivered elements are combined and the arrangement fees are allocated to this combined single unit.
If the unit separation criteria are met, we account for each element within a ME arrangement (such as hardware, software, maintenance, and other services) separately, and we allocate fees from the arrangement based on its relative selling price, which we establish using a selling price hierarchy. We determine the selling price of each element based on its VSOE, if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”), if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”), if neither VSOE nor TPE is available.
For some arrangements, customers receive certain elements over a period of time, after delivery of the initial product. These elements may include support and maintenance and/or the right to receive upgrades. Revenue allocated to the undelivered element is recognized either over its estimated service period or when the upgrade is delivered. We do not recognize revenue that is contingent upon the future delivery of products or services or upon future performance obligations. We recognize revenue for delivered elements only when we have completed all contractual obligations.
We determine our best estimate of the selling price for an individual element within a ME revenue arrangement using the same methods used to determine the selling price of an element sold on a standalone basis. If we sell the element on a standalone basis, we estimate the selling price by considering actual sales prices. Otherwise, we estimate the selling price by considering internal factors such as pricing practices and margin objectives. Consideration is also given to market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies, customer demands, and industry technology lifecycles. Management applies judgment to establish margin objectives, pricing strategies, and technology lifecycles.
Revenue recognition for transactions which involve software, such as fees we earn from certain system licensees, requires judgment, including whether a software arrangement includes multiple elements, and if so, whether vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value exists for those elements. For some of our ME arrangements, customers receive certain elements of the arrangement over a period of time or after delivery of the initial software. These elements may include support and maintenance. The fair values of these elements are recognized over the estimated period for which these elements will be delivered, which is sometimes the estimated life of the software. If we do not have VSOE of fair value for any undelivered element included in these ME arrangements for software, we defer revenue until all elements are delivered and/or services have been performed, or until we have VSOE of fair value for all remaining undelivered elements. If the undelivered element is support and we do not have fair value for the support element, revenue for the entire arrangement is bundled and recognized ratably over the support period.
We account for our digital cinema server sales as ME arrangements that may include up to three separate units, or elements, of accounting. The first element consists of our digital cinema server hardware and the accompanying software, which is essential to the functionality of the hardware. This element is typically delivered at the time of sale. The second element is the right to receive support and maintenance, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered over a service period subsequent to the initial sale. The third element is the right to receive specified upgrades, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered when a specified upgrade is available, subsequent to the initial sale. The application of the revenue accounting standards to our digital cinema server sales typically results in the allocation of a substantial majority of the arrangement fees to the delivered hardware element based on
its ESP, relative to the VSOE or ESP of the other elements, which we recognize as revenue at the time of sale. A small portion of the arrangement fees is allocated to the undelivered support and maintenance element, and in some cases to the undelivered specified upgrade element, based on the VSOE or ESP of each element. The portion of the arrangement fees allocated to the support and maintenance element is recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated service period and the portion of the arrangement fees allocated to specified upgrades is recognized as revenue upon delivery of the upgrade.
Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets
We test goodwill for impairment annually during our third fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08 which amends the rules for testing goodwill for impairment. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-08 for our annual goodwill impairment test performed in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. ASU 2011-08 permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.
In performing the qualitative assessment, we consider events and circumstances, including but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or key personnel, changes in strategy, changes in customers, changes in the composition or carrying amount of a reporting unit's net assets and changes in the price of our common stock. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is not performed.
If the two-step goodwill test is performed, we evaluate and test our goodwill for impairment at a reporting-unit level using expected future cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the calculated fair value of the goodwill. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below. Our operating segments are aligned with the management principles of our business.
We completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment in the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2012. At the time of our annual goodwill impairment test for fiscal 2012, we had two reporting units: Via, which corresponds to our wholly owned subsidiary and has no assigned goodwill, and Dolby Entertainment Technology ("DET"), with goodwill of $263.5 million. We determined, after performing a qualitative review and assessing the totality of the events and circumstances described above, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment and the two-step goodwill impairment test was not performed. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment losses in fiscal 2012, 2011, or 2010.
Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Our intangible assets principally consist of acquired technology, patents, trademarks, customer relationships, and contracts, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives ranging from two to fifteen years.
We review long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or a change in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by comparing its carrying value to the total future undiscounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate. If it is determined that an asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded in the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value.
Accounting for Income Taxes
We make estimates and judgments that affect our accounting for income taxes. This includes estimating actual tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences, including the timing of the recognition of stock-based compensation expense, result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheets. We also assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and to the extent that we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance.
Our policy is to recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position is sustainable upon examination by tax authorities. We include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within our provision for income taxes. When accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued are reduced in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision.
Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, the deferred tax asset and liability balances, the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, and the reserve resulting from uncertainties in income tax positions. Our financial position and results of operations may be materially affected if actual results differ significantly from
these estimates or if the estimates are adjusted in future periods.
Valuation and Classification of Investments
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
We classify our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value using a three-level hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the investment that are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity, such as market quoted prices. GAAP establishes a three-level hierarchy prioritizing the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets that are accessible by us at the measurement date for identical investments, described as Level 1, and the lowest priority to valuation techniques using unobservable inputs, described as Level 3. We obtain the fair value of our Level 2 financial instruments from a professional pricing service, which may use quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments. Fair value from this professional pricing source can also be based on pricing models whereby all significant inputs, including maturity dates, issue dates, settlement dates, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and other market related data, are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset.
The degree to which estimates and judgment are used in determining fair value, is generally dependent upon the market pricing information available for the investments, the availability of observable inputs, the frequency of trading in the investments and the investment’s complexity. If different judgments regarding inputs were made, we could potentially reach different conclusions regarding the fair value of our investments.
Stock-Based Compensation
We determine the expense for all employee stock-based compensation awards by estimating their fair value and recognizing that value as an expense, on a ratable basis, in our consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period in which our employees earn the awards. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of employee stock options at the date of the grant. To determine the fair value of a stock-based award using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, we make assumptions regarding the expected term of the award, the expected future volatility of our stock price over the expected term of the award, and the risk-free interest rate over the expected term of the award. We estimate the expected term of our stock-based awards by evaluating historical exercise patterns of our employees. We use a blend of the historical volatility of our common stock and the implied volatility of our traded options as an estimate of the expected volatility of our stock price over the expected term of the awards. We use an average interest rate based on U.S. Treasury instruments with terms consistent with the expected term of our awards to estimate the risk-free interest rate. We reduce the stock-based compensation expense for estimated forfeitures based on our historical experience. We are required to estimate forfeitures at the time of the grant and revise our estimate, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from our estimate.
Results of Operations
Revenue
Licensing. The 1% increase in licensing revenue from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was primarily driven by increases in revenue from our broadcast and other markets, partially offset by decreases from our CE and PC markets. The increase in
revenue from our broadcast market was primarily driven by higher shipments in fiscal 2012 of digital televisions and set-top boxes that incorporate our technologies. The increase in revenue from our other markets was primarily driven by increases in sales of mobile and tablet devices incorporating our technologies. The decrease in revenue from our CE market was primarily driven by decreases in revenue from DVD and Blu-Ray Disc players, as more content is delivered on devices that do not contain optical drives. The decrease in revenue from our PC market was primarily driven by decreased ISV media applications in PC shipments.
The 11% increase in licensing revenue from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by an increase in revenue from our broadcast and other markets, and to a lesser extent, by increases in revenue from our CE market, partially offset by decreases from our PC market. The increase in revenue from our broadcast market was primarily driven by higher shipments in fiscal 2011 of digital televisions and set-top boxes that incorporate our technologies. The increase in revenue from our other markets was primarily driven by higher back royalties, in addition to increases in sales of devices incorporating our Dolby Mobile technology. The increase in revenue from our CE market was primarily driven by increases in revenue from shipments of Blu-Ray Disc players, home-theater-in-a-box systems, digital media adaptors, and audio/video receivers that incorporate our technologies, which were partially offset by a decrease in revenue from shipments of standard DVD players. The decrease in revenue from our PC market was primarily driven by decreased ISV media applications in PC shipments.
Products. The 21% decrease in products revenue from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was primarily due to decreases in our 3D and traditional cinema products driven by lower shipments and lower selling prices.
The 27% decrease in products revenue from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011 was due to decreases in 3D and traditional cinema products revenue in fiscal 2011, coupled with our adoption of new revenue recognition accounting standards in fiscal 2010. Decreases in 3D products revenue in fiscal 2011 resulted from increased competition and promotional pricing, while decreases in traditional cinema products revenue were primarily due to lower shipments, as more exhibitors converted to digital cinema. In addition, products revenue in fiscal 2010 included recognition of $29.7 million of deferred revenue related to sales prior to the beginning of the year, which were accounted for under previous revenue accounting standards. In fiscal 2011 substantially all products revenue resulting from current period sales were accounted for under the new accounting standards.
Services. The 16% decrease in services revenue from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was attributable primarily to a decrease in film-based production services revenue as the cinema industry transitions to digital cinema as well as decreases in virtual print fees, which were generated from certain leased digital cinema assets, as we discontinued this program in fiscal 2011. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in maintenance and support services.
The 5% increase in services revenue from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by increases in revenue from support and maintenance for digital cinema equipment and from other theater services.
Gross Margin
Licensing Gross Margin. We license intellectual property to our customers that may be internally developed, acquired by us, or licensed from third parties. Our cost of licensing consists principally of amortization expenses associated with purchased intangible assets and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Our cost of licensing also includes third-party royalty obligations paid to license intellectual property that we then sublicense to our customers. Licensing gross margin was unchanged from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 and from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011.
Product Gross Margin. Cost of products primarily consists of the cost of materials related to products sold, applied labor and manufacturing overhead, and, to a lesser extent, amortization of certain intangible assets. Our cost of products also includes third-party royalty obligations paid to license intellectual property that we then include in our products. Products gross
margin decreased from 38% to 36% from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012, due to lower selling prices for digital cinema and traditional cinema products, lower shipments of 3D, traditional cinema and broadcast products and excess manufacturing capacity charges in fiscal 2012, partially offset by a decrease in discrete charges related to inventory valuation and other inventory adjustments.
Product gross margin decreased from 50% to 38% from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011, due in part to promotional pricing on 3D and digital cinema products in fiscal 2011. The decrease in gross margin for fiscal 2011 is further attributable to discrete charges of $6.4 million, consisting primarily of $6.2 million related to 3D and broadcast inventory valuation and other inventory adjustments.
Services Gross Margin. Cost of services primarily consists of personnel and personnel-related costs for employees performing our professional services, the cost of outside consultants, and reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of customers. Services gross margin decreased from 64% to 55% from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012, primarily due to decreased revenues from certain higher margin service offerings.
Services gross margin increased from 56% to 64% from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011, primarily due to a higher percentage of support and maintenance revenue, which has higher gross margins due to lower associated costs. In addition, depreciation expense related to digital cinema equipment leased to exhibitors was lower in fiscal 2011.
Impairment of Products Provided Under Operating Leases. Our products provided under operating leases represent digital cinema equipment that we leased to exhibitors beginning in fiscal 2005 in an effort to encourage the cinema industry to transition to digital cinema. We receive a virtual print fee from participating film studios for each digital print delivered for exhibition on this equipment. Based on our estimates of future cash flows from virtual print fees and the potential sale value of this equipment, we determined that the equipment was impaired in fiscal 2010. Accordingly, we recorded the $9.6 million excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair market value of the equipment as an impairment charge. We had historically recorded the depreciation of our products provided under operating leases to cost of services.
Operating Expenses
Research and Development. Research and development expenses consist primarily of employee compensation and benefits expenses, including stock-based compensation, consulting and contract labor costs, depreciation and amortization expenses, facilities costs, and information technology expenses. The 13% increase in research and development expenses from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was primarily driven by increases in compensation and benefits expenses related to increased headcount, higher information and technology expenses, higher facilities and related costs resulting from an increase in the number of offices, and increases in prototype expenses relating to new Cinema and Professional Reference Monitor products.
The 18% increase in research and development expenses from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by increases in personnel, facilities, and information technology expenses related to increased headcount, as well as stock-based compensation expense. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in performance-based compensation.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of employee compensation and benefits expenses, including stock-based compensation, marketing and promotional expenses, travel-related expenses for our sales and marketing personnel, facilities costs, depreciation and amortization expenses, and information technology expenses. The 21% increase in sales and marketing expenses from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was primarily driven by increases in compensation and benefits expenses related to increased headcount, including stock-based compensation, higher consulting and marketing costs due to promotional events and expenses associated with the agreement for naming rights related to the Dolby Theatre and due to the
launch of Dolby Atmos, as well as increased facilities costs resulting from an increase in the number of offices. Increased settlements from implementation licensees in fiscal 2012 slightly offset the increases noted above. These settlements are recorded as an offset to sales and marketing expenses.
The 15% increase in sales and marketing expenses from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by increases in personnel costs, due to increased headcount, and stock-based compensation expense, as well as higher facilities and information technology expenses resulting from worldwide expansion. Also contributing to the increase in fiscal 2011 were lower gains on settlements from implementation licensees, which are reductions to sales and marketing expenses, of $5.6 million in fiscal 2011, compared to $7.8 million in fiscal 2010. These increases in fiscal 2011 were partially offset by a decrease in performance-based compensation.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee compensation and benefits expenses, including stock-based compensation, depreciation, information technology expenses, professional fees, consulting and contract labor and facilities costs. The 8% increase in general and administrative expenses from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was primarily due to increases in compensation and benefit expenses related to increased headcount, higher professional fees primarily related to patent filings and litigation, and to a lesser extent, an increase in depreciation expense primarily related to implementation of recent IT projects. These were partially offset by decreases in consulting and external labor costs.
The 15% increase in general and administrative expenses from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011 was primarily due to increases in consulting and contract labor, stock-based compensation expense, and professional fees related to patent filings and litigation, partially offset by a decrease in performance-based compensation.
Restructuring Charges, net. Restructuring charges for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 primarily include severance charges attributable to the reorganization of our global business infrastructure and a strategic restructuring program. Restructuring charges for fiscal 2010 also include an impairment charge related to the decision to sell one of our buildings in the U.K. For additional details, see Note 7 “Restructuring” to our consolidated financial statements.
Other Income, Net
Other income, net, primarily consists of interest income earned on cash, cash equivalents, and investments. In fiscal 2010, this income was offset by interest expense principally attributable to debt balances on certain of our facilities. All facility-related debt was fully paid in fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2011 interest expense reflects a $1.4 million reversal of interest expense related to VAT reserve releases. Also included are net gains/losses from foreign currency transactions, net gains/losses from sales of available-for-sale securities, net gains/losses from trading securities, and net gains/losses from derivative instruments.
The decrease in other income, net from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in interest income and an increase in interest expense. The decrease in interest income was due to a decrease in cash, cash equivalents and investment balances, in aggregate, compared to fiscal 2011 and lower average interest rates on our investments. The interest expense increased in fiscal 2012, when compared to fiscal 2011, as the interest expense in fiscal 2011 included the impact of reversal of interest expense related to VAT reserve releases.
The increase in other income, net from fiscal 2010 to fiscal 2011 was primarily due to $2.2 million of interest income related to back royalties, as well as the reversal of interest expense related to VAT reserve releases. In addition, interest expense decreased in fiscal 2011, when compared to fiscal 2010, as all long-term debt was repaid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 was 28%, as compared to 30% in fiscal 2011. Our effective tax rate reflects additional benefits from our election to indefinitely reinvest a portion of our undistributed earnings in certain foreign subsidiaries. We also benefited from a change in the State of California apportionment sourcing rules, which began to affect our current California taxes beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. These benefits were partially offset by the expiration of the federal research and development tax credits, beginning January 1, 2012, which resulted in an increase in our effective tax rate.
Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 was 30%, as compared to 35% in fiscal 2010. In the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, we initiated a policy to indefinitely reinvest a portion of our undistributed earnings in certain foreign subsidiaries, which are subject to tax rates lower than those in the U.S. As a result, our fiscal 2011 tax rate decreased. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, we reduced our current deferred tax assets to reflect a change to our expected California tax rate for fiscal 2012 and subsequent years, increasing our effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 by 1.4%. Additionally, in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, a change in the tax law retroactively reinstated the federal research and development tax credits. As a result, we recognized an increase in federal research and development tax credits for fiscal 2011, as compared to fiscal 2010, thereby further lowering our effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 by 0.5%.
Further, in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, we released $11.0 million of our deferred tax liability related to the amortization of an intangible asset from a prior year acquisition, as a result of the restructuring of our international operations, which also favorably impacted our effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 by 2.5%. For additional information related to effective tax rates, see Note 8 “Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Financial Condition
As of September 28, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $492.6 million, which consisted of cash and highly-liquid money market funds. In addition, we had short-term and long-term investments of $664.3 million, which consisted primarily of municipal debt securities, corporate bonds, and U.S. agency securities. Of our total cash, cash equivalents, and investments held as of September 28, 2012, approximately $234.4 million, or 20%, was held by our foreign subsidiaries. This represented a $88.1 million increase from the $146.3 million that was held by our foreign subsidiaries as of September 30, 2011. A majority of the amounts held outside of the U.S. are generally utilized to support non-U.S. liquidity needs in order to fund operations and other growth of our non-U.S. subsidiaries and acquisitions. Our policy is to indefinitely reinvest a portion of our undistributed earnings in certain foreign subsidiaries. If these undistributed earnings held by foreign subsidiaries are repatriated to the U.S., they may be subject to U.S. federal income taxes and foreign withholding taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits.
(a)
Working capital consists of total current assets less total current liabilities.
(b)
Capital expenditures consist of purchases of land, building, building fixtures, office equipment, computer hardware and software, leasehold improvements, and production and test equipment.
Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash, cash equivalents, and investments, as well as cash flows from operations. We believe that our cash, cash equivalents, and potential cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our currently anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months.
We have historically generated significant cash from our operations; however, there can be no assurance that our operations will continue to generate significant cash flows in the future. We retain sufficient cash holdings to support our operations and we also purchase investment grade securities diversified among security types, industries, and issuers. We have used cash generated from our operations to fund a variety of activities related to our business in addition to our ongoing operations, including business expansion and growth, acquisitions, and repurchases of our common stock. Cash provided by operations and the value of our investment portfolio could also be affected by various risks and uncertainties, as described in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors.”
Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2012 decreased $13.9 million when compared to fiscal 2011, primarily due to the following:
•
A decrease in net income, as adjusted for non-cash items,
•
A decrease in deferred revenue in fiscal 2012 due to timing of licensing contracts, offset by
•
A decrease in accounts receivable due to timing differences and higher collections in fiscal 2012.
Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2012 decreased $42.0 million when compared to fiscal 2011, primarily due to the following:
•
An increase in proceeds from the sale and maturities of available-for-sale securities, offset by
•
An increase in capital expenditures in fiscal 2012 which includes the purchase of the 1275 Market Street Building, and
•
Acquisition of IMM Sound.
Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal 2012 increased $91.8 million when compared to fiscal 2011, primarily due to the following:
•
An increase in share repurchases of our Class A common stock, and
•
A decrease in net proceeds from the exercise of stock options granted to employees and the related tax benefit.
Off-Balance-Sheet and Contractual Obligations
Our liquidity is not dependent on the use of off-balance sheet financing arrangements.
The following table presents a summary of our contractual obligations and commitments as of September 28, 2012:
(1)
In April 2012, we entered into an agreement for naming rights and related benefits with respect to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, the location of the Academy Awards®. In exchange for these rights and other benefits, we made one annual payment in fiscal 2012 and will subsequently make semi-annual payments over the term. Our payment obligations are conditioned in part on the Academy Awards® being held and broadcast from the Dolby Theatre. The term of the agreement is 20 years.
(2)
Operating lease payments include future minimum rental commitments, including those payable to our principal stockholder and portions attributable to the controlling interests in our wholly owned subsidiaries, for non-cancelable operating leases of office space as of September 28, 2012.
(3)
Our purchase obligations consist of agreements to purchase goods and services, entered into in the ordinary course of business. These represent non-cancelable commitments for which a penalty would be imposed if the agreement was canceled for any reason other than an event of default as described by the agreement.
As of September 28, 2012, we had an accrued liability for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties, net of related deferred tax assets, totaling $14.2 million. We are unable to estimate when any cash settlement with a taxing authority might occur.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Sensitivity
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments.
As of September 28, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $492.6 million, which consisted of cash and highly-liquid money market funds. In addition, we had short-term and long-term investments of $664.3 million, which consisted primarily of municipal debt securities, corporate bonds, and U.S. agency securities. Our investment policy and strategy are focused on the preservation of capital and on supporting our liquidity requirements. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes, nor do we use leveraged financial instruments. Our holdings of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, the majority of which are managed by external managers, meet the guidelines of our investment policy. We invest in highly rated securities with a minimum credit rating of A- and our policy limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer other than the U.S. government. At September 28, 2012, our weighted average portfolio credit quality was AA and the weighted average maturity of our investment portfolio was approximately one year.
The investments within our fixed-income portfolio are subject to fluctuations in interest rates, which could affect our financial position, and to a lesser extent, results of operations. Based on our investment portfolio balance as of September 28, 2012, hypothetical changes in interest rates of 1% and 0.5% would have an impact on the carrying value of our portfolio of approximately $6.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively.
We do not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes, nor do we use leveraged financial instruments.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We maintain sales, marketing, and business operations in foreign countries, most significantly in the United Kingdom, Australia, China, the Netherlands, and Germany. We also conduct a growing portion of our business outside of the U.S. through subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar (primarily British Pound, Australian Dollar, Chinese Yuan Renminbi, and Euro). As a result, we face exposure to adverse movements in currency exchange rates as the financial results of our international operations are translated from local currency into U.S. dollars upon consolidation. Most of our revenue from international markets is denominated in U.S. dollars, while the operating expenses of our international subsidiaries are predominantly denominated in local currency. Therefore, if the U.S. dollar weakens against the local currency, we will have increased operating expenses, which will only be partially offset by net revenue. Conversely, if the U.S. dollar strengthens against the local currency, operating expenses will decrease, which will only be partially offset by net revenue. Additionally, foreign exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency result in gains or losses that are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations. Our international operations are subject to risks typical of international business, including, but not limited to, differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, differing tax structures, other regulations and restrictions, and foreign exchange rate volatility.
We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge against assets and liabilities for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure, in an effort to reduce the risk that our earnings will be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. These derivative instruments are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded to interest and other (expense)/income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Our foreign currency forward contracts which are not designated as hedging instruments are used to reduce the exchange rate risk associated primarily with intercompany receivables and payables. These contracts do not subject us to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements because gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset gains and losses on the related receivables and payables for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure. As of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011, the outstanding derivative instruments had maturities of 30 days or less and the total notional amounts of outstanding contracts were $5.0 million and $4.7 million, respectively. The fair values of these contracts were not material as of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011, and were included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. For additional information related to our foreign currency forward contracts, see Note 5 “Fair Value Measurements” to our consolidated financial statements.
A sensitivity analysis was performed on all of our foreign currency forward contracts as of September 28, 2012. This sensitivity analysis was based on a modeling technique that measures the hypothetical market value resulting from a 10% shift in the value of exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar. For these forward contracts, duration modeling was used where hypothetical changes are made to the spot rates of the currency. A 10% increase in the value of the U.S. dollar would lead to an increase in the fair value of our financial instruments by $0.3 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar would result in a decrease in the fair value of these financial instruments by $0.3 million.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Dolby Laboratories, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 28, 2012. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 28, 2012, 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), Dolby Laboratories, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated November 15, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ KPMG LLP
San Francisco, California
November 15, 2012
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Dolby Laboratories, Inc.:
We have audited Dolby Laboratories, Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 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 Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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.
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.
In our opinion, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 28, 2012, and our report dated November 15, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
San Francisco, California
November 15, 2012
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Presentation
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Dolby Laboratories and our wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, we have consolidated the financial results of jointly owned affiliated companies in which our principal stockholder has a controlling interest. We report these controlling interests as a separate line in our consolidated statements of operations as net (income) / loss attributable to controlling interest and in our consolidated balance sheets as controlling interest. We eliminate all intercompany accounts and transactions upon consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimated selling prices for elements sold in multiple-element revenue arrangements, valuation allowances for accounts receivable, carrying values of inventories and certain property, plant, and equipment, products provided under operating leases, goodwill, intangible assets, stock-based compensation, fair values of investments, accrued expenses, including liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, and deferred income tax assets. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the last Friday in September. The fiscal years presented herein include the 52 week periods ended September 28, 2012 (fiscal 2012) and September 24, 2010 (fiscal 2010) and the 53 week period ended September 30, 2011 (fiscal 2011).
Reclassifications
We have reclassified certain prior year amounts within our consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and within investing and financing activities of our consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to our current year presentation. These reclassifications did not affect total revenue, operating income, operating cash flows, or net income.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Concentration of Credit Risk
Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk principally consist of cash, cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. Our investment portfolio consists of investment grade securities diversified amongst security types, industries, and issuers. All our securities are held in custody by a recognized financial institution. Our policy limits the amount of credit exposure to maximum of 5% to any one issuer, except for the U.S. Treasury, and we believe no significant concentration risk exists with respect to these investments. Our products are sold to businesses primarily in the Americas and Europe, and the majority of our licensing revenue is generated from customers outside of the U.S. We manage this risk by evaluating in advance the financial condition and creditworthiness of our products and services customers and performing regular evaluations of the creditworthiness of our licensing customers. In fiscal 2012, 2011, and fiscal 2010, one customer accounted for approximately 14%, 13%, and 12%, respectively, of our total revenue.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of funds held in general checking accounts, money market accounts, commercial paper, and U.S. agency notes.
Investments
All of our investments are classified as available-for-sale securities, with the exception of our investments held in our supplemental retirement plan, which are classified as trading. Investments that have an original maturity of 91 days or more at the date of purchase and a current maturity of less than one year are classified as short-term investments, while investments with a current maturity of more than one year are classified as long-term investments. Our investments are recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities are reported as a
component of accumulated other comprehensive income, while realized gains and losses, other-than-temporary impairments, and credit losses are reported as a component of net income.
We evaluate our investment portfolio for credit losses and other-than-temporary impairments by comparing the fair value with the cost basis for each of our investment securities. An investment is impaired if the fair value is less than its cost basis. If any portion of the impairment is deemed to be the result of a credit loss, the credit loss portion of the impairment is included as a component of net income. If we deem it probable that we will not recover the full cost basis of the security, the security is other-than-temporarily impaired and the impairment loss is recognized as a component of net income.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We continually monitor customer payments and maintain a reserve for estimated losses resulting from our customers’ inability to make required payments. In determining the reserve, we evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based upon a variety of factors. In cases where we are aware of circumstances that may impair a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations, we record a specific allowance against amounts due, and thereby reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount reasonably believed to be collectible. For all other customers, we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based on our actual historical write-off experience in conjunction with the length of time the receivables are past due, customer creditworthiness, geographic risk, and the current business environment. Actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market (net realizable value). We evaluate our ending inventories for estimated excess quantities and obsolescence. Our evaluation includes the analysis of future sales demand by product within specific time horizons. Inventories in excess of projected future demand are written down to net realizable value. In addition, we assess the impact of changing technology on our inventory balances and write off inventories that are considered obsolete. Write-downs of inventory are recorded as a cost of products.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using a straight-line method based on estimated useful lives as follows:
Internal Use Software
We account for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use by capitalizing costs of materials, consultants, personnel and personnel-related costs incurred in developing internal use computer software. These costs are included in property, plant and equipment, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are charged to expense. Our capitalized internal use software costs are typically amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three to five years.
Goodwill, Intangible Assets, and Long-Lived Assets
We test goodwill for impairment annually during our third fiscal quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08 which amends the rules for testing goodwill for impairment. We adopted the provisions of ASU 2011-08 for our annual goodwill impairment test performed in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.
In performing the qualitative assessments, we consider events and circumstances, including but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, changes in management or key personnel, changes in strategy, changes in customers, changes in the composition or carrying amount of a reporting unit's net assets and changes in the price of our common stock. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is not performed.
If the two-step goodwill test is performed, we evaluate and test our goodwill for impairment at a reporting-unit level using expected future cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the calculated fair value of the goodwill. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below. Our operating segments are aligned with the management principles of our business.
We completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment in the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2012. At the time of our annual goodwill impairment test for fiscal 2012, we had two reporting units: Via, which corresponds to our wholly owned subsidiary and has no assigned goodwill, and Dolby Entertainment Technology ("DET"), with goodwill of $263.5 million. We determined, after assessing the totality of the events and circumstances described above, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment and the two-step goodwill impairment test was not performed. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment losses in fiscal 2012, 2011, or 2010.
Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Our intangible assets principally consist of acquired technology, patents, trademarks, customer relationships, and contracts, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives ranging from two to seventeen years.
We review long-lived assets, including intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or a change in circumstances indicate an asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is measured by comparing its carrying value to the total future undiscounted cash flows that the asset is expected to generate. If it is determined that an asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded in the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. See Note 3 “Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions” for a discussion of impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2010.
Revenue Recognition
We enter into revenue arrangements with our customers to license technology, trademarks, and know-how and to sell products and services. We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is probable. Judgment is required to assess whether collectibility is probable. We determine collectibility based on an evaluation of our customer's recent payment history, the existence of a standby letter of credit between the customer's financial institution and our financial institution, and other factors. Some of our revenue arrangements include multiple elements, such as hardware, software, maintenance, and other services.
Multiple Element Arrangements. We evaluate each element in a multiple element (“ME”) arrangement to determine whether it represents a separate unit of accounting. An element constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has standalone value and delivery of an undelivered element is both probable and within our control. When these criteria are not met, the delivered and undelivered elements are combined and the arrangement fees are allocated to this combined single unit.
If the unit separation criteria are met, we account for each element within a ME arrangement (such as hardware, software, maintenance, and other services) separately, and we allocate fees from the arrangement based on the relative selling price of each element. For some arrangements, customers receive certain elements over a period of time, after delivery of the initial product. These elements may include support and maintenance and/or the right to receive upgrades. Revenue allocated to the undelivered element is recognized either over its estimated service period or when the upgrade is delivered. We do not recognize revenue that is contingent upon the future delivery of products or services or upon future performance obligations. We recognize revenue for delivered elements only when we have completed all contractual obligations.
We determine our best estimate of the selling price for an individual element within a ME revenue arrangement using the same methods used to determine the selling price of an element sold on a standalone basis. If we sell the element on a standalone basis, we estimate the selling price by considering actual sales prices. Otherwise, we estimate the selling price by considering internal factors such as pricing practices and margin objectives. Consideration is also given to market conditions such as competitor pricing strategies, customer demands, and industry technology lifecycles. Management applies judgment to establish margin objectives, pricing strategies, and technology lifecycles.
Revenue recognition for transactions which involve software, such as fees we earn from certain system licensees, requires judgment, including whether a software arrangement includes multiple elements, and if so, whether vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of fair value exists for those elements. For some of our ME arrangements, customers receive certain elements of the arrangement over a period of time or after delivery of the initial software. These elements may include support and maintenance. The fair values of these elements are recognized over the estimated period for which these elements will be delivered, which is sometimes the estimated life of the software. If we do not have VSOE of fair value for any undelivered element included in these ME arrangements for software, we defer revenue until all elements are delivered and/or services have been performed, or until we have VSOE of fair value for all remaining undelivered elements. If the undelivered
element is support and we do not have fair value for the support element, revenue for the entire arrangement is bundled and recognized ratably over the support period.
For ME arrangements containing both software and hardware, we allocate the arrangement fees to each element based on its relative selling price, which we establish using a selling price hierarchy. We determine the selling price of each element based on its VSOE, if available, third-party evidence (“TPE”), if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (“ESP”), if neither VSOE nor TPE is available.
We account for the majority of our digital cinema server sales as ME arrangements that may include up to three separate units, or elements, of accounting. The first element consists of our digital cinema server hardware and the accompanying software, which is essential to the functionality of the hardware. This element is typically delivered at the time of sale. The second element is the right to receive support and maintenance, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered over a service period subsequent to the initial sale. The third element is the right to receive specified upgrades, which is included with the purchase of the hardware element and is typically delivered when a specified upgrade is available, subsequent to the initial sale. The application of the new revenue accounting standards to our digital cinema server sales typically results in the allocation of a substantial majority of the arrangement fees to the delivered hardware element based on its ESP, relative to the VSOE or ESP of the other elements, which we recognize as revenue at the time of sale. A small portion of the arrangement fees are allocated to the undelivered support and maintenance element, and in some cases to the undelivered specified upgrade element, based on the VSOE or ESP of each element. The portion of the arrangement fees allocated to the support and maintenance element is recognized as revenue ratably over the estimated service period, and the portion of the arrangement fees allocated to specified upgrades is recognized as revenue upon delivery of the upgrade.
Licensing. Our licensing revenue is primarily derived from royalties paid to us by licensees of our intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, and know-how. Royalties are recognized when all revenue recognition criteria have been met. We determine that there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement upon the execution of a license agreement or upon the receipt of a licensee’s royalty report and payment. Royalties are deemed fixed or determinable upon verification of a licensee’s royalty report in accordance with the terms of the underlying executed agreement, or in certain circumstances, receipt of a licensee’s royalty report. We determine collectibility based on an evaluation of the licensee’s recent payment history, the existence of a standby letter-of-credit between the licensee’s financial institution and our financial institution, and other factors. If we cannot determine that collectibility is probable, we recognize revenue upon receipt of cash, provided that all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Corrective royalty statements generally comprise less than 1% of our net licensing revenue and are recognized when received, or earlier if a reliable estimate can be made of an anticipated reduction in revenue from a prior royalty statement. An estimate of anticipated reduction in revenue based on historical negative correction royalty statements is also recorded. Deferred revenue represents amounts that are ultimately expected to be recognized as revenue, but for which not all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Licensing revenue includes fees we earn for administering joint patent licensing programs (“patent pools”) containing patents owned by us and/or other companies. Royalties related to patent pools are recorded net of royalties payable to third party patent pool members and are recognized when all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
We generate the majority of our licensing revenue through our licensing contracts with original equipment manufacturers (system licensees) and software vendors. Our revenue recognition policies for each of these arrangements are summarized below.
Licensing to system licensees. We license our technologies to system licensees who manufacture consumer electronics products and, in return, the system licensee pays us a royalty generally for each unit shipped that incorporates our technologies. Royalties from system licensees are generally recognized upon receipt of a royalty report from the licensee and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. In certain cases, our arrangements require the licensee to pay up-front, non-refundable royalties for units they may distribute in the future. These up-front arrangements are generally recognized upon contract execution, unless the arrangement includes extended payment terms or is considered a multiple element arrangement. In addition, in some cases we receive initial license fees for our technologies and provide post-contract support. In these cases we recognize the initial fees ratably over the expected support term.
Licensing to software vendors. We license our technologies for resale to software vendors and, in return, the software vendor pays us a royalty for each unit of software distributed that incorporates our technologies. Royalties from software vendors are generally recognized upon receipt of a royalty report from the licensee and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. In addition, in some cases we receive initial license fees for our technologies and provide post-contract upgrades and support. In these cases, we recognize the initial fees ratably over the expected support term, as vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value typically does not exist for the upgrade and support elements of the contract.
Product Sales. Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when the risk of ownership has transferred to our customer, as provided under the terms of the governing purchase agreement, and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Generally, these purchase agreements provide that the risk of ownership is transferred to the customer when the product is shipped, except in specific instances in which certain foreign regulations stipulate that the risk of ownership is
transferred to the customer upon their receipt of the shipment. In these instances we recognize revenue when the product is received by the customer.
Services. Services revenues are recognized as completed and when all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of licensing. Cost of licensing primarily consists of amortization expenses associated with purchased intangible assets and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. Cost of licensing also includes royalty obligations to third parties for the licensing of intellectual property rights that we sublicense as part of our licensing arrangements with our customers.
Cost of products. Cost of products primarily consists of the cost of materials related to products sold, applied labor, and manufacturing overhead. Our cost of products also includes third-party royalty obligations paid to license intellectual property that we then include in our products.
Cost of services. Cost of services primarily consists of the personnel and personnel-related costs of employees performing our professional services, the cost of outside consultants, and reimbursable expenses incurred on behalf of customers.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure expenses associated with all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair-value method and record such expense in our consolidated financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. See Note 6 “Stockholders’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation” for further discussion.
Advertising and Promotional Costs
Advertising and promotional costs are charged to sales and marketing expense as incurred. In fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, these expenses were $20.0 million, $13.6 million, and $14.6 million, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation
We maintain sales, marketing, and business operations in foreign countries. We translate the assets and liabilities of our international non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. Revenue and expenses of these subsidiaries are translated using the average rates for the period. Gains and losses from these translations are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.
Certain of our foreign subsidiaries transact in currencies other than their functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in our consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, we re-measure non-functional currency assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries using the exchange rate at the end of each period and recognize gains and losses in our consolidated statements of operations. These gains and losses are recorded within other income. In fiscal 2012 and 2011, transaction and re-measurement gains included in net income were $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, while fiscal 2010 transaction and re-measurement losses included in net income were $1.9 million.
Income Taxes
We use the asset and liability method, under which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities and net operating loss carryforwards are measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the differences are expected to be reversed. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is additionally dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when uncertainty regarding their realizability exists.
We record an unrecognized tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. We include interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits within our provision for income taxes. To the extent accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued are reduced in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision.
In the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, we initiated a policy to indefinitely reinvest a portion of our undistributed earnings in certain foreign subsidiaries. See Note 8 “Income Taxes” for further discussion.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that (1) eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity; (2) requires the consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income; and (3) requires an entity to present reclassification adjustments on the face of the financial statements from other comprehensive income to net income. This new standard does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income, nor does it affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented. The new standard is required to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. This standard will result only in changes in our financial statement presentation.
3. Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments
Cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011 consist of the following:
(1)
Our long-term investments have maturities that range from one to three years.
Our investment portfolio, which is recorded as cash equivalents, short-term investments, and long-term investments, consists of the following:
We have classified all of our investments listed in the tables above as available-for-sale securities recorded at fair market value in our consolidated balance sheets, with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Upon sale, amounts of gains and losses reclassified into earnings are determined based on specific identification of securities sold.
The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and the fair value for those available-for-sale securities that were in an unrealized loss position:
The unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities were primarily a result of unfavorable changes in interest rates subsequent to the initial purchase of these securities. As of September 28, 2012, we had certain securities that were in an
unrealized loss position. We do not intend to sell, nor will we need to sell, these securities before we recover the associated unrealized losses. We expect to recover the full carrying value of these securities. As a result, we do not consider any portion of the unrealized losses at September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011 to be an other-than-temporary impairment, nor do we consider any of the unrealized losses to be credit losses.
The following tables summarize the amortized cost and estimated fair value of short-term and long-term available-for-sale investments based on stated maturities as of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011:
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consists of the following:
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and consist of the following:
We have included $6.5 million of raw materials inventory within other non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of September 28, 2012. This inventory was purchased in bulk in fiscal 2012 to obtain a significant volume discount, and is expected to be consumed over a period that exceeds 12 months. We have reviewed anticipated consumption rates of this inventory and do not believe there to be material risk of obsolescence prior to the ultimate sale of the inventory. As a result, no valuation reserve has been recorded as of September 28, 2012. All inventory was classified as current as of September 30, 2011.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
Other current assets include assets held for sale of $1.5 million as of September 30, 2011 representing digital cinema equipment that we leased to exhibitors beginning in fiscal 2005 in an effort to encourage the cinema industry to transition to digital cinema. The majority of these assets were sold in fiscal 2011, with the remainder sold during fiscal 2012.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and consist of the following:
Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment was $30.6 million, $24.1 million, and $17.8 million in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, and is included in cost of products, cost of services, research and development expenses, sales and marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations.
In fiscal 2012, we purchased an approximately 354,000 square foot property in San Francisco, California for approximately $109.8 million. We allocated $35.5 million of the purchase price of the property to land and $74.3 million to building, based on a fair value analysis. This fair value analysis utilized a combination of an income approach and a cost approach in conjunction with a consideration of comparable transactions in the San Francisco marketplace. After making certain improvements to the property to prepare the building for our use, we intend to use the space as our worldwide headquarters. As of September 28, 2012, construction in progress includes the book value of the building and related costs of construction.
Our products provided under operating leases represent digital cinema equipment that we leased to exhibitors beginning in fiscal 2005 in an effort to encourage the cinema industry to transition to digital cinema. During fiscal 2010, certain events occurred that indicated that the carrying value of our products provided under operating leases may not be recoverable. These events included a reduction in expected virtual print fees and a reduction in market prices for digital cinema equipment. As a result, we concluded that sufficient indicators existed to require an impairment analysis during fiscal 2010.
Based on our estimates of the undiscounted future cash flows from virtual print fees and the potential sale value of the equipment, our analysis determined that the equipment was impaired. Accordingly, we estimated the fair market value of the equipment based on potential sale price estimates and recorded the excess of the carrying value over the fair market value as an impairment charge. During fiscal 2010, we recorded an impairment charge of $9.6 million related to our products provided under operating leases, which is included in the impairment of products provided under operating leases line item in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.
During fiscal 2010, management committed to a plan to sell one of our properties in the U.K. that indicated that the carrying value of the land and building may not be recoverable. Based on our estimates of the undiscounted future cash flows from this building, our analysis determined that the building was impaired. Accordingly, we estimated the fair market value of the property based on potential sales price estimates. We recorded the excess of the carrying value over the fair market value of the land and building as impairment charges of $1.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively, within the restructuring charges line item in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The building is held by an entity where we are the managing member and our principal stockholder is the limited member, but with a majority ownership of the entity. Therefore, the impairment amount reflected in our restructuring charges line item for fiscal 2010 is offset by the share of the charge attributable to the limited member, or $1.7 million, in our net income attributable to controlling interest line item in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. The property did not meet the criteria for held for sale classification as of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the following:
Amortization expense for our intangible assets was $13.2 million, $19.8 million, and $17.3 million in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, and is included in cost of licensing, cost of products, research and development, and sales and marketing expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
As of September 28, 2012, our expected annual amortization expense of our intangible assets in future periods is as follows:
The following table outlines changes to the carrying amount of goodwill:
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
Other Non-Current Liabilities
Other non-current liabilities consist of the following:
See Note 8 “Income Taxes” for additional information related to tax liabilities.
Sales Tax
We account for sales tax on a net basis by excluding sales tax from our revenue.
Release of Value-Added Tax (“VAT”) Reserves
During fiscal 2011 we completed our analysis of recent VAT law changes enacted in the European Union and other foreign jurisdictions. Based on this analysis, we released $3.2 million of VAT reserves and related estimated penalties which were recorded as reductions of general and administrative expense. Additionally, we released $1.4 million of VAT-related interest reserves, which was recorded as a reduction of interest expense. These liabilities were previously included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
Revenue from Material Customer
In the fiscal years ended September 28, 2012, September 30, 2011 and September 24, 2010 revenue from one customer was $126.7 million, $124.5 million and $113.3 million, respectively, or 14%, 13% and 12% of revenue for each fiscal year, respectively.
4. Acquisitions
On July 19, 2012, we acquired all outstanding shares of IMM Sound, S.A. (“IMM Sound”), a privately held company based in Barcelona, Spain, that develops and markets immersive 3D sound for the digital film industry. We believe that this technology complements our newly released Atmos technology. We accounted for the IMM Sound acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. We completed the acquisition for a gross purchase price of $26.5 million, which included cash payments of $18.4 million, debt repayment of $0.6 million, and the assumption of net liabilities of $7.5 million. Purchase consideration, net of cash acquired of $0.4 million, was $18.0 million. Pursuant to the merger agreement, $6.0 million of the total purchase consideration is being held back by us for a period of twenty four months following the closing of the acquisition to satisfy certain indemnification obligations of IMM Sound's shareholders. This amount has been recorded as a non-current liability as of September 28, 2012.
The following table summarizes the allocation of total consideration to the total fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined by management based on information available at the date of acquisition. We are amortizing the acquired intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which is five years for the developed technology and one year for the trade name. For tax purposes, a deferred tax liability of $3.2 million was recorded on the acquisition date for the difference between book and tax basis related to the acquired intangible assets. The value of acquired intangibles was determined based on the present value of estimated expected future cash flows. Goodwill resulted primarily from our expectation of synergies from the integration of IMM Sound technology with our existing technology and is not tax deductible. We incurred acquisition-related transaction costs of $0.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2012, which were included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
5. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We minimize the use of unobservable inputs and use observable market data, if available, when determining fair value. We classify our inputs to measure fair value using the following three-level hierarchy:
Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets at the measurement date for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2: Prices may be based upon quoted prices in active markets or inputs not quoted on active markets but are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available and reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value as of September 28, 2012 are classified below:
(1)
These assets are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and within other non-current assets.
(2)
These assets are included within cash and cash equivalents.
(3)
These assets are included within short-term investments and within long-term investments.
(1)
These liabilities are included within accrued liabilities and within other non-current liabilities.
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value as of September 30, 2011 are classified below:
(1)
These assets are included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and within other non-current assets.
(2)
These assets are included within cash and cash equivalents.
(3)
These assets are included within short-term investments and within long-term investments.
(1)
These liabilities are included within accrued liabilities and within other non-current liabilities.
We base the fair value of our Level 1 financial instruments, which are traded in active markets, using quoted market prices for identical instruments. Our Level 1 financial instruments include money market funds, U.S. agency securities, U.S. government bonds, and mutual fund investments held in our supplemental retirement plan.
We obtain the fair value of our Level 2 financial instruments from a professional pricing service, which may use quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments, or model driven valuations using observable market data or inputs corroborated by observable market data.
To validate the fair value determination provided by our primary pricing service, we perform quality controls over values received which include comparing our pricing service provider’s assessment of the fair values of our investment securities against the fair values of our investment securities obtained from another independent source, reviewing the pricing movement in the context of overall market trends, and reviewing trading information from our investment managers. In addition, we assess the inputs and methods used in determining the fair value in order to determine the classification of securities in the fair value hierarchy.
We did not own any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities as of September 28, 2012 or September 30, 2011.
We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge against assets and liabilities for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure, in an effort to reduce the risk that our earnings will be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. These derivative instruments are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded to other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Our foreign currency forward contracts, which are not designated as hedging instruments, are used to reduce the exchange rate risk associated primarily with intercompany receivables and payables. These contracts do not subject us to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements because gains and losses on these derivatives are intended to offset gains and losses on the related receivables and payables for which we have foreign currency exchange rate exposure. As of September 28, 2012, the outstanding derivative instruments had maturities of 30 days or less and notional amounts of approximately $5.0 million. The fair values of these contracts were not material as of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011, and were included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
6. Stockholders’ Equity and Stock-Based Compensation
Class A and Class B Common Stock
Our Board of Directors has authorized two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B. At September 28, 2012, we had authorized 500,000,000 Class A shares and 500,000,000 Class B shares. At September 28, 2012, we had 46,496,635 shares of Class A common stock and 56,598,829 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding. Holders of our Class A and Class B common stock have identical rights, except that holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share. Shares of Class B common stock can be converted to shares of Class A common stock at any time at the option of the stockholder and automatically convert upon sale or transfer, except for certain transfers specified in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
Stock Incentive Plans
2000 Stock Incentive Plan. Effective October 2000, we adopted the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. The 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, provides for the issuance of incentive and non-qualified stock options to employees, directors, and consultants of Dolby Laboratories to purchase up to 15.1 million shares of Class B common stock. Under the terms of this plan, options became exercisable as established by the Board of Directors (ratably over four years), and expire ten years after the date of the grant. Options granted under the plan were granted at not less than fair market value at the date of grant.
As of September 28, 2012, there were options outstanding to purchase 0.2 million shares of Class B common stock, of which all were vested and exercisable. The options outstanding have a remaining weighted-average contractual life of 1.7 years. Subsequent to fiscal 2005, no further options were granted under this plan. The 2000 Stock Incentive Plan terminated on October 1, 2010 and no shares of our common stock remained available for future issuance under that plan other than pursuant to outstanding options.
2005 Stock Plan. In January 2005, our stockholders approved our 2005 Stock Plan, which our Board of Directors adopted in November 2004. The 2005 Stock Plan became effective on February 16, 2005, the day prior to the completion of our initial public offering. Our 2005 Stock Plan, as amended and restated, provides for the ability to grant incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, deferred stock units, performance units, performance bonus awards, and performance shares. A total of 21.0 million shares of our Class A common stock is authorized for issuance under the 2005 Stock Plan. For any awards granted prior to February 2011, any shares subject to an award with a per share price less than the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of grant and any shares subject to an outstanding restricted stock unit award will be counted against the authorized share reserve as two shares for every one share subject to the award, and if returned to the 2005 Stock Plan, such shares will be counted as two shares for every one share returned. For those awards granted from February 2011 onward, any shares subject to an award with a per share price less than the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of grant and any shares subject to an outstanding restricted stock unit award will be counted against the authorized share reserve as 1.6 shares for every one share subject to the award, and if returned to the 2005 Stock Plan, such shares will be counted as 1.6 shares for every one share returned.
As of September 28, 2012, there were options outstanding to purchase 4.4 million shares of Class A common stock, of which 1.7 million were vested and exercisable. The options outstanding have a remaining weighted-average contractual life of 7.8 years.
Stock-Based Compensation
We provide stock-based awards as a form of compensation for employees, officers, and directors. We have issued stock-based awards in the form of stock options, restricted stock units, and stock appreciation rights under our equity incentive plans, as well as shares under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”).
Stock-based compensation expense recorded in our consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 was as follows:
(1)
Expense excludes $0.4 million in fiscal 2012, $0.6 million in fiscal 2011, and $0.8 million in fiscal 2010 related to stock-based compensation which was capitalized to property, plant and equipment.
(2)
We also recognized $0.2 million, $0.3 million, and $1.2 million in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, of tax benefit from certain exercises of incentive stock options and shares issued under our ESPP, which is not included in the table above.
Stock Options. We have granted stock options to our employees, officers, and directors under our 2005 Stock Plan and our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan. Stock options are generally granted at fair market value on the date of grant. Options granted to employees and officers prior to June 2008 generally vest over four years, with equal annual cliff-vesting and expire on the earlier of 10 years after the date of grant or 3 months after termination of service. Options granted to employees and officers from June 2008 onward generally vest over four years, with 25% of the shares subject to the option becoming exercisable on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the shares vesting in equal monthly installments over the following 36 months. These options expire on the earlier of 10 years after the date of grant or 3 months after termination of service. All options granted vest over the requisite service period and upon the exercise of stock options, we issue new shares of Class B common stock under the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and new shares of Class A common stock under the 2005 Stock Plan. Our 2005 Stock Plan also allows us to grant stock awards which vest based on the satisfaction of specific performance criteria.
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of employee stock options at the date of grant. The fair value of our stock options was estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions:
To determine an estimate for the expected term of our stock options, we evaluated historical exercise patterns of our employees and made an assumption regarding future exercise patterns. To determine an estimate for the expected stock price volatility, we used a blend of the historical volatility for our common stock since our initial public offering and our implied volatility. To determine an estimate for the risk-free interest rate we used an average interest rate based on U.S. Treasury instruments having terms consistent with the expected term of our awards.
The following table summarizes the weighted-average fair value of stock options granted and the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010:
Stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options is recognized net of estimated forfeitures. We determine our estimated forfeiture rate based on an evaluation of historical forfeitures. For awards granted in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, we used an estimated forfeiture rate of 6.13%, 6.10%, and 5.69%, respectively. Total unrecorded stock-based compensation cost at September 28, 2012 associated with employee stock options expected to vest was $54.1 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years.
The following table summarizes information about stock options issued to officers, directors, and employees under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and 2005 Stock Plan:
Aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of our common stock on September 28, 2012 of $32.75 and excludes the impact of options that were not in-the-money.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 28, 2012:
Restricted Stock Units. We grant restricted stock units to certain employees, officers, and directors under our 2005 Stock Plan. Awards granted to employees and officers generally vest over four years, with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted to directors prior to November 2010 generally vest over three years, with equal annual cliff-vesting. Awards granted after November 2010 to new directors vest over approximately two years, with 50% vesting per year, while awards granted from November 2010 onwards to ongoing directors vest over approximately one year. Our 2005 Stock Plan also allows us to grant restricted stock units which vest based on the satisfaction of specific performance criteria, although no such awards have been granted as of September 28, 2012. At each vesting date, the holder of the award is issued shares of our Class A common stock. Compensation expense from these awards is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and is recognized over the requisite service period. No restricted stock units were granted prior to fiscal 2008. Total unrecorded stock-based compensation cost at September 28, 2012 associated with restricted stock units expected to vest was $57.0 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years. The fair value as of the respective vesting dates of restricted stock units was $14.2 million, $15.5 million and $10.3 million for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The following table summarizes information about restricted stock units issued to officers, directors, and employees under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan:
Stock Appreciation Rights. We have granted stock appreciation rights to certain of our foreign employees. These awards are settled in cash rather than stock, and are classified as liability awards.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Prior to May 2012, our ESPP allowed eligible employees to have up to 10 percent of their eligible compensation withheld and used to purchase Class A common stock, subject to a maximum of $25,000 worth of stock purchased in a calendar year or no more than 1,000 shares in an offering period, whichever is less. The plan provided for a discount equal to 15 percent of the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on the last day of the purchase period.
As of May 15, 2012, the compensation committee of our Board of Directors amended the ESPP to provide for overlapping one-year offering periods composed of successive six-month purchase periods, with a look back feature to the Company's stock price at the commencement of a one-year offering period. The amended plan also includes an automatic reset feature that provides for an offering period to be reset and recommenced to a new lower-priced offering if the offering price of a new offering period is less than that of the immediately preceding offering period. The amended plan continues to allow eligible employees to have up to 10 percent of their eligible compensation withheld and used to purchase Class A common stock, subject to a maximum of $25,000 worth of stock purchased in a calendar year or no more than 1,000 shares in an offering period, whichever is less. The amendment is effective for the ESPP offering period which commenced in May 2012. The adoption of the amendment to the ESPP did not have a material impact on our results of operations.
Option Exchange Program
During our Annual Stockholder's Meeting held on February 7, 2012, our stockholders approved a one-time Employee Stock Option Exchange Program (the "Program") pursuant to which eligible employees were provided an opportunity to exchange, on a grant-by-grant basis, eligible outstanding stock options for a lesser number of new restricted stock units (“RSUs”), to be granted under our 2005 Stock Plan, as amended and restated. Options eligible for the Program are those that were granted prior to the 12-month period preceding the start of the Program offering period, and have exercise prices per share that are greater than $45.83, which approximates the 52-week high of our per share stock price as of the start of the offering period. The Program offering period commenced on July 16, 2012 and closed on August 10, 2012, at which time, a total of 705 eligible option holder participants exchanged 2,665,986 outstanding stock options for 783,443 RSUs.
The Program was launched to restore the intended retention and incentive value of employee equity awards, reduce the potential dilutive effect of our equity incentive program, and reduce pressure to grant additional equity awards to employees in the short term. Participation in the Program was made available to all eligible employees and executive officers in eligible countries. The exchange of options under the Program resulted in a total incremental charge to compensation expense of $2.1 million. This incremental charge is being recognized over the vesting periods of the new RSUs, determined on a grant-by-grant basis, based on the extent to which the surrendered stock options were vested at the time of the exchange. These vesting periods range from one to four years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant.
7. Restructuring
In fiscal 2011, we informed approximately 55 employees of our plans to reorganize certain aspects of our business under a strategic restructuring program. As a result of this action, we offered severance benefits to the affected employees. We recognized total severance and other associated costs of $0.4 million and $2.5 million for these affected employees in fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively. In addition, we recognized $0.4 million in facilities and contract termination costs in fiscal 2012. We also recognized $0.4 million and $0.2 million in fixed asset write-off costs related to this restructuring program in fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. These expenses were recognized in restructuring charges, net, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
In fiscal 2010, we informed approximately 60 general and administrative employees of our plans to reorganize certain aspects of our global business infrastructure. As a result of this action, we offered severance benefits to the affected employees. The majority of these employees were required to render service through November 15, 2010 to receive these severance benefits. We recognized the total severance and other associated costs of approximately $3.9 million for these employees on a ratable basis through termination dates for each employee. These expenses were recognized in restructuring charges, net, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
In fiscal 2010, we also recorded $3.4 million of impairment within the restructuring charges line item in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations related to one of our buildings held in the UK. See Note 3 “Composition of Certain Financial Statement Captions” for further information.
Changes in our restructuring accruals in fiscal 2012 and 2011, which were included within accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets as of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively, were as follows:
8. Income Taxes
The components of our income before provision for income taxes are as follows:
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
We recognize licensing revenue gross of withholding taxes, which our licensees remit directly to their local tax authorities, and for which we receive a related foreign tax credit in our income tax provision. Withholding taxes were $38.5 million, $32.2 million, and $31.6 million in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The foreign current tax includes this withholding tax expense and the appropriate foreign tax credit benefit is included in the current federal and foreign taxes.
In the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, we initiated a policy to indefinitely reinvest a portion of the earnings of certain operations outside of the U.S. As a result, we have not provided deferred U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on undistributed earnings of approximately $162.2 million, which are permanently reinvested outside the U.S. Upon distribution of these earnings, we could be subject to both U.S. income taxes, adjusted for any foreign tax credits, and withholding taxes, estimated at approximately $48.3 million as of September 28, 2012.
In the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, we also completed a restructuring of our international operations, which resulted in the release of a deferred tax liability of $11.0 million related to the amortization of an intangible asset from a prior year acquisition.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A summary of the tax effects of the temporary differences is as follows:
Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, we believe it is more likely than not that the benefits of these deductible differences will be realized; therefore, a valuation allowance is not required.
As part of our current acquisition in July 2012, we acquired a net operating loss carryover for Spain tax purposes of $1.7 million and will expire in fiscal 2030 if unused. As part of an acquisition in April 2009, we acquired net operating loss carryovers for federal and California tax purposes of $9.7 million and $9.6 million, respectively. The losses carried forward for federal and California tax purposes as of September 28, 2012 were $6.4 million and $9.6 million, respectively, and will expire in fiscal 2029 if unused. As of September 28, 2012, we had net operating loss carryovers for Australia tax purposes of $0.1 million which have no expiration date.
A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to our effective tax rate for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 is as follows:
Our policy to indefinitely reinvest a portion of our undistributed earnings in certain foreign subsidiaries with tax rates lower than those in the U.S. resulted in a reduction to our fiscal 2012 tax rate. We also benefited from a change in the State of California apportionment sourcing rules, which began to affect our current California taxes beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. These benefits were partially offset by the expiration of the federal research and development tax credits, beginning January 1, 2012, which resulted in an increase in our effective tax rate. In the first quarter of fiscal 2011 we obtained a tax ruling that will reduce our foreign tax liability for the current and future years. The tax ruling resulted in a release of certain deferred tax liabilities associated with a prior year acquisition in our foreign operations. In fiscal 2011 we expected a reduction in our California tax rate. As a result, in fiscal 2011 we reduced certain deferred tax assets, which increased our tax rate. Additionally, in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010, a change in the tax law retroactively reinstated the federal research and development tax credits for a portion of fiscal 2010. As a result, we recognized an increase in federal research and development tax credits for fiscal 2011, as compared to fiscal 2010, thereby further lowering our effective tax rate.
As of September 28, 2012, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $16.9 million, of which $10.9 million, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. Our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is classified within other non-current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, were as follows:
To the extent accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, amounts accrued will be reduced in the period that such determination is made and are reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. At September 28, 2012, we had $2.0 million of accrued interest and $1.9 million of accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits. At September 30, 2011, we had $2.0 million of accrued interest and $2.4 million of accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits. In fiscal 2012, our current tax provision was reduced by penalties of $0.5 million and increased by interest expense of $0.1 million.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. on a federal basis and in several U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions. Our most significant tax jurisdictions are the U.S., the United Kingdom (U.K.), the Netherlands, and the state of California. Our tax filings remain subject to examination by applicable tax authorities for a certain length of time following the tax year to which those filings relate. We are no longer subject to examinations by the Internal Revenue Service through the 2006 tax year, for U.S. federal tax purposes, and through the 2006 fiscal year by the appropriate governmental agencies for U.K. tax purposes. In addition, we are no longer subject to examination by the state of New York through the 2008 tax year for income tax purposes. Our California filings are no longer subject to examination through the 2004 tax year by the appropriate California agency. Other significant jurisdictions include Australia, Canada, and Sweden and they are no longer subject to examinations through the years 2003, 2006, and 2007, respectively. We do not believe that the outcome of any ongoing examination will have a material impact on our financial statements.
We continue to monitor the progress of ongoing income tax controversies and the impact, if any, of the expected tolling of the statute of limitations in various taxing jurisdictions. Considering these facts, we do not currently believe there is a reasonable possibility of any significant change to our total unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.
9. Retirement Plans
We maintain a tax-qualified 401(k) retirement plan for employees in the U.S. and similar plans in foreign jurisdictions. Retirement plan expenses were $12.9 million, $11.3 million, and $11.1 million for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Retirement plan expenses are included in cost of products, cost of services, sales and marketing, general and administrative, and research and development expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
The following table presents a summary of our contractual obligations and commitments as of September 28, 2012:
(1)
In April 2012, we entered into an agreement for naming rights and related benefits with respect to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, the location of the Academy Awards®. In exchange for these rights and other benefits, we made one annual payment in fiscal 2012 and will subsequently make semi-annual payments over the term. Our payment obligations are conditioned in part on the Academy Awards® being held and broadcast from the Dolby Theatre. The term of the agreement is 20 years.
(2)
Operating lease payments include future minimum rental commitments, including those payable to our principal stockholder and portions attributable to the controlling interests in our wholly owned subsidiaries, for non-cancelable operating leases of office space.
(3)
Our purchase obligations consist of agreements to purchase goods and services, entered into in the ordinary course of business. These represent non-cancelable commitments for which a penalty would be imposed if the agreement was canceled for any reason other than an event of default as described by the agreement.
Rental expenses under operating leases were $13.5 million, $12.6 million, and $8.7 million for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. These amounts include expenses for rent payable to our principal stockholder of $1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $1.4 million for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.
We are party to certain contractual agreements under which we have agreed to provide indemnifications of varying scope and duration to the other party relating to our licensed intellectual property. Historically, we have made no payments for these indemnification obligations and no amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these obligations. Due to their varying terms and conditions, we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount we could be required to pay.
11. Geographic Data
Operating Segments
We operate as a single reportable segment on an enterprise-wide basis. We generate revenue by licensing our technologies to manufacturers of CE products and software vendors and by selling our professional products and related services to entertainment content creators, producers, and distributors.
Geographic Information
Revenue by geographic region, which was determined based on the location of our licensees for licensing revenue, the location of our direct customers or distributors for products revenue, and the location where we perform our services for services revenue, was as follows:
The concentration of our revenue from individual geographic regions was as follows:
Long-lived tangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation, by geographic region were as follows:
12. Common Stock Repurchase Program
In November 2009, we announced a stock repurchase program, providing for the repurchase of up to $250.0 million of our Class A common stock. Our Board of Directors approved an additional $300.0 million for our stock repurchase program in July 2010, $250.0 million in July 2011, and an additional $100.0 million in February 2012, for a total authorization of up to $900.0 million in stock repurchases. Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market transactions, negotiated purchases, or otherwise, at times and in amounts that we consider appropriate. The timing of repurchases and the number of shares repurchased depend upon a variety of factors, including price, regulatory requirements, the rate of dilution from our equity compensation programs, and other market conditions. We may limit, suspend, or terminate the stock repurchase program at any time without prior notice. This program does not have a specified expiration date. Shares repurchased under the program will be returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock. As of September 28, 2012, the remaining authorization to purchase additional shares is $198.3 million.
Stock repurchase activity under the stock repurchase program during fiscal 2012 is summarized as follows:
(1)
Cost of share repurchases includes the price paid per share and applicable commissions.
(2)
Excludes commission costs.
13. Legal Proceedings
In March 1997, an unrelated third party filed a lawsuit against us alleging breach of a written agreement. In April 2002, we settled the dispute and agreed to pay a total of $30.0 million, without interest, in ten equal annual installments of $3.0 million per year beginning in June 2002. We recorded this liability at its present value of $24.2 million on the consolidated balance sheet. Interest related to this liability is included in interest expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Other than such payments, neither party has any material obligations as a result of the settlement. As of September 28, 2012 and September 30, 2011, no amounts were due under this settlement.
During the fiscal quarter ended July 1, 2011, we filed patent infringement lawsuits in the U.S. and in Germany against Research in Motion Ltd. (“RIM”), a previously unlicensed user of certain of our patented technologies. In July 2011, RIM signed a license agreement with Via Licensing Corporation (“Via”), our wholly-owned subsidiary and the licensing administrator for the patent pool which includes Dolby’s essential AAC patents, which entitled us to back royalties for Dolby technologies used in RIM’s products. Based on this license agreement, we recognized revenue of $15.2 million during fiscal 2011 for back royalties related to the Dolby patents and Via administration fees, including $11.3 million attributable to periods prior to fiscal 2011. We also received interest related to these back royalties of $2.2 million, which was recognized as interest income in fiscal 2011.
We are involved in various legal proceedings from time to time arising from the normal course of business activities, including claims of alleged infringement of intellectual property rights, commercial, employment, and other matters. In our opinion, resolution of these pending matters is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our operating results or financial condition. Given the unpredictable nature of legal proceedings, it is possible that an unfavorable resolution of one or more such proceedings could materially affect our future operating results or financial condition in a particular period; however, based on the information known by us as of the date of this filing and the rules and regulations applicable to the preparation of our financial statements, any such amount is either immaterial or it is not possible to provide an estimated amount of any such potential loss.
14. Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income
The components of comprehensive income were as follows:
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of the following:
15. Related Party Transactions
We lease our primary San Francisco corporate offices from our principal stockholder. The current lease expires on December 31, 2013, but we have the option to renew the lease for two additional five-year terms. Related party rent expense included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2012 , 2011, and 2010 was $1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $1.4 million, respectively.
We are the managing member or general partner in entities which own and lease commercial property in the U.S. and United Kingdom. Our principal stockholder is the limited member or limited partner, but with a majority economic interest, in each of these entities. These entities were established for the purposes of purchasing and leasing commercial property primarily for our own use. While a portion of the property is leased to third parties, we occupy a majority of the space. Therefore, given that these affiliated entities are an integrated part of our operations, we have consolidated the entities’ assets and liabilities and results of operations in our consolidated financial statements. The share of earnings and net assets of the entities attributable to the limited member or limited partner, as the case may be, is reflected as controlling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. These entities distributed less than $0.1 million to our principal stockholder in fiscal 2012, and approximately $0.3 million and $0.3 million in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. During fiscal 2010, we paid off in full the debt used to finance the purchases of property.
Our ownership interest in the consolidated affiliated entities is as follows:
16. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
17. Per Share Data
We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. by the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the period. For diluted earnings per share, we divide net income attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc. by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding and the potential number of dilutive shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the period.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Dolby Laboratories, Inc.:
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
Subject to the limitations noted above, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to meet the objective for which they were designed and operate at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. 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, and includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2012 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in its Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment and those criteria, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 28, 2012.
Our internal control over financial reporting has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item concerning our directors, compliance with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), our code of ethics and Nominating and Governance Committee and Audit Committee is incorporated by reference from the information set forth in the sections under the headings “Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance Matters” in our Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2013 (the “2013 Proxy Statement”).
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Our executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The names of our executive officers and their ages, titles, and biographies as of November 2, 2012 are set forth below:
Executive Officers
Age
Position(s)
Kevin Yeaman
President and Chief Executive Officer
Lewis Chew
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Ramzi Haidamus
Executive Vice President, Marketing and Business Development
Michael Rockwell
Executive Vice President, Advanced Technology Group
Andy Sherman
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Michael Bergeron
Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Field Operations
Kevin Yeaman joined us as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President in October 2005 and became our President and CEO in March 2009. Prior to joining us, Mr. Yeaman worked for seven years at E.piphany, Inc., a publicly traded enterprise software company, most recently as Chief Financial Officer from August 1999 to October 2005. Previously, Mr. Yeaman served as Worldwide Vice President of Field Finance Operations for Informix Software, Inc., a provider of relational database software, from February 1998 to August 1998. From September 1988 to February 1998, Mr. Yeaman served in Silicon Valley and London in various positions at KPMG LLP, an accounting firm, serving most recently as a senior manager. Mr. Yeaman holds a B.S. degree in commerce from Santa Clara University.
Lewis Chew joined us as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in June 2012. Mr. Chew leads the worldwide finance organization and is responsible for the financial and infrastructure support for our business, which includes all finance functions, information technology, real estate and facilities, procurement, and investor relations. Mr. Chew comes to us with decades of financial and strategic business management experience. Mr. Chew is the former Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of National Semiconductor Corporation, a manufacturer of electronic components, where he was responsible for all finance functions as well as information systems and investor relations. Prior to joining National Semiconductor, Mr. Lewis was a partner at KPMG LLP, an accounting firm, serving numerous technology and financial institution clients. Mr. Chew serves as a member of the Board of Directors at PG&E Corporation, an energy-based holding company. Mr. Chew holds a B.S. degree in accounting from Santa Clara University.
Ramzi Haidamus has served as our Executive Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, since August 2012. Previously, Mr. Haidamus served in a variety of other positions since joining us in 1996, including as our Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of our consumer division, as the President and General Manger of our wholly owned subsidiary, Via Licensing Corporation, and as our Director of Business Development, Technology and Business Strategist, and Licensing Manager. Prior to joining us, Mr. Haidamus worked at Stanford Research Systems for seven years. Mr. Haidamus holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering and a M.S. degree in computer engineering from the University of the Pacific.
Michael Rockwell joined us as our Senior Vice President, Worldwide Engineering in October 2007, was appointed our Executive Vice President, Products and Technology in March 2009, and appointed as our Executive Vice President, Advanced Technology Group, in August 2012. Prior to joining us, from October 2000 to August 2007, Mr. Rockwell was Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Avid Technology, Inc., a media software company. Prior to his appointment as Chief Technology Officer, from April 1994 to October 1999, Mr. Rockwell served as Chief Architect of Software Engineering at Digidesign, which was acquired by Avid Technology, Inc. in 1995. Before Digidesign, Mr. Rockwell was the president and owner of a software business and audio/visual production company, Rockwell Digital.
Andy Sherman joined us as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in January 2011. Prior to joining us, from June 2008 to January 2011, Mr. Sherman served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at CBS Interactive, an online content network, where he led the legal group advising CBS’s online entertainment, mobile, technology, sports, news, games, lifestyle, and international business units. Mr. Sherman joined CBS Interactive following CBS’s acquisition of CNET Networks, an online content network, where from June 2007 to June 2008 he was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Before CNET, Mr. Sherman served as Vice President, Legal at Sybase, an enterprise software and services company, from November 2006 to May 2007, following Sybase’s acquisition of Mobile 365, where he was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. Prior to joining Mobile 365, he held senior legal positions with global responsibility at a variety of public technology companies including PeopleSoft and E.piphany. Earlier in his career, Mr. Sherman worked in private practice with Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich (now DLA Piper), focusing on the representation of emerging technology companies. Mr. Sherman holds a J.D. from the University of the Pacific, as well as a B.S. degree in business administration from the University of Southern California.
Michael Bergeron joined us as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Field Operations in April 2012. Prior to joining us, Mr. Bergeron worked from 2005 to 2012 at Adobe Systems, Inc., a software supplier of professional creative tools and enterprise software. Most recently Mr. Bergeron was Vice President of Worldwide OEM and Education Sales from October 2009 to April 2012, and prior to that was Vice President of Worldwide Mobile & Devices Sales & Business Development. From September 2000 to August 2005, Mr. Bergeron was Senior Vice President of Corporate Business Development at Macromedia, Inc., a software provider of web development software and servers, which was acquired by Adobe in 2005. Before Macromedia, Mr. Bergeron served from March 1996 to September 1998 as Vice President and Founder of Elemental Software, a provider of web development tools. Macromedia acquired Elemental software in 1998. Mr. Bergeron holds a B.S. degree in marketing from Indiana University.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item concerning executive compensation is incorporated by reference from the information in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the headings “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,” “Executive Compensation and Related Matters,” “Compensation of Directors” and “Corporate Governance Matters-Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.”
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item concerning securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans and security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference from the information in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the headings “Executive Compensation and Related Matters-Equity Compensation Plan Information” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item concerning transactions with related persons and director independence is incorporated by reference from the information in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the headings “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and “Corporate Governance Matters.”
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the information in the 2013 Proxy Statement under the heading “Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
1.
Financial Statements: See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2.
Exhibits: The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 15, 2012
DOLBY LABORATORIES, INC.
By:
/S/ LEWIS CHEW
Lewis Chew
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Kevin J. Yeaman and Lewis Chew, and each of them, his attorney-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue of hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
*
Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
†
Confidential treatment has been granted for portions of this exhibit.
‡
Furnished herewith